Unity Update July 2018

Volume 91 Issue 7

Co-Creating a Garden of Abundance by Valleri Crabtree

I love roses. Rosebushes have

been a constant pleasure

throughout my life. Some of my

favorite childhood memories are

of helping my grandparents tend

the more than 200 rosebushes in

their backyard. While my own

collection is more modest, I

treasure and care for each one as

my grandparents did theirs. I’ve

learned that when roses are

properly cultivated and nourished,

they can last for years and years;

thus, when I buy a rosebush, it is

an important purchase. It will

become part of the permanent

landscape of my home—almost

part of the family!

Before I select a new plant for my

garden, I THINK about which

rose will be best. My thoughts are

constructive, focused and specific,

as they propel me toward my

objective. I research which

varieties are the hardiest for my

region. I consider the color, the

leaves and the size of the plant

when it’s mature. I am open and

receptive to ideas and suggestions.

As I think purposefully about my

choice, I BELIEVE that God

works with me to guide me to the

right and perfect rose. We may

think that the purchase of a

rosebush is trivial; nothing could

be further from the truth. Just like

the garden we’ve always wanted,

the life we’ve

always

imagined is

the sum of a

multitude of

opportunities

that

continuously

arise. When

we engage

with God to

co-create

these

everyday

moments, we

find ourselves

surrounded by

a flourishing

garden of

Unity of Topeka Apollonia Jamison, Administrator

(continued on page 5)

encounters and “coincidences”

throughout my day. I am aware,

awake and attentive, to hear and to

follow this magnificent guidance.

I continuously communicate with

God to manifest my rose. I think

about the rosebush which I affirm

will soon be mine, and I receive

messages of guidance. But then

what? I ACT; I act in harmony

with the guidance I receive.

Without action, nothing happens.

Without action, my life does not

move forward. Without action, my

garden becomes barren. I commit

to action as I trust God’s guidance

in all things.

As I plant my new rosebush, I say,

“Thank you, God, for this great

abundance!

Focusing now, on the rosebush,

understanding that I am in

partnership with God, I LISTEN. I

listen for messages. Look! There’s

an e-mail from my favorite garden

vendor with the exact bush on

sale. A friend has just stopped by

to give me a bag of topsoil that

she doesn’t need. My afternoon

appointment cancels on a perfect

day for planting. As the messages

keep coming, I discern divine

guidance. And I know it is the

right time to proceed.

As I listen with my intellect and

my intuition, I hear the messages

coming from everywhere—from

the Voice within during silent

meditation and from numerous (continued on page 5)

Unity Update July 2018 Page 2

Unity Update

Unity Update is a monthly newsletter published by Unity of Topeka and distributed by U.S. mail and by email, and posted online at www.unity-of-topeka.org.

Apollonia Jamison....... Administrator Lisa Taylor ................ Editor/Designer

Staff

Apollonia Jamison............................

................ Bookkeeper, Music Director Michele Flanagan.......... Accompanist Open ........... Youth Education Director Candace Gritten ................................

. .................. Youth Education Teacher

Board of Trustees

Gary McDonald ........ President, 2020

........................................................... Jean Reed .........Vice President, 2019

........................................................... Ed Fischer ................ Treasurer, 2021

........................................................... Jolene Donohue.......... Trustee, 2021

........................................................... Paul Porter .................. Trustee, 2019

........................................................... Susan Phagan ............. Trustee, 2020

........................................................... Open .................................... Alternate

...........................................................

Platform Assistants Apollonia Jamison........ First Sunday Roberta Fischer ....... Second Sunday Marciana Glassman ..... Third Sunday Lisa Taylor ................. Fourth Sunday Ed Carpenter ................. Fifth Sunday OJ Coller ................ On-call substitute

Unity Church of Christianity

9126 SW 10th Avenue P.O. Box 750658

Topeka, KS 66675-0658

www.unity-of-topeka.org unitytopeka@yahoo.com

TopekaUnityUpdate@gmail.com 785-478-1333

Affiliated with

Unity School of Christianity, publisher of DAILY WORD magazine, and member of Association of Unity

Churches.

Sunday Worthship Speakers Unity of Topeka is a guest-speaker ministry that features compelling

speakers who are either Unity ministers, licensed Unity teachers, or

otherwise well-versed in Unity principles. The speaking schedule fills

months in advance, so don’t miss an opportunity to join us at 11 a.m. for

Sunday worthship. You will be glad you did. ________________________________

July 1—Sharon Kay: The Wonder Working Power of Forgiveness

Is there more than one level to forgiveness. Unity teaches that what we

focus on expands. What level of consciousness is your forgiveness

targeting?

