1 Spirit of Unity 2018

Dear Friends,

Happy New Year! The month of January always seems the longest to me. Even though the Winter Solstice marked the shortest day of the year and the (pending) increase of light, I still feel the chill of winter and the desire to stay home beside the fire in my slippers is strong! There are so many amazing books to be read and movies to be watched, about people I don?t know but come to love, admire and appreciate through their stories.

Unity?s theme this year is One Humanity Many Stories. This is from Unity World Headquarters:

?Sometimes it is said that if you knew another person?s story, you couldn?t help but love them. Each of us has known hardship and heartbreak, just as each of us has known joy. Some people have overcome unimaginable adversity while others seem to have been blessed with all a human being could ever want.

Yet a greater story over-arches them all: We are all one. Despite the appearance of separate bodies, individual personalities, and different pursuits, we are one humanity. Like a prism divides light into a rainbow of colors, we humans express God in infinite ways. One God, one humanity, many stories.?

I?m excited to be a spiritual leader in a movement that honors diversity in all the ways it shows up, including the different paths that each of us take. As we embark on a New Year, Unity of Olympia faces change yet again. In this month?s newsletter you?ll read that Robyn Fisher has resigned and that Ted Clark is stepping into the Music Director position. In January our community will affirm together:

Grace is an upward pull of the universe, lifting me to the heights of divine nature.

I affirm that Robyn and Ted are being called to new ways of expressing the Divine and that our community is greatly blessed! I affirm that Grace is abounding in our community, pulling us all toward a greater expression of our divine nature. Our Vision is to realize the fullest expression of the Divine in all and I believe that?s happening!

And so we begin the journey anew ? out of the darkness and into the light. Thank you God!

Love & Laughter ? Reverend Terry

Sunday Celebrat ion Services 10 a.m .

Rev. Ter ry Mur ray, Minist er

Council Mem bers:

Nancy Camenzind, Chair

Betty Bailey, Vice-Chair

Tomi Helm, Treasurer

Mark Delaplane, Secretary

Delores Brown, Member

Dolly Hansen, Member

St af f Team Mem bers:

Ted Clark , Music Director

Lisa Petrich, Youth Education

Marlisa Hollinger, Bookkeeper

Indira Goins, Office Admin.

Unit y of Olym pia New Off ice hours:

10:00am - 3:00pm

Wednesdays & Fridays

1335 Fern Street SW

Olympia, WA 98502

office@unityofolympia.org www.unityofolympia.org

January2019

One Humanity, Many Stories

2 Spirit of Unity 2018

Sundays in t he Sanct uary

Happy New Year from the Youth and Family Ministries! The best is yet to be seen in 2019! New families are attracted to Unity of Olympia and we welcome them with open arms. We are growing and change is in the air. This month we will start to separate the youth by ages on Sundays with enough adults available and focus on lessons surrounding the Twelve Powers of Unity:

- Tots ages 1-4- Unikids ages 5-10- Teens ages 11 and up

I am looking forward to serving our youth and families for the up and coming year!

Looking back on December, I want to express heart felt gratitude for everyone who served our area with their time and energies. You are appreciated and may you receive all that you give multiplied. Whether you helped with the Polar Express, taught a lesson, or worked at the Winter Solstice, know that your support is seen and appreciated. It is the giving of your time, treasures, and talents that help make our families feel appreciated and loved. Thank you.

May this New Year find you happy, whole and well. Holding you in light and surrounding you in love on this season of new beginnings.

Lisa Petrich, Youth and Family Ministries Director

January 6: Starting Over...Again

Reverend Terry Murray - One week into the New Year and we open to the blessings of new beginnings.

January 13: One God, One Humanity; Many Stories

Reverend Terry Murray ? Our path in positive spiritual living opens us to the stories of all faith traditions.

January 20: Dance with Grace

Reverend Terry Murray ? Living like you've got two left feet? Through humility we are gifted the grace of balance.

