In terms of the elements of the Sunday morning Celebration Service, respondent results indicated that for the most part, people are quite satisfied with the format and flow of the service. The changes we will be making, in response to the majority of feedback, include:

• Bulletins: the information to be said by the congregation will be highlighted in yellow, making it easier for visitors to locate.
• Once a month, we will interchange a Metaphysical version of the Lord’s prayer. We will also occasionally use the Lord’s Prayer in another language.
• We will be using only platformers or ministers to make announcements (except on special occasions), and every attempt will be made to keep the announcements short.
• We will be switching the Opening Chorus every month. Keeping the same opening for a month will help everyone get familiar with the various opening choruses we use. (There will be exceptions, such as using Let It Go! for the first Sunday of the year.)
• We will continue to have both Rev. Bil and Rev. Cher speak together most Sundays, based on the overwhelming positive feedback to this approach. The mix of metaphysical and practical application will continue.
• We will continue to mix the hymnal music with more current hymns, working to find ways to help the congregation learn them. We will work with Aaron and Synchronicity to see how they can provide more help to the congregation in learning the newer songs. Overall, there was an even split between those who like the older, more traditional hymns and those who preferred the newer, more current music. By combining the two, we hope to provide a nice variety that will speak to everyone in different ways.
• As we work to become financially sustainable, we will do our best to provide excellent special music with internal resources. We will be inviting congregation members to sponsor outside special music, to help with our budget.
• We will be starting our Wednesday night “Un-Services” focusing on Bridging the Gap Between Science and Spirituality in February.

Be on the lookout for the next phase of our survey, coming out soon. In the meantime, if you would like to talk about the survey results from Phase 1, feel free to speak with any Board member, including our ministers. And please — invite your friends to join us at USLC!

(originally published in our 01/07/11 e-newsletter update)

Theme for 2011: Rekindling the Human Spirit to master the art of living

4 regular Sunday services [3 presented by Revs. Bil & Cher; 1 by guest speaker Rev. David Hiller]

Special Services/Events:

November 2 ~ Reinvention Meeting ~ open to congregation

November 3 ~ Reinvention Meeting ~ open to congregation

November 20 ~ Thanksgiving Sunday Service (Turkey Toss)

November 20 ~ Congregation Thanksgiving Potluck

November 26 ~ Celebration of Life Service for Janet Ledbetter

November 26-27 ~ Visit by Rev. Bil’s mentor, Rev. Sheryl Padgett and her husband, SE Regional Ministry Consultant Rev. Terrence Padgett

November 27 ~ First Sunday of Advent

*****

Special Musicians for September: Aaron Evans; Jim Cox; Synchronicity; Jim Henderson

Additional Items of interest:

• Added 5 new members!
• One-on-one (actually 1-on-2 since it involves both Rev. Bil and Rev. Cher!) meetings with each of the staff
• USLC Board Meeting
• New Ministry Director: Shawna Donaldson, adding Community Service Ministry Director in addition to Youth Ministry Director
• Hospital/Hospice Visits — 2 (plus several visits to Carolina House)
• Home Visits — 3
• Monthly meeting with area Unity Ministers
• FLP reports, papers, and mentor calls
• Office Hours: Tuesday & Wednesday, with weekly meditation on Wednesdays
• Congregation member-requested meetings, outside the scope of meetings listed above: 10
• Spiritual Coaching (face-to-face and via telephone): 4 (+ numerous informal discussions and telephone calls)
• Other various meetings related to the ministry, outside the scope of meetings listed above: 23
• Other administrative-type activities related to USLC
• Attendance as Board Member of Wright School Human Rights Council. (Bil)
• Class on using Prezi (Cher)
• Planning with Aaron re: music
• Weekly updates of calendar and announcements, bulletin prep, calendar update online, etc.
• Creation of weekly e-Newsletters and Special mailings via Constant Contact
• Continuing with individual blogs for each Ministry.
• Weekly article for USLC Blog.
• Add calendar events to Meetup.com; respond to new members.
• On-going Research for Truth talks and upcoming classes.
• Planning for budget and next quarter

Blessings,

Here’s a possibility for O Little Town of Bethlehem, first verse:

May you truly raise your awareness and Go Tell It On the Mountain … as you walk the spiritual path on practical, expectant feet.

Part 1 was in this week’s newsletter, and focuses on our Sunday Celebration Service and Music. Click here to go to the survey

You will be noticing some changes based on the feedback already taking effect! We celebrate this amazing Spiritual Community and affirm abundance, light, and joyous growth as we join our energies!

