September - October 2009 | Download PDF
Dear Friends,
As spiritual beings having a human experience, we have the opportunity to share the highest blessing we can with friends and family. On Thursday, September 10, 2009, the Unity movement will be celebrating “World Day of Prayer”, when we can honor our family and friends with our prayers and act on their behalf. During this special time, we have the chance to grow spiritually and contribute to global transformation by going within through prayer, then reaching out to help others.
“Reach in. Reach out. We can change the world.”
“Reach in. Reach out. We can change the world.” is this year’s theme for World Day of Prayer. Participation is easy. As in the past, we have special prayer request forms for you to list the names of family and friends you would like remembered in prayer. These forms are available in the hallway and on the back table in the sanctuary. On September 10th, we will hold a 12-hour prayer vigil. Each participant in this vigil will hold sacred all of the names submitted. Sign up sheets for half hour increments are in the hallway.
This year, we also invite you to express the peace and compassion you experience by reaching out in some way to help others. You can put “feet under your prayers” by making a difference in someone’s life. You might ask, “How can I best be of service to someone?” Your spiritual action can be anything you are guided to do: working with the “Look for the Good” campaign, assisting with our children’s ministry, or just being a part of our wonderful spiritual community.
Never doubt that one person can change the life of another. Any action—no matter how great or small, makes a difference.
Prayer, Peace & Patriotism
Also, please join us on Friday, September 11, 7pm at Unity of Lake Orion where we will be hosting a unique and sacred spiritual event titled Prayer, Peace & Patriotism. This program brings community wide faith based individuals together in prayerful remembrance of September 11th and how God’s presence is in our lives. Please join us in being an instrument of peace and compassion during these two events. Together we can change the world, helping to create heaven right here on Earth.
Faithfully—
Rev. Gregory Guice
A Message From Your Board President
I sure hope everyone had a wonderful summer. Jan and I enjoyed ours, with family, church friends and grandkids. Can’t forget them. We have three granddaughters, 16, 12, and 9, that we got to spend the weekend with in Put-in-Bay on Lake Erie in Ohio. We love going out to eat, to the Dairy Queen, to a movie or even working in their yard (landscaping) so their new pool will look nice for the family reunion at the end of August. I get to go golfing with a few friends at the church and even an occasional party. Isn’t life great? The landscaping might sound like work but it’s all from love, just like all the love that everyone showed in helping with the Wes Fueling Memorial Garden, and continues to show in Everything that we do here at this Wonderful Church. THANKS!
Join us at the church on September 10th between 7 a.m and 7 p.m for the World Day of Prayer Vigil. Come in any time for half an hour or as long as you would like for silent prayer and feeling the Presence of God. Let Peace Begin With You and Let Love Begin With You.
Let’s keep all of this love going by joining us in another Fall Event. Like the Millionaire Charity Party that will be held on September 21st through the 24th. We are scheduling two 5 hour shifts for each day. One shift will start at 4P.M. each day and stop at 9P.M. The second shift will start at 9P.M. and stop at 2A.M. We need 2 people for each shift just to sell and redeem chips to the poker players and minor paper work at the end of each shift. The church will get half of the winnings (usually between $2,000 and $7,000) for those 4 days.
Mon. the 21st we need 2 people 9P.M. to 2A.M. slot.
Tues. the 22nd we need 1 person for the 9P.M. to 2A.M. slot.
Wed. the 23rd we need 2 people for the 9P.M. to 2A.M. slot.
Here are a few of the local charities that the Parrot Poker Charity Club has signed up:
- Orion Band Boosters
- Oxford Junior Wildcats
- Paint Creek Center for the Arts
- Habitat for Humanity
- Pug Lady Kingdom
- Waterford Village Elementary PTA
- Rainbow Connection
The Parrot Poker Charity started in May of this year at 1430 Lapeer Road, South of Clarkston Road, next to Belle Tire on the West side of Lapeer Rd. It sounds like a lot of fun so pick a night and join us—All volunteers also get free pop and food for the night.
There is really a lot going on this Fall so Stay with Us and Stay Blessed. Remember- “Every day in every way, God is blessing and prospering Unit of Lake Orion and all its families.”
LOVE YOU ALL
Don Stickler
Treasurer's Report
“You’ve come a long way baby” sort of sums up Unity of Lake Orion during my three years as the church treasurer. When I started at the beginning of 2007, the minister wasn’t getting a paycheck and we were praying for our refinance of the building to go through. The refinance was finally approved in May of 2007 and we came away from the table with a little extra cash to pay the minister up to date. We still finished out that year with a loss on the books but managed to get by with cuts in expenses.
