WORDS OF WISDOM…

Free of Judgment, Full of Love Unity Update

Dear Friends, I have always loved rodeos. For years I attended every (yes, every – 30+) performance of the Fort

Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. Now, we go several times each

year. For several years, we’ve enjoyed the Ranch Rodeo which has real ranches competing in events that have aspects of traditional ranch work. Contestants compete as teams rather than individually, as they do in regular rodeos. Stock sorting, ranch girl’s barrel racing, ranch vet, bronc riding and wild cow milking events show how members on working ranches cooperate as a team to accomplish various tasks. I especially love the Wild Cow Milking competition, when the team ropes a wild cow and hand milks it into an empty bottle. One team member then runs the bottle across the finish line and pours out a designated amount of milk so the judges know they have accomplished the task. Seeing team members work together for a common goal is intriguing and, holy cow! It can be funny! What we accomplish here at the Center of Unity Ranch each week is a team effort. On Sundays, from our teachers in Youth Church to those who staff Taste of Unity, volunteers come together with the intention of creating a worship experience in which each person is met, free of judgment and full of love. The music provided by our band and vocalists highlights the marvelous talent within our church. Weekdays find volunteers facilitating Centering Prayer, educational classes, yoga, and meditation as well as working in the community garden or around the building and grounds. Others help in the office doing the many tasks that are done each week. The circle of activity goes round and round, hour by hour and day by day. Sometimes it feels like we are milking a wild cow, which generates laughter and camaraderie. Here at the “Ranch”, we find it is each team member’s commitment to use his or her talents that produces the magnificence we share. In this month of love, feel our affection and gratitude for your part in our team. We’ll be saving a place for you because it just isn’t the same without you. You are loved beyond measure,

Rev. Carol

Friend us on Facebook Center of Unity

www.facebook.com/ unitygrapevine

Dear Friends, Sixty eight years ago this month I only had one month left before I was born in March of

1950! This month, I thought I would have a

little fun and look back to February of that year and see what happened in the weeks before I was hatched. First I found out that some things never change. In February 1950 there was an amendment intro-duced to change the way the Electoral College votes were distributed. (We hear rumblings of a similar movement today). That amendment failed. Whoa! Get this! The credit card was used for the very first time in this month, 1950. It was a Diner’s Club card. The movie Cinderella was released and Sardi’s Restaurant in New York City opened. And the first experimental dose of the polio vaccine was given to an 8 year old boy. As a kid I remem-ber taking the polio vaccine on a sugar cube. That’s right. No shot. In other news of the day, the TV show, What’s My Line was first broadcast, “Rag Mop” by the Ames Brothers hit the number one spot, Natalie Cole was born, and Judy, the dog credited with saving the lives of the crew of the British ship, HMS Grasshop-per during WWII, died. Now what does all this have to do with living a spiritual life? Well, nothing. I just thought that sometimes we need to just sit back and grin a little bit, not be so serious. Especially, when everyone on the planet seems to have “seriousness over-load”. I hope these few moments of reading my column brought a smile to your face. Next month I will get back to being serious.

Have a great February 2018!

Rev. Bill

FEBRUARY 2018

“KINDNESS IS LIKE SNOW, IT BEAUTIFIES EVERYTHING IT COVERS.”

~ KAHLIL GIBRAN

Staff

Rev. Carol Record, Co-Minister

Rev. Bill Brooks, Co-Minister

Mary Salerno, Administrator

Amber Holland, Admin. Assistant/ Youth Ed Director

Karen Sanders, Office Assistant

Kenny Green, Volunteer/Facilities/ Event Coordinator

Bob Snook, Pianist

Shari Pratt, Audio/Visual Technician

David Wilhite, Visual Technician

Vickie Muncrief, Bookstore Assoc.

