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Board Happenings
Dear Unity North Community,
The Board is looking for someone who is willing to start learning the financial ropes of the Treasurer role, as Julie Miller’s third year in the position is coming to a close this November. Serving on the Board requires a three-year commitment, and you would start working with Julie Miller soon to understand the financial program that we use. Working alongside Julie will allow a longer learning curve for ease of transition next fall. Please consider this wonderful opportunity to serve our spiritual community, and contact any of the Board members if you have questions. Your Board members are the following: Wendy Erickson – President; Nancy Helvig – Vice President; Julie Gardner – Secretary; Julie Miller – Treasurer; the remaining trustees are Anne Hagen, Mike Flan, Noel Labine, and Will Hale, with Marie Speakman and Moira Bailey sharing the position of Y.O.U. representative.
At our last two meetings we have dealt with the normal day-to-day business of managing a church. Some of the things we addressed are the following:
- Our lovely Marlys Henke remembered our church in her will, and we received a gift from her estate in January, which we applied to our mortgage. We were also gifted with a tithe of stock and have been filling out the required paperwork to complete that transaction.
- Our office computer equipment needs to be updated – the equipment is old enough that we can’t apply any more software upgrades, and we are going to lose support in the near future (never a good thing!!). Chris Italiano researched this and provided the Board with a great deal of information, and we are looking at those recommendations (which include some serious cost savings for software upgrades!).
- The building maintenance team reported that they are moving forward to replace some ceiling tiles. We also have to address that our on-demand water heater does not have a large enough capacity, so that is under research. The committee will also be looking at our handicap door mechanism, which we were told is not working from outside.
- Chris Italiano and Sheena Ronnebaum looked at our sound system and did tweaking (a recommended bug fix), so as of February 8 the problem should have been resolved!
- The credit card machine is going to go out of support as well, and the financial committee is looking at replacements for those transactions, as well as a more efficient method of separating out the bookstore transactions on the machine.
- Every quarter we review the organizations to which we tithe. If you have suggestions regarding our tithes, please make sure to let a Board member know, and it will be brought up at the next meeting.
Obviously, there are many more day-to-day activities, but these are some of the highlights.
Financials:
Dec. 2014 Total Income......$13,683.67
Dec. 2014 Total Expense......$10,033.99
Dec. 2014 Net Income......$ 3,649.68
Jan. 2015 Total Income......$ 20,892.95
Jan. 2015 Total Expense......$14,892.79
Jan. 2015 Net Income......$ 6,000.16
Remember, we are here to serve this community, so contact any Board member with anything you are concerned about, have questions over, or just feel the Board needs to know.
In gratitude,
Wendy Erickson
Board President
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Children's Corner
Our Uniteens are beginning the final chapter using the Force this March. They will begin watching and exploring the use of the Force with the last of the first three Star Wars movies. The group has really enjoyed this journey into the great beyond as they look within.
We are finishing our Tales of Wonder lesson in March. We have enjoyed fables and tales from the “Rough Face Girl" (a Native American Cinderella story) to "The Elves and the Shoemaker". We are learning about making a difference with “Kindness” and “My Words Have Power”. We are using a variety of media sources and, as always, our Music Man, Will Hale, leads us forward with fun and music.
On March 22, we begin our Easter curriculum. Then we begin our last unit of study for the year, "Nemo, Swimming Through Life,” on the 12th of April.
We are having such fun looking at old and relatively new tales and stories to provide us with life lessons and human and spiritual insights. We hope to see you and your children in the coming months.
With gratitude,
Your dedicated teaching team at UNSC.
Brenda McNallan
Director of Spiritual Education for Children
bren.mcnallan@gmail.com
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Family Table News:
Our first Family Table meal for 2015 was on Thursday, January 22. We served 60 ham and scalloped potatoes meals. Thank you to the 19 volunteers who came to assist in the setup, cooking, serving, and cleanup of this dinner. Through the generous donations of the hams, the cost was only 92 cents per meal. Where else can you get such a fantastic meal and enjoy fellowship at this price?!!!
There are many ways that you can help us with the Family Table. One way, of course, would be by being one of our gracious volunteers – whether you help set up the table, assist in the preparation of the meal, greet our guests, or help clean up. We work very hard to keep the costs of the meals down. In 2014, our meals averaged just under $200. You can make a donation by dropping a check in the Love Donation box in the back of the sanctuary. Be sure to put “Family Table” on your comment line.
Food Shelf:
Please help us keep the food shelf stocked by picking up an item list off the Outreach Bulletin Board or by donating money. We have noticed some changes in the people’s needs for particular items so we are in the process of re-vamping the program to better fit our community’s needs. Watch for further updates through Unity North’s Facebook page or website.
