july/august 2019 volume 12, issue 4 light on the path · phineas p. quimby, a clockmaker by trade,...
TRANSCRIPT
Mary Baker Eddy was a student of a man by the name of Phineas P. Quimby, a clockmaker by trade, son of a blacksmith with very little formal education and who suffered greatly from the effects of tuberculous. He found that medicine only made him feel worse. One day while out riding in a carriage, the horse was startled and Quimby lost control of the reins. The spooked horse ran head long down the hill towards the barn. Quimby was forced to hang on for his life. When horse and rider arrived, Quimby noticed that when intensely excited he could alleviate his feelings of pain for a brief time and he became fascinated with the study of the power of the mind.
Quimby met Charles Poyen, a French mesmerist as he lectured in Belfast, Maine in 1836. Mesmerism, was the name given by German doctor Franz Mesmer in the 18th century to what he believed to be an invisible natural force possessed by all living things, including humans, animals, and vegetables. For the next two years Quimby became his student until he was proficient enough to apply mesmerism himself.
From working with his patients, a deeply religious Quimby developed a belief system which included the tenet that illness originated in the mind as a consequence of erroneous beliefs, and that a mind open to God's wisdom could overcome any illness. This he said was the establishment of Truth, and Truth was the cure. It was said that Mrs. Eddy came to him for healing, though her later writings negated this.
Although it may appear that the Unity Church of Christianity stands alone to celebrate it’s 40th birthday, in reality, it has been built on a solid foundation of faith, healing and practical experience An interlocking story of this church and the movement to which it belongs and the message it teaches. It is our legacy for the next forty years.
Volume 12, Issue 4 July/August 2019
Unity—An inclusive path for today’s spiritual seekers.
Unity Church of Christianity is celebrating its 40th birthday, July 21, 2019. The date marks the first coming together of a small group of people who wanted to establish a Unity church in Tulsa. With permission of the Association of Unity Churches, a committee was formed under the leadership of F.N. (Hap) Solliday, Helen Wager and Elizabeth Smith.
The date marks a moment in time when a dream became a living reality, a vision solidified. This church ultimately credits its existence to the men and women who followed Unity principles, read and taught from Unity literature. It was they who were willing to plant the seeds through the energy of time, money and prayer.
They went to Unity Village to speak with representatives of the Development Department led by Rev. Scott Sherman. Given the permission to begin, they returned to locate a meeting place, Byrd Junior High, and an office space next door to Midtown Hardware on 31st Street The journey began.
As important as the moment was, it was just another chapter in a much longer story of Unity. Began in 1889 by Charles and Myrtle Fillmore who were seeking a way to heal not only their bodies, but minds and hearts as well. Myrtle was given less than a year to live so worn was her body from the ravages of tuberculous and malaria. Charles, too, had several injuries and physical ailments as his daily reminder of nearly dying at 9 years old from an ice-skating accident. They were desperate to find a solution, a healing, when they attended that life changing lecture by Dr. Eugene B. Weeks of the Emma Curtis Hopkins School of Metaphysics in Chicago. He brought together many concepts that Myrtle believed with a course of action of daily prayer and meditation. It was the “cure” she had been seeking.
Emma Curtis Hopkins was a student of Mary Baker Eddy, founder of what is now called Christian Science and for some years Ms. Hopkins was the editor in chief of the Christian Science Monitor, their newsletter. Ousted from the position by Mrs. Eddy for their difference in opinion, Ms. Hopkins established her School of Metaphysics in Chicago and became known as the teacher of the teachers of the New Thought Movement.
Interlocking Stories
Minister’s Message 2
Board News 3
Ministry News 4
Events 5 & 6
Calendar 8
Inside this issue:
Light On The Path
Unity Church of Christianity Minister’s Message
2
This newsletter finds us filled with planning and excitement. Our 40th birthday, the Ruby birthday. I wonder who ever came up with those little gems of wisdom? So off to Google I go to learn more about rubies. It was a most insightful discovery! And I thought to myself what a perfect stone for us to use as the center of our celebration.
