WORDS OF WISDOM…

Free of Judgment, Full of Love UNITY UPDATE

April 2015

“Smile, Happy looks

good on you”

~unknown

Staff

Rev. Carol Record, Minister

Mary Salerno, Administrator

Amber Holland, Admin. Assistant/ Youth Ed Director

Byron Holder, Music Director

Bob Snook, Pianist

Shari Pratt, Audio/Visual Technician

David Wilhite, Visual Technician

Kelly Grandjean, Bookstore Assoc.

Keith Bailey, Teacher

Brigitte Hughes, Teacher

Board of Directors

Bill Brecht, President

Cheryl Fairbanks, Vice-President

Juneria Berges, Secretary

Brigette Mann, Treasurer

Sue Elseewi, Member

Bill Parks, Member

Carol Record, Minister

Friend me on Facebook to get a daily message. Carol Hightower Record

Dear Friends, “Knowledge is standing outside understanding what is seen. Wisdom is standing at the center knowing what is not seen.” While I do not know the author of these words, I know the Truth of them. Wisdom is the spiritual power we focus on in the month of April. Jesus always taught the importance of using spiritual wisdom as the benchmark for our interactions in life, yet so often we want to use worldly standards by which to view them rather than spiritual ones. It may seem easier to react to a situation using a human approach than to respond in the manner of our inner Christ. We’re reminded Jesus always looked within the situation to find the Truth rather than relying on the perception of the physical eye to determine his conclusion. This is one of the ways in which he demonstrated the great overcoming in his own life. He saw not death but life in a new form…life that was unending. In this way, our Elder Brother walked through the crucifixion with the wisdom of a resurrection. Thus, we celebrate Easter. Easter is the time in which we, too, awaken more to the spiritual gift of wisdom. We are called to “see things right” rather than trying to set them right. No matter what the situation, to see the Christ of God within every person and every situation allows us to live in the eternal feeling of love and joy even if the outer events never change. How powerful! How freeing! Join us throughout this month as we engage in a deeper understanding of the wisdom of God within us that leads us to our own Easter morn where the tomb of darkness gives way to the light of a new beginning where we stand at the center and know what is not seen. We’ll be saving a place for you because it just isn’t the same without you. You are loved beyond measure,

Rev. Carol

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SUNDAY SERMON TALKS

APRIL – The Power of Wisdom

Disciple - James, the son of Zebedee

Location – Pit of Stomach

April 5 - Easter Sunday

April 12

“Choose You This Day Whom You Will Serve”

John 11:45-57 • Jesus followed his mission • The only way out is through • We are choice persons

April 19

Every Day is Judgment Day”

Matthew 25:32-46 • We name our experiences • God is not our judge • Every day is judgment day

April 26

“A Practical Guide to Decision Making”

Proverbs 8:6-11 • Unlearning is important • The Universe abhors a vacuum • The road turns with our feet

““CHIPOTLE SCALLOPED CHIPOTLE SCALLOPED

POTATOESPOTATOES””

Ingredients: •1/2 c. half-and-half •2 garlic cloves, chopped •1 1/2 tsp kosher salt •1 canned chipotle chile in adobo sauce •1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper •1/8 tsp ground nutmeg •2 1/2 c. whipping cream •Vegetable cooking spray •3 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/8-inch slices •1 c. (4 oz.) shredded sharp white Cheddar cheese •4 strips cooked bacon, crumbled

Directions: • Preheat oven to 400°. Process first 6 ingredients in a blender or food processor

until smooth. Transfer mixture to a medium bowl, and stir in whipping cream. • Lightly grease a 13- x 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Spread one-fourth of

potatoes in a single layer in prepared dish; top with one-fourth of cream mixture. Repeat layers three more times with remaining potatoes and cream mixture.

• Bake, covered, at 400° for 50 minutes. Uncover and sprinkle with cheese and

bacon. Bake 20 minutes or until lightly browned and bubbly. Let stand 10 minutes.