Teddy Bears:
Our next Teddy Bear Blessing is March 22. (Normally it would be on the 29th, which is the 5th Sunday; however, the 29th is Palm Sunday and Dale Allen Hoffman is speaking at both services.) Now is the perfect time to be on the lookout for those stuffed animals that need a child to love. Just a reminder, these donations should be no larger than 12 inches and preferably new due to health issues.
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We are always looking for more people to serve on the Outreach Committee. If you are looking for a new way to be of service, talk to any of us about what that means and how you can help.
Outreach Committee Team:
Barb Green
Donna Snyder
Elinor Deemer
Falline Sundquist
Kathleen Bailey (co-chair)
Mary Sorenson (co-chair)
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Family Promise
We just wrapped up our first 2015 hosting week – and a great big shout-out to all those who volunteered. For this week Unity North and Glen Cary (our partner church) clocked in almost 350 hours of volunteering with over 50 individuals!!! WOW!!! Thank you – this is amazing. During our host week we provided food, shelter and fellowship to 3 families; 5 adults and 6 children. And as I write this letter, I am happy to pass on to everyone that 2 of the families have found housing! This is such wonderful news to receive – it shows what a fantastic and successful program Family Promise is here in Anoka County!!!
Our next scheduled date to host is May 3 through May 10. Watch for the sign-up sheet to be available in the beginning of April.
Just a reminder: If you are planning to volunteer for Family Promise, everyone must fill out a Volunteer Application and attend a training session. This training session is approximately 1 hour long, depending upon the number in attendance and the questions that may be raised. At this time there is no training session scheduled. If you would like to volunteer and have not attended a training session or would simply enjoy a refresher (!), please contact Kathleen Bailey at 763-442-1825. There are opportunities that can be scheduled at Unity North. If you have any questions, please contact Kathleen.
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Classes, Workshops, Events
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We are gathering in loving support of all the members of our community who are in CHANGE, to grieve and let go as part of moving forward into more LIFE! So if you're not sure if this is for you, consider what I've written below, and if you're still not sure, I am encouraging you to come and watch and listen in support of others. You are not required to participate beyond being a loving witness, and your supportive presence will make a positive difference.
In the fast flow of life today, with everything changing, I invite you to seriously consider the following:
- The field of everything is energy/God expressing at different frequencies.
- Some have come to believe that grief is a negative emotion and should be avoided. Unexpressed emotion keeps us linked to the past events and interferes with our ability to be all that we can be here and now.
- Emotions are the last piece of an experience. Have you found your support to finish the emotional piece of the letting-go process so you can move forward, or is something holding you where you are and interfering with your access to the joy of present-day life?
- Grief is a part of leaving behind the old life to move to know greater Joy, Love and Peace now.
I believe when we come together with the intent to help on a spiritual level, we bring out the spiritual best in each other, and wonderful healing things happen in the collaborative process.
This is my invitation to you. Come join with others, in the safety and support of our community, to explore this great healer.
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with Carol Kniskern
Wednesdays,
March 4, 11, 18, 2015
7:40 PM - 9:00 PM
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Come learn or review the history and basic teachings of the Unity Movement. We will also explore how Unity North Spiritual Center came to be, how it is organized and run, and who makes it all go ’round.
You may choose to join as a formal member of our community when the class is completed. Membership is required in order to vote on major issues presented at the annual meeting and also to serve on the Board of Trustees.
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Forward thinkers and scientists have shared that humankind is in the midst of evolving into a new species. This change has brought with it an opportunity to shift into a new paradigm of existence, very different from what we have experienced to date as a human family. These changes are being driven by the expansion of consciousness, knowledge and ability to levels never before reached by humanity. However, what does this really mean? How does one know if they are ready for a paradigm shift, or are even in alignment with it?
This seminar will use lecture, self-reflection, discussion and experiential exercises to share why it is important to be invested in being part of this shift, and the role reclaiming choice has in that process. Participants will learn the fundamental nature of the new paradigm so they can assist in cultivating it in their everyday lives. The intention is to enable the conscious, forward movement of humanity, one person at a time.
Gretchen Hansen is passionate about removing the veils of illusion which keep humanity in pain and separation. She enjoys sharing the information and insights she has learned from her own growth process through her speeches, seminars and now her first book, Reclaiming Choice: Awakening Peace and Power from Within. Gretchen feels humanity is at a crucial threshold where it is possible to shift into a more peaceful and sustainable paradigm of existence. However, this will not happen until enough individuals choose to be part of this change. She is devoted to doing her part in facilitating this shift for those who feel drawn to her teaching. Expect to come away feeling more awake, aware and inspired about your future and that for all of humanity.
