the united life messengerunitedlife.org/what-we-teach/july 2019 messenger.pdf · 2019. 6. 30. ·...

Volume 23, Number 7 July 2019

The

Enlightenment for Successful Living in the 21st Century

United Life Messenger

I am the perfect expression of God.

United Life Center for Spiritual Living Oklahoma City

A Member of Centers for Spiritual Living®

Joyfully Expressing Spirit

Celebration Service

11:00 a.m. each Sunday Meditation 10:30 - 10:50 am

July 2019 Theme “Creativity”

July 7 ~ “Creativity” ~ James Palmer

July 14 ~ “Moving Beyond Our Story” ~ Rev Dr Suellen Miller

July 21~ “Living in Choice” ~ Tammy Tittle, RScP

July 28 ~ “Living an Empowered Life” ~ Rev Dr Peggy D Farris, RStD

Celebrating

64 Years

in OKC

1955 - 2019

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Celebration Service Theme & Speakers .............. 1 Vision and Mission Statement ......................... 2 Financial Picture ......................................... 2 Book Discussion ......................................... 2 Leadership Council Communiqué ................... 3 From SuZ’s Keyboard .................................. 4 Ministerial Selection Team News .................... 5 Women’s Group ........................................ 5

................................. 6 Practitioners Corner ................................... 7 Sisco Says ................................................. 8 Information & Support ................................ 9 Seeking Volunteers! ....................................... 9 Footnote Quotes ........................................... 9 Sacred New Minister Covenant ..................... 10 Youth and Family Ministries ......................... 10 Calendar ................................................. 11 Events/Activities ....................................... 12

NEW SUNDAY SERVICE TIMES!

Meditation 10:30 - 10:50 am

Facilitated by Practitioners

Celebration Service

11:00 am each Sunday

NEW FACEBOOK PAGE

Facebook: @UnitedLifeCSLOklahomaCity

NEW: Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/unitedlifecsl/

Check out the new and upcoming events

In this issue and on social media!

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https://www.facebook.com/UnitedLifeCSLOklahomaCity




United Life Messenger Th

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The United Life

Messenger

Spirit Team Leader

Nina Wegrzyn-Van Zant Publisher/Editor

Our Loving Volunteers

Assembly/Mailing

Dorothy Danen, RScP

Rev SuZ Ogden Stephen Sisco Mary Strasner Linda Weston

Contributors

Chris Van Zant

Nina Wegrzyn-Van Zant Photographers

Published monthly by United Life Center for Spiritual Living—OKC

We’re available via email:

[email protected] [email protected]

Facebook: @UnitedLifeCSLOklahomaCity Instagram: unitedlifecsl https://www.instagram.com/unitedlifecsl/

If you would like to be add-ed to our email list, please

call (or email) Nina or Elaine at

(405) 945-6753

I am surrounded by the ever-flowing abundance of God. 2

OUR VISION

We are a loving spiritual community, joyfully expressing Spirit!

MISSION STATEMENT

By practicing the Science of Mind Principles,

we honor the presence of God in all,

Nurture and support spiritual growth and transformation,

and empower people to create happy, healthy,

abundant lives.

OUR PROSPERITY AFFIRMATION

We express the overflowing prosperous nature of God in our Spiritual Community

and in our personal lives.

For The Month of May 2019

SUNDAY ATTENDANCE

~ May 2019 Sunday attendance: 138

May average attendance: 34

Sunday Year-To-Date (YTD) attendance: 737

NEW MEMBERS ~ May 2019: 0 ~ YTD: 4

(we affirm all our needs are met and exceeded)

FINANCIALS (from Servant Keeper) ~ May 2019 Income: $ 5,738.58 ~ YTD Income: 30,963.74

EXPENSES (from P&L) ~ May Expenses: $ 5,513.56 ~ YTD Expenses: 33,251.80

Book Discussion:

"This Thing Called You," by Ernest Holmes

Presented by SuZ

Come explore Come explore Come explore

This Thing Called This Thing Called This Thing Called

YOUYOUYOU!!!








