February 2010/March 2010—Issue #69
Beloved Ones,
As I write this in late January my heart is full of
love and joy about our wonderful spiritual
community. I love greeting our “winter” friends
as they return for the season and seeing our
beautiful sanctuary overflowing. With nearly 100
people at the 9:00 service and a full house at
11:00, it seems the idea to start two services was
divinely inspired. The feed-back about our new
contemplative early service has been very
positive. Many people are seeking the silence,
quiet and peace that happens at 9:00. My
heartfelt thanks go out to everyone who has
stepped up to serve at that early hour to assure
the continued success of this new worship
opportunity. The Wednesday evening Spirit
Soaring service is also being well received and
giving a nice mid-week spiritual boost to our
congregation. Rev. Lori is doing a great job with
this new creative service.
We envision a year of great spiritual growth
individually and as a church community. How
do we grow? We grow best through love,
compassion, inclusion and acceptance. We grow
with open minds and listening hearts. When we
listen to the heartbeat of God within us, we know
when to be still in prayer and when to take
divinely guided action. Dr. Wayne Dyer writes in
The Power Of Intention, “Meditation is the only
way you can really grow. Connect to the Power
that created you, know that you are that Power,
commune with that Power intimately in prayer,
and meditate to allow that growth of awareness
to take place.” So, it seems to me that if we want
to grow spiritually the best path is to do less,
meditate more. Maybe we can declare this our
year for less doing and more being. It always
sounds like a good plan but one that seems pretty
challenging to carry out once we get involved in
our everyday lives. Church “life” is no different.
There is always more to do and it sometimes
seems impossible to get it all done. Rev. Lori and
I weekly remind ourselves and the staff that when
things get really busy and overwhelming in the
church office we have to stop and take more time
to pray. When we do, the work flows more
smoothly and we actually accomplish more.
Imagine that!!!!
May 2010 be a year of peace, prosperity, joy and
love for each and every one of you.
Patricia
2
From Jay Kasmark
Unity Church of Venice
125 N. Jackson Rd., Venice, FL 34292
Office Phone 941-484-5342
FAX 941-484-4764
Website: www.veniceunity.com
E-mail: [email protected]
The Greatway Staff
Rev. Patricia Reiter, Editor in Chief
Pam Bettis, Editor
Alice Lukasik, Asst. Editor
Ruth Tigh, Mailing Coordinator
Board of Trustees
James Kasmark . . . President
[email protected]
Shawn Singeisen. . . Vice President
shawn_ [email protected]
Mary Loeffler . . . Secretary
[email protected]
Steve Eittreim . . . Treasurer
[email protected]
Bev Arnold
[email protected]
Phil Eason
[email protected]
Lois Sposa
[email protected]
Neal VanDeRee
[email protected]
Melissa Quandt
[email protected]
Susan Dahn — Alternate
[email protected]
Here we are, well into the first quarter of 2010! Even though the last several
years have been exciting, we have already started another expansive year,
another year of growth and excitement.
Two Sunday services and a Wednesday service, is this change or what?
With Lori Fleming “on board” we are now able to offer services that we could
only talk about last year. Change is good! Where have we heard that?
NGU - Next Generation Unity continues to move forward with a lot of love
and energy. As we know, our future lies with the next generations. Y.O.U.
and NGU are our future. Our thanks to Lisa and Melissa, and all who assist
these programs.
The kitchen re-design is past the design phase and into the permitting phase.
Construction will follow, with tentative completion before the end of the first
quarter. Phil Eason advises there will be no interruption of God’s Coffee
House during these improvements. Thanks Phil!
We want to thank Phil Eason for his valued service to us as a member of the
Board of Trustees for the past six years. In addition to his Board of Trustees
duties, he has served us in many other capacities during this time. The good
news is that he will be continuing to work with us and serve our Church.
Thanks, also to Bev Arnold for her 4 years of service on the Board and her
many volunteer service areas. To all of our Volunteers, we say a grateful
THANKS. It is YOU who make our church successful. Without you, well, let’s
not go there. Our Love and appreciation to all of our volunteers.
