Unity Church of Peor ia 3127 N Avalon Place (mai l ing : 3 1 17 N Avalon Place) • Peor ia , IL 6 1604

Webs i te : www.un itypeoria .org • E-mai l : uni typ ia@sbcg lobal .net Of f i ce phone: (309) 682-8554 • Of f i ce Hours : by appointment 2016 I s sue 1 1

The Unity Messenger

D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 6

In this newsletter…

Page 1 “Lines from Linda”

Page 2 “Did you know…?”

(volunteer recognition)

Page 3 From My Perspective

Page 4 Classes, Group Meetings,

Unity Prayer Support

Page 5 Holiday Events

Page 6 Season Greetings

UNITY OF PEORIA

PURPOSE STATEMENT

Honoring Oneness,

celebrating life,

and expressing love

MISSION STATEMENT

Being all that God

created us to be.

VISION STATEMENT

Creating heaven on earth

through the oneness of mind,

body and spirit.

Lines from

Linda...

LO

V E

WI LL

L I F E

Z E A L

F A I T H

O R D E R

P O W E R

S T R E N G T H

J U D G M E N T

E LI M I N A T I O N

I M A G I N A T I O N

U N D E R S T A N D I N G

H A P P Y H O L I D A Y S

Greetings of the Season to you!

As many of you know, my favorite

and most used Unity framework is

the Twelve Powers as presented by

Charles Fillmore. The tree at the

right contains all 12 powers and a

star.

The Star illuminating over the 12

powers is a symbol for me of the

Christ Light illuminating all of the

powers as I am willing to receive.

This illumination is from the Christ

Presence in me which is not reflec-

tive, it is directive.

Each of the powers has a bodily en-

ergy center which may provide aware-

ness of a need to experience illumina-

tion and wholeness.

The best part of this framework is the ability to quickly activate the illumination

using my body’s energy centers. Since learning this framework in the mid 1980’s

I have applied the opening to Christ Light into the centers that are signaling the

need. This has been done while driving my car, sitting in a meeting, walking on a

beach, prior to sleep. No one is aware of my engaging these energy centers (12

Powers) as the process in within. “Go into your closet..” Jesus taught and this

application of the Twelve Powers is going into my closet.

Our Christmas Candlelighting Service on December 18th at 7PM will provide a

celebration of Christmas and an opportunity to illumine our Divine Powers.

Please join in this community event.

MAY YOU KNOW JOY THIS SEASON!

Linda

Winter Weather

When weather conditions cause you to ques-

tion if a Unity service or class might be can-

celled, please call the church office 682-

8554.

When there is a cancellation, the message on

the answering machine will be changed to

advise you of such cancellation.

NOTE: Our parking lot and walkways are not

salted; only snow removal with a plow and

snow thrower are used

This month I had the pleasure of in-terviewing a woman very near and dear to my heart, Margaret “Maggie” Johnson. Maggie has been coming to Unity Church of Peoria for almost 30 years. Her first interaction with Unity was Mary Tanton’s class on The Course of Miracles. Mother’s day of 1988 was her first Sunday service, and she knew that this was her church. She could barely make it through the Peace Song! Maggie has been a dedicated member throughout the years. The philosophy of non-judgment and emphasizing what we all have in common rather than what divides us is a principle that Maggie resonates with. She also loves the emphasis on prayer because she knows that prayer works, and that it is focused on the flow of the universe versus begging or demanding. Throughout the years she has taken classes through Unity like a class on Prosper-ity with Eddie Edwards and a class on Job with Linda Foreman. While her daughter (me, Kate Bentley) was in high school, Maggie stepped up to the plate and became the sponsor for Youth of Unity or Y. O.U. One could say that she enjoyed it just as much as I did! What sticks out to her most in her time as a sponsor is the bond that she made wit the other adult spon-sors and forming friendships. She loved to see all the teenagers be loved and also loving. It was a place where everybody could really open up and feel confident. She firmly believes that it is a worthwhile program for kids and adults, and would love to see other teenagers attend these events. When she is not working or spending time with her family, she has an as-sortment of hobbies like yoga, walking the dog, and traveling. In 2015 she hiked from rim to rim of the Grand Canyon which is one of the most exciting and exhilarating activities that she has done! She is also a phenomenal cook with gravy and her spaghetti sauce being my favorite. She is an avid reader of fiction and non-fiction. Her favorite genre is science fiction, but at the moment Maggie is reading two books on the Course of Miracles. They are The Heart of Course in Miracles by Michael Murdad and Eternal Life and a Course in Miracles by Jon Mundy. She came to Peoria in 1979 for a job and also to marry Mike Bentley. Aside from dentistry she practices homeopathy and cranial. She has loved black and white movies since she was a child watching them with her mother. Her favorites include On the Waterfront and The Philadelphia Story. On top of everything Maggie is a wonderful person to have a conversation with, so be sure to strike up one next time you see her!