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Channeled Readings from a Variety of Perspectives
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The Sistrum is a collective of voices from enlightened people who feel called to be of service to humanity. At every Sistrum channeling session, there is an opportunity for each attendee to ask his or her question of the panel. By providing a panel of channelers in each group session, a variety of perspectives are heard.
We welcome you to come sit in the energy of Light, Love and Connection. Let the energies lift your vibration, inviting you to awaken to your own inner wisdom, while receiving answers to your questions of life.
Channeling is information that comes through the higher perspective of Spirit. You already have the answers within your soul. Allow us to help you connect to them and support your own ability to find answers within.
If you wish to contact The Sistrum:
Laurie McConnell
lorimacmn@gmail.com (651) 436-5540
Michelle Case
casemm01@comcast.net (612) 214-5785
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Unity North Book Club
7:00 PM
Culver's
611 Coon Rapids Blvd. NW
Coon Rapids, MN 55433
(intersection of Foley Blvd. & Coon Rapids Blvd.)
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City of God by E.L. Doctorow
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The book club will not meet in the summer but will resume in September.
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with Carol Kniskern
Friday, March 13 - Sunday, March 15, 2015
Friday, 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Saturday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
$100
There is one scholarship available. See Carol.
Click here for a printable flyer |
Join us for what could well be the most transformative weekend you've enjoyed in many years.
- Forgive to open yourself to prosperity.
- Forgive to remove blocks to healing your body and your life.
- Forgive to free yourself from nagging anger, resentments, and regrets.
- Forgive to ease the power and pain of addiction.
- Forgive to allow a deeper experience of Spirit in your daily life.
- Forgive to create more fulfilling, more mature and satisfying relationships.
This method, originally developed by Dr. Edith Stauffer, provides a "whole" experience in forgiveness. The transformations that result are felt in the physical body and are permanent.
Continue the deepening of non-violence in your life by learning to forgive.
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Sunday, March 15, 2015
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Sunday, April 19, 2015
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
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Free family entertainment!!
Unity North will now be hosting one family movie per month. On Sunday, March 15, we will show The Brave Little Toaster in the Fellowship Hall. The movie will be followed by games and activities for all. Adults are welcome too! There is no age limit for the kids. However, they should be old enough to sit through an average-length movie. Sign-up is helpful, but not required. If we know how many people to expect, we will be sure to have enough popcorn and supplies for activities.
We are excited to share some family time together. We hope to see you there.
Please contact Rhonda Italiano at 763-442-1780 with questions or movie suggestions.
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Wednesday, March 18
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
(instead of the Wednesday service)
Love Offering
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Our Spring Equinox celebration this year is the day after Saint Patrick’s Day.
This holiday, placed on the 17th of March, was designed to coincide with and, it was hoped, to replace the Druid celebration of the Spring Equinox (March 20 this year).
Just as the Druids, all native cultures take some time to celebrate these changes on the earth – the rebirth of nature and the balance of the universe when the day and night are equal in length.
This is the time to awaken our bodies and souls to be aligned with the Universal Energy, and as a community, we can make this time much more powerful by participating in this shamanic ritual while we sing, pray and drum.
For questions, email Ximena at xortizza@hotmail.com.
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Saturday, March 28, 2015
6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
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Moving Meditation
- Moving meditation – light stretching led by Deb Fournier.
- Wear comfortable clothing and be ready to move gently.
- Bring drum, rattle, sacred object, and finger food to share.
For questions, call Leah at 651-472-3995.
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Sunday, March 29
Palm Sunday, with Dale Allen Hoffman
8:45 am - Dale Allen Hoffman
11:00 am - Dale Allen Hoffman
Afternoon workshop
Wednesday, April 1
Dances of Universal Peace
7:00 pm - Will Hale
Thursday, April 2
Elemental Communion
6:00 pm and 7:30 pm
(sign up on sheet in Narthex)
Friday, April 3
Good Friday
7:00 pm Service
Sunday, April 5
Easter Sunday
8:45 am and 11:00 am Services
Easter Egg Hunt after the 11:00 am service
Potluck Lunch
Drumming
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How is Mary Magdalene connected to Horus, Osiris and the ancient Egyptian Temple of ISIS as well as to INANA – the Sumerian goddess of love, fertility and warfare?
Startling insights from the Gospels of Thomas, Philip, Mary Magdalene and The Gospel of Mark about the casting out of seven demons
Learn about the misogynist removal of the Divine Feminine from the original Aramaic and Greek Yeshua (Jesus) teachings
Experience transformational Aramaic vocal toning to reawaken the Divine Feminine through the intimate Realization of the Sacred Xristos Within
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Aramaic was the common spoken language throughout the Middle East at the time of Jesus and was the tongue in which he expressed his teachings. The Aramaic Lord's Prayer presents a whole cycle of renewal. Each line could have several translations into English, each of them a meditation and contemplation in itself. This will be an opportunity to personally rediscover the mystical roots of the words of Jesus.