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I am whole, perfect and complete in every aspect of my being. 3

Hello Friends,

If there were a Guinness World Record for Leadership Council meetings, I believe our June 23rd monthly meeting, at almost three and a half hours, would have been the new winner! We were all worn out by the time we finished; but it was very productive, allow-ing us to discuss and work out several complicated issues.

I had been wrestling with writing about the last of our new minister affirmations:

I am creatively awakening the wisdom in me and demonstrating Spiritual Principles.

I struggled with how to explain “creatively awakening.” How does one awaken wisdom, let alone creatively awaken it?

As I listened to the conversations at the Council meeting, I realized that we – the Council, United Life as a whole – have been creatively awakening wisdom in our Center for quite

some time. In Science of Mind circles, as you know, we say “change your thinking, change your life.” It’s thinking that creates, and right thinking that creates wisdom. All of us focused, as one, on the greatest good for our Center; we practiced gratitude, and believed that our highest good was already so and on its way to us. And just look at all we’ve demonstrated:

Raised over $3,000 dollars for tree service, the co-creation workshop, and new chairs for the fellowship hall;

Through the co-creation process, released thoughts and beliefs that were holding us back, and created a powerful new minister covenant that provides a strong, clear vision of what we want in ourselves and our future minister;

Attracted the help we needed to mentor us through the ministerial selection process, allowing us to make steady progress toward hiring a new minister;

Started showing fifth Sunday movies;

Conducted numerous classes and book studies to deepen our knowledge and our bond with one another;

Expanded our music ministry to include a band and new soloists;

Attracted new members;

Manifested ideas for karaoke and art gala fundraisers, plans for both of which are underway;

Started a women’s group to serve the Center through various projects;

Made plans to start a building fund, so we’re prepared to maintain our building and property.

Even with this long list, I’m sure there are things I’ve overlooked! We aren’t just a loving spiritual commu-

nity, we’re a mighty one – good is building upon good to increase our forward momentum. By using the creative process for our Good, we’re demonstrating the spiritual principles described by Judge Thomas Troward as life, love, light, power, peace, beauty, and joy. What a wonderful community to be a part of!

Blessings, Linda Weston

Leadership Council Communiqué

Linda Weston Leadership Council

President


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The fullness of the universe flows to me and through me with ease and grace. 4

Some of us have been meeting every Sunday evening at 5:05 to read and discuss “This Thing Called You.” We have been changing all the pronouns to the first person; reading and accepting the way Ernest Holmes describes living. It has been a very fulfilling worth-while use of time.

As we go into this month of recognizing and honoring freedom, I am reminded of not only what an incredible place I was born, but also of the good life I have had: food to eat, a roof over my head, a car to drive, animals to love me up when I get home. Also I recognize the wonderful spiritual freedom I have to worship where I choose, and to choose my own personal spiritual family. Not that every moment is without hiccups, but that in this philosophy we learn to take responsibility for how our life unfolds.

In this teaching I have learned to use my intellect, imagination, and feeling for the pur-pose of seeing and sensing freedom instead of bondage, joy instead of unhappiness, plen-

ty instead of want, health in place of disease. I no longer deny good to fill my life. I use the tools Ernest Holmes

made so clear and turn my focus toward the light. This Thing Called You is a great reminder to just simply turn on the switch. The electricity (light) is already available.

This month, at the end of service we will be using an affirmation from the book. I have enclosed it in this article just in case you want to join us daily in saying:

The Freedom of God is my freedom. The Power of God is my power. The Presence of God is with me. The Mind of God is my mind. The Strength of God is my strength. The Joy of God is my Joy. This Thing Called You, Ernest Holmes, pg. 61

I leave you with these words:

The Mind of God is daily manifesting in my life. The Spirit within me is projecting Itself into my experience. Divine Intelligence is acting in my affairs. Everything that I do, say, or think is governed by this Intelligence. The Power which creates and sustains everything is now creating everything necessary to my happiness. This Thing Called You, Ernest Holmes, pg. 63

And so it is!

I love each one of you. SuZ

From SuZ’s Keyboard


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United Life CSL Women’s Group

The newly formed ULCSL Women’s Group will meet Sunday, July 28,

2019, the fourth Sunday of July. We will meet in the Social Hall at

12:15 for about 30 to 45 minutes.