Jay Kasmark, President
Board of Trustees
STAFF
Senior Minister — Rev. Patricia Reiter
Associate Minister — Rev. Lori Fleming
Licensed Unity Teacher — Judy Walthall
Secretary — Pam Bettis
Receptionist — Alice Lukasik
Bookkeeper—Arlene Smith
Music Director — Jason Brenner
Bookstore Leaders — Sharon Hamant
& Betty Porrazzo
Youth Ministry Director — Lisa Singeisen
Housekeeping — Janice Dudley
Webmaster — Luke Sandel
VOLUNTEER LEADERS
Adopt-A-Road — Rich Freeman
AV Team Leader — Steve Eittreim
God’s Coffee House — Ro Edwards
& Jack Wheeler
Hospitality — Margie Zezas
Pastoral Care Minister — Bonnie Lantz
Special Project Manager—Rita Ramsay
Volunteer Coordinator — Ruth Tigh
Website Coordinator — Barbara Brengel
“SOUL– FILLED AEROBICS”
No, we are not going to adorn our feet with tennis shoes and
commence to workout but we are going to exercise our
souls - our authentic SELF!
Come experience a day of deep awakening and fun as you journey to
discover who you truly are - GOD’S MAGNIFICENT CREATION.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
10 am - 3 pm
Dress comfortably and bring a brown bag lunch
$25
Facilitator: Bonnie Lantz
3
YOUTH MINISTRY NEWS
The Annual Yard Sale is almost here. There are so many ways
you can be a part of this great event: Donate, bring a baked
good, help sort, help the day of the sale, SHOP, and encourage
your friends to shop. Make sure you get to be part of the fun!
Thanks in advance for supporting Youth Ministry through this
sale.
With the start of the year comes new opportunities in Youth
Ministry. There are volunteer positions open with all of the age
groups. If you feel Spirit calling you to join our fantastic Youth
Ministry Team, we would love to have you. You would be joining
a fantastic group of volunteers and children. Please talk to Lisa
Singeisen to get an application. Now is a great time to join our
team so that you can join us for the Teacher Training on
Saturday, February 20, beginning at 9:00 am. This will be a
chance to learn more about youth ministry, the curriculum, the
students and to connect with other teachers. Please sign up in
the hallway if you plan to attend this training.
Our Uniteens group is starting up again! This is a class for
young people who are 11 to 14 years old and are in 6th, 7th or
8th grade. The class will start meeting on February 14th, in the
Uniteens room. If you know of a young person who is in that age
range I hope you will encourage them to join the group.
We’re going on a field trip! On Sunday, February 28th, Youth
Ministry is going to see a performance of “Annie” at Venice
Theater. We will have a pot luck lunch after the second service
then will head over to see the show. Kids and parents are
welcome to attend. You must sign up by Friday, February 5th,
in order to attend. A sign-up sheet is in the hallway.
We will also be doing something very exciting this summer. We
will be running a week long summer program for kids following
the Unity curriculum “The Amazing Creation Studio”. This will be
a fun undertaking but will require a good team of people to help
make it come to fruition. If you are interested in being a part of
this team, please come to a planning meeting on Sunday, March
28th, after the second service.
Important dates to remember:
Saturday Jan. 30th - 8:00 am
Sunday
Annual Yard Sale
Jan. 31st - 11:00 Service Family Sunday
Saturday Feb. 20th - 9:00 am
Teacher training
Sunday
March 21st - 10:15 am
Monthly Youth Ministry Mtg.
Sunday
March 28th
following the 2nd
service
Summer planning meeting
Financial Report - General Fund
January 1—October 31, 2009
Total Income
$ 177,557
Expenses
General
Staff
Tithe
Net Income (loss)
$ 61,321
$ 115,494
$ 18,270
$ (17,528)
Begins Wednesday, March 17th
4 consecutive Wednesdays
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Do you know the sound of your own heartbeat?
Are you open to listen?
Do you walk to the beat of your own drum or do you
follow the crowd?
The drum is a tool for you to learn to listen to your own voice.
Now, you can learn to make your own drum and
begin your journey towards rhythm and grace.
