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The question lingers, why is Paul so different? Perhaps his conversion experience is the pivotal point of the search. Paul’s conversion is a little difficult to trace, for in the Book of Acts, there are two separate stories of his conversion, neither written by Paul himself. In the Letter to the Galatians he tells of a wilderness adventure almost similar to Jesus himself. “I did not confer with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but went away into Arabia (desert).” Gal. 1:17
His writings reveal that he was confused by the revelations of Spirit and remained in the wilderness experience of his life for nearly three years. His confusion
stemmed from his entrenched theological viewpoint of the Pharisaic tradition. He believed that anyone who was crucified was “accursed” of God, not glorified by God. Thus the idea of a crucified “Lord” was inconceivable to him, made no sense. What changed his mind, what brought him to a new revelation that would ultimately alter the course of the world and its destiny? He said that God revealed to him that Jesus was crucified because he was righteous, and therefore he suffered for all, and thus Paul began to teach
the salvific message was for all: “Neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Gal. 3:28
Paul’s experience of the Risen Lord and his subsequent prayer and meeting with the disciples set the fledging group at odds. Though they were all Jews, Paul was passionate about opening the doors to the gentile population.
Tensions continued to mount in the city of Antioch. Here both Jew and Gentile worshiped under one roof. Eventually, the two parties could not come to a unified decision, and they “invited” Paul and his radical message to leave. And in his leaving, he spread his version of the Jesus story throughout the Empire.
Volume 12, Issue 2 March/April 2019
Unity—An inclusive path for today’s spiritual seekers.
One of the most fascinating and highly controversial people of all of history is Saul of Tarsus (Paul). There is a strong case to be made for the argument that it was Paul who really began what is known today as Christianity, not Jesus. The four gospels speak of an itinerant preacher and healer who was comfortable in and among the hillside people of his birth. Paul speaks of a resurrected Lord who was master of the universe. Was that what Jesus had in mind?
Many Christians have a false understanding of the role that the apostle Paul plays in the story of early Christianity. The search is muddied by several factors: Paul and Jesus never met; nor does he ever quote Jesus. There are no cross referenced passages in the gospels with Pauls’ own writings. Although contemporaries, Paul never was in the north of Galilee, preferring the comfort and accessibility of the city. On several occasions Paul actually met with Peter, James and other immediate disciples of Jesus, but in neither account was the meeting without tension and conflict. Paul was a man of the city; educated, sophisticated having obtained the best in Jewish education. Jesus’ early disciples were men of the hillsides, farmers and fishermen, poorly educated, who were lost and uncomfortable in the large cosmopolitan cities of the Empire.
Making the investigation more difficult is the chronology of the New Testament itself. The four gospels were written many years after the death of Jesus (60-100 CE) and also long after Paul wrote his letters (50-60 CE) to the various communities he established. This purposeful placement makes it appear that Paul’s work was a natural outgrow of Jesus’ message and the beginning of the early church in Jerusalem as portrayed in the Book of Acts. Yet, Acts, too, was written long after Paul (circa 70CE). The author, Luke, worked his story to blend the radical, mystical Paul with the down to earth preacher-healer of Galilee.
Each of the immediate followers of Jesus had intimate contact with him and were witnesses not only to his life and death, but also his inner struggles to articulate the revelations that were upon his heart. So when they spoke of “being there” as Jesus taught and healed and prayed they knew him from a very personal and firsthand experience.
The Gospel According to Paul
Minister’s Message 2
Board News 3
Ministry News 4
Events 5 & 6
Calendar 8
Inside this issue:
Light On The Path
Unity Church of Christianity Minister’s Message
2
I am so excited to bring to you something very, very special! The keynote speakers of the Universal Christ Conference that will be held at the Center for Action and Contemplation in the last week of March. Let’s step back for a moment.
“The Center for Action and Contemplation began as a dream of Fr. Richard Rohr’s in 1986 during his first year in Albuquerque, New Mexico. By October of 1987, the first edition of Radical Grace was published. The name was chosen because it expressed the paradoxical nature of the Center’s purpose: standing in a middle place, at the center of the cross, where opposites are held together.”
