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October 2017
Actions Speak Louder Than WordsI’m writing this to you from a glorious retreat by the sea. Over the bed hangs a picture bearing a quote from St. Francis of Assisi who we just celebrated in Sunday services two days ago. Auspicious, isn’t it? Particularly, since I planned to write this note launching our fall series: Awakening Through Sacred Action, and St. Francis’ quote is, “Preach the gospel at all times. If necessary, use words.” Spirit has an impeccable sense of timing!
These words reflect an ideal that has been echoed in both religion and politics. James 2:17 reads, “So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead”. In 1628, J. Pym, an English parliamentarian who advocated that the king’s share of power should be more balanced with parliament, said in a speech, “actions are more precious than words.” As our nation appeared to be moving closer to civil war, in 1856, Abraham Lincoln wrote, “Actions speak louder than words, is the maxim”. All of these contexts are relevant for where we are today in a world hungry for spiritual food. The type of sustenance that may best be delivered through compassionate action.
So what is ours to do, and how to we begin? Look around the neighborhood and see what needs to be done. Perhaps more importantly, look to what tugs at your heart and soul. Lots of service work is already organized with dozens of not-for-profit organizations offering support for the causes many of us hold dear. All we need to do is reach out in partnership! During our Fall Series, October 1-November 18, you will have an opportunity to share in a service project with your own Unity Study & Service Group. Walnut Creek happens to have a service day on October 14! Check out the variety of ways to serve our community on that day at wcserviceday.volunteerhub.com.
Of course, spiritual practice, prayer and inner work are essential to awakened action. Our service remains sacred when we are grounded in Spirit and conscious of our connection to all life. We don’t just give because it’s the right thing to do; we give because it’s our innate, divine impulse to share joy, comfort, peace and love. Through authentic service we can come to know God even more deeply and viscerally.
During our Sunday series and study, we will draw wisdom from the practical and passionate blend of mystic and activist espoused by Andrew Harvey in his book The Hope: A Guide to Sacred Activism. Just one caveat: Andrew shares his presidential preference in this book, however we are not advocating for a particular political party. Our focus is on sharing a collective, sacred action that springs forth from Unity principles and core values.
Even if you didn’t enroll in a Fall Study & Service Group, join a service project, engage Sunday messages and read along with us! More information is available in this issue.
“Silence is Prayer, Prayer is Faith, Faith is Love, Love is Service, The Fruit of Service is Peace.” – Mother Teresa
Rev. Kristin PowellLead Minister
Centerpoint
1871 Geary Road, Walnut Creek, CA 94597 (925) 937-2191 • www.unityofwalnutcreek.com
October 2017 Page 2
It’sTimetoTakeAction!OurFallBookStudyandServiceGroupswillmeetonceaweekfromOct1sttoNov18th.Ifyouaren’tinastudygroup,pleasejoinusbywatchingtheSundaymessage,doingtheweeklyreadingassignmentsinthebookTheHope:AGuidetoSacredActivismbyAndrewHarvey.Journalonyourownorpairupwithastudybuddytodiscussthequestionsposted(alongwiththereadings)intheweeklySundaybulletin.WeinviteyoutobeapartofthewholeUnitycommunityexploringspiritualitythroughsacredaction.
WeeklyThemesIntroducedonSundays
Oct1-IntroducingtheMysticalRenaissanceOct8-SacredActivism:5FormsofServiceOct15-DivinePractice&SurrenderOct22-AddressingShadows&SaboteursOct29-AlchemizingAnger&SorrowNov5-EngagingNetworksofGraceNov12-HarmonizingJoy
“AndrewHarveyisoneofthemostimportantteachersofourtimesforhisextraordinary
capacitytomarrythedeepmysticalteachingsofouressentialunitywithawakenedaction.”
– ShivaRea
ReadIntro.&Chapter7,pp.100-118forourlaunchOct.1!(Readingchapters1-6will
provideadditionalcontext.)
AwakeningThroughSacredActionNewFallSeriesLaunchingOctober1
October 2017 Page 3
$40 Adult
$10 Senior (75 & older)
$40 Scholarship (ticket for someone else) $10 Child (6 to 16) (Free for 5 & under; child care provided) $100 Family (2 adults + their children 6-16)
$300 Table of 8
Activities for our Flower Children Dinner by the Dudes (Unity Men’s Group) (Vegan & gluten-free items on the menu) Boogie on the dance floor to end the evening. Threads: Wear tie dye, paisley, flowers in your hair, beads, jeans or whatever. It’s all good.
