Faith for Today
A Bi-Monthly Publication
March/April 2010 CHRIST CHURCH UNITY VOLUME 49, ISSUE 02
FROM THE MINISTER’S HEART:
Dear Friend of the Resurrection,
There have been many amazing surprises in my life. A few surprises are unpleasant, but most are quite delightful. Be open to the surprise blessings God has for you.
When the disciples heard that Jesus’ body was not in the tomb, they were surprised. Even though Jesus had told them what would happen, they didn’t get it. Their faith was only in what they could see. They did not have the spiritual vision to perceive greater possibilities.
We are like that sometimes. We get fixated on how things appear and forget that things are always changing and most importantly, we can shape the way things change. This is the message of Easter, “God’s greater good is at work here.”
Let yourself be delightfully surprised with the wisdom of God inspiring you. Let yourself be joyously surprised at God’s healing power working in you. Let yourself be richly surprised by God’s abundance flowing to you. Be gracefully surprised at the infinite love of God working through you.
Our English word “surprise” comes from a word that means “to take over.” My prayer for you, me, and all the world is that we let God’s good take over our lives.
Joyous in the Spirit of the resurrection,
Blair Tabor, minister
Special Holiday Services
Holy Thursday, April 1st, 7:00 p.m.
Communion & Foot Washing Service
“I Remember My Blessing” is the theme of our service this year.
Come join Rev. Blair and the Music Team for an inspiring evening.
Good Friday, April 2nd, Two Services
Good Friday High Watch Service – Noon till 3:00 p.m.
Stop in at any time for any amount of time.
Good Friday Evening Service 7:00 p.m.
The appearance of death can be disheartening, but the Christ is ever alive.
Rev. Blair's lesson for this evening is “The Living Christ Lives in Me.”
Easter Sunday, April 4th, 9 & 11 AM
“Surprised by God-Power”
God is at work to bless us from the realm of infinite good.
With special music and the theme of resurrection, your heart and mind will be raised up.
Easter Lilies and Carnations
If you would like to make a special contribution for Easter lilies and carnations for the cross, please make a note on your check or contact our staff for a contribution by credit card.
Wednesday Classes with Rev. Blair
Lenten Theme “Witness to Resurrection”
Wednesdays through March 31st, 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. in Saint Luke’s Chapel
Ash Wednesday, February 17th, is the beginning of Lent. In the traditional church Lent is a very solemn time. In Unity we celebrate Lent as a time of preparation for the resurrection of the Christ spirit in our lives.
This year, Rev. Blair’s theme for Lent is “Witness to Resurrection.” Each week we will develop a deeper sense of God at work in our lives. The ideas and practices presented will help you raise up the power of God in your life. Come to one, some, or all the classes! Love Offering.
Spiritual Dancing (also known as Sufi Dancing)
Wednesday, April 14th, 7:00 p.m. in Wrigley Hall
Sing and move and pray all at once. Spiritual Dancing combines ancient prayer practices with song and simple movements to create a wonderful way to share a sense of community and a sense of the presence of the Divine. Love Offering.
Bible Day
Wednesday, April 28th, 10 AM & 7 M
The Bible is an amazing, yet perplexing group of documents. If you would like to get an overview of the Bible and some simple tools to understand it better, come join Rev. Blair for the fun and insightful event. Love offering.
.
Meditation Practices
Sundays, March 7th and April 11th
12:40 p.m. in St. Luke’s Chapel. First floor of the Prayer Tower
If you desire to deepen your prayer life, come learn a new meditation practice from
Rev. Blair. Love Offering.
Healing Services
Sundays, March 14th and April 11th
7:00 p.m. St. Luke’s Chapel, First floor of the Prayer Tower
The resurrecting power of the Christ is at work in you to bless and heal your body. Come join Rev. Blair for an experience of letting God work in you. Love Offering.
Important Event – March 7th-March 21st!
Christ Church Unity will participate in the county's alternative housing program, the Interfaith Shelter Network (ISN). The ISN is the county's shelter program that operates with host churches to provide 6 months of housing to 250 families each year. The program is open to those who are looking to make changes in their lives and work on a plan to end their homelessness. Together we can provide all the essentials for our guests to stay at CCU for two weeks from March 7-14, 2010. We will need volunteers
to stay overnight, cook meals and share talents, donate items or give a monetary gift so supplies can be purchased. Together we can make this a pleasant and helpful experience.
For more information e-mail AOUfamilygroups@cox.net for more information on when our volunteer orientation will be held or to make a donation. Each one of us doing something - regardless if it is large or small - can help to a successful event!