The name ruby comes from the Latin word ruber, which means red. It is a favorite gem among those in power and those in love, inspiring more emotion than almost any other stone. In the orient it was called “A drop of the heart’s blood of Mother Earth.” In India, “The Lord of the Gemstones.” In China, the stone gave rank and power. The French called it the “dearly loved stone.”
The ruby is associated with the sun and was thought to preserve mental and physical health. In the middle ages, rubies were viewed as a stone of prophecy. It was thought the stone darkened when danger was near. For thousands of years, the ruby was considered the stone of love, energy, passion, power, and a zest for life. Like no other gemstone in the world, the ruby is the perfect symbol for powerful feelings.
Physically, rubies are thought to energize and balance, stimulate the heart chakra and encourage a passion for life, but never in a self destructive way. They overcome exhaustion and calm hyperactivity. The ruby is said to restore vital life forces and increase energy and vigor.
Emotionally, it is believed that rubies improve motivation and the setting of goals. They promote positive dreams and clear visualization and aid in retaining wealth and passion. They bring up negative anger for change and removal. They also promote dynamic leadership. They bring a positive and courageous state of mind- one that is sharp, hyper aware and concentrated. The ruby is also known as the stone of courage, and legend tells us that a person possessing a ruby can walk through life without fear of evil or misfortune.
A true ruby is clear and when the light passes through it begins to glow. Rubies are considered a precious gem along with diamonds, sapphires, and emeralds. Today the majority of rubies are synthetic as the cost of a true ruby is anywhere from $1000 to $3000!
The 40th year is a monumental year for transformation. It is important to note that I am not speaking of “change”, I am referring to the time and season to move through a journey that, in the end, will allow the caterpillar to escape the cocoon, a new creation.
The 40 day journey is fundamental to the entire Bible. Noah in the Ark, Moses in the desert, Jesus in the wilderness. Symbolic journeys of new life.
With the 40th birthday of transformation in mind, the ruby gives us four important insights about where we are today and where we are growing into the future.
First – they are a stone of courage, they pulse to the beat of the heart, the very life blood of an organization. It will take a great deal of heart courage to move gently through the upcoming seasons of change that are upon us.
Second – they are a stone of leadership and vision and during any season of change, it will be the vision of who we are and who we serve as a church that will be the cement that holds us together.
Third- they are a stone of emotion, of releasing fear and anger and entering into a calmer space. As the light passes through us, it will give a glow that will invite those who are in need of the message we share to enter our doors.
Fourth – they are the stone of vital life and energy. It does take energy to make changes, for change is something to be engaged in rather than run away from.
How fitting then, as we stand here at the entryway to the season of change, that our birthday symbol is the ruby.
In June, at our town meeting I spoke to you about our three part process of transition. Part I—encompasses the major part of this year, as we work to complete all the details that have been on my project list for a long time. We hope to finish our outdoor projects by our birthday. I want to ensure that when a ministerial candidate comes to the door they are impressed with the position that we offer and feel themselves lucky to be hired here, as your minister.
Part II—In August we are having a representative from Unity Worldwide, Carrie Kenyon, director of placement and transitions, to speak to our church and hold a meeting with our board regarding the paperwork and process we are about to enter. Part III— September through December we have many things planned that will begin to move me from the center to the edges of the processes for the church, gently turning over the reins of leadership to the board committees.
It is true, I—and we as your board—cannot assure certainty in a time of change. But we do pray and work toward minimizing chaos, through orderly process.
And so, my friends, let us put on our ruby slippers to celebrate being home, in our spiritual home together. I remind you to RVSP by July 1st..
3
Unity Church of Christianity Board News
, Director
We are approaching our church’s 40th birthday and plans for a wonderful celebration are being made! Be sure to mark Sunday, July 21 on your calendar.
