A Life of Joy
From Unity.org's article by
Reverend Michael Gott
According to Unity principle, we can experience and express the joy of God even in the most difficult times of our lives.
I find that easier said than done.
I do believe in the absolute reality of Spirit and it's true that joy is always present. I also know there are times in life when it seems a million miles away. In the midst of loss and grief, in times of fear and uncertainty, indeed, in many times in our lives that what we might call our "dark nights," we may not feel joyful.
Does this mean God isn't present? Does this mean we've done something wrong? No. It means we are human.
The shortest verse in the Bible is John 11:35 (RSV): "Jesus wept." The story tells us when the Master arrived too late to heal his beloved friend Lazarus, he saw the tears on the faces of those who also loved this man, and he responded in the most human way. He cried too. We sometimes think we must transcend our human experience to find God. I believe we reveal God by being fully human.
Ernest Holmes once wrote "humanity is divinity revealed." How do we reveal spiritual reality in our human circumstances?
There are two practices that have been so helpful to me in my spiritual walk. First: Be compassionate toward myself. Give my inner perfectionist/critic the day off and accept that where I am is good enough. I can stop pretending. I don't have to put on a false spirituality to hide how human I am. I find this brings a feeling of relief. It's okay not to feel buoyant and light all the time. Something in me relaxes, surrenders, and allows life to unfold.
And then I can use the second practice, which is simply to walk by faith. I trust the "joy of the Lord is my strength" and this joy is already here-whether I can access it in the moment or not. I also know in my spirit and in my heart that the full expression and experience of my joy will return. I will feel my joy again.
Psalm 30:5 (KJV) reminds us that "weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." When we are willing to feel our sadness, or our anger or frustration, it opens our capacity to feeleverything more fully. We become able to feel our joy more deeply and more authentically.
Live in peace, love and harmony in the world this week.
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Calendar for this week
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Wednesday4/18/2018
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Thursday 4/19
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7pm: Choir Practice
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Friday 4/20
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Sat 4/21
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8:00am ULV Cleanup
7:30pm Michael London Concert (doors open 7:00. Cash/check only at the door. See below to pay in advance with PayPal)
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Sun 4/22
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10am: Earth Blessing
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11:45am: Choir Practice
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4:30pm: Iglesia Emmanuel Service*
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7pm: CODA meeting*
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Monday 4/23
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Office Closed
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Tuesday 4/24
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6:00pm: Choir Practice
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To listen to our service, "Listen, Listen", from 04/15/2018, click on the link
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Dates to Remember:
May 11th: Game Night 7-9pm
May 20th: Bob Sima and Shannon Plumber: Music, Message and Meditation
June 17th: Jon Mundy, A Course In Miracles: Message and Workshop
July 13th: Iron Pigs Game
July 28th: Steve Gunn Concert
Sept 9th: Annual Picnic
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Claiming, Clearing and Cleaning
Saturday, April 21 8am
The Board of Trustees will be going through items in the attic on Saturday, April 21st, beginning at 8am. If there is something you know is up there but you haven't seen used in many years and you would like to claim it, please join the Board on Saturday morning.
The goal is to identify what we need, keep what we will use or records we are required to keep and release the rest. Releasing can mean recycling or sending home with you.
Please dress for work and join the Board at 8am!
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Rumi In Song
Saturday, April 21
7:30 pm
doors open at 7pm
Tickets are:
$10 Students
$20 Adults
Join Michael London and his guest, Paul Butler on Clarinet/Sax, for an evening of the poetry of Rumi set to music. Michael will also share some new music.
Tickets are available at the door with cash or check. For tickets in advance using PayPal see our website.
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Coming Soon!
Beginning May 1st, Reverend Joy will be on sabbatical for two months. Spiritual community will continue as we celebrate on Sundays, have workshops and classes and enjoy the fellowship of one another's company.
There will be plenty to do on Sundays! Mark your calendars now:
May 6th: Charles Lee, "Ain't Nobodies Business: Freedom from Judgment"
May 13th: Rev Ann Marie Acacio, "12 Women In the Bible"
May 20th: Bob Sima and Shannon Plumber, Music, Message and Meditation. Concert and workshop after service
May 27th: Rev Julie Vance
June 3rd: ULV Choir "Message In Music"
June 10th: Charles Lee
June 17th: Jon Mundy, Course In Miracles, workshop after service
June 24th: Dana Baldwin returns to ULV!
If you have questions or concerns, the Board and the Staff are available to serve you.
