the present

Your Monthly Newsletter Gift August/September 2012 Your Monthly Newsletter Gift August/September 2012 Your Monthly Newsletter Gift August/September 2012 Your Monthly Newsletter Gift August/September 2012 ♥ Volume 11 Issue 8Volume 11 Issue 8Volume 11 Issue 8Volume 11 Issue 8

THE PRESENTTHE PRESENTTHE PRESENTTHE PRESENT

Let’s affirm: The healing life of God flows through me now.

I am loving and generous, helpful and considerate.

I am blessed! I am a blessing!

I make a positive difference in the world.

All my needs are abundantly met.

Unity of Surprise ♥ The Church of Practical Christianity ♥ Where Good Happens

Blessings & BitsBlessings & BitsBlessings & BitsBlessings & Bits

By Reverend Billie MartiniBy Reverend Billie MartiniBy Reverend Billie MartiniBy Reverend Billie Martini

As I write this column for the August/September

Newsletter, I am in awe of how quickly time

passes.

We moved into our new beautiful church home

in February where we held our 2012 Annual

Meeting, followed by Lenten activities, Maundy

Thursday Last Supper, Good Friday Prayer Vigil,

Easter, our Church Dedication, New Member

Class and Recognition, a weekend of Open

Space Visioning for our ministry, our 7th Annual

Women’s Tea, our 10th Birthday Celebration, and

our powerful Independence Day Celebration.

And those were just the special occasions! On a

weekly and monthly schedule, we enjoy classes,

Communion Services, Birthday and Anniversaries,

the Sisters of Myrtle Fillmore Healing Circle, the

Drumming Circle, the Women of Unity Education-

al experience, the Unity Playful Sisters events,

Birthday Brunches and Lunches, A.C.I.M., The

Men of Faith, the Byron Katie Group, A Faith Lift

Meditation time, book signings, Lunch Bunch,

Pearls of Wisdom Craft Group, Pet Blessings and

various workshops.

Our volunteers have clocked many hours and

our Prayer Chaplains have made monthly

wellness calls and have prayed with countless

individuals on Sunday mornings. We’ve celebrat-

ed the lives of two of our members as they

passed from this life to their next great adventure,

Bill Lord and Carol Ray. Our members have

supported many through surgeries, illnesses and

other challenges.

As I write this, I’m elbow deep in the planning for

the fall and winter activities and am reminded of

Phil and Dorothy Pierson’s T.V. show entitled,

The Best is Yet to Be!

So coming up is our church trip, the Alaska cruise,

August 10—24. Kathryn will be going on the trip,

so the office will be closed beginning August 8.

Our Potluck and White Elephant Event will be at

the end of August.

We’ll also have all of our regular activities

including classes, etc. plus a potluck lunch for our

Open Space Visioning rollout, Prayer Chaplain

training, meetings of all of our Ministry Teams,

Unity’s World Day of Prayer, introduction of our

F.A.C.E. team and activities, a Volunteer Recog-

nition Sunday, our Fall Membership Class and

New Member Sunday, Pet Blessings, a Halloween

Monster Mash Party, Communion Services, our

Thanksgiving Special Potluck