News You Can Use

COUNTING MY BLESSINGS

CLEAN SWEEP

NEWLY ORDAINED MINISTER: REV. DEBBIE!

Y.O.U. Sponsors Honored

CONGRATS TO REV. ENRIQUE

COUPLES MEET FOR SUPPORT AND PRAYER

CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP

SHOWCASE OF TALENT

Imagine A New Playground!

IT HAS BECOME PAINFULLY TRANSPARENT. Every Easter and Christmas, the latest and greatest is revealed just in time to create an issue. Recall the movie directed by Mel Gibson and released just before Easter two years ago. It was controversial and you couldn’t turn on the TV or read a newspaper without seeing something about The Passion of the Christ. It is easy to recognize that publishers, directors, and the mass media marketers time the release of their “latest and greatest” to coincide with special events and holidays.

So, here we go again! James Cameron’s special Discovery Channel film regarding the potential discovery of the Ossuary of Jesus and his family members sent shock waves through Christians all over the world. The good news for us in Unity is we read the Bible metaphysically, embrace scientific discoveries, and are not shocked by potential revelations about these matters.

Our friend, Bishop John Shelby Spong, had this to say recently in the Q&A portion of his newsletter:
“It (Unity) is distinctively Christian but they have managed to escape the traditional Christian obsession with sin, guilt, rescue and control. They teach the goodness of God's creation, the capacity of human beings to grow spiritually and they avoid dated concepts like sacrifice and the sacredness of shed blood.

I have found their clergy to be bright, well trained, open and positive. Their Spiritual Center and Training School is in Lee's Summit, Missouri. The things that attract me to Unity are their dedication to education; the consistently high quality of their music; their commitment to affirm their children rather than to make them feel inadequate; their care for one another and the joy that permeates Unity worship. I don't know that Unity will be the future of Christianity but I do believe that the Christianity of the future will have many of the marks of Unity within it. I find that many people are like you, they discover Unity when they awaken to what Christianity can be and compare it to what they experience in many churches on Sunday morning.”

While finding the Ossuary where Jesus and members of his family are possibly buried is of great interest to us, it in no way shakes our foundation. We can appreciate the significance of Jesus, his teachings, and the sacrifice he made to share the good news of his spiritual discovery, that we are one with our Creator. We celebrate the Truth that Jesus discovered, and we celebrate his teachings, and we celebrate Easter as it represents renewal, new life, and a rebirth evidenced all around us.

Our choir has prepared wonderful Easter music, and once again we will celebrate the resurrection of the Christ spirit...the spirit that renews and revitalizes. We look forward to you celebrating with us.

Rich and Abundant Blessings,
Rev Allen Moss

HOW WONDERFUL IT IS TO ACHIEVE A GOAL, to see the end of the road for one vision and the beginnings of new visions! There really is nothing more satisfying. My heart is truly full right now as my journey to become a fully licensed and ordained Unity minister has come to its natural close.

The four-year program with its required classes, quarterly reports, annual Association of Unity Churches intensives, monthly check ins with my Mentor, and a paper on just about every subject is now officially complete; it’s over.

Officially, this journey lasted 4 ½ years from applying and being accepted into the program. The truth for me is this journey began during the Candidate Try-Out Talk Allen gave at Tampa Unity in June 1997. It was on that Sunday morning that I knew becoming a Unity Minister was my vision. That is when I received my calling.

I didn’t know how all of the details would work out; I just stayed focused on my vision, taking each next step in the process. Just as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, said and is quoted in The Secret, “Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase. Just take the first step.” That describes my process completely; I just took the first step and then when the next step was revealed, I continued.

During the time before I applied and was accepted into the Field Licensing Program, my vision changed several times. There were times when it didn’t seem possible for me to achieve my goal. Yet, I would take the next step, the Universe or God handled all the details, and any obstacles were eliminated.

