News You Can Use

LAW OF CIRCULATION

Y.O.U. SUMMER CONNECTION

GRANDMA BECOMES HER

SUPPER CLUB KICK OFF

NEW CLASS STARTS IN SEPTEMBER

FALL PROGRAM IS AN ADVENTURE IN PRAYER

PRAYER BECOMES INSPIRATIONAL, A BOOK REVIEW

GOOD TIMES IN IRELAND

Meet with the Ministers
TAMPA UNITY MINISTERS will meet in host homes with small groups of participants to share ideas and discuss the current mission of Tampa Unity. You can present suggestions for future activities or offer feedback on present programs. Let us know what you think would benefit your spiritual community.

Anyone wishing to host a group of around 10 people in their home can see Carol Ferguson in Fellowship Hall following services on Sundays. Those who simply want to attend can also sign up with Carol or anyone can send an email to:
unityvolunteers@unitytampa.org

BOOKS FOR CLASSES AVAILABLE NOW
SUMMER IS ALMOST GONE. The children will be starting school in a few weeks, and Tampa Unity will also be starting new classes.

Our Prosperity in August book this year is the Energy of Money by Maria Nemeth, available in the bookstore for $14.95 We also have Lessons in Truth by H. Emilie Cady ($14.95). Mary Riley will be teaching a class on this Unity classic.

DEVELOP PERSONAL STRENGTHS
Jeffery King presents DiSC® USING YOUR STRENGTHS TO YOUR ADVANTAGE on Sunday, August 13, 2006 from 1 pm to 4:30 pm. Jeff is co-owner of Leadership Training Systems Inc. He is also Tampa Unity’s Board of Trustees President and our webmaster.

It's no secret that some of us seem to have more natural social skills than others. But the truth is that we all have our own interpersonal strengths. This program helps participants pinpoint their unique strengths and shows them how they can get the most out of their talents.

This program is designed to help participants recognize the diverse talents and preferences associated with each DiSC, style; understand their interpersonal strengths and how they have been overused in the past; develop an openness to interpersonal feedback; recognize the impact that their behavior has on other people and create specific strategies for enhanced interpersonal effectiveness. Each participant will receive a personalized 23 page report ($25 value).

The suggested love offering for the class is $30, which includes lunch. Sign up in Fellowship Hall.

SPIRIT IN ACTION
WHEN YOU JOIN US AS A VOLUNTEER, we all know how it helps Tampa Unity. But what could it possibly do for you?

For starters, being a joyful volunteer helps you show your support and express your gratitude for Tampa Unity and become an essential part of this caring spiritual community. You discover how needed and valued you really are.

You can strengthen your spiritual path and build your self-confidence while learning valuable new skills and sharing your own special talents. You also gain leadership skills while teaching others what you know. And, you get to know some wonderful people, just like you!

If everyone does just a little, can you imagine what we can accomplish?
Carol Ferguson

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PRAYER HAS BEEN DEMONSTRATED THROUGHOUT TIME. The Unity movement owes its origins to the power of prayer and its healing results as demonstrated by Unity’s co- founder Myrtle Fillmore, who through the power of prayer was able to restore her health. Unity believes a change of human consciousness can be achieved through study and prayer. Silent Unity receives more than two million prayer requests and petitions annually from all over the world. Join us on Thursday, September 14 as we participate in a World Day of Prayer. At noon, Rev. Debbie Moss will facilitate a meditation service based on the affirmation: United heart to heart in prayer, we create a world of radiant life, overflowing abundance, and lasting peace as we awaken to the power of God within.

Later, at 7 pm, Rev. Enrique and Rev. Debbie will co- minister a bilingual service using the affirmation and the reading of prayer requests.

Prayer requests will also be collected and sent to Silent Unity where they will be remembered in prayer on September 14 during the 24-hour prayer vigil in the Silent Unity Chapel. Afterward, the lists will be placed in the Prayer Vigil Chapel for thirty more days of continuous prayer.

