Minister's Moment
Mildred, the church gossip and self-appointed monitor of church morals, had a habit of sticking her nose into the business of others. Several members did not approve of her behavior. Nonetheless, they feared her enough to maintain their silence. One day, she made a mistake. She accused George, a new member, of being an alcoholic. She made her accusation after seeing his old pickup parked in front of the town’s only bar one afternoon. She emphatically told George and several others in the congregation that everyone knew what he was doing. Upon hearing her accusation, George stared at her for a moment before he turned and walked away. He didn’t explain, defend, or deny her pronouncement. He simply said nothing. Later that evening, George quietly parked his pickup in front of Mildred’s house. Then he just walked home, leaving it there all night.
I love old George. He is my kind of guy. He knows the difference between perception and truth. Most people rely on false perceptions to prop up their personal views. Furthermore, they feel justified in projecting them onto others. Mildred is an example of this type of person. Her rigid moral code gives her a sense of superiority. However, rather than keeping it as her own personal creed, she uses it to judge the behavior of others. In this way, she elevates her own personal piety while putting others down. We all know people like Mildred, people who have convinced themselves that it is ok to project guilt and shame on others as a means of personal control and validation. We are all capable of this behavior.
In fact, even Jesus did his share of condemnation. For example, when he called the Pharisees and Sadducees “hypocrites and vipers”. For me, this behavior revealed his humanity. Somehow, I find this comforting. It helps me to know that even he could be blinded by anger or fear. It also reminds me that I can ask for help to be lifted out of thoughts and feelings which do not serve me. I can find that help through Jesus. Jesus raised himself from death. Yet more importantly, through his life and teachings, he raises me up in so many important ways every single day.
“
And he departed from our sight that we might return to our heart, and there find Him. For He departed, and behold, He is here
.” ~ St Augustine
Please join us for our Easter Sunday Celebration Service
with our musicians Pamela Benton, Kari Joys, Patsy Cameron, Angie Dredge, LeAnn Aerlyn Moore, Gary Beuttner, and Dagan Williamson as we celebrate life and joy and love on this glorious day.
And don't forget about the special Easter
Piñata
for the kids after the second service.
If you can’t spend Sunday with us in person, watch the service through our
live-stream
at 11 am or catch up on any of our services through our
on-line archive
. Thank you for your interest in Unity and may your spiritual path be one of joy and fulfillment.
Namaste,
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Please share our news and events with your social network.
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Celebration Services at 9 and 11 AM each Sunday.
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April 21, 2019
Celebration Service
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Easter: You Raise Me Up
Jesus did his share of condemnation. For example, when he called the Pharisees and Sadducees “hypocrites and vipers”. For me, this behavior revealed his humanity and I find this comforting. It helps me to know that even he could be blinded by anger or fear. It also reminds me that I can ask for help to be lifted out of thoughts and feelings which do not serve me. I can find that help through Jesus. Jesus raised himself from death. Yet more importantly, through his life and teachings, he raises me up in so many important ways every single day.
“And he departed from our sight that we might return to our heart, and there find Him. For He departed, and behold, He is here.” ~ St Augustine
With music by: Pamela Benton, Angie Dredge and Kari Joys
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Check out these events and activities.
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Maundy Communion and Candle Lighting Service
Thursday,
April 18
7:30PM
This special Thursday evening service commemorates “the Last Supper” and the symbolism of the communion ritual.
Experience communion in a way you may not have before, and come to understand the beautiful meaning behind this ancient ritual. Everyone is welcome and child care will be available.
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Spring Rummage and Plant Sale
Friday-Saturday,
April 26-27
9AM-3PM
It is time to start bringing in your donated items for our Spring Rummage and Plant Sale. To avoid having a lot of unsold items at the end of our event, we have set some parameters regarding what is acceptable to bring so please review the
event flier
for details and restrictions. You can drop off your items on Saturday, April 20 from 10AM-2PM or during normal office hours (M-Th, 10AM-2PM). You can also volunteer to help with pricing items or assist with the sale. Volunteers will be provided a free lunch. So, if this opportunity is appealing to you, sign up to help in the hallway. And please encourage everyone you know to stop by the sale! This is a wonderful way for you to support your Unity Community.
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SPIRITUAL EVOLUTION
Mondays
1-3PM
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PEACE YOGA
Mondays
5-6:15PM
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MEN'S GROUP
Mondays
6-8PM
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Here are the latest opportunities
to support and connect
with the community.
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REIKI SHARE AND CIRCLE UPDATE
Blossom Master's is cancelling the Reiki events on Friday, April 19 and Sunday, April 21 in lieu of the Easter Weekend. These recurring events will return in May.
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FAMILY PROMISE WEEK
April 21-27
It is time once again for USCNI to serve Family Promise of North Idaho. We are hosting families at 1st Baptist Church in CDA. Please consider serving as an overnight host with a family member or friend. You won't regret it.
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ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL
Deadline for renewal is Sunday, April 30
In order to remain active and vote at the Annual Meeting, members must complete a renewal form for the new fiscal year. The forms are available in the hallway.
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DANCES OF UNIVERSAL PEACE
Thursday, May 9
This recurring group
is a spiritual practice in motion. It employs singing and dancing of sacred religious phrases to raise consciousness and promote peace between world religions. Facilitated by Todd Neel.
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ANNUAL MEETING
Sunday, May 19
The USCNI Annual Meeting
is a time when the board officers present an overview of the work and activities completed during the past year. It is also a time for active members to review and approve the new fiscal budget as well as elect new candidates to the board of trustees. Anyone interested in the health and vitality of our community is welcome to attend.
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2019 BOARD CANDIDATES
There are two
Board Candidates
identified by the Governance Committee to fill openings on the board. They are
Andrea Dugan and Jesse Mota
. They are both currently filling temporary appointments on the board. Now they are applying to fill 3 year terms. Members will vote to ratify them at the Annual Meeting.
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SUNDAY SNACKS
Our Hospitality Team invites you to bring in a plate of sweet treats or healthy alternatives to share in the Friendship Hall after our Sunday Services. If this is something you would enjoy, please contact
Reina
.
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SACRED SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
T
here are opportunities to put your unique skills or passions to use by serving our community. We have specific roles to fill including Nursery Attendant, PowerPoint, Sound and Youth Education roles during our 11AM services. You can indicate your interest by completing our
online volunteer form
and we will contact you.
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We have Unity T-Shirts for sale. The sizes are S, M, L, and XL's and the price is $15.00 each. If you would like to purchase one, see Roye Ely or put your name on the sign up sheet in the hallway. The caption on the back reads:
ONE GOD...MANY PATHS
Unity Spiritual Center of North Idaho
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WRITE A REVIEW ON OUR GOOGLE BUSINESS PAGE
You can help promote USCNI by writing a review on our Google Business Page. Your comments will display when people view our profile.
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208.664.1125 | unity@unitycenter.org | unitycenter.org
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