On SUNDAYs, truck on over to the patio table to: ❀ Buy event and/or Super Raffle tickets. ❀ Sign up to lend a hand before and/or at the event. ❀ Donate a play date and/or sign up for some. ❀ Pick up a silent auction donation form. ❀ Contribute to “Lucy in the Sky with Gift Cards.”INVITE your friends and family to participate!
Photo Booth & More Silent Auction Play Dates Raffle Baskets Super Raffle Dessert Auction Lively Live Auction
Tune In with Your Friends at Unity’s Happenin’ Scene Far Out Fantastic Fun Right-On Extras
Event Tickets Get Groovin’ & Get in on the Action
Super Raffle Spectacular
Tickets: $10 for one • $25 for three
You don’t have to be present to win. Gift cards – Everyone is invited to donate gift cards from various vendors in various amounts. Raffle winner gets them all. Value: $300 or more! Dinner-Theater Outing – Take a limo to Prima Ristorante and take in a show at the Lesher. Value: $400
Unity Returns To
Feel the Love. Share the Love. Be the Love. Saturday, October 28, 2017 Centre Concord 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. 5298 Clayton Road
Event ❀ Super Raffle ❀ Play Date TICKETS may also be purchased at the Unity Book Store Monday-Thursday and online at unityofwalnutcreek.com/summer-of-love Questions / comments to Susan Angelos 925-890-7963 (mobile) [email protected]
October 2017 Page 4
New ClassUnity Center of Spiritual Learning
Drop-ins Welcome • All classes on a free-will donation basis (suggested donation $10-$20)It is our desire to offer equal access to Unity classes. If you have an access need, please let the office or teacher know.
From Your Board of TrusteesFinancial Update - Our Community Gathering on August 20 included a snapshot of finances January-July. The skinny – we have kept our expenses down $16,564 below budget, however our income is also down $32,708. This has caused us to dip into our reserves to fill the gap and meet basic expenses. Treasurer Tricia Linden offered a personal inspirational perspective on tithing.
Best Way to Give - We provide a variety of ways to give. The best electronic option for Unity is a recurring gift via Bill Pay through your bank account. This allows your full gift to go to Unity without credit card fees and gives us an amount to count on – even when you are away. Please note: if your bank requires an account number, create your own!
We affirm our ever-present abundance in times of ebb and flow.
Thank you to all who support our community by tithes, time and talents!
Absentee Ballots - The Community Gathering included an open council to discuss offering absentee ballots for annual meeting voting in the future.
2018 Board Candidates – If you have been a member since January 2017 or before and would like to be considered as a candidate, please complete an application by Sunday, October 1. Applications are on the Connections Table. Nominating Committee Chairperson is Peter Weiler ([email protected]).
Unity Basics ClassThursdays, October 19, 26 & November 2 at 7:00-9:00 pm with Rev. Kristin PowellLearn about Unity’s foundational beliefs and practices through discussion of the five basic principles and history of the Unity movement. Class is open to all. Attendance at all three classes is required to become a new member. New members will be celebrated on an upcoming Sunday decided by the class. Recommended book: The Five Principles by Ellen Debenport (available in our bookstore).
NOTE: If you become a member during this cycle you are eligible to vote at the Annual Meeting on Sunday, November 5!
Unity’s 5 Basic Principles 1. God is the source and creator of all. There is no other enduring power. God is good and present
everywhere.
2. We are spiritual beings, created in God’s image. The spirit of God lives within each person; therefore, all people are inherently good.
3. We create our life experiences through our way of thinking.
4. There is power in affirmative prayer, which we believe increases our connection to God.
5. Knowledge of these spiritual principles is not enough. We must live them.
October 2017 Page 5
Upcoming Events
The Defusing Hatred ProgramSunday, October 22 at 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm with Rev. Will McGarvey Learn nonviolent communication skills in a safe environment and develop tools for responding to uneasy situations and hate speech. Enjoy an informative, visual presentation followed by conversation and hands-on experience thru role-play. The intent of this program is to build communities of care and protection of the vulnerable around us, especially in this time of heightened tension and public acts of aggression. Get informed and prepared on how to serve our wider community. For more information, contact Rev. Will McGarvey, Executive Director of Interfaith Council of Contra Costa County (ICCCC) at 925.597.9797 or [email protected].
