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 UnityCenter for Spiritual Growth
Athens
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Unity Principles: They Work -- if We Work Them !
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Sunday, July 27, 2014
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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 we hear and that other Unity spiritual centers hear 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 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 July is Understanding: the ability to know, perceive, comprehend and apprehend. The disciple is Thomas. He represents the ability to see beyond appearances to reality. The corresponding color is gold and the location is the front of the brain. Consider affirming: "The light of understanding enables me to see clearly and to take right action." You can read more about Understanding here.
We will look at ways to 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 summer days filled with bliss, 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.
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Sun., Jul 27 ~
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Unity Village Tower
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Unity: Practicing the Principles
Consider joining us for the third in three talks about Unity history, principles, and teachings, with a bit of a "deeper dive" into the basics of the Unity Movement. This Sunday we'll consider number five in Unity's basic principles: that rather than just saying or "knowing" these teachings, in order to get the most from them, we can "practice" them. Unity feels the positive, loving, God-centered truths in its teachings are useful and applicable for all belief systems. As we practice them, we grow and unfold spiritually. As we apply them to our daily lives, we notice things becoming even better in our lives. Indeed, "It works if we work it." As we take this deeper dive into Unity's teachings this Sunday, we'll also look at "miracles" and mystics and how that relates to Unity's truth.
As we've explored Unity principles in July, we've gathered techniques and understanding to layer our lives with even more richness of meaning. We hope you'll be able to join us this Sunday!
 Nancy McGimsey will grace us with her music.
Atlanta-based singer/songwriter Nancy McGimsey has been singing as a solo performer and in chorale groups since she was a child and has been writing songs since she was sixteen. More recently, she's been enchanting audiences by performing her original songs at major seminars, creative arts festivals, coffeehouses, and worship services throughout the United States and Canada. In 1995 two of her songs, "Stones in My Path" and "Practice the Presence," were selected and included on a compilation album. Unity Athens loves her uplifting, positive music and is delighted to have her with us once again. Nancy has CDs available for purchase. Hear samples of Nancy's music !
9:40 to 10:25 a.m. ~ Our Sunday Morning Quietude meets in the Lobby Area to "practice the Presence" while we meditate and remember our alignment with Source. Read more details below. Morning Quietude will not meet in August and will resume in September.
12:20 to 12:30 Short meeting for members to vote on a slight by-law change. Open to all.
12:40 to 1:45 New Member Class in the Lobby Area
2:00 - 3:30 "A Course in Miracles" each Sunday. Meets in the Lobby area this Sunday. Further info below.
June, July and August are Very Casual at Unity Athens. Dress for comfort ! And wherever you are, whatever you are doing this Sunday, we are wishing you a continual stream of meaningful moments, interlaced with Joy, Love, and Well-being.
"ON-GOINGS" - Events & classes plus weekly, monthly gatherings & more!
Sunday Messages and Music (Messages by Rev. Bronte Colbert unless noted otherwise)
Sun. July 06 ~ "Finding the Feeling of Freedom"
Sun. July 13 ~ "Unity: Did You Know...?" [ First of three talks in a series about Unity beliefs & teachings]
Sun. July 20 ~ "Unity: Positive, Practical, Profoundly Life-Changing"; Music, Sean Arington
Sun. July 27 ~"Unity: Making the Mystical & 'Miraculous' Personally Accessible"; Music, Nancy McGimsey
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 within the circle. Donations are appreciated. Reiki practitioners are available to freely give healing touch on some Sundays. NOTE: Morning Quietude will not meet during August (5 Sundays). It will resume Sept. 7
"Come Home to Unity Books in 2014" 
BOOK STUDY GROUP
Facilitated by Rev. Susan LaRue, this group
gathers on the first and third Sunday of each month. Class will not meet July 20 but will resume in August, meeting on Aug. 3 and 17 from 12:30 to 1:45 in the Lobby area.
New Book Starting August 3 ! Radical Forgiveness by Colin Tipping
About Rev. Susan LaRue: She has 20+ years background in Unity teachings, is S.E.E. certified, and was the Youth Education Director of Unity Spiritual Life Center in Oklahoma City, where she also taught an adult class. She's been a Board member at the Brownsville, Texas, Unity Church and served as a guest speaker. Watch for other classes and book study groups in the near future.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  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 Movie usually meets on the 2nd Sunday of each month. We will be taking a bit of a break during the months of June, July, & August and then our popular movie & DVD showings will resume monthly, starting Sept 14. Join us then around the extra-big screen TV for a casual atmosphere of spiritual films and DVDs and interesting discussion 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.
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. New Member classes in July.
July 20th -- Showing of "What is New Thought" from 2:00 to 3:30; open to all; FREE.
July 27th -- New Member class at 12:45 until about 1:45 in the Lobby Area
Other showings of the film and New Member classes are being scheduled to be held soon.
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Wow ! An anonymous donor has offered to match ALL monetary gifts to our Expansion Fund for one year, in an amount up to $5,000. We "see" us in a perfect full-time home for Unity Athens SOON ! Donations are accepted and appreciated at our donation page.
 MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
Saturday Evening, Aug. 23 - Talent Show at Unity Athens. Whether you share a talent or are part of the audience, these are always fun events. See Eutelia Burtz for details.
ONENESS BLESSING ! We will be hosting another Deeksha Blessing at Unity Athens on Sunday, Aug. 24. at 3:30 with Blessing Givers from Atlanta & Athens. Love Offering basis.
Unity World Day of Prayer ~ Thursday, Sept. 11, 2014 more details soon here.
