tidings of joy...october/november 2012 tidings of joy let’s be grateful! one of the many things i...

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October/November 2012 Tidings of Joy www.1CommunitySC.org Let’s BE grateful! One of the many things I treasure about living in Kansas City is our four seasons, usually evenly spaced in terms of time and seasonal change. Many of you may think that this is great, too, and you may have the idea that this seasonal experience happens everywhere in the Midwest; but I can as- sure you that it isn’t the case. You see, I have always lived in Wisconsin until coming here to Kan- sas City for ministerial school, and in “America’s Dairyland” state we also have four seasons; however I have given them my own personal names. I call them Pre-Winter, Winter, Post- Winter and Summer! I revel in the changes of seasons here, and right now I’m appreciating the beautiful autumn we’re having. The leaves on the trees are beginning to turn from green to vivid shades of gold, red and orange. The days are becoming cooler and shorter, and I’ve put away summer apparel and have begun wearing warm sweaters and socks. This time of year was more commonly known as “Harvest” for those who lived be- fore the 16 th century. As you can imagine, most people back then lived in farming communities and built their lives around their crops. They were deeply connected to the bounty of their fields, and because of it, they were especially grateful for the great good of a wonderful harvest. Even though few of us live or work on farms today, we can still learn from our an- cestors. We can recognize this time of year as a time when we, too, can focus with gratitude for the “harvest” we experience in our lives. We can look to all the ways our hard work, our faith and our prayers have come forward to bless us. We can see how far we’ve each come in our spiritual growth and development, and we can see the changes that we’ve made to become even stronger and more joyful people of faith. We can also look to the times and ways that we’ve “harvested” goodness that has come our way, through family, friends, and wonderful experiences. Here are two questions for you to consider at depth: What is “the good” you’re harvesting today? What is “the good” you’re grateful for? Take some time during this Fall season to become consciously aware of the good- ness that you are harvesting in your life. Allow yourself to check-in from within, and in doing so, acknowledge your great good with warm feelings of authentic apprecia- tion. Then do something really heart-opening and transformative. Let the people who bless you deeply know without question just how much you appreciate them! Take your gratitude and put it into action by doing something generous in return. Do something outrageously wonderful as a gift from your heart and soul. Let the magnificent good that blesses you come forward in a powerful way to bless others now. In great love and outrageous appreciation, Staff, Board, and Church Information 2 Message from the Board President 2 Events & Activities 3 Youth & Family Ministry 4 Sunday Services 5 Prayer Services & Support 5 “What Did You Say?” 6 Joy-Filled & Grateful 6 Chaplain Corner 7 Social Groups 8 Reflections Books & Gifts 8 Adult Education 9 Financials 10 Birthdays 11 Contact Information 12 Website Update 5 IN THIS ISSUE Rev. Myra McFadden

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  • October/November 2012

    Tidings of Joy www.1CommunitySC.org

    Let’s BE grateful! One of the many things I treasure about living in Kansas City is our four seasons, usually evenly spaced in terms of time and seasonal change. Many of you may think that this is great, too, and you may have the idea that this seasonal experience happens everywhere in the Midwest; but I can as-sure you that it isn’t the case. You see, I have always lived in Wisconsin until coming here to Kan-sas City for ministerial school, and in “America’s Dairyland” state we also have four seasons; however I have given them my own personal names. I call them Pre-Winter, Winter, Post-Winter and Summer!

    I revel in the changes of seasons here, and right now I’m appreciating the beautiful autumn we’re having. The leaves on the trees are beginning to turn from green to vivid shades of gold, red and orange. The days are becoming cooler and shorter, and I’ve put away summer apparel and have begun wearing warm sweaters and socks.

    This time of year was more commonly known as “Harvest” for those who lived be-fore the 16th century. As you can imagine, most people back then lived in farming communities and built their lives around their crops. They were deeply connected to the bounty of their fields, and because of it, they were especially grateful for the great good of a wonderful harvest.

