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Unity Church of Peor ia 3127 N Avalon Place (mai l ing : 3 1 17 N Avalon Place) • Peor ia , IL 6 1604
Webs i te : www.un itypeoria .org • E-mai l : uni typ ia@sbcg lobal .net Of f i ce phone: (309) 682-8554 • Of f i ce Hours : by appointment 2016 I s sue 1 1
The Unity Messenger
D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 6
In this newsletter…
Page 1 “Lines from Linda”
Page 2 “Did you know…?”
(volunteer recognition)
Page 3 From My Perspective
Page 4 Classes, Group Meetings,
Unity Prayer Support
Page 5 Holiday Events
Page 6 Season Greetings
UNITY OF PEORIA
PURPOSE STATEMENT
Honoring Oneness,
celebrating life,
and expressing love
MISSION STATEMENT
Being all that God
created us to be.
VISION STATEMENT
Creating heaven on earth
through the oneness of mind,
body and spirit.
Lines from
Linda...
LO
V E
WI LL
L I F E
Z E A L
F A I T H
O R D E R
P O W E R
S T R E N G T H
J U D G M E N T
E LI M I N A T I O N
I M A G I N A T I O N
U N D E R S T A N D I N G
H A P P Y H O L I D A Y S
Greetings of the Season to you!
As many of you know, my favorite
and most used Unity framework is
the Twelve Powers as presented by
Charles Fillmore. The tree at the
right contains all 12 powers and a
star.
The Star illuminating over the 12
powers is a symbol for me of the
Christ Light illuminating all of the
powers as I am willing to receive.
This illumination is from the Christ
Presence in me which is not reflec-
tive, it is directive.
Each of the powers has a bodily en-
ergy center which may provide aware-
ness of a need to experience illumina-
tion and wholeness.
The best part of this framework is the ability to quickly activate the illumination
using my body’s energy centers. Since learning this framework in the mid 1980’s
I have applied the opening to Christ Light into the centers that are signaling the
need. This has been done while driving my car, sitting in a meeting, walking on a
beach, prior to sleep. No one is aware of my engaging these energy centers (12
Powers) as the process in within. “Go into your closet..” Jesus taught and this
application of the Twelve Powers is going into my closet.
Our Christmas Candlelighting Service on December 18th at 7PM will provide a
celebration of Christmas and an opportunity to illumine our Divine Powers.
Please join in this community event.
MAY YOU KNOW JOY THIS SEASON!
Linda
Winter Weather
When weather conditions cause you to ques-
tion if a Unity service or class might be can-
celled, please call the church office 682-
8554.
When there is a cancellation, the message on
the answering machine will be changed to
advise you of such cancellation.
NOTE: Our parking lot and walkways are not
salted; only snow removal with a plow and
snow thrower are used
This month I had the pleasure of in-terviewing a woman very near and dear to my heart, Margaret “Maggie” Johnson. Maggie has been coming to Unity Church of Peoria for almost 30 years. Her first interaction with Unity was Mary Tanton’s class on The Course of Miracles. Mother’s day of 1988 was her first Sunday service, and she knew that this was her church. She could barely make it through the Peace Song! Maggie has been a dedicated member throughout the years. The philosophy of non-judgment and emphasizing what we all have in common rather than what divides us is a principle that Maggie resonates with. She also loves the emphasis on prayer because she knows that prayer works, and that it is focused on the flow of the universe versus begging or demanding. Throughout the years she has taken classes through Unity like a class on Prosper-ity with Eddie Edwards and a class on Job with Linda Foreman. While her daughter (me, Kate Bentley) was in high school, Maggie stepped up to the plate and became the sponsor for Youth of Unity or Y. O.U. One could say that she enjoyed it just as much as I did! What sticks out to her most in her time as a sponsor is the bond that she made wit the other adult spon-sors and forming friendships. She loved to see all the teenagers be loved and also loving. It was a place where everybody could really open up and feel confident. She firmly believes that it is a worthwhile program for kids and adults, and would love to see other teenagers attend these events. When she is not working or spending time with her family, she has an as-sortment of hobbies like yoga, walking the dog, and traveling. In 2015 she hiked from rim to rim of the Grand Canyon which is one of the most exciting and exhilarating activities that she has done! She is also a phenomenal cook with gravy and her spaghetti sauce being my favorite. She is an avid reader of fiction and non-fiction. Her favorite genre is science fiction, but at the moment Maggie is reading two books on the Course of Miracles. They are The Heart of Course in Miracles by Michael Murdad and Eternal Life and a Course in Miracles by Jon Mundy. She came to Peoria in 1979 for a job and also to marry Mike Bentley. Aside from dentistry she practices homeopathy and cranial. She has loved black and white movies since she was a child watching them with her mother. Her favorites include On the Waterfront and The Philadelphia Story. On top of everything Maggie is a wonderful person to have a conversation with, so be sure to strike up one next time you see her!
