Newsletter - Unity of Harrisburg
Transcription
Newsletter - Unity of Harrisburg
Newsletter November—December, 2015 From the Board President Greetings! Writing this article every other month gives me a new appreciation for ministers who have to come up with something new to say every week. And their talk has to last for 20 minutes! I went to the book study group this morning affirming that something would show up in the discussion that would spark some creativity in me. As I sat there listening, I glanced at my travel drink container (something that came from a local bank) and on it, in quotation marks, it says, “Traveling together to become the best we can be.” And I thought “AH HA! That is what we’re doing here at Unity of Harrisburg.” We are traveling a path together with the intention and expectation of becoming our best selves. I continue to be amazed and gratified by the people who step up and become involved in the life of our church. Right now we have the Ministerial Recruitment Fund drive in full swing and you all have been so generous. I know that we will meet our goal and create a fund that will jump start our new minister’s time here. We also have completed a successful fund raiser and given the Gift of Light, raising over $1800. Rich Wille and the board continue to focus on repairs to our heating system. As we move into the holiday season, there will be more opportunities to share your talents and treasures. We will have our Christmas giving tree, and we’ll decorate our sanctuary on November 29. Please plan to attend the Annual Membership Meeting on November 8 to hear updates of all our recent activities. You will meet some new speakers in November and December. Reverend Keven Kadel will be our guest speaker on November 1 and December 6. Reverend Keven is an ordained SOM minister who has recently returned to our area and has been attending services here for several months. In addition to speaking, Rev. Keven will hold SOM meetings on Thursdays in Fellowship Hall. Look for his flyers. Andy Harrison will conduct a special service on November 22. He will provide the talk, the music, and he will follow that with a concert/workshop that should be fascinating. Watch for more details. Sadly, one of our founding members, Carl Vandling, made his transition in September. You will likely remember Carl singing in the choir and playing the organ, but if you read further in this newsletter, you will learn that he was key to our existence as a spiritual center. And in case you haven’t heard it from me before now, our own Darla Henry has been elected to the board of the UWM Eastern Region. Congratulations, Darla! I love and appreciate each and every one of you. Without you we would not be who we are. You are an essential part of our whole. Thank you for whatever you do; everything you do is important! Love and hugs, Mary Unity of Harrisburg November—December 2015 1 November 1 – Reverend Kevin Kadel - “Catch your Babelfish” In Douglas Adams’ Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, the Babelfish is a creature that translates any language into one you can understand. As a spiritual sojourner I have often encountered unusual terminology as well as familiar language that did not fit my new awareness. I will help you catch your babelfish so that you can define and refine a lexicon essential to expanding your spiritual magnificence. Music: Seasons November 8 – Reverend Stephanie Seigh - “The Greatest Virtue” Cicero once observed that gratitude was not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of them all. Join us as we learn why gratitude is so important and how it feeds our body, mind and spirit. Music: Jonathan Frazier November 15 – Reverend Ann Marie Acacio - "Look at the Fields" An empty field can be transformed in moments ... in the awareness of the beholder! A poignant lesson in Thanks-living! Music: Unity Choir November 22 – Andy Harrison – “A Science of Confidence & Happiness” Learn about the 5 levels of happiness and how to create a blueprint of happiness-for-life. Andy will present a concert/workshop from noon until 1:30 in the sanctuary (see attached materials) Music: Andy Harrison Duo November 29 - Sharon Hillman, LUT - “Faith - Fully Aware In The Heart” Music: Kate McCutchan Find out everything you need to know about your church community at our Annual Membership Meeting, Sunday November 8 immediately following the service. We have lots to discuss. Only members can vote, but all congregants are encouraged to attend to find out what's happening. It’s your church! Show up! Unity of Harrisburg November—December 2015 2 December 6 – Reverend Kevin Kadel – “Truce of Wills” Religious folks heatedly discuss will, usually pitting God’s will against human will. From the Bhagavad Gita to The Game of Thrones, these universal mythologies are a staged metaphor for this inner war of wills that folks face in small and large ways in everyday life. Fortunately, practicing