Annual Meeting and Luncheon, Sunday, November 5 (In the Community Room following the 11:30 am service.)Connect with the vision and share your input in the management of our community. Besides a nourishing lunch, members will discuss, learn about and vote on the 2018 Board of Trustees candidates, whether or not to allow absentee ballots for future voting, and on recommended changes to Unity of Walnut Creek bylaws (to be posted to our website with a link in your bulletin) –among other important topics. Your views and voice are important! Please plan to attend.
Co-creating Heart-Centered LivesSaturday, October 7, 2017 at 10:00 am - 12:00 pm with Carolyn JansonWith every heartbeat, whatever we are feeling is broadcast to the world like a radio station. What are we feeding the field? Are we adding to the chaos? As a Heart-Centered Community, how can we co-create an “up-lift” in the field? Let’s come together to explore how we can: find the calm in the eye of the storm; add more heart to our day and our relationships; and strengthen our intention to create a more kind and loving world.
Follow Your HeartSaturday, November 4, 2017 at 10:00 am – 12:00 pm with Pam AasenFollowing your heart guidance creates more ease, balance and clarity to your life. Each of the HeartMath tools and techniques begins with focusing attention in the heart. We will explore simple daily HeartMath practices to increase heart focus, making it easier to lead a heart-centered life. The heart can guide us to more peace and enable us to hear our own spiritual wisdom more clearly through increased heart intuition and Heart Intelligience®. Come share the ways that you have found to make your Heartmath practices a natural part of your daily life.
October 2017 Page 6
Wednesdays at UnityThe 1st Wednesday is Healing Night. Our healing nights are very meaningful and supportive of the community of healers that are gathered at Unity.
The 2nd Wednesday is the Cut-Thru Experience.
The 3rd Wednesday is WOW (Women of Wisdom) night. Our amazing Women of Wisdom evenings continue to be a dynamic, fun and fulfilling experience.
The 4th Wednesday is the Board of Trustees meeting. These meetings are open to all.
The 4th Wednesday is Connection Practice. Learn to listen to your heart and find out the answer to “What is my next right step here” and begin to make a difference in the world!
The 5th Wednesday is 2020 Spiritual Insight. Please join the 2020 Insights Spiritual Programs Team for connection and exploration of our awakening to wholeness and happiness.
Our Unity CommunityAuthor Sunday at the
UWC Metaphysical BookstoreIn recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness month, we are pleased to host Sandy Foreman as our featured author on Sunday, October 15 following the 11:30 am service. Sandy Foreman is an active member at Unity of Walnut Creek, serving in many roles. Author of “Cancer Again?!”, Sandy inspires others with her message of hope and healing. Sandy says, “being a three time cancer survivor, I’ve turned to my Unity principles that keep me connected with the presence of God within, positive thoughts and knowing my inner strength. My journey has been an awakening that keeps me loving every moment of every day. My hope is that my book, “Cancer, Again?!” is inspiring and helpful for those who are experiencing cancer or have a loved one who is on the journey.”Enjoy a light lunch and special day of discounts in the bookstore. Space is limited. Please RSVP in the Bookstore.