GratitudeCalendar-2011

Theme for 2011: Rekindling the Human Spirit to master the art of living

5 regular Sunday services [4 presented by Revs. Bil & Cher; 1 by guest speaker Rev. Mona Driscoll]

Special Services/Events:

October 1 ~ Wedding, Purdy Tran/Joshua Bailer (in New Jersey)

October 18 ~ Bookstore Ministry Meeting

October 18 ~ Quarterly Directors, Board, Staff meeting

October 22 ~ Wedding, Lauren White/Max Francis

October 23 ~ Quarterly Congregational Update Meeting

*****

Special Musicians for September: Aaron Evans; Patricia Skinner; Kim D’Angelo; Synchronicity

Additional Items of interest:

• Officiated wedding for Purdy Tran in New Jersey (10/01)
• One-on-one (actually 1-on-2 since it involves both Rev. Bil and Rev. Cher!) meetings with each of the staff
• USLC Board Meeting
• Two new Ministry Directors: Jennifer Jager—Bookstore Ministry; Robin Heinze—Creativity and Play Ministry
• Hospital/Hospice Visits — 5 (plus several visits to Carolina House)
• Home Visits — 2
• Monthly meeting with area Unity Ministers
• FLP reports, papers, and mentor calls
• Office Hours: Tuesday & Wednesday, with weekly meditation on Wednesdays
• Congregation member-requested meetings, outside the scope of meetings listed above: 14
• Spiritual Coaching (face-to-face and via telephone): 7 (+ numerous informal discussions and telephone calls)
• Other various meetings related to the ministry, outside the scope of meetings listed above: 18
• Other administrative-type activities related to USLC
• Attendance as Board Member of Wright School Human Rights Council. (Bil)
• Planning with Aaron re: music
• Weekly updates of calendar and announcements, bulletin prep, calendar update online, etc.
• Creation of weekly e-Newsletters and Special mailings via Constant Contact
• Continuing with individual blogs for each Ministry.
• Weekly article for USLC Blog.
• Add calendar events to Meetup.com; respond to new members.
• On-going Research for Truth talks and upcoming classes.
• Planning for next quarter

Theme for 2011: Rekindling the Human Spirit to master the art of living

4 regular Sunday services [all 4 presented by Revs. Bil & Cher]

Special Services/Events:

September 4 ~ Recognition of 9-9-9 volunteers, featuring a hot dog/ice cream luncheon provided and served by the Board of Trustees

September 8 ~ Unity World Day of Prayer. We featured a Self-Guided Prayer Walk in our sanctuary, and a special Prayer Service that evening.

*****

Special Musicians for September: Aaron Evans; Patricia Skinner; Kim D’Angelo; Synchronicity

Additional Items of interest:

• Flew to NJ to officiate wedding for Purdy Tran wedding
• One-on-one (actually 1-on-2 since it involves both Rev. Bil and Rev. Cher!) meetings with each of the staff
• USLC Board Meeting
• Hospital/Hospice Visits — 2 (plus several visits to Carolina House)
• Home Visits — 0
• Monthly meeting with area Unity Ministers
• FLP reports, papers, and mentor calls
• Office Hours: Tuesday & Wednesday, with weekly meditation on Wednesdays
• Congregation member-requested meetings, outside the scope of meetings listed above: 10
• Spiritual Coaching (face-to-face and via telephone): 5 (+ numerous informal discussions and telephone calls)
• Other various meetings related to the ministry, outside the scope of meetings listed above: 14
• Other administrative-type activities related to USLC
• Attendance as Board Member of Wright School Human Rights Council. (Bil)
• Jury Duty  (Cher)
• Planning with Aaron re: music
• Weekly updates of calendar and announcements, bulletin prep, calendar update online, etc.
• Creation of weekly e-Newsletters and Special mailings via Constant Contact
• Continuing with individual blogs for each Ministry.
• Weekly article for USLC Blog.
• Add calendar events to Meetup.com; respond to new members.
• Attendance at Prayer Partner Meeting to plan for Unity World Day of Prayer
• On-going Research for Truth talks and upcoming classes.
• Planning for next quarter
• Metaphysics Workbook co-authored with Paul Hasselbeck [Level 2 edit returned; Skype meeting with Paul to review; changes made and returned to publisher]
• Completed new book on the relationship between Science and Spirituality.

Blessings,

Theme for 2011: Rekindling the Human Spirit to master the art of living

4 regular Sunday services [all 4 presented by Revs. Bil &/or Cher]

Special Services/Events:

Tues., August 23 ~ Congregational Meeting ~ Update on situation surrounding investigation.

