First Unity Church
of
St. Louis
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I have always been fascinated by hummingbirds. One of my favorite activities is watching these beautiful little birds hover over feeders and blooming hibiscus. Their bodies are no bigger than a large insect, yet their tiny wings beat more than 50 times per second, making the humming sound that gives them their name.
Some hummingbirds migrate thousands of miles, leaving cold climates in the fall and returning north in the spring. I always pictured them traveling together in communities, supporting one another on their long journeys like geese flying in formation. However, according to Kenn and Kimberly Kaufman in an article in Birds & Blooms Magazine, Sept. 2020, “Hummingbirds travel as loners; each individual navigates on its own. Even young birds making their first southward migration fly solo, without any guidance from their parents.” The sheer impossibility factor of the hummer’s amazing feat holds powerful implications for our own spiritual journey.
Just think! The moment for a hummingbird to begin its unaccompanied southern migration and the route it will take come strictly from inner instinct. With no external navigators or maps, the hummer relies on Its own internal guidance system. Likewise in the spring, these tiny creatures move north toward breeding grounds with no way of knowing exactly what the weather ahead will be like. Again following inner guidance, they sense when the coldest winter weather has passed and flowers have begun to bloom.
Endowed with rapid metabolism, quickly burning energy, the tiny travelers make frequent stops along the way to feed. While most migrating birds fly mainly at night, one by one, the hummer flies during daylight hours low enough to spot flowers and feeders. Its trip is really a series of relatively short flights interrupted by stops to refuel. Even so, some weaker ones have been known to land on offshore oil rigs & boats floating in the Gulf of Mexico to rest until they are strong enough to continue their flight across the gulf.
Ok, so this might be more than you wanted to know about hummingbirds! But I’m sure you have already noted the spiritual implications. The hummer’s journey is a testimony that all is possible in God’s universe. There is no challenge on this earth greater than the Power and internal Presence of Spirit. The hummer flying low, in the light, looking for food reminds us that God’s abundance, all that we need, is always available. We only have to expect and look for it. And at those times when we are tired, feeling like we cannot continue, we too can find the equivalent of a boat or rig to keep us afloat. Like the tiny hummingbird, we have all the insight & power within to do we are called to do.
When we consider that the tiny hummingbird in late summer has the wisdom and
courage to leave full feeders and blooming flowers to begin a difficult journey, we
remember that what God gives for the birds of the air, surely God gives to us. Our role is to trust and move forward as er are guided. Picturing the tiny hummer accomplishing its seemingly impossible Divine mission gives us the faith to realize that we are fully equipped to accomplish ours.
HAPPY FALL!
Rev. Jan
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Minister
Rev. Jan Mourning
Board of Trustees
John Young - President
Mary Tumminello -Vice-President
Patricia Riess - Secretary
Hope Dodson - Treasurer
Betty Jean Kofron - Trustee
Lynn Mark - Trustee
Prayer Chaplain Coordinator,
Rev. Anne Hartupee
Prayer Chaplain Trainer
Mary Tumminello
Prayer Chaplains
Lance Baugh
Hope Dodson
Lynn Mark
Platform Assistant
Hope Dodson
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Bookstore Managers
Betty Jean Kofron
Mary Grace
Webmaster
Carol Ellerman
Office Manager
Sara DeWitt
Music Director
Steve Schenkel
Youth Ministry Team
Glenda Gebhardt
Cindy Gibbs
Claire Gibbs
Sound Engineer
Jeremiah Burcher
Photographer
Roy Vaisvil
Newsletter Editor
Patricia Riess
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First Unity Church of
St. Louis Newsletter
Sept/Oct 2022
In This Issue:
Minister’s Corner
First Unity Bookstore
Music For September
Music For October
iGive
Upcoming Events
World Day of Prayer
Prayer Chaplain Orientations/
Training
Pancakes & More Brunch
Ukulele Concert & Dinner
Up - To - The - Minute News
Ladies Night Out
Men's Night Out
Book Club
Core Values
Humor
Photographs
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FIRST UNITY BOOKSTORE
"Book of the Month."
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Featured Book for September: |
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In the Flow of Life
by Eric Butterworth
The inlet and outlet of the infinite flow of God are within you. With extraordinary clarity, Eric Butterworth reveals life-transforming spiritual principles to keep you in
the flow.
In the Flow of Life calls you to live from the exhilarating and empowering realization that you are the expression of God flowing forth into the world. Living in the flow of God will change your life forever!
