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I CAN’T LET MY HAIR DOWN; IT’S FULL OF SPRAY

FAMILY DAY FEATURED FUN, FUN AND FUN!

Parents as Spiritual Mentors

BEST MOMMY

TREASURE AWAITS AT VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

ARE YOU READY?

FELLOWSHIP HALL GETS A FACELIFT

MY AZALEAS ARE BLOOMING and I am struggling to keep up with removing the leaves and other debris from the oak trees that surround my house. And of course, it is the heavy allergy season. Although there are times when I feel the effects of the tree pollen, I remind myself that this too, shall pass.

The spring season is evidence that life springs forth in full resurrection and is being restored in magical and wonderful ways. Werner von Braun wrote, “Nature does not know extinction; all it knows is transformation. Everything science has taught me strengthens my belief in a continuity of our spiritual existence after death."

It is the Lenten season, which is a time of spiritual preparation before Easter Sunday. Like Spring, Easter symbolizes resurrection, a triumph over death and all material limitations. It is a moment in our lives when we realize that we are Spirit or consciousness with bodies, rather than bodies with consciousness. Easter does not ignore the physical or objective side, but it does signify that the subjective consciousness in us is that which creates and gives life to what we see as an objective appearance.

Easter says that life is eternal and that when you turn to Spirit, your material life is transformed and even resurrected. Life is a continuous death and rebirth process, and each one of us in our lives has experienced that our greatest "rebirths" have come after our greatest "sufferings." The divine process is always at work. All we need is faith, trust, patience and surrender to our own Higher Consciousness.

As you celebrate this Easter, rejoice in the knowingness of eternal life. Realize that each time you let go of fear and doubt, you dispel the darkness and allow the light to shine forth...and you are resurrected again...and for this let all of us be grateful.

“When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable and the mortal with the immortal, then the saying that is written will come true: 'Death has been swallowed up in victory.’”
1Corinthians 15:53-54

Rev Allen Moss

I RECENTLY ATTENDED MY SECOND SILENT RETREAT. Just like my first, it was a wonderful, nurturing experience, which I resisted all the way to the retreat center.

I highly recommend silent retreats for everyone, especially people like me: extreme extroverts. Being an extreme extrovert, I resist being away from people and staying silent for long periods of time. Extroverts tend to draw energy from working with and being accepted by other people.

Silent retreats are excellent for recharging my batteries, great for letting my hair down. Silent retreats also provide an excellent opportunity to discover core issues. During this retreat, there were other groups at the center and my “people pleasing core issue” raised its head at our shared meal times.

The retreat center had very thoughtfully seated me at a table by myself away from the other groups, however, that wasn’t enough for me. Suddenly, I had a need to let people know I was intentionally silent, not rude. I made a sign that said “Hi, I am on a silent retreat; please don’t think I’m being rude, just silent.” My “people pleasing core issue” forced me to create a way to seek approval. Looking back, I have to laugh about my sign, which I used only once.

What others think of me is none of my business unless I make it my issue. On my first evening, I observed the beautiful, perfectly still lake on the center grounds. I wrote in my journal, “Today the sun is setting and the sky is so blue and the water is so calm and peaceful, it’s a beautiful site. I observe geese and a helicopter flying over the water it occurs to me that the water is peaceful; nothing outside of itself disturbs the tranquility of the water. Only activity inside the water disturbs its peace and I think, ‘Ah, this is a good analogy of life.’ Only something that happens inside me can disturb my peace and nothing outside can disturb my inner peace and calm unless I allow it.”

As I noticed the lake’s calmness unaffected by exterior occurrences, I realized that my own disturbances were within me. Although, there was conversation, noise, all types of activity as people ate their breakfast, none of that was within me. It was my own sense of discomfort, my need to be accepted by others that created any disturbances within me.

Outside conditions need not disturb me; I can remain calm no matter what is happening in my outer world. It is my inner world that needs attention, not the outer. Just like a fish jumping out of the water, this issue jumped out for me to take notice. I did, to my credit, go into the dining room with wet hair and no makeup, ok, maybe a little eye makeup but that was all, honest. I took radical measures to “let my hair down;” I let it dry naturally. Leaving the hair spray at home is a great start!