    Even though few of us live or work on farms today, we can still learn from our an-cestors. We can recognize this time of year as a time when we, too, can focus with gratitude for the “harvest” we experience in our lives. We can look to all the ways our hard work, our faith and our prayers have come forward to bless us. We can see how far we’ve each come in our spiritual growth and development, and we can see the changes that we’ve made to become even stronger and more joyful people of faith. We can also look to the times and ways that we’ve “harvested” goodness that has come our way, through family, friends, and wonderful experiences.

    Here are two questions for you to consider at depth:

    What is “the good” you’re harvesting today? What is “the good” you’re grateful for?

    Take some time during this Fall season to become consciously aware of the good-ness that you are harvesting in your life. Allow yourself to check-in from within, and in doing so, acknowledge your great good with warm feelings of authentic apprecia-tion. Then do something really heart-opening and transformative. Let the people who bless you deeply know without question just how much you appreciate them! Take your gratitude and put it into action by doing something generous in return.

    Do something outrageously wonderful as a gift from your heart and soul.

    Let the magnificent good that blesses you come forward in a powerful way to bless others now. In great love and outrageous appreciation,

    Staff, Board, and Church Information

    2

    Message from the Board President

    2

    Events & Activities 3

    Youth & Family Ministry 4

    Sunday Services 5

    Prayer Services & Support 5

    “What Did You Say?” 6

    Joy-Filled & Grateful 6

    Chaplain Corner 7

    Social Groups 8

    Reflections Books & Gifts 8

    Adult Education 9

    Financials 10

    Birthdays 11

    Contact Information 12

    Website Update 5

    IN THIS ISSUE

    Rev. Myra McFadden

  • 2

    Staff, Board & Church Information Rev. Myra McFadden Senior Minister [email protected]

    Marcia Dale Office Manager [email protected]

    JoAnn Quinn Administrative Assistant [email protected]

    Jennifer Marchand Youth Ministry Coordinator [email protected]

    Jacquie Lenati Creative Arts Director Pam Saccone Bookstore Manager [email protected]

    Marcia Dale & Terry Hale Co-Editors, Tidings of Joy

    Catherine Bohm, L.U.T.

    Judi Estes, L.U.T.

    Bob & Helen Smith Custodians

    Board of Trustees [email protected]

    Bonnie Smith, President

    Dan Sprowl, Vice President

    Nancy Rafiner, Secretary

    Karen Ives, Treasurer

    Roger Bidwell, Member-At-Large

    Melanie Dean, Member-At-Large

    CHURCH OFFICE

    816.436.0200 [email protected]

    Office Hours Sunday 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM Monday - Thursday: 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM Friday - Saturday Closed

    REFLECTIONS Books & Gifts Hours Monday - Thursday: 9:00 AM -

    3:30 PM Sunday: 8:15 AM - 1:30 PM

    WEBSITE: www.1CommunitySC.org

    Message from our Board President For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (Matthew 6:21) When you think of it, your life is a treasure hunt of experiences, struggles, lessons and achievements. What treasures do you seek? Where does your heart draw you forward or restrain you? And how much are you willing to invest – emotionally, physically, and financially, to pursue those desires? Not unlike a human journey, the life of Unity of Kansas City North has ebbed and flowed for nearly 60 years – its location, building, programs, ministry, and even its name, guided from the hearts and wisdom of thousands of spiritual seekers. And not unlike a 60-year human life, our church has gone through phases of growth, discovery and change influenced by different ministers, members, and cultural conditions. Its one constant has been its identity as a Unity church providing spiritual growth, guidance and fellowship to its occupants. As is the reality for many middle-aged human bodies, our church building is in need of attention: its electrical, heating and air conditioning systems require some tender loving care. The steps from the east parking lot down to our fellowship hall are in need of repair, with the addition of a stable railing. It’s a great body, no doubt, but it’s feeling its age. This Fall, the Board of Trustees will communicate details about a proposed 2013 budget to tend to the upkeep and maintenance of our building, replenish our reserve financial fund, and eventually add more staff to support our Youth and Family Ministry and community outreach ministries. I join our Board in encouraging you to review the proposed budget and discern your sense of its alignment with our community’s mission, vision and core values. And as you do so, please prayerfully consider your own willingness and commitment to support Unity of Kansas City North in the form of tithes, time and talent in 2013. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Many Blessings,

    Bonnie

    Bonnie Smith

    2013 Board Nominations Open Soon The nominating committee of Dean Landsberg, Dave Stanley, and Lonnie Vanderslice (elected at the 2012 Annual Meeting last February) will convene soon to consider nomi-nations for the 2013 Board of Trustees. There are three positions to be filled. The three incumbents in those positions may or may not decide to run for a second term. Details regarding qualifications to run for the Board and the responsibilities of Board members will be available at the Connections Center in November.

