CHARLES FILLMORE WAS AHEAD OF HIS TIME! Few people would disagree with that statement and I believe his book, The Twelve Powers, reflects his forward thinking. He wrote The Twelve Powers of Man, its original title in 1930. He was inspired by a book, Twelve Jewels, written by Emma Curtis Hopkins, Charles & Myrtle's teacher.

There was controversy around his book especially from Charles' second wife, Cora. She objected to the title because she felt it took away from one of Unity's core beliefs of one power and one presence. Her book, Christ Enthroned In You, made it clear that there is only one power and one presence and it is within all of God's creations. Cora referred to the powers within as faculties, not powers. Charles defended his book and title, and he stated "as men and women align themselves with the will of God, comply with divine law, and thereby find union with the indwelling Spirit, they realize the divine within by activating twelve faculties or centers of consciousness." In this quote he appears to give Cora a nod for her opinion while explaining his theory. Cora's book is now published with The Twelve Powers, since they are compatible and complementary.

I don't think it was an accident that the powers or faculties seem to correspond to the spiritual body Chakras. I have neither read nor heard of anything to indicate that Charles was aware of the Chakras or had them in mind when he wrote the book. Yet, it's too much of a coincidence how well the faculties correspond with the Chakras. It would have really been "out there" for him to have discussed Chakras in 1930. My theory is he knew of the Chakras and that's why there is so much commonality between the faculties and Chakras. It has been said that one of his objectives was to bring together the best of eastern and western spiritual practices.

While teaching the Sunday morning Twelve Powers class, I had a personal experience with the faculty of power and the throat Chakra. A challenging conversation left me feeling very defensive, so I chose silence over an even more stressful conversation. The next morning I had great difficulty swallowing my breakfast. I returned to my room for prayer and meditation and inquiry. I received a very strong message and guidance that I needed another conversation with a family member to clear the air from the challenging conversation of the previous night.

I followed through with my guidance and in a very calm voice, I invited her into another conversation. I apologized for my part in the strained relationship and shared my feelings regarding her challenge. This conversation opened the door to new understanding and acceptance of our differences and also opened my faculty of power and throat Chakra. So hurray for Charles Fillmore for being ahead of his time and hurray for the indwelling Spirit within me, offering guidance and consciousness and awareness to take right action! By directing attention to my throat, praying, and meditating, divine order was established. The Twelve Powers work together, and to be in tune, one must be aware and activate each one. Feeling out of tune with your faculties? Prayer and mediation along with spiritual understanding are the right actions to employ! If you are still having difficulty, please give me a call for spiritual counseling; I'm here to help.

Love & blessings,
Rev. Debbie

WE HAVE SAID GOODBYE TO AN OLD FRIEND OF TAMPA UNITY. Our beautiful organ that has served our community since 1986 is finding a new home.

It's so wonderful to be part of a community where the history of the church is valued. As Board President, to be able to meet past Presidents and to discuss things with them regarding the history and the running of our church is very meaningful. To be able to work with people on committees who may have actually been the original heads of those committees is extremely helpful.

Tampa Unity is 80 years old this year and has only had three ministers in that long history (actually four now with Rev. Debbie ). This kind of history is unheard of in the Unity world and I think it speaks volumes about the closeness of our community.

Everywhere I turn, every part of this church is touched by history, including the wonderful people who have been here many years and those who remember the dedication service of the organ and the man to whom it was dedicated, Dr. Miles Hartley.

As we say good-bye to the organ, we affirm that the energy and prayers we send with it go out to its new community, and they will be blessed.

Dr. Scott Barry

On Sunday, May 18, the Tampa Unity Playground was officially dedicated and blessed. In appreciation of their efforts, donors who had filled their "Buckets of Love" with contributions to the playground fund had their buckets returned to them filled with a butterfly plant, a Milkweed, and information on attracting butterflies.

Rev. Allen and Rev. Debbie officiated a short ceremony and Jeff Huggins, on behalf of the Board of Trustees, thanked Jennis Thomas, Jon Close, and the Family Council for their efforts in making the playground a reality.

Our children now have a wonderful place to play after Sunday Services and during church activities. The playground features a climbing fort, a tire swing, and picnic tables, as well as a natural pathway to run on.

June is graduation time and three of our Y.O.U.'ers will be completing a chapter in their lives and "growing" on to newer and bigger things. On Sunday, June 1, the Y.O.U. graduates will be acknowledged for their accomplishments during the 11 am service.

Last year the Y.O.U. performed over 250 service hours for Meals on Wheels, the Children's Home, the R.I.C.H. House, the Home Association, Metropolitan Ministries, and our own church family.