January 27: White Stone Ceremony

Audrey Pitchford, LUT Candidate

Yout h and Fam ily Minist r ies

~ Grace is an upward pull of the universe, lifting me to the heights of divine nature ~

3 Spirit of Unity 2018

Music News

I Release and I Let Go

Last October I took a two-week trip to southern California. Besides visiting some dear friends, the trip?s purpose was two-fold. One, it was a writing retreat for me. Two, I went to release the rest of Bill?s ashes into his beloved Pacific Ocean where he grew up body-surfing. The week before I left, I began my small, personal release ritual by leaving some of his ashes at Mt. Rainier. On that particular day, exactly one week after the anniversary of his death, I piled some of his ashes on a rock and sat there for a while, taking in the view and the beauty,

before walking away and letting the pile disperse with the breeze. But at the beach, it was a very different experience. I waded out into the water with my dress tucked into my undies so the hem wouldn?t get wet, and I just barely opened the bag. ?Whoosh!? I almost lost my balance. Gone in a blink. There was no gentle hanging out and taking in the ambiance. Bill?s ashes were pulled in so fast. But wait, I wasn?t ready! Ah well. Thy will, not mine. Source knew what to do.

I came home from that trip and knew that there was more letting-go to be done. For one thing, I wasn?t ready to come home, because I hadn?t come to a finished place with the writing I was working on. Then, there came the moment I walked through my front door I heard the God-whisper loud and clear. It is time to release the house, a bunch of belongings, and the music director job at church. For me, it is the season to simplify. As I continue to lighten my load and find my balance, I do feel wobbly and lost sometimes. Scared, sometimes. Then I remember to do what Unity teaches. I affirm: There is enough. I am enough. Wherever I am, God is, and all is well.

Even though I have resigned my post as music director here, I am not going away. This is my spiritual home, and I will do what I can to support Ted Clark, who has taken over as music director, the music team and all the musicians and vocalists who continue to create heart-opening experiences for our services. Ted has been deeply involved in the music team for several years, as both the drummer and a leader. He is a fabulous musician and he cares deeply about the music here at Unity. He especially loves creating beautiful and energetic music for our services. I continue to affirm the highest and best for Ted and Unity of Olympia.

Always in Gratitude,May you know just how treasured you are.

Robyn

Jan 6: Jamie Harlan

Jan 13: Laura Berman

Jan 20: Scott Farrell

Jan 27: Terri Charles

4 Spirit of Unity 2018

Medit at ions for Quant um Act ivism

January 13 & 27 | 5:30-6:30p

Let?s raise the vibe as we move through the shortest days of the year! We will participate in a guided meditation, called Project Coherence, by Dr. Joe Dispenza. The purpose of the meditation is ?raising the Earth?s electromagnetic field? to provide peace and healing for our world.

No meditation experience necessary, just come and feel good. The explanation is 20 minutes. The meditation itself is 43 minutes in length. We will be placing our positive focus on our world. If you have not done Dispenza meditations before, this is a great way to be introduced.

Special Event s and Workshops

Uncondit ional Giving Clot hing and Toy SwapFacilitator: Indira Goins

January 19 & February 16 | 10:00a-12:00p

Empowering families. Giving back to the community. A monthly swap to keep goods for parents and children in circulation - extending the life of items families need. See our website for more details.

New Mem bers ClassesFacilitator: Reverend Terry Murray

3-Par t Class: January 3, 10, 17 | 6:00-8:00pm

Facilitator: Audrey Pitchford "LUT Candidate"1-Day Class: January 5| 9:00a-4:00pm

Interested in becoming a member at Unity of Olympia? Please join us for this class - sign ups available in the lobby or on our website.

Medit at ion ClassFacilitators: Rev Terry Murray & Linda Ihrig

January 12 | 9:00a-4:00p AND January 20 | 11:30-3:30p

This class is open to all church-goers and required for anyone wishing to join the Prayer Team. Prayer Team members are required to attend. Both

sessions are required for SEE credit. More information and sign-ups available in the lobby on on our website.

Spir it Groups: Discover t he PowerFacilitator: Betty Bailey

Host Training: January 13 | 11:30a-1:30pNew Groups Begin: March 2019

Our next SpiritGroups series is based on the book Discover the Power Within, by Eric Butterworth. More information available in the lobby!

