AUGUST
MINISTER’S LETTER
“Where there is no vision, the people perish: but happy are those who keep the law.”
Proverbs 29:18
The scripture above is one many have heard over the years. As one reads further in Proverbs 29, it speaks about letting go of fear and putting our trust in God. In uncertain times or times of great change, surely faith and trust in God are key ingredients in establishing a committed, life-enriching consciousness. There is another powerful ingredient which completes the triumvirate – imagination!
Charles Fillmore, our co-founder wrote, “The highest and best work of imagination is the marvelous transformation that it works in character. Imagine that you are One with the principle of Good, and you will become truly good…” Imagination is the ability to form thoughts and images. It is our picturing ability, the power to create mental images. Our mental imaging opens us to see the perfection in all things. Jesus demonstrated the power of imagination in his mental images; His were synonymous with wholeness and perfection. Through parables, he created mental images of possibility and wholeness in God.
The power of imagination opens us to see beyond our limiting human beliefs. There is a seed within us that seeks expression. As the acorn has the oak tree within it, so the Christ seed within us has all the divine potential of God. We open ourselves to this unlimited potential when we let go and let God! It is only through God and the power of imagination that we can see beyond human appearances. We have conditioned and trained our minds to respond to our five senses. God has a greater vision for us, one in which we can rise above our human limitations to claim our divine potential.
Ambrose Worrall, a spiritual healer of this century, wrote, “To visualize is a form of prayer. It is the sending out of a dynamic positive desire which does not have to be put into words.” Many in our church want to attract new people to our church, to hear the message of Positive, Practical, Progressive Christianity. Let us hold that vision of every seat in our sanctuary filled in our times of prayer. See the energy rising as we attract people to this wonderful way of life we know as Unity. Jesus said, “Believe that you shall receive and you shall receive…” Let us release any energy that is negative or self-defeating. Then, together, let us open our minds and hearts to the ever-expanding power of God to increase and multiply. Prayer is powerful. And so are you!
In Spirit and in Truth,
Reverend Stephen P. Horn
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MICHAEL’S BLOG
Michael and Sylvia are enjoying a relaxing vacation in Mexico. Michael’s Blog will return next month!
Michael Goldreyer
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BOARD ELECTION NOMINATING COMMITTEE
In accordance with Section 4.04 (b) of our Church Bylaws, a Nominating Committee has been formed for consideration of candidates for Board elections at this year’s Annual Meeting to follow the 10:30 a.m. service on Sunday, October 11. 2009. The Committee consists of a Chairperson elected at the prior year’s meeting, a Board member, the minister and a church member. Our Nominating Committee and contact phone numbers are:
Mark Groblewski, Chairperson
832-687-7915
Sylvia Hicks, Board Treasurer
409-771-9872
Gayle McFadden, Church member
832-647-2818
Reverend Horn
832-338-8738
***This year we will be filling two (2) three year terms and one (1) one year term (to fulfill the remainder of a term vacated). Any candidate can be self-nominated or nominated by a member. See the article below for insights about Board membership and qualifications.
What Makes A Good Board Trustee?
Serving as a board member of a church is an honor and a privilege. Board members serve both as the fiscal stewards of the church and as its spiritual trust. They are prayerfully centered in Unity Principles of Truth and open-minded in working together to serve the highest good of the members of the church. They balance wisdom and understanding in making decisions in accordance with our Bylaws.
In our church, one must be a member of the church to be considered for service on the board. A board term is three years, with two members cycling off of the board every year. Each new year creates an exciting mix of energy and talent that comes together to serve the church. Each board member must be willing to serve in a capacity of leadership as a board officer. These positions are voted on among the board each year after the election of new board members.
Board members model the consciousness we are creating in our church. They are active in volunteer activities, regular attendees at services and classes, and live the Unity Principles of Truth in their life. They understand the principles of prosperity and tithing and support our church financially. They are ambassadors for our church, spreading the good news of our ministry to their friends. They know that service is the pathway to God and the way to deepen and enrich their life.
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THE POWER OF SELF ESTEEM
“When we know how to be true to ourselves, we also transform our capacity to serve, to create, and to produce results.” W.R. Whitten
UCBA is excited to welcome Janet Cohen, L.L.C., who will be facilitating a powerful course to open one to their true self and the amazing potential we have within us. The Power of Self Esteem is about becoming who you really are! Self-esteem is the way we measure our own self-worth. Most people are unaware of this, but both our happiness and personal effectiveness fluctuate with the level of our self-esteem. And, our self-esteem gets confused with gaining the respect and admiration of others from an early age.
This course allows you to transform the way you see yourself and your true personal qualities, and unhook your self-esteem from your judgment about past performance, or even how you are performing now. You learn to connect with your full potential and create what you are really capable of, instead of driving yourself with fears that add unnecessary and unproductive stress. One result is that you become open to critical feedback, and more able to benefit from it. You develop a deeper, more real connection with those who are your partners in every area of your life. The way you are helps those around you access and enhance their self-esteem.