  • 3

    Events and Activities

    Spiritually Spooktacular!!! Friday, October 26th

    6:00—7:30 PM All You Care to Eat Taco Dinner (Tickets $5.00 each) 7:00 PM Costume Parade 7:30 PM Raffle Drawing

    Wear a costume (optional….but

    fun)!

    Fundraiser for our Youth Ministry: Y.O.U. and Uniteens,

    Friday, November 2nd 7:00 PM

    Friendship Hall Join Rev. Myra McFadden for our quarterly experiential alternative service. Watch for more details in the bulletin and on the website.

    Thanksgiving Dinner Sunday, November 18th

    Mark you calendar now and plan to bring your family and friends to this very special and delicious annual event here at Unity of Kansas City North! We’ll have a delicious turkey dinner with all the trimmings following the 11:00 service. Watch for more details on various ways you can participate.

    Holiday Movie...A New Tradition at Unity of Kansas City North Plan now to be with us the on Sunday, November 25th (the Sunday after Thanksgiving) for a relaxing afternoon viewing of a favorite holiday movie. We’re not saying just yet what that movie will be...but bring the family and join us for some cider and cookies (and maybe even some pop-corn) as we get in the holiday spirit with a fun movie on our inflatable big screen!!

    First time shown in the Kansas City area, you won’t want to miss this powerful new film by writer and producer Austin Vickers. The film is set in the notorious “Old Main Prison” of the New Mexico State Penitentiary, and tells the story of Aaron Roberts, a single father who is arrested fol-lowing an incident that claims the life of a woman. Aaron is convicted at trial, and his daughter becomes a ward of the State. An attorney learns of her plight and decides to represent her in an innovative and emotionally compelling case against the State.

    This movie explores the science and power of perception and imagina-tion and the prison walls of habitual thought and behavior that we all cre-ate, and documents the evidence that answers the central questions of this provocative film: “what is real?” and “can we really change?” It is an inspiring movie that will wake you up to the power of your imagination, encourage your hope, and elevate your spirit!

    Friday, October 19th, 7:00 PM Sponsored by Unity of KC North

    Hosted by Unity Temple on the Plaza

    Tickets $10 in advance; $12 at the door Tickets available in person at the church,

    by phone (816.436.0200), or online at www.1communitysc.org

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    Youth and Family Ministry By: Jennifer Marchand Interim YFM Coordinator

    Y.O.U. News….. The Y.O.U. is off to an incredible year! In September the Y.O.U. hosted Sunday Funday with Universal Dances of Peace and we sent one Y.O.U.er to Leadership Rally.

    Upcoming, we will begin October with our Wednesday night fun celebrating Dia de los Muertos on October 3rd. Then on October 26th we will have our annual "Spiritually Spooktacular." Ticket sales for the dinner and raffle will be-gin Sunday, October 7th. Come in costume. Get ready for tasty meal and a fun haunted room with a few surprises! In November, we will be focusing on the theme of gratitude. On November 11th we will have our youth-led service at 10 AM celebrating gratitude. Our Wednesday night fun on November 14th will be Messages of Love (MOLs). To find out more about our amazing teen ministry check out our website at https://sites.google.com/site/onecommunityyou . You will find our calendar, lessons and newsletters.

    I can’t believe today is the first day of Fall!! How symbolic of the beauty of beginnings. It’s the promise of what can be...the excitement of what we know will be. I love Summer, but Fall brings routine and comfort. As the weather cools off, life seems cozier and more relaxed. And Fall brings the start of our new session and a new curriculum.