I invite you to go on a silent retreat, discover your core issues and remember to leave the hairspray at home! It can be a very enlightening experience!

Love & blessings,
Rev. Debbie

CONGRATULATIONS
TO REV. DEBBIE. She is part of the Field Licensing Program through the Association of Unity Churches class of ’07 and has just graduated from the official curriculum. The program provides a method of becoming a Licensed & Ordained Unity Minister while staying in your home church. Spiritual Leaders, Associate and/or Assistant Ministers may qualify for this four year program. Rev. Debbie has one more year before ordination and you can look forward to a wonderful celebration in March ’07.

70 PLUS FAMILY MEMBERS AND FRIENDS TURNED OUT to enjoy crafts, face painting, food and fellowship at the Tampa Unity Family Council’s first Family Day. Activities included horseshoes, putter golf, ring toss, and a 'peace station' where parents and kids decorated a "peace gate.” with glued on stones and jewels; and painted butterflies and letters. The gate reads "peace begins with me." The final product is on display in the Youth Education Area.

Brenda Hunt of the Tampa Police department supplied two highlights: a real police car with Junior Deputy badges for the kids and a snow cone machine! Balloon animals and faces painting were provided by Strictly Entertainment.

On the afternoon’s menu were grilled hamburgers and all natural hot dogs, which were donated by Natures Harvest. Side dishes, provided by those in attendance, included everything from hummus to unique pasta salads, desserts and more. The whole affair was organized and staffed by the intrepid members of the Family Council.

Many thanks to everyone who helped make this event a fantastic time for the kids, and kids-at- heart, of Tampa Unity.

MORE FUN COMING SOON!

The Tampa Unity Family Council met on March 13. Jeff Spilman and John Close are taking the lead to design a proposed playground on the West side of the Youth Ed Wing. Fencing and security are a priority and well as providing a variety of playground equipment and ground covering.

There is the possibility of a mid-July back-to-school event with a water party theme. Featured activities could include water wiggles, wading pools and other water games followed by pizza.

Watch your Sunday Bulletin and future newsletters for more information or attend the Family Council Meetings the 2nd Monday of every other month. Next meeting: May 8 in Fellowship Hall at 6:15 pm.

TAMPA UNITY WELCOMES REV. KATHRYN KELLOGG and her Parents as Spiritual Mentors workshop. Parents, grandparents, guardians and care givers are invited to attend on Saturday, April 22 from 9 am to 1 pm. There will be a special session for teachers in the afternoon.

Actively involved in children’s and teen ministry since high school, Kathryn has worked to create a ministry for young people that is age-appropriate and which recognizes them as whole spiritual beings.

Parents are the first and foremost spiritual mentor in their child’s life but sometimes it seems difficult to know how to help them when you are working on your own life. So how do you help your child navigate his or her life with all the ups and downs of today’s busy world? Where do you find answers for the questions of “who am I, why am I here, and what is mine to do?” What kind of a spiritual foundation will help them not only survive but thrive as children, teens and adults, and who are you the parent in all of this?

These questions and more will be explored in the workshop, Parents as Spiritual Mentors. Created with parents in mind, but open to all of those who have children and teens in their lives, this interactive class will tap into your awe and wonder with the world, and build upon your own wisdom and understanding. Participants will look at how their experiences connect them to a greater truth and how that Truth can sustain them and their youth through the challenges of daily living and growth.

The program is filled with fun and affirming activities and exploration. It will give you a chance to breath, share, and celebrate the good within yourself and your child.

Kathryn serves as the Children’s Ministry Coordinator at the Association of Unity Churches’ home office in Lee’s Summit, MO. She has 20 years experience in Unity Youth ministry and a degree in music education from Wichita State University. She is also a Certified Spiritual Educator and Licensed Unity Teacher specializing in Youth and Family Ministry.

Join us on Saturday, April 22, from 9 am to 1 pm at Tampa Unity to take advantage of this inspiring workshop, which is presented on a love offering basis. See Clara in the bookstore to sign up.

I AM THE BEST MOMMY IN THE WORLD.

When I bring kittens home, or cookies and milk to school, or when I succumb to pleadings for a new stuffed bear (which looks remarkably like a dozen other stuffed bears already in residence) at the Walgreens when all we were supposed to get was kitty litter, I am the best mommy.