*****

Special Musicians for July: Aaron Evans; Jim Cox

Additional Items of interest:

• Aug. 10-12 ~ Rev. Cher at Unity Village to present Teambuilding Webinar as part of Enlightened Leaders program.
• Visitation and officiated Funeral Service for Sandy Walker
• Rehearsal and officiated Wedding Ceremony for Scaramuzzo’s (not USLC members)
• Attended funeral for Ted Murphy
• Rev. Bil spoke at UCR
• Revs. Cher & Bil presented training class at UCR: The Metaphysical Jesus
• Planning Meetings (via phone) for Purdy Tran wedding in Oct.
• One-on-one (actually 1-on-2 since it involves both Rev. Bil and Rev. Cher!) meetings with each of the staff
• One-on-one (2!) meeting with Platformer Team
• USLC Fung Shui Cleansing by Lauren Kennedy
• Quarterly Ministry Directors/Board/Staff meeting
• USLC Board Meeting (regular meeting plus several other meetings related to investigation)
• Hospital/Hospice Visits — 2 (plus several visits to Carolina House)
• Home Visits — 3
• Monthly meeting with area Unity Ministers
• FLP reports, papers, and mentor calls
• Office Hours: Tuesday & Wednesday, with weekly meditation on Wednesdays
• Congregation member-requested meetings, outside the scope of meetings listed above: 12
• Spiritual Coaching (face-to-face and via telephone): 4 (+ numerous informal discussions and telephone calls)
• Other various meetings related to the ministry, outside the scope of meetings listed above: 15
• Attendance as Board Member of Wright School Human Rights Council. (Bil)
• Planning with Aaron re: music
• Preparation for and involvement in 2^nd Annual Healing Symposium
• Preparation for Unity World Day of Prayer
• Weekly updates of calendar and announcements, bulletin prep, calendar update online, etc.
• Creation of weekly e-Newsletters and Special mailings via Constant Contact
• Continuing with individual blogs for each Ministry.
• Weekly article for USLC Blog.
• Add calendar events to Meetup.com; respond to new members.
• Attendance at Prayer Partner Meeting to plan for Unity World Day of Prayer
• On-going Research for Truth talks and upcoming classes.
• Planning for next quarter
• Metaphysics Workbook co-authored with Paul Hasselbeck [1^st edit by publisher completed and returned to us for some tweaks and modifications — Two SKYPE conference calls for editing discussions. Manuscript returned to publisher; approved and moved to next level in the process]
• Writing new book on the relationship between Science and Spirituality. [on-going]

Blessings,

Cher & Bil
–

 A person who has made the term “Intention” popular is Wayne Dyer. . Looking at Wayne Dyer now, it’s easy to say, “Yeah, well, of course he can say that stuff. He’s rich and famous, so it’s easy for him!” But here’s the question: When did Wayne Dyer start thinking like Wayne Dyer? We believe he set intentions long before he himself made the phrase popular. We had the opportunity to meet Wayne Dyer back in the early ’80s, when he was just becoming well-known. We attended a national conference for professional trainers (ASTD) in San Antonio, and we chose to register for a pre-conference event with Wayne Dyer as the speaker. For an additional fee, you could have dinner with him following the event, and get to know him on a more intimate level. Of course, we assumed it would be thousands of his closest friends! It actually ended up being a relatively small group for that kind of thing, probably around 50 or so. Now, here’s the reason I’m sharing the story. Typically speakers at these kind of events really want to do what they have to do, then “get out of Dodge!” But Wayne Dyer actually invited this dinner group up to his suite for more discussion following the dinner. Most people figured he didn’t really mean it — but you know us! We went! And sure enough, a handful of folks had taken him up on it. We got to talk with him, have pictures taken, and generally just spend marvelous time with a great group of folks! Wayne Dyer was walking his talk!

But wait — there’s more. The following day, we were out and about near our hotel, crossing the street.  A cab was waiting at the traffic light — and inside sat Wayne Dyer. We tentatively waved at him — and low and behold, he jumped out of the cab, ran up, and gave us each a big, genuine hug! Incredible! Wayne Dyer has been living the principles he teaches, and it is no surprise to us that he is experiencing the level of success he has today!

So … how can we begin to Live Intentionally, so we can truly experience the abundant life we are meant to have? Here are three tips:

1. Set an intention of essence! What is the essence of what you want? Too often we set intentions about “THINGS” ~ like, I intend to get a good parking place; I intend to find a table for us to sit at; I intend to generate a 15% increase in my income this quarter. And there is nothing wrong with these intentions — except that they are limiting! What if we amped it up a notch or two, and clarified the essence of what we desire:

• I intend to live with ease, always in the flow of abundance and joy.
• I intend to live life, and live it more abundantly!
• I intend to experience perfect health and  flexibility in my body, as I live and move and have my being!

 We open ourselves up to more and  more connection with Divine Abundance and flow, when we free ourselves of the details!

Starting today, set your intention of essence!