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Featured Book for October: |
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The Book of Forgiving
By Desmond Tutu and Mpho Tutu
Each of us has a deep need to forgive and to be forgiven. After much reflection on the process of forgiveness, Tutu has seen that there are four important steps to healing: Admitting the wrong and acknowledging the harm; Telling one's story and witnessing the anguish; Asking for forgiveness and granting forgiveness, and renewing or releasing the relationship.
The Book of Forgiving is both a touchstone and a tool, offering Tutu's wise advice and showing the way to experience forgiveness. Ultimately, forgiving is the only means we have to heal ourselves and our aching world.
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First Unity Church Presents Its Outstanding
Music Calendar for September 2022
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First Unity's Music Director, Dr. Steve Schenkel, has arranged for a variety of renowned guest musicians, singers, and groups to be with us for Sunday Services during the months of September and October. All are truly welcome, and we hope you will join us in the sanctuary or online as we seek together to know God, unfold spiritually, and understand, love, and align with the Spirit’s Laws of Being.
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September 4, Kim Fuller, vocals, and Carolbeth True, piano.
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Kim Fuller has been performing for decades in the St. Louis area. She began singing age 5 in the Angel Choir at church. Over the years she has sung in a variety of music genres. She has served as an opening act for the Jazz Crusaders, Randy Lewis, Pieces of a Dream, The Neville Brothers, and countless others. She is a member of The Jazz Story, a group that promotes Jazz Education to grades K thru 12. Kim is also a member of Oikos, a Jazz group that uses jazz as a catalyst to promote the gospel. She frequently performs around the St. Louis area with a plethora of talented musicians. |
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Carolbeth True is perhaps the most significant St. Louis jazz pianist of the past 30 years. She is well-known in the area as a performer and music educator. She is an adjunct music faculty member at Webster University and also has an extensive private piano studio. Carolbeth performs with Two Times True with her son Dave on drums; the Carolbeth Trio; the Oikos Ensemble; Wind of the Spirit Praise Band, and is an original cast member of The Jazz Story, the first educational program presented by The Sheldon. Her trio enjoyed extended runs at both the Adam’s Mark Hotel and Jazz at the Bistro. She has been the pianist with Variety Children’s Theatre for nine years, and the All-State Vocal Jazz Ensemble for seven years. Her awards include Excellence in the Arts from the Arts and Education Council, Riverfront Times, and St. Louis Magazine Best Jazz Artist among others. Carolbeth is heard on many CDs, most recently True Christmas with Two Times True.
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September 11, Brian Clarke, vocals and guitar.
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Brian Clarke is perhaps the most beloved New Thought musician in St. Louis. He is most recently the recipient of the St. Louis Magazine A-List Award as Best Vocalist and Best Musician. Yes, this is the same Brian Clarke who played at The Opera House, Train Wreck, and Dorsett Inn. Brian has toured the U.S. many times as a bassist and vocalist with Kinky Friedman and Billy Swan. He has played with Willie Nelson, Jerry Jeff Walker, and many other well-known artists. As a solo performer, Brian has opened shows for The Little River Band, Poco, Leon Russell, David Crosby, The Outlaws, Tom Chapin, Donovan, and many others. Currently, Brian continues to confidently share the skills born from his tremendous experience. His stage presence is unique, spontaneous, fresh, alive, and of the moment. He connects with you. Brian works to see that you get exactly what he intends for you to have…a great time, every time!
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September 18, Dan Rubright, jazz guitarist, and Steve Schenkel, guitar.
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Dan Rubright is a jazz guitarist and composer who recently received a prestigious 2019 Arts Fellow grant from the St. Louis Regional Arts Commission for his work as a composer and leader in the arts. In addition to composing and performing, Dan leads a workshop called The Hidden Jazz of Teams. |
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September 25, Jane Price, violin, and Ruth Price, piano.
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Jane Price grew up in West Lafayette, Indiana. She holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Indiana University and a Master of Music degree from the New England Conservatory.
She has been an extra member of the Chicago Symphony, with whom she has toured internationally since 1994, and the St. Louis Symphony and St. Louis Opera Theater since 1996.
As a chamber musician, Jane has collaborated with members of the Cleveland Quartet, the New York Woodwind Quintet, and the Mark Morris Dance Company. Jane was a fellow at the Tanglewood Institute, the Norfolk Festival, and the Spoleto festival in Italy and the United States.
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Dr. Ruth Price, an accomplished performer, teacher, and clinician, teaches piano at Webster University in Saint Louis. In addition to maintaining an active private studio, she is an avid researcher and writer on the subject of piano music, specializing in performance analysis.