For your convenience, prayer forms are available in the bookstore. Please submit your requests no later than Sunday, September 3 and we will send them on to Silent Unity.

Allen on Sabbatical!

STAFF
Sr. Minister: Rev. M. Allen Moss
Associate Minister: Rev. Debbie Moss
Ministro en Español: Rev. Enrique Amoros
Youth Ed Director: Jean Wynne
Licensed Unity Teacher: Mary Riley
Music Director: John McEwen
Pianist: Tanya McEwen
Office Manager: Janet Stanley
Bookstore Manager: Clara McLaughlin
Volunteer Coordinator: Carol Ferguson
Nursery Attendant: Claire Chisolm
Church Caretaker: Jan Caldwell
Sexton: Jim Atkins

MINISTRIES OF SERVICE
Y.O.U. Sponsors: Lynda & Ben Taylor
Uniteens Sponsor: Brenda Hunt
Web Master: Jeff King
Garden Club: Fern Kinion
Supper Club: Sherry Keller, Kathryn Matras
9 a.m. Usher Coordinator: Bill McCullough
11:00 a.m. Usher Coordinator: Fern Kinion

SEVEN YEARS AGO, ALLEN PRAYED for a divine idea, something that would be inspirational for the month of August. God answered his prayer with the idea of Abundance in August. It has now become one of our traditions here at Tampa Unity, to celebrate it annually.

What is abundance? Is it just how much you have in your bank account or the amount of money you wish to be in your bank account? A short Webster definition of abundance is “overflowing, plenty.” Notice this definition is not limited to money.

Do you have an abundance of health, happiness, joy, friends and resources? If you can answer “yes” to this question then give thanks and count your blessings. If you answered “no,” then give thanks and count your blessings, claim what is rightfully yours as an heir to God’s Kingdom.

It sounds strange to be grateful for something that is seemingly lacking when you find your wallet empty. It seems like an odd word game to give thanks when something appears to be missing. Yet, it is a spiritual principle and a universal law of creation to focus on what you want, not what you lack. Give thanks for the abundance that is in your life and focus on prosperity in every area of your life. This grateful attitude and activity will create abundance.

If you are lacking abundance in any area, stop thinking about the lack and think about God. Wherever you place your focus and attention is what will manifest for you. Focus on God qualities, peace, harmony, unconditional love, wisdom, truth and understanding.

In the Revealing Word, Charles Fillmore, Unity’s Co-Founder, offers steps in demonstrating abundance, “First we must recognize abundance as an idea that is real and has the power to expand. Then, we must talk abundance, choose words representing abundance and thus build up an invisible world of substance. In this way, we build or form in our mind that which draws to us an abundance of every good thing.” “For whosoever hath, to him shall be given”. Luke 8:18

Following Mr. Fillmore’s suggestions, I invite you to join me in watching our language; eliminate words of lack; replace negative words and thoughts with positive affirmations of abundance. Prepare yourself for the abundance that is ours, as the heirs of God. Begin now preparing yourself to accept the good you desire and deserve; affirm it, believe it and accept it, Abundance in August!

“Beloved, I pray that you will prosper in all things and be in health just as your soul prospers.” III John 1:2

Join us July 30 as we begin our focus on Abundance in August with a free gift kick-off!

Abundant Love and blessings,
Rev Debbie Moss

“THE LAW OF CIRCULATION IS A COSMIC LAW. That means that it is true everywhere and on all planes. The law is that constant rhythmical movement is necessary to health and harmony. Now the opposite of circulation is congestion, and it may be said that all sickness, in harmony or trouble of any kind is really due to some form of congestion. Much ill health is due to emotional congestion. This leads to congestion of the nerve, blood and lymphatic fluids, producing disease. The depression belief under which the country labored for ten years was a case of congestion. There was plenty of raw material, machinery and skill, and a very wide spread demand for goods; but a case of congestion occurred. Floods are an example of congestion. War itself is really due to frustrated circulation on many planes of existence. Some students of metaphysics shut their minds to the reception of new truth, and this always produces mental congestion, and a failure to demonstrate. You should treat yourself two or three times a week for free circulation on all planes - by claiming that God is bringing this about."