GOOD FRIDAY Friday, April 3

7:00 pm

L O V E O F F E R I N G D I N N E R 6:00 pm - 6:45 pm

Sign up at the Information Center or RSVP to mary@unitychurchgrapevine.org.

Join us as we reflect on the Easter story and its meaning in our lives. We’ll have communion on Thursday. Friday we’ll focus on crossing out any past error thinking and prepare to awaken to a new way of being. Youth Ed will have their own service during each of these times.

MAUNDY THURSDAY Thursday, April 2

7:00 pm

METAPHYSICAL BIBLE

INTERPRETATION

Every Tuesday 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Come explore and discuss the Bible while applying it to your daily life. This is an informal time of sharing.

Each class is self-contained and childcare is not provided.

SEEK & YE SHALL FIND Sunday, Apri l 5 @ 10:10 am

Bring your Easter basket and prepare for a hunt to remember. The Easter Bunny will be here too! (PHOTO OP) We need all the help we can get, so parents please plan to stay and help your little bunny hop around and fill their basket with goodies!

WOWWOW Sunday, April 19Sunday, April 19

12:00 pm12:00 pm

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This is a great way to give back to the church by just shopping! We’re registered on Amazon Smile, a

program where Amazon donates .05% of the purchase price of eligible products to the charitable organization selected by you. When you shop on Amazon, all you need to do is log into http://smile.amazon.com and shop there as you normally would, designating us as your charity. Search for Unity Church of Northeast Tarrant County.

FROM THE BOARD

The month of April immediately resurfaces the memories of wonderful spring days bursting forth with energy, brilliance, glorious sunshine and joy. As I spent moments in thought, these descriptors immediately came to mind: Astounding Beauty, Prosperity, Rebirth, Imagination, and Love. At this time of the year we are keenly aware of our world’s astounding beauty everywhere. As I type, my imagination takes me on a trip to a gorgeous theatre, a huge velvet curtain slowly rising as if under the compelling spell of the melodious music, a marvelously captivating view is unveiled with a rainbow stretching across the light filled blue sky, the green grass is refreshed and energized, an abundance of budding trees provide a pleasant aroma, flowers are glowing with color, and the wonderful sound of children’s laughter is nearing from afar. We are so greatly blessed in our day to day world. We are prosperous! God has greatly blessed us with a world filled with beauty, joy, happiness, peace, and love! We only need to take the time to stop, look and listen! God has provided each of us the choice to absorb the beauty and vastness of our prosperity. April also is a time which has been provided for us to go within and experience a rebirth of our spiritual self. Through this process one experiences the awakening of a higher level of spiritual consciousness accompanied by deeper faith that all things are possible, words are things, peace resides at all times, our love capacity is unlimited, and forgiveness is an uplifting blessing. May each of you experience the loving presence of Father Mother God and take time to live in the NOW. Love Abounds! Through your accepting and experiencing the pure joy of spiritual growth and greater understand, the glorious horizon beams with the precious light of our Father Mother God! Love each of you, Juneria Berges

You’re invited to the Center of Unity

Sunday, May 3 3:00 - 5:00 pm

El Fenix 401 Hwy 114, Grapevine

Food ● Fun ● Friends

Volunteers may bring guests for $15.00, to be paid in advance of the party. Sign up at the Information Center by April 26 to be included. See you there!

CARE TEAM

“The giving of love is an education in itself.”

Eleanor Roosevelt

Have you wondered, especially if you’re new, “who are these Care Team people, and how do I know who will be in the Prayer Room?” Your Care Team consists of:

Cathy Woods Charlotte Winton Cynthia Harnest Elaine Murphy Gigi Johnson

Jennifer Brecht Juneria Berges Lori Elhardt Madeline Losito Mary Salerno

Roger Redding Sharon Crowder Sue Elseewi Susan Cassaday

Staffing for the Prayer Room is done quarterly; if you wish to know who will be in the Prayer Room on any Sunday between now and the end of June, check with Mary Salerno. Between us, we have years of Care Team experience and a lot more life experience. Please join us in the Prayer Room so we may pray with you! Prayer Line 817-251-2341

Bring a sack lunch and join us in Fellowship Hall where Susan Spradlin will discuss the day’s project: enjoying some fresh air and sunshine while sprucing up the flower beds and walkways at the church entrance. This is our opportunity to serve Center of Unity in a very practical way. Bring a friend and your gardening clothes, gloves, towel for kneeling and any tools you have, ex: trowels, rakes, hoes or garden shears.