Sunday, March 14th, Daylight Savings Time
Spring forward 1 hour
Chaplain Training Begins In March
Christ Church Unity Chaplains are available to support individuals in their spiritual journeys. Our Chaplains are available to create and hold a sacred space, to lovingly listen and hold in confidence whatever is heard, and to pray.
If you are being called by Spirit to be a part of this group of dedicated individuals, we invite you to attend Chaplain Orientation on Sunday, March 14th, at 10:15 a.m. in St. Luke’s Chapel. This orientation is mandatory in order to sign up for the training.
Listed below are all of the additional training dates:
Unity Basics Review: Saturday, March 20, 9 a.m. to Noon, First Chaplain Interview: March 21, between services, Chaplain Training: March 26, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. and March 27, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Second Chaplain Interview: March 28 or by arrangement, (15-minute sessions), Chaplain Dedication: Sunday, April 11.
In order to complete Chaplain Training, you must be an active member of Christ Church Unity who has completed Membership Orientation and received Spiritual Baptism. For more information call Ellen Boucher at 619-280-2501, ext. 106.
St. Patrick’s Day/Easter Sale
The CCU Arts & Craft Group will be having a St. Patrick’s Day and Easter Sale on
Sunday, March 14th, from10:00-1:00 p.m. Come find something for your loved ones & friends for St. Patrick’s Day or Easter. (The CCU Craft group meets on the 2nd and 4th Mondays, on the 3rd floor, from10:00-12:00 p.m. Please come and join us!)
Gals Night Out - March 15th
The gals will be providing dinner to the guests at the Interfaith Shelter Network here at CCU at 6:00 p.m. Those who are cooking will need to arrive around 4:30 p.m. to prepare the meal. Some items will be able to be cooked at home and dropped off. A detailed menu will be available at a later date. The gals will join the guests for the meal. Afterwards, the Gals will go to the 3rd floor for a BUNKO night hostessed by Rashna Kowalski. The evening will raise money for the Santee YMCA and CCU with a donation of $10. There will be lots of laughs and prizes. Sign up if you want to be a part of all or a segment of the evening. Questions – speak to Meredith
Arts & Crafts Easter Sale
The CCU Arts & Craft Group will be having an Easter Sale on Sunday, April 4th, from 10:00-1:00 p.m. Come find something for your loved ones or friends for Easter. (The CCU Craft group meets on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month, on the 3rd floor, from 10:00-12:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Please come and join us!)
Gals Day Out - April 17th
A walking tour of Old Town San Diego has been arranged for Saturday at 10:00 a.m. The tour will start at Twigg St. and San Diego Ave. The cost is $10 per person. After the tour, the gals will eat lunch at Casa Guadalajara. Those who want to carpool will meet at Christ Church Unity at 9:30 a.m. Sign up in the tower lobby if you plan
to attend, also if you want to carpool.
New Member Orientation
The dates for next New Member Orientations are April 25th, May 1st, and May 2nd.
New Member Orientation has three parts:
1: A brief meeting in St. Luke’s Chapel, first floor of the Prayer Tower on Sunday, April 25th, after each service.
2: The following Saturday, May 1st, from 10 AM to Noon, includes a tour of the church and information on Unity's history, teachings, our church vision, and meditation.
3: Spiritual Baptism during the Sunday services on Sunday, May 2nd.
Prospective new members are required to come to all three parts.
Membership with Christ Church Unity is an opportunity to make a commitment to your spiritual growth through our church. People find many blessings from this process. The dates for next New Member Orientations are and October 24, 30, 31.
Mark Your Calendars and Save These Dates!
Saturday, May 15th - Annual Tea
Sunday, May 23rd - CCU Choir & Music Team Concert
plus
CCU will be hosting another
Western Service Worker’s Association Food Drive in May
CCU Community Forum - Sunday, May 16th, between Sunday services
in Wrigley Hall. Everyone is invited and needed!
Padres Games
Friday, June 18th
Reserve your tickets now for this 7:00 p.m. game against the Baltimore Orioles. Tickets are at Field 117. They are $26 each for regularly-priced $34 tickets. Only 26 tickets are available, so sign up now and pay by May 30th. Call Meredith Tabor at 619-280-2501, ext. 109.
Wish List
Printer #1 for the Offices $149.00
Printer #2 for the Offices $146.00
Remember, if you feel you cannot give the total amount, partial gifts
will be accumulated until enough is received.
Welcome to Our New Members!
♥ Diane Murphee ♥
♥ Nick Murphee ♥
♥ Timothy Flowers ♥
(as of January 31, 2010)
Volunteer of the Month
February 2010
Our February volunteer was Betty Macurda. Betty has served as a member of the choir,
prayer chaplain, and currently serves as Treasurer on the Board of Altadena Blessing Corporation. Thank you, Betty!