    I am excited about our new youth curriculum. A committee from the Long Range Planning Team presented curriculum op-tions. Then, In April we had a congregational meeting to discuss what we would like our youth program to be. We took that input and matched it up with the available Unity curriculum, and then were able to not only find the curriculum, but also that we had 90% of it in our possession! A BIG thanks to Janice LeVan and Gwen Cooke for the tireless hours they spent pouring through our curriculum and documenting what we had available and what was available from Unity Worldwide Ministries

    In addition to our Sunday experience, please join us at our Sunday Fundays, Spiritually Spooktacular, and Community Fridays. These activities give the youth an opportunity to interact outside of the Sunday experience. It crosses age groups and allows family and parents to develop relationships. It’s nice to have like-minded children and parents. I personally have devel-oped invaluable relationships through these opportunities. Plus they are a lot of fun for our youth and parents!!!!!

    I would again like to send out a big thank you for all the teachers that give their time each week to help our youth grow spiri-tually. And a HUGE thank you to Connie Hull, without whom we would not have such a smooth running Sunday School each week. On Wednesday I email Connie a list of supplies for the Sunday School tubs and come Sunday it is all magically ready. Whatever is on the list Connie finds it and makes sure it is available. Sometimes it requires cutting, pasting, shop-ping….you name it! Thanks so much. We are so blessed to have such wonderful spirits as part of our Spiritual Family!

    Class Learning Objectives Curriculum

    Unitots 3 - PreK

    Learn basic virtues and introduction to spirituality. Rituals will help cultivate the idea of prayer, affirma-tions, and meditations. We will also introduce them to the Bible and Unity principles.

    What a Wonderful World

    Unitykes K-2nd Grade

    Through Bible stories, learn the teachings of Jesus Christ and begin to understand the metaphysical in-terpretation. Continue to learn Unity Basic Princi-ples and become comfortable with the concepts of prayer affirmations, and meditation.

    Celebrating My God Self

    Unikids 3rd-5th Grade

    Learn Bible stories/teachings of Jesus and under-stand the metaphysical interpretation. Continue to reinforce Unity principles and the concepts of prayer, affirmations, and meditation. Learn about beliefs and rituals of other religions.

    Children on the Quest

    Uniteens 6th-8th Grade

    Introduce the 12 powers and a deeper understanding of the practical use of the basic principles in our everyday situations.

    Bring on the Basics; Navigating thru change; Make a Difference; Self Image

  • 5

    Sunday Services

    Rev. Myra continues her series on “The 5th Agreement” continues through-out October.

    * On November 11th, there will be one service only - at 10:00 AM

    4th: “Caring for Each Other” Rev. Myra McFadden

    11th: “Thank You!”* Featuring the children of our Youth Ministry 18th: “Our Gratitude” Rev. Myra McFadden 25th: “The Christ In You” Rev. Myra McFadden

    5

    Prayer Services & Support Prayer Our Chaplains are available to pray with you every Sunday morning before and after Sunday ser-vices. All members receive a monthly wellness call from their Chaplain. Monthly Chaplain calls are also available to any non-members upon request. Please contact the office or let us know on a Connections Card if you would like to receive a monthly call from one of our Chaplains.

    Moment of Meditation 24-Hour Prayer Line 816-436-0100 - Call the Moment of Meditation prayer line any time for a two to three minute “spiritual break” to lift your soul . . . just when you need it!

    Sunday Morning Healing Prayer Circle 10:10 - 10:25 AM and 10:40 - 10:50 AM Meditation Chapel Come spend 10 minutes in quiet, reflective prayer on Sunday mornings, led by one of our Chaplains. We pray for our-selves, for others, and for our world in this spiritual circle.

    October November

    Some of the musical guests you’ll be seeing during October and November include Molly Hammer, Danny Cox, Scratching the Surface (our Youth Band), and members of our own Unity of KC North Choir and musical team.

    Website Update We are in the process of a complete update of our current website to a more modern and welcoming style...in connection with our new name and brand. We are working with a fabulous local artist and web designer and should have the new site up and running by the first of December. We are very excited about our new look and the functionality of the new site, and we’re sure you will be pleased with it as well.

    In the meantime, Marcia is keeping the current website up to date. The home page, What’s Happening Page, classes, and audio and video are updated at least once a week, as is the calendar. You can continue to use the current address - www.1communitysc.org - to access the website. And of course, you can keep up with us on a daily basis by “liking” us on our FaceBook page.

