January - February 2009 | Download PDF
The Gift of Prosperity
THE GIFT OF 2009
PRAYER, PEACE, and PROSPERITY
Let me begin this letter by expressing my sincere hope and desire, that we will know it is God’s good pleasure to give us the Kingdom. Every year we have the blessing to begin a new journey with the knowledge and recognition that God’s Gifts are always present for us. No matter who we are, or our status in life, when we know this consciousness of spirit as the Kingdom and the presence of God, we will know these gifts as Prayer, Peace, and Prosperity.
Prayer is the highest form of mind action known to mankind. It is the gift that we receive in our awareness of God. This awareness of prayer creates an alignment with spirit that draws to us our answered prayer. The alignment in Spirit is the power of prayer itself. That is the gift which awaits our consciousness in Truth. As we pray, we become centered on the oneness with spirit and our attention and focus is on the presence of God, surrounding ourselves with the attitude of gratitude, giving thanks for all things.
With this consciousness of prayer, we unwrap another gift of Spirit that fills our being with joy, love, and faith. This is the gift of Peace. In this gift we become centered in the conscious of the Christ, with the assurance and faith of knowing the presence of God is within us. There is a sense of calm, a poise, a self-confidence that filters into our being as this gift of peace allows us to release any thoughts of an error consciousness which does not find its foundation in our peace of mind.
When we pray, it is our peaceful consciousness that allows the presence of Christ within us to draw to us our Prosperity, the gift of our wellbeing. This gift of prosperity, according to Webster, is “an advance or gain in anything good or desirable”. Jesus said to all men, “seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you”. Our prosperity begins in the very thought that we know that God is our source.
As we enter into the new year of 2009, let us discover these gifts of Prayer, Peace, and Prosperity and embrace them as a new beginning that will bring to us positive transformation and change. Let these gifts become the conscious awareness within us that will fully inspire us to understand the value and meaning of the words “Peace on Earth and Good will towards man”.
Let us take into our heart the spiritual message that Jesus taught us, and know that these gifts provide us the faith-filled energy that is aligning us in oneness with the presence of God. These three gifts given to us become that power within that will demonstrate our inner awareness and oneness with God. Only then can we truly understand these words “I can do all things through Christ which strengthen me.”
Have a Happy Blessed New Year and remember throughout 2009: PRAYER, PEACE AND PROSPERITY.
Rev. Gregory C. Guice
Back to TopA Message From Our Board President
2009 WOW!
It is hard to believe that 2008 has come and gone. What a wonderful year this has been and what a privilege is has been to be of service to Unity of Lake Orion and to work with Rev. Gregory Guice. I am so pleased and grateful that Unity of Lake Orion is growing both physically and spiritually under Rev. Gregory Guice.
Currently, the Board of Directors is busy planning events and activities for 2009. As always, Rev. Gregory has great ideas and is so creative that it makes the planning process fun.
In addition, I know that the Women of Spirit and the Men of Unity have begun their individual calendars too. In addition, I am very happy to report that the Children’s Church has recruited enough new enthusiastic teachers that we can now offer more classes. We have divided the Children’s Church into three age categories, which will provide more age appropriate material to all of the children. We are still very interested in promoting a teen program. That initiative will be starting soon. We have someone who is interested in being a sponsor and are looking for additional volunteers. Anyone interested in some way please see Rev. Gregory or myself.
As some of you know, Rick and I have decided to become “snowbirds” for the first time this winter. A new president will be taking over my spot in January. Rick and I are planning on returning sometime in April, maybe.
It will be hard to leave our friends for such a prolonged period of time; however, I am so excited and ready to do something different and new. In addition, we have moved Rick’s Dad into an Assisted Living facility in Florida and need to proceed with cleaning out his house and selling it. So, we request prayers seeing that happening fast and easy.
Coming up in February UOLO will be electing new members to serve on the Board of Directors. These will be replacements for those leaving plus the addition of one new board member (see page 7 for the nominees). I invite anyone interested in serving, to please see Sharyn Davis or Rev. Gregory. I know this new Board along with the Rev. Gregory and the Congregation will continue to grow UOLO as we leap forward into 2009 with prosperity, peace and love.
Wishing you a Blessed 2009.
Love and Blessings,
Gail Ingoglia
Treasurer's Report
Backward & Foreward
2008 was a roller coaster year for us financially. We finished 2007 with a large deficit and a search for a new minister. We prayed hard and got the dynamic motivator, Rev. Guice, we asked for. He hit the ground running early in 2008 and left many of us with our heads spinning.
Keeping up the Rev. Guice was quite a challenge. He brought with him high energy and so many ideas. He threw so many things at us, we who had become complacent, that we didn’t know where to start. As the year drew to a close we finally found our footing and understanding of how each other operates. We look forward to the future of our church community in 2009.