Our June meeting set us on our path to greatness. Agenda items for

this first meeting were to brainstorm a clever name for our group, and

create a focus, plus projects for group work.

Our inaugural plan is to update the Solarium, a lovely space within

United Life Center for Spiritual Living, where we host groups, meet-

ings, healing sessions, and of course, the children’s activities! The up-

date will be a welcome renewal for the Solarium, and just the begin-

ning of what we can accomplish at United Life.

All women who attend United Life Center for Spiritual Living (and

friends of such) are welcome to attend.

We look forward to seeing you!

Deanie Wright

I am at peace. 2

Ministerial Selection Team News

The Ministerial Selection Team is working with Julie Lobato from Cen-ters for Spiritual Living. Rev Lobato is guiding us through the process, beginning with our profile.

We are now meeting by phone every Monday evening and will be getting our information into Rev Lobato by mid-July. She will go over our in-formation and make adjustments, then post it for prospective ministers.

We will keep the United Life community updated on a monthly/biweekly basis, as we progress. We will reach out via newsletter, email, and announcements at Sunday service.


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and

Show us what you’ve got!

for sale

I am surrounded by the ever-flowing abundance of God. 2


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I live in the knowing that I am the way Spirit shows up in the world. 5

Creativity is the theme for July, with The Sun Does Shine by Anthony Ray Hinton as the suggested book for this month. Mr. Hinton was sentenced to death for crimes he did not commit when he was just 29 years old. He spent thirty years on death row before his conviction was overturned and he was set free.

To endure his time spent in a 5 foot by 7 foot cell for 23 hours a day, he did what his mother taught him and what Ernest Holmes said – Your own choice has decided you. The first three years were filled with anger and rage, but once he chose to stop hating those who were responsible for his incarceration he began to imagine being free and dreaming of all the places he would go and things he would do once he was free again. Mr. Hinton saw himself traveling to faraway places, becoming the MVP for three different sports, visiting the queen of England, marrying beautiful movie stars, and other equally pleasant and fantastic situations. As a re-sult of his new attitude, his experience with the guards and his fellow inmates changed. The guards began to treat him better, even letting him cook for them and asking him for advice on their marriages. He also became friends with the other inmates, starting a book club where they could talk about their backgrounds and what they grew up believing. It was a kind of therapy for them and they all began to understand each other better and feel less alone and forgotten.

All of his praying and visualizing and faith did bring to Mr. Hinton the man that took his case to the Federal Supreme Court, which led to regaining his freedom. Once he was released, he did play basketball with George Clooney, visited Richard Branson on his personal island, had a private tour of Buckingham Palace, and trav-eled to Hawaii and many other places to tell his story. He admitted that he is surprised that a guy from a small town in Alabama ended up having all the experiences he has had. I suspect that his many hours of re-hearsing and his strong faith had much to do with that.

The suggested book for the month of May, The I of the Storm by Gary Simmons, also addressed the subject of handling adversity. His message to us is that no one or no thing can be against us. There is no force in the universe which opposes the life we are meant to live, for we are beloved creations of God. When we find our-selves in what feels like chaos, he recommends we see ourselves as if we are in the eye of a hurricane where all is calm and still. From that safe space we can be the channels of light, love, and healing power that we were born to be. We can make a difference in the world.

Creativity and Freedom

Dorothy Danen, R.Sc.P.

Tammy Tittle, RScP

Barbara Hartman, RScP

Rev Dr Peggy Farris, RStD Dorothy Danen, RScP


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Journey of Dreams

Stephen G. Sisco

Stephen G. Sisco/

Hand and Harvest

L.L.C., 2016

Steve Sisco Center Librarian

Sisco Says

One of the most learned and highly trained American-born lamas in the Tibetan tradition introduces the healing insights of the Buddha, helping listeners (readers) discover peace, enlightenment, and spiritual revolution.

With this original author adaptation, listeners will experience the fruits of the Buddha's greatest lessons. Lama Surya Das welcomes practitioners from all tradi-tions to the fundamental teachings and transformative practices of Buddhism.