    Watch for news of the updated website within the next few weeks.

  • 6

    “What Did You Say?” (A column reflecting the thoughts and in-sights of a ministry leader at Unity of Kansas City North. This month we feature Board of Trustees Secretary, Nancy Rafiner.) Tell us a little about yourself and how you came to be part of this spiritual family. I am a Kansas City area native from Independence, and a graduate of Mizzou with a degree in elementary education. I met Tom at MU, and we have been married for 43 wonderful years. We have three married daughters and 10 grandchildren. I taught 3rd grade for seven years and then moved to Chicago and Japan with Tom’s career. I grew up in the Methodist church and actually married into Unity, as Tom grew up going to Unity Village. Unity was a wonderful awakening for me. We attended Unity of Overland Park when it was a fledgling church, where I taught Sunday school. When we moved back to KC after Tom retired, we wanted to “try out” what was then Christ Church Unity. It only took one time and we realized that we had found our home. What is your favorite affirmation or spiritual saying? My favorite and most meaningful affirmation is “Let go and let God.”

    Which of the 12 Powers has particular meaning for you right now? I am currently joyfully participating in the Self-Compassion class, so I must say that the powers of strength and love are the powers that are most definitely speaking to me at this time. What do you appreciate most about Unity of KC North? It is really difficult to pick one thing that I appreciate the most about this spiritual community, as there are so many! For today, I’ll say it’s the shared unconditional love for our community.

    -Filled and Grateful We continue with a column that began in our last issue, which provides an opportunity for individuals from our

    spiritual community to express gratitude for “What is up” with them. If you would like to submit a short (200 words or less) piece for a future issue, please email Marcia Dale at [email protected].

    From Ken Potter: When I think of joy, I first think of riding my motorcycle. The “freedom” of riding is well advertised, but it really is more than that. Riding sometimes feels like communing with nature. No doors or window glass, I am moving with nature all round, part of it, actually. I feel part of the topography, the undulating terrain. I have a real sense of the wonder of creation. During prayer, Reverend Myra often thanks Spirit for the day that has been created for us. On the bike, I definitely feel part of that creation. I am always grateful for family. We recently lost a family member, and all gathered for the memorial service. In gathering for love and support, we set our worlds on hold for a time. Any differences of opinion or mutual difficulties were held in check. It made me remember past times when any of my family has had difficulties, whether a family death, divorce, job loss or seri-ous illness, we have always put each other first. I am so very grateful for my family. From Ida Clayton: The question is: what fills me with joy and gratitude? I'd simply answer - what doesn't? I am convinced these two "feelings" are one & the same, much like a glass. The outside is as much "the glass" as is the inside. Likewise, it's impossible to feel joyful without feeling grateful, and vice-versa.

    (Continued next page )

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    (continued from Page 6)

    There's no way I can even begin to list my reasons for these feelings, so I'll keep it simple and focus on our five senses. As I look out the window and mindfully observe the water, reflecting everything above it, including the clouds in the sky or the sunrise or sunset, my heart fills with gratitude that I have good eyes and live where I can experience this. Maybe I hear a bird, welcoming the morning and I smell the coffee perking and can't wait to taste the flavor and feel the warmth. Now isn't it exciting that in those few minutes I have used my senses of sight, hearing, smell, taste and feeling? How can I not be grateful and joyful for these God-given attributes! However, we usually take these for granted; so why not be mindful of them, as well as other "routine-type" blessings and intentionally bring these feelings into our everyday experiences? It is just so easy to feel joy and gratitude!

    There are many things that happen in life. The events that make us feel very happy... you can go back as far as childhood and reflect on moments that you hoped would never end and then there are other moments in life that you wonder if the pain and disappointment will ever leave.

    The questions I have asked myself many times are – Why? What is our real purpose? How can I get through this? Different answers come at different times, but the answers have always come. They may come from words in a song, on a billboard, through a friend’s phone call or through a sermon. The key I have found in life is to stay open and to continue to search.