2008 was an interesting year with the arrival of Reverend Guice. As the year progressed we started to see a rise in our income and attendance. But then fall came, and with it came an economic recession that affected our church as it did many individuals, businesses, and other churches. Our income took a sharp drop and it became a long winter. We finished out the year 2008 with another loss but with lots of faith in the future of the church.
In 2009 Rev. Guice started talking to us about prosperity and abundance. The Board made more cuts in overhead and the membership responded with great dedication. By the end of the first quarter we were finally in the black, thank you God! As of this writing we are still on the plus side financially with lots of income-producing events coming up this fall. I’m predicting a banner year for us financially. Both attendance and tithing are up over prior years and there is a feeling of anticipation in the air.
My final official day of serving as a board member and as your Treasurer will be the Sunday of our October congregational meeting, so this will be my last newsletter article. It has been a stressful but rewarding few years financially, but I see us on the road to recovery.
I leave this office knowing that the only way to go is up and that “God is blessing and prospering Unity Church of Lake Orion”.
Thanks for all your trust and support.
Anna Ferman Treasurer
Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace
Will Change Your LIFE for the Better!
Mondays @ 6:30 PM beginning September 14th
Unity of Lake Orion will be hosting the widely acclaimed Financial Peace University taught by nationally syndicated personal money management expert, Dave Ramsey. Dave Ramsey is the extremely popular author of The Total Money Makeover, Financial Peace and More Than Enough and he is the founder of Financial Peace University. He knows first hand what financial peace means in his own life, having lived a ‘rags-to-riches, back-to-rags and back-to-riches’ story. Attendance and adherence to the strategies will truly change your life.
We have all been touched by the financial challenges facing this country. It is imperative that we hone our knowledge and skills about handling our money. Dave offers many tools and tips that can make a profound difference in your life!
"The Dave Ramsey Program will change the way you look and act with money. Are you in debt or just tied to your credit cards? Take it from a guy who has had millions and is now retired. I have a new respect for money now. Don't just put this off thinking things will get better. I finally got into the program and it does work. Less disagreements with you partner is a real side benefit."
Fred Smith
“I’ve learned through this process that money will not bring happiness but having a plan for your money can bring contentment. Following the principles I teach and learned through my affiliation with the Dave Ramsey organization has provided some peace of mind during very challenging times. For that I am very grateful. I am living proof that this stuff works.”
Dave Smith
Dave Ramsey Certified Counselor
Classes will begin Monday, September 14, 2009 at 6:30pm here at UCLO. All those who want to participate will need to purchase the class materials which normally sell for $199.00. However, Unity Church of Lake Orion was able to offer participants who come to this session all the materials for only $99.00, a savings of $100! That price is the same for singles or for couples.
Men of Unity
Fall is coming, but the golf season is far from over. We play every other Monday morning, usually around 9:30 a.m. If you want to join us, please call me at the number below or use the signup sheet in the church hallway. Be warned, we play by very strict rules! For example, when Paul Ferman came within a ½ inch (literally), of a hole-in-one, his playing partner, Don Stickler said, “that’s not a gimme”, and made Paul putt the ball in for his birdie. Tough league! Actually, we play strictly for fun, always playing “best ball”. One score is kept for each group, and everyone goes away with smiles on their faces. We have a great time.
Also, please join us for our monthly meetings held at 6:30 p.m. on the first Thursday of every month in the sanctuary. We start with pizza and salad, followed by an informal discussion of “table topics”, designed to support all present with spirituality and laughter.
If you are interested in any Men of Unity activity, please call me at the number below. You can also use the signup sheets in the church hallway..
Blessings,
Jerry Crossman
Women of Spirit
Our Fabulous Fall Line up!
We are very excited about our August Women of Spirit Retreat which kicks off our fall meeting series. It’s hard to believe we are even talking about fall, but we have so many great events planned from now through Christmas, let the leaves fall where they may!
Saturday, September 19th - Karen Russell from Whole Foods will speak to us on healthy eating, with healthy snacks.
Friday, September 25th - MOVIE NIGHT presents “LEAP” The fourth Friday of every month will be movie night at ULO, so stay tuned to your emails and our website for upcoming titles.
Saturday, October 17th - WOS meeting will be sewing up emergency mittens with Bettie Pitchford
Saturday, November 21st - Tea Lovers Celebrate! Yahisha Johnson of Herbal Sereni Tea LLC will teach us how to make the perfect cup of tea. We will learn of the many different types of tea and tisanes and the health benefits of tea. We also learn how to create our own personal tea blends!
