Unity Center for Spiritual Growth in Athens

Valentine Sunday

2009-02-16T14:32:00.005-05:00

Valentine's Sunday - Feb. 15, 2009

Thanks to all of you who were able to attend our Valentine's Service on Feb. 15 and to you all that hold us in thoughts of Light and Love when you aren't able to attend -- we appreciate you!

Special thanks to those that volunteered to read poetry! Many of you asked for a copy of the poem, "The Invitation" by Oriah Mountain Dreamer that was read -- so just go to this link http://www.oriahmountaindreamer.com -- and you'll find it on the opening page, plus more information on her wonderful work. Click on "Valentine Sunday" above to go to her website.

Here are the first few lines ...

"It doesn’t interest me what you do for a living.
I want to know what you ache for
and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart’s longing.

It doesn’t interest me how old you are.
I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool
for love
for your dream
for the adventure of being alive." -- Oriah Mountain Dreamer

And being alive is an adventure, isn't it?? A delightful, ever-expanding adventure as we think about what we're thinking, check in with what we're feeling, and set our intentions for all that we desire to see in our lives -- focusing not so much on how to "get there" but rather, what it will feel like as we do manifest our desires.

This Sunday we also talked about "Let There Be Love" -- how we can "declare" that simple phrase into any aspect of our existence. Is there something concerning you? Perhaps say, "Let there be Love in this situation." Are you feeling less than perfect health? Say, "Thank you, God. for the Love that is demonstrating perfect health in my Body Temple now." Are you feeling financial strain or concern? Say, "I see the beautiful Love and flow of the Universe in all financial situations. My bank accounts, money accounts, paychecks, wallet are all flowing abundantly, lavishly, with Universal supply now." Are you feeling absolutely terrific in all areas? Then perhaps, just bask!

This Sunday we also talked about Love being our "decision," that we can choose Love over doubt, worry, fear, anger, unforgiveness, dis-harmony, confusion, indecision, and any feelings of "appearance" of lack of love.

Here is our wish for you this week --

May this week greet you with sparkling, unexpected surprises that make you grin and say "Yes!" so enthusiastically that you make others smile too.

May you see love in another's eyes, directed at you.

May ways come easily to you to create increased Joy in someone else's heart.

May you feel an energy and fitness in your body that makes you want to skip and sing.

May you feel the Presence of the Divine all around you -- on your daily path, in your communications with others, in the bustle and sensory delights of life,

and in the quiet moments, when you become still, breathe, relax, smile -- that you know that you are blessed beyond measure, graced with abundant supply, deserving of wondrous wishes, and infinitely, infinitely Loved.

In Love and Light,
Rev. Bronte Colbert
Unity Athens

Whole

2008-12-31T15:32:00.004-05:00

WHOLE
Namaste
Heart to heart
Soul to soul
Two to one
Whole

Thread woven
Step taken
Word spoken
Ohm

Namaste
Heart to heart
Soul to soul
Two to one
Whole

Link in a chain
Drop of rain
Consciousness same
Home

Namaste
Heart to heart
Soul to soul
Two to one
Whole
Alfreda Henry

Holiday Opportunities to Give Back

2008-12-07T08:24:00.009-05:00

Tis the season for gratitude and, with this sense of abundance, remembering how blessed we all are with simple pleasures.

If we are not careful in consciously choosing how we react to situations, the holidays can bring on additional concerns regarding money, family and worth. However, the Universe continues to bless us daily with opportunitites to give back and, by doing so, renew our faith in Spirit, Mankind, and our overall sense of Purpose.

With two projects specifically geared towards helping those in need this holiday season, we, at Unity, are collecting new or very gently used stuffed animals for community kids and charities. Bring your bear, stuffed animal, or new doll to church (nothing super-large please) and we'll give them hugs until it's time to pass them on, around Dec. 15.

Also, Sue is coordinating the Project Safe Adopt-a-Family Christmas project. If you would like to be involved and adopt one (or several) children this season, please contact Sue BY DECEMBER 15th.

Let Go, Relax, Enjoy

2008-11-16T07:56:00.006-05:00

A lot has happened this month. We've elected a new president, found ways to embrace uncertain economic times, and are facing the possibility of withdrawing U.S. troops from all Iraqi cities and towns come June 30, 2009.

Looking around, change is everywhere. The leaves are turning, the colors are abundant, and the nights are getting a little bit cooler. Fall is slowly morphing into Winter and we, like the trees which are selflessly letting go of the leaves and branches they no longer need, look to November's spiritual faculty of RENUNCIATION and RELEASE for guidance.

Change is not always an easy path because with change comes ambiguity. However, feelings of

GRATITUDE ("I am grateful for this day, for my life, and for my constant connection with Spirit.")

APPRECIATION ("I recognize the many blessings in my life.")

THANKFULNESS ("I am thankful for the situations and experiences of my life, for the events of my life have led me to the beauty of today.")

FAITH ("I glow with the Wisdom and Love of God, and it glows back at me, from every person, place and thing.")

are constants that guide us through and periods of uncertainty we may experience.

Take each new day as an OPPORTUNITY to experience something new, something different, something fresh. Challenge yourself to LET GO and RELEASE that which no longer serves your higher purpose so that you may shine your light into the world and live a life filled with LOVE, ABUNDANCE, JOY, PEACE and PURPOSE.

Divine Order and Divine Timing

2008-09-22T08:50:00.006-04:00

Divine Order is September's Spiritual Faculty.

While we don't always fully connect with the WHYs of Divine Order - or even with the events that Divine Timing revolves around - know that there is always purpose and reason in both.

Elizabeth Gilbert states, "At some point you have to let go and sit still and allow contentment to approach you..."

Eat, Pray, Love:

At some point, we all must choose to either let go and let God work, or maintain false illusions of control. Yet, it is up to us to choose our thoughts and our realities. So, think about what it is that you REALLY, REALLY, REALLY want. Then, after fully identifying it, ask for it and look for God in your intentions. While it may take time to see your desires manifested, remember that Divine Order and Divine Timing are at work. God is at work. You are at work. And, everything is as it should be.

Eckhart Tolle -- "A New Earth" Selection of Quotes

Unity Athens 11 Days of Global Unity

2008-09-05T22:35:00.009-04:00

What has gone down in the history books as a day of loss and mourning is being transformed into an International Day of Peace, Unity, and Healing. September 11th marks 2008's beginning of 11 days of Global Unity. The Association of Unity Churches, and the Association for Global New Thought are uniting to create an international event of significant proportions.

The tradition began in 2004, when We, The World launched 11 Days of Global Unity. We all strive to create a world that works for and celebrates everyone - one where we are working together instead of against one another. This year, September 11th, which is known in the Unity Community as the "World Day of Prayer," will be expanded to include 10 additional days of workshops, prayer ceremonies, concerts, special events, dances, discussions and artistic celebrations, all geared towards raising the global consciousness and creating global peace, healing and sustainable living.

11Days will conclude on September 21st, which marks the United Nations International Day of Peace.

Interested in taking part? The 11Days Web site has a wonderful RESOURCE PAGE, complete with artwork, logos, printable material and multimedia links. Also, check out the guidance on Planning Your Own 11 Days.

We'll be busy at Unity Center for Spiritual Growth in Athens. Hope to take some great photos and video to share of our own 11Day celebrations.