5 Spirit of Unity 2018

APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY PROCESS ? Expect a phone call!

The Appreciative Inquiry Process is one in which a community takes stock of what?s going right. It?s an opportunity to look back on the last several years and take an inventory of sorts to help determine the future direction for our leadership. It?s also the process by which a community gains clarity about what we value most highly and our reason for being. This is a three part process:

- Interviews with members to gather information

- Community Summit to confirm Values and determine the Mission

- Creation (or renewal) of Strategic Plan

Appreciative Inquiry Interview training was provided to the volunteers who will be conducting the interviews.

Please sign up in t he lobby or em ail of f ice@unit yofolym pia.org so t hat we m ay call you!

- Share your experience

- Provide valuable feedback

- So that your voice is heard

Business News

Special Event s and Workshops

Upcom ing Save t he Dat es!More information will be made available in the coming weeks

- February 2 | 7:00-9:00p | Kirtan with Johanna Beekman- February 10 | 11:30a-2:00p | EFT with Zandira Michel- February /March | 5 Principles Course with Audrey Pitchford- February 24 | 2:00-4:00p | Free Your Voice, Free Your Soul Playshop with Johanna Beekman- March 2 | 7:00-9:00p | Kirtan with Shantala

Eye 2 Eye

An Interfaith Works Fundraising EventJanuary 25 | 5:00-8:00p

Hear stories, meet our guests share a meal with us. By joining us to celebrate our four-year anniversary, you're helping to do the big work of ensuring that every neighbor has the opportunity to move up and our of homelessness in our community.

Buy Ticket s OnlineIWshelt er .org/Event s

St. Michael Catholic Parish1208 11th Ave SE

Olympia. WA 98501

6 Spirit of Unity 2018

Wit hin Our Minist ry

Com m unit y Connect ion

Int erest ed in Volunt eer ing?

If you want to engage more in the Unity of Olympia Community, volunteering for a Sacred Service Team is a great vehicle for doing that. Visit the Unit y Com m unit y Sign Up in the Fellowship Hall. There you will find the Sacred Service Manual outlining the responsibilit ies of each service team and listing the Team Leader 's contact information to inform them of your interest.

If you have any questions about volunteering at Unity, contact Donna Bardell, communicycoordinator@unityofolympia.org.

Olym pia Unit y Men

Our monthly meeting for October will be on Wednesday, January 9th at 7:30a. Please RSVP so that we can get an accurate count for seating. Facilitator: Andy Stepleton

Budd Bay Cafe525 Colum bia St reet NW

Olym pia, WA 98501(360) 357-6963

Spir it Groups

New series of SpiritGroups coming in March!

March?s SpiritGroup series will focus on Eric Butterworth?s beloved book, Discover the Power Within You, A Guide to the Unexplored Depths Within. Michael Gott, senior minister of Unity of Houston will be the moderator for this enlivening video discussion series. Here?s your opportunity to start the new year off by centering yourself on that life changing power that resides right into yourself! And, to connect with others of like mind and heart as you explore! There is no better gift, that you could give yourself.

On January 13th, SpiritGroup hosts will receive training with plans to open the sign-ups for their new groups in early March. This is a change from our previous plans so watch for more details as we will roll out the when and where of these groups. Hosts get to select the day of the week and time that works for them; and most will meet in their own homes.

If you have participated in a SpiritGroup and wish to consider hosting, please sign up for the host training for January 13th. Sign-up sheet is in the lobby.

Consider making this New Year, the BEST one YET!

For more information, contact Betty Bailey, 360-915-7935.

7 Spirit of Unity 2018

Wit hin Our Minist ry cont.

Prayer Team

Rev. Terry and Prayer Team member Linda Ihrig will be co-facilitating a meditation class on Saturday, January 12th from 9 AM to 4 PM at Unity.

Topics will explore:

* What is meditation?

* What does it mean to practice the Silence?