“Fr. Richard Rohr is a globally recognized ecumenical teacher bearing witness to the universal awakening within Christian mysticism. He is a Franciscan priest of the New Mexico Province and founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation (CAC) in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
“Fr. Richard’s teaching is grounded in the Franciscan alternative orthodoxy—practices of contemplation and self-emptying, expressing itself in radical compassion, particularly for the socially marginalized. Fr. Richard is the author of numerous books, including Everything Belongs, Adam’s Return, The Naked Now, Breathing Under Water, Falling Upward, Immortal Diamond, and Eager to Love: The Alternative Way of Francis of Assisi. His newest book is The Universal Christ (coming March 2019).”
If you want to know a little more about Fr. Richard and his work, the website is www.cac.org and you can sign up for his daily meditations (which many of us love!) www.cac.org/sign-up/
So now that you have met, let’s talk about the Conference. It actually spans the week of March 28 – 31, 2019 and you would have to go to Albuquerque, New Mexico to be part of the entire program. However, we were able to secure viewing rights for up to 45 days after the conference.
The Conference is entitled: The Universal Christ – another name for everything. It features Fr. Richard Rohr, Jacqui Lewis and John Dominic Crossan as the three keynote speakers. We will be holding 4 sessions, two times a week – one in the evening, one in the daytime to accommodate not only us but several churches we have invited! This should prove to be a fun and lively conversation, see Page 6 for details.
Why is he – and his work – so important? In many respects he is teaching what we in Unity have always taught. There is a difference between Jesus, the man of history, and the Christ of faith – the universal principle of God incarnate in humanity. His work takes us even deeper into exploring the universality of the message of God in all life.
Along with him is my all-time favorite Bible Historian, Dr. John Dominic Crossan! I LOVE this man and what he has done for historical Jesus studies. Followed by Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis. I don’t know her and I am eager to hear what she has to say.
This is our plan for the showings – each time we will have a potluck dinner/lunch and show two segments of the keynote speakers, each speaker approximately 50 minutes long and we will take a break in-between. My goal also is to have some time of conversation regarding the main points within the address of each of the keynote speakers.
Can you tell I am excited? I feel this will be a rich offering and I can’t encourage you enough to join in. Come to one or all, lunchtime or evening. Stretch yourself and your journey of faith to a greater, richer understanding of this heritage we call Christian, we who are the followers of the Way.
This program coupled with our concert starring Kelley Hunt will make the next two months lively! Kelley has been a headliner at Cain’s several times over the past few years, well known in Unity circles, she brings a R&B sound, an upbeat energy and vibration to our church and the flowing day to our worship service. I truly hope you plan to be here for it all.
And speaking of lively, the year 2019 is the celebration of our 40th year! Stay tuned for details about the celebration that will be held in the middle of the summer.
Last month at our Annual Meeting, I made the official announcement that in May 2020, I would be retiring. It is really almost too big to put my head around, as those of you know who have been through the process. It was always my dream to be a Unity minister for 30 years, and I passed that anniversary on January 8, 2019. Then to be 70 years old, well, that is coming rapidly in January, 2020, and to be here at Unity Church of Christianity for 12 years, March 1, 2020. It does not go unnoticed by me that these three events are so close together, they form a perfect trinity of completion and closure. It is time.
And so we have work to do. At our annual board retreat in March we will be looking at the options and possibilities, for we stand in a good place to attract my successor. Oh yes, there are still somethings left to do on my bucket list, but all in all, a journey that we will make with grace and ease.
Love,
3
Unity Church of Christianity Board News
, President
Once again I find myself picking up
the reins of being Board President. So
many things are the same, yet, time has
marched on, and we are different, I am
different, as the mirror continually
reminds me each morning.
Yet with the passage of time, hopefully a certain wisdom
comes too. The ability to have a little more patience,
kindness, and a deeper appreciation of the things and
people that matter most in my life. So for me, being Board
President is an expression of my love for all of you, my
spiritual family.