The finance committee came up with our first ever budget. We managed to end the year well below our projected loss. Income has increased considerably over the prior year, in part, due to an angel gift we received in July. Thank you God. At the same time, our expenses increased due mostly to higher ministerial costs and other items such as improvements to our sound and recording systems. We have started working on the 2009 budget to be presented at the annual meeting in February. Though we end 2008 with another loss, we are optimistic that this year we will break old patterns and show a positive cash flow. Yea, God.
We are focusing on fund raising in 2009. Plans are in the works for monthly movie nights, bringing back Coffee houses, a used book sale in March, the opening of our wedding chapel, and the return of both Douglas Blue Feather and the Mosaic Singers, to name a few. Also, in an effort to maximize the use of our church facilities, we are in the research phase of establishing an in-house day care center.
Sounds like a lot, and it is! We need you to tithe not only financially but also your time. We need volunteers for all the programs I have mentioned and more. Please consider where you might be able to volunteer and talk to Rev. Guice or a Board member. Our success and growth in 2009 depends on you.
As we all tighten our belts due to an unsure economic forecast, remember God is our source. God will provide abundance for us all. Bring a friend to church on Sunday or to one of the classes and share this message with them. The more of us who believe God is our source, the more we give, the more we receive.
Blessings to you all,
Anna Ferman
Annual Congregational Meeting
February 10, 2009 | 11:30 AM
Our annual Congregational Meeting for 2009 will immediately follow the service, Sunday, February 10. The main item of business will be the election of new board members. We will replace two board members and add a third this year. Nominees for board membership at this time are listed below. Anyone else interested, please contact Sharyn Davis or Rev. Guice.
The Annual Congregational Meeting is a significant event for our spiritual community. It is the time to express your desires, dreams and visions for Unity of Lake Orion and empower your elected representatives to bring them into manifestation. Your presence is important as we open ourselves to God’s guidance and blessings. We look forward to seeing you there.
Board Nominees:
Brenda Ondejko
Brenda has been working as an Administrative Assistant for 30 years; 25 years with DuPont and for the past 5 ½ years with ConocoPhillips Automotive in Troy, MI. Her first affiliation with a Unity church was approximately 7 years ago with Renaissance Unity. She was drawn to the Unity teachings and became involved as a Greeter. She also attended several classes there such as The Course in Miracles and the 4T Program. “I really loved the Church and enjoyed participating in all of the various activities. However, after about 5 years the long drive started to take its toll. When my friend told me that there was a Unity Lake Orion church very close to me I decided to check it out. I was overwhelmed by the warm welcome and was immediately drawn to its feeling of family atmosphere. I began participating in some of the programs and activities it has to offer. I am excited about the way Unity Lake Orion is expanding, not only in population but also in its teachings and involvement in the community. I would feel it a privilege to be a board member.”
Cheryl Herrmann
Cheryl Herrmann joined Unity of Lake Orion in November 2008. She has been a Unity student for well over 15 years, and currently serves as a teacher in the children’s church. Professionally, Cheryl has worked for Henry Ford Health System since earning her baccalaureate degree in Nursing from Michigan State University in 1987. She recently transferred from Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit to the new Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital scheduled to open in March, 2009. She will serve as the Nurse Administrative Manager of Neurosciences at the new hospital. Cheryl also earned a law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, and is licensed to practice law in the State of Michigan. She has a strong interest in patient advocacy and enjoys developing young people. She is married, and has three children. Cheryl and her family are residents of White Lake, Michigan.
Don Stickler
Don worked at Consumer’s Energy and retired after 37 years of service. Involved with the Union, he served as recording secretary, Vice President & President. Also, he served on the Executive Board of United Way for three years, and the Funding Committee for four years. Don first got involved with Unity at Church of Today in 1991 and since then he has attended two to three Unity classes a year. Most recently he was President of the Board of Pontiac Unity for three years. Don has met with a spiritual group every Monday since 1993 and has been involved with AA since 1977. “I have turned my life around 98% because of Unity and AA and I thank my beautiful wife Jan for this.” Don served with the Marines from 1960 to 1964.
Men of Unity
A New Year and a New Name!
At our December meeting, the “Men’s Group” decided to change our name to “Men of Unity”. Although we did not know it at the time, Reverend Gregory later informed us that this is the name that is used universally at other Unity churches for their men’s organizations.
So please join the “Men of Unity” in the sanctuary for our monthly get together on the first Thursday of the month at 6:30 PM. Together, we enjoy pizza and a very delicious salad. Then at 7:00 we begin our meeting with prayer, sharing of thoughts on interesting topics, and just plain fun. If you cannot make it by 6:30, that’s okay. Just come in and join along.
We also invite all to our bowling gathering on the third Thursday of the month. We meet at a restaurant near the bowling alley at 6:00 PM and at 7:00 PM we head over to Classic Lanes which is on Avon Industrial Road in Rochester.