Buddha's gift:

The Bodhisattva's active way of awakening -- Living the good life -- The transcendental gift of generosity -- The impeccable virtue of ethical self-discipline -- The transformative practice of patient forbearance -- The power of heroic effort -- The liberating power of mindfulness and meditation -- The panacea of wisdom -- The universal tool of skillful means -- The profundity and vastness of spiritual aspirations -- The magic of higher accomplishments -- The perfection of awakened awareness -- Spiritual revolution, enlightened leadership: prayer of accomplishing the Paramita virtues.

In 2006 His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who calls Lama Surya Das the American Lama, said to an American audience, "It is not enough just to meditate and pray,

Buddha Is As Buddha Does: The Ten Original Practices For Enlightened Living, by Lama Surya Das. Harper San Francisco 2007; Unabridged. 3 CDs.

which are always good things to do, but we also must take positive action in this world."

In the process of awakening, the Buddha realized that all of us, deep within, are inherently perfect and whole, with the capacity to overcome suffering and transform ourselves into forces for good. In this book national bestselling author Lama Surya Das, one of the fore-most American Buddhist teachers, offers a thorough, tried-and-true map to the richest treasure a human be-ing can find—Buddha's advice for living to your true potential. By following these guidelines, you will enter into a life of greater joy, clarity, peace, and wisdom than you ever thought possible.

Whether you consider yourself a Buddhist, Christian,

Jew, Muslim, Hindu, atheist, or agnostic, Buddha Is as Buddha Does enables you to reflect more deeply upon how you think, speak, and behave in each moment and to explore more intently your relationships with others. Appropriate for new seekers as well as experienced practitioners, and accompanied by lively anecdotes and practical exercises, this is one of the most accessible books to date on the ancient and timeless wisdom of

the Buddha. Buddha Is as Buddha Does is for everyone who seeks to become a better person and share in the bounty of true Buddha nature.

Stephen G Sisco

I am the healing presence of grace and joy. 6


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SUNDAY

Child Care 10 am - 12:00 n Meditation Service 10:30 - 10:50 am Youth Classes 11:00 am Celebration Service 11:00 am-12:00 n Education Team Meeting 1st Sun-12:30 pm Toning & Meditation Circle 2nd Sun, 5:30 pm LC Meeting -JUNE 3rd Sun 12:30 pm

MONDAY

Toastmasters 7 - 8 pm

TUESDAY

Choir Practice Tue. 6:30 pm

WEDNESDAY OKC Reiki Energy Circle 1st Wed, 2 pm 3rd Wed, 7 pm THURSDAY Stewardship Team Meeting Thu before LC Mtg

OKC Reiki Energy Circle 4th Thu, 6:30 pm

SATURDAY

Creative Spirits (come-n-go) 9:00 am - Noon “Love Your Center” Clean Up Day:

2nd Saturday, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

OKC Reiki Energy Circle 2nd & 5th Sat, 11 am

WE ARE OPEN

[email protected] / [email protected] [email protected] Facebook: @UnitedLifeCSLOklahomaCity

Instagram: unitedlifecsl https://www.instagram.com/unitedlifecsl/

LICENSED PRACTITIONERS

Tammy Tittle, RScP, Prayer Ministry Chair ... 213.3454

Dorothy Danen, RScP ............................... 826.1935

Barbara Hartman, RScP ....................... 951.537.8179

Rev Dr Peggy D Farris, RStD ...................... 203.0284

GENERAL INFORMATION

United Life Center for Spiritual Living - Oklahoma City 3332 N Meridian Ave • Oklahoma City • OK 73112 405.946.6753

Rev SuZ Ogden, Music Director ................... 473.8828 Elaine Parrent, Administrator ....................... 946.6753 Nina Wegrzyn-Van Zant, Publisher................ 946.6753

LEADERSHIP COUNCIL Linda Weston, President ............................ 818.3306 Derek Ackley, Vice President ....................... 625.8078 James Palmer, Treasurer ............................. 919.5703

Tammy Tittle, Secretary ............................. 213.3454

Portwood Williams, Trustee ........................ 427.0031 Barbara Hartman, Trustee .................... 951.537.8179

Seeking Volunteers !All positions rotational

Sunday/school teacher (Contact Mary Strasner for grades 2-5 or Deanie Wright)

Ushers and Greeters (Speak with an Usher/Greeter!)

