First Unity Church
of
St. Louis
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An intriguing story tells of long-ago sailors in South America who became trapped in the doldrums for days or even weeks, baking in the hot sun off the coast of what is now Brazil. Unable to move toward land to replenish their water, the sailors became dehydrated and sometimes yelled to passing local seamen begging for fresh water. Imagine their surprise when the local crew delivered the amazing news that they were sitting in the mouth of the Amazon adrift in fresh water! All they had to do was lower their buckets. They had believed they were in lack and peril when they were literally floating in exactly what they desired! What a lesson for all of us!
New Thought minister and author Dr. Michael Beckwith said, “There is a lie like a virus within the mind of humanity. And that lie is, ‘There’s not enough good to go around. There’s lack and limitation and just not enough…’ But the truth is there’s more than enough for everyone – more than enough creative ideas, love, joy, prosperity. If you believe it, if you can see it, if you act from it, it will show up for you. That’s the truth.”
But why is this Truth so hard for us to grasp? Is it because our human minds have trouble wrapping our heads around ALL THAT GOD IS? Is it because we have been told we are unworthy of an abundant life - one full of love, joy, peace, wholeness, and prosperity? Is it because, like the ancient sailors, we believe in a Universe of scarcity? Rev. Catherine Ponder & many other New Thought writers tell us the first step to prosperity is prosperous thinking. Even in this post-pandemic economy, we can turn from the collective consciousness of “less than enough” to “more than enough.” We can:
•Understand & trust that God, the Good, is our omnipresent source. In God there is no lack.
•Resolve to see all lack and limitation as temporary worldly conditions and know there is a greater Reality.
•Understand the spiritual law of giving and receiving. When we hold tight to what we have, we reinforce a belief in “not enough.” As we circulate the gifts of God in our lives, we put ourselves and others into the Divine Flow of abundance.
•Activate our Power of Imagination to trust in and visualize our good in every aspect of our lives. We attract ourselves to that which we imagine.
•Utilize the Power of the Word. Refuse to fall into language of lack and limitation. Affirm the Truth of abundance, wholeness, and joy. Name it and claim it!
In claiming abundance in our personal lives and in our beloved spiritual community, let us set the intention in 2023 to realize there is more than enough in every aspect of our lives. As we embrace the spiritual principles we know, join First Unity in a new prosperity initiative, Abundant and Free in 2023. Stay tuned! Together, we embrace unlimited possibilities of Godness and goodness. Blessings to all.
Enjoy a happy, healthy, peaceful and prosperous New Year.
Love,
Rev. Jan
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Minister, Jan Mourning
Board of Trustees
Mary Tumminello - President
Patricia Riess - Secretary
Hope Dodson -Treasurer
Betty Jean Kofron - Trustee
Lynn Mark - Trustee
Prayer Chaplain Team
Prayer
Chaplain Coordinator
Anne Hartupee
Prayer Chaplain Trainer
Mary Tumminello
Prayer Chaplains
Lance Baugh
Hope Dodson
Lynn Mark
Platform Assistants
Hope Dodson
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Bookstore Managers
Betty Jean Kofron
Mary Grace
Webmaster
Carol Ellerman
Facebook Admin
Eric Vondruska
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
riess@htc.net
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First Unity Church of
St. Louis Newsletter
Jan/Feb 2023
In This Issue:
Minister’s Corner
5 Basic Unity Principles
Poinsettias
Music For January
Music For February
Holiday Happenings
Up To The Minute News
Ladies' Night Out
Men's Night Out
Hospitality Ministry
Community Service Ministry
Book Club
Core Values
Humor
Photos
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Thanks to everyone who donated poinsettias for the
12 Living Lights Candle Lighting Ceremony
in honor and/or memory of loved ones.
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Jan Mourning
~In Memory of Bob Leonard
Rick & Ruth Emnett
~In Memory of Emnett & Vielhaber Loved Ones
Roy Ems & Mary Tumminello
~In Memory of John Tumminello
& Jackie Ems
Julie Goede
~In Honor of Ann
~In Memory of Fred
Hope Dodson & Paul Henley
Marjorie LaRico
~In Honor of Betty Jean Kofron
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Nancy Davis
~In Memory of Deceased Loved Ones
Joan Rose
~In Honor of Rosemary Stanglein
~In Memory of Charles Stanglein
Skip & Anne Hartupee
~In Honor of Our Loved Ones
~In Memory of John Hartupee
Valerie Harris
~In Memory of Bob Freedman
Jane & Eric Vondruska
~In Memory of Our Parents
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First Unity Church Presents Its Outstanding
Music Calendar for January 2023
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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 January and February. All are truly welcome here, and we hope you will join us in the sanctuary or online as we seek together to know God, to unfold spiritually, and to understand, love, and align with Spirit’s Laws of Being |
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January 1, Burning Bowl Ceremony, Brian Clarke, vocals and guitar. 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.
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January 8, White Stone Service, Brian Clarke, vocals and guitar. 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.