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SPAM SUNDAY April 26

Drop off SPAM or other food items in Fellowship Hall to donate to the GRACE Food Pantry.

April 5 - “What is the Still Small

Voice?”

April 12 - “How Can I Hear You With

All This Noise In My Head?”

April 19 - “What Choice Do I Have?”

April 26 - “Head & Heart Working

Together”

Amber Holland, Youth Ed Director

The YOU is now collecting items for their

Operation Christmas Child project. Simply drop off your donations in the Christmas box

in Fellowship Hall.

April 1 - 30 we’re collecting:

HYGIENE PRODUCTS

for example: washcloths, soap, deodorant, kleenex, wipes,

toothpaste, toothbrushes, etc. small enough to fit in a shoebox

Nursery: Truth for Tots

3 yrs. - YOU: “A Celebration of

Our 12 Powers”

THE APRIL POWER IS WISDOM

We’re looking for someone to take the monthly photo

booth pictures as well as at special church events throughout the year.

You don’t have to be a professional, just a have an

enthusiasm! The camera will be provided. If you’re interested, please call 817-488-1008 or email

amber@unitychurchgrapevine.org

Volunteer Corner

Lori Elhardt began attending Center of Unity in the fall of 2013 when her friend, Anna Lanham, urged her to attend and she’s never looked back. Lori says, “I’m so thankful that I found this church.”

Lori attended the first membership class available to her that fall and immediately became a member. She began volunteering about six months ago, first as an Ambassador, greeting new folks and showing them around our church. Then, Lori attended Care Team training and was installed as a member in December; most recently, she became a member of the Sunday band, playing guitar at the 10:10 service. When asked what she enjoys about her volunteer work, Lori said, “It makes my heart feel good! I feel more than full when I serve. I’m fulfilled.” When she’s away from her spiritual home Lori enjoys a variety of activities. Among her interests are yoga, playing guitar, painting and travel. She also likes to garden and cook but, most of all, Lori loves spending time with her sweet companion, Zavvie, pictured with her here, and with her family in Washington state and Texas. Lori feels that Center of Unity truly embraces its motto, “Free of judgment, full of love.” We’re just as happy that Lori found her way to us as she is. With her loving heart, her winning personality and her warm smile, we are truly blessed with Lori’s presence. She’d love to meet you so if you haven’t already done so, be sure to stop and say “hi”.

CHRISTENINGS Sunday, April 19

10:10 am If you wish to have your child take part in this ceremony please contact the office at 817-488-1008 with their name, date and place of birth and parents names by Wednesday, April 15 or return the form below. Child’s Name: ________________________

Date of Birth: ________________________

Place of Birth: ________________________

Parents Names: ______________________

____________________________________

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“Like” Center of Unity to join chats and receive words of wisdom.

Follow us on twitter @RevCarolRecord

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

YOUTH ED: Austin Woosley 03 Kyle Dolezal 04 Lauren Hargreaves 05 Sarah Halferty 07 Dylan Fletcher 10 Joseph Ray 10 Kaitlin Johnson 12 Zander Cosgrove 13 Gene Visor 13 Sloan Bergin 15 Lola Holland 19 Anna Kelly 23 Spencer Diermeier 24 Nathan Salter 24 Natalie Iafrate 25 Andrew Roecker 25 Oliver Thornsby 26

ADULTS: Scott Mason 03 Dwayne Taylor 04 Chris Drinkard 07 Jake Pannell 07 Stephen Thornton 07 Cynthia Harnest 13 Barbara Parks 13 Anne Rumzek 17 Lucy Ceraldi 19 Madeline Losito 19 Jerry Allen 28 Suzanne Engum 28 Christina DiFonzo 30

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

Rory & Diane Divin 04 Bob & Susie Marshall 04 Thom & Margie Jones 12 Bill & Debby Abitz 17

SUNDAY, APRIL 5

step right up and get

your photo with the

EASTER BUNNY!