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All God's Children
Saturday, April 28th
7:00 pm
doors open at 6:30pm
Unity of Lehigh Valley Choir concert to benefit Mercy School for Special Learning. The concert features ULV's Men's Quartet, Singer/Songwriter John Thomas, Soloists Mark Eutermoser and Jo Sieger. Also, featuring the Tone-Chime choir and the Magical Movement Dancers from Mercy School for Special Learning.
Songs of Love, Hope, Bravery, Encouragement, Friendship, Truth and Peace.
A love offering will be taken and all proceeds go to Mercy School for Special Learning in Allentown. Cash/checks only at the door. To donate in advance through PayPal please
visit our website.
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12 Steps to a Compassionate Life
Wednesday evening 7-9pm
May 2 thru June 6
Our next Book Study will be
12 Steps to a Compassionate Life by Karen Armstrong. Religious thinker Karen Armstrong has written more than 20 books on faith and the major religions, studying what Islam, Judaism and Christianity have in common, and how our faiths shaped world history and drive current events.
The twelve steps she suggests begin with "Learn About Compassion," and close with "Love Your Enemies." In between, she takes up self-love, mindfulness, suffering, sympathetic joy, the limits of our knowledge of others, and "concern for everybody." She shares concrete methods to help us cultivate and expand our capacity for compassion, and provides a reading list to encourage us to "hear one another's narratives." Armstrong teaches us that becoming a compassionate human being is a lifelong project and a journey filled with rewards. from Amazon review
This interactive class will be facilitated by Reverend Wilma Alvarez, interfaith minister and LUT, on a love offering basis. The book is available through Amazon and it is suggested you purchase the book and read the first two chapters for the first class.
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BASKET RAFFLE
to benefit ULV
Tickets are $3 each OR
2 tickets for $5
5 tickets for $10
10 tickets for $20
Basket prizes include a sterling silver mobius bracelet engraved with the Prayer for Protection; a framed print of the Laughing Christ; and a Self-care basket featuring a Bev Freeman decoupage elephants, lotions by Jutland Creations and surprises. Get your tickets from the office during the week or from Rev Joy or Jo Sieger on Sunday.
The winning ticket will be drawn at our Choir Concert, April 28th. You do not need to be present to win. If you'd like tickets to sell in the community, please call the office during office hours.
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Soles 4 Souls Shoe Collection at ULV
One person
'
s unwanted shoes can help provide meaningful opportunities that many in developing nations need, which is why Unity of Lehigh Valley, is launching a shoe drive to collect
new or gently used shoes. Any size shoes for children, women and men are accepted.
The shoe drive will run through
April 29th. There is a tub inside the church's main door to collect your donations during our shoe drive!
For further information, please click on this link
Soles4Souls.
You can also contact Denise with any questions on this worthy cause at this link.
Contact Denise
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We affirm the power of divine Life in Jo Sieger as we hold prayers for guidance and healing of health challenges and safe travels in upcoming travel.
We join our prayers with Davina Short's family as they have said their final goodbyes to Davina's mother. We see each one enfolded in the comfort of eternal love.
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What are you
grateful for?
Thank you to Mike Holliday for once again inspiring us. Where does the sky end?
Also thank you to Mike Holliday, Jo Sieger and Jen Hertwig for joining in to lead the Congregational Song.
Thank you again to Eva Burkhart for all your years of service. You are appreciated!
Thank you to Jen Hertwig for saying YES to a new experience of leadership in our spiritual community.
Lots of us gathered after service to enjoy a time of hospitality. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the goodies we shared.
If you are grateful for something at ULV, send a message to the office: unitylv@rcn.com
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Thinking about Unity based enrichment? Planning a vacation? Why not do both?
SEE in the field in Houston, TX, April 29th -May 4th featuring Rev Robert Brumet
For additional information and registration go to
The Sin of Certainty with Peter Enns, May 19th from 9:30am-2:15pm There will be 2 lectures on the book by author together with a Q & A and a book signing. Lunch is included. Registration is required by contacting the church office or at churchoffice@christlutheranhellertown.org. Cost: $20.00.
Christ Lutheran Church in Hellertown, PA
SEE in the field in Gaithersburg, MD, June 3-8 featuring Revs Robert Brumet, Toni Fish, Eileen Goor and Cheryl Meyers
Fillmore Festival at Unity Village: August 16-19 For more information and registration:
CLICK HERE
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
Bradbury-Sullivan Center Classes, Workshops and Support
Check out the many activities. Go to their website by
CLICKING HERE The Center is located at 522 W Maple Street in downtown Allentown.
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