"An Evening with Wayne Dyer"at Unity North Atlanta (Marietta), Sept. 23 at 8.00. Details and ticket info here.
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Another fabulous KANUGA retreat has been planned by UMMAS at Kanuga Center near Hendersonville, NC, from September 23 to 26. "The Game of Life: How to Connect the Dots" features keynotes by Barry Dennis and Rev. Jim Lee of Unity Renaissance. Enjoy the beautiful mountaintop and lakeside serenity of this gorgeous location and the uplifting Unity-based experience of keynotes, classes, and being around like-minded, positive people. Open to all and registration has begun ! Go to the UMMAS Retreat Event page here for more details and to register. Flyers are also available on Sundays. Unity Athens will once again be giving partial scholarships of $200 to members and congregants of Unity Athens. (This covers about half the cost of a "shared" room.) Ask for a Scholarship application this Sunday! Final day to turn in scholarship applications will be Aug.3.
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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.
Click here to CONTRIBUTE to Unity Athens. Thank you!
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We Applaud & Celebrate the Life of Dr. Maya Angelou, Student of Unity Teachings for "more than 50 years" and who sat on the Advisory Board of Unity Institute and Seminary.
 "What a powerful creative presence Dr. Angelou demonstrated through her life. By living boldly and sharing her "story" and speaking her truths with courage and grace, she inspired countless others to speak their own truths and to create from the heart. While her physical presence will be missed, the Spirit that she is will live on along with her poetic voice, wise teachings, commanding sense of presence, and joyful loving. Dr. Angelou, we love you. Congratulations on a life well-lived." ~ Rev. Bronte Colbert
From the Kansas City Star:
Charlotte Shelton, president and CEO of Unity World Headquarters, said Unity Institute and Seminary had planned to present Angelou with its first honorary doctor of divinity degree at the end of her talk at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City on June 10. Angelou, who is on the seminary's advisory board, was aware of the award. Shelton said Angelou often talked about her connection to Unity and its teachings and had said the message, "God loves me just as I am," was one of the most important lessons she learned.
"Now we will award the degree posthumously," Shelton said. "We will miss her deeply."
From OWN, The Oprah Winfrey Network: "When she was in her 20s, Dr. Maya Angelou discovered the Unity Church. Founded in 1889, Unity is a Christian movement that emphasizes affirmative prayer and education as a path to spirituality." You can watch this 3-minute video here to hear and see Maya and Oprah discuss the revelation from Unity that changed her life forever.
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Have you heard what folks are saying about Unity Athens?
"I could feel the love the minute I walked in the door." ~ S. First-time guest, May 11, 2014.
"I always get inspiration from the Sunday messages." -- E.B.
"Rev. Bronte, the joy and the exuberance that you bring to your congregation is so wonderful and uplifting." -- Angelina (of Armand and Angelina)
"No matter how good I feel, or what I may be going through in my life, I always feel better when I come here -- always!" - - Danny C.
"Last Sunday's message resonated so deeply with me. Plus, I felt I was given specific tools to help me with things I'm experiencing in my life." C.S.
"Unity Athens is all the things I've liked about other churches and spiritual centers, but all in one place!"-- S.F.
"I appreciate that folks here see the good in each other and are so welcoming."
"This church satisfies my soul! Always uplifting. Thank you."
"While we were driving in the car, my four-year-old suddenly belted out a chorus of 'You are walking in the Light of God, you are walking in the Light of God.' (The song we sing to our Sunday School children each week) Thank you for the wonderfully planted seed, Unity Athens!" -- L.W.
"Today (Mother's Day, 2013) was such an absolutely fabulous celebration. Coming here is not like 'going to church,' but rather, always like going to a celebration." - Barbara B.
"I love the 'Affirmation for the Month' in our bulletin. I'm going to get a frame so I can put it on my desk where I can see it every day." -- E.B.
"Thank you for holding this sacred space here in Athens -- what you are doing here in wonderful." -- Visitor from Minnesota.
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Other Area Events & Services
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Have you "liked" our new Facebook page yet? Check it out -- 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
Oprah & Deepak's 21-Day Meditation Experience™
"Are you ready for a big boost of joy? Join Oprah & Deepak to tap into the inner wellspring of happiness that awaits you. In this perfect summertime journey, Oprah & Deepak help you spark the bliss, profound peace, and playful exhilaration that is within you. Join them on August 11, in the all-new Oprah & Deepak 21-Day Meditation Experience, Expanding Your Happiness." More info here on how to sign up
SOCIAL EVENTS! Call a Unity friend and go out for some music, fun, or author events!
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 group "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.
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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.
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| Find Unity Athens on the web... Our website is at www.UnityAthens.com
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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!
"I would not carry with me the glowing ember that burned my hand,
Nor would I go about my day with a sliver wedged deep into my skin.
In that same manner, I release situations of the past
which disrupt my peace of mind and cause ill feelings,
for they only continue to hurt me
as long as I choose to hold on to them."
from "Forgiveness" by Rev. Duke Tufty of Unity Temple on the Plaza in Kansas City
Read the rest of Rev. Tufty's poem here.
"Sometimes we pray to a God outside of ourselves. It is the God in the midst of us that frees and heals." Myrtle Fillmore, Unity Co-Founder
"Begin to declare that you are the strong, healthy, free, wise, powerful, beautiful, and successful child of God. You must deliberately declare Truth and identify yourself with it, and hold fast until it is proven in your life." ~ Myrtle Fillmore
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 email address -- [email protected]
Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter
Stop in at our New, interactive Facebook page !!
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