Does this sound exciting to you? Janet Cohen will be offering a free preview of The Power of Self Esteem Course on Thursday, August 9, 2009, from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Not only will you learn about the course, she will also teach you a tool to enhance your self-esteem! So, we invite you to this special preview to consider if this course will help you to enhance your life as it has helped thousands of others.
Here’s a little background on Janet Cohen L.L.C.:
Since March of 1984 I have used, taught, coached and facilitated others with techniques presented in courses offered through the Kairos Foundation and other human potential programs. Not as a pastime, but as a way of life. I am a licensed mentor for the Power of Self Esteem course, the Power of Connection Course, and have facilitated Enrichment Groups. I have held leadership roles in unique settings – from federal prisons to businesses and residential retreats. Coaching is natural for me. Intuitive, insightful self-expression is one of my gifts. Being able to sense what is not being said as well as what is being expressed allows me to be fully engaged with Life. Helping others to put language on their deepest dreams and desires inspires me. This course will change your Life!
For further information, contact Janet at (409) 744-1900 or janet@janetcohen.com.
ASTROS BASEBALL GAME ON AUGUST 9TH !
A few tickets remain for the Astros game at 1:05 p.m. on Sunday, August 9th, 2009. We will leave directly after church and carpool up to Minute Maid Park for the game. Tickets are $21 (normally $39) and we have excellent seats in the field boxes on the third base line. You might want to bring a sack lunch to eat along the way, or enjoy lunch at the ballpark. Call the church to reserve your tickets. Only a few remain, so make your reservation today! A special thank you to Ann Rasch for coordinating this event through the Activities Team!
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UCBA WELCOMES BACK CHAREY THWEATT!
Unity Church of the Bay Area is excited to announce Charley Thweatt as guest minister on Sunday, August 23rd. Charley Thweatt is a world renowned spiritual singer and workshop presenter. When asked about his passion in life, Charley responded, "I travel a lot in my work, and people frequently ask me if I ever get tired of being on the road. My work and all the people I meet energize me. What I get to do for a living always amazes me. My music and my workshops are great vehicles for going deeper to see our true spiritual nature and how connected we are in Spirit. My mission, in a nutshell, is to unmask our innate oneness. When we begin to see how truly connected we are, it brings a whole new meaning to loving another "as our self." Can you imagine how different our world will look, when we all eventually get that?"
Charley Thweatt brings his gifts of warmth, humor, presence and ease to any gathering. He has been a favorite with Unity groups since the early 80's, when he took a leap of faith from his budding architecture career into touring full time with his spiritual concerts and workshops. Charley has a talent for turning a room full of strangers into connected family, by sharing his original music, his angelic voice and his insightful workshops. He has been a presenter for spiritual organizations and metaphysical conferences for 25 years, throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe, Australia, Fiji and Japan. The biggest influences on Charley's spiritual path have been Unity, A Course In Miracles and seven years of touring with Alan Cohen's workshops and retreats. Charley has also been the musical opener for such other luminaries as Wayne Dyer, Marianne Williamson, Deepak Chopra, Ram Dass and Louise Hay. He has appeared on national television and radio with his songs, with such titles as You're an Angel, Take Your Power Back and Dancers in the Light. You'll find his many CDs and more about his transformative work at his website: www.musicangel.com.
"Chants Encounter" Concert & Spiritual Workshop:
Sunday, August 23rd, 12-15 – 2:30 p.m.
Music is powerful. And in the hands and heart of this musician, our walls melt and the room becomes one. Come join in this fun and moving evening program of music and connection with lots of opportunity to participate and sing along. During a few of Charley's songs, we will touch into that sweet inner place of peace. And during others we will shift into full out joy and joining. No two concerts are alike. It's always an in-the-moment event, with Charley listening for which song he is guided to play next. In the second half Charley will switch gears and lead us in a short spiritual workshop exercise to take us deeper into who we are and see that in each other. Amazing moments are available in this experience, and in a very brief time you may even feel that sense of inner connection that usually comes only after attending an entire weekend retreat!
"The Heart of A Course In Miracles" Workshop:
Monday, August 24th: 7:00 – 9:30 p.m.
A Course In Miracles is a beautiful and powerful self-study spiritual course, which has inspired millions since it was published in 1975. This evening class is perfect both for first-timers, who would like an introduction to this material, as well as long-time students of the Course. We will use discussion, Course In Miracles-inspired music by Charley and two amazing workshop exercises to bring alive the principles found in this work. It's one thing to hear and read this information. However, the real power comes when we embody it through our own experience. And that's what will happen in this workshop. Charley has been learning from this material since the early 80's and is eager to share what he calls his "Course's Greatest Hits." Plus, the connection and sense of oneness that floods the room will be profound. We will go beyond thinking about these principles. We will know them from the inside out. Come play!
