|
|
|
 UnityCenter for Spiritual Growth
Athens
|
|
|
Sacred Prelude to the Holidays
|
Sunday, November 23, 2014
|
At Unity Center for Spiritual Growth, we celebrate ~
One loving, empowering, supportive God ~
Human diversity in all its delightful forms ~
An open atmosphere of positive thinking ~
And the expansion and renewal of our spiritual nature.
You are always welcome at Unity Athens.
At Unity, 2014 is a year of realizing the higher Self -- that ever-unfolding, spiritually-expanding, connected-to-Source part of you. It's that place of divine intuition, of sacred knowing, of perpetual, streaming God-stuff. We hope you'll feel the call, the nudge, the urge in 2014 to "Come Home" to the realization of your "higher Self," that experience of serenity, confidence, balance, and infinite love.
How does one come home? By shifting from the busy-ness of the "outer" and relaxing into the heart-enhanced place of "inner." One of the most frequent comments heard at Unity spiritual centers from people is that when they first visit, or continue at Unity, they feel as if they have "come home." We hope you'll join Unity Worldwide Ministries, Unity Worldwide Headquarters at Unity Village, and Unity Athens in the powerful inner alignment of Coming Home.
We'd love to see you at our 11:00 Sunday celebrations and/or at our classes, circles, workshops, and events.
Our Spiritual Faculty for November is "Elimination" or "Renunciation." It is the ability to release, remove, denounce, deny, let go.The corresponding color is russet and the location is the abdominal region.The disciple is Thaddeus. He represents the expulsion of negative thinking. Consider affirming: "I release anything and everything that no longer serves my unfolding good."
You can read more about Renunciation here.
We will look at ways to use and expand this faculty, or power, in our lives. And remember, we can tap into, create from, and explore the Field of Infinite Possibilities through creative, imaginative thought, spiritual awareness and consciousness. We are wishing you November days filled with even more things to appreciate, along with vibrant health, lavish abundance, and peaceful moments to become still and to know beyond all knowing that Mother-Father God is always with you and blessing you beyond your wildest dreams.
|
|
Sunday, November 23, 2014 ~ Unity & Sacred Ceremonies 11:00 a.m.
9:40 - 10:25 a.m. ~ "Morning Quietude" ~ Details below 
11:00 ~ Sunday Celebration ~ "Sacred Prelude to the Holidays" with Rev. Bronte
One of the techniques we've recently talked about at Unity Athens is how to set our intention each morning to create a day full of love, joy, abundance, and positive experiences. We hope this is a practice that you are following or will consider starting.We can also set a similar intention at the beginning of a new week, month, or year. But have you ever tried such deliberate intention setting at the beginning of the holiday season? How would you like your life journey to unfold from now through Thanksgiving, Hanukkah (Dec. 16 through the 24th), Solstice, Christmas, Kwanzaa, New Year's, other "holy-days" and all the days in between? This Sunday Rev. Bronte is back in town and together we focus such intention and prepare and create sacred space for the start of the holiday season. We will have separate stations set up inside our sanctuary that symbolize our unique and inseparable connection to Spirit and the transcendent joy of our life experience. You are welcome to participate in all three sacred ceremonies, including a Unity-based Communion, or you are welcome to sit back and enjoy a longer time of meditation as others participate. Because we understand our ever-ending connection to Source, we can interpret & define sacred rituals from a place of empowerment and love, without the need or requirement of something outside of ourselves to create sacred moments.
We would LOVE to see you and your Bright, Shining Light this Sunday at Unity Athens.
2:00 ~ 3:30 A Course in Miracles class
"UP-COMINGS & ON-GOINGS" - Events & classes plus weekly, monthly gatherings & more!
Sunday Messages and Music (Messages by Rev. Bronte Colbert unless noted otherwise)
Sun. Nov 23 ~ "Unity & Sacred Ceremonies" Start Thanksgiving Week with a Unity Communion Service & other sacred ceremonies.
Sun. Nov 30 ~ "Inviting Joy: Welcoming In the True Spirit of the Holidays" (First Sunday of Advent)
Sundays in December - Messages and music will be about "Inviting In Joy" for the holidays.
Sun. Dec 07 ~ Music by Nancy McGimsey
Sun. Dec 14 ~ Music by Leanne Allen
Sun. Dec 21 ~ "Christmas Sunday" with candlelighting, carols, & music by Marguerite Vardman
Sun. Dec. 28 ~ Details soon!
WE INVITE YOU TO TRY OUR EARLY MEDITATION SERVICE 
"MORNING QUIETUDE" Sundays, 9:40 to 10:25 AM.