    Being totally honest with yourself is a key component for answers to come and for a change in yourself to come forth. I feel it is an important factor in life to be “real” with yourself and to embrace yourself, knowing that we are spiritual beings having a human experience.

    When we live our lives focusing on the human experiences and events, we always seem to come up empty and wanting more and sometimes we don’t know why we feel empty and unsatisfied. But, in having these feelings many times in life, I have found myself surrendering to God and learning how to listen to that small still voice that never gives up. As you seek, you will find.

    At times I have felt like a plastic bag with a small hole in it. You fill the bag up, but over time whatever is in the bag will leak out if you don’t keep refilling. We are a lot like that; we need to constantly work on keeping ourselves filled up with “truth,” “love” and all the other components that make this journey of life so worth it.

    Once you hear the voice inside and begin dedicating your life to knowing you have a divine purpose for being here on this earth at this specific time in eternity, you begin to embrace all experiences from a greater place in your mind. There is an inner peace that comes from within and things that we were once fearful of become lessons that empower us and open us up to more of who we are truly meant to be.

    Being a part of the Chaplain program is a blessing that I cannot totally express with words. In my desire of being here to help others , I have been so blessed and filled with love, compassion and an understanding that I know is coming from the Divine within. I am so blessed and grateful to be a part of this beautiful community! Blessings to All.

    Chaplain Corner (Thoughts from one of our Chaplains)

    Jane Ray

    Jane Ray

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    Men’s Fellowship Our Men’s Group meets each month on the 2nd Saturday of the month. We begin with a delicious, home cooked breakfast in Friendship Hall at 8:00 AM, followed by a time of fellowship and conversation. All Unity men are welcome.

    Unity Sisters

    October

    & November 2012

    The Book Bunch meets every Friday morning at 10:00 to read and discuss a book that feeds us spiritually. In October, we are continuing with our study of Excuse Me, Your Life is Waiting by Lynn Grabhorn, and welcome anyone to join in at any time. After reading and sharing, the group goes out to eat the 1st and 3rd Fridays and brings brown bag lunch on the 2nd and 4th Fridays. We have a great time. Come join us !

    Social Groups

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    By Pam Saccone, Bookstore Manager

    Our beautiful Reflections Books & Gifts is NOT your everyday church bookstore! Our inventory changes frequently, and we have many lovely gift items in addition

    to a large inventory of Unity, new thought, and other books for adults and children.

    Our scarves and pashminas have been very hot items recently, and we also have a wide assortment of affordable jewelry, blessing stones, candles, and the wonderful NasCia Naturals skin care products.

    Stop in next time you are at the church and check out our latest finds. You might just come across some-thing perfect for you or someone you know!

    Plan to join us for some Fall fun and celebration in October and November. Saturday, October 20th: Oh, what fun it is to laugh, to celebrate...and to dress up! We’ll gather at 11:00 AM at Olive Garden (in their meeting room) for our party and lunch. Come dressed up...OR NOT dress up. Either way you’ll have fun with your Unity Sisters! Saturday, November 17th: In honor of Thanks-giving, this annual event is centered on appre-ciation and thankfulness. We’ll join in a heartfelt sharing experience and discover new ways to feel and express gratitude in our lives.

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    UnityVersity Monday Evenings 6:30 - 8:30 PM Classes based on the founding principles of the Unity Movement. Many are available for Spiritual Education & Enrichment (S.E.E.) Credit. Relationships in the Bible November 5th - November 26th Facilitated by Rev. Myra McFadden Our last UnityVersity Class of 2012 is one of Rev. Myra’s favorites as it highlights many of the important relationships in the Bible and how they apply to our own lives today. No text book is required for this class, but Rev. Myra asks that you bring a Bible (other than a Kings James or paraphrased version) with you to class. We will also have Bibles avail-able in class for anyone who does not bring one with them. (Because this is only a 4-week class, we will not be offering it for credit.)

    Sign up at the Connections Center if you plan to attend, so we will have a count for preparation of materials. Also, this class - as well as many future classes - will have a 10-person minimum in order to be held.