Saturday, December 19th - WOS will hold our special Christmas Party event!
To be a part of the WOS, please contact:
Sharon Nettleton - 248.628.8636
Annual Congregational Meeting
Sunday, October 18
Election of officers, by-law revisions and update on activities from your Board of Directors.
Richard Kugel, Nominee for ULO Board of Directors
On October 18, ULO will hold its annual Congregational meeting where we will elect two new Board members. These positions are up for election as Anna Ferman, our treasurer and Fred Smith, member at large, will be ending their three-year dedication of service. We want to thank them both for their guidance, love and service to our church.
At this printing, Rick Kugel is the only announced candidate. While at GM, he worked with Chevrolet Information Systems, Chevrolet Audit, and the GM Audit Staff. Rick retired from GM after 33 years of service. Since retiring, he has worked contract audit jobs with professional services companies, as well as managing his four rental properties.
Rick served on the Berkley Planning Commission from approximately 1976 to 1980 and accepted the leadership role as chairman for two years. He joined the Michigan Polio Network in 1990 with his wife Sharon, who is a polio survivor. Dedicated to the MPN, Rick and Sharon work at the Board level for the Michigan Polio Network from 1993 to the present. In addition, Rick was the membership chairman and Treasurer for MPN from 1994 to 2002. Rick extended his business expertise to running his rental properties from 1985 to present. Both Rick and Sharon reside in Shelby Twp. and jointly have six children and six grandchildren.
The Kugels joined Unity of Lake Orion in 2007 and Rick says he would consider it an honor to be on the Board.
Reverend Guice Authors First Book:
The Courage to Conquer Fear:
The Seven Spiritual Keys
Writing a first book that is personal, one that reveals the intimate struggles of youth, family, disease and life-threatening danger is, in itself, an exercise in conquering fear. Facing a blank page is daunting. But for Rev. Gregory Guice, his passion on this subject helped him overcome his own hesitations and writer’s block to produce an inspiring treatise on fear and the courage to conquer it.
“The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear?” That is the first quote used in Rev. Gregory Guice’s new book, The Courage to Conquer Fear, the Seven Spiritual Keys. With conviction and a gentle spirit, Rev. Guice explores, through stories and personal experiences the qualities of fear that can paralyze and torment us. Fear knows no age, race or gender. But Rev. Guice shows that it is a false ghost with no power when set against truth and faith.
“As I strengthened my connection to God and God’s good, as I studied the Bible and the words of Jesus and other great men of spirit, I found key thoughts and affirmations that gave me strength, wisdom and inner assurance.” Guice writes. His book guides us through the fear (false emotion acting real) and back into the light.
Bravo, Rev. G, we are so very proud of you and thank you for this inspirational work.
Douglas Blue Feather in Concert and Workshops
Award winning Native American songwriter, recording artist and native flutist, Douglas Blue Feather will perform in concert Friday, October 16th at 7:00 PM at Unity Church Lake Orion. He will also provide the opportunity to learn from a master of the Native American flute with classes and drum circles Saturday, October 17th held at the church.
Recognized as one of the premier Native American flutists of today, Blue Feather blends the haunting, meditative sounds of the native flute with contemporary keyboard and tribal drums, rattles and bells to create inspiring music that has captured many awards for the artist.
Many people call him master of the flute. But Blue Feather admits he is constantly learning his craft, “I am honored that people refer to me as a master, but like any musical instrument, the flute is still teaching me. Every time I write a new song, I learn something new on the flute. My music has become much more than I dreamed and is more than just a musical journey. It is a spiritual journey as well, a gift from the Creator.” Most of his music and albums are his own original songs.
Unity Lake Orion invites the public to join them in the celebration of this exceptional artist and to participate in the weekend of planned events. The schedule is as follows:
Concert
Friday, October 16th at 7:00 PM
Ticket price to be announcedSaturday, October 17th from 10:00AM – Noon
Native Flute Classes
Details to followSaturday, October 17th, from 2:00PM – 4:00PM
Drum Circle
(Limited drums provided, please bring your own if you have one!)
Love OfferingSunday, October 18th
Special Guest Musician at 10:00AM Service
UNITY’S GOT TALENT!
Only 3 weeks away...