APRIL 1 - 30

20% OFF YARD & GARDEN DÉCOR

________________________________________________________

BOGO SUNDAY, APRIL 12

BUY ONE, GET ONE 50% OFF

STUFFED ANIMALS

WEDNESDAY NIGHT CLASSES

Stay tuned for a list of classes

John Rouzer will be teaching this year. More to come once

dates and subject matter are

known.

PHOTO BOOTH

We are launching our new ONE, “Our New Earnings,” program that will offer our congregants a convenient way to shop while supporting the church. Simply put, we buy pre-activated gift cards from one central

location for a variety of stores and vendors. Our purchases are made at a discounted price and we’ll sell them in the gift and bookstore at face value.

We’ll always have some cards on hand, but soon we’ll have an order form for you to complete and turn in with your payment. Orders will be placed regularly – probably every 2 weeks.

We have some great volunteers who will help with sales and with administering the program. Marilyn Browne, Amanda Selvarajan, Donna Shearer, Susan Spradlin and Cathy Woods. We’re finding our way with this program but are excited about the increased revenue to our General Fund. We all have to shop anyway; so why not support our spiritual home while you do it? Thank you, Charlotte Winton, for bringing this program to our attention.

We’re starting with a small order limited We’re starting with a small order limited to a handful of stores, listed here:to a handful of stores, listed here:

Gift CardsGift Cards

Not just for gift Not just for gift purchases... You can use purchases... You can use

the cards to buy your the cards to buy your groceries, do home groceries, do home

improvements, or for your improvements, or for your general shopping needs.general shopping needs.

Vendor Quantity Face Value

Amazon 10 25.00

AMC 5 25.00

B&N 5 10.00

Cinemark 5 25.00

Chili’s 10 25.00

Central Mkt HEB Card 5 25.00

Lowes 10 25.00

Home Depot 10 25.00

Starbucks 10 25.00

Old Navy 5 25.00

Wal-Mart 10 25.00

Children's Place 5 25.00

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The foundation of our philosophy stands upon the belief in a Higher Power in the universe seeking fuller expression in our lives. “It is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” As we are more fully expressed, so is God.

This year, the 22 members who have joined the Unexpected Income Program have collectively

received $6,790.00 on top of their

normal income!

They share their tithes and we are grateful. We continue to know the Universe is abundant and always giving to us.

Join us in this awareness by becoming part of this program. Forms are available in the entrance foyer.

ngu Young adults, ages 18-25, continuing our spiritual journey in a fun, relaxed atmosphere.

Bring your friends and share ideas as we delve into life, applying basic Unity principles, meditation and conversation.

Next Generation Unity A Community of Peers

Sundays at 10:10 am

Each week a volunteer leads a Discussion Group focusing on Rev. Carol's 3 talking points from the previous week's service. Discussions are informal and look at ways to apply the points to every day life. If you missed the previous Sunday, this is a wonderful way to hear what others have to say about the service. Maybe you attended and don’t understand a certain concept or phrase. Bring that to the group to hear other perspectives. There is not one way of understanding anything. This group offers the opportunity to explore various viewpoints.

DISCUSSION GROUP Sundays at 9:30 am

SATURDAY, APRIL 4

9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Plan to join us for some Spring cleaning of our spiritual home. It’s a worthwhile project and just in time for Easter! We need help inside and out; lists will be provided so come early to be assured you’ll be able to sign up for your favorite inside cleaning or outside maintenance project. Donuts and coffee will be provided! Sign up at the Information Center. Yoga will meet in the large classroom that day.

