November - December 2009
This holiday season, let us pause for a moment and breathe in the blessings of the day. For many of us, this year has been a tremendous journey that at times has been a measure of self growth, inner reflection and also appreciation. Our lives may have felt like a never ending stream. In these moments we have come to understand that we should be grateful for all things in life, even those episodes when we’ve faced our darkest challenges or our brightest and bravest encounters.
The gift that we receive in these moments, are the blessings of Christ that illuminates our walk and instill within our awareness and consciousness that there is no moment in life when GOD IS not there. Let me restate this Truth again, there is no moment in life that doesn’t have within its core, regardless of the perception of that moment, regardless of the height that we may have to climb, regardless of difficulty or simplicity, there is no moment where God is not there. The Gift that we share is the omnipotent presence of the Christ that abides in all of our affairs, “let us rejoice and be glad in it”.
As we enter into this holiday season, let us remember that the birth of Jesus reminds us that within us is this ever present infinite unlimited essence that is awaiting our conscious engagement, laying within the habitation of our mind, shining like the star of Bethlehem, crying out to us “Here I Am”.
Always then, this is the reason for our celebration during this holiday season: to acknowledge our oneness with the Christ, and to be thankful for all things in life.
“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior…for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name”
(Luke 1:46-49)
So my message is to acknowledge and to be grateful for all things in our life, for God has given us a gift, an everlasting gift of Love that lives within us, born again with every breath of life as we look to the shining star within us called the Christ.
MOSAIC - Youth Theatre of Detroit
Please join us for The Second Annual Unity Church of Lake Orion Presentation of Mosaic Youth Ensemble
Friday, November 13 -
7:00 p.m.
University Center
Gold Room
Oakland University
Rochester, Michigan
Join us as we celebrate the music of this internationally acclaimed performing arts group, Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit. This virtuoso group of young singers will be appearing in the second annual Unity of Lake Orion Mosaic concert at Oakland University on Friday, November 13, at 7:00pm along with several other surprise guest appearances.
Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit is founded on the richness of diversity. The young artists come from city and suburban schools, and a variety of social, economic, racial, cultural and religious backgrounds.
Through Mosaic’s professional performing arts program, these young artists blend their ideas and talents and achieve excellence in their theatrical and musical performances. Yet, their success is perhaps best measured by how they excel in life. Mosaic proudly reports that more than 95% of its youth ensemble members graduate from high school and go on to college. The concert will feature the Mosaic Youth Singers lending their voices to a wide variety of songs in different genres. The Today Show has regularly featured this group as one of the highlights of Detroit and spotlighting Mosaic’s international tours to Asia, Africa and Europe.
Additionally, the Detroit News recognized the Founder and CEO of this world-renowned organization, Rick Sperling, as one of the 2008 Michiganians of the Year along with our own Rev. Gregory Guice. The concert will take place in the Gold Room of the Oakland Center Building on the campus of Oakland University.
Tickets are available at the church.
Love offering: Adults $12. Youth/ Parents of Performers - $5.
Please purchase your tickets after church service or call (248) 391-9211.
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A Message From Your Board President
With 2010 fast approaching, the Board was asked to reflect on the accomplishments of the year past and update the church on their plans for next year:
What were the goals for the Board in 2009 and list your success stories for 2009?
- Everything that happened at the church was a goal and each one was a success story because of the Love, Friendships, and New People that we gained. Plus we made a few dollars with each goal or event.
What would I like to tell the congregation as a Board and how would I encourage all members to get involved?
- I would like to thank the Unity Builders for getting us organized and I would encourage all the members of this church to get involved in anything that you can at the church, no matter how little or big it might seem. ACCORDING TO YOUR BELIEF IT WILL BE DONE UNTO YOU.
What goals do you have for 2010?
- The Board is doing the best job we can and we are still open for improvement. Thank you all for your support and thank you for being a part of my family.
I was asked all these questions--and now I ask you--What is your vision for the church going forward and what can you do to help?
I Love You All,
Don Stickler
Treasurer's Report
I would like to thank the congregation for the opportunity to serve on the Board of Directors. At the board meeting, I was elected to the office of Treasurer.