Emmet Fox

THE TAMPA YOUTH OF UNITY ATTENDED THE ANNUAL SUMMER CONNECTION held at Warren Wilson College in Asheville, NC in June. The theme for the week was Om Mani Padme Hum, a Buddhist mantra that roughly translates to "Hail the jewel in the Lotus." The five main days of the event were spent focused on each of the five Unity principles: 1. There is only one presence and one power in the universe, God, the good, omnipotent 2. The Divinity of Humankind 3. The Law of Mind Action 4. Denials and Affirmations 5. Prayer and Meditation.

Throughout the event, workshops were presented by Y.O.U.-ers and sponsors alike. A St. Pete Y.O.U.-er was one of the speakers, and a sponsor from the same chapter taught a lesson about the Law of Mind Action.

Family groups met each day. These are carefully picked groups of Y.O.U.-ers and generally two sponsors who gather, to discuss the week’s themes, participate in activities, and maintain a spiritual focus.

On the first full day we took a raft trip down the French Broad River. The trip can take up to 5 hours to complete . In the evening we went to the theatre and watched a movie, as everyone was almost too tired for anything else!

The next day contained several hours of "Family Olympics" in which the family groups competed in games like hula-hoops, human knots, and blindfolded M&M hunts. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, the participants attended Craftshops they had signed up for previously. There were activities like Silk Painting, which was led by Tampa Unity Sponsor Lynda Taylor, drumming, dancing, yoga, and knitting. Tuesday night was the talent show, which the Y.O.U. calls "Spirit Sharing" because there is no competition, and everyone performing is made to feel significant as they share their spirit.

Wednesday was the dance, which featured an Atlanta-based band called Montana Skies comprised of two guitars, a cello, and a man on percussion, who led a drumming workshop. After the dance, the band led the group into the Silence, which lasted all night and through breakfast. The silence and this year's 45 minutes of chanting were the two longest meditations, though prayers and meditations are always a part of the gatherings.

Thursday evening was the angel wash. Participants stand in two lines facing each other. One by one people are sent through with their eyes closed. There is always someone touching a shoulder or an arm, and as the person passes through affirmations and blessings are whispered to them.

Every year there is a large community service project at Summer Connection, and this one was quite inspired. Throughout the year, the whole Southeast Y.O.U. raised money to fund three delegates from a Y.O.U. in Puerto Rico to attend the Connection and learn how to put on their own rallies.

As always, the Tampa Y.O.U. would like to thank the congregation for all their support, faith, love, and service to the youth of Tampa Unity. We grow, and we learn, and we bring a spirit of truth and love back with us, to fortify us and share with the rest of the world, and you can give no greater gift than that.

Miranda Bailey,
Officer of Communications

FRIENDS HAD WARNED ME. They had shared their own first time experiences and I thought I was prepared for the life altering event that happened on Sunday afternoon, May 21st. But, meeting my grandson for the first time face to face and welcoming him into this world came with more emotions and feelings than I could possibly have imagined! It is truly one of those experiences that can’t be envisioned until it has happened!

Love at first sight is the best way to describe my feeling that day, just an instant connection and love that filled my whole being. Love followed by joy and more emotions as I watched my own son connecting with his son in person for the first time. Tears, joy and love coupled with a flood of memories from my first moments and days as a new mother. But, these emotions that enveloped my being were minus the feeling of over anxious absolute panic I had also experienced so many years ago.

This time I could indeed be a non-anxious presence for this new life. I didn’t feel scared when he cried, I calmly said let’s see what we can do, what is your need? How can I make you feel welcome and comfortable?

I had set my intention before I left Tampa and flew to San Francisco for this incredible event, to be a non-anxious presence and to support the three people in this new family. It was an incredible bonding experience for all of us that will be with me the rest of my life. Jackson Tyler Moss has a wonderful mom and dad, and grandparents, who will dote on everything he does for as long as possible. There is no joy like that of being a grandparent!