$150.00 (includes materials)
Outdoors (weather permitting)
Otherwise, Friendship Hall
Co-Facilitated by Trina Hayes (941-536-1212)
And Jewell Cochara (941-321-1695).
4
Chaplains Corner
Before fixing what you’re looking at, check what you’re looking through. (unknown)
My Beloved Church Family,
Do you realize by the time you read this, a new group
of chaplains will be in the midst of a life-changing
journey? I can’t help but wonder how any of us embark
on journeys like that—journeys into the unknown.
I know for sure it takes courage, faith and what I have
named mantra “sweet surrender”. I equate it to a
visual where one stands on the peak of a towering
mountain, arms wide open and then prepares to step
off into the unknown. Somewhere in the depths of our
being we know we are falling into the arms of God!
When we step out like that to anything, be it big or
small:
To serve the church in ways we never imagined!
Leave jobs, relationships, homes.
Fall in love and make a commitment
Say I’m sorry, say I love you.
Take a financial risk, take any risk!
We are affirming to the God within and around us that
we are ready.
We do not know for what, but we know we are ready!
Are you waiting for a written guarantee or perhaps a
warranty? Those are not in the mailroom of life. I urge
you to pause now for a moment and ask yourself what
is your sweet surrender in life - and then JUMP!
With deep love and respect, Bonnie Lantz and all the
Prayer Chaplains.
There is always a purpose in being, but not always being in purpose. (Unknown)
Susan Davis
“Loving What Is”
You are invited to the Loving What Is group meetings
held every Tuesday morning at 10:00 am in the Miracle
House at the back of our church property.
This is a study/support group. We read one verse of
the Tao Te Ching each week as well as the references
to it in “A Thousand Names for Joy” by Byron Katie and
“Change Your Thoughts/Change Your Life” by Wayne
Dyer. Meaningful discussion always follows and you are
welcome to join us. This is a friendly, fun-loving group
learning not to take ourselves too seriously!
Facilitator: Judy Walthall,
Licensed Unity Teacher
AFFORDABLE ACUPUNCTURE
appointments available at:
Acupuncture PhysicianAurora PT in Venice
Englewood Arthritis
Sarasota Arthritis
941-716-5170
941-486-0590
941-475-3839
941-365-0770
“A COURSE IN MIRACLES”
A Course in Miracles is an enthusiastic group meeting
on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 pm. A 6:30 pm
meditation precedes the meeting and is optional.
The group meets in Fellowship Hall. If you arrive
before the meditation ends, do come in quietly and
join us.
There is no need to prepare for meetings as we read
aloud and discuss that material.
Tithe Distribution — Dec. 2010
Rev. Rita Marie Johnson (Rasur)
Rev. Loren Flickinger
Southeast Unity Ministers
Association of Unity Churches
Silent Unity
$300.00
$300.00
$305.80
$611.60
$305.80
This is a popular group that just keeps growing. New
participants are warmly welcomed, so come on out!
The joy of transformation can be yours! Love gifts are
appreciated.
Facilitators: Donna Day & Judy Walthall
5
6
BOOKSTORE BUZZ
CHURCH NEWS FROM JOYCE
by Betty Porrazzo and Sharon Hamant
In her first message for 2010, Reverend Patricia asked us to think
about reflecting on our lives, releasing old hurts and recalculating our
resolutions to include introspection and quiet, peaceful prayer and
meditation. She thought that the first three months of the year could
be spent preparing for the spring, and certainly January, with its spate
of cold days makes us want to cuddle up in a warm blanket and enjoy
a good book.
With all those things in mind, Betty and I browsed the Unity
Bookstore finding no end to appropriate material for recalculating
our lives in the New Year.
The first book is Prayer Works by Rosemary Ellen Guiley. She
compiled a book of more than 150 stories about prayer as
experienced through Silent Unity. Those of us who take part in the
silent prayer service on Wednesday morning (10:15) at our church
know the power of coming together in the prayer room. We can feel
the energy as we pray for those who have placed a request in the
box. Did you know that Silent Unity gets more than 1.2 million calls a
year? Guiley says, “No request is too small for prayer. God listens to
the voices of all of His children. God listens, and God answers. And
miracles happen.” This book is about answered prayers. Find peace
in your heart with silent prayer.