The Unity Messenger , Dec 2016 Page 2
DID YOU KNOW...? Volunteer Recognition… Each month, a volunteer is chosen
and interviewed so we can share with our church family and
friends just how special and appreciated each and every one is!
The Unity Messenger , Dec 2016 Page 3
From My Perspective:
Memories of the year 2016.
It is the only year we could bring my mother-in-law, Mrs. Chimela Wekulom to join us in Peo-
ria from Nigeria. Bringing her over was very special to me because she is one of the few living
persons who sat in that same One-Room-School House in Ḍighiriga where my education be-
gan. She was a few classes ahead of me then before she was given to be married. And she is
now the matriarch of that Church. The greater joy was that she made a safe trip across the At-
lantic to Peoria in the winter season without difficulty. And what is more, there was no snow
fall to cramp her indoors. But what toned down our joy, however, was her daughter’s illness.
Urolonaan was her first daughter. To offset the unspoken pain in the environment was her
youngest daughter’s first pregnancy and the expectation of the birth that came later on March
7th, 2016 at Methodist Hospital. Of course in purely Unity of Peoria Style, the very pregnant
Edughom was accorded a baby shower by the ladies of Unity Church of Peoria at Christy’s
home. What else could one be more thankful for than being part of a community of such
welcoming individuals? Another memorable moment was the farewell memorial service for
Urolonaan when she transitioned. I was not at my best under the circumstance but your love
buoyed me up. We, Ari, Ikosi and I truly appreciate the Spiritual leadership here. This com-
munity is a very special place in all seasons for this individual. Ikosi has recently shot up in
height in the last few months, almost overtaking Ari.
We have entered a season of spiritual introspection in all of Nature in this hemisphere. We
can see that as all deciduous trees strip themselves bare in preparation for the conditions to
come. It is an inward preparation, an inner journey so to speak, which we too undertake to
get ready for the busy year ahead. From my perspective, these are my memories of 2016.
—Rogers E. Harry-O’kuru
Unity’s WWELLELL OFOF A ABUNDANCEBUNDANCE
“Ask and you shall receive.”
WE ARE ASKING FOR…
10 mortgage payments ($333.87 monthly) all or in part
Ideas for group activities at Unity or out in the community
UNITY
Prayer Support Prayer is the heart of
all we do in Unity. Your Prayer Ministry Team is available to pray with you, family or friends. You may make
your prayer request in 3 ways: 1) E-mail [email protected] 2) Call the office: 682-8554
3) Use the prayer request on our website at www.unitypeoria.org Prayer requests are confidential.
SILENT UNITY 24/7 Prayer Ministry
Someone is always praying at Silent Unity, at Unity Village. YOU may request prayer at any time, by phone 1-800-669-7729, or at the website: www.silentunity.org
The Unity Messenger , Dec 2016 Page 4
Twelve Step Support Groups
Meetings are held in the
Center for Creative Living
Al-Anon Wednesday 7:00 pm
Cocaine Anonymous Tuesday 6:30 pm
Narcotics Anonymous Friday 7:00 pm
Thursday 12:00 noon
Overeaters Anonymous Monday 5:30 pm,
Wednesday 10:00 am Thursday 6:00 pm
Friday 5:30 pm Saturday 9:00 am
We continue to receive
CLEAN aluminum beverage
cans (please — NO aluminum
foil or other food containers!)
These cans are sold to recyclers,
with proceeds from this ongoing
fundraiser being applied to the
center mortgage fund.
Please rinse the cans, and crush
them if possible. You may leave
your donations in front of the
Center’s garage door. They are
stored in the garage until there is
a truck load, and are then taken
to the scrap dealer.
UNITY CLASSES
SUNDAY MORNING CLASS... 8:00 to 8:45 am, at the Center Join us in the Center for Creative Living, for a discussion of current events that inspire us to engage spiritually,
emotionally and intellectually to what is happening in our world!
