The present your december newsletter gift

Your Monthly Newsletter Gift December 2013 ♥ Volume 10 Issue 12

THE PRESENT

Unity of Surprise ♥ The Church of Practical Christianity ♥ Where Good Happens Page 2

Blessings & Bits By Reverend Billie Martini—Minister

Let Christ Be Born by Dorothy Pierson

There is an infant Christ in all… An infant birth of love, An infant birth of faith,

Just the tiniest beginning point of light That glimpses the Christmas story.

It draws deep from the soul In music of the season So beyond reason and That night of wonder!

As the shepherds heard and saw I, like them, in awe

View the infant Christ in me. In me! Imagine the audacity! It has to be a stable lowly— I could not see myself holy

Except as a tiny newborn babe. The mystic Star shines bright

And I, so encompassed in its light, Let the warmth and healing Truth

Of that Christmas night enfold me. I kneel

In adoration real At my Christ’s birth.

O come let us adore him, let us prepare the mangers of our hearts for a rebirth of a greater awareness of the Christ within ourselves and all others. Let us in awe, view the infant Christ within. Merry Christ...mas!

Blessings of Love, Joy, Peace and Faith,

Reverend Billie

Sunday’s in December

It’s beginning, the season, Advent, our preparation for the holiest of holidays, Christmas!

It is with great excitement that I’ve expanded on our Advent themes this year and have included Kindness with Love, Wonder with Joy, Acceptance with Peace and Simplicity with Faith.

Each Sunday, we’ll deeply explore the excite-ment, the wonder, anticipation and participation that are ours for choosing. We’ll focus on the pure, sweet joy of the season as we allow wholesome pleasure to seep into our minds, our bodies and our souls.

We’ll prepare ourselves for personal renewal, with a chance to change ourselves ever so slightly, to alter our course, to remake portions of our lives as we prepare the managers of our hearts, that we might be born anew.

Join your Unity of Surprise family for all the surprises this season can bring.

Meditation Facilitator—Reverend Billie Tuesday’s from 11:00—Noon—Sanctuary

The Faith Lift meditation group continues on Tuesday mornings at 11:00 am. Those who attend this group report calmer, more peaceful days. Join us and give the “silence” a chance to transform you.


Side by Side By Vard Miller With the holiday season fast approaching, (too fast) our thoughts

turn naturally to family, friends and memories; to those treasured times and events that give us warmth and good feelings. We also look forward to the New Year; both with expected and unexpected events.

Our Unity family, as always, is offering a variety of events for the year ahead. There will be things to do, promising good times and sharing with others. These activities along with your personal travel plans, family time, and volunteer work are among what is expected and give the year direction.

However, it is the unexpected that try our souls. Rejoice, for this is where the Unity family really shines. Unity is a truly loving environment that can calm your fears and give you the tools to lessen your disappointments, but also gives you a true sense of well-being and hopefully, peace. This, I believe, is what the Christmas season and Unity are all about. It is a time of renewing our faith and purpose.

So… as we light the Christmas candles and sing the familiar hymns and reflect a moment upon what Unity means to you… let this awareness be the cornerstone of all your hopes and dreams for the New Year and all the years ahead. My wish for you is to have a joyous Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Vard Miller

The Men of Faith met in October and voted to change their name to Men of Unity. This opens our activities to a wide range that covers social, spiritual, physical and even enlightened actions.

Our first item which was accepted was helping to put together the Veteran’s Day program. This was a very moving program with the Colors presented by Boy Scout Troop 938, Paul Dore Jr., Scoutmaster. The troop led the congregation in the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem after the colors were brought forward and placed at the corners of the platform.

The next activity of the Men of Unity is to provide the ushers for the December 8 Christmas Music program. This will include helping set up and remove extra seating, actually showing people to their seats, doing the offering collection and greeting members and guests at the door as they come in. All men who would like to partici-pate in this please let me know.

Future activities being considered by the Men of Unity are an outing to a spring baseball training game, a monthly breakfast meeting to get to know each other better, an outing to a Coyote hockey game and next year, an outing to one of the Cardinal’s home games. Other items will be discussed as they come up.

The next meeting of the Men of Unity will be in January, 2014. The time and date will be in the January newsletter and posted on line on the Unity web page at unityofsurprise.org.

Namaste,

Dan Robison, Team Leader 623.523.1642

Men of Unity Dan Robison

Caregivers—Nourishing the Heart Group


Samantha D-Stump, Facilitator Alternate Mondays, December 9 & 23 11:00 AM—12:30 PM Myrtle Fillmore Room Caregivers Nourishing the Heart Group is a secular non-medical model with the emphasis on you as a Care Giver. Through friend-ship and sharing you will find that you are not alone and have the support of other’s who are walking the same path. Meeting dates for 2013 are December 9 and 23 at Unity Church of Surprise from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. We can be found online at unityofsurprise.org through the Unity of Surprise office at (623) 214-3884.