A diverse, intergenerational annual gathering was enjoyed in July at Blessed Fest. Photo credit: James Mullins
October 2017 Page 7
October Calendar of EventsOctoberSunday 1st
Fall Study Groups begin......................................................1:00 pmSaturday 7th
Co-creating Heart-Centered Lives with Carolyn Janson.....10:00 amSaturday 14th
HearthMath Dialogue with Toni Roberts...........................10:00 amThursday 19th, 26th & November 2nd
Unity Basics class with Rev. Kristin......................................7:00 pmSunday 22nd
The Defusing Hatred Program with Rev. Will.....................1:30 pmSaturday 28th
Fall Fundraiser..............................................................6:00 pm
NovemberSaturday 4th
Follow Your Heart with Pam Aasen..............................10:00 amSunday 5th
Annual Meeting.......................................after 11:30 am serviceWednesday 8th
Cut-Thru with Pam Aasen............................................7:00 pmSaturday11th
HeartMath Dialogue with Toni Roberts........................10:00 am Sunday 19th
Karen Drucker concert.................................................2:00 pmThursday, November 23rdThanksgiving Celebration...........................................12:00 pmWednesday 29th
Heart & Mind Summit................................................7:00 pm
Ongoing EventsMondaysCommunication Coaching Group with Newt Bailey ...10:30 amMeditation.................................................................12:00 pmWisdom Circle with Hope Ford ...................................... 2:00 pmTuesdaysCourse in Miracles with Linda Goldey ........................10:30 amHeartMath Study Group............................................10:15 amMeditation.................................................................12:00 pmHeartMath Book Club with Jeanne Fuson ................... 1:30 pmInsight Meditation (3rd Tuesday)...................................... 7:30 pmWednesdaysMeditation.................................................................12:00 pmNic-Anon ................................................................... 6:30 pmHealing Night (1st Wednesday) ................................... 7:00 pmAwakening Joy (2nd Wednesday) ...........................................7:00 pmCut-Thru (2nd Wednesday) ...................................................7:00 pmWomen of Wisdom (3rd Wednesday) .......................... 6:30 pmBoard of Trustees meeting (4th Wednesday) (Open) .... 7:00 pmConnection Practice (will resume in January) ............. 7:00 pm2020 Insights Spiritual Programs (5th Wednesday).......7:00 pmThursdaysSheng Zhen qigong with Alison Tucker.. .......... ...........10:30 amMeditation.................................................................12:00 pmSheng Zhen qigong with Alison Tucker........................ 5:30 pmFridaysOffice closedGoldsmith Study Group ...................................................9:30 amAumakua Gathering (2nd Friday) ...................................... .6:00 pmRecovering Couples Anonymous (RCA) .......................... 7:30 pmSaturdaysPrepare homeless bag lunches (2nd Saturday) .....................9:00 amHeart Centered Living Workshop (1st Saturday)...............10:00 amToni Roberts–HeartMath Dialogue (2nd Saturday) ..........10:00 amSundaysSunday Services .................. 8:00 (Meditative), 9:30 and 11:30 amPoetry Group (1st Sunday) .................................................1:00 pmMen’s Group (4th Sunday) ..................................................6:00 pmThreads of Grace (2nd & 4th Sundays) ............................... 1:00 pmUrantia Study Group (2nd & 4th Sundays) ..........................6:30 pm
October 2017 Centerpoint
1871 Geary Road, Walnut Creek, CA 94597
Rev. Kristin Powell, Lead Minister
Please like us on Facebook • www.facebook.com/unityofwalnutcreek
www.unityofwalnutcreek.com
How to Reach Us:Office (925) 937-2191 and [email protected]
Prayer Requests (925) 937-2191 or online
Silent Unity / Unity Village, MO 800-NOW-PRAY
(24 Hour Prayer) (816) 969-2000
Business Hours: Monday - Thursday 10:00 am - 3:30 pm; closed FridayDaily Meditation: Monday - Thursday 12:00 pm - 12:15 pmBookstore: Sunday 9:00 am - 1:30 pm; Monday - Thursday 10:00 am - 3:30 pm Sunday Morning Service: 8:00 am, 9:30 am & 11:30 amSunday Morning Youth Education: Infants – 8 yrs at 9:30 am; Infants – High School at 11:30 am
SAVE THE DATESAmazing New Thought singer/songwriter Karen Drucker returns on November 19th for Sunday services and a concert afterward. Join us at 2:00 pm to hear songs from Karen’s brand new CD. It’s sure to be a fun and uplifting time.
We would like to invite you to attend a Thanksgiving potluck on Thursday, November 24 at noon in the CommUnity Room. Please sign up on the patio (or in the bookstore during the week) to bring a carved turkey, side dish or desert to share if you are able. Often congregants bring a carved turkey on their way to family meals. All are welcome to give thanks, enjoy a delicious meal and share in conversation. This is a great opportunity to invite a new friend or family member to church. A fun time with your Unity family!
Please come to our final Heart and Mind Summit of 2017, our year of wholeness and happiness, on Wednesday, November 29 at 7:00 pm. Our guest speakers Toni Roberts, Ernie Isaacs, and Nancy Ferracci will share information and lead activities to connect us to our hearts and minds to promote wholeness, healing, and happiness in ourselves and others. They will help us bring peace and joy to the holiday season.