New Thought principles not only calls a truce, but helps you consciously align your will with Living Spirit. Music: Janet Spahr December 13 – Reverend Ann Marie Acacio - "The Coming of Emmanuel" We're familiar with the Christmas story, as told in Scripture. Now let's look at the metaphysical meaning behind the names of the characters and places, as taught by Unity, that can help us to "unlock" a deeper realization of the way that story is playing out in our personal lives. Music: Jamie Womack December 20 – Reverend Stephanie Seigh - “The Return of the Light” Every great faith tradition celebrates the return of the light during the winter solstice in their own unique way. As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, we are reminded of his teaching that we are the light of the world. Let’s explore and celebrate this truth together, as we honor the birth of the Christ consciousness in one another. Music: Unity Choir December 24 – Christmas Eve Candle Lighting Service - Dr. Darla Henry I AM the light of the world, shining brightly -- the message of the birth of Jesus. Music: Unity Choir, Seasons, Kate McCutchan December 27 – Charles Lee – “Non Physical Senses, the Language of the Gut!!!!! Within each of us is the personification of Pure Good. Music: Kate McCutchan December 31 – Burning Bowl Service - Sharon Hillman, LUT * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * It’s that time of year again. SNOW will be happening. In the event that we have to cancel services because of snow, notices will be posted on WGAL.com, WHTM TV and website, WHP CBS 21, and WITF TV and website. If possible, we will post closings on our website. Unity of Harrisburg November—December 2015 3 Kate McCutchan Music Director Nov. 1 Nov. 8 Seasons Jonathan Frazier Nov. 15 Unity Choir Nov. 22 Andy Harrison Duo Nov. 29 Kate McCutchan Dec. 6 Janet Spahr Dec. 13 Jamie Womack Dec. 20 Unity Choir Dec. 27 Kate McCutchan Carol Smith We're pleased to bring some of our favorite musicians to the stage: Seasons with their harp and dulcimer, Jonathan and his flutes, Janet and the ethereal hang, and Janie with her lovely voice. The choir and Kate always delight us, and we have a special national recording artist, Andy Harrison, who will be speaking as well as singing. Andy has created transformational music, based on scientific evidence, to help us become happier and more confident. Don't miss his Sunday service, as well as his concert/workshop from 12 - 1:30 that afternoon. Our Drum Circle happens on the last Sunday of the month, November 29, at noon in the Sanctuary. All are welcome; we have plenty of instruments on hand. There will be NO Drum Circle in December, January or February. We'll resume Drum Circle on the next-to-last Sunday in March (3/20), since the last Sunday is Easter! Rock Music that Helps You Become Happier Coming to Unity Andy Harrison and the Ambassadors of Possibility Duo At Unity Sunday November 22, 2015 12 – 1:30 PM Tickets $15 National Recording Artist Andy Harrison and his duo, Andy Harrison and the Ambassadors of Possibility Duo, will be bringing their Concert/ Workshop called “Grow Happy! The 5 Transforming Steps of Lasting Happiness” to Unity of Harrisburg November 22nd from 12 to 1:30PM. Andy is the inventor and world’s leading artist in the field of Transformational Rock Music and the author of the book Grow Happy! –The 5 Transforming Steps of Lasting Happiness. You can learn more and receive 7 free Transformational Rock songs by visiting www.AndyHarrisonMusic.com , or watch his short video on YouTube: Unity of Harrisburg November—December 2015 4 In Memoriam Carl Vandling Let's remember and honor Carl Vandling, our patriarch and a founding Unity member. He is one of the main reasons we are still active today as he lived his beliefs in our presence. When we began as a Study Group in The Office (a bar in Harrisburg), Audrey McGinnis was our first minister and Carl was our unofficial Business Manager. Books, literature and supplies were carried in his trunk from week to week; then displayed on Sunday. He used his many skills as a successful business man to keep us solvent. In fact, he often used his own money to pay our bills. This success led to us being chartered a year later. After a fire in The Office, he was instrumental in finding a meeting room at the Yellow Breeches Motel in New Cumberland. He negotiated an agreement with them which stated that if we had 20 people stay for lunch, the room was free. So you would often see Carl hustling members to meet the quota! He received much appreciation and pleasure from his musical talents. For years he played the piano for our church. When William Hatcher donated an organ, Carl played it beautifully. He played piano/organ duets with Kate McCutchen, and was an accompanist for both his granddaughter Brandi Neff and the choir. Later he became a choir member and all these musical opportunities brought him joy as well as great