Her innovative presentations on behind-the-scenes aspects of music and performance inspire teachers, students, and general audiences.
Ruth also enjoys creating interdisciplinary arts experiences, collaborating with painters and art historians, and pairing classical music with children's books.
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First Unity Church Presents Its Outstanding
Music Calendar for October 2022
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October 2, Joe Neske, piano.
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During his 20+ years as a St. Louis musician, Joe Neske has performed at the Fox, the Rep, the SLSO, the Muny (where he has participated in over 70 productions), and numerous other theatrical and educational venues.
Joe also served as an adjunct professor at Webster University for 19 years. He accompanied choirs and vocalists, taught classes in counterpoint, choral arranging, and music aesthetics, and directed the New Music Ensemble. It provided individual instruction in solo and collaborative piano.
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October 9, Chuck Flowers, vocals, and Steve Schenkel, guitar.
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Chuck Flowers is a veteran singer/entertainer. He has recorded with the Gospel Symphonic Choir, The O’Neal Twins and the Interfaith Choir, and the Golden Gospel Singers. He performed in Porgy and Bess with Union Avenue Opera Theater. |
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Steve Schenkel is the guitarist and orchestra manager for the Fox Theater, guitarist for the Muny Opera and the St. Louis Symphony, and a freelance jazz musician. He recently retired after 37 years at Webster University, where he founded the Jazz Studies program, the Webster Jazz Concert Series and the Jazz Studies/Music Technology program. Steve serves as the Music Director of First Unity Church of St. Louis. |
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October 16, Deborah Sharn, vocals and Steve Schenkel, guitar.
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Deborah Sharn has been singing in St. Louis for many years and is a guest vocalist at various places of worship each Sunday.
She is an actress who has worked with the Black Rep, New Line Theatre, The New Jewish Theatre, and the Mustard Seed Theatre.
Winner of two JUDY Awards, Deborah has performed her cabaret show, An Evening With Deborah Sharn, several times at the Kranzberg Art Center to sold-out audiences.
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Steve Schenkel is the guitarist and orchestra manager for the Fox Theater, guitarist for the Muny Opera and the St. Louis Symphony, and a freelance jazz musician.
He serves as Music Director of First Unity Church of St. Louis.
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October 23, Merry Keller, vocals and piano.
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Merry Keller brings a professional choral background and extensive performing experience to her singing and teaching career.
She continued with graduate studies in vocal performance, working with Stella Conway, professor of voice at West Chester. Merry Keller continues her vocal studies with Chris Armistead at Washington University in St. Louis and has collaborated with local pianists Neal Richardson, Ron Bryant, and Martha Shaffer.
Mary Keller has been active in the St. Louis’ cabaret scene, presenting a holiday show at Gaslight Theater in December, 2008, and premiered her original show, Love in Four Seasons, at The Sheldon Concert Hall in October, 2009. A Love in Four Seasons CD has been released that includes twelve numbers from the show. Other solo shows include Songs of the Silver Screen at The Sheldon and Wade In the Water at The Chapel in St. Louis.
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October 30, Special Music Sunday, The Bellissimo Brass.
St. Louis based Bellissimo Brass, made up of four nationally known virtuosi, make their First Unity debut.
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Kurt Silver, leader of the Bellissimo Brass, has been one of St. Louis’s leading trombonists and arrangers for three decades.
Kurt has performed with the St. Louis Symphony, the Fox Theater Orchestra, and The Who at Hollywood Casino Amphitheater.
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Trumpet virtuoso Randall Holmes has been St. Louis’s leading jazz trumpet artist for almost 50 years. Mr. Holmes has played concerts and jazz festivals around the country. He is the leader of the remarkable jazz ensemble “Hard Bop Heritage.
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Greg Grooms received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Missouri and his Master’s degree from the University of Illinois - both in Trumpet Performance. He served as a trumpeter in the United States Air Force bands in the US and Pacific (1984- 89). He performs in many groups as a freelance trumpeter in the Saint Louis area, including the Fox Theater Orchestra.
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French Horn master Timothy Brooks is currently a band director and musician in the St Louis area. He holds degrees from New Mexico State University and Oklahoma State University in music and has also performed internationally with the El Paso Opera Company.
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Shop online using iGive Rewards and raise money for First Unity Church of St. Louis!
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It’s easy, just sign up with iGive.com or download the iGive App on your mobile devices; select First Unity Church of St. Louis as your charity of choice and then access your favorite stores online like Walmart, Macy’s, Bed Bath and Beyond, Walgreens, CVS and so many more. Each store contributes a percentage of your purchases to First Unity.