* Various meditation practices including Heart Math, Mindfulness, Yoga Nidra, Twelve Powers, Guided Meditation, Loving kindness

* Developing a practice

* Overcoming resistance

Please wear comfortable clothing, bring a yoga mat if you have one, your favorite reflective journal, and a lunch. This class is open to everyone and is required for those wishing to join the prayer team.

Please sign up in the lobby or contact Linda. Any questions: Call Linda 360-402-1399

Let 's keep that New Year 's Goal of Peace and Health!

Follow up session for those seeking SEE Credit January 20, 2018 from 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM

Prayer Team News

Audrey Pitchford is the new leader for the prayer team in 2019. If you are interested in knowing more about the prayer team or think you might want to join us, please come to the meditation class being offered on Jan 12th.

Blessings to you all in the new year. - Penny Parsons

The following is a reprint from the Daily Word in May 1969:

GONE IS ALL TENSION, STRESS, OR STRAIN. I AM RELAXED, I FEEL RELAXED.

I relax for God is here. I relax, for there is nothing to fear. I relax, for there is a law of good at work in my life and affairs.

I relax, for God's healing life is now filling my body and flowing through every part, bringing restoration and renewal.

I relax, for God's harmonizing love is blessing me and all that concerns me, bringing peace, understanding, joy, and forgiveness.

I relax, for God's all-providing good is always at hand. There is abundance for my every need; there is a way of success and prosperity open to me.

I relax, for God is with my dear ones; His power is at work in their lives; His light is shining on their paths; His wisdom is guiding their footsteps.

I relax, for there is time enough to do all that needs to be done. With God's help I move through this day easily, happily, and successfully.

Gone is all tension, stress, or strain. I am relaxed, I feel relaxed.

8 Spirit of Unity 2018

Spir it ual Explorers

Join us as we finish discussing the book, The Power of Eight, by Lynne McTaggart and move into Sins of Scripture by John Shelby Spong.

In the Meditation Room in the Bishop Wing. Love offerings welcomed

Fr idays | 11:00a-12:15p | Reverend Ter ry Mur ray

Unit y Music Ensem ble

If you love to play, grab your instrument and come join us! Drop-ins welcomed.

Sunday 1/13 and 1/27 | 11:30a in t he Bishop Wing | Mark Delaplane

Happening at Unit y of Olym pia

What if Wednesdays

An infinite possibilities intention gathering

Please join us in PLAYING with the idea that we choose our reality with our focused

thoughts.

Bishop Wing Bridal Room. Please RSVP to Deb Cacace at debracacace@gmail.com

Love offerings appreciated.

Wednesdays | 6:00-7:00p | Deb Cacace

9 Spirit of Unity 2018

The Book Corner

Hello, Unity Library users. If you have books that have been checked out for

over 6 months, please return them as we will be doing yearly inventory of our

library shelves. Thank you for your continued use of the library.

Bibles ? Unity Books ? Self-Help/Personal Growth ? A Course in Miracles ?

Healing/Medicine ? Psychology/Philosophy ? Recovery/12 Steps ? Spirituality

This month we will focus on the section on Self Help/Spiritual Growth.

Our first author is Cynthia Trenshaw. She is a hospital chaplain and massage therapist. The title is ?Meeting

in the Margins?.

From the Foreword by Christina Baldwin:

?We pass them by. On city streets, while we hurry to work or lunch or an evening?s entertainment; on the

curbs of small towns waiting for Walmart to open, stumbling out of shelters while we thread our way

around them. Us; them. Not sure what to do, we tend to avert our gaze, step around,, step over, cross the

street, tighten our hold on wallets, purses, pull a coat closer around our shoulders. Boundary. Barrier. We

are on the good side of fortune and want to stay here, don?t want our trajectories soiled by interaction with

those who have fallen off the path of a reasonable life.?

Cynthia Trenshaw, as a newly certified massage therapist found a way to be simply but profoundly be

present to society?s invisible people. Yes, she went into the streets and shelters and offered her massage

skills, for those who rarely are touched, and becomes immersed in a heady curriculum of helplessness and

joy, pain, and wisdom. This book lifts us into hope; it belongs in the hands of all of those who would like to

head a broken world.