Morning Quietude meets in the Lobby area (through the double glass doors in the middle of the building). Led by Rev. Bronte, this is a time for quiet contemplation, soft music, and centering. Whether you join us as a pre-service preparation time, a stand-alone "church service," or as a preface to your other Sunday plans, we welcome all. If you arrive after 9:40, that's fine, just please turn off phone, etc., and quietly take your place at the circle. Donations are appreciated. Reiki practitioners are often available to freely give healing touch and energy.
 November is all about Gratitude! What can you do to express more in your life? What if you put a quarter in one of our Unity Athens coin boxes every time you are grateful for something? What if all your "found money," like change on the street, goes into a special jar to do good for someone else or to donate? Maybe you might want to challenge someone to take the "Unity Athens Gratitude Challenge" in person or on Facebook! Have you made a gratitude list today? Now is the perfect time to count your blessings and expect even more to appear.
The Unity Athens Annual Unexpected Income Program has been rescheduled to start in January. Remember to sign up then and get 2015 off to a fabulous financial start!
 Revised date for last meeting of Tuesday BOOK STUDY GROUP
THE GAME OF LIFE AND HOW TO PLAY IT ~ Final Gathering on Tues., Nov. 25, 6:30 to 8:00 at Jason's Deli
Whether you've attending all the classes or even one, join us at Jason's for a discussion of what we gleaned from Ms. Scovel's writing that is applicable to our lives today. Learn about the next book, planned for classes starting in January!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Sunday BOOK STUDY by Rev. Susan LaRue, Radical Forgiveness, has completed. This class will be
 taking a break. Watch for the possibility of another book being started after the holidays and/or when we have more classroom space and time options. We are so grateful for the time and energy that this gifted teacher has put into her Sunday afternoon classes.Thank you, Rev. Susan!
EVERY SUNDAY, 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm - Meets in the main room unless otherwise indicated.
A COURSE IN MIRACLES. Taught by the highly experienced and insightful facilitator, Drew Smith, this popular class dives deeply into A Course, while making the text even more understandable and relevant to daily life. Open to all. If you don't own the book, there's always someone willing to share. Because of the ongoing nature of this class, feel free to stop in as you can, or to participate every Sunday. Donations are accepted and appreciated.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 CommUnity Movies, popular movie & DVD showings, meet monthly, usually on the second Sunday. We will not have a movie in December, but stay tuned for our next gathering in January. Join us then around the extra-big screen TV for a casual atmosphere of spiritual films and DVDs plus interesting discussions for those that chose to stay for a bit after. Feel free to bring your own snacks and beverages. CommUnity Movie cost is $5.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Attend a "New Member" class to become a member of Unity Athens. We welcomed four new members on Nov. 9th.
To achieve membership, there are several requirements: attendance at a New Member class, taught by Rev. Bronte, and all new members are asked to view the DVD, "What is New Thought?," which explores the history and philosophy of the New Thought movement, including Unity. We will have showings of this important documentary around the time of New Member classes, or you can purchase it online to watch. If you are transferring an active membership from another Unity church, it may be possible to waive one or both requirements. It is also highly recommended that you attend some of Rev. Susan La Rue's book study groups or Rev. Bronte's book groups to gain a deeper insight into Unity principles and teachings. There is no fee to take the New Member class or to become a member. These classes are open to all and are a good way to lean more about the Unity movement and Unity Athens. Check with Bronte for dates & schedules for classes, the movie showing, and the next opportunity to join Unity Athens. Consider making a deeper connection and becoming a member of our Unity Athens Family.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Exciting News! Unity Athens will soon be launching an Idiegogo funding campaign for our Expansion Fund; yes, to have a "place of our own."
How can YOU HELP? By visiting the prelaunch site you can keep apprised of our campaign and help us get the interest and momentum going. Take a moment now, please!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
Stay turned for upcoming classes, music, events, Sunday happenings, and social gatherings.
From Christy Gray:
Beloved Wise Woman and Tribe leader Christy Gray is once again leading some very popular classes. If you are interested, contact Christy via email: [email protected]
The all-new, Deepak and Oprah 21-Day Meditation Experience, "Energy of Attraction: Manifesting Your Best Life" began on Monday, Nov. 3 and it's not too late to catch the final group. Participants in previous 21-day sessions have raved about the quality of the meditations and the impact they have had on their lives. It's free, but it won't be archived, so it's best to listen as each one becomes available. For more info or to register, check it out.
|
Your opportunity to give back...
 Unity Athens is so grateful for the loving support and generosity that is extended to us. You bless us with your presence, your prayers, your love, your positive thoughts, and your financial support. Please remember to support the people, places, and organizations in your life where you are spiritually nourished.
|
"God leads us to our perfect place!"
And there now is an Indiegogo campaign to help us grow!