Throughout the years and the process, I have always felt so very supported by Rev. Allen, our Board of Trustees, our amazing staff, and by each of you. Without your support and encouragement, my ordainment would have been a very difficult goal to achieve. This accomplishment is a shared success for all of us. Feels great, doesn’t it! Are you sharing my gratitude? I am grateful!

Love & blessings,
Rev Debbie Moss

I AM THE PROUD OWNER OF A MIGHTY ORECK VACUUM CLEANER, complete with its canister companion, extending attachments and horse hair brushes. I paid good money for this marvel of modern suction. Yet, when it comes to casual cleaning, I often choose my corn broom instead.

Although efficient, the vacuum is invasive. It is loud. It is disruptive and sends my squad of cats and canines cowering and hiding. It is hard to concentrate, even on cleaning, with such a din.

The gentle swish of the broom is soothing and almost meditative. It is like a breeze riffling through the leaves on a balmy day, gently stirring my dust bunnies into submission. As I sweep, I can let my fancies wander to the wonders I will perform - just as soon as this house is clean!

I must confess I find a certain satisfaction in the quiet collection and disposal of the dog hair, lint, and sand that collect on any given day or through-out any give week, for (sadly) this is not a daily indulgence.

And who can escape the symbolism in the sweeping away of the dirt and cares into the dust bin, but never out the door! Sweeping your dirt out the door is said to send your good luck out with it!

There is superstition and history that goes with sweeping. When one sweeps, one participates in an age-old ritual, thereby connecting with the Universe in some small way. The Universe cares not where you dump your vacuum bag! No fairy ever vacuumed the star dust from the skies.

Indeed, the simple household broom is an object replete with lore and magic. It is said to be bad luck to bring an old broom into a new house. Brooms embody fresh beginnings. You can “sweep out the shadows” and hear the “sweep of angel wings” while doing so.

Some might consider the broom a woman’s prop, the sword of the domestic goddess, but if any of my feminist friends behold a traitor in my musings, I will send them to deal with my husband when his shop broom has been misplaced!

by Janet Stanley

REVEREND DEBBIE MOSS WAS OFFICIALLY ORDAINED on Sunday, March 18, during the 11 am Service. Her mentor, Reverend Judi Purcell, officiated the ceremony, which included participation from Reverend Allen Moss, Reverend Enrique Amoros and the Board of Trustees.

The Sanctuary was filled with the well-wishing congregation of Tampa Unity. Afterward, everyone enjoyed a lavish reception in the Fellowship Hall, which was stunning decorated in gold and flowers for the event. Refreshments were catered by Nature’s Harvest and members of the Spanish Ministry. Beautiful cakes were specially prepared by Clara Rodriguez, Mia Stokley, and Xiomara Previti.

Debbie was presented with a medallion representing the religions of the world by the Spanish Ministry, a Waterford crystal clock from the Board of Trustees, and an amethyst pendant from Tampa Unity Church to commemorate the occasion.

Many thanks go to Jeff King, Nancy Mercurio, Jim and Leslie Atkins, Julie Baltzell, Debbie Rowe, David Taylor, Carol Ferguson, Fern Kinion, Jean Wynne, and everyone who assisted in the creation of this most special event.

Debbie has spent the last four years completing her academic training and intensives in the Field Licensing program created and led by the Association of Unity Churches at Unity Village. She is proud to accept the title of “Co-Minister” at Tampa Unity Church.

We look forward to even more enlightening classes and inspired Sunday talks from our new Co-Minister, Reverend Debbie Moss!

CONGRATULATIONS TO BEN AND LYNDA TAYLOR, recipients of a 2007 Distinguished Youth Service Award! Tampa Unity is grateful for all the work and effort they put into making our Youth of Unity Program the success that it is.

Rev. Enrique Amoros and his family: wife, Aura and daughters, Elizabeth and Aura, were recently accepted as permanent residents of the United States.