The Treasurer is considered the custodian of the assets of the organization. As such, I will endeavor to continue the efforts put forth by Anna Ferman, who has left the board, to keep Unity of Lake Orion on solid financial ground.
Sharon and I have truly felt right at home from the time we walked in the door for the first time. As with any new responsibilities, it takes a little time to become familiar with current processes, so please bear with me during this learning curve. If you have any questions, comments or concerns please feel free to bring them to my attention.
Thanks for all your support,
Rick Kugel
Unity Bookstore
I am proud to announce the arrival of the following books, new to our bookstore:
SCIENCE OF MIND by Ernest Holmes ($16.95, Softcover)
HOW TO USE THE SCIENCE OF MIND by Ernest Holmes ($10.95, Softcover)
FRACTAL TIME: The Secret of 2010 and a New World Age, by Gregg Braden ($24.95, Hardcover)
MUSEUM OF LOST WONDER: Requestion Reality – A Visual History of The Human Imagination, by Jeff Hoke ($49.95, Hardcover)
THE REAL ME: Awakening Your True Self, by Sandra Agazzi Chimenti ($14.95, Hardcover)
Please visit our bookstore before or after Sunday Morning service to see these and other great books from Unity House and other spiritual publishers.
Paul Ferman
Book Store Coordinator
Men of Unity
CALLING ALL MEN!
Golf season is almost over and it is time to think about bowling. We usually have a light meal at a restaurant close to the bowling alley. We bowl once a month on Thursday evening. We have a great time and will always welcome more bowlers. You don’t have to be good, but just be willing to have fun. Contact me if you are interested. Also, there will be a sign up sheet on the table in the hallway.
Please join us for our monthly men’s group meeting. We meet at the church the first Thursday of the month. Our next meeting will be on November 5th at 6:30 PM. We begin with a meal of pizza and salad. The meeting begins at 7:00 with lots of lively discussion. There is a sign up sheet in the hallway, so come out and have some fun and laughs with us.
One of the items that we have been discussing is a visit to Unity Village in the spring. Reverend Guice has offered to give us a guided tour of the buildings and grounds. Another item on our agenda is about bringing in a guest speaker for one of our Thursday meetings.
So come on out and join us for lots of fun and discussion.
Blessings,
Jerry Crossman
Women of Spirit
Enjoy your holidays with us!
To be a part of the WOS, please contact:
Sharon Nettleton - 248.628.8636
Fri, Nov 20th
Movie Night
Local Urban Legends
7PM
$8 per person
Sat, Nov 21st
Tea Lovers Celebrate!
Yahisha Johnson of Herbal Sereni Tea LLC will teach us how to make the perfect cup of tea.
Sat, Dec 19th
WOS will hold our special Christmas Party event!
Sunday Lessons
Sunday Service 10AM
Youth Programs 10AMTo arrange for a private ministerial consultation, christening, wedding, memorial service, funeral, hospital/shut-in visitation,or other service, contact the church office.
November 1
Let Go and Let God
November 8
Clean Out Your Closet and Get Rid of Your Stuff
November 15
It’s Time for a Makeover
November 22
The Gift of Giving Thanks
Thanksgiving Volunteer Appreciation Buffet Following Service
November 29
The Way To A Happy Life
Guest Speaker: Ron Scott
December 6
The 5 Basic Keys for Life
December 13
Guest Speaker: Don Stickler
December 20
The Twelve Days of Christmas
December 24
Christmas Eve Service
The Christmas Story
December 27
Kwanzaa Celebration
A Spirit of Self Determination...Yes I can
December 31
The Burning Bowl Service (I Release and I Let Go)
News & Events Bulletin Board
For more details, view website calendar.
Decoding the 2012 Mayan Calendar - Sat, Nov 7, 9am-4:30pm
Will the world end in 2012 as some scholars seem to imply, or does 2012 actually mark the beginning of a most astonishing and MIRACULOUS time? Brian John Piccolo, teacher, lecturer, spiritual astrologers, theologian, author will give a full day lecture/presentation to explain these and other facts about the Mayan calendar and it’s predictions spanning 16.4 billion years. Bring your lunch.