Our second author is Diana Butler Bass, author of books on American religion. The book is, ?Grateful ? The

Transformative Power of Giving Thanks.?

We know that gratitude is good, but many of us find it hard to sustain a meaningful life of gratefulness.

Bass, explores the transformative power of gratitude for our personal lives and in communities. With

honest stories and heartrending examples from history and her own life, Bass reclaims gratitude as a path

to greater connection with God, with others, with the world, and even with our own souls. She shows us

how it is time to embrace a more radical practice of gratitude ? the virtue that heals us and helps us thrive.

These books should help us the feel the Spirit that moves through us all during this New Year.

Happy Reading ? Tomi Helm, Librarian

10 Spirit of Unity 2018

Int er fait h Works

Int er fait h Works Updat e, January 2019

There are many ways to serve our community. If you are considering ways to reach out to assist those

without shelter during this winter, there are many options of money, time, or talent.

Interfaith Works needs help to pay for professional staff at their Nightly Shelter as well as professional staff

at the Community Care Center downtown. January 25, from 5-8:00 at St. Michael?s Parish Hall, Interfaith

Works is holding their fourth annual fund raising dinner, ?Eye 2 Eye.?

Good food will be served and stories of shelter guests will be shared. We

would love to fill a table with Unity friends. The tickets are $75 and can

be purchased at www.interfaith-works.org

Another option of how we could each help is to fill a basket with

tempting Italian goodies for this event. Each congregation has been

asked to bring a basket to be auctioned off to generate further funds. I

will bring the basket which I introduced before Christmas on each

Sunday and we will see what shows up. I?m glad Delores Brown has

agreed to help me make it look temptingly beautiful.

Of course, there are other options of ways to serve. Those who love to

cook for large groups could organize themselves to create some food for

the Day Spa at the First Christian Church. This is where elderly and

disabled folks are staying during the days, when the Nightly Shelter is

closed. Even quantities of peanut butter sandwiches, I am told, are very welcome. The calendar of food

needs is also on their website or through the Interfaith Works office in the basement of the United

Churches of Olympia.

If you feel called to serve as a volunteer there are two trainings coming up in January:

- January 5, 12-4:00 at the Community Care Center

- January 12, 12-4:00 at the Nightly Shelter at First Christian Church

More details about training can be found at www.iwshelter.org

The Interfaith Works Program Council did not meet in December, but will resume in January. As a new year

begins, remember We Are All One People.

Ann Chenhall, IW Representative for Unity

- Interfaith Works Newsletter: http:// interfaith-works.org/newsletter/

- Volunteer trainings: January 5 and January 12, 12:00-4:00p

- Eye to Eye Fundraising Event for Interfaith Works: January 25, 2019

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January 2019SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

9:00a Full-Day New Members Class

10:00a Foglifters AA

10:00a One God, One Humanity; Many Stories

11:30a Unity Music Ensemble

11:30a SpiritGroup Host Training

5:30p Meditations for Quantum Activism

11:00a Spiritual Explorers

11:00a Spiritual Explorers

9:00a Unconditional Giving - Family Clothing & Toy Swap

10:00a Foglifters AA

9:00a Meditation Class - Part 1

10:00a Foglifters AA

10:00a Foglifters AA

7:30a OU Men

4:30p Worship

Team Meeting

6:00p What if Wednesday

4:30p Host Team

Meeting

6:00p What if

Wednesday

7:00p ACA

6:00p Part 2/3 New Members Class

Dates and times subject to change. Please check www.unityofolympia.org/calendar for the most up-to-date information.

6:00p Part 1/3 New Members Class

10:00a Dance with Grace

11:30a Meditation Class Part 2 for SEE Credit

4:00p Council Meeting

6:00p What if Wednesday

10:00a White Stone Ceremony

11:30a Unity Music Ensemble

5:30p Meditations for Quantum Activism

11:00a Spiritual Explorers

10:00a Starting Over...Again

6:00p What if

Wednesday

11:00a Spiritual Explorers

6:00p What if Wednesday

6:00p Part 3/3 New Members Class

7:00p ACA

7:00p ACA

7:00p ACA

7:00p ACA

12 Spirit of Unity 2018

Adult Children of Alcoholics & Dysfunct ional Fam ilies: Every Tuesday 7:00-8:15p in t he Bishop Wing

What if Wednesday - An infinite possibilities intention gathering: Every Wednesday 6:00-7:00p in t he Bishop WingRSVP debracacace@gmail.com. Love offerings appreciated.