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World Day of Prayer
September 8, 2022
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Prayer Chaplain Orientations/Training |
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The Prayer Chaplain Program, founded by Reverend Lei Lanni Burt of Light & Love Ministries, is a unique sacred service program for members of our church who desire to take the next step in their spiritual development. During ministerial school, Reverend Lei Lanni had a vision of inviting and empowering congregants into holding spiritual space and praying with each other. This ministry also extends the heart, hands, and feet of the ministry's leadership by supporting our church community with prayer, home and hospital visits, and monthly Wellness Calling.
If you are feeling the call to go deeper in your spiritual journey, members of our Prayer Chaplain ministry will be hosting two orientation sessions in September. We invite you to join us on Sunday, September 18, or Sunday, September 25, after church to learn more about this sacred service opportunity.
On Friday evening, October 14, and Saturday, October 15, the annual Prayer Chaplain training will be held at First Unity Church of St. Louis. Whether you are a Prayer Chaplain currently serving in this ministry, or someone new who is feeling called to this spiritual service, it is mandatory to attend this training if you wish to serve as a Prayer Chaplain next year (2023). You do not need to make a final decision about becoming a Prayer Chaplain until after completing the annual training.
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Please join us for:
Pancakes & More Brunch
October 2, 2022
Following Sunday Service
Please RSVP by:
September 15, 2022
UNITYSTL.ORG
314.845.8540
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St. Louis Ukulele Group Concert & Dinner |
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Concert & Spaghetti Dinner
Thursday, November 3, 2022
First Unity Church
of St. Louis
4753 Butler Hill Road
St. Louis, MO 63128
Ticket Price $17.50 each
Doors Open at 5 pm
Dinner - 5:30 pm
Concert - 7 pm
Please purchase tickets before or after church starting on
September 25, 2022
or call Sara at the church office M - Th, 9 am - 3 pm
314.845.8540.
See you there!!!
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September 19, at 5:30 pm.
Mike Duffy’s Pub & Grill
124 W. Jefferson Ave
Kirkwood, MO 63122
October 17, at 5:30 pm.
Tuckers South
3999 Union Rd.
St. Louis, MO 63125
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September 19, 2022, at 6:00 pm.
Chili's
1130 S. Kirkwood
Kirkwood, MO 63122
October 17, 2022, at 6:00 pm.
Buffalo Wild Wings
570 South County Way
(Back of South County Mall)
St. Louis, MO 63125
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Our Book Club will meet on Tuesday, July 12, 2022,
2 pm - 4 pm at:
Panera's
130 South County Center Way
St. Louis, MO 63129
Future books:
September 13, 2022 - The Other Black Girl -
October 11, 2022 - Once There Were Wolves -
Charlotte McConaghy
November 22, 2022 - When Crickets Cry -
Charles Martin
December 22, 2022 -The Wrong Dog: A Rachael Alexander Mystery -
Carol Lea Benjamin
January 23, 2023 - Lessons in Chemistry - Bonnie Garmus
Looking forward to seeing you at the Book Club!
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For more information on our church activities: Check our website, unitystl.org or
call 314-845-8540.
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One of our core values for First Unity Church is: ONENESS
God is the loving Source of all that is, and we are one with God and one another.
COMMUNITY BEHAVIORS
- Through our indwelling Christ nature, we express qualities of the Divine moment by moment
- We embrace all people as expressions of God
- Grounded in principles of Truth we are fully connected with all life
INDIVIDUAL BEHAVIORS
- I see myself as spiritually whole, expressing the creative life force
- My conscious awareness of oneness motivates me to help others achieve their highest good
- In Unity of Spirit, I continually seek ways to nurture my Spirit, mind, and body
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After pulling three double shifts in a row, my brother Billy, a hotel clerk, was worn out. On one of his few breaks, he went to the hotel restaurant to grab a bite. When his food came, Billy, his mind in a fog, bowed his head for the blessing and whispered these words to God: “Good evening, Holiday Inn, how can I help you?” —
At our weekly Bible study, the leader asked an elderly gentleman, Walt, to open the meeting with prayer. Walt did so in a soft voice. Another man, straining to hear, shouted, “I can’t hear you!” Walt replied, “I wasn’t talking to you.”
In the foyer of a church, a young boy was looking at a plaque with the names of men and women who had died in various wars. He asked the pastor, “Who are these people?” The pastor said, “Those are members from our church who died in service.” The boy asked, “The early service or the second service?”
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Minister: Rev. Jan Mourning
Office: 314.845.8540
SilentUnity prayer support
1.800.NOW PRAY (669.7729)
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