The Dances of Universal Peace are an interfaith gathering, blending sacred phrases, chant, music and movement into a living experience of unity and sacred community. No experience necessary.
For more information visit www.peacedancemn.com
Or contact Will Hale at 651-307-3849 or will@willhale.com
Please arrive 5 minutes early – we want to start on time and be able to hold a sacred place for our prayers.
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Metaphysics is about going beyond the surface of things to see what may be standing under our beliefs and circumstances. What do we believe? What is truth? Join us on Sunday mornings as we delve into these discussions.
Unity’s co-founder, Charles Fillmore, was very clear that we always need to be open to new thoughts and new ideas. However, he also taught that we need to have something to anchor us. That something was Truth. Metaphysics will give us the tools to find that truth for ourselves.
Note: This class is ongoing. Participants will help decide when it ends.
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Used books wanted!
Now accepting used books to donate to the April Used Book Sale. (See subject matter in the next announcement.) Your used books can be left on the table in the small room next to where the coffee is served in the Fellowship Hall. Each person who brings in used books will receive a certificate for 50% off the purchase of a maximum of 5 books.
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A Sampling of Used Books:
Metaphysical; World Religions; New Age; New Thought; Shamanic; Bible Studies; Inspirational; Past Lives; Medium; Channeling; Death and Dying; Personal Development; Reference; A Course in Miracles; Crystals; Health & Wellness; Energy Healing; Divination; Peace, Prayer; Meditation; The Shift; Channeled; Mystics; Occult; etc.
Adults, Teens & Children’s books, DVDs, CDs, Spiritual Cinema, some “objects” of interest.
USED books $3.50 or less
NEW books in our bookstore at deeply discounted prices for one day only.
Come…Join us at Unity North Spiritual Center for a beverage and a snack while you explore used books brought to you by the members of the Unity North Spiritual Center community and the Unity North Bookstore.
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 We live on an amazing planet. We make choices every day about recycling, composting and dozens of other things, in an effort to be kind to the environment. There is actually more that we can do to take care of our planet on an energetic level. Ask yourself, is it time to take these practices to an even deeper level? Join us as we learn the art of alchemy.
If you already have a copy of Medicine for the Earth, please bring it with you. Copies of Sandra Ingerman’s books will be available for purchase during our class.
Please note, there are shamanic elements to this workshop. However, journey experience is not required. This class is open to everyone. Please see additional details on the flyer.
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Want to offer a class or workshop?
Want to see a class offered on a particular topic?
Please contact Ann Mongeau to schedule a workshop or class at Unity North Spiritual Center.
If you are interested in a topic and would like a workshop or class about it, please let Ann know.
(763) 300-9811 or events@unitynorthmn.org.
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Saturday, May 2
Doors open at 8:30 AM
Sessions are 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
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Good For You Day is now an annual event! Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 2, 2015.
We will have many of our favorites providing energy work and readings, with some new practitioners as well. We will have a class by teacher and author Marian Bayer on “Angels and Spirit Guides” from 10 a.m. until noon. We will be adding the Amethyst Bio Mat to the event along with Thai Massage, Tuning Forks, Shamanic Journeys, Access and many more experiences. Plan to eat breakfast or lunch or both at the Good For You Café.
Information on the event will be in the Narthex starting Sunday, March 29, along with the popular Good For You free sessions raffle!
Tell your friends and family to save the date too!
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Day Rally for the Adults of Unity North
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Saturday, May 16
Save the date to attend a day rally put on by the Y.O.U. for the adults of Unity North.
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Saturday, May 30
Sunday, May 31
Click the heading for a printable flyer.
Watch for more details in the May-August Newsletter.
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First three Wednesdays of every month
5:00pm - 7:30pm: Palal: An evening of healing and prayer
4th Wednesday of every month
5:00pm - 6:00pm: Hope Wednesday
7:00pm: Y.O.U.-led meditation
7:00pm: Y.O.U.
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8:00am - 1:30pm: Acupuncture with Ann Mongeau
9:00am - 1:00pm: Massage with Steve Walker
5:00pm - 6:30pm: Family Table Meal (typically the 4th Thursday of the month only - check the calendar to confirm)
7:15pm - 9:00pm: Men's Group (2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month only)
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7:00pm - 9:00pm: Game Night (1st Friday in March; 2nd Friday in April.)
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For current details about all events at Unity North Spiritual Center, please visit www.unitynorthmn.org/calendar.
If you wish to schedule a new event or change an event that is already scheduled - whether it’s a class, rehearsal, or a gathering - please contact Ann Mongeau at:
events@unitynorthmn.org or (763) 300-9811
This is necessary so that there are no scheduling surprises.
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