Samantha Decker Stump, M.S., Family Life Education, Certified Grief Recovery Specialist

A love offering will be accepted and donated to Unity of Surprise.

Widows/Widowers Grief Support Group Alternate Mondays, December 9 & 23 1:00—3:00 PM in the Myrtle Fillmore Room The Widow/Widower support group is free to attend and open to anyone who has suffered a loss of a significant relationship that is affecting their ability to find joy in their present life.

If you or someone you love is in grief reach out to them and let them know they are not alone and they are welcome at the Widow/Widower support group.

Samantha Decker Stump, M.S., Family Life Education, Certified Grief Recovery Specialist

1st Wednesday’s with Your Self

Helen Slemons—Facilitator December 4, 2013 “An Introduction to Journalizing” 1:30—3:30 PM Charles Fillmore Room

Anyone can join us for this exciting experience. No previous journal writing is necessary. In this class we will learn about the practice of these journal techniques: Character Sketch, Chapter 8; Lists, Chapter 12; and Topics du Jour, Chapter 16.

A Love offering will be accepted.

A Course in Miracles Reverend Hal Lafler Friday’s from 1:30—3:00 PM Serenity Room A Course in Miracles (ACIM) is a self-study curriculum that aims to assist its readers in achieving spiritual transformation. The book describes a purely non-dualistic philosophy of forgiveness and includes what are meant to be practical lessons and applications for the practice of forgiveness in one's daily life. The introduction to the book contains the follow-ing summary, "Nothing real can be threatened. Nothing unreal exists. Herein lies the peace of God." (Ref: Wikipedia)

For more information call Reverend Hal Lafler at (623) 215-3080. This study group is open ended. Feel free to drop in any Friday you choose to.

A love offering is accepted.


Reverends Carol Beyer & Julia Leakey, Co-Chairs

Thursday, December 12 12:30—4:30 PM

On December 12th, the ladies of Unity will travel to the Wat Promkunaram, Thai Buddhist Temple of Arizona. Our host will show us the grounds, talk about Thai Buddhism, and lead us in a meditation in the meditation hall.

According to the web site, the mission of this tem-ple “is to encourage Sangha” which is community. This is accomplished through the teachings of Amida Buddha and practicing these teachings in their daily lives. They share these teachings with others.

We will meet at Unity at 12:30 to carpool to the Temple where we will have directions to the Temple to share with you. I think we should be back at Unity by 4:30 p.m., if not before.

When we arrive at the Temple, we have been asked to leave any expectations behind as we enter the gates. We are asked to remember that well-kept grounds are not a high priority. We will see you there on December 12th.

11th Steppers Recovery Group Wednesday’s from 4:00—5:00 PM

A Weekly Alcohol Anonymous Group Serenity Room This is an 11th Step Group which will focus on a silent prayer time of 20 minutes prior to a time of sharing our experience, strength, and hope.

Angel Giving Tree

Unity will be having an Angel Tree again this holiday. This season Unity will be gifting to Sunshine Residential Group Homes. This organization provides shelter and needs to children ages 6 through 18 who can no longer live with their parents or relatives.

The gifts we give this holiday can provide needs for many months and many children. Most of the children going to Sunshine Group Homes bring no possessions with them. Sunshine Angels provide each child with a “welcome box” when they enter the home.

The gifts that are needed can be purchased for little money. So please check out our tree, choose an angel with a gift request, and return the gift to the church by Sunday, December 22.

SEVA Acupressure PJ Fischer Tuesdays, December 10 By Appointment Acupressure is the practice of applying hand or finger pressure to specific energetic or conductive points on the body. It helps to activate the body’s recuperative ability, assists in diminishing congestion and promotes vitality. This hands on work releases and strength-ens the body’s energy system. It is especially helpful with stress related conditions. It is not meant to replace medical care although it can be an effective complementary therapy.

PJ is offering 20 minute sessions and because of the nature of the work an appointment with PJ is needed. Call PJ at (262) 203-0690 for a session.

A love offering is accepted and donated to Unity.

Dynamic Women of Unity Spiritual Education

As the wave broke… all I could say was Thank You! Reverend Billie was on the mend and we all realized how much her lessons and prayers work for us. A prior attendee of Unity of Surprise during the “Church in a Box” shared with me how impressed she was with the “New Church”; how big the church was, and how beautiful, and how many more people attended. I then realized that as the growth occurred, many of us now are there on a regular basis may not notice the real difference. It seems like it has been there a long time. Maybe my (and others) grati-tude for Reverend Billie and Unity of Surprise has already started taking it for granted.