Last time I was President, we remodeled the sanctuary,
that indeed was a huge project that took a lot of time and
energy to see through to completion. I’m rather glad those
big projects are behind us and now a series of little things,
just like pulling weeds in the garden are on the bucket list
for 2019. Our rent house is still unoccupied, although we
have had several inquiries, we continue to know the right
and perfect renter will come to make it a loving home for
themselves and their family.
Yes, little things. I’m a simple guy when it comes to
spiritual things. I grasp stuff in small ways and it has made a
big difference in how I see life and myself. Seems to me on
our spiritual journey it is all about being faithful in the little
things. Daily prayer, gratitude and giving. I get that! My
daily prayers are filled with gratitude for the love and
support of all of you and I try to give that back, generously,
in return.
And if we are faithful in the little things, we will be given
much. That seems to me to be a very good formula for life.
So in this coming year, let’s walk the path of being faithful in
the little things; the work, the fun, the community for we
will be richly blessed as we do.
Board Report Treasurer Report
P& L Actuals December 2018 January 2019
Income $22,337 $11,645
Expense $18,035 $17,388
My favorite saying is from St. Benedict, “Always we begin again…”.
So, as we begin a new year for our church, we also begin a new season of life and beauty. This time of year breathes new life into us, giving us fresh inspiration and perspective. I know new and wonderful things will be coming to fruition for our church. I believe that this will be an exciting time for Unity Church of Christianity.
I want to convey my sincere gratitude in being able to be the Board Treasurer and help guide our financial direction for 2019. I am honored to serve our church, as I look forward to another year on the board.
We appreciate each of you with your giving in a gracious and heart-felt manner. Your generosity provides for our church and community is so many ways. Truly, we are blessed, and we thank you.
I have watched our finances go from a worrisome level to springing forward and upward in a trend that will keep our church operative and moving forward. I am certain this will continue, and we can look forward to a prosperous year.
For the most part, we are running smoothly, but we do have a few projects we will be working on. Replanting of the Monarch Garden and the back stairs needing repair, are two of the upcoming needs. The garden last year was amazing, and I believe it adds great beauty to our church and puts a smile on our faces!
Of course, as with any “home”, there are always
unforeseen repairs or adjustments that must be made. I
know we will do this with positivity and gratitude.
, Treasurer
Board of Directors
President: John Raney
Vice President: Diane Pinsart
Secretary: Bethany Stephenson
Treasurer: Pat Nicholson
Director: Cheryl Phelps
Director: Mary Taylor
Spiritual Connections Newsletter
Editor & Writer: Rev. Mary Anne Harris
Office Assistant: Sherry Setters
Bookkeeper: Mary Portwood
Contributing Writers: Pat Nicholson, John Raney
Weekly Helper(s): Betty Sharp
TRI-VALLEY UNITY CHURCH
4
Unity Church of Christianity Ministry News
OUR SUNDAY TEAM
WORSHIP ASSISTANTS Renny Berry Colleen Kirkpatrick Cheryl Phelps Diane Pinsart Louise Rose Tyler Worden
USHERS Robert Curnutt VC Garrett Curtis Hale Shelly Jones Colleen Kirkpatrick Karrie Leever Sarah Stansell-Perez Jeff Woods
HOSPITALITY Gail Iadevaia Linda Lusk Jan Magee Chris Myers-Baker Omar & Sarah Perez John Raney & Kim Wiley Marleen Reddaway Pat Reynolds Betty Sharp Janet Williamson GREETERS Cindy Bear Maggie Cunningham Susan Evans Linda Goble Pat Nicholson Connally Perry Vicki Roberts Rae Jean Roller Louise Rose Jamie Townsend
SOUND & VIDEO TEAM Patrick Harris Colleen Kirkpatrick David Lorente Omar Perez Keith Purtell Don Rush
Joe Robb, Drummer Shannon Bentley, Sun. Coord.
ALTAR DECORATIONS Colleen Kirkpatrick Louise Rose Kim Wiley
What’s on your travel bucket list this year?
The Unity Travelers are taking on China!