SUNDAYS... 9:15 to 10:15 am, at the Center, THE GATHERING Meditation & Study
This month, our group begins a new book, Stepping Through the Narrow Gate, by Barry Vennard. This book
presents a proven way to experience a new sense of self through the principles of 'Evolutionary Spirituality,' pre-
sented as an evolved form of the twelve steps well-known to the recovery community. This transformational
change in human consciousness is a natural continuum of five billion years of the evolution of life on earth. This
evolutionary approach to growth and change is different and more effective than others because it provides a
new kind of release from self-condemnation. This release makes it possible for people to break through the de-
nial that is the main stumbling block to authentic transformation. The reader will be able to see how this evolu-
tionary approach makes the teachings of Jesus Christ more understandable, accessible and practical.
TUESDAYS at 10:00 am, at the Church, Biblical Literalism: A Gentle Heresy
By John Shelby Spong is our next chosen study. In this book is a blueprint for the church's future— that allows
the faithful to live inside the Christian story while still embracing the modern world. The people who wrote and received
the Gospel of Matthew did not see it as an accurate historical record. The Gentiles ignorance of things Jewish has distorted
the message of Matthew. Let us remain ignorant no more!
WEDNESDAY EVENING CLASS, 7:00 to 8:30 pm, at the Church
Books are available in the Bookstore for $9.00, and there are also a few in our lending library.
The Laughing Cure by Dr. Brian King is a psychologist and stand-up comedian whose humor therapy seminars are attended by more
than ten thousand people each year. In The Laughing Cure, King combines wit with medical research to reveal the benefits of laughter and hu-
mor on physical and emotional health.
The Unity Messenger , Dec 2016
Regular Sunday Morning Celebration Services…Regular Sunday Morning Celebration Services… Held each Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
Board Meetings are held each third Sunday of the month at 5 pm in the Center !Board Meetings are held each third Sunday of the month at 5 pm in the Center !
Twelve Power Candle lighting You are cordially invited to attend the Christmas Candlelighting
Service to be held on Sunday, December 18th at 7:00pm
We will all light our own candles and receive a Twelve Power
affirmation to keep the evening alive in our memories. A reception
will follow in Fellowship Hall. Snacks and Christmas goodies to share
afterward are appreciated!
Joy
Peace
Har-
BURNING BOWL CEREMONYBURNING BOWL CEREMONYBURNING BOWL CEREMONYBURNING BOWL CEREMONY
Saturday December 31st at 7:00pm
As 2016 passes and we look forward to 2017, we may become aware of
areas of our lives that are not flowing as freely as we desire. The Burning Bowl
ritual is an opportunity to release that which is no longer serving the highest and
best, and claim in a letter to God our desires for greater good in the coming year.
As we write our releasing, we let go of any attachment to that which is be-
ing released and give it over to Spirit. As we then set our written words aflame,
we watch it transform into nothingness and we turn to claim greater good in our
lives.
Join us for a New Year’s Eve Party immediately following the ceremony.
Bring snacks for the party and games to share as we join in celebrating the New
Year!
WHITE STONE RITUALWHITE STONE RITUALWHITE STONE RITUALWHITE STONE RITUAL
SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, AT 10:30AM SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, AT 10:30AM SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, AT 10:30AM SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, AT 10:30AM
When the biblical figures’ names were changed, they showed up in Life in a new way because something
was calling them deeper to express more of who they were meant to be. Likewise today, Spirit is calling
us to rise up out of whatever may be holding us back to fully commit to expressing all that we are.
“I will give you a new name, which only you will know. “
We can dramatically change and reshape our lives by what we call ourselves, by going within...listening
for the still, small voice and for that new sense of direction, seeking that nature which Spirit is calling us to
step into. As we meditate with our white stone in hand, we are allowing Spirit to reveal to us a new name,
a new word or symbol, a new thought or idea, a new theme or state of mind, a new heart or role. Only you
will know the meaning of your “name,” unless you choose to share it with like-minded friends and family!
Wishing you a wonderful, healing, and Wishing you a wonderful, healing, and Wishing you a wonderful, healing, and Wishing you a wonderful, healing, and warming Holiday season. warming Holiday season. warming Holiday season. warming Holiday season.
Full of light, love, and new beginnings! Full of light, love, and new beginnings! Full of light, love, and new beginnings! Full of light, love, and new beginnings!
We Love you, We bless you, and We truly We Love you, We bless you, and We truly We Love you, We bless you, and We truly We Love you, We bless you, and We truly Appreciate you Appreciate you Appreciate you Appreciate you
From the hearts of, From the hearts of, From the hearts of, From the hearts of,
The Board and Church Staff The Board and Church Staff The Board and Church Staff The Board and Church Staff