Even though I usually live my life from a place in gratitude, I guess Fear still would sneak in some-times and take over the controls. Maybe this period of Not Enough has finally helped me to believe in “I Let Go and Let God” instead of always checking.

All I can say is Thank You and acknowledge the power of Prayer…. It works… IF you get out of your own way. May the coming 2014 be abundant for all and for Unity of Surprise.

Carol Sarna

Just a Reminder Sunday lessons can be heard on pod cast. Go to our website www.unityofsurprise.org.


Selfless Service By Carol Sarna—Volunteer Coordinator

November/December is our season of Gratitude and Thanksgiving. I personally tend to mentally take stock over the entire year to date and review a plan for moving forward. Looking back over this past

year, I noticed that over the summer I was in the world of “not enough” for a period of time. In my real estate business, there were Not Enough houses to sell, Not Enough people buying, work took twice as long to accomplish intentions, and at church there were Not Enough volunteers to serve the Not Enough people in town. There was Not Enough money for a/c bills and Not Enough money to leave town! I did my soul searching with God if this was really what I should be doing. The answer was an unquestionable YES and just keep doing it. As time went by and little seemed to change, God’s answer was still “just keep doing what you are committed to”. I resolved to just keep doing what was needed and accomplish as much as I could. I just let God in me take over. I didn’t look at money or time. Each day I just did what came up daily… all the time sure I couldn’t keep up this pace.

In early November the change came like a wave on the beach… catching me off guard, Reverend Billie was out of commission with her eye surgery and that meant stepping up where the needs were… and the Volunteers showed up! The heat was replaced by Perfect weather… and no more a/c needed. In real estate more houses were being listed and available to sell and I was blessed with two new listings. What usually takes an aver-age of one month working with a Buyer now is less than a week. I sold my own listing and will receive both sides of the commission… making up for the long summer months working 7 days per week.


Let’s Make Music By James Crowley—Music Director

Living Light Book Store Mary Jane Mendias, Team Leader The book store team is bubbling over with new consignment items for sale.

We’re also ready for another book signing event with Dan Robison who will be with us again on December 1st signing books he authored. Shop early for there is lots to choose from to adorn your home or yourself with holiday decorations and festive jewelry.

Need a card or two? We have a large variety of greeting cards for all occasions.

The book store staff wants to wish you and yours a blessed and happy holiday season. Thank you so much for supporting Unity of Surprise with your purchases.

Early Bird Coffee Service Our barista’s are here to serve you delicious flavored coffee before and after the Worship Celebration. Join our barista’s, Dan, Vard, Marion, Lynda & Ralph. Inquire about how to become a barista. Training is available.

Come to church early and enjoy your favorite coffee drink and some good conversation. Our baristas are on duty each Sunday morning 9:00—9:35 am and again after the worship celebration.

You’ll find us located in the Lobby across from the Living Light Bookstore. Enjoy your beverage, socialize, or shop the bookstore. A love offering is accepted.

Jingle, Jingle, Jingle… you can hear those sleigh bells ring! It’s the most wonderful time of the year! City sidewalks, busy sidewalks, dressed in… okay, I suppose that’s enough of the Christmas song references. Sometimes, though, I just can’t help it. It is, after all, my favorite time of year.

As the Christmas season begins, I start thinking about Christmas music, decorations, parties, and food. Oh…! The food! Cookies, cakes, pumpkin pie, ham, turkey, tryptophan!

There’s a certain something in the air when Christmastime rolls around every year. Yes, the stores are extra busy, some people fight over parking spaces at the mall, but I’m one of those people who enjoys all the hustle and bustle of the season. I love going out and shopping for gifts amongst all my fellow Phoenicians and seeing the beautiful decorations decking the halls of all the stores all over the Valley. I’ve even noticed that the City of Phoenix has begun decorating Central Avenue again, after many years of nothing.

I love creating decorations for my front yard… things that will be enjoyed by all of my neighbors and the community at large. Sometimes, I make a mess of things in my backyard, but it’s all worth it in the end.

So this Christmas, I encourage you to find joy in the small things, as I am learning to do with every year of my life.

Have a wonderful Christmas and a blessed and prosperous 2014!!!

Let’s Make Music! James Crowley

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Well, lucky me. I get to write this while still in the glow of the Veteran’s Day, Garden and Heart Celebration/Dedication. What a special day. While Veterans are among my favorite people (I have a bunch of them in my lineage!) I would like to also thank the wives, mothers, sweethearts, friends and relatives of all those veterans. They, too, shared in the sacrifice of that service. It is interesting to note that the WWII Memorial in Washington D.C. is the only monument that recognizes the sacrifices of all those “others.”