Chaplaincy Program - Interviews during November
Unity of Lake Orion is beginning a chaplaincy program for individuals who are called to help extend and support the ministry of our church. Interested individuals need to complete a letter of intent immediately. Please contact Carl Bergstrom at 248.922.1496 to apply. Training under Cindy Clink and Carl Bergstrom will be held in March 2010 and will include members of Renaissance Unity.
New Testament Weekly Class - Begins Thur, Nov 12, 1pm
Rev. Guice will begin an informative and dynamic new class that covers the New Testament with both literal and metaphysical interpretations. This class is not to be missed. Signup sheet in the hallway.
Mosaic Youth Theatre Singers - Fri, Nov 13, 7pm
Bring your entire family, sell tickets to your friends, this is a rare opportunity to see these young artists and a great support for your church. Call the church for tickets or see our website for addition information.
Thanksgiving Volunteer Appreciation - Sun, Nov 22
Join us Sunday, Nov 22, following the service for a Thanksgiving dinner in appreciation of our volunteers who have done so much for our church this past year. If you would like to bring a dish to pass, please see the sign-up sheet in the foyer.
Christmas Tree Fun-raiser - Nov 15
Addison Oaks Christmas Tree Farm is excited to present a unique fundraiser for our church. $5 will be donated to Unity of Lake Orion for every tree purchased with a coupon. Coupons will be available at the church, beginning November 15. Consider sending these coupons with your Thanksgiving Day greeting cards and early Christmas cards to friends and family in the area. Visit Addison Oaks Christmas Tree Farm, purchase an organically grown Christmas tree, prices starting at $19 and have a Michigan snow fresh Christmas.
Memorial Bricks Gift Project - December
The beautiful Wes Fuelling Memorial Garden will be completed Spring of 2010. Unity of Lake Orion is offering the opportunity to memorialize your loved ones with a memorial brick carved with a sentiment or name. The bricks will be placed around the fountain in the garden and there will be a dedication ceremony in the Spring. The bricks will be on sale the entire month of December. Please see Rev. Guice or Pat Fuelling for more info.
New Finding in Quantum Physic That affect your Health - Sun, Dec 6
Steve McCardell, author of The Quantum Challenge and co-founder of the Biophysics Center, will talk on some of the exciting and unusual findings in quantum physics and how that is being applied today to health. He will tie this to writings from Unity founder Charles Fillmore, and will talk about several specific forms of quantum healing to help raise awareness of what's available. He will conclude with an in-depth look at a computer-based, quantum health scan and explain what kind of health assessments this can make.
Unity Builders Cabinet Meeting - Thur, Dec 10, 6:30 pm
The next meeting of the team leaders will be Thursday, December 10. Please bring your team initiatives with you.
Annual Christmas Party - Sat, Dec 12
See you at Clawson Steakhouse for dinner and dancing and a great holiday celebration.
Gift for a stress free holiday! - Sun, Dec 20
Ramesh Narula B.S.M.E. M.B.A.,will be offering a seminar following Sunday service on something special to reduce holiday stress. Ramesh is a business leader and international speaker on life transformative solutions utilizing the ancient Ayurvedic techniques & teachings will be offering a seminar following Sunday service on reducing holiday stress.
Special Holiday Services:
Christmas Eve Service - Thur, Dec 24
Kwanzaa Celebration - Sun, Dec 27
Burning Bowl Service - Thur, Dec 31
Valued Volunteer - November
Stephanie Smith
November Volunteer
Stephanie stepped up to be Volunteer Coordinator for Unity Builders and to co-facilitate Dave Ramsey’s Peace University Program. In spite of any challenges she may be facing, she continues to give so much to our church. We thank you, Stephanie!
Valued Volunteer - December
Deb Derderian
December Volunteer
Deb took on the role as co-editor of the newsletter, worked with Linda Lacroix to create Unity Builders, and participates as a platform assistant. If anyone needs something, Deb is right there to lend a hand. Thank you so much Deb!