appreciation by the congregation. Can't you picture that sweet, shy smile when we applauded his performances? He was an active board member at Bethesda Mission. Many young men benefited from his services, mentoring and compassion. Much of his service was behind the scenes as he generously gave to fund raisers and other charitable activities. Carl Vandling was truly an Honorable Man. Let's give Three Cheers and a Standing Ovation to him for a life well lived! Helen King I am sure Carl Vandling loved music. In his later years he attended choir concerts, musical theatre, symphony concerts and many other music performances. He also participated in many musical activities. Carl sang with the Unity Community Choir as well as the Mechanicsburg Senior Center Choir. He played the piano and accompanied soloists, choirs, quartets and others who wanted to express their music. Carl lived his gift of music and always encouraged others to do the same. Thank you Carl. Elaine Hoover Unity of Harrisburg Carl was such a big part of our Music Ministry. He sang in our choir for 20-some years, and accompanied the choir for many of those years. His expertise on the piano was a true gift for me, allowing me to focus on directing. Without him, I would have been doing both jobs - and I miss him sorely! He was a wonderful leader in his choir section; Carol Smith calls him her mentor as a tenor. He was kind and compassionate toward our members, as he seemed to be to everyone he met. And then there were the services when he would play our organ how majestic the sound, how marvelous the talent! On a personal level, Carl brought me many piano students, beginning years ago with his granddaughter, Brandi. She went on to become a talented singer and violinist, with Carl's guidance and encouragement. Today, I'm teaching two of his great -granddaughters, and enjoying them immensely. His love for music and family has shown throughout his life in our own church family. I understand he personally funded Unity of Harrisburg when things were tough financially in the beginning. We were so blessed to have him as a Unity Founding Father Kate McCutchan November—December 2015 5 Have you ever really surprised the heck out of yourself? Well it happened to me. I grew up in a traditional church where I swear the minister got up every Sunday and asked for money. That was the entire sermon! I know that my memory is distorted, (it was probably only once a month), but it made such an impact on my life that I vowed not to give a penny over $5.00 no matter what my financial circumstances. There were the times that I was a penniless student and I gave $5.00, and then there were the times when both my husband and I were working and I gave $5.00. WHY? Because I resented all the asking; I resented feeling obliged. Then I walked through the doors of Unity, and I felt that I had come home. What a relief to finally find a church home that embraced me and made me feel like I belonged. The message so often spoke directly to my heart. I started on a spiritual journey that has brought me joy and a sense that all is right with the world. Would you like to share your experience in Unity? On the credenza in the foyer and in Fellowship Hall are slips of paper with the ques- Stephanie Dynan tion, “What does Unity mean to you?” Please fill these out and we will print and display them in Fellowship Hall. So, am I REALLY heading up the committee at Unity to ask you for money? One of the teachings I have learned at Unity is that when you feel passionately about something, Spirit is speaking to you and it’s time to get off your duff and do something! So here is how it works… The Ministerial Recruitment Committee has 6 people: Nancy Kohlstruck, Mary Callaghan, Joe Bedard, Bob McGinnis, Gerry Bush and Stephanie Dynan. The fund has a goal of $30,000 (6 months’ salary plus recruitment costs) The Unity folks have already pledged $16,455! That’s over 50%! We have received $8,400.! (This is a one-time fund, not a yearly occurrence.) The Fund was kicked off on October 4th and will run for 8 weeks ending on November 29th. We ask that all monies be received by December 27th 2015. Each time we receive a donation we put a leaf on our UNITY tree poster with the amount of the donation wr itten on the leaf. Let’s see how lush we can make our tree! There are Pledge cards on the credenza in the foyer as well as in the pews. When you pledge money please indicate if you want to do it anonymously. Write your name in the space provided for tax purposes but we will not recognize you publicly if you wish to remain anonymous. Donation Envelopes are also on the credenza and in the pews. Please clearly mark Ministerial Recruitment Fund on the envelope. So SURPRISE YOURSELF by searching your heart to see what you can afford and then adding 20%! Our consciousness of abundance will attract a like-minded minister who will help us will grow as individuals and as a congregation. Let’s