Friday, September 18th @ 7:30 PM
(Doors open at 7PM)
We are celebrating our talented members in the performing, visual and culinary arts Friday night, September 18th. If you can sing, dance, play an instrument, have a comedy act, skit or dramatic reading, we can’t wait to see you on stage. And if you draw, paint, sculpt, wood carve, papier-mâché, knit, sew or transform recycled trash into artistic treasure you too can shine at our Unity’s Got Talent event. Bake sale gourmet divas and divos NEEDED!
In order for this to be a successful event, we need you to participate. We already know of some very talented members within our midst, some of which have already volunteered. But what about you? Find your talent mojo and join in the fun!
There will be three parts to this event:
Performing Arts:
If you are interested in entertaining us, contact:
Paul Ferman
(
248) 693-1078
plferman@sbcglobal.net
Arts and Crafts Display:
All visual arts, please contact:
Eleanore Fitzgerald
(248) 693-5799
esmail2535@sbcglobal.net
Bake Sale:
Sponsored by the Women of Spirit, this is everybody’s favorite! Anybody can contribute, even you men (come on, we know you can cook, too!).
Please contact:
Sharon Nettleton
(248) 628-8639
gigoseeker@aol.com
All proceeds will go to Unity of Lake Orion.
Sunday Lessons
September 6
It Works, if You Work It, The Power of Prayer
Rev. Gregory Guic
Thursday, September 10
World Day of PRAYER
Rev. Gregory Guice
Friday, September 11
Prayer, Peace & Patriotism
Rev. Gregory Guice
September 13
The Prayer of Jabez
Rev. Gregory Guice
September 20
Guest Speaker
September 27
“One Love”
Rev. Gregory Guice
(Friendship Sunday)
October 4
To Serve With Zeal, To Build With Wisdom, To Be UNITY
Rev. Gregory Guice
October 11
When Two or More Are Joined Together
Rev. Gregory Guice
October 18
The Gift of the Spirit
Rev. Gregory Guice
Congregational Meeting
October 25
27 Psalm, The Lord is my light and my salvation.
Rev. Gregory Guice
Unity Bookstore
I am pleased to announce the arrival of five new book titles to our bookstore – one by an author familiar to us all, two brand-new publications from Unity Press, and two children’s books.
“The Courage to Conquer Fear:
The Seven Spiritual Keys”
I am especially proud to announce the arrival of a book authored by our own beloved minister, Rev. Gregory C. Guice. Needless to say, there will be multiple copies available. By the time you read this, Rev. Guice will have delivered a Sunday lesson on the principals outlined in his book, and the entire church will be uplifted to a higher consciousness.
“The Five Principles, a Guide to Practical Spirituality”
If you have been searching for an easy-to-understand explanation of Unity concepts, then this book by Ellen Debenport may be just the book for you. Written by a long-time Unity minister she brings forth in clear explanations the five principles which constitute the core teaching of Charles and Myrtle Fillmore, co-founders of Unity.
“A Closer Walk With God”
This book written by Jim Rosemergy, in clear simple language, explains the Unity concept of prayer. An example: One of the chapters “How to Pray for Others”, explains why when praying, we should simply see someone as healthy and whole, without addressing whatever challenge he or she is facing. The author is a favorite of many Unity students.
Books for Children:
“Mama Do You Love Me?” by Barbara M. Joose
“Mama, Do You Love Me?” is about an Inuit mother and child, in which the mother convinces her child that no matter what the child does, her love for the child will continue. This book can be both amusing and touching.
“Puff, the Magic Dragon” by Peter Yarrow (of Peter, Paul and Mary)
“Puff, the Magic Dragon” is the long-awaited and only authorized book about the dragon Puff and his friend Jackie Paper, who come to life in these beautifully illustrated pages. Included is a five-song CD featuring Peter Yarrow and his daughter Bethany.
Please visit your bookstore after the service on Sundays, and check out not only these books but many others (many of which have been drastically reduced in price).
Paul Ferman
Book Store Coordinator
Valued Volunteer - September
Eleanore Fitzgerald
Thank you to new member Eleanore Fitzgerald for hitting the deck running by volunteering her artistic embroidery ideas and talents. Examples of her work can be seen throughout the church. Her unbridled enthusiasm is an inspiration for us all.
Valued Volunteer - October
Shawn Townsel
ULO is blessed to have Shawn Townsel as a member. He contributes in so many ways! On most Sundays, he is in back assisting in the sound booth. On other Sundays, he is up front blessing us with his beautiful vocals. In between, he is busy lining up all of the singers for our Sunday services. Thank you Shawn for all you do.