Book number two is You Can Have an Amazing Life in just 60 days!
by Dr. John Demartini, who was a beach bum in Hawaii, a 17-year old
high school dropout with major health problems, when he heard a
93-year-old health consultant and longevitist tell him that he was a
“genius,” and he could be and do anything he wanted. Demartini
then devoted himself to three decades of becoming a chiropractor,
healer and teacher. In this workbook, he gives us the chance to
change our lives with 60 laws such as “the law of discipline,” and
“the law of clearance,” which we might call “release.” During these
months of recalculation, work through this book and change your life.
Although our bookstore seems to have infinite reading material for
our months of reflection, release and recalculation, Satisfying Our
Innate Desire {To Know God}, by Roy Eugene Davis “satisfies” all
three, for are we not on this quest to really know God? In question
and answer chapters, Davis addresses busyness in our lives (should
we wait until we retire and have more time before we understand
our spiritual nature?). Can we become too “other-worldly?”
Are our lives significant in the grand scope of things? His answers
bring certainty and hope.
So many books to help us on our journey to leap forward when spring
arrives. Take Reverend Patricia’s message to heart and let these
gifted authors show you their paths to enlightenment.
Step up and volunteer. Ruth Tigh at 941-485-1326
will find the perfect place for you to fit in. We can use
you at Stitches from the Heart. You can leave yarn in
the pretty boxes by the entrance to the Fellowship
Hall. I can give you needles, yarn and directions to knit
or crochet baby things or prayer shawls. We received
nice thank you notes from both hospitals. The Peace
River Hospital said their first baby of the New Year
went home in one of our Unity bonnet, booties and
blanket sets.
I’m wishing that someone will think about next
Christmas season and volunteer to manage the outside
decorations. It would be nice for someone to have a
plan and signup sheet well before Christmas.
Don’t forget the yard sale on January 30th at 8 am.
The money goes for our Unity children’s ministry.
Drop off what you no longer need, and call Rita Ramsay
at 941-485-6029 to sign up to help. Remember, one
man’s trash is another man’s treasure. This works
with women too!
Hal and I spent Christmas cruising with our children
and grandchildren and now it is your chance to cruise
with Unity people, March 6-13. Sign up now. You’ll
have fun and get enriched at the same time.
While we are going through this cold spell it is a
good time to visit our shut-ins. You can call me at
941-474-5814 for their names and addresses.
Remember, the more you serve, the more options
you have to meet people.
Yours in Unity. Joyce
CHANGE YOUR PERSPECTIVE,
CHANGE YOUR LIFE!
A Course In Opening The Mind’s Eye (“I”)
With Grant Powers.
Sundays - 12:30 - 2:30 pm
March 14th, 21st and 28th
7
Letter from Rev. Lori
Dear Ones,
We are in the middle of the winter season. Although our temperatures are usually mild, the trees and plants are dormant.
During this time of rest, it appears that nothing is happening. But we know that the plants are resting, regrouping, regenerating
and preparing for the Spring and Summer months of growth. Like the plants, I have enjoyed this time of rest, spending more
time in meditation and prayer. Although the benefits may not be readily apparent, I find that my life is flowing more smoothly
and that when challenges come, I am able to meet them with a peaceful manner as I stand firm in the belief that God is my
source and is truly in charge.
Since I entered Ministerial School, each Lenten Season, I have used the book, “Keep a True Lent,” by Charles Fillmore, Co-Founder
of Unity, as a way to prepare for Easter. In the back of the book are forty lessons for each of the forty days of Lent. They have an
appropriate bible verse and in the very back of the book there are questions that help me go deeper into the experience. The
book is available in the bookstore and can be read online at www/website.com/unity. Click on Unity Texts, then on Charles
Fillmore. All his books are listed on that site. Our bookstore will also have a booklet published by Unity similar to the Daily Word
that has an inspirational message for each day of Lent that I will use as well.