And of course, the Heart Project, that is dear to my heart. It would be impossible to thank all of those who participated in some way, but they know who they are. Perhaps the greatest tribute I can give them is that they held to the vision of this beautiful project, even when presented with challenges. Isn’t life like that? So many good things come with challenges and it is how we meet those challenges that measures us. So, kudos, the manifestation was beyond our wildest dreams. Just as an after thought, the project is ongoing and do remember, celebrating some-one you love on the wall does not mean they have to have made their transition. All of life, physically present or not, is reason to celebrate.

November was gratitude month. Loved those gratitude booklets and I know you are all finding them inspirational. Did you notice that much of the world was doing gratitude exercises? My Facebook was filled with participants and I loved it. We had lots of company.

And speaking of gratitude, how grateful we are for the restoring health of Reverend Billie. We so often take the blessings of our bodies for granted and each of us has been reminded from time to time what precious gifts we have been given.

There is so much good stuff going on at Unity of Surprise I didn’t know where to put the spotlight for this newsletter. The Labyrinth Walk was incredible and restoring. The Prayer Chaplain Training and Dedication was amazing. The Chakra workshop was uplifting and informa-tive. Halloween was so much fun, what creative creatures we have at our church, it was a delight. New member class is one of my favorites. One of the perks of being on the board is getting to know these people and hearing the wondrous paths they have chosen to get to Unity of Surprise. It inspires me and amazes me.

Faith Lift (meditation) is ongoing. Try it, if you haven’t. The Bible study class on the Book of Revelations is revealing and a revelation. You can join in both of these activities at any time.

And then there are the hikes, and the Lunch Bunch and fun social hours. I am missing things here, but I know you all haven’t. You inspire me and I know you inspire each other. The spotlight this month is on the ‘U’ of Unity.

Love to you, and blessings.

Carolyn Sodini

Christmas Communion Service December 15 at 11:45 AM Sanctuary Join the Unity of Surprise Prayer Chaplains and Reverend Billie as we celebrate a special Christmas Communion Service using Nativity wafers called Oplatki Wafers imported from Poland and donated by Carolyn Sodini. This communion time will be tender and touching, a time of love and forgiveness helping us to let go of 2013 and to prepare ourselves for 2014.

Spotlight on the Spirit of Unity By Carolyn Sodini

Marilyn Watkins Jan Zwetsch

Gil Zwetsch

Norma Stalnaker Bob Wilson

I support the basic teachings of Unity and understand that Unity of Surprise is founded and based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

I will do my part to support the mission of Unity of Surprise which is to love, serve and inspire all people as we celebrate our connectedness to God and each other.

I will do my part to create a safe, loving and accepting environment for all who attend.

I will be the expression of love that I am, greeting others with warmth.

I will included Unity of Surprise in my daily prayer life.

I will give generously of my time, talents and treasures with a spirit of joy and love.

I will speak with constructive purpose about the church and the other congregants. If I need to address an issue, I will first seek guidance from Spirit and then will resolve the issue with the person or persons involved.

My spiritual enfoldment and relationship with God is a priority in my life.

I am committed to the Unity Movement and to living the Principles of Practical Christianity. I recognize that together, our members keep the doors of Unity of Surprise open, expand its programs and services, bless and serve each other and all those yet to attend. I honor the spirit of God in me and the Spirit of God at work through and as Unity of Surprise.

My Membership Covenant


Unity of Surprise Prayer Chaplains Serve our Community

Rev. Denise L., Jan K., Carolyn S., Barbara D., Tamra S., Rev. Carol B., Rev. Anastasia W., Marilyn W., Sandra H., Rev. Marcia G., P.J. F., Joyce H., Rev. Carol R., and Barbara K.

Our annual Prayer Chaplain Training took place in October and our Prayer Chaplains above dedicated themselves to prayerful service to Unity of Surprise.

These individuals heeded the call as did Isaiah when asked by God, “Whom shall I send and who will go for us.” They answered, “Here I am, Send me!”

They committed to serve our spiritual community by demonstrating Unity principles, to hold sacred the confidences shared with them, to lovingly listen, to hold spiritual space for each individual, to pray with people after church on Sundays and other services, to be a part of reaching out to our active members by making wellness calls each month, to attend on-going training sessions, to write articles for our newsletter, to be the voice on our Unity of Surprise Prayer Line, to bless our Celebration Wall each week and to pray with our volunteers before services.

Prayer Chaplain Corner By Reverend Billie Martini

This means that they bring and hold a prayer consciousness which is the foundational piece that supports and furthers our mission and purpose at Unity of Surprise which is to love, serve and inspire all people as we celebrate our connectedness to God and to one another.