The Unity Messenger , Dec 2016 Page 2

DID YOU KNOW...? Volunteer Recognition… Each month, a volunteer is chosen

and interviewed so we can share with our church family and

friends just how special and appreciated each and every one is!

The Unity Messenger , Dec 2016 Page 3

From My Perspective:

Memories of the year 2016.

It is the only year we could bring my mother-in-law, Mrs. Chimela Wekulom to join us in Peo-

ria from Nigeria. Bringing her over was very special to me because she is one of the few living

persons who sat in that same One-Room-School House in Ḍighiriga where my education be-

gan. She was a few classes ahead of me then before she was given to be married. And she is

now the matriarch of that Church. The greater joy was that she made a safe trip across the At-

lantic to Peoria in the winter season without difficulty. And what is more, there was no snow

fall to cramp her indoors. But what toned down our joy, however, was her daughter’s illness.

Urolonaan was her first daughter. To offset the unspoken pain in the environment was her

youngest daughter’s first pregnancy and the expectation of the birth that came later on March

7th, 2016 at Methodist Hospital. Of course in purely Unity of Peoria Style, the very pregnant

Edughom was accorded a baby shower by the ladies of Unity Church of Peoria at Christy’s

home. What else could one be more thankful for than being part of a community of such

welcoming individuals? Another memorable moment was the farewell memorial service for

Urolonaan when she transitioned. I was not at my best under the circumstance but your love

buoyed me up. We, Ari, Ikosi and I truly appreciate the Spiritual leadership here. This com-

munity is a very special place in all seasons for this individual. Ikosi has recently shot up in

height in the last few months, almost overtaking Ari.

We have entered a season of spiritual introspection in all of Nature in this hemisphere. We

can see that as all deciduous trees strip themselves bare in preparation for the conditions to

come. It is an inward preparation, an inner journey so to speak, which we too undertake to

get ready for the busy year ahead. From my perspective, these are my memories of 2016.

—Rogers E. Harry-O’kuru

Unity’s WWELLELL OFOF A ABUNDANCEBUNDANCE

“Ask and you shall receive.”

WE ARE ASKING FOR…

10 mortgage payments ($333.87 monthly) all or in part

Ideas for group activities at Unity or out in the community

UNITY

Prayer Support Prayer is the heart of

all we do in Unity. Your Prayer Ministry Team is available to pray with you, family or friends. You may make

your prayer request in 3 ways: 1) E-mail unitypia@sbcglobal.net 2) Call the office: 682-8554

3) Use the prayer request on our website at www.unitypeoria.org Prayer requests are confidential.

SILENT UNITY 24/7 Prayer Ministry

Someone is always praying at Silent Unity, at Unity Village. YOU may request prayer at any time, by phone 1-800-669-7729, or at the website: www.silentunity.org

The Unity Messenger , Dec 2016 Page 4

Twelve Step Support Groups

Meetings are held in the

Center for Creative Living

Al-Anon Wednesday 7:00 pm

Cocaine Anonymous Tuesday 6:30 pm

Narcotics Anonymous Friday 7:00 pm

Thursday 12:00 noon

Overeaters Anonymous Monday 5:30 pm,

Wednesday 10:00 am Thursday 6:00 pm

Friday 5:30 pm Saturday 9:00 am

We continue to receive

CLEAN aluminum beverage

cans (please — NO aluminum

foil or other food containers!)

These cans are sold to recyclers,

with proceeds from this ongoing

fundraiser being applied to the

center mortgage fund.

Please rinse the cans, and crush

them if possible. You may leave

your donations in front of the

Center’s garage door. They are

stored in the garage until there is

a truck load, and are then taken

to the scrap dealer.

UNITY CLASSES

SUNDAY MORNING CLASS... 8:00 to 8:45 am, at the Center Join us in the Center for Creative Living, for a discussion of current events that inspire us to engage spiritually,

emotionally and intellectually to what is happening in our world!

