Sunday, January 1, 2012
Happy Birthday UIF
~ Rev. William M. Heller
For all who missed Sunday’s Lesson, we took the time to celebrate our 8th anniversary. What better way to do this than to have those who have built Unity in the Foothills, and grown through their efforts, share their story. Barbara Shafer lined up those who joined the community in different years to share their individual journey, as well as what they found at Unity in the Foothills in the year of their joining.
Ethel Albanesius, Margie Solgovic, Kathy Sierakowski, Carolyn Scotti, Barbara Shafer, Tela Bigi, and Kathy Bates each presented themselves most beautifully and completely. With Ethyl representing the beginning through to Kathy Bates joining us 3 months ago, different events and personal experiences abounded throughout. I believe everyone there was inspired by their sharing. More importantly, I believe everyone in the congregation could recognize their own story of personal growth while listening to the message being shared.
While the stories differed, each one spoke of a journey of searching for a deeper experience of life. Some were aware of Unity previously, and gratefully fulfilled their expectation-and found more! After reading Daily Word in her family for most of her life, Ethel now found her opportunity to practice the same teachings in a Unity community. Carolyn spoke deeply about the authenticity she found in the words delivered here; not just expressions, but experience! Margie and Barbara each spoke of the transitions they watched in friends who had found Unity that inspired them to Unity. The subsequent results in their lives and the gifts they now bring to the church validate their journey. Kathy Sierakowski spoke of the transitions in her life through the study, acceptance and integration of Unity Principles into her life.
Our two most recent additions were Tela and Kathy Bates. They both spoke of their experience of walking into our sanctuary, and feeling the energy of being home; filled with love, honor, acceptance, inspiration, and no judgment. Their sharing was the perfect completion to this heartfelt ceremony. One congregant mentioned they felt Tela lit the room up with her energy (very well said); Kathy provided the most sincere, in-depth experience of knowing she’s found her spiritual home, from her initial experience to all activities that have since followed.
Here is the Unity Message, expressed in our beloved community. These individuals represent the energy that from the onset of Unity in the Foothills has continued to perpetuate our progress forward. They attested to, and others acknowledged, the family & home we have here. They speak of this safe spiritual sanctuary that enables us to look more deeply at our beliefs, our judgments, and our opportunities for shift in consciousness.
Whether on the platform Sunday, or in the course of our studies, classes or fun together, we honor each individual sharing, and know that this is the true location of Unity in the Foothills Spiritual Community, and for all of us. For this is the testimony of people living through awareness of their spiritual self, their Oneness with God, as the driver in our community. Thinking of the “worldly accomplishments of UIF are phenomenal in themselves- from Rev. Bonny’s founding and growing the community, acquiring the Prospect St. building in the first year, the Board of Trustees leading the church through their transition to a new minister, all are inspiring. Yet it is the choice to live through our awareness of Spirit in our entire lives that is the true foundation on which we rest. That is attested to in the past, and it is our commitment to the future; holding this in our consciousness enables us to walk through each challenge, hand in hand, heart to heart. That’s the Unity Message!
Thank you all for your participation. We’re moving forward. Those who visited us before, I invite you to check us out once again. Those who have as yet to visit us, we are waiting with open arms and hearts. What do we have to offer you, and what is it you have to bring to us? As you answer those questions inwardly, know all of our greatest growth, our future, is derived through your own personal development, your deeper awareness of your spiritual nature, and your ability to live from this place, guided by your heart.
Happy Birthday, Unity in the Foothills! ~Rev. Bill
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