How will we deal with the distance issue? We’ll hook up our web cams, email pictures and visit as often as possible. And when Jackson is old enough, he’ll come for summer visits and we’ll go to the theme parks and we will be fully participating grandparents.

With God all things are possible and with new technologies, we will be connected and involved in Jackson’s life. I never had fully participating grandparents, my mother’s parents made their transition before I was born and I barely remember my father’s parents. With no preconceived notions of how to be a grandparent, I am open to God’s guidance to create my role as a fully participating grandmother.

Before Jackson was born I concerned myself with what do I want him to call me, “Grandmother,” “Nanna,” “Granna,” not “Grandma!” What will be my name? Now, it’s his choice he can call me anything and I’ll be there! I love you Jackson!

To all of us in this special grandparent club, happy Grandparents day! For me this is no longer just another Hallmark card event, it is a heart event!

Love & blessings,
Rev. Grandmother Debbie

THE TAMPA UNITY SUPPER CLUB HOSTS ITS ANNUAL KICK-OFF DINNER Saturday, September 16, at 6:30 pm, in the Fellowship Hall. It's pot luck, so bring your favorite dish to share!

If you don't know about the Supper Club, it is an adult social activity that provides an opportunity for singles and couples from the church to get to know each other and become friends!

Supper Club Circles are formed at the kick-off meeting. There are usually 10-12 people in each Circle, and the Circles stay together for 1 year. As a Circle member, you agree to host a dinner and activity for your group once during the 12 month period. The host for the month agrees to supply the main entrée and each group member brings something to share. The dinners can be held at a home, a restaurant or other location. One of my favorite get- togethers was a sunset picnic on the beach at Treasure Island!

At the end of the year, the Circles are disbanded and new ones are formed at the annual kick-off meeting!

Meeting together on a monthly basis allows us to get to know one another on a deeper level than we would just seeing each other for a few minutes on Sunday mornings. A successful Super Club experience requires a commitment on the part of Circle members to attend regularly. But don't let the "commitment" part scare you off! Supper Club is lots of fun and the food is always great!

If you have any questions or need more information, be sure to ask Kathryn Matras or Sherry Keller. Look for the sign-up sheet at the information booth in the Fellowship Hall on Sunday! See you in September

Sherry Keller

A NEW CLASS IS BEING OFFERED THIS FALL. Licensed Unity Teacher Mary Riley will facilitate a class based on H. Emilie Cady’s Lessons in Truth. This popular volume is known to be one of Unity’s primary texts. The course is a basic introduction to the study of metaphysic and practical use of truth principles in every day living.

As Unity students, we are in an amazing position. Everywhere we turn religious beliefs are either being challenged or used as weapons. We have an opportunity to offer a healing balm to all this chaos. We can act as a beacon of love in the midst of hate; light in the midst of darkness and faith in the midst of fear. We start by learning and living truth in our own lives.

Participants will leave this class with a deeper understanding of Unity Truth and its daily applications. Lessons in Truth meets on Sundays, September 10 through November 12, 2006 from 10 to 10:50 AM. The course may be taken for SEE credit and is available on a love offering basis. Sign up in Fellowship Hall. See Mary Riley for more information.

Mary Riley

ADVENTURES IN PRAYER, PRAYING YOUR WAY TO A GOD YOU CAN TRUST by Rev. Sharon Connors will be our focus for seven weeks beginning on October 1, 2006. Prayer is the cornerstone of Unity, affirmative prayer, to pray believing. We are one with God and every thought we have goes right into the Mind of God, so all thoughts are prayers, especially those thoughts coupled with emotions. Charles Fillmore, co-founder of Unity, said that “Prayer makes one master in the realm of creative ideas.” We will spend seven weeks learning to harness the power of affirmative prayer.