My co-columnist Pat has shared with you the details of the preparation that is going on outside the church. Now let’s talk about the party!
This is our 40th year. Imagine that! It is the ruby celebration and that means we need to be in our finest red to celebrate.
Our worship service will feature a special celebratory sermon from Rev. Mary Anne as well as special music by Kara Stiger. Kara has been with us before and is dynamic, upbeat and vibrant! And she looks great in red.
Following the service, Connie Portman will cater a delicious birthday dinner. During our dinner we will have Sean Al-Jibouri create ambiance through his music.
An exhibit of photos displaying the history of the church will be featured, along with more recent photos focusing on the many activities our members are involved in. Professional photographer, Sydney Stephenson, will document the special day.
This is a day of celebration for all! Invitations are being sent to you during the first week of June and we ask that you please take a moment to RSVP’s as early as possible for meal and seating planning.
And as sectary of the Board I would like to announce that Mary Taylor had to resign to be able to fulfill her commitments with the Red Cross. It has already been a busy year with many, many calls in our greater Tulsa area alone. On behalf of our Unity community we thank Mary for the countless hours she has given to aid others.
And filling her term is Debbie Underwood. Debbie come to us from Michigan where she attended the Unity Church and was an active member of their board.
Board Report Treasurer Report
P& L Actuals April 2019 May 2019
Income $15,223 $24,670
Expense $15,251 $17,118
Our church is “looking good”, as they say! Sprucing up and tending beautiful flowers and helping sickly trees go to the “great forest in the sky” are keeping all the workers busy! All the beautifying in preparation for our big 40th birthday!
Sarah Stansell-Perez, has been creating and lovingly caring for our beautiful garden. I am a big lavender lover and the lavender is right in the center and so beautiful! I came by the church last week and there she was with her sunhat on working away!
That same day, after the five trees had to be taken down, I was very impressed with the clean-up of the areas where the trees had been. It’s always sad to say good-by to a tree, but our lovely trees had sustained damage during the 2007 ice storm and had become split and infested with a damaging beetle. The trees had become a hazard to property and possibly to people. The plan is to plant grass in the areas where the trees were.
Our friend, John Raney has put the fountain in the garden back into full operation, and we thank you, John, as always for your help and expertise.
Also, in preparation of the upcoming celebration of our 40th birthday, Patrick Harris and his helpers have resealed the back stairs as I had reported the stairs needing this done awhile back. Patrick is always the ready helper and fixer and we thank you!
Our church is very fortunate to have the tireless helpers always keeping our church building running smoothly and looking beautiful. We truly are blessed with all of our volunteers and caring helpers.
, Treasurer
Board of Directors
President: John Raney
Vice President: Diane Pinsart
Secretary: Bethany Stephenson
Treasurer: Pat Nicholson
Director: Cheryl Phelps
Director: Debbie Underwood
Spiritual Connections Newsletter
Editor & Writer: Rev. Mary Anne Harris
Office Assistant: Sherry Setters
Bookkeeper: Mary Portwood
Contributing Writers: Pat Nicholson, Beth Stephenson
Weekly Helper(s): Betty Sharp
TRI-VALLEY UNITY CHURCH
4
Unity Church of Christianity Ministry News
OUR SUNDAY TEAM WORSHIP ASSISTANTS Renny Berry Cheryl Phelps Diane Pinsart Louise Rose Ashlee Elmore USHERS VC Garrett Curtis Hale Shelly Jones Colleen Kirkpatrick Karrie Leever Sarah Stansell-Perez Jeff Woods HOSPITALITY Gail Iadevaia Linda Lusk Jan Magee Omar & Sarah Perez John Raney & Kim Wiley Pat Reynolds Betty Sharp Janet Williamson GREETERS Cindy Bear Maggie Cunningham Susan Evans Linda Goble Pat Nicholson Laney Robb Vicki Roberts Rae Jean Roller Louise Rose Jamie Townsend SOUND & VIDEO TEAM Patrick Harris Colleen Kirkpatrick David Lorente Omar Perez Keith Purtell Don Rush Joe Robb, Drummer Shannon Bentley, Sun Coord
ALTAR DECORATIONS Colleen Kirkpatrick Louise Rose Kim Wiley
The Unity Travelers are taking on Classical Europe!