T R E E O F L I F E T R E E O F L I F E T R E E O F L I F E With spring comes new growth and at Center of Unity the growth is not limited to plants. Our Tree of Life has grown considerably over the years and it continues to do so. This permanent home for honoring loved ones is a perfect way to show someone that you care. The plaque you choose and the inscription you select can be like a big hug for an individual who is important to you, so take a brochure for additional information or see Jennifer Brecht or Mary Salerno for assistance.

Women of wisdom

Saturday, April 18

This month the Book Club will be hosted by Sharon Steele and we’re reading “Working Stiff” by Judy Melinek.

Contact Sharon Steele at 817-991-1945 for information on the time and location.

“Silently, one by one, in the “Silently, one by one, in the “Silently, one by one, in the infinite meadows of heaven, infinite meadows of heaven, infinite meadows of heaven, blossomed the lovely stars, the blossomed the lovely stars, the blossomed the lovely stars, the forgetforgetforget---mememe---nots of the angels.”nots of the angels.”nots of the angels.”

~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Join the Unexpected Income Program

Schedule of Events

April 2015

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2

6:00 - 6:45 pm Dinner, RSVP

7:00 pm

Maundy Thursday

3 Office Closed

6:00 - 6:45 pm Dinner, RSVP

7:00 pm

Good Friday

4 9:00 am

Yoga

9:00 am - Noon Spring Clean Day

5 HAPPY EASTER

8:15 am - Country Truth

9:30 am - Discussion Group

10:10 am Easter Egg Hunt

Photo Booth

6 7 11:30 am

Metaphysical Bible Study

World Health Day

8 9 10 Office Closed

11 9:00 am

Yoga

12 8:15 am - Country Truth

9:30 am - Discussion Group

10:10 am “Choose You This Day Whom

You Will Serve”

BOGO SALE

13

14 11:30 am

Metaphysical Bible Study

15

Tax Day

16 17 Office Closed

18 9:00 am

Yoga

WOW Book Club

19 8:15 am - Country Truth

9:30 am - Discussion Group

10:10 am “Every Day Is Judgment Day”

Christening

12:00 pm

20 21 11:30 am

Metaphysical Bible Study

22

Earth Day

23

24 Office Closed

Arbor Day

25 9:00 am

Yoga

26 8:15 am - Country Truth

9:30 am - Discussion Group

10:10 am “A Practical Guide to Decision

Making”

SPAM Sunday

27 28 11:30 am

Metaphysical Bible Study

29 30

Center of Unity 1650 Hughes Road, P.O. Box 667

Grapevine, TX 76051

www.centerofunity.org

Our Mission Statement: We accept and support all people as we live universal truths of unconditional love, prayer, abundance and service.

Our Vision: We are a prominent spiritual and holistic center for inspiration and transformation.

Pg. 2 HOLY WEEK THURSDAY, APRIL 2 & FRIDAY, APRIL 3 We’ll have communion on Thursday. Friday we’ll focus on crossing out any past error thinking and prepare to awaken to a new way of being. Youth Ed will have their own service during each of these times.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE...

February General Fund

Income: $25,551.63 Expenses: $29,464.70

YTD General Fund

Income: $53,024.96 Expenses: $61,047.50

God is the Source of Center of Unity. We are lavishly

prospered in all ways. Thank you, God!

Pg. 4 CHRISTENINGS SUNDAY, APRIL 19 10:10 am If you wish to have your child take part in this ceremony

please contact the office at 817-488-1008 by April 15.

Pg. 2 SEEK & YE SHALL FIND SUNDAY, APRIL 5 10:10 am Bring your Easter basket and prepare for a hunt to remember. The Easter Bunny will be here too!

Pg. 6 SATURDAY, APRIL 4 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Plan to join us for some Spring cleaning of our spiritual home. It’s a worthwhile project and just in time for Easter!