Sharon Kay is a Licensed Unity Teacher. She has a master’s degree in

psychology, and she was director of a crisis center for abused women and

children when she discovered Unity at "The Pyramid" Unity in Houston.

She began studying Unity principles, and in 2012 moved to Lee’s Summit

to work full time in the Silent Unity prayer ministry. _____________________________

July 8— Sharon Kay: Moving Through Life with Ease and Grace

Is your life in divine order? Are you moving easily in the flow of life? Or

does life seem to be one constant series of struggles? Life was never intended

to be a struggle ... so how do we break the cycle of expecting life to be a

struggle?

Sharon Kay is a Licensed Unity Teacher. She has a master’s degree in

psychology, and she was director of a crisis center for abused women and

children when she discovered Unity at "The Pyramid" Unity in Houston.

She began studying Unity principles, and in 2012 moved to Lee’s Summit

to work full time in the Silent Unity prayer ministry. ______________________________

July 15— Ben and Cheri Jamison: I Belong to Life!

Who are you? Whose are you? When life is grand and everything is going the

way we want, it's easy to exclaim, "I Belong to Life," and celebrate the

divinity in every moment. It is another thing all together to do so when life

takes us somewhere unexpected and uncomfortable, and yet in these

experiences it is imperative that we remember who and whose we are. In this

powerful presentation, Ben and Cheri Jamison explore the depths of what it

means to "belong to Life," and share practical spiritual practices to help

reconnect yourself with your Source, even and especially in times of struggle.

(continued on page 3)

Unity of Topeka www.unity-of-topeka.org Page 3

Mortgage report

The monthly payment on the

$282,000 borrowed in

November 2001 for our

construction loan, plus $45,000

we borrowed in December 2012

to refurbish our roof and make

ceiling repairs, is consistently

made thanks to thoughtful

donors like you. The most

recent payment of $1,523 (6-12-

18) took $899.90 off the

principal and eliminated

$623.10 of interest, leaving the

amount left to pay at

$$136,929.63 on our $400,000

building.

Sunday Speakers (continued from page 2)

Tithing

demonstrates

prosperity

Unity of Topeka is

financially supported

through love offerings,

tithes and gifts. Remember

to tithe even when you are

unable to attend Sunday

service in person.

Divine love,

through me,

blesses and multiplies

all that I have,

all that I give,

and all that I receive.

Ben Jamison is a dynamic speaker and author for today's emerging

spirituality. His talks and writings turn outdated platitudes into practical

tools by inviting his audience to ask "What's mine to do?" In his book,

Church-Free Spirituality: How to Craft a Spiritual Practice Beyond the

Bounds of Religion, Ben empowers a new generation of seekers to take

ownership of their spirituality (with or without organized religion) and

create their own personalized spiritual practice.

Cheri Jamison is a highly regarded, inspiring classical singer who has

performed worldwide. As a cherished and sought after spiritual singer,

Cheri has been featured at three spiritual world headquarters and has opened

for luminary speakers and Hay House authors such as Arianna Huffington,

Neal Donald Walsch, Drs. Ron and Mary Hulnick, and Iyanla Vanzant.

Together Ben and Cheri often travel as an inspirational duo, speaking and

singing at spiritual communities nationwide. ______________________________

July 22—Sharon Dwyer: Communicating Mindfully

For most of us, it takes practice to speak from a centered place when

emotions run high. One text that provides us with strategies to monitor our

communication styles is Nonviolent Communication by Marshall

Rosenberg. Sharon will share some of the strategies of compassionate

communication in this talk.

Sharon has been involved in Unity since 1984 and became a Licensed

Unity Teacher in 1990. She has spent most of that time at Unity Church

of Lawrence, teaching classes, helping on the platform and serving as

Chaplain Team Leader. ______________________________

July 29—Rev. Jeniffer Hutchins: Wild Abundant Joy

Get ready to boldly embrace joy in your life. Rev. Jen shares an inspiring

message that challenges us to step out of our comfort zones and live life to

the fullest.

“I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” John 10:10

Rev. Jeniffer Hutchins is the founding minister of Unity Arts Ministry.

As an artist and ordained Unity minister, her mission is to inspire self-

reflection and personal transformation through spiritual principles and

the healing power of art. She presents creative workshops; gives

inspirational talks at churches and retreats around the country; and

is the host of the upcoming television series "The Art of You" on The

New Though Channel.

Need a moment of

inspiration?

Call 785-478-1777

New recordings every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Unity Update July 2018 Page 4

Last December, Doorstep helped

259 households with Christmas

gifts and food, touching 824

individuals.