Oct 29 — Nov 13, 2019 Price $5,500
The Forbidden City, The Great Wall, The Terra Cotta Warriors,
plus 4 day Yangtze River Cruise!
DEPOSIT DUE NOW!
Singer songwriter and international touring recording artist Kelley
Hunt’s career comprises over 1800 live performances including some of
the most significant festival stages in North America and Europe, airplay
on 5 continents, 6 acclaimed commercial releases and hundreds of
thousands of indie units sold and downloaded.
Her music crosses music boundaries organically referencing soul, R&B,
gospel, folk, funk and Americana forms and the piano vernaculars of
Kansas City, New Orleans and St. Louis - all places where she and her family have roots.
Her music is also known for taking on social observations and political commentary and for
messages of hope and uplift. It’s all delivered with passion and superior skills as a singer,
keyboardist/guitarist and writer.
Kelley will also be here on Sunday morning, March 31 for our regular worship service.
Tickets are $15 online, $20 at the door. h ttp: / /www.ke l l eyhunt.com/shop .html
Kelley Hunt in Concert Singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, recording artist
Saturday, March 30 8:00p at Unity
A Monthly Women’s Gathering
May I Have This Dance? Saturday, March 9
Saturday, April 13
9:00a - Noon
Based on the writing of Joyce Rupp, May I Have
this Dance and The Cup of Life, together we will
explore the “dance of life” from the heart of a
women.
A light lunch served; reservations required.
A love offering will be taken
Unity Church of Christianity
5
Events
Tea & Conversation March 24
April 28
11:45a - 12:45p
Sharing the wisdom of today’s spiritual teachers. Come and be
part of the conversation. Featuring well-known speakers who
will share their wisdom.
Bring a brown bag lunch, if you would like, coffee and Tea will
be hot and ready.
March 7 & April 4
11:00a - 1:00p
Where do I want my wings to take me? I just want to be
free and strong and safe. I don't want to stay in my
cocoon just filling it up.
An ongoing discussion to explore creating a rich and
meaningful life. Class is on a love offering basis .
ONGOING CLASSES
TAPPING EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique)
Tapping is easy, powerful & effective.
Second, Third & Fourth Tuesdays 6:30p—8:00p
March dates: 12th, 19th & 26th
T-Town Tappers, facilitators. Love Offering accepted
Adult Coloring Club
Join t
he fun & relax … free!
Wednesday Evenings
6:30p—8:00p
Celebrate Retirement . . . It’s a full-time job!
Third Wednesday of each month
Noon—1:30p
March 20 & April 17
Spring is around the corner! And with it comes the need to clean up the
leftovers of winter. Easy tasks, time to celebrate rebirth.
Help as little or as much as you can. Please bring gloves
and any garden tools you might want to share.
Spring Garden Clean Up
Saturday, March 2
9:00a—noon
You’ve worked hard for the day when, at long last,
the alarm doesn’t sound and you are officially
retired. Yet, suddenly you are faced with a whole
new set of challenges that seem to rob you of the
sweet smell of victory.
Bring a bag lunch and join the conversation as we
explore various topics on dealing with the mental,
emotional and financial side of the most
challenging job of your life . . . LIVING IT!!
Unity Church of Christianity
6
Events
Day #1 Session A—Fr. Richard Rohr—Introduction to the Universal Christ Session B—Fr. Richard Rohr—The Universal Christ Day # 2 Session A—Dr. John Dominic Crossan—The Historical Jesus & Individual Resurrection Session B—Dr. Jacqui Lewis—Where is the Crucified Body of Christ Today? Day #3 Session A—Fr. Richard Rohr—Contemplation, The Tomb, and Not Knowing Session B—Dr. Jacqui Lewis—Sitting in Liminality Day #4 Session A—Dr. John Dominic Crossan—The Life of Christ Session B—Dr. John Dominic Crossan—The Universal Resurrection Tradition Day #5 Discussion groups
Unity Garden Day
Saturday, April 6
9:00a—Noon
We cleaned and pruned our
gardens in March, now it’s
time to plant!