    Daytime Class Series Tuesdays 10:00 AM to Noon Myrtle Fillmore’s Healing Letters October 9th through November 6th Facilitated by Trish Beach (Unity of KC North Chaplain)

    “All of us sooner or later come to the place in our development where we are no longer satis-fied to go on living the old life.” ~ Unity Co-Founder, Myrtle Fillmore

    This five week class, which will meet in the Adult Ed. Classroom, is a compilation of letters Myrtle had written in response to prayer re-

    quests she had received when Unity was founded.

    Myrtle’s letters provide a unique opportunity to more deeply explore the basic principles of Unity. In this compilation of letters, Myrtle Fillmore, co-founder of Unity, shares her thoughts on prayer, healing, forgiveness, and living our Truth. Come prepared to deepen your prayer life and live more fully from your Christ light. (Books available in Reflec-tions Books & Gifts.)

    On-Going Classes Drumming Circle Wednesdays at Noon Meditation Chapel AND 3rd Friday of Every Month 7:00 – 8:30 PM Friendship Hall

    If you are in the neighborhood on Wednesdays at noon, stop in and join us for a new drumming circle in the Meditation Chapel, facilitated by our own Kelly Collin.

    Then, every 3rd Friday, we have a drumming circle from 7:00 to 8:30 PM in Friendship Hall facilitated by Evans Chiganous...a well-known drumming instructor/facilitator in the KC area. This monthly event is open to all, and pre-sented on a love offering basis. Childcare is provided. Yoga & Meditation Mondays 9:00 – 10:00 AM AND 7:00 – 8:00 PM Facilitated by Elmari van der Westhuizen

    Through the art of self-healing and friendship, we practice loving kindness to ourselves and others. This class meets in the Meditation Chapel.

    $12.00 per class, or 6 classes for $60.00. Contact Elmari for more information (816) 536-0024

    Adult Education Classes

    NOTE: All classes are on a love offering basis (unless a specific registration fee is indicated), with a suggested love offering of $10 - $15 per class. Childcare is provided for most classes. Watch the bulletin and the “What’s Happening” page on the website to see childcare arrange-ments for specific classes.

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    We joyously affirm the increasing prosperity in our church and in our lives. With grateful hearts, we bless and appreciate all who give of their time, talents and treasures to this ministry. Together we hold the vision of a prosperous, abundant and joyous future for all...and so it is. Thank you God!

    Financial Snapshot and Tithing Update

    August 31, 2012 Budget Difference Year-to-Date Year-to-Date from Budget Total Operating Income 233,608.81 238,166.67 4,557.86

    Total Operating Expenses 221,216.86 232,518.67 11,301.81

    Net Operating Income 12,391.95 5,648.00 6,743.95 (Over/Under Expenses)

    Financial Recap - General Fund NOTE: Copies of the current financial statements are available at the Connections Center)

    Our Tithes

    The Board of Trustees has authorized tithes to the following individuals and organizations in August and September. They have been sent forth with love and blessings to do God’s work in our world:

    Unity Worldwide Ministries Rev. Cyndi Swall Rev. Dr. Young Bae Unity Institute Islamic Society of Joplin Synergy Happy Bottoms Northland Assistance Center KC Pet Project Unity Institute Student Association Shining Heart Sufi Community

    10

    An Update As has been communicated recently, we are consoli-dating the Building Fund into the General Fund as of October 1, 2012. With this in mind, we would like to give you a brief update of our current financial status. The following numbers reflect the monthly averages of income and expense (including the mortgage and our goal of re-establishing our Reserve Fund).

    Current Monthly Income Service tithes and love offerings $22,000. Other income $ 6,000.

    TOTAL $28,000.

    Current Monthly Expenses Operating expenses $28,000. Mortgage $ 3,000. Reserve Fund $ 1,000.

    TOTAL $32,000.

    With our current average attendance, an increase of $5.05 per person per week would bring us to the break-even point to cover all expenses and continue to build our Reserve Fund. We are so very grateful for all who support this ministry with their tithes and love offerings. You are what make this community the joyous group that it is. At the same time, if you look at Unity of KC North as your spiritual home and family and if you feel supported by this community, and you are not currently tithing, we ask that you prayerfully consider increas-ing your love offerings or even tithing as the next step in your spiritual growth.

    Your continued and increasing support will allow us to not only meet our expenses, but go to the next level within our spiritual community, as well as our outer community!