Spir it ual Explorers: Every Fr iday 11:00a-12:15p in t he Medit at ion Room in t he Bishop WingJoin Reverend Terry and friends as we finish discussing the book The Power of Eight, by Lynne McTaggart and move into Sins of Scripture, by John Shelby Spong.

3-Par t New Mem bers Class: Thursdays, 1/3, 1/10, 1/17 | 6:00-8:00p | Reverend Ter ry Mur rayLooking to join Unity of Olympia? This 3-Part class is a great way to learn more about our community and the history of the Unity movement.

1-Day New Mem bers Class: Sat urday, 1/5 | 9:00a-4:00p | Audrey Pit chford, LUT Candidat eLooking to join Unity of Olympia? This 1-Day class is a great way to learn more about our community and the history of the Unity movement.

| Lesson| St ar t ing Over ...Again: Sunday 1/6 | 10:00a in t he Sanct uary | Reverend Ter ry Mur rayOne week into the New Year and we open to the blessings of new beginnings.

Olym pia Unit y Men's Meet ing Wednesday 1/9 | 7:30a at Budd Bay Cafe | Andy St eplet onJoin the OU Men for breakfast and fellowship. Please RSVP so we can have adequate seating (360) 357-6963.

Worship Team Meet ing: Wednesday 1/9 | 4:30p in t he Meet ing Room | Reverend Ter ry Mur ray

2-Par t Medit at ion Class: Sat urday, 1/12 | 9:00a-4:00p & Sunday, 1/20 | 11:30a-3:30p | Rev Ter ry Mur ray and Linda Ihr igThis class is open to all church-goers and required for anyone wishing to join the Prayer Team. Prayer Team members are required to attend. Both sessions are required for SEE credit. More information and sign-ups available in the lobby on on our website.

| Lesson| One God, One Hum anit y; Many St or ies: Sunday 1/13 | 10:00a in t he Sanct uary | Reverend Ter ry Mur rayOur path in positive spiritual living opens us to the stories of all faith traditions.

Unit y Music Ensem ble: Sunday 1/13 and 1/27 | 11:30a in t he Bishop Wing | Mark DelaplaneIf you love to play, grab your instrument and come join us!

Spir it Group Host Training: Sunday, 1/13 | 11:30a-1:30p in t he Sanct uary | Bet t y BaileyOur next SpiritGroups series is based on the book Discover the Power Within, by Eric Butterworth. Consider becoming a host!! More information available in the lobby.

Medit at ions for Quant um Act ivism : Sunday 1/13 and 1/27 | 5:30-6:30p | Jewell Hem enwayA guided, group meditation called 'Project Coherence, by Dr. Joe Dispenza intended to "raise the earth's electromagnetic field" to provide peace and healing for our world. More information available on our website.

Host Team Meet ing: Wednesday, 1/16 | 4:30p in t he Sanct uary | Reverend Ter ry Mur ray

Uncondit ional Giving - Fam ily Clot hing & Toy Swap: Sat urday, 1/19 | 9:00a in t he Sanct uary | Indira GoinsA monthly swap to keep goods for parents and children in circulation - extending the life of items families need.

| Lesson| Dance w it h Grace: Sunday 1/20 | 10:00a in t he Sanct uary | Reverend Ter ry Mur rayLiving like you've got two left feet? Through humility we are gifted the grace of balance.

Council Meet ing: Wednesday, 1/23| 4:00p in t he Meet ing Room

| Lesson| Whit e St one Cerem ony: Sunday, 1/27 | 10:00a in t he Sanct uary | Audrey Pit chford

January 2019

Dates and times subject to change. Please check www.unityofolympia.org/calendar for the most up-to-date information.