Keith Bailey, Youth Ed Assistant

Brigitte Hughes, Nursery

Deb Grizzel, Nursery

Volunteer Staff

John Rouzer, LUT

Board of Directors

Bill Parks, President

Dr. Sue Elseewi, Vice President

Dr. Juneria Berges, Secretary

Mark Morris, Treasurer

Debby Holt, Member

Bill Toon, Member

Rev. Carol Record, Co-Minister

PAGE 2

FEBRUARY 4 THINK RIGHT AND GROW • Thinking is our intellect in action, allowing us to reason,

choose and ultimately, act. • Dominion of our thoughts belongs to every man. • The law of Mind-Action results in growth and progress

through right thinking.

FEBRUARY 11 THE GREAT MASQUERADE • Our desire for God masquerades itself under the guise of

other desires and ambitions. • God is as close to us as our breath. • Sitting alone with God at His table provides the ultimate

nourishment.

FEBRUARY 18 FAITH, DENIALS AND AFFIRMATIONS • Faith is a positive agreement between the conscious and

the sub conscious. • Denials begins with an understanding that all suffering is

not a part of God’s plan. • Affirmation: JUST SAY “YES”

FEBRUARY 25 SPIRITUAL UNDERSTANDING • Spiritual Understanding is the revelation of Truth by Spirit

to Man’s consciousness. • The gift of understanding is available to everyone no mat-

ter who, what, when or where. • Spiritual Understanding result in authenticity. The “real

YOU.”

OF UNITY

Each Sunday a member of the Spiritual Education Coun-cil will facilitate a discussion focused on the previous week’s Sunday lesson. Join in for a lively conversation. Meet in the Uniteen classroom.

Every Sunday 9:30 am - 10:00 am

The Spiritual Education Council is led by LUT, John Rouzer, and consists of Dr. N.J. Pyles, Boyd Colt, Mark and Dawn Morris, and Gigi Johnson. We're excited to welcome this group of dedicated spiritual education coaches and we encourage you to support them by participating in the formats they'll be pre-senting throughout 2018.

Spiritual Education Council

• MEMBERSHIP 101 WITH JOHN ROUZER

Wednesday, May 23

• VALUES CLARIFICATION WORKSHOP WITH GIGI JOHNSON

Sunday, June 24

• DISCOVER THE POWER WITHIN YOU ROUNDTABLE WITH MARK & DAWN MORRIS

Wednesday, August 1 – 22

• EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE WORKSHOP WITH BOYD COLT

Sunday, September 2

• METAPHYSICS I WITH JOHN ROUZER Wednesday, September 5 – October 3

• MEMBERSHIP 101 WITH JOHN ROUZER

Sunday, September 16

• WHO ARE YOU? WORKSHOP WITH JOHN ROUZER

Sunday, October 7

Rev. Carol will deliver an insightful talk, followed by the symbolic sprinkling of ashes and communion elements. Prepare for your personal Easter resurrection this Ash Wednesday. Easter is April 1. In Unity, we believe that it is a time of preparation for the progressive unfoldment of our spiritual essence. We do not let go of things we enjoy in a physical manner during Lent, rather, we commit to grow into the Truth of our being through our past experiences. Join us as we make a new commitment to the path of the Christ within us. Youth program is provided. Please sign-up at the Info Center.

THE RESURRECTION JOURNEY BEGINS

FEBRUARY 14 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

PAGE 3

WEDNESDAYS March 7 - April 4

6:30 pm John Rouzer’s class, The Twelve Powers, is a 5-week course that, using the book, takes a look at the twelve expressions of the divine power inherent in each of us. Expressions such as love, faith, strength, zeal, and imagination are discussed. This class can be taken for credit with a fee of $45.00. Childcare is not provided. Sign up at the Info Center.

You’re invited to our

VOLUNTEER LUNCHEON

& TRAINING

Sunday, February 4 11:30 am - 1:30 pm

“It is when you give of yourself

that you truly give.” ~ Kahlil Gibran

Join us for this opportunity to share in

fellowship, renew and review how each Sunday volunteer plays a vital role in the worship experience for this church, and

have some lunch.

Sign up at the Info Center.