Ryan Cahela has been accepted to the University of North Florida. Greg Caminiti has been accepted to the University of Central Florida. Linnea Curtis ranked 13th out of her class of 513 and has been accepted to so many colleges, she hasn't made a decision yet!

Your support at the Y.O.U. Pie Sales, Bake Sales, and other fundraising events helps send these bright young folks to rallies and retreats that promote the spiritual principals of Unity. Later this month, they will attend the Summer Connection in Asheville, NC, spending their time in workshops, meditation, and fun with other Y.O.U. groups from across the country.

Keep up your good support so our Y.O.U. can keep up their good work! And be sure and thank Ben and Lynda Taylor for their efforts in sponsoring the Y.O.U. at Tampa Unity.

We also want to acknowledge Nick Valladarez, who is graduating this year, too. Nick has been volunteering his considerable technical talents in the sound room on Sunday mornings. He will attend Hillsborough Community College in the fall.

I was profoundly influenced when I first saw the movie What the Bleep Do We Know? I went back to the Tampa Theatre the next night to watch it once more, and when it was available for rent, I saw it again. I began to see the universe, and my place in it, in a new light. I began to read related books and articles, and when The Secret came out, I bought a copy.

What has been challenging is leaving behind the idea of God making decisions for me, and the idea of resources being finite and all life on this planet being in competition. I practiced visioning (for a while) and tried to imagine my dreams coming true. My enthusiasm waned, however, and I wound up, yet again, setting my sights lower. I see no problem living day to day, focusing on being happy, tending to one's job and family, but I have had a dream on the back burner since I was about 15 years old. It keeps coming back to me, haunting me.

I was a closet songwriter for years. Once in a blue moon, I would play one of my songs for someone, with many apologies for not having done this or that yet, so as to obscure the truth, which was that I was really baring my soul. (By the way, if anyone ever shows you one of their songs, reads their poetry, etc., don't talk over it.)

In the time I have been at Unity, I have come so far that I can present a new song to hundreds of people without fear (mostly), and if you don't seem to like it, I shrug and go write another one. Thank you all so much for providing this safe place.

I was excited about David Friedman coming to Tampa Unity. I thought he would be a good contact for me in the business or could give me advice about how to market my songs. What he had to offer me was much more valuable, as I learned in his "Thought Sharing" workshop. I finally raised my hand five minutes before the class ended and said, "I want to make a living at what I most love to do." I learned a lot about myself that day. I learned that even though my dream is to be a professional writer, I have a tremendous amount of fear associated with it as well, like someone who wants to be a pilot having acrophobia.

What I have done in response to this anxiety is to change my thinking to what is more comfortable, such as lowering my expectations. One method I have used to do this is to notice all the very talented composers I know who don't have anything published. All of this has been unconscious to me until now, and now that I can see it, I have a way out: I feel the anxiety, recognizing it for what it is, and stay the course.

In the last two weeks, I have talked to four different people about possibilities for my writing, all of whom approached me! My reaction, internally: "Oh, my gosh, this stuff really works." Then came the fear. Most likely, it will not kill me though. I know it will be a scary road, but this time, I intend to keep on walking. Like David Friedman said at his workshop, "The universe can't not respond."

by John McEwen

GET READY TO RAISE YOUR ENERGY IN THIS AMAZINGLY POWERFUL SEMINAR presented in the TU Fellowship Hall on Thursday, July 24, from 6:30 to 9:30 pm.

You will receive advice from one of the top herbalists in the country and leave with information that will change you and your body forever.

Kathleen Gould, Herbalist RH (AHG), has studied, taught, and lived herbalism for over 25 years. Her passion and dedication began when her 3-year- old son was diagnosed with ADHD. Since then she has been honored to have studied with internationally recognized herbalists such as Patch Adams, James Duke, Ph.D., and Rosemary Gladstar, and others. 

Kathy has founded several herbal practices, including SECHS in Florida, where she integrated cultivating herbs and teaching herbal health. She is a professional member of the American Herbalist Guild and a nationally recognized author and lecturer on herbal healing.

This seminar is herbal healing made easy!  Kathleen has been wowing audiences across the country with simple herbal remedies everyone can create right in their own kitchens.  She takes the mystery out of using herbs and teaches you how to incorporate them into your busy lives.

Join Kathleen as she empowers us by sharing four simple herbs that you can begin using today to regain and maintain radiant health.