It means that we are blessed beyond measure by our Prayer Chaplains and we are grateful.

In Deepest Appreciation to them,

Reverend Billie

Confidential Prayer Support Here to pray with you The Unity of Surprise High Watchers prayer team trusts in the creative, regenerating, transformative power of Divine Love.

Through God’s Wisdom, we immerse the dear ones for whom we pray in God’s absolute love. We see these beloved as perfect, whole and complete, limitless and free.

A Prayer Request box is located on the information counter in the lobby and also in the Sanctuary each Sunday.

Remember, God is always with you. All His blessings and goodness are yours by divine inheritance. God is the freeing transformative power within; infinite intelligence and wisdom, always your light and inspiration, healing and harmonizing in every way.

I began praying the moment you asked me to pray for you.


Christmas Traditions around the World Christmas in Bethlehem

In Bethlehem the town where Jesus is said to have been born is the site of the Church of the Nativity, which is ablaze with flags and decorations on every Christmas. On Christmas Eve natives and visitors alike crowd the church's doorways and stand on the roof to watch for the dramatic annual procession. Galloping horsemen and police mounted on Arabian horses lead the parade. They are followed by solitary horseman carrying a cross and sitting astride a coal-black steed, then comes the churchmen and government officials. The procession solemnly enters the doors and places an ancient effigy of the Holy Child in the Church. Deep winding stairs lead to a grotto where visitors find a silver star marking the site of the birth of Jesus.

Christian homes in Bethlehem are marked by a cross painted over the door and each home displays a homemade manger scene. A star is set up on a pole in the village square.

Christmas in Australia IN AUSTRALIA, CHRISTMAS COMES IN THE MIDDLE OF THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS! CHILDREN HAVE THEIR SUMMER HOL-IDAYS FROM EARLY TO MID DECEMBER TO EARLY FEBRU-ARY, SO SOME PEOPLE MIGHT EVEN BE CAMPING AT CHRISTMAS! BECAUSE IT'S SO HOT AT CHRISTMAS TIME IN AUSTRALIA, THERE ARE QUITE OFTEN MASSIVE BUSH FIRES ACROSS THE COUNTRY. MANY VOLUNTEER BUSH FIRE FIGHTERS ARE INVOLVED IN SAVING PEOPLE AND PROP-ERTY AND TRAVEL FROM ALL OVER AUSTRALIA TO HELP IN OTHER STATES.

Australians hang wreaths on their front doors and some-times go out Christmas carol singing on Christmas eve. People also decorate their houses and gardens with Christmas Trees and Christmas lights. Neighbors some-times have little competitions as to who has got the best light display. The neighbors often visit each other to look at the light displays at night. Sometimes the displays are put out as early as December 1st. One street in Sydney raises over $(AUS)35,000 every year for charity with their coordinated street display!

Australians also decorate their houses with bunches of 'Christmas Bush', a native Australian tree with small green leaves and cream colored flowers. In summer the flowers

turn a deep shiny red over a period of weeks (generally by the week of Christmas in Sydney).

In each State capital city there is a large Carols by Candlelight service. Famous Australian singers like The Wiggles, John Farnham, Anthony Warlow, Colin Gery, Niki Webster and many more help to sing the carols. These carol services, held in different cities, are broad-cast on TV across Australia. There are also huge Christ-mas pageants in each state capital city, that are also broadcast across the country. Most towns and cities have festivals and parades. In some places, there is a fireworks display at the local park.

Many towns, cities and schools also hold their own Carols by Candlelight services, with local bands and choirs sometimes helping to perform the Christmas Carols and songs. As it is the middle of Summer in Australia at Christmas time, the words to the Carols about snow and the cold winter are sometimes changed to special Australian words! There are also some original Australian Carols.

When he gets to Australia, Santa gives the reindeer a rest and uses kangaroos or 'six white boomers' (a popular Australian Christmas song!). He also changes his clothes for less 'hot' ones!

On Boxing Day most people go and visit their friends and often have barbecues at the beach. A famous Yacht race from Sydney to Hobart in Tasmania is also held on Boxing Day.

The Flying Doctor Service has to work all though-out Christmas. On Christmas Day the people who live in the outback send Christmas greetings to each other over the radio network.

Most families try to be home together for Christmas and the main meal is eaten at lunch time. Most people now have a cold Christmas dinner, or a barbecue with seafood such as prawns and lobsters along with the 'traditional English' food. On Christmas Eve, fish-markets are often full of people queuing to buy their fresh seafood for Christmas day.

Australians often have Christmas Crackers at Christmas meal times.

