NOVEMBER   2017
Abundance Is....



"The art of abundance is the art of awareness.  It is a way to count our blessings and practice mindfulness in our daily living.  Becoming aware of the small, the little and the least offers us an opportunity to open our hearts to a larger perspective. We learn to value the tastes, textures, scents, sounds, and sights of our lives as they present themselves to us moment by moment.

Practicing the art of abundance has been a transforming process in my life.  My spirit has been renewed and my heart refreshed whenever I have chosen to thank the great Creator for the blessings that come my way."    Candy Paull from The Art of Abundance

The gifts of each season are new and different.  The texture of our time varies with age and activity.  But as we explore and pay attention to the details of delight, we discover abundance all around us.  Use these phrases to begin to build your own "Abundance is . . ." journal:

Abundance is...
a pink and purple sky
the smell of chocolate chip cookies coming out of the oven
an unexpected phone call from a friend

Expand the season of giving thanks and thankful giving and discover the wonder of Spirit!

 Rev Joy Wyler-Bradburn
Calendar for this week
Wednesday 11/22
Thursday 11/23 Noon:  Pause for Peace

Happy Thanksgiving
Friday  11/24
Sat  11/25
Sun 11/26
 10am: Brave Faith with Rev Joy
Featured musician Mark Eutermoser

11:30am  Healing Service

4:30pm:  Iglesia Emmanuel Service*



7pm:  CODA meeting*
Monday 11/27
office closed
Tuesday  11/28 7pm: Iglesia Emmanuel Service*


Listen to Last Sunday's sermon Thankful Giving with Rev Joy Website LINK
 


Dates to Remember:
December 3rd, New Member Sunday
Holiday Schedule:
Christmas Eve, Sunday Dec 24th 10am service
Burning Bowl, Sunday Dec 31st 10am service




THE GIVING TREE
Benefits 7 Generation school families 

Take a tag, contribute to Christmas in our community! 






The Giving Tree is set up downstairs at Unity of Lehigh Valley.  Please consider how you can participate in the holiday spirit of anonymous giving.  

We have 5 children, age 8 to 16.  We hope to give each child three gifts of clothing and toys.  If this calls to you, take a tag from the tree, write your name on the sheet beside the tag you took in case the tag gets lost.

Return the UNWRAPPED gift with the tag to church 
by DECEMBER 17.  Any questions or concerns, contact Reverend Joy.

Thanking you in advance for generous Thankful Giving!



Grateful Youth 








As we begin the holiday season we want to give thanks for the many blessings we receive each day! Each  Sunday   morning the youth consider what they are grateful for. Many of them are thankful for the YFM program and for praying with the chaplains.  This year we are blessed to have an international student and she shares her culture with us as we learn together.  The volunteers are grateful for the vibrant energy of the kids and the opportunity to spend time with these amazing spiritual beings!  

Thank you Unity of Lehigh Valley for supporting a Youth & Family Ministry!  

High Tea and Book Social 

Saturday, Dec 9th, 4 to 5:30pm 






Join us on Saturday, December 9th at  ULV for an afternoon of tea, sweet and savory snacks in the tradition of high tea in merry ol' England.  As we enjoy our time together, we'll discuss the books we've brought and exchange books.

The book theme this time is Spirituality not written by a Unity minister/author.  Bring a new or gently used book to exchange and we will all have a new book to enjoy for the holidays. 

Please sign up on the sheet by the church office or let Karen know you plan to attend, so we have plenty of food on hand.  Suggested love offering of $15 benefits ULV's ongoing renovations.   

Remembering 
at the Holidays
December 10th noon
 
As the holidays approach, do memories bring a tear?  






Join us on Sunday, December 10th at noon in the sanctuary of ULV for a time of remembrance.  Please bring a remembrance token of loved ones such as a photo or small memento to place on the altar.  With music, readings and sharing of memories, we bring the love we carry in our hearts into this holiday time of love and light.  

In addition to time for individuals to remember their loved ones, we will pause as a community to share memories of two congregants, Louis Savenelli and Alice Anne Miller.



Winter Solstice Meditation Retreat
 
Saturday, Dec 16th 10am to 3pm


Our quarterly meditation retreat is a time to create a quiet and sacred space in our busy lives.  The winter solstice is the time of the shortest amount of daylight and an opportunity to explore the mystery of the darkness as well as the light we carry within.  

Advance registration is required and forms are available outside the church office.  You may also register and make payment online at our website.  $25 registration fee include all materials and a light lunch.  Please wear comfortable clothing, bring cushions as needed for your comfort and bring beverages.  Water (hot and cold) will be available.



Keeping Warm   
Last Sunday for collection


Let us remember the homeless as we gather together in our homes for the holidays.



During the month of November we will be collecting warm socks, gloves and scarves for the homeless.  We need men and women's items of clothing.  There will be a collection tub by the parking lot entrance.  Your contribution is a gentle reminder to a homeless person that someone cares.  



Holiday Potluck
THANK YOU's
 







What a wonderful time we had in fellowship after service on Sunday!!

Thank you to Jo and Rob, Cindy and Kari for set-up!  
Thank you to the Zaharchuks for the turkey and the Wylers for the ham.
Thank you to Jutland and Susan for kitchen duty on Sunday.  
Thank you to everyone who contributed dishes for the meal and everyone who stayed to help with clean up.  

Thank you to Deb Christina Zaharchuk for getting our fellowship meal process organized for one last time!  



Renewals in the Mail 

 
Membership renewal forms have gone out in the mail. If you did not receive a form, please contact the office and make sure we have a current address. 

Please return your renewal forms by the end of the year.  Our bylaws require an annual renewal to maintain active membership and renewals must be returned in person or via the mail.  Our Annual Meeting will be in February and you must have your renewal form returned to the office by the Friday prior to the meeting to be eligible to vote.    
 

christmas.jpg

HOLIDAY SCHEDULE for 2017

Christmas Eve, 
Sunday, Dec 24th 10am
                                                         Burning Bowl                                      Sunday, Dec 31st 10am

There will be no Christmas Eve evening service this year.


 






What are you grateful for?





: 





Thank you to Bette Phelps for stepping up to usher with Jon on Sunday while Jutland took on duties downstairs!  

Thank you to Susan Moll and Cindy Gunn for decorating the sanctuary for the holidays.  Once again we are grateful for the enduring beauty of the wreaths created by Sanda Weller.  

Gratitude for Karen Esbensen retrieving Bette's purse and returning it to her.  Little acts of kindness make big impressions!  

If you are grateful for something at ULV, send a message to the office: unitylv@rcn.com   



CHECK OUT RETREATS AT KIRKRIDGE 
Just north of us, Kirkridge offers great opportunities for renewal and spiritual exploration.  Check out upcoming programs at their website by CLICKING HERE


  

Contact:
Unity of Lehigh Valley
26 N 3rd, Emmaus, PA 18049
610-965-3036

Administrator: unitylv@rcn.com
Reverend Joy: revjoy@rcn.com