On March 3, after Spirit Soaring I will begin a five-week series of lessons to prepare for the Easter experience. This class will be
held from 8:00 pm to 8:45 pm and will be held in Fellowship Hall. We can have a snack while we meet. The class will be a
potpourri of history, ideas, metaphysics, and understandings designed to help us prepare for Easter and the resurrection of
consciousness within each of us. There will be short meditation and time for discussion. The classes will build on each other,
but will also be designed so that if you drop-in to a single class, you will benefit. Suggested Love Offering: $10.00
I invite you to join me in preparing for the crucifixion or crossing out of our old consciousness as we release all that no longer
serves us. We can then begin to live the resurrected life we were meant to live.
Abundant blessings, Rev. Lori
NEXT GENERATION UNITY
Happy New Year from Next Generation Unity, a group for young adults, ages 18-45ish. The Christmas season
was a great one and we feel so honored to be blessed with such a wonderful and giving church. Thank you to
everyone who helped make Christmas come true for local children by donating toys to the Salvation Army
giving tree. We hope you got the chance to enjoy the luminaries put out by NGU; they lit the way to the
wonderful candlelight service before Christmas. In January, the group met at Chili’s Restaurant in Venice for
a social gathering, good food, good friends and good times! We plan on meeting-out for social events
monthly, so keep an eye on the weekly announcements for the next fun activity. A big “thank you” for all
those who came out to support us at Dairy Queen on Venice Ave., ten percent of the profits made came back
to us! The next DQ Fundraiser is scheduled for March 9th, 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm to read then discuss chapters
from Adventures on the Quest by Richard Jafolla and Mary-Alice Jafolla. This book creates some great group
conversations, so we hope to see some new faces with the New Year!
Blessings, Linda Kochmit and Melissa Quandt
8
Positive, Uplifting, Soul - Touching, Musical Experience!
“Devotion”, a new thought, award - winning musical duo, Lori Sandstrom & Robert Anderson
And
Karen Taylor-Good, Multi-Grammy award winning singer songwriter from Nashville, TN
What a great time we had on Saturday evening, January 16, 2010!
UNITY CHURCH OF VENICE
125 N. JACKSON RD.
VENICE, FL 34292
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
To God’s Beloved:
www.veniceunity.com
NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT NO. 913
MANASOTA FL
34260
ONGOING EVENTS IN FEBRUARY & MARCH
MARCH EVENTS
Monday
Lenten Classes
6:30 pm - Choir Practice
6:45 pm - NGU Weekly Meeting
Beginning March 3rd, 8:00 pm - 8:45 pm
Tuesday
(immediately after Spirit Soaring Service)
A five-week series of lessons to prepare
for a Unity Easter experience.
10:00 - Loving What Is
6:30pm - Meditation before ACIM
7:00 pm - A Course In Miracles
Chaplain’s Healing Service
Wednesday
9:00 am - Tai Chi Chih
10:15 am—Prayer & Meditation Circle
7:00 pm - Spirit Soaring
Sunday
9:00 am - Sacred Service
11:00 am - Celebration Service
FEBRUARY EVENTS
NGU (Next Generation Unity)
Monday nights 6:45 pm
Meetings continue.
The 2nd Monday of each month will be a “social event”,
meeting place will be announced in advance.
Chaplain’s Healing Service
Thursday, February 4th - 7:00 pm
The first Thursday of each month in the sanctuary, the Unity
Prayer Chaplains host this beautiful, centering service that includes
prayer, meditation and Truth teachings with David & Bernice
Jimenez and their crystal bowls.
Unity Soul Cinema
Friday, February 12th, 7:00 pm
“Defending Your Life”
(See Greatway insert for more information.)
Gospel Concert
Febuary 14, 4:00 pm
With “Re-Creation” a dynamic group of young singers who enliven,
uplift and bless every audience.
(See Greatway insert for more details)
Crystal Bowl Concert
Thursday, February 18, 7:00 pm
Join us for a spiritual journey called “Vibrations of Love” with
The Jimenenz of Crystal Intentions and Robert Austin.
(Flyer on bulletin board at Unity)
Coffee, Conversations, & Connections
(CCC)
Friday, February 19th - 7:00 pm
Join Bonnie Lantz on the 3rd Friday of each month.