Pre-register at www.herbologi.com to receive your free herbal gift bag. ( You must pre-register and be in attendance to receive your gift!) Then come to the seminar on Thursday, July 24, from 6:30 to 9:30 pm, which is presented on a love- offering basis with all proceeds benefiting Tampa Unity.

IF YOU MISSED THE TAMPA UNITY TALENT SHOW, YOU MISSED A TREAT. Nineteen inspiring and entertaining acts performed, backed up by John McEwen and his band: Tanya McEwen, Greg King, and Don the drummer. The evening was hosted by Pat Fenda, portraying an array of amazing characters. Highlights included the Close Family Singers with their rhythmic rendition of "The Witch Doctor," Jeff Huggins dressed as Lucy Ricardo selling Vitameatavegamin, and Jeff King and Nancy Mercurio in a return visit of the Unity Nerds. Fun and music abounded with performances by Robert Gordon, Frank Ingo and Debra Folsom, Denise Hall, Deborah Levine, Jennifer Hall, Beverly King, Marguerite Bennett, Cora Lockridge, Tom De Pasque, Keith Odums, Colleen McLaughlin and James Rinaldi, Carol Striker, Wayne Hall, Vincent Zeoli, and eight-year-old Allyson Stanley. Nick Valladarez and Frank Ingo provided creative sound and lighting from the booth.

Talent teems at Tampa Unity! If you missed your chance to share yours this year, be sure to start practicing for the next talent show. It really is a lot of fun for everyone! Many thanks go to Thalia Potter, Shelia Hensley, John McEwen, and Pat Fenda for organizing and presenting the event. The talent show raised over $800.00 for Tampa Unity.

REMEMBER THAT CHARLIE BROWN CARTOON with a scowling Lucy saying, "Everyone is put here to make others feel happy. Someone is not doing their job." On one level, we laugh because we know that we alone are responsible for our own happiness and satisfaction, that no one else is "put here" to make our lives better.

But on another, more serious level, we have to ask ourselves if we could be doing more to help others and, at the same time, make our own lives more meaningful.

Just take a look at the faces of those who are actively involved in helping make Tampa Unity a more joyful experience for everyone. It's obvious that what they do for us benefits them, as well. Their spirit shines through. They are truly Spirits in Action.

By joyfully extending a hand to help out when a need arises, they become a more important part of our spiritual community.

There are lots of opportunities for you to get involved, too. Come talk to one of our Volunteer Advisory Committee members before or after services, find out what you might enjoy doing, and sign up. It really is that easy.

And more of us can volunteer,

• Each Youth Ed Aide would only have to help once every few months.
• Each Usher/Greeter would only have to help during one service every few months.
• Each Hospitality Angel would only have to bring in snacks and help out in the kitchen once every few months.

So how about it? Are you a "Lucy" or a "Spirit in Action" - only you can decide!

If everyone did just a little, no one would have to do a lot - and just imagine what we could accomplish!

LOOKING FOR A GOOD BOOK TO TAKE ON VACATION OR JUST SOME SUMMERTIME READING? I'm sure we have something to interest you. Check out these new arrivals:
Happier than God by Neale Donald Walsch: Turn ordinary life into an extraordinary experience.
The Moses Code by James F. Twyman: Is it possible that nearly 3,500 years ago Moses was given the secret for attracting everything you've desired? Read The Moses Code and find out!
The Third Jesus by Deepak Chopra: First is the historical Jesus; second is Jesus, the Son of God; and last is the cosmic Christ.

And of course we have all the Unity Classics. There is a book for just about anything you're interested in or would like to read, as you further your Truth studies.

Have a great summer and enjoy a book or two, and if you find one that you think we should have in the bookstore, let me know. I'll be glad to add it to the collection.

Clara McLaughlin

Recycle ink cartridges and cell phones in the bookstore. Helping the environment adds up for Tampa Unity!

DURING A FIVE-MINUTE INFORMAL GROUP MEDITATION, I was directed to think about abundance and a place I love.

I was willing to cooperate but had no real expectations as I sat at the table. I closed my eyes and thought about what abundance means to me. Immediately, I saw the night sky flooded with brilliant stars. Then I half-complained that they were so far away, and instantly the whole sky whizzed off and spun around me in the form of a velvet cape with the stars sparkling.

I was on a horse cantering down the long trail I sometimes ride. Then the leader concluded the session and said, "Thanks for coming!" I was stunned. My message? Abundance is all around me, as abundant as the stars.

Thank you, God, for taking a mundane place and moment and using it to remind me of your grace and leaving me breathless.

Carolyn Deese

PLEASE TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE MANY WAYS TAMPA UNITY OFFERS SUPPORT AND PRAYER.