Charley Thweatt ~ Inspired Acoustic Music ~ www.musicangel.com
(800) 549-9986 ~ Santa Cruz, California
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YOUTH & FAMILY MINISTRY
We at Youth and Family Ministry would first like to thank you and thank God for all the blessings we have received! If you haven’t been to the preschool room lately, go by and see the beautiful wall murals that Viviana Morales, one of our volunteers, has created just for us! We are rich with loving teachers and assistants – in fact we have added four new volunteers in the last month and a half! We would like to acknowledge in gratitude one of our long-time volunteers, Linda Carol Lawson, who has lovingly served our teens for several years. Linda is taking a hiatus from teaching. Thank you, Linda for your dedication! We will miss you. And thanks to all of you special angels who have thought of us in craft stores or toy stores and dropped off gifts. We appreciate your thoughtfulness!
Have you thought about teaching or assisting but don’t feel you have enough of a foundation in Unity Basics? Mark your calendar for Sunday, August 16th, from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.! Reverend Steve is presenting a special Unity Basics Class that will be perfect preparation, whether you are new to Unity or would just like a review. He will be using the new book, The Five Principles, by Reverend Ellen Debenport and the principles of The Simple Truth, by Richard and Mary-Alice Jafolla (both available in our Bookstore) Anyone can come to the training who is interested in Unity Basics – just bring a sack lunch.
If you are considering teaching, we have three immediate openings for teachers – in Preschool and Elementary (one Sunday), and Teens (2 Sundays). Teacher Assistant positions are also available. We will also have a short teacher’s meeting from Noon to 12:30 p.m. before the Unity Basics Training. Come and meet our wonderful and loving team and get an idea of the supportive and loving environment available to new teachers and assistants.
Hope to see you at the training!
Amy Hart Groblewski
Youth and Family Ministry Director
TALENT SHOW, SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 19TH AT THE CHURCH!
The Activities Team is sponsoring a special evening to share great food, fellowship and fun! Join us on Saturday, September 19, 2009, for a potluck dinner followed by THE UCBA TALENT SHOW. Bring a covered dish to share!
Sign up now to share your talent! We will have a lineup of different performances, but also invite those with creativity in the arts to bring their items to be visually displayed. Remember, your special talent is a gift from God and will inspire others, whatever it is!
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TREASURER’S REPORT for JUNE 2009
General Fund Income $ 13,964.15
Expenses - 18,809.78
Net General Fund Income - 4,845.63
Total Income $ - 4,845.63
Unity Church of the Bay Area's tithe for June was $1,392.00. It was blessed and $348.00 each was sent to the Association of Unity Churches and $1,044.00 was sent to Unity School of Christianity. Your continued financial support allows our church to flourish and carry the message of positive, practical Christianity in the Bay area. Thank you, and thank you God!
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TREASURER’S UPDATE
The question has been asked about our monthly reports in the newsletter. UCBA is our spiritual home, but there is a business side to it also. We have reported losses in some months in this fiscal year. We have monthly overhead expenses we meet to keep the church open and functioning smoothly, regardless of attendance numbers. Monthly reports are also affected by the number of weeks in each month, as the majority of our contributions come from Sunday collections. Communication and the sharing of information is important, so we are updating you on the financial position of UCBA.
We have been working with our accountants to accurately report expenses each month, even those paid in a lump sum, like most of our insurance policies, which totaled $10,328 this fiscal year. We anticipate an increase in insurance costs due to the Hurricane at renewal this fall.
At our Annual Meeting, we approved a Growth Budget, intended to increase our Prudent Reserve. Presently, we have a Prudent Reserve equal to one month’s expenses. The suggested Prudent Reserve is at least three months of operating expenses. The Good News is that we are meeting our monthly expenses and have not gone into the Prudent Reserve as we did last fiscal year and the beginning of this fiscal year.
When comparing the Financial Statement for the current fiscal YTD (10/1/08-5/31/09) with the same period in our prior fiscal year, the figures are quite similar. Contributions this year are higher, but overhead expenses have increased. The net to date is a “profit” of $20,000. A trend we have noticed is that the General Fund, out of which our operating expense are paid has decreased significantly over the last few months, from $14,564 at the end of January (after increasing Prudent Reserve to $25,000) to $5,155.00 at the end of May. So, we continue on an Operating Budget and are not increasing our Prudent Reserve as a Growth Budget might. As we attract more members who choose to make our church their spiritual home, we believe the offerings will increase.
On average, a donation of $70 per person per week is needed to operate. We know that some can give more, some less. Conscious giving in support of where you are spiritually fed is an important part of the spiritual law of giving and receiving. We are a tithing church, tithing on all donations to the church monthly to our Association of Unity Churches, Unity School, and others churches and organizations that teach Truth. We give thanks for all financial contributions to our church, open to even greater avenues of prosperity!
Our Building Fund has a balance of $10,845. Many have expressed a “facelift” to the outside of our church, to make it look more like a church. It might be time to set that as a goal and begin another BF drive towards that goal!
We also compared attendance figures for the same two periods. In our previous fiscal YTD through May, average attendance was 73. In our present fiscal YTD through May, our average attendance is 70. Our goal is fulfill our mission and vision and vision. Our mission: Unity Church of the Bay Area is a loving spiritual community embracing the teachings of Jesus Christ. We inspire minds, awaken hearts and empower lives. Our vision: We envision a magnificent spiritual center of Love, beholding a world in which all people honor each other and live together in peace and harmony.
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