SUNDAYS... 9:15 to 10:15 am, at the Center, THE GATHERING Meditation & Study

This month, our group begins a new book, Stepping Through the Narrow Gate, by Barry Vennard. This book

presents a proven way to experience a new sense of self through the principles of 'Evolutionary Spirituality,' pre-

sented as an evolved form of the twelve steps well-known to the recovery community. This transformational

change in human consciousness is a natural continuum of five billion years of the evolution of life on earth. This

evolutionary approach to growth and change is different and more effective than others because it provides a

new kind of release from self-condemnation. This release makes it possible for people to break through the de-

nial that is the main stumbling block to authentic transformation. The reader will be able to see how this evolu-

tionary approach makes the teachings of Jesus Christ more understandable, accessible and practical.

TUESDAYS at 10:00 am, at the Church, Biblical Literalism: A Gentle Heresy

By John Shelby Spong is our next chosen study. In this book is a blueprint for the church's future— that allows

the faithful to live inside the Christian story while still embracing the modern world. The people who wrote and received

the Gospel of Matthew did not see it as an accurate historical record. The Gentiles ignorance of things Jewish has distorted

the message of Matthew. Let us remain ignorant no more!

WEDNESDAY EVENING CLASS, 7:00 to 8:30 pm, at the Church

Books are available in the Bookstore for $9.00, and there are also a few in our lending library.

The Laughing Cure by Dr. Brian King is a psychologist and stand-up comedian whose humor therapy seminars are attended by more

than ten thousand people each year. In The Laughing Cure, King combines wit with medical research to reveal the benefits of laughter and hu-

mor on physical and emotional health.

The Unity Messenger , Dec 2016

Regular Sunday Morning Celebration Services…Regular Sunday Morning Celebration Services… Held each Sunday, 10:30 a.m.

Board Meetings are held each third Sunday of the month at 5 pm in the Center !Board Meetings are held each third Sunday of the month at 5 pm in the Center !

Twelve Power Candle lighting You are cordially invited to attend the Christmas Candlelighting

Service to be held on Sunday, December 18th at 7:00pm

We will all light our own candles and receive a Twelve Power

affirmation to keep the evening alive in our memories. A reception

will follow in Fellowship Hall. Snacks and Christmas goodies to share

afterward are appreciated!

Joy

Peace

Har-

BURNING BOWL CEREMONYBURNING BOWL CEREMONYBURNING BOWL CEREMONYBURNING BOWL CEREMONY

Saturday December 31st at 7:00pm

As 2016 passes and we look forward to 2017, we may become aware of

areas of our lives that are not flowing as freely as we desire. The Burning Bowl

ritual is an opportunity to release that which is no longer serving the highest and

best, and claim in a letter to God our desires for greater good in the coming year.

As we write our releasing, we let go of any attachment to that which is be-

ing released and give it over to Spirit. As we then set our written words aflame,

we watch it transform into nothingness and we turn to claim greater good in our

lives.

Join us for a New Year’s Eve Party immediately following the ceremony.

Bring snacks for the party and games to share as we join in celebrating the New

Year!

WHITE STONE RITUALWHITE STONE RITUALWHITE STONE RITUALWHITE STONE RITUAL

SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, AT 10:30AM SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, AT 10:30AM SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, AT 10:30AM SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, AT 10:30AM

When the biblical figures’ names were changed, they showed up in Life in a new way because something

was calling them deeper to express more of who they were meant to be. Likewise today, Spirit is calling

us to rise up out of whatever may be holding us back to fully commit to expressing all that we are.

“I will give you a new name, which only you will know. “

We can dramatically change and reshape our lives by what we call ourselves, by going within...listening

for the still, small voice and for that new sense of direction, seeking that nature which Spirit is calling us to

step into. As we meditate with our white stone in hand, we are allowing Spirit to reveal to us a new name,

a new word or symbol, a new thought or idea, a new theme or state of mind, a new heart or role. Only you

will know the meaning of your “name,” unless you choose to share it with like-minded friends and family!

Wishing you a wonderful, healing, and Wishing you a wonderful, healing, and Wishing you a wonderful, healing, and Wishing you a wonderful, healing, and warming Holiday season. warming Holiday season. warming Holiday season. warming Holiday season.

Full of light, love, and new beginnings! Full of light, love, and new beginnings! Full of light, love, and new beginnings! Full of light, love, and new beginnings!

We Love you, We bless you, and We truly We Love you, We bless you, and We truly We Love you, We bless you, and We truly We Love you, We bless you, and We truly Appreciate you Appreciate you Appreciate you Appreciate you

From the hearts of, From the hearts of, From the hearts of, From the hearts of,

The Board and Church Staff The Board and Church Staff The Board and Church Staff The Board and Church Staff