May 22—June 1, 2020 Price $4299
Germany, Switzerland, France!
DEPOSIT DUE NOW!
A Weekend at Unity Village
Friday October 18—20, 2019
Unity Village has recently converted two houses on the
Village property to Air B&Bs: The Hummingbird
Hermitage and The Arches. We have reserved both!
Cost per person = $175, non refundable deposit of $50, limited to 22 people.
Cost Includes:
Room (some doubles, some singles)
Sharing fuel expenses for carpools
Breakfast and dinner at the Arches (other meals on your own)
Optional trips or private free time:
Early morning hike to the lakes on property, tour of Unity Grounds
Explore Missouri Town 1856 or Downtown Kansas City
Evening labyrinth walk, Silent Unity prayer
Worship at Plaza Unity or Unity Village chapel
Our social committee has created a special weekend trip to see the beautiful grounds,
experience our heritage and celebrate our Unity.
Make your reservation by placing your deposit today!
The Arches
The Passion Play of Oberammergau, Germany takes place only once every 10 years. The play is daily, Monday through Friday from May to September. Therefore seats are extremely limited. If you are thinking of going a deposit by July is necessary or we will lose our ticket allotment.
Why is it a “big deal?’ The tradition of the Passion Play started in 1634 when the village made a solemn vow: If God would spare them from the dreaded Black Plague, that was wiping out millions of people through Europe, they would present a play once every ten years depicting the final week of the life of Jesus.
The entire town is involved and we have category 1 tickets—best seats in the house! Can you afford to wait another 10 years?
Brochures at church and also download at www.harrishousestudio.com
Unity Church of Christianity 40th Birthday Celebration
Sunday, July 21st
Join Rev. Mary Anne, Ashlee Elmore,
and our Board of Directors as we take
a 40-year walk down memory lane!
Special Musical Guest: Kara Stiger!
Luncheon to follow service
with music provided by
Sean Al Jabouri
Photo booth and more!
RSVP—by July 1st.
A Monthly Women’s Gathering
The Cup of Life Saturday, July 13
Saturday, August 10
9:00a - Noon
Based on the writing of Joyce Rupp, The Cup of Life is
an exploration of our thirsting for life, for God through
the symbol of the everyday cup.
A light lunch served.
A love offering will be taken
Unity Church of Christianity
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Events
Tea & Conversation July 28
August 25
11:45a - 12:45p
Sharing the wisdom of today’s spiritual teachers. Come
and be part of the conversation. Featuring well-known
speakers who will share their wisdom.
Coffee and Tea will be hot and ready.
July 11 & August 1
11:00a - 1:00p
Where do I want my wings to take me? I just want to be
free and strong and safe. I don't want to stay in my
cocoon just filling it up.
An ongoing discussion to explore creating a rich and
meaningful life. Class is on a love offering basis .
ONGOING CLASSES
TAPPING EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique)
Tapping is easy, powerful & effective.
Second, Third & Fourth Tuesdays 6:30p—8:00p
T-Town Tappers, facilitators. Love Offering accepted
Adult Coloring Club
Join the fun & relax … free!
Wednesday Evenings
6:30p—8:00p
Unity Church of Christianity
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Events
Tony Smith is an ordained minister of
the Christian Mystics and Metaphysicians
Society. He became a member of Unity
Center of Tulsa, and from January 2003 to
January 2006, served as President of the
Board of Directors. During this time, he
completed the Licensed Unity Teacher
course of study and taught many classes
including the Prayer Chaplain Program.