Memorial
Margaret (Peggy) Sommer Rafaill
Born - November 16, 1918 Passed - December 25, 2009
Peggy was a sweetheart and long-time Unity student. Her faith saw her through many challenges in her life & she kept smiling. She always had a positive thing to say about everything. We bless Sam and all Peggy’s family.
Memorial
Howard Reyman
Passed - January 21, 2010 (his wife’s birthday)
His daughter reported that for several days before he passed, Howard said he saw Mildred. She came to get him on her birthday.
Memorial
Pat Hunter
Born - March 28, 1950 Passed - February 1, 2010
Pat died suddenly, a shock to everyone. Pat was a bus driver for MTS and very proud of being able to buy a house to be a home for her children. Lucinda and Michael are now living with their grandfather.
Wisdom and Love are Here Now
Wisdom and Love are the two of the twelve powers the Unity calendar highlights for March and April. As we sit in the silence of meditation, the wisdom of Spirit flows into our heart and mind. Letting go into Spirit is the best way to receive answers for all our needs. As the song says, “In the stillness of the moment there is peace.” Also in this stillness is all that we need of love, joy and wholeness. As we enter into the Easter
Season, your Prayer Ministry holds you in the light of wisdom and love and sees the resurrection of the Christ qualities in each of you. As you go through your day, bless this resurrection in yourself and others. Feel Spirit move in you to be all that you are meant to be. Rejoice in the Lord always and again we say rejoice.
Many blessings in this joyous season, Your Prayer Ministry
Letter from the Board
Make a joyful noise unto the Lord! Well, we work hard at making it joyful, beautiful, fun, and hopefully something better than just noise. The choir and music team are a dedicated group of people who strive to add something we hope you find special to the worship experience. On a typical Sunday, the music team begins singing gathering music 15 minutes before the start of service, to create a sacred space with sound. Music can take you to an emotional place that nothing else can. From that place, we start the service. We encourage you to sing along with the gathering music, or just close your eyes and let it lift you to another level.
During the service the choir sings the special music. Ron spends hours sifting through mountains of music to bring these special offerings to you every Sunday. The members of the choir are committed to showing up every Thursday evening and for both services on Sunday, in large part because of the music that Ron chooses. We enjoy singing these pieces, but more than that, we worship through the music.
Being a part of the music ministry is a major commitment, and Ron understands that not everyone can make that kind of commitment. He will often invite others to join us for special events. This Easter is such a time: Ron is asking that if anyone is interested, talk to him about singing with the choir. The ability to read music is not necessary. Ron takes time to make CD's of your part to help you learn and practice. It’s a beautiful experience.
We are always accepting new choir members. It’s a great way to give in service. I started coming here because Ron sometimes needed extra help from time to time, when the choir was at best 10-12 singers strong. In the past few years, we have doubled in size. If you don't sing but play an instrument, talk to Ron. We are always looking for talent within the church and what a wonderful way of giving of your talents.
I would like to thank you for all of your support to the music ministry. The journey to where we are has been a beautiful one. Thank you for coming with us.
Maria Garcia
Board Member
Finances for January 2010 (Numbers subject to audit)
Income $34,827
Expenses $45,553
Net -10,726
"Did you know…?”
Our church is able to receive donations of many different types, including, stocks, bonds, cars, retirement plans, and life insurance. Check with your accountant for the tax benefits.
If you plan to include our church in your estate, or on a deed of trust, insurance or any other vehicle, please use the full name and address of our church: Christ Church Unity, San Diego, 3770 Altadena Avenue, San Diego, California 92105.
Youth & Family Ministry
By Karla Lightner - Youth & Family Ministry Director
Hello everyone,
Over the last few years you may have heard about The Shining Unity Club and wondered what it is all about. The club was founded in 2007 by a Uniteen at CCU when he was 9 yrs old. It began as a way for Unity children and teens to help each other develop a close and loving relationship with God as we know Him, As well as develop a healthy, positive attitude using Unity Principles. Club meetings focus on developing a close relationship with peers, and meeting and forming relationships with others of all ages at CCU. It is wonderfully rewarding to report that we have and are continuing to accomplish this mission. On any Sunday you will see our CCU family sharing meals in Wrigley Hall, working together in the kitchen and fellowshipping on a regular basis. This is true Unity in action and an amazing blessing from God!
This year the Shining Unity Club is taking this to the next level by focusing on family outings. Our first outing in 2010, Snow Tubing in Wrightwood, CA was held on February 20th. It was truly a joy to see CCU families having so much fun together. Even though each family came on their own, once together as a group it was obvious that we were one large, happy “Unity family.” It looked right, it felt right and it was fun!
