December 12, 2018
Candles at Christmas


I will light candles this Christmas

Candles of joy despite all the sadness,
Candles of hope where despair keeps watch,
Candles of courage for fears ever present,
Candles of peace for tempest-tossed days,
Candles of grace to ease heavy burdens,
Candles of love to inspire all my living,
Candles that will burn all year long.
~ Howard Thurman


As the holidays approach in this time of physical darkness, we long for light.  We put up strings of lights.  We celebrate the stars that sparkle in the night.  We seek the light of candles.  

The adult Jesus reminds us, "You are the light of the world."  In the Gospel of John, Jesus says he is the light but in Matthew 5:14 he reminds us WE are the light of the world.  The divine flame is put within us to use in the world.  This is the message of birthing an expanding awareness, now and throughout the year.  

This holiday season consider the acts of kindness, the inspiring words of love, inclusion and peace and the conscious awareness of our own divinity that allow us to be the light of the world at Christmas and all year long.  

    
  
Reverend Joy


Calendar for this week
TODAY:  Wednesday 12/12/2018

Thursday 12/13
7pm: Choir Practice
Friday 12/14
Office Closed
Sat 12/15
3pm: High Tea/Book Social
Sun 12/16
10am:  Rev Joy, "Behold a Child"
12pm: Remembrance Service
7pm:  CoDA*

Mon 12/17
Office Closed 
6:30pm A Course in Miracles

Tuesday 12/18



* indicates non-Unity event


To listen to Rev Joy's sermon from 12/2/2018,  That's a Plan?, please click on the link.  
Visit our website:  
 


The Giving Tree

Our partnership with 7 Generations Charter School 
 

Thank you for your generous giving!

All gifts should be returned to the church office by Sunday, DEC 16th.  Please leave gifts UNWRAPPED with the gift tag attached!  




 
ULV Sweatshirts!  

The perfect gift for the holiday season!
 

Marisa Lenci and Joyce Buchman have teamed up to produce sweatshirts with the ULV logo.  You can now proudly show your love of Unity in the community.  

We have gray, crew neck and zipped hoodie sweatshirts in sizes from youth to 3XL.  You can get just the logo on the front or you can get the logo on the front and our PeaceHeart design with the words "May peace prevail in all hearts" printed on the back.  Prices depend on sizes and design and begin at $24. Order forms will be available at church and on the website and payment is due at the time of order.  

Order your sweatshirt NOW and get a couple for gifts!  








 
 Remembrance Service
Sunday, Dec 16th at Noon

 
Join us Sunday, December 16th 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.  

This event is open to the public so please feel free to invite family and friends. 
 


 
 Prepare for 2019
Our Burning Bowl Service is Dec 30th
Our White Stone Service is Jan 6th
 


 


  Congratulations to Wilma Alvarez and Rick Stober, the new co-facilitators of our Prayer Chaplain Team.  





Have you ever thought about being one of our chaplains?  Has Spirit been nudging your heart in the direction of spiritual growth and deepening practice?  

Our 2019 Prayer Chaplain Training will be Saturday, January 5th from 10am to 3pm at Unity of Lehigh Valley.  If you would like more information about becoming a part of our Prayer Chaplain team, please talk to Wilma, Rick or Reverend Joy.  
  



Ready for a new beginning?  


Membership Overview Classes
begin January 13th.

New to Unity and curious about what Unity teaches and believes?  Ready to take the next step and become a ULV member?  Looking for a new look at familiar teachings and an opportunity to hang out with new people?   These are all great reasons to sign-up for our Overview Classes, required for membership.  The tentative schedule is below but let Reverend Joy know if this schedule won't work for you and you are interested in membership. 

Jan 13: Unity Basics
Jan 27: Metaphysical Bible Interpretation
Feb 10: Affirmative Prayer
Feb 24: Positive Communication
Mar 10:  Prosperity
Mar 24:  Welcome to ULV

Please sign-up so we have materials.  No text or fees for these classes.
  



 
Membership renewals are due by the end of December.  Renewals can be left in the white box at the back of the sanctuary.   If you did not receive a renewal form, there are additional forms also at the back of the Sanctuary.  

Be sure to put your correct address information on the renewal to make sure we have updated information.  



 
 
 
What are you 
grateful for?
 



We are grateful Bette Phelps was able to serve as an usher on Sunday!  

Thanks so much to John Thomas for donating several new music stands for our music program!!  


If you are grateful for something at ULV, send a message to the office: [email protected]   






Feb 10th:  David Roth at ULV, afternoon concert at Godfrey Daniels

Feb 17th: 2019 Annual Meeting





During your holiday shopping and all through the year, please consider designating Unity of Lehigh Valley as your AmazonSmile charity!  We appreciate you!!

 

Click on this link for  ULV AmazonSmile




In partnership with Lehigh Valley Phantoms, Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center is hosting the FIRST Pride Night at the Phantom's THIS February 15!  The night's focus will be on promoting inclusion and diversity in sports. If you can play, you can play! Tickets to Pride Night at the Phantoms are $30, which includes an exclusive Phantom's Pride T-Shirt with your game ticket. In addition a portion of ticket proceeds will be donated back to Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center! Purchase your tickets by January 15th to reserve your seat and T-Shirt!

Unity Worldwide Spiritual Institute has a new series of classes called "Spiritual Explorers" .  Online and brief, these are opportunities to expand, explore and grow.  Topics like "Good Grief", "Prosperity 4U" and "Introduction to the Enneagram" allow you find new perspectives.  For more information and registration, CLICK HERE  


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




Bradbury-Sullivan Center Classes, Workshops and Support
Check out the many activities including the NEW ART Series beginning this Thursday.  Go to their website by CLICKING HERE   The Center is located at 522 W Maple Street in downtown Allentown.  


Contact:
Unity of Lehigh Valley
26 N 3rd, Emmaus, PA 18049
610-965-3036
Office Hours: Tue-Thur 8:30am--3pm
Closed Mondays and Fridays

Administrator: [email protected]
Reverend Joy: [email protected]