Tony and his wife, Mary Saurer -Smith co-founded the
Keys to Enlightenment Program, an independent New
Thought organization that offers online courses plus local
small group classes. His role for the past ten years has been
to serve as a Minister and Teacher.
This class is based mostly on information from the book,
REALITY: A Journey Through Time by Mary Saurer-Smith.
The books will be available for purchase.
The class is a suggested love offering of $20.00
Movie Night: COCO
Friday, August 16
6:00p—9:00p
A free night of fun Popcorn is cooking - Join us!
A Disney-Pixar animated film about the story of a 12-year-old boy named Coco. He lives in the village of Santa Cecilla in Mexico. His passion is music but his family has banned it for several generations.
His great-great-grandfather chose a music career over life with the family, and the succeeding generations have never forgiven him.
Can Coco bring them together again?
SPECIAL GUEST:
Rev. Carrie Kenyon
Sunday, August 18
Rev. Carrie is an ordained Unity Minister who works for the
Unity Association Worldwide in
member services. She will be
speaking at our Sunday Services and
will be working with our Board to
help guide and direct our next steps
through the ministerial transition
process.
Hope you aren’t missing out on the Unity 90 Day
Challenge!! Go to our Facebook page and join the
group!
Unity Church of Christianity
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Calendar
July 2019 Sunday Worship Service 10:30a
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
28 29 30 31
Sunday Celebration 10:30a
Potluck Lunch
Sunday Celebration 10:30a
Sunday Celebration 10:30a
Birthday Sunday
August 2019 Sunday Worship Service 10:30a
Sunday Celebration 10:30a
Tea & Conversation 11:45a—12:45p
Birthday Celebration Sunday - 10:30a
The Artistic Life 11:00a - 1:00p
Tapping 6:30p-8:00p
Tapping 6:30p-8:00p
Tapping 6:30p-8:00p
Tapping 6:30p-8:00p
Sunday Celebration 10:30a
Potluck Lunch
Coloring 6:30p-8:00p
Coloring 6:30p-8:00p
Coloring 6:30p-8:00p
Coloring 6:30p-8:00p
Coloring 6:30p-8:00p
Coloring 6:30p-8:00p
Women's Gathering
9:00a - Noon
Coloring 6:30p-8:00p
Sunday Celebration 10:30a
Tea & Conversation 11:45a—12:45p
Tapping 6:30p-8:00p
The Artistic Life 11:00a - 1:00p
Transformation Class
10-Noon
Coloring 6:30p-8:00p
Coloring 6:30p-8:00p
Sunday Celebration 10:30a
Tapping 6:30p-8:00p
Women's Gathering
9:00a - Noon
Transformation Class
10-Noon
Movie Night 6:30-8:00p
Let us know if you prefer a printed copy , and we will leave one for you in the office to pick up on Sunday.
NON PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Tulsa, OK.
PERMIT NO. 2168
N
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Ave
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31st St.
36th St.
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41st St.
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Unity Church of Christianity 3355 S. Jamestown Ave.
Tulsa, OK 74135
Un
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Ch
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Office : 11501 Dublin Blvd., Suite 200 (925) 493-2293
Church: 3355 S. Jamestown Ave. - Tulsa, OK. 74135 918-749-8833
E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.tulsaunity.com
Sunday Service at 10:30AM
https://www.youtube.com
Tulsa Unity-Jamestown Video
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.tulsaunity.com
Facebook: Unity Church
of Christianity
Check us out!
July Theme: Stories of the heart
July. 7 - Interlocking Stories
July. 14 - French Doors
July. 21 - Through the Years
July. 28 - Back to the Future
August Theme: Our Strength
Aug. 4 - Strength in Our Faith
Aug. 11 - Strength in Communion
Aug. 18 - Guest, Carrie Kenyon
Aug. 25 - Strength in Our Future