We’ll gather in Fellowship Hall for dessert
and talk about the spiritual aspects of life.
Annual Meeting
February 28th
Following 2nd service
YOUTH MINISTRY FIELD TRIP
Sunday, February 28th
Venice Theatre - “Annie”
Thursday, March 4th, 7:00 pm
The first Thursday of each month in the sanctuary,
The Unity Prayer chaplains host this beautiful,
centering service that includes prayer, meditation and Truth
teachings with David and Bernice Jimenez
And their crystal bowls.
Armand & Angelina
Saturday, March 6th, 6:00 pm
in the Sanctuary
A Concert Performance
“A Time For Us”
And
Sunday, March 7th, 1:00 pm
Following the Services
join them for
An afternoon Native Flute Playshop
DQ Fundraiser
Tuesday, March 9th - 5:00 - 8:00 pm
Change Your Perspective, Change Your Life
Sundays, March 14th, 21st and 28th
12:30—2:30 pm
Healing Drum Making
Beginning Wednesday, March 17th for
Four (4) consecutive weeks
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Outdoors, weather permitting
or in Fellowship Hall.
Coffee, Coversations & Connections
(CC)
Friday, March 19th - 7:00 pm
Join Bonnie Lantz on the 3rd Friday of each month.
We’ll gather in Fellowship Hall for dessert
and talk about the spiritual aspects of life.
Soul Filled Aerobics
Saturday, March 20th - 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Youth Ministry Planning Meeting
Sunday, March 28th after the 2nd Service
Good Friday Play
April 2nd, 7:00 pm
“One Moment in Time”
Save the date and join Rev. Patricia, Rev. Lori, Rev. Robin Reiter,
The Prayer Chaplains, Unity Players and Unity Singers for this
dynamic, transformative Easter week experience.
“IN CONCERT” AT UNITY!
Saturday, March 6th, 6:00 pm
International recording artists, Armand and Angelina,
perform their World P’opera Overture, a fusion of
classical, popular and world influences to create a
once in a lifetime experience of love, laughter and music.
“A Time For Us”
SOUL CINEMA
If you have not yet attended Unity’s Soul Cinema you are
missing out on the best value in town! Not only do we view
main stream movies, but Spiritual cinema films as well.
Many entertaining, spiritual, and thought provoking films
will be shown in 2010 on the big screen in the sanctuary
that will leave you pondering your life’s journey.
As the new facilitator of the Friday night movies, I thought
it might be interesting to view a spiritual Hollywood movie
that was eased into the public’s consciousness in the last
century. Each film explores a possibility of what might
happen to us when our soul transitions from this earthly
plane. On Friday, February 12th at 7:00 pm we will be
viewing the 1001 film, Defending Your Life, written,
directed and co-starring Albert Brooks with Meryl Streep,
the Oscar winning actress. This witty, romantic film
contains moments of drama while examining the after-life.
It is filled with allegories that provide any soul searching
moments.
Sunday, March 7th, 9:00 & 11:00 Church Services
Are you ready to play the Native American Flute?
For centuries people have been mesmerized by the
hypnotic sounds from these gently, easy to play flutes.
Whether you have a musical background or have always
wanted to play a musical instrument, this playshop is for
YOU. Please join us for a fun, magical day of music.
If you have already seen this film, come and see how your
perspective has changed in the last decade or more. This
film is a timeless classic. Please come and bring a friend!
Roland, Alice and I are looking forward to seeing you there!
We are open to your suggestions if you know of a spiritual
film you would like shown. Just call me at 941-966-6961.
A love offering of $5.00 per person is suggested.
Sunday afternoon - Native Flute Playshop - 1:00 pm
GOSPEL CONCERT - AT UNITY CHURCH OF VENICE
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 4:00 PM
A dynamic group of young singers who enliven, uplift and bless every audience. They
will transform our stage into a wondrous showplace of unforgettable entertainment.
RE-CREATION travels around the country presenting concerts in VA Medical centers,
USO Shows, State Veterans Homes and special programs in elder communities.
The outpouring of their love blesses everyone they touch with their music.