To prepare for this annual effort,

Doorstep celebrates Christmas in

July. Collecting donations in July

gives Doorstep a better idea what

will be needed in November and

December.

Every week, donations are sorted

and organized in the basement

where they stay until the big week

arrives.

Items requested for Christmas in

July are not seasonal. They

include sheets and blankets, health

kit items, household items, gifts

for adults, school supplies and

toys. These items should be new.

Last year Doorstep was short 100

blankets and had to purchase them

so each household could receive a

blanket or quilt.

Each school-aged child Doorstep

adopts receives school supplies

and a backpack, if needed. Also,

each household receives a health

kit filled with hygiene products,

which is wrapped with a new bath

towel, hand towel and washcloth.

Each child receives a gift of one

bigger toy, as well as other

smaller items, such as games,

books, stuffed animals, stocking

stuffers, etc. Doorstep often needs

more of the main gifts. If you can

help with toys for children ages 2

through 12 and gifts for the

teenagers (makeup and nail kits),

we would be grateful.

Doorstep continues to succeed at

helping people in need because

our member congregations work

together to provide for their

neighbors in need.

Doorstep prepares for holiday season with Christmas in July

Please bring your Christmas

donations to worship in July, or to

Doorstep, 1119 SW 10th Avenue,

between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.,

Monday through Friday.

Unity of Topeka www.unity-of-topeka.org Page 5

Garden (continued from page 1)

Mission

Unity Church of Christianity,

Topeka, provides a nurturing

atmosphere of acceptance and

caring for anyone seeking

spiritual growth. Our purpose

is to encourage self-esteem,

unconditional love, peace of

mind, and prosperous, healthy

living. We accomplish this

mission by teaching practical

applications of the Jesus Christ

ministry and by beholding the

Christ within all people.

Vision Statement

Unity Church of Christianity

enhances the Topeka

community by serving as a

holistic center for personal

spiritual development. We

remain open and receptive to the

guidance of Spirit as we share

principles that generate peace

and promote soul-satisfaction.

new addition to my life.” ACKNOWLEDGEMENT keeps the wheel of

blessings turning! My gratitude comes from an understanding that what

I’ve achieved was not just the result of my own talents, skills and

ambitions. I have been blessed to be part of the co-creation process.

Whether it is the co-creation of a rosebush, a new job, an enhanced

relationship, the purchase of a house or anything else we desire, we can

manifest it when we: THINK, BELIEVE, LISTEN, ACT and

ACKNOWLEDGE. We can use this formula to partner with God and co-

create a life that is a garden of abundance.

Valleri Crabtree speaks on co-creating with God, meditation, and gratitude. Author of Universe Responding: A Spiritual Model for Life and Universe

Responding: A Spiritual Model for Economic Abundance, Valleri Crabtree is a frequent guest speaker at churches across the country. She is also the host of

Universe Responding on Unity Online Radio.

Reprinted with permission of Unity®, publisher of Daily Word®

Understanding: The ability to know, perceive,

comprehend and apprehend.

Affirmation: My understanding of Truth deepens and directs my life.

Charles Fillmore, Unity's co-founder, called our spiritual abilities the

"Twelve Powers." These spiritual abilities were perfectly expressed

by Jesus and are present in every person. We invite you to discover

how to put these Powers to work and create the life of your dreams.

July Unity Statement Unity believes in practically applying to daily living the principles taught by Jesus Christ. We believe that God is Spirit, as Jesus taught, and that we are spiritual beings as well as physical beings. As spiritual beings, we enjoy the eternality of soul, without beginning or end. As physical beings, we exercise the dominion granted us over our thoughts and feelings, knowing that in the perfecting of this authority, we may

heal all disharmony.

I am free. I am unlimited.

Unity Update July 2018 Page 6

Keep up with Unity of Topeka by following our

Facebook page at

facebook.com/TopekaUnity

Then, share our posts to help us spread the word of all Unity of Topeka has to

offer our community.

Volunteer: Garden Angel, Interfaith of Topeka Working together, we can create a better world for ourselves and others.

Share the abundant love in your life by volunteering to serve your Unity

of Topeka community. Call 785-478-1333.

Garden Angel

Michael Melton landed her dream job with new work hours, so she can

no longer serve as Garden Angel. We appreciate her years of service

keeping the rock garden in front of the church weeded and looking its

best. We’re now looking for someone with a green thumb who will

become our next Garden Angel.

Interfaith of Topeka

Mary Snyder had to step down from representing Unity of Topeka at

Interfaith of Topeka, so we're looking for a volunteer to replace her.