Thank you to the students at Georgiana Molloy Anglican School for their help in giving information on


Valerie Griffin ~ Team Leader Christmas Luncheon Party

Saturday, December 21, 2013 11:30 AM—2:30 PM

Charles Fillmore Room It’s time to celebrate the holiday season. We’ll have a potluck, so bring your favorite dish to share. We will have a cookie exchange to swap our favorite holiday treats. Of course, no party would be complete without receiving a present from our secret Santa. Please bring a wrapped gift, not to exceed $5.00. We want to keep the price low and your creativity high. Come all ye faithful… over the river and through the woods to… Unity’s House for a fun afternoon of food and games as we deck the halls with a sing-a-long, jolly conversation and good old fashion laughter. Sign up at the information table, indicate what dish you plan to bring and don’t forget to include your phone number. Any questions, call Valerie Griffin at (623) 3289471.

Blessings, Valerie Griffin

Recovery Groups (Serenity Room)

Miracles Happen A.A.—Tuesday’s from 6—7 PM (Open Meeting)

11th Steppers A.A.—Wednesday’s from 4—5 PM (Open Meeting)

B.B. 164 A.A.—Thursday’s from 6:30—7:30 PM (Closed Meeting)

2-Gether We Can Make It—Al-Anon—Friday’s from 11—12 PM (Open Meeting)

Saturday Morning A.A.—8:30—9:30 AM (Women’s Closed A.A. meeting)

December Birthday’s

Bettie Wright ♫ December 9 Robert Jacobson ♫ December 11

Dan Robison ♫ December 11 Carol Ricketts ♫ December 12

Carol Anderson ♫ December 14 Della Garfield ♫ December 17 James Young ♫ December 18

Donna Eisenbaugh ♫ December 19 Diane Kucera ♫ December 25

Norma Stalnaker ♫ December 26 Ken Weidner ♫ December 26 Carol Beyer ♫ December 31

Birthday Appreciation

Each year Your birthday reminds me

That I really want to say

I’m very glad I know you;

I think of you each day.

I know you’ll enjoy your birthday,

All the pleasures it has in store,

And because I appreciate you,

I hope you have many more! By Joanna Fuchs

January Birthdays

Susan Osborn ♫ January 2 Paula Wiest ♫ January 4

Colleen Grace ♫ January 6 Nancy Minister ♫ January 16

Nancy Grier ♫ January 17 Reverend Hal Lafler ♫ January 30

Dynamic Spiritual Women Unity Playful Sisters


I am a gift to the world.

You might not have seen us busy at work during the summer, but we were.

We agreed to hold Unity of Surprise in prayer and to work the Plan and we did.

We met by email and conference call, never straying into that dark area of lack, but always affirming our abundance.

The Results:

Three successful raffles for Bookstore Baskets. One for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and one for the Beach Party which grossed $444.00.

A concert by Daniel Nahmod which produced a $1,000.00 love offering and brought new people to our ministry.

Complete sponsorship of the 4th of July Indoor Picnic and our Thanksgiving Day Feast, a savings to our ministry of approximately $1,000.00.

A continuing successful Heart Project for our Celebration Wall; original cost donated by an anonymous donor resulting in a savings of $1,000.00 for Unity of Surprise.

Increased giving in September and October at our Sunday Services. We heard from several people who increased their giving by 5% or more.

Gifts of paper products and coffee for our hospitality time which saves many dollars in supplies each month.

Some of our presenters and consignees donated to Unity of Surprise any monies due them.

And best of all, a willingness on the part of our members and attendees to work the Plan with us, to stay positive and deny lack and limitation.

Prosperity Team Update

We’ve only just begun. Share your ideas with any of us. We are here to serve and to prosper Unity of Surprise.

In Gratitude, Your Prosperity Team,

Reverend Denise Landes Robert Jacobson Reverend Billie Martini Mary Jane Mendias Al Shipley

January Boot Camp 2014 Saturday, January 18, 2014 10:00 AM—4:00 PM Grand Canyon Room Our Unity of Surprise Boot Camp will be held on Saturday, January 18th, 10:00 am—4:00 pm.

The Boot Camp is held yearly as a way for current board and wisdom council members, prospective board members, staff and anyone else interested in a comprehensive Unity workshop experience to study, learn, laugh and grow together.

This year Reverend Felicia Searcy, the author of the book, Do Greater things will be facilitating this interactive workshop and Reverend Billie will participate with all of us.

Bring a brown bag lunch, beverages will be provided.

As with all classes and events at Unity of Surprise, there is no charge, a love offering is accepted.

Reverend Felicia Searcy will also speak on Sunday morning January 19th at our Worship Celebration and will present a mini workshop after Fellowship.