Our Sunday service lessons will focus on the essentials of this powerful book on prayer and we also invite you to host or join a home study group. It is in the small home study groups that you will discuss key ideas, discussion questions and your weekly prayer practices. Don’t worry the prayer practices are done in the privacy of your own mind. Together we will learn and experience the power of positive prayer in the Unity way.

Rev. Sharon Connors, ordained Unity Minister, served ministries in California, Florida and most recently served the Unity Village Chapel at the Unity World Headquarters.

We are excited to have Rev. Connors be our guest speaker at both services on November 12. Rev. Connors will also facilitate a prayer workshop on that Sunday afternoon.

Please save this date and watch your bulletin, website and newsletter for more details.

Adventures in Prayer is available in our bookstore and sign up sheets for hosting and participating in small home study groups will be in Fellowship Hall and in your Sunday bulletins.

THIS PAST SPRING I HAD THE GREAT FORTUNE of hearing Sharon Connors speak at Unity of Gainesville. I was so impressed I bought her book, Adventures in Prayer. As a Unity minister, Sharon Connors brought real-life examples of how prayer transformed people’s lives.

She challenged my thinking. I may say that God is my friend, but do I really believe it and step out in total faith and trust? On every page she packed nuggets of insight on why and how prayer can dramatically change my life. Prayers become gifts I can give myself every day through my willingness to completely trust and let go.

Here’s one of her interesting concepts. Have you ever had a time when you’re hard pressed to know how everything will get done and still remain cool and calm. In her book, she’ll show you how to get expanded time. Pretty cool, huh!. No, Sharon Connors does not convert a 24 hour day into one that is 36 or 48. But she does demonstrate how prayer taps your energy into the ultimate creative source.

At every turn Sharon Connors brought new dimension to familiar concepts. Gratitude. Forgiveness. Surrender. Tithing.

Every time I’m faced with a challenge, I have a choice. She asked, ‘Do I want to dance with my fear or dance with my dream?” Clara McLaughlin has Rev. Connor’s book in our bookstore. It’s a page-turner worth buying and keeping on your night table.

Julia Thornbrough

IN JUNE, 21 TRAVELERS FROM TAMPA UNITY embarked upon an adventure in Ireland. We were met at Dublin airport by our tour guide, Angela, and Donald, our bus driver.

From the world famous Waterford Crystal Factory to Ireland’s oldest hand-weaving mill at Avoca our tour of Ireland was delightful and fast paced. We took a ferry to Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands and hiked the cliffs to Dun Aengus, a spectacular prehistoric fort. We enjoyed nights of traditional Irish song and dance, and dined at an intimate banquet at Dunguaire Castle.

We took a horse drawn jaunting car ride through the National Park and took in an ancient castle near the Lakes of Killarney. With a twinkle in her eye, our driver pointed out all through the ride where one could see “the wee people” at special times of the day.

I enjoyed the Irish people. They were helpful, kind and very hospitable. To the Irish a stranger is just a friend they haven’t met yet! On a wet Tuesday morning, in Galway, our first stop was at Rathbaun Farm to watch a farmer shear a sheep and maneuver a flock with the help of a sheep dog. As soon as we arrived, Mrs. Rathbaun came onto the bus, introduced herself and announced that she had just put the scones in the oven and after the sheep shearing, we were to come into the house.

In her 150 year old farm house she had a large dining room set up with long tables. There she served her tourist guests hot scones and fresh brewed coffee. How was that for hospitality on a rainy morning!

In Dublin, we visited the National Museum of Ireland. Exhibits included artifacts dating from 7000 BCE to the present. We also went to the Trinity College Library, which is one of the world’s great research libraries with a large collection of manuscripts and printed books.

In Connemara, we went to Kylemore Abbey on the west coast where a community of Benedictine Nuns has resided since 1920. Founded in Ypres, Belguim in 1665, the order took refuge in England during WW I eventually settling at Kylemore.

Everything about our trip was delightful and entertaining: the people, the food and especially the sites.

Jan Caldwell