2.  Set an intention to be focused in this now moment. If we really knew how much we missed, simply because we aren’t paying attention, we would be absolutely amazed and incredibly frustrated! Most of the time, we are worrying about what has already happened, or stressing about what is going to come. But think about it! All we have is this moment, right now. So set a specific intention of awareness of this now moment — right now! Jesus as the Christ gave us the secret when He said, “Give no thought for tomorrow.” Essentially, He was reminding us to focus on right here, right now.

I found a great piece about this concept in one of the books I’m “consuming” right now: Working Out, Working Within: The Tao of Inner Fitness Through Sports and Exercise. They call it “Enjoying the Dance” and say: “When you center you attention in the moment and act in harmony with the times, you will experience much inner peace and fulfillment.”

In the midst of whatever you are doing, take a few deep breaths and begin to focus on some specific detail of what you are doing: the texture of what you are touching; the sound around you; the words on what you are using; the flow of movement as you perform. Repeat the words I AM ONE WITH GOD AND IN THE FLOW. I AM AWARE. And notice the difference in how you feel!

Starting today, set an intention to be focused in this now moment!

3. Set an intention for time in the Silence. This truly is the best kept secret in our human universe! If everything happens by intent, how can we open ourselves up to the guidance and help that will allow us to make the best choices? The #1 way: time in the Silence. Not time in quiet, although that is helpful. But time in the Silence, in that inner chamber of our being, what we call Headquarters … When we still our thoughts, and allow our awareness to move from our head to our heart, and we are able to connect with our inner wisdom and guidance. This connection stays with you as you go on with your day! Try it — it is amazing!

Starting today, set an intention for time in the Silence!

Here’s the most important thing to remember. Every moment, every experience, holds with it the potential of being powerful; of offering us something incredible; of sparking a series of events that could lead to amazing things. The key is to recognize it. Set the intention of seeing every person, every experience, every task as awesome, holding seeds of greatness and outrageous joy — if we but take advantage of it.

When we approach life knowing that:

• we have this moment, and
• within this moment we can choose to handle anyone or anything from the Truth of who we are,
• Knowing we are in this moment in touch with exceptional opportunities,
• knowing we are always connected and One with Divine guidance and resources,

we will live life from a new perspective, attracting immense opportunities, incredible experiences, and abundant joy, love, and prosperity!

We live with the intention of our essence.

We live with the intention to be in this now moment.

We live with the intention for time in the Silence!

That’s when we know we truly are walking the spiritual path on practical feet!

Theme for 2011: Rekindling the Human Spirit to master the art of living

5 regular Sunday services [3 presented by Revs. Bil & Cher; other 2 – while Revs. Bil & Cher were on vacation – were presented by (1) Rev. Violet Schonhardt; (2) Armand & Angelina]

Special Services/Events:

Sunday, July 17 ~ Quarterly Congregational Update Meeting

*****

Special Musicians for July: Aaron Evans; Susan Arnold; Susan Burcham; Armand & Angelina

Additional Items of interest:

• Sunday, July 31 ~ Lunch with Unity CEO, Charlotte Shelton, who was in town to speak at UCR.
• USLC Board Meetings (regular meeting plus several called meetings related to investigation)
• Several other meetings, conference calls, and activities related to financial situation and investigation
• Hospital/Hospice Visits — 0 (plus several visits to Carolina House)
• Home Visits — 2
• Monthly meeting with area Unity Ministers
• FLP Quarterly reports and mentor calls
• Office Hours: Tuesday & Wednesday, with weekly meditation on Wednesdays
• Congregation member-requested meetings, outside the scope of meetings listed above: 9
• Spiritual Coaching (face-to-face and via telephone): 7 (+ numerous informal discussions and telephone calls)
• Other various meetings related to the ministry, outside the scope of meetings listed above: 23
• More planning with bride for upcoming wedding
• Attendance as Board Member of Wright School Human Rights Council. (Bil)
• Work with Aaron on music
• Weekly updates of calendar and announcements, bulletin prep, calendar update online, etc.
• Creation of weekly e-Newsletters and Special mailings via Constant Contact
• Continuing with individual blogs for each Ministry.
• Add calendar events to Meetup.com; respond to new members.
• Attendance at Prayer Partner Meeting to plan for Unity World Day of Prayer
• On-going Research for Truth talks and upcoming classes.
• Planning for next quarter
• Co-authoring Metaphysics Workbook with Paul Hasselbeck [Several SKYPE conference calls for final editing discussions. Manuscript Completed!!]; contract signed and returned to Unity House Publishing!
• Writing new book on the relationship between Science and Spirituality. [on-going]
• Development of Webinar PowerPoint program to be presented as part of Enlightened Leadership series in August; email contact with UMW.