Help Unity Athens Find Our Ideal Home
Now you can keep apprised of all our Indiegogo (internet crowd fund raising) activities by clicking on the link below and signing up for that email list. That way you can hear all the latest news on our goals, funds raised, and the kick-off of our campaign. Help us reach more people by telling others. Blessings! Help us by signing up to receive fund-raising news!
|
Other Happenings -- So much good stuff going on !
We had a Town Hall Meeting right after the 11:00 service on Oct. 5 to update members and interested congregants on our progress so far this year and our exciting plans for the future. We had a strong turnout and the excitement and energy was flowing! Lots of great ideas were brought up by the congregation and the board, followed by a luncheon. Members and current congregants that weren't able to attend can request the slide presentation and /or audio recording of the meeting by emailing [email protected]
Cathy Payne has initiated a new Gratitude Program and Challenge that started Oct. 26 with her inspiring workshop. You can follow along at the Unity Center for Spiritual Growth Athens Facebook page and/or energize your personal Gratitude Practice though the use of a gratitude journal, gratitude prayers, or other thankfulness & appreciation techniques. If you haven't "liked" this page yet, please do ~ it's already at 503 fans and growing!
DOLLAR BILL GIVEAWAYS! Inspired in part by Pam Grout's book, E-cubed, we asked for volunteers on Sunday, November 2nd, and  gave them a task & a dollar bill. (Pam used 5s). Each bill has a positive abundance affirmation. They are to hide them in spots out and about where the dollars will be found. This followed the wonderful Cindy Lou Harrington performing her new song, "Give It Away," for us. Church is supposed to be fun, right?? You can read Pam Grout's response to our program at here on our other Facebook page. (P.S. word has it that more dollar bills will be given away on upcoming Sundays!)
What's up in November at Unity Athens?
Sunday, November 23, "Unity and Sacred Ceremonies" including Unity Communion during the 11:00 Service.
Sunday, November 30, First Sunday of Advent - "Inviting Joy: Welcoming in the True Spirit of the Holidays"
|
|
Other Area Events & Services
Have you "liked" our new Facebook page yet? Stop in and "like" us and comment on a post. It helps us get the "word out" and it's fun to meet more like-minded people. Plus, there's so much to see! Check it out. Leave a post. Spread the word !
Rev. Karen Dancing-Doe Cosgrove offers Angel Readings, energy work, workshops, ceremonies, and retreats.Contact her at [email protected]
Energy worker Laurie Hart ~ offers a variety of classes and workshop. Contact Laurie for details about this and other classes. [email protected]
Healing Arts Centre offers yoga, classes, an herb shop, acupuncture, practitioners, and so much more. Healing Arts Centre Link
Contact Christy Gray for info on MotherPeace Tarot Readings, spiritually-oriented travel, and a myriad of classes. You can reach Christy at [email protected].
Join the groups "THE TRIBE" and /or "Athens Community Spirit" on Facebook to stay in touch with many of the wonderful events and spirit-minded folks around town including healing arts, readings, workshops, metaphysics, artsy things, and more.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SOCIAL EVENTS! Call a Unity friend and go out for some music, fun, or author events!
Athens Botanical Gardens "Full Moon Hike" Register here Ongoing, once a month.
One of our favorite musicians, Sean Arington, has a show on 11/21/2014 at 08:00 PM @ Flicker Theatre and Bar in Athens. Find out more!
There is a wonderful selection of holiday concerts, plays, gift fares, and children's activities in Athens through December. Check the weekly Flagpole newspaper for a complete list.
|
I  Have you seen this new App from Silent Unity? It's awesome and available from the iPhones App store and through this link. Be sure you check out the 3-minute, wonderful meditation.
|
|
|
|
| Find Unity Athens on the web... Our website is at www.UnityAthens.com
|
|
Prayer for Protection by James Dillet Freeman 
The light of God surrounds us;
The love of God enfolds us;
The power of God protects us;
The presence of God watches over us;
Wherever we are, God is!
"True forgiveness is when you can say, "Thank you for that experience."
-- Oprah Winfrey
From our Congregation's Gratitude Challenge:
"I've been keeping my Gratitude Journal for the last 23 days. It helps me focus on the positive first thing in the morning. I'm grateful for Unity in my life, and the support of praying friends. Today I'm enjoying looking at seed catalogs and dreaming of spring planting!" ~~ Cathy Payne
This eNewsletter is brought to you with Love from --
Your Family of Friends at Unity Center for Spiritual Growth
Meeting Sundays at The Family Counseling Service Building
1435 Oglethorpe Avenue, Athens 30606 www.UnityAthens.com
Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter
Stop in at our New, interactive Facebook page !!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