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    * Denotes Birthday Kid

    October Birthdays Eden Harlin* 10/01 Betsy Saxer 10/03 Ronny Lambert* 10/03 Elizabeth Saxer 10/03 Chris Herrera 10/04 Tamary Hotmer 10/04 Dan Booth 10/06 Valerie Gillespie 10/06 Jill Robison 10/06 Quinn Bieberly* 10/08 Alexis Emmons* 10/09 Heather Parish 10/10 Reilly Scott* 10/10 Tatum Smith* 10/10 Abby Brisbane* 10/11 Avery Smith 10/11 Zion Njoroge* 10/13 Mel Grills 10/14 Jerri Landsberg 10/14 Doug Martin 10/14 Karen McDowell 10/15 Bobbi Blankenship 10/16 Tony Campos* 10/16 Sally Green* 10/16 Alli Loar* 10/16 Steve McDannald 10/16 Billie Fink 10/17 Laurel Nelson 10/17 Margene Canales 10/19 Roni Lambert 10/19 Travis Pyle 10/19 Paige Kiolbasa 10/20 Dylan Seah* 10/20 Sophia Carmack* 10/21 Sarah Hoesly 10/21 Ken Myers 10/22 Norm Heyder 10/24 Janice Marsh 10/24 Patti McKaig 10/24 Kay Gilmore 10/25 Scarlet McDannald* 10/27 Kayleigh Parish* 10/29 Dan Sprowl 10/29 Shirley Pine 10/30

    November Birthdays Rodger Abbott 11/02 Hilary Trumble 11/03 Karl Strickland 11/04 Nolan Norberto* 11/05 Joyce Loughrige 11/07 Andy Dale 11/08 Carol Denniston 11/08 Sandee Krenkel 11/09 Geraldine Vargas* 11/09 Diana Counts 11/10 Karen Ives 11/10 Nancy Quitmeier 11/10 Elmari Van der westhuizen 11/10 Sterling Hixson* 11/11 Karen Black 11/12 Hunter Emery* 11/12 Ava Johnston* 11/12 Wyatt Johnston* 11/12 Isabell Krause* 11/12 Jason Page 11/12 Jane Ray 11/12 Kathy Andes 11/13 Ron Ives 11/13 Brenda Long 11/13 Stephanie Mueller 11/13 Lori Fitterling 11/14 Imani Guerrero* 11/14 George Denniston 11/15 Samantha Swenson* 11/15 Angela Wolfe 11/15 Haven Green* 11/17 Dorsey Harlin* 11/17 Heather Breed 11/18 Diego Datica* 11/18 Cooper Sielaff* 11/18 Bill Quitmeier 11/19 Jamiel Yameen 11/21 Rob Collins 11/24 Shawn Garland 11/24 Diane Little 11/24 Jillian Benneson* 11/25 Sandy Donley 11/26 Emma Francis-Cummins* 11/27 Nick Brann 11/28 Autumn Paige 11/28 Ben Poole* 11/29 Rick Silvey 11/29 Debi Overton 11/30

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    OUR MISSION:

    We are a loving

    spiritual community

    that honors the

    Christ in all

    and expresses the

    Christ in all we do.

    NON-PROFIT U.S. Postage

    Paid Kansas City, MO Permit No. 795

    Sent wi th love and b lessings to

    1000 NE Barry Road Kansas Ci ty , MO 64155 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

    If you would like to be removed from our mailing list, please call the church office 816.436.0200 or e-mail [email protected]

    Join us for Sunday Services

    9:00 & 11:00 AM

    Children’s Ministry NURSERY 1st Sunday Service: 8:45 AM to 10:15 AM Birth - 7 years 2nd Sunday Service: 10:45 AM to 12:15 PM Birth - 3 years YOUTH EDUCATION 2nd Sunday Service:10:45 AM -12:15 PM Youth Classes Ages 3 - 12) Teen Classes (Ages13 - 18)

    OUR VISION:

    We celebrate the

    world expressing

    oneness with all

    creation, united in

    love, peace, and

    abundance.

    12

    We are Joyful, Authentic, Grateful, Loving, Spiritual