Minister

Reverend Billie Martini

Minister E-mail: [email protected]

Call Reverend Billie if you would like prayer, a home or hospital visit, or spiritual counseling. She is also availa-

ble for baptisms, christenings, memorial or funeral services, weddings, office or home blessings.

Music Director

James Crowley

[email protected]

Administrator

Kathryn Clouther

Church E-mail

[email protected]

Volunteer Coordinator

Carol Sarna

(623) 255-4965

E-mail

[email protected]

Church Main Telephone Number

(623) 214-3884

Church Fax

(623) 214-5223

Reverend Billie Martini—Option 1

Kathryn & General Information—Option 2

Prayer & Inspiration—Option 3

Office Hours

Monday—Thursday

9:30—5:00 PM

Closed on Friday for classes.

Church Website & Facebook

www.unityofsurprise.org & Unity of Surprise

Tuesday Whispers

Connect mid-week with an inspiration e-mail message. To sign up, e-mail Reverend Billie at

[email protected].

Space Available To Rent For Your Reference Contact Information

Are you or your study group looking for a room to hold class during the week or early evening? We have space available for individuals and groups devoted to mind, body, spirit connection. Not sure that’s you? Call Kathryn Clouther for more information, (623) 214-3884, Monday—Thursday from 9:30 am—4:30 pm or email the church at [email protected].

Mind, Body, Soul Study Groups

ACIM—Friday’s from 1:30—3:00 PM in the Serenity Room (Open) with Reverend Hal Lafler

Widow/Widow’s Grief Support—Every Monday from 1—3 PM in the Myrtle Fillmore Room (Open) with Certified Grief Recovery Specialist, Samantha Decker Stump, M.S.

Caregiver’s Nourishing the Heart Group—Every Monday from 11—12:30 PM in the Myrtle Fillmore Room (Open) with Certified Grief Recovery Specialist, Samantha Decker Stump, M.S.

Meditation with Reverend Julia Leakey—Friday Morning from 11—12:00 in the Sanctuary (Open)

1 Kindness & Love

BIRTHDAY &

ANNIVERSARY SUNDAY

1st Sun. in Advent

Food Bank Sunday Bring in your gift to

share.

2 Caregivers

Nourishing the Heart Group

11:00 AM—12:30 PM Samantha D-Stump Widow/Widowers

Support Group Samantha D-Stump

1:00—3:00 PM (Myrtle Room)

3 Faith Lift

1100—Noon Sanctuary

Miracles Happen Recovery Group

Tuesday nights Weekly 6:00—7:00 PM

(Serenity Room)

4 “An Introduction to

Journaling” 1:30—3:30 PM

(Charles Room) 11th Steppers A.A.

4:00—5:00 PM (Open) (Serenity Room)

Big Book Study A.A. (Closed) 6:30-7:30 PM

(Myrtle Room)

5 B.B. 164 A.A. 6:30—7:30 pm

(Closed Meeting)

(Serenity Room)

6 Al-Anon Group 11:00—12:00 PM (Serenity Room)

ACIM 1:30—3:00 PM

Reverend Hal Lafler

(Serenity Room)

7 Sat. AM A.A.

(Closed—Women) 8:30—9:30 AM

(Serenity Room)

8 Joy & Wonder

Christmas Program “A Holly Jolly Christmas”

2nd Sun. in Advent

9

10 Faith Lift

11:00—Noon Reverend Billie

(Sanctuary)

SEVA 1-4 PM with PJ Fisch-

er By Appointment Only

(Charles Room)

11 11th Steppers A.A.

4:00—5:00 PM (Open)

(Serenity Room) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Big Book Study A.A.

(Closed Meeting) 6:30-7:30 PM

(Myrtle Room)

12 Dynamic Women of Unity

Spiritual Education Trip to

Wat Promkunaram, Thai Buddhist Temple

Meet at the Church to carpool—12:30—4:30

B.B. 164 A.A. 6:30—7:30 pm

(Closed Meeting)

13

Al-Anon Group 11:00—12:00 PM (Serenity Room)

ACIM 1:30—3:00 PM

Reverend Hal Lafler

(Serenity Room)

14 Sat. AM A.A.


(Serenity Room)

15 Peace & Acceptance

Communion Sunday

11:45 AM (Sanctuary)

3rd Sun. in Advent

16 Caregivers





17 Faith Lift

11:00—Noon (Sanctuary)

SEVA Class 1-4 PM with PJ Fischer Learn How To Perform

SEVA on Yourself

(Charles Room)

18 11th Steppers A.A.

4:00—5:00 PM (Open)

(Serenity Room) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Big Book Study A.A.