Interfaith of Topeka is a group of representatives from Topeka area faith

traditions. The meetings are at 7 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of every

month. Meetings are usually at the Topeka and Shawnee County Library.

Meetings include a period of faith sharing by a group member or a guest,

so it provides an opportunity to learn about other traditions. The group's

signature event is the Community Thanksgiving Service the Sunday

before Thanksgiving, where members of the various faith traditions

come together in common thanksgiving.

My body is a vessel

of life and energy. CUT HERE

Please take our survey. We need to hear from you.

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Unity of Topeka www.unity-of-topeka.org Page 7

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1

11 a.m. worthship with Sharon Kay Paula Adkins, Thomas Bogardus BL / 749-1125

2 Heather Ashton BL

3 Ginger Barr, Ed Carpenter BL / 256-2788

4 Sandy Mills BR Rosemary Torrez BR Gail Beale BL

5 Lisa Beebe BL / 220-3343

6 Kevin Webb BR Larry Brickhouse BL / 267-4547

7 Carol Brown BL / 317-0448

8

11 a.m. worthship with Sharon Kay Potluck lunch Annie Burnett BL

9 Michaela Butterworth BL / 310-947-1082

10 Cordie Zwiener BR Glenda Cafer BL / 271-7157

11 Mitzi Cafer BL / 408-5835

12

Ellen Caster BL / 256-2280

13

Tracey Christensen BL

14

Rebekah Clark BL / 479-244-5631

15

11 a.m. worthship

with Ben and Cheri Jamison OJ Coller BL / 431-6276

16

Alisa Mezger-Crawford, Chris, Valencia BL / 230-2169

17

Dennis Olson BR Melissa Cupp, Chris Korb, Olivia BL / 817-2685

18

Brenda Dageford, Maurie Blick BL / 233-0706

19

Carolyn Decker BL / 271-1235

20

Piper Olson BR Jon Warren Dietrich, Kim Gerhardt BL / 272-0363

21

Glenda Cafer BR Jamie Eldringhoff, Marjie BL / 640-4550

22

11 a.m. worthship with Sharon Dwyer Kim Olson BR Helen Epperly BL / 286-1808

23 Jan, Steve Ficke BL / 783-3669

24 Ed, Roberta Fischer BL / 249-9568

25 Michele Flanagan BL / 438-7635

26 Colleen Myers BR Vinci Flanagan BL / 273-4915

27 Patty, Joe Flower BL / 220-9332

28

Marcy Glassman BL / 273-4197

29

11 a.m. worthship with Rev. Jeniffer Hutchins Nancy, Roger Houck BL / 716-213-3189

30 Esther Luttrell BR Alta Hoffman BL / 478-0737

31

Michele Flanagan BR Polly Phinney-Holthaus, Genevieve BL / 231-9225

Every Sunday 9:35 a.m. Bible Study 11 a.m. Worthship; Youth Education; Nursery 12:45 p.m. Music team rehearsal

BR = birthday BL = blessing day

Blessing Days Unity Church of Christianity is blessing these dear ones this month. Each day, send blessings to the person listed, and maybe give them a call to let them know you are thinking of them on their special day. This uplifting activity blesses you and others. Consider it your special ministry of love. All telephone numbers are in the 785 area code, unless otherwise shown.

Blessing Days Unity Church of Christianity is blessing these dear ones this month. Each day, send blessings to the person listed, and maybe give them a call to let them know you are thinking of them on their special day. This uplifting activity blesses you and others. Consider it your special ministry of love. All telephone numbers are in the 785 area code, unless otherwise shown.

July 1 July 8 July 15 July 22 July 29

Sharon Kay

Power of

Forgiveness Unity teaches that what we focus on expands. What

level of consciousness is your forgiveness

targeting?

Sharon Kay

Live with Ease

and Grace How to break the cycle of expecting

life to be a struggle and begin to move with the

flow of life.

Ben and Cheri Jamison

I Belong to Life! Let's explore the depths of what it means to "belong

to Life," and practical spiritual practices to help

reconnect yourself with your Source.

Sharon Dwyer

Communicating

Mindfully Compassionate communication

allows us to speak from a centered

place when emotions are running high.

Rev. Jeniffer Hutchins

Wild Abundant

Joy Get ready to boldly embrace joy and

live life to the fullest when you step out of our comfort zones.

UNITY CHURCH OF CHRISTIANITY 9126 SW 10th Ave / PO Box 750658 Topeka, KS 66675-0658

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Unity Update, a monthly newsletter

Non-Profit Organization

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Permit No. 73

Topeka, Kansas

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