I am a mean mommy when I invoke the “no treats so close to dinner time” rule, or when I demand a bath (in a warm tub overflowing with bubbles and bobbles) from a too tired and “not really dirty” child at the end of a long summer’s day of play. I am such a mean mommy threaten no DVD’s till after reading or piano or those toys are picked up off the floor. I am a mean mommy.

I am the best mommy to agree to a sudden sleepover for five and mean, mean, mean to insist a play date is over after dark, at 8 pm, on a school night.

It is easy to be the best mommy, the bringer of treats and bearer of gifts. It is hard to be the mean mommy, the enforcer mommy who looks to the future, beyond the immediate gratification of here and now, the teacher mommy.

It is when my daughter turns to me amazed and jubilant over an accomplishment, the reading of a book, the playing of a song, and hugs me hard in joy, the best mommy and the mean mommy become one. Then, I am the best mommy in the world.

by
Janet Stanley

THE WEEK LONG VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL IS BACK by popular demand! Youth Education Director Jean Wynne is developing a program featuring Adventure of the Treasure Seekers, Exploring God’s Promises.

This Summer’s Bible School depends on volunteer involvement. Nine volunteers are needed to staff the program, which runs June 19th through the 23rd from 9 am to noon daily. Volunteers do not need teaching experience. There is a wide range of activities including arts and crafts, games and snacks to assist with. Share your time and talents and discover your own hidden treasure! Please see Jean Wynne in the Youth Ed Area on Sunday mornings for more information or to sign up. Without enough volunteers to staff the program, it will have to be cancelled.

Adventure of the Treasure Seekers uses the fun and adventure of archaeology to help children discover and experience joy in knowing they are treasures in God’s eyes and loved beyond measure. Topics include “God Loves You,” “God Treasures You,” and “God Is With You.” There will be a special end of the closing presentation on the evening of June 23.

Registration is April 2 through May 14. The program is intended for children ages 3 to 13. Alex Sargent is exploring the possibility of having the nursery open for younger children and infants so that older siblings may attend and/or parents may volunteer! Please watch your Sunday Bulletins for updates.

FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF UNITY? This young adult group (18-35-ish!) is forming now. They meet informally one Sunday a month at 1:30 in the Fellowship Hall. The group focuses on issues that affect young adults such as transitioning from the comforts of home to living on their own, buying first homes, becoming parents, or simply learning to cope in a world that asks more of them now that they are adults. Some grew up in Unity with Uniteens or the Youth Of Unity, while others are coming to Unity for the first time as adults. Everyone is welcome to join.

Two events are upcoming . Unity of Melbourne hosts a weekend camp out, April 7-9. Featured are a drumming circle, a workshop presented by Rev Bob Marshall, small group breakouts, and of course, s'mores! There is also a NGU Conference being held just north of Atlanta from June 22- 25th. The theme is “Peace” and how we express it our world. These are a great ways to meet other spiritual peers from around the region.

For more information see www.se.nextgenerationofunity.com or Calon Webb: Bludfeathr@incbroadband.net.

A FEW MONTHS AND A LOT OF EFFORT have made a big difference in Tampa Unity’s Fellowship Hall. With the help of “designer-in-residence” Leslie Atkins; the support of the Board of Trustees; the work of dedicated volunteers; and the donations of numerous members, a drab, outdated meeting space has been transformed into a warm and inviting area worthy of being called a “Fellowship Hall.”

Fresh paint and updated light fixtures have brightened the entire room. Intimate café tables and cozy sitting areas of comfy couches and chairs are now in place to enhance the conversations and refreshments that are an anticipated part of the Sunday experience at Tampa Unity.

But, the most amazing transformation is the creation of the new library next to the kitchen. This inviting den was an ill used and just plain ugly storage room.

Now French doors will open into a warm arrangement of books, desk, chairs and sofa. It is not only the perfect space to house the Tampa Unity lending library, but provides an intimate meeting area for small groups and counseling sessions. This is sure to be a tranquil and inspiring place because behind the wall board are written the prayers and affirmations of Tampa Unity’s congregation.

Many thanks go to everyone who has participated in the transformation of Fellowship Hall. Be sure to take time on Sunday mornings to relax and visit there with your Tampa Unity Family.