Before you do your Easter basket shopping, please check out the baskets our Uniteens and Y.O.U. have put together for children ages 3-18. They will be on display in Wrigley Hall beginning Sunday, March 21st. Having our children help create these baskets and teaching them to "fundraise" or "earn" money for things, increases their self-confidence, teaches them to become self-sufficient, and shows them prosperity in
action.
The Youth & Family Ministry Dept is always looking for good people. Should you feel moved to share your gifts with our wonderful children, please call me at 619-218-6135, or you can email me at karla@unitysandiego.org.
Love & Blessings!
Karla
Youth & Family Ministry Calendar
Sunday March 21st, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Youth & Family Ministry Jog-a-thon Fundraiser: Please sponsor our children and teens as they jog together for over a mile in the community. Our goal is to provide a fun and exciting event for our CCU children while earning money for Kids Camp, Uniteen Camp, Family Ministry trips and Regional events.
Sunday April 4th, 12:15 p.m., Easter Egg Hunt: Children age ten and under are invited to join our Annual Easter Egg Hunt. Kids over age ten are invited to participate in their own exciting scavenger hunt. We need donations of plastic eggs and packaged candy. Please drop off donations on top of the cabinets in the hallway between the nursery and the library. (Events will take place on the grass between the
Educational Building and Wrigley Hall)
April 30th–May 2nd, Youth Educator’s Team Conference, Idyllwild, CA: SouthWest Unity Training Conference for those involved in the Youth and Family Ministry.
Volunteer Opportunities
Are you looking for a service commitment that fits into your schedule? We are in need of volunteers to fill empty slots for ushers, greeters, and the welcome table for both services on Sunday. Do you have a desire to express your creative talents? CCU needs help keeping our campus bulletin boards up to date with all of the activities here at CCU. You will be provided with materials and then free to add your own creative style! We can use several volunteers as we have several bulletin boards! This position is best suited to people who have free time during the week: Mon-Thurs, 9:30-2:30. Please contact Rebecca in the bookstore for further information and to sign up (619-280-2501, ext. 101). Thank you!
Scrip News
Easter is a great occasion to buy See’s Candies to fill those baskets. It comes in $15.60 (25%)! New to the program are Target in $25, Arco in $25 and Nordstrom in $25 and (4% profit from all of them). Be sure to stop by the scrip table to see the full list – scrip is a way of doing your everyday shopping with gift cards and at the same time donating to Christ Church Unity.
Albertson’s update – Albertson’s has ended the Community Partner’s Automatic Donation!! Now the only way for CCU to receive money from Albertson’s is if you purchase the gift cards in $25 and $50. CCU then makes 5%.
2010 Unity People’s Convention “Circles of Divine Love”
June 7-11, 2010
Town & Country Resort, San Diego
The largest event of the Association of Unity Churches International will be held right here in San Diego! Volunteers from local Unity churches are asked to support the People’s Convention. Volunteers are being recruited for positions in the areas of pre-registration, on-site registration, welcome and information, workshops, daytime ushers, evening ushers, volunteer check-in and support, bookstore, and banquet decorations. There are opportunities available daily in 2 to 4 hour periods from as early as 6:30am until as late as 10:30pm Monday through Friday. This is a fun way to step into volunteer service while meeting Unity ministers, licensed teachers, and truth students from all over the world and receive great benefits for your loving service to the convention.
Yes, there are perks! The Association offers a work exchange for volunteers: for each hour worked, you are allowed to attend an hour of workshop or keynote of your choice free of charge! Rev. Michael Beckwith will be one of the many exiting keynote speakers!
CCU will begin volunteer recruitment in March 2010. Rebecca Coiner will be our Volunteer Coordinator for this special event. Contact her at 619-280-2501, ext. 101. A table will be set-up in Wrigley Hall with volunteer applications and volunteer position information. All positions will be assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis so get your application in as soon as possible. This is an exciting opportunity to meet new people, to be of service, and to experience the joy of Unity.
Come to service early on Sundays & experience
a prayerful time of beautiful music and chants.
March Sunday Lessons
March 7th
Thanking in Your Thinking
March 14th
Nurture Your Christ Nature
March 21st
Eternal Energy
March 28th (Palm Sunday)
How Long Can You Praise
April Sunday Lessons
April 4th (Easter Sunday)
Surprised by God-Power
April 11th
Solving Problems Like a Genius
April 18th
Balancing Out Our Humanity and Our Spirituality
April 25th
Einstein’s Formula for Success
May/June 2010 Faith for Today
material due April 1st!