make this happen soon! Divine Love flowing through me , Blesses and multiplies All that I have, All that I give, All that I receive and all that I am. Unity of Harrisburg November—December 2015 6 KNOW YOUR SELF An intensive, experiential seminar presented by HELEN Y. KING at 63 Drexel Place, New Cumberland, PA Thursdays Nov 5, 12, 19 & Dec 3 6 – 9 PM $200 (Help provide the $1500 pledged to the Ministerial Recruitment Fund) Few people really know who they are! Instead of depending on others, learn effective ways for the care and maintenance of your physical body, plus emotional and mental balance. We are bio-electro-magnetic energy. To reveal and explore your unique biofield we will use intuition, color, music, gems, meditation, spiritual senses and other metaphysical practices. This information can create a profound change in your health and in understanding yourself and others in your environment. Helen Y. King, a founding member of Unity, established a Personal Development Center in 1976 to guide people toward the integration of body, mind and spirit. She emphasizes the relevance of spiritual law to everyday life and well-being. This seminar is limited to 10 people. For more information and to register call 717 774-1988. Bring a notebook and pen. Is there someone you are missing at Unity? On the credenza and in Fellowship Hall is a paper for you to write a name of someone you have not seen for a long time at Unity. We will send them a “missing you” card so they know they have not been forgotten. Let’s show our caring and love for our unity family. You can also send a name to Elaine Hoover [email protected] or Nancy Kohlstruk [email protected] Report on Fall Book Study About 35 people were in 3 groups to study Sacred Thinking by Jim Lockard. There were many comments that this might have been the best book we studied so far. We had two sessions in member’s homes and a morning group in Fellowship Hall. The attendance was excellent and participation was robust and enlightening. If you missed this seven week study, be sure to sign up for the next one. Become a part of this continuing growth and evolution of our Unity Family. Unity of Harrisburg November—December 2015 7 November 2015 SUN MON 1 Service 10:00 Rev. Kevin Kadel 2 TUE THU FRI September 2015 4 Choir practice 7:30 Sanc 3 Music: Seasons Leadership SUN council MON 11:45 Sanc 8 Service 10:00 Rev. Stephanie Seigh WED 9 6Music: Jonathan 7 TUE 1 10 8 5 WED 2 9 THU 3 11 12 Choir practice 7:30 Sanc 10 4 SAT 6 Game night All welcome 6:00 FH 7 FRI SAT 13 5 14 11 12 18 20 19 21 25 26 Frazier Healing Circle EB 13 15 14 Service 10:00 Rev. Ann Marie Acacio 20 Music: 16 21 Unity Choir 27 22 28 Service 10:00 Andy Harrison 15 17 22 23 29 Music: Andy Harrison 16 23 24 30 17 18 19 Choir practice 7:30 Sanc 24 Board Mtg 5:00 BR 25 Choir practice 7:30 Sanc 26 27 28 12:00—1:30 Concert Sanc 29 Service 10:00 Sharon Hillman LUT 30 Music: Kate McCutchan Drumming 12:00 Sanc Key: Sanc—Sanctuary EB—Eric Butterworth Room BR —Board Room FH—Fellowship Hall Unity of Harrisburg November—December 2015 8 December 2015 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 1 2 3 Choir Practice 7:00 4 5 7 8 9 10 Choir Practice 7:00 Sanc. 11 Game Night all welcome 6:00 FH 12 14 15 16 17 Choir Practice 7:00 Sanc. 18 19 20 Service 10:00 Rev. Stephanie Seigh Music: Unity Choir 21 22 23 Choir Practice 7:00 Sanc. 24 Candle Lighting Service 7:00 25 26 27 Service 10:00 Charles Lee 28 29 30 Choir Practice 7:00 Sanc. 31 Burning Bowl Service 7:00 6 Service 10:00 Rev. Kevin Kadel Music: Janet Spahr Leadership Sanc. Council 11:45 Sanc 13 Service 10:00 Rev. Ann Marie Acacio Music: Jamie Womack Music:Kate McCutchan December 24 Christmas Eve Candle Lighting Service—Dr. Darla Henry I AM the light of the world, shining brightly — the message of the birth of Jesus. Music: Unity Choir, Seasons, Kate McCutchan December 31 Burning Bowl Service—Sharon Hillman, LUT Unity of Harrisburg November—December 2015 9 First Class Mail November/December 2015 927 Wertzville Road Enola, PA 17025 phone: 717-732-9773 Email: [email protected] Sunday Celebration Service 10:00 am Nursery & Youth Education Sunday 10:00 am Visit Unity of Harrisburg on the Web unityofharrisburg.org On Facebook choose “like” Unity of Harrisburg Board of Trustees Purpose Statement: Mary Callaghan - President Lois Batcheler - Vice President Unity of Harrisburg is dedicated to transforming lives by making the teachings of Jesus Christ practical and relevant to everyday life. Rick Hoover - Secretary Prayer, meditation, love and individual responsibility are emphasized as the way to express spiritual maturity within each individual as well as within the community. Diana Graham - Trustee Unity of Harrisburg Barbara Nelson - Treasurer Jacqueline Granite - Past President Staff Cherry Shogren 0ffice Secretary Kate McCutchan Music Director November—December 2015 Newsletter Editor - Nancy Kohlstruk Email: [email protected] 10