You do not have to be a church member in order to attend these events. As a matter of fact, we eagerly welcome new faces to our group. You can use the sign up sheets in the lobby or contact me or any other member of our group for further information. I hope you will join us.
Jerry Crossman
(248) 681-3302
Women of Spirit
Calling all Ladies!
Women of Spirit 2009
Blessings to you in the new year from Women of Spirit! We are excited about our plans for the upcoming year and also want to say what a great ending we had to 2008 with December's Family Game Night, our WOS Christmas party and holiday decorating. Thanks to all who volunteered , attended meetings, gave suggestions and laughed with us. You made it such a wonderful and memorable year.
Be sure to come Saturday, January 17th for our first WOS meeting of 2009. Anna and Tammi will be leading us in a meeting on Prosperity and I know we are all looking forward to that. Also, the fourth Friday night of the month we are sponsoring Movie Night so please join us Friday, January 23rd at 7:00 PM, movie to be announced. We are looking for volunteers to help us that evening too, so please contact me if you are interested in helping. And please, bring a friend, neighbor or family member and spread the good things Unity has to offer us all.
February 21st Deb Derderian is bringing Nancy Boch to lead us in Qi Gong, an ancient Chinese form of movement and meditation that is healing, energizing and renewing. Nancy teaches many classes including Stretch and Strengthen, Yoga and Diet and Nutrition at the Clarkston Senior Center and through the Downing Clinic where she also provides Reflexology services, meditation classes and candle ear waxing. Please be sure to come and bring a friend. You will feel like a new women after class! Also, join us for movie night Friday, February 27 presenting The Moses Code at 7:00 PM.
We are looking forward to a special 2009 and wish you all the very best life can bring you.
Sharon Nettleton
(248) 628-8639
Look for the Good Inspires Help For Our Troops
When Visiting Angels director, Sandy Stewart, RN, joined the Look for the Good campaign at Lake Orion’s Unity Church, she was inspired to team up with Desert Angels to spread cheer to our American troops. Desert Angels is a nonprofit organization which sends care packages to American troops overseas.
“This is an excellent morale booster for the troops away from home, especially over the holidays,” Sandy said. Sandy has set empty collection boxes in our church entry hall for us to fill with goodies to send to these troops. “Warmth for Winter is the current campaign we’re working on.” she adds. “We are collecting blankets, pillows, socks, hot cocoa, coffee, tea, homemade cookies, holiday cards, anything to boost their spirits during this holiday season and the cold winter months.”
You can learn more, read replies from the soldiers and even contact Desert Angels about having a care package sent to your own loved one serving overseas, at www.thedesertangel.org.
Sandra Stewart, RN
Director, Visiting Angels
ONGOING CLASSES
Monday
Meditation
With Sharyn Davis
7PM-8PM
Tuesday
A Course in Miracles
With Gladie Hamilton
7PM-9PM
Wednesday
Practicing the Presence
With Gregory Guice
7PM-8:30PM
Thursday
Lessons In Truth
With Gregory Guice
11:30AM-1PM
SAVE YOUR USED BOOKS…
...CD’s, DVD’s, and Tapes!
Unity of Lake Orion’s Booksale fundraiser is Coming In March!
Unity Bookstore
BOOKS FOR $5.00!!
“Reel Spirit” –
A guide to Movies that Inspire, Explore & Empower
(from Unity House)
A must-have for all movie fans that also happen to be students of Unity, this book will help you see movies from a whole new perspective. Over 150 movies, some old (Going My Way), some new (Star Wars-The Phantom Menace), some for the young (Wizard of Oz) and some for the more mature (Schindler’s List), are discussed from a metaphysical viewpoint adding insights that you might never expect. Originally priced at $14.95, this is a fascinating book that you will want to keep close by your TV set, or to read at your leisure.
“Prayer Works” –
True Stories of Answered Prayer by Rosemary Ellen Guiley
Why and how does prayer work? The author turned to Silent Unity to research this question. The result is this book which contains more than 150 letters and testimonials of answered prayer, with commentary by Rosemary Ellen Guiley, a prominent Unity author. It consists of 10 chapters, such as “Prayer that Works”, “All Prayers are Answered”, “When the Elements Rage”, and “God Cares for Animals”. It is the type of book that you will turn to over and over. Uplifting and inspirational! Original Price $12.95
“I Turn to the Light” –
A Book of Healing Affirmations by Connie Bowen
Intended for children, this is a beautifully illustrated book that contains very simple affirmations for grade school (or possibly younger) children. What a great way to tuck your children (or grandchildren) into bed, with a positive thought about the goodness of God! Original Price $12.95
There are also other books available at a reduced price. Please be sure and come into the bookstore and browse to your heart’s content.
Yours in Unity,
Paul Ferman
Warning:
Reading spiritual books can be habit forming and good for your health and peace of mind!!