March 2010
SUNDAY
Worship Celebration Service - Sanctuary - 9:00 & 11:00am
Nursery - Classroom 3 - 9:00 & 11:00am
UniKids (ages 4-8) - Room 4 - 11:00am
UniTweens (4th & 5th Grade) - Room 4 - 11:00am
UniTeens (6th, 7th, 8th Grade) - 3rd Floor - 11:00am
Y.O.U. (9th-12th Grade ) - 2nd Floor - 11:00am
Library Open - 10:00am - 11:00am
A Course in Miracles - 4th Floor - 10:15am
Friendship Sunday – Wrigley Hall – 7th
Meditation Practice - St. Luke’s Chapel - 12:40pm - 7th
Change Your Clocks - 14th
Chaplain Orientation - St. Luke’s Chapel - 10:15am - 14th
Arts & Crafts Sale - Wrigley Hall - 10:15am & 12:15pm - 14th
Healing Service - St. Luke’s Chapel - 7:00pm - 14th
Brunch - Wrigley Hall - 10:15am & 12:15pm - 21st
Palm Sunday - 28th
MONDAY
NA Group - 2nd Floor - 7:00pm
Arts & Crafts Group - 3rd Floor - 10:00am - 8th & 22nd
Gals Night Out - Kitchen & 3rd Floor - 6:00pm - 15th
TUESDAY
Planning Meeting - 3rd Floor - 7:00pm – 9th
Board Meeting - 3rd Floor - 7:00pm - 23rd
WEDNESDAY
Prayer Ministry Guided Meditation - St. Luke’s Chapel - 11:00am
Witness to Resurrection Class - St. Luke’s Chapel - 10:00am (through 3/31)
Witness to Resurrection Class - St. Luke’s Chapel - 7:00pm (through 3/31)
Special Mailing Party - 4th Floor - 9:00am - 3rd
CCU Fellowship Lunch - Wrigley Hall - 12:00pm - 10th
THURSDAY
Choir Practice - 2nd Floor - 7:00pm
SATURDAY
Unity Basics Class - St. Luke’s Chapel - 20th
April 2010
SUNDAY
Worship Celebration Service - Sanctuary - 9:00 & 11:00am
Nursery - Classroom 3 - 9:00 & 11:00am
UniKids (ages 4-8) - Room 4 - 11:00am
UniTweens (4th & 5th Grade) - Classroom 4 - 11:00am
UniTeens (6th, 7th, 8th Grade) - 3rd Floor - 11:00am
Y.O.U. (9th-12th Grade ) - 2nd Floor - 11:00am
Library Open - 10:00am - 11:00am
A Course in Miracles - 4th Floor - 10:15am
Easter Sunday – Wrigley Hall – 4th
Friendship Sunday – Wrigley Hall – 4th
Arts & Crafts Sale - Wrigley Hall - 10:15am & 12:15pm - 4th
Easter Egg Hunt - Grass Area - 12:15pm - 4th
Meditation Practice - St. Luke’s Chapel - 12:40pm - 11th
Healing Service - St. Luke’s Chapel - 7:00pm - 11th
Brunch - Wrigley Hall - 10:15am & 12:15pm - 18th
New Member Orientation - St. Luke’s Chapel - 10:15am & 12:15pm - 25th
Youth Education Jog-a-thon - Chollas Lake - 11:00am - 25th
MONDAY
NA Group - 2nd Floor - 7:00pm
Arts & Crafts Group - 3rd Floor - 10:00am - 12th & 26th
TUESDAY
Planning Meeting- 3rd Floor - 7:00pm – 13th
Board Meeting- 3rd Floor - 7:00pm – 27th
WEDNESDAY
Prayer Ministry Guided Meditation - St. Luke’s Chapel - 11:00am
Unity Fellowship Potluck Luncheon - Wrigley Hall - 12:00pm - 14th
Spiritual Dancing - Wrigley Hall - 7:00pm - 14th
Faith for Today Mailing Party - 4th Floor - 9:00am - 21st
Bible Day - 3rd Floor - 10:00am & 7:00pm - 28th
THURSDAY
May/June 2010 Faith for Today Material due April 1st
Choir Rehearsal - 2nd Floor - 7:00pm
Communion & Foot Washing Service - Sanctuary - 7:00pm - 1st
FRIDAY
Good Friday High Watch Service - Sanctuary - 12:00-3:00pm - 2nd
Good Friday Evening Service - Sanctuary - 7:00pm - 2nd
SATURDAY
Gals Day Out - Off site - 2:00pm - 17th
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