(Closed Meeting) 6:30-7:30 PM

(Myrtle Room)

19

B.B. 164 A.A. 6:30—7:30 pm

(Closed Meeting)

(Serenity Room)

20 Al-Anon Group 11:00—12:00 PM (Serenity Room)

ACIM 1:30—3:00 PM

Reverend Hal Lafler

(Serenity Room)

21 Sat. AM A.A.


(Serenity Room) Unity Playful Sisters

11:30 AM—2:30 PM Christmas Party

Potluck/Gift & Cookie Exchange

(Charles Room)

22 Faith & Simplicity

4th Sun. in Advent

23

24 Faith Lift

11:00—Noon Reverend Billie

Facilitator (Sanctuary)

Christmas Eve Candle Lighting

Service 5:00 PM

(Sanctuary)

25

Old Fashioned Christmas

Join Rev. Billie James & Your

Unity Family in the (Grand Canyon Room)

10 AM—1 PM Celebrate

Christmas with ‘US’

26

B.B. 164 A.A. 6:30—7:30 PM

(Closed Meeting)

(Serenity Room)

27 Purl’s of Wisdom

Craft Group 10-noon (Charles Rm)

Al-Anon Group 11—12 PM

(Serenity Room)

ACIM 1:30—3:00 PM

Reverend Hal Lafler

(Serenity Room)

28 Sat. AM A.A.


(Serenity Room)

29

Endings & Beginnings

30 Caregivers





31 Faith Lift

11:00—Noon

New Year’s Eve

Burning Bowl Service & Party begins at 5 PM

(Sanctuary)

& (Grand Canyon Room)

Happy New Year

Jan. 1, 2014

Sunday Service 10 AM

Sign Up Sheets Located at the

Information Counter in the Lob-

by

DECEMBER 2013

Sun.Sun. Mon. Tues.Mon. Tues. Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat.Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat.

Holiday Happenings A Holly Jolly Christmas

December 8 at 10:00 am

Please join us for fun and glorious Christmas music featuring The Unity of Surprise Orchestra.

Christmas Communion Service December 15th at 11:45 am

Join the Unity of Surprise Prayer Chaplains and Reverend Billie as we celebrate a special Christmas Communion Service using Nativity wafers called Oplatki Wafers imported from

Poland and donated by Carolyn Sodini. This communion time will be tender and touching, a time of love and forgiveness helping us to let go of 2013 and to prepare ourselves for 2014.

Christmas Eve Candle Lighting Service Tuesday, December 24 at 5:00 pm

You won’t want to miss our beautiful traditional Unity Christmas Eve Service complete with a powerful message and magical music.

Old Fashioned Christmas Morning Wednesday, December 25 at 10:00 am

Join your Unity family and friends, Reverend Billie and James Crowley for this intimate Christmas morning celebration. Our espresso bar will be open serving coffee,

hot chocolate, and teas. Yummy brunch items will be offered including cinnamon rolls, Christmas breads and ham. There will be gifts for everyone, stories, carols, inspirations,

joy, laughter, surprises and tons of fun for everyone. You can even come to the party in your pj’s, robes and slippers.

New Year’s Eve Burning Bowl Service and Party Tuesday, December 31 at 5:00 pm

Reverend Billie will lead us in this traditional meditative service that helps us release 2013and all those things in consciousness that no longer serve us. After the releasing,

we focus on affirming our good by writing our covenants for the new year, clarifying our intentions for 2014. Then we party!

Bring a favorite snack or dessert to share. Fun and fellowship for everyone!

Unity of Surprise 14495 W RH Johnson Blvd

Sun City West, AZ 85375-5671 unityofsurprise.org

[email protected] Phone: (623) 214-3884

Fax: (623) 214-5223

U.S. Postage Paid Sun City, AZ

Permit No. 339 Nonprofit Organization

Board of Trustees Carolyn Sodini—President Jan Karns—Vice President Sandra Helm—Secretary

Reverend Denise Landes—Treasurer Joyce Hahn—Discernmentarian

Vard Miller—Special Events Coordinator

Wisdom Council Pat Shipley

Reverend Marcia Gonyea

2013 Theme ~ Do Greater Things 10:00 AM Service

December 1

“Kindness and Love” 1st Sunday in Advent


December 8

“Joy and Wonder” Christmas Music Program


December 15

“Peace and Acceptance” Communion Sunday—3rd Sun. Advent


December 22

“Faith and Simplicity” 4th Sunday in Advent


December 29

“Endings and Beginnings” Reverend Billie Martini

UNITY OF SURPRISE—WHERE GOOD HAPPENS

Unity Worldwide Ministries ♥ Affiliated with Unity ♥ Publishers of the Daily Word Member of the International New Thought Alliance

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