PRAYER

Prayer Tree - The chairperson receives prayer requests from the prayer box on Monday, or during the week if there is an immediate need. The first name and prayer request are shared with a team member who prays for that person every day for two weeks. The cards are then sent to Silent Unity and are kept in prayer for another 30 days. You can also call 870- 0731, ext 301, to be added to the prayer tree list.

Prayer Chaplains are available in the Library following the 11:00 service for individual prayers. The Ministers are available prior to the 11:00 service.

Clara's prayer group meets monthly to hold Tampa Unity Church in prayer, among other prayer needs. These members also silently hold Tampa Unity Church in prayer every Sunday morning.

Julene Gordon creates prayerful affirmations for the weekly bulletins.

Need a morning or daily spiritual pickup? Call our inspirational prayer line for a recorded message: 875- 0102. Call 870-0731, ext 301, to leave a message or prayer request.

ELDER CARE SUPPORT -Three volunteers call some of our home-bound seniors to stay in touch and offer their love and support.

GREETING CARDS - Beverly King sends special holiday greeting cards to the home-bound seniors and anyone who may be temporarily home- bound.

SUNDAY SERVICE CDS - CDs are sent out every Monday to our home-bound seniors and to those who may be home-bound temporarily.

CARE GIVERS SUPPORT - Sharon Hall has organized a team of members willing to offer support to those who have been hospitalized. And a special volunteer makes chicken soup for anyone can use some healing food.

SPIRITUAL COUNSELING - Reverends Allen and Debbie provide spiritual counseling by appointment on a love-offering basis.

MY GRANDMOTHER WAS VERY FOND OF HER YARD AND GARDEN, and with good reason. Her house was demure, a 50's era cottage, but her yard was grand. Her pride was the garden. When I visited as a child, she would point out each blossom by name, extolling its color and virtues. My grandmother was a gentle guide in her home-sewn apron, dainty in her white open-toed shoes - until she spied the enemy, the nemesis of her garden, the huge, armor-plated, multi- colored Eastern Lubber grasshopper.

This grasshopper has always filled me with loathing. First, they are really large, 3 to 4 inches easily. The adults sport garish red and green markings, yellow and black thoraxes, and huge hind legs for hopping - on your foot, up your dress, in your hair! A mere glimpse was enough to incite my hasty retreat. Not so my grandmother. The sight of the grasshopper transformed her to a lieutenant general. It was war.

My grandmother knew things about grasshoppers that I did not. She knew they would turn her beloved flowers into a salad bar. She also knew that once they reach maturity, they are virtually impervious to sprays and poisons. Nor are they tasty to lizards and birds. My grandmother, however, had a secret weapon: her foot.

She would stomp them on sight (regardless of her open - toed shoes), oblivious to the crunching and squishing, exoskeleton popping, the disjointed legs flailing, black grasshopper guts spraying the walkway.

"Eee-yeww!" At the first snap, crackle, pop, I was in the house with my head buried in the davenport pillows, too cowardly for combat.

Thirty years later, the enemy found me. "Mommy, what's that black stuff in the garden?" said my eight- year-old daughter, Allyson. The large rosemary growing under the oak tree appeared to be covered in tar, and the hedge row, too. Upon closer inspection, I was horrified to find that the black shroud was actually hundreds - thousands - of baby grasshoppers. Tiny and black now, but soon to grow into the multi-colored monsters remembered from my childhood. No wonder my freshly planted annuals had no leaves left! I had no choice but to spray with insecticide - immediately!

Four weeks later, he appeared. The juvenile grasshopper was about two inches long, sporting red pin-striping on his glossy black thorax. He twitched his antennae at me. I was loathe to stomp him. But I did not want him decimating my garden. Gingerly, I scooped him into a bug catcher box.

"I want to feed him!" Ally cried. She picked some choice greenery and dropped it in. "I'm going to call him Grassy." Grassy hopped nimbly to the leaves and started chewing.

"Great," I thought, "Now he's a pet."

Each day I wondered what to do about Grassy. He (she?) was getting bigger. I couldn't let him loose to munch and then lay eggs that would turn into an army of grasshoppers next spring. I thought I would take him somewhere and set him free. But, where? I would not be doing anyone a favor by leaving him in their yard. Each day I pondered this as Grassy grew. What would my grandmother say to see me harboring her foe in this way?

Then I found it: the vacant house with the overgrown yard. It was the perfect spot for Grassy. Maybe he could make a dent in the weed-chocked lot. No one would care if he ate up that mess. He seemed happy with his new home when we set him free.

I think even my grandmother might approve.

by Janet Stanley