Bring your hat and gloves, a
rake or shovel, and together
we will get our
butterfly garden
ready to
welcome home
the birds, bees
and butterflies!
Two opportunities to attend
Monday evenings April 1, 8,15, 22, 29
5:00p—9:00p
Tuesday days April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Noon—3:00p
Bring a dish to share Dessert tray provided
Sessions are on a love offering.
Work hard, save for retirement, enjoy the golden years; yet many find the early days of retirement a difficult transition and a time of grieving; the loss of job, income, friends, structure, purpose.
Learn how to prepare for this transition and what emotional challenges to expect. Learn the difference between purpose and passion, as well as the role of community and support.
Juanita Edwards, an RN for over 39 years, found retirement hard! She is dedicated to helping people getting ready to retire, and those retired. She is living her retirement dream of building a healthcare advocate business.
Rebroadcast from the Center for Action and Contemplation
2018 Unity Garden Pix
Retirement—The Great American Dream
Saturday, April 27 10:00a—Noon
Unity Church of Christianity
7
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
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Calendar
March 2019 Sunday Worship Service 10:30a
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
31
Sunday Celebration 10:30a
Potluck Lunch
Sunday Celebration 10:30a
Birthday Sunday
Sunday Celebration 10:30a
Sunday Celebration 10:30a
Birthday Sunday
April 2019 Sunday Worship Service 10:30a
Sunday Celebration 10:30a
Tea & Conversation 11:45a—12:45p
Sunday Celebration 10:30a
The Artistic Life 11:00a - 1:00p
Tapping 6:30p-8:00p
Tapping 6:30p-8:00p
Tapping 6:30p-8:00p
Tapping 6:30p-8:00p
Tapping 6:30p-8:00p
Sunday Celebration 10:30a
Potluck Lunch
Coloring 6:30p-8:00p
Coloring 6:30p-8:00p
Coloring 6:30p-8:00p
Coloring 6:30p-8:00p
Coloring 6:30p-8:00p
Osage Board Retreat 9:00a - 4:00pm
Coloring 6:30p-8:00p
Women's Gathering
9:00a - Noon
Coloring 6:30p-8:00p
Sunday Celebration 10:30a
Tea & Conversation 11:45a—12:45p
Tapping
The Artistic Life 11:00a - 1:00p
Garden Day 9:00a - Noon
Women's Gathering
9:00a - Noon
Kelley Hunt Concert
8:00p—10:00p
Sunday Celebration 10:30a
Coloring 6:30p-8:00p
Garden Day 9:00a - Noon
Retirement Noon—1:30pm
Retirement Noon—1:30pm
Universal Christ 5:00-8:00pm
Universal Christ 5:00-8:00pm
Universal Christ 5:00-8:00pm
Universal Christ 5:00-8:00pm
Universal Christ 5:00-8:00pm
Universal Christ Noon—3pm
Universal Christ Noon—3pm
Universal Christ Noon—3pm
Universal Christ Noon—3pm
Universal Christ Noon—3pm
Retirement American Dream
10am—Noon
Let us know if you prefer a printed copy , and we will leave one for you in the office to pick up on Sunday.
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Tulsa, OK.
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N
Har
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Unity Church of Christianity 3355 S. Jamestown Ave.
Tulsa, OK 74135
Un
ity
Ch
urc
h
Office : 11501 Dublin Blvd., Suite 200 (925) 493-2293
Church: 3355 S. Jamestown Ave. - Tulsa, OK. 74135 918-749-8833
E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.tulsaunity.com
Sunday Service at 10:30AM
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Tulsa Unity-Jamestown Video
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.tulsaunity.com
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Check us out!
March Theme: Gospel of Paul
Mar. 3 - The Question of Paul
Mar. 10 - Galatians
Mar. 17 - Corinthians
Mar. 24 - Thessalonians
Mar. 31 - Romans
April Theme: Universal Christ
Apr. 7 - Long Before Jesus
Apr. 14 - The Christ Mystery
Apr. 21 - The Word Becomes Flesh
Apr. 28 - Christ Dwells Among Us