I am grateful for my health, wealth, creativity and beauty. 7

Footer Quotes Personal Affirmations by Eugene D. Holden; from

“Science of Mind: Guide for Spiritual Living,” May 2019

Eugene D. Holden is a religious Science practitioner,

internationally renowned speaker and life coach who works

with people to ignite their true magnificence.

Cheers for Volunteers!

Are you looking for an interesting way to

volunteer your time and talents?

Consider joining the Audio/video Team.

Audio operators have a very important role in the

operation of the service.

Also, the best seat in the house!

Contact SuZ Ogden for more information






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I’m a work in progress, treating myself gently as I change and learn from each experience. 8

United Life Sacred New Minister Covenant

There is only one Life! • This Life is good! This Life is God! • This Life is my Life now!

GOD IS THE WHOLENESS THAT I AM.*

For it is written: “Wholeness remains the same no matter how much it changes.” **

As I stand in agreement with my beloved Community, I see my new minister revealed before me as: GUIDING UNITED LIFE TO GROW IN LOVE AND JOY.

I now intend to experience my new minister in full cooperation and agreement with my Community, knowing this truth about myself, for:

I am inspiring all to live life as Love. I am creatively awakening the wisdom in myself and demonstrating Spiritual Principles. I am applying the healing power of Love to reveal wholeness and perfection. I am effectively applying Spiritual Principles and vision to meet community, organizational, and

personal responsibilities. I am creating an atmosphere that manifests abundance, prosperity, and gratitude.

As I now accept the highest expression of a new minister in my life, I know that they will be revealed in a way that will glorify God and serve the highest and greatest good of all who are touched by their presence.

I am grateful God is gracious! So be it now!

*Purpose **quote: Deepak Chopra

Youth & Family Ministries News

Nursery: Our current nursery worker is Krystal Cash. Please say hello to her and help her feel wel-come.

Sunday School: There is still an opportunity for one or more people to join the Teaching Team - we are flexible as to which Sundays we can rotate. FYI: Any younger children stay in the Nursery while the older ones participate in the lesson. You will be shown the excellent teaching materi-als and resources and supported as part of the Sunday School Team. Please let Deanie or Mary know that you’re interested! We do ask that you will have completed the SOM course Founda-tions.

FYI: Teachers are provided with a free CD of the service.

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United Life Center for

Spiritual Living—OKC

3332 N Meridian Avenue Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405.946.6753 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.UnitedLife.org Facebook: @UnitedLifeCSLOklahomaCity ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED

DATED MATERIAL

Enlightenment for Successful Living in the 21st Century

Celebrating 64 Years in OKC

1955 - 2019

I stand as the presence of love.

Book Discussion: This Thing Called You by Ernest Holmes. Each Sunday, July 7-July 28, 2019 5:05 pm

United Life Toning and Meditation Circle: Sunday, July 14, 2019 5:30 - 6:30 pm

“Love Your Center” Clean up Day: We look good when we sparkle! Saturday, July 13, 2019 9 am - 12n

Sunday, July 14, 2019 12:30 pm

ULCSL Women’s Group aka Goddess Lights: Sunday, July **, 2019 12:15 - 1:00 pm

Sunday, July 21:

OKC Reiki Energy Circle

Wednesday, July 3, 2019, 2:00 pm

Saturday, July 13, 2019, 11:00 am

Wednesday, July 17, 2019, 7:00 pm

Thursday, July 25, 2019, 6:30 pm

Saturday, July 20, 5:00 - 8:00 pm $5.00 entry fee gets you a raffle ticket!

Music, food and fun on a Saturday night with your favorite people!

Tammy Tittle, R.Sc.P.

Love Offering Accepted


the united life messengerunitedlife.org/what-we-teach/july 2019 messenger.pdf · 2019. 6. 30. ·...

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