COUPLES COME TOGETHER AT TAMPA UNITY, both English and Spanish-speaking, to unite in a conscience of love, light, and wisdom.

This group is not created to solve personal problems, nor to give advice, but simply to create a space of acceptance, fellowship, and prayer.

We believe in the power of prayer, and we have experienced that when a group of people pray with a purpose, everything is done in perfect order.

We invite all of you beloved friends to participate in the network of love and support, centered in a single intention, to have God reigning supreme in our lives and homes. See Rev. Enrique for further information.

God bless all of you and your families.
In Christ love,
Aura & Enrique Amoros

WHILE SERVING TAMPA UNITY AS A CHAPLAIN FOR THE PAST THREE YEARS, I have come to know God as the spiritual web of the universe. I believe strongly that caregivers are the glue that holds society together. It is my pleasure to announce the formation of a Caregiver’s Support Group meeting the second Friday of each month.

Support groups, bound by rules of confidentiality, are a wonderful place to share ideas, resources and strategies. In my experience as a medical social worker and support group facilitator, I have found that problems shared with others who are experiencing similar dilemmas and emotions are always lighter and more manageable. Fresh understanding and insight are possible when innermost feelings can be revealed in a nonjudgmental and safe climate. I have been humbled and inspired by the courage, compassion and quiet heroism I have witnessed while working with caregivers.

It is a privilege to offer two caregiver groups meeting at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. on the second Friday of each month on a love offering basis. Please feel free to contact me for further information at 813-689-2799 or email: pcollin6@tampabay.rr.com

Laurie Collins, MSW, chaplain emeritus

THERE IS A LOT OF TALENT AT TAMPA UNITY and on March 16, 18 acts entertained an enthralled audience. The event was organized by John and Tanya McEwen with help from members of the choir, including Thalia Potter and Sheila Hensley.

Hostess Pat Fenda portrayed a number of characters from Joan Rivers to a hula-hooping grandma. Highlights included awesome vocal selections by Omar Almodovar and Tom DePasque, comedy sketches by the choir, original poetry by Melaina Quinn, a violin solo by Carol Stricker, an original composition by concert pianist John Sumlin, and many more extraordinary performances of professional caliber.

The event raised over $600.00. Many thanks go to everyone who donated their time and talents to the success of the production. Hopefully, it won’t be another year till the next Tampa Unity Talent Show, so get your light ready to shine!

PLANS FOR A PLAY AREA to accommodate our increasing population of children have been months in the making. Finally, the Board of Trustees has approved a plan to fence in an area behind the Fillmore Room. After the fence is in place, a fundraiser will be held to furnish the playground with equipment.

JOIN THE TAMPA UNITY FAMILY COUNCIL on Saturday, April 28 from 4 - 7 pm for an afternoon of fun to celebrate the new playground. Bring outdoor toys (Big Wheels, bubbles, balls and sports equipment, etc...) and a dish to share. You’ll get to know other Tampa Unity families, as well as find out more about the big plans for our new playground. Sign up outside the Youth Ed Area or email: mikebeth@gte.net

SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL begins on June 3rd. Four teachers are needed to form two teams that will alternate Sundays. We also need four teacher assistants for every Sunday.

In the past, all the children were combined for Sunday School during the summer months. This year, the group will be split in half according to age (3-6 year- olds and 7-10 year-olds). Uniteens will remain as their own group or possibly participate as special classroom assistants for the younger children.

If your heart is telling you to try teaching, the summer is a great way to try it out. It’s only a three month commitment, every other Sunday. Please see Youth Education Director, Jean Wynne, for more information.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL takes place June 18 - 22, 9 am - noon daily. At least 10 parent-volunteers are needed to sign up by May 20th; See Jean Wynne.

Enrollment is not restricted to our current Tampa Unity family. Friends and relatives are encouraged to take advantage of this week of summer fun and learning for children ages 3 to 13. Watch your bulletins and newsletter for updates.