12 POWERS

As I was looking at www.worldprayers.org for a quote or prayer to include in the news-letter, I selected “Random Celebrations” and our Prayer for Protection came up, among others. It’s such a simple prayer and a great affirmation; a few simple words to remind us of the ever-presence of God as we know God to be. When the Care Team prays, we often affirm this prayer, although not necessarily with these words. Rather, we may hold and know that God is in the midst of anything that may be going on in our lives or the lives of others. The Care Team invites you to pray with them in the Prayer Room, through the prayer line, during wellness calls, or by email. We’re happy to affirm your good with you, so please join us!

CARE TEAM PRAYER LINE: 817-251-2341

Please join us for an incredible healing service in the sanctuary. Rev. Carol and Bill will join the Care Team in discussing the intent of the service, after which there will be a brief meditation be-fore the healing service. Then, each individual who wants to will receive healing affirmations and energy from the Care Team will come forward. This should be a wonderful, meditative service, with soft drumming throughout and sitting in the silence for a brief time at the end.

SERVICE Healing

MONDAY, MARCH 12 • 6:30 PM

The light of God surrounds us; The love of God enfolds us;

The power of God protects us; The presence of God watches

over us. Wherever we are, God is.

And all is well.

ATTENTION

High School Students and Parents

The 2017-2018 Reverend Carol Record Scholarship applications are now available in the GCISD high school counselor’s office, as well as in the Center of

Unity office. Eligible students are: • Applicants must be high school seniors who are applying to colleges, universities or vocational/

technical institutions. • Applicants must be graduating seniors from Grapevine High School, Colleyville Heritage High School

or those who attend Center of Unity in Grapevine. Center of Unity seniors are eligible to apply; however, there is no guarantee of receiving a Rev. Carol Record Scholarship.

• Applicants must have a current cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher based upon a 4.0 GPA Scale. The Rev. Carol Record Scholarship Committee utilizes the following criteria: financial need, academic performance/potential, community service, leadership and personal goals/spirituality. Each recipient receives a scholarship maximum of $2,000. These funds are sent directly to his/her chosen education institution as a credit for the student’s account. The application and two recommendations must be completed and returned to your GCISD school counselor or mailed by MIDNIGHT, February 14, 2018 to the Rev. Carol Record Scholarship Chairperson. The address is located on page two of the application packet.

REV. CAROL RECORD

FUND

PAGE 4

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

James & Marion Solis 05 Lucy Ceraldi & Tim Mullen 17 Ed & Carolyn Wieland 15 Greg & Lynn Will 26

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

YOUTH ED: Sigourney Selvarajan 04 Dameon Winsor 04 Shaylee Winsor 06 Cameron Spencer 08 Lila Velasquez-Ebersole 08 Reagan Parks 09 Courtney Krauser 10 Mason Blythe 13 Trey Kelly 16 Adrienne Wood 18 Gracie Baker 21

ADULTS: Howard Cassady 02 Carolyn Wieland 05 Bill Winton 08 Lori Elhardt 14 Jessica Gillaspy 15 Ted McIlvain 17 Christie Reyenga 18 Dylan Steel 20 Mary Warren 23 Kathe Randall 24 Donna Shearer 26

Sunday, February 18 11:15 am

All Voting Members, please plan to stay after service for our Annual Meeting where we will vote on new Board Members.

Childcare will be provided.

OUR 2018 GOALS The following goals are affirmed daily by staff and some of our congregants. We ask that you keep a copy nearby, so that you can affirm them with us. Please note that our mission and vision statements are listed after the goals.

The following vision is set forth knowing that the Universe has already responded to our desires for 2018:

• Monthly income exceeds expenses every

month with an abundance left over.

• Continued growth in attendance and

increased retention at Sunday services and classes with participants prospering in all ways.

• Successful sales in gift and book store

with items in alignment with desires of congregation and community.

• Committed, enthusiastic, and well-

trained volunteers joyfully fill every position available or created every day.