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January 15, 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. She 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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January 22, Joanna Serenko, Saint Louisan since 2010, has been exploring her outlets for pursuing her passion from a young age. She has been involved in Jazz U, Sofar Sounds performances, won first place in St. Louis Teen Talent Competition, and in February 2020 she wowed all four judges during the season premiere of NBC’s “The Voice.” About her experience singing on national television, Joanna says, "This show has given me a whole new confidence. It's taught me that I could make it in the music industry.” Her most recent release, “Best Of Me", is available on all major streaming services.
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January 29, Joe Neske. 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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First Unity Church Presents Its Outstanding
Music Calendar for February 2023
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February 5, Brian Clarke, vocals and guitar. Brian 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.
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February 12, Carolbeth True, jazz pianist. Carolbeth 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.
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February 19, Chuck Flowers, veteran singer/entertainer. He has recorded with the Gospel Symphonic Choir, The O’Neal Twins and the Interfaith Choir and the Golden Gospel Singers. Chuck performed in Porgy and Bess with Union Avenue Opera Theater.
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February 26, Mitzi MacDonald, vocals and keyboard.
Mitzi performs at numerous churches, peace events, pubs, coffee houses, outdoor concerts, and special events. She has opened for authors Alan Cohen, and Neal Donald Walsh at Westport Playhouse, and has performed at the Sheldon Concert Hall with CD release concerts.
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White Stone Ceremony
Sunday, January 8, 2023, at 10:30 am.
Following the Burning Bowl ritual, the White Stone Ceremony prepares you to create the vision of what you are called to be in the new year. In the time of Jesus, prisoners were given a new name as they were released to prove to society that all debts were paid and they were legitimately free. Through meditation, you will listen to Spirit within and your new name will be revealed to you. You will write your new name on a white stone from Jerusalem that will be yours to keep as a reminder of what you have set the intention to be in 2023.
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Souper Sunday
Sunday, January 8, 2023
Please join us in the downstairs community room after the White Stone Ceremony for “Souper” Sunday!!
We will graciously accept food items prepared for this special occasion on the day of the event.
Please sign up for soup, bread, or dessert on the signup sheets outside the sanctuary.
Upon arrival, take your prepared items to the downstairs kitchen and our helpers will handle the rest.
Hope to see you there!!
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Donations for "Feed My People" |
On January 8, 2023, please donate a couple of cans of soup, chili, and/or boxes of crackers for "Feed My People."
There will be a basket upstairs in the lobby to collect your donations.
Thank you in advance for your participation.
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Ladies and Men's Night Out meets on the third Monday of the month! |
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January 16, 2023, at 5:30 pm.
Three Margaritas
69 Fenton Plaza
Fenton, MO 63026
February 21, 2023, at 5:30 pm.
Outback Steakhouse
5240 South Lindberg Blvd. Sappington, MO 63126
Please contact Mary at jtpres5111@gmail.com for more information.
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January 16, 2023, at 6:00 pm.
Viviano's Festa Italiano
55 Fenton Plaza
Fenton, Mo 63026
Feb 20, 2023, at 6:00 pm.
TGI Friday's
5262 South Lindberg Blvd.
Sappington, Mo 63126
Please contact Roy at fisherofbass@gmail.com for more information.
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The Hospitality Ministry will hold their monthly meeting on January 15, 2023, at 12:30 pm in the Adult Classroom.
Please contact Linda at lindaharr636@gmail.com for more information.
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Community Service Ministry |
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The Community Service Ministry will hold their meeting on January 29, 2023, at 12:30 pm in the Adult Classroom.
Please contact Julie at juliegoede02@gmail.com
for more information.
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The First Unity Book Club meets on the second Tuesday of the month from 2 pm - 4 pm at:
Panera Bread
9920 Kennerly Road
St. Louis, MO 63128
Future books:
January 10, 2023 - Lessons in Chemistry - Bonnie Garmus
February 14, 2023 - The Book Woman's Daughter - Kim Michele Richardson
March 14, 2023 - Book of Lost Friends - Lisa Wingate
April 11, 2023 - Still Life - Louise Penny
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: WELCOMING
We celebrate the Divine Essence of every human being by joyfully inviting all into our spiritual home.
COMMUNITY BEHAVIORS
- With extended hands and open hearts, we provide a compassionate atmosphere where everyone is fully included
- Our Sunday messages are positive and uplifting, affirming the sacred goodness in each person
- As a welcoming spiritual community, we encourage all to share their spiritual gifts in sacred service
INDIVIDUAL BEHAVIORS
- Suspending judgments, I receive with goodwill and kindness everyone who enters my spiritual community
- I actively participate in First Unity’s social activities in order to build and nurture relationships
- I invite acquaintances, friends, and family members to attend services and social activities at First Unity
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Invisible Man
First Invisible Man: "Did you miss me when I was gone?"
Second Invisible Man: "Were you gone?"
Fishing Humor
When is fishing not a good way to relax?
When you are the worm.
Boomerang
I used to know this hilarious joke about a boomerang.
I forgot it, but I am sure it will come back to me.
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Minister: Jan Mourning
Office: 314.845.8540
SilentUnity prayer support
1.800.NOW PRAY (669.7729)
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