• Youth Ministry classrooms are filled

with youth and teachers every week.

• The Care Team is a vibrant, cohesive

group that lovingly supports our ministers and congregants, using affirmative prayer to express the wholeness and divinity in all.

• The enhanced music program grows in

participation and acceptance, enriching our services with a robust music ministry.

• The Spiritual Education Council’s

workshops and classes are eagerly accessed and well attended.

• MISSION: We accept and support all

people as we live universal truths of unconditional love, prayer, abundance and service.

• Hughes Road Montessori has full

enrollment with a waiting list, with a cooperative and supportive PTO and a happy, qualified, professional team of teachers.

• The enhanced Unity Connections expands

as a user-friendly tool attracting and welcoming the community.

• The Rev. Carol Record Scholarship fund is

successful through continual financial abundance from all channels and increased awareness in our church and community.

• VISION: We are a prominent spiritual

and holistic center for inspiration and transformation.

Parents, go to lunch, run some errands or just enjoy some much deserved “you time” while the kids enjoy pizza and a movie.

OPEN TO ALL KIDS K - 12th Grade

Must reserve your child’s spot by Sunday, February 4. Sign up at the Info Center or email amber@unitychurchgrapevine.org.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 11 • 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM

“

“

PAGE 5

TREE OF LIFE

THE GIFT IS IN THE GIVING

The Tree of Life offers such an opportuni-ty. It is a permanent, handcrafted art-work of leaves, acorns, and foundation stones. Miniature plaques are individu-ally mounted for the purpose of giving us each the opportunity to remember sig-nificant people, events, dates, achieve-ments, or acts of service that are mean-ingful in our lives. The Tree of Life also provides financial support that enhances our property and people. It also symbolizes the blooming of our church. Each leaf represents the growth and expansion of Center of Unity.

Each acorn is a seed that has the poten-tial to become a mighty oak. Foundation stones represent the strength of God’s abundant love and our faith in miracles that are manifesting. The successes of our programs are guaranteed by a solid foundation. The names on our Tree of Life leaves, acorns and foundation stones are pre-cious to all of us because they represent the love we have for one another and our church. Stop in the foyer and enjoy the inscrip-tions on the plaques and consider pur-chasing one of your own. Talk with Jen-nifer Brecht or Mary Salerno about the various payment options.

Pick up a brochure in

the foyer today!

FUN! FOOD! FELLOWSHIP! Monday, February 20

7:00 am Have you ever thought it would be great to get to know our ministers on a more personal level, outside of church? Or maybe you already know them but would just enjoy hanging out over breakfast and coffee. Now is your chance. Join Carol, Bill and 7 Unity friends at the IHop, 2710 State Highway 121, Euless, for a Dutch treat breakfast. It’s first come, first served so sign up now at the Info Center!

7@7 BREAKFAST

LUNCH BUNCH

ONLY $5

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14 11:30 AM

Join us in Fellowship Hall for a home-style lunch prepared by June Koppe with the assistance of Mike Record. Open to all.

Please sign up at the Info Center by the Sunday prior.

C O R K E D A GROUP FOR SINGLE ADULTS & COUPLES

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Join the Corked group as we celebrate the Chinese New Year at PF Chang’s in Grapevine. Please sign up at the Info Center so we have an idea of how many for reservations.

Though it would be nice to have a “Jeannie,” we don’t. When you walk through the doors on Sunday morning it may seem as though everything has seamlessly, or magically, happened but it’s quite the opposite. I think most of you would be very surprised by the amount of work it takes on a daily, weekly and monthly basis to operate our church. For example, did you know that Rev. Carol walks the church grounds early every Sunday morning picking up trash and debris or that Shane & Lori Sheffield pick-up and restock the sanctuary every week as well as delivering the donations to GRACE, or that Bill Toon, Harry Lantvit and Bill Parks work in the yard regularly trimming bushes and cleaning up? The list could go on and on. So, by now you’re probably asking yourself, “How can I help?” Here are some ideas...

• Prepare bookstore (anytime Mon. - Thurs.)

• Make visitor packets (anytime Mon. - Thurs.)

• Help with Youth Ed projects (Mon. - Thurs.)

• Pick up church grounds before Sunday service (Sat. or Sun.)

• Organize the Janitorial Closet (anytime Mon. - Thurs.)

• Stuff envelopes (as needed) While we work hard to ensure we can provide the best Sunday experience for our members and visitors, we need your help. Our volunteers are an essential component to making sure “It Works.” Please contact Kenny at 817-488-1008 or coukenny@unitychurchgrapevine.org if you’re interested in helping with any of these or other on-going needs!

We Don’t

Have A

“Jeannie,”

But We Have

YOU

"Centering Prayer," a practice that facilitates contemplative prayer. Contemplative prayer is considered to be the pure gift of God. It is the opening of mind and heart - our whole being - to God, the ultimate mystery, beyond thoughts, words and emo-tions. Come and see what it's all about! Childcare is not provided.

Tuesdays @ 6:30 pm Facilitated by Mark & Dawn Morris

We meet on the 4th Saturday of each month. We’ll discuss the current book, The Heart - A Novel by Maylis de Kerangal, which is available in the bookstore. Just before dawn on a Sunday morning, three teenage boys go surfing. While driving home exhausted, the boys are involved in a fatal car accident on a deserted road. Two of the boys are wearing seat belts; one goes through the windshield. The doctors declare him brain-dead shortly after arriving at the hospital, but his heart is still beating. The Heart takes place over the twenty-four hours surrounding the resulting heart transplant, as life is taken from a young man and given to a woman close to death. Join us even if you haven’t read the book, there’s always something to talk about! Meet in Fellowship Hall. Childcare is not provided.

Saturday, Feb. 24 11:00 am

PAGE 6

March 26

Gardening with Kenny

Green

Whether you want your garden to

be a container garden, a backyard garden, raised beds, or other, Kenny will help you with planning and will offer tips to help you decide the best kind of garden for you. Supply list to follow.

April 23

Scrapbooking with

Teri McCarthy

Teri, sister of congregant Winfield Armstrong, will show you creative techniques for preserv-ing personal or family history in the form of a book or album. Supplies include: adhesive of your choice, scissors, 4-8 pictures; optional supplies include a paper trimmer and 2-4 piec-es of 12x12 paper that works with the colors or theme in the pictures.

June 25

Jewelry making with

Sue Ellen Love and

Madeline Losito

Madeline and Sue Ellen will lead you through the steps as you learn jewelry-making tech-niques to create your own necklace or other piece of jewelry. Supply list to follow.

October 22

Pumpkin Decorating

with Jennifer Brecht

A popular class last year, Jennifer will show you tips and techniques for decorating real or fake pumpkins just in time for Halloween. Be pre-pared for some amazing results. Supply list will follow.

November 26

Clay with Mary Saler-

no

Mary will show you techniques and will pro-vide inspiration for building your own clay piece using self-drying fiber clay. Fiber clay is a strong, durable clay that can be finished by firing or as a self-drying piece. No supplies but a small donation in addition to the love offer-ing is requested to offset the cost of the clay.

May 21

July 23

August 27

September 24

December 17

These dates are not sched-

uled. If you’d enjoy sharing

your talent with a group on

any of these dates, please

contact Kenny or Mary.

ARTIST ’S PLAY

4th Monday of Each Month

6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Monday, February 26

Watercolor with Amanda

Selvarajan

An accomplished artist, Amanda will teach begin-ner and advanced watercolor techniques, de-pending on your experience level. Be prepared for some methods you may have never thought of but which will enhance your painting style. Supply list to follow. Sign up at the Info Center.

A different facilitator will lead participants through a specific art or craft project. If you have the time and a talent that you’d enjoy sharing with a group, contact Kenny Green at coukenny@gmail.com or Mary Salerno at mary@unitychurchgrapevine.org. A love offering will be collected for each class.

Schedule of Events

FEBRUARY 2018 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 Office Closed

3

9:00 am Yoga

10:00 am

Meditation

4 8:15 am - Country Truth

9:30 am - 10:00 am Sunday School

10:10 am

“Think Right & Grow”

11:30 am - 1:30 pm Volunteer Luncheon & Training

5 6 11:30 am

Turnaround Tuesday Bible Study

6:30 pm

Centering Prayer

7

8

9 Office Closed

10 9:00 am

Yoga

10:00 am Meditation

11 8:15 am - Country Truth

9:30 am - 10:00 am Sunday School

10:10 am “The Great Masquerade”

11:30 am - 2:00 pm Kids Movie “Night”

12

13 11:30 am

Bible Study

6:30 pm

Centering Prayer

14 11:30 am

Lunch Bunch

6:30 pm Ash Wednesday

Scholarship Applications Due

15

16 Office Closed

17 9:00 am Yoga

10:00 am

Meditation

18 8:15 am - Country Truth

9:30 am - 10:00 am Sunday School

10:10 am “Faith, Denials & Affirmations”

11:15 am

Annual Meeting

19 7:00 am

7@7 Breakfast

20 11:30 am

Turnaround Tuesday Bible Study

6:30 pm Centering Prayer

21

22

23 Office Closed

24 9:00 am

Yoga

10:00 am Meditation

11:00 am

The Book Club

25 Spam Sunday 8:15 am - Country Truth

9:30 am - 10:00 am Sunday School

10:10 am

“Spiritual Understanding”

26

6:00 pm - 7:30 pm Watercolor with

Amanda Selvarajan

27 11:30 am

Turnaround Tuesday Bible Study

6:30 pm Centering Prayer

28

Center of Unity 1650 Hughes Road, P.O. Box 667 Grapevine, TX 76051

www.centerofunity.org

Our Mission Statement: We accept and support all people as we live universal truths of unconditional love, prayer, abundance and service.

Our Vision: We are a prominent spiritual and holistic center for inspiration and transformation.

October General Fund

Income: $30,473.00

Expenses: $32,333.00

YTD General Fund

Income: $259,351.77

Expenses: $295,448.28

God is the Source of Center of Unity. We are lavishly prospered in all ways. Thank you, God!

After the holidays I usually wish the world would slow down. Actually I wish everybody would just stop and take a break. I need to rest and restore. This year it has been especially tempting to stay indoors and try to stay warm since winter decided to finally show up. But, no, the world turns, life keeps trucking and the beat goes on! And so it goes here at Center of Unity. The Sunday morning talks by Rev. Carol and Rev. Bill are so inspiring and informative on living the founda-tions of Unity principles. Midweek classes are underway with more to follow. John Rouzer will be starting a class on The Twelve Powers in March. There are workshops and classes planned for every month of this year. Check the church calendar - come on Spring! Artist Play is expanding this year to every month -

Yea! We have some great folks who will be sharing a creative talent with those who attend the fun. The Wing and a Prayer Chorale is at work learning the Palm Sunday cantata to be performed March 25. The Board of Directors is at work on making progress for this year and beyond. Important information and ideas will be presented at the Annual Meeting on February 18. Don't miss it. Non-members may attend to learn more about the operation of our church and the many ways our members contribute their time and talents. I would like to take this opportunity for myself and other members of the Board of Directors to say a sincere Thank You! to Rev. Carol, Rev. Bill, Mary, Karen, Kenny and Amber and the other staff mem-bers who keep our church going each and every day. They are here in the building to see that the mainte-nance and housekeeping needs are handled, as well as taking care of the flock. They do a great job and are greatly appreciated. My key word for 2018 is Growth. I'm applying it to my life as well as my church. I think we all want our church to grow with more members, more youth and more spiritual learning. I see growth and mo-mentum happening at Center of Unity in 2018. Let's stay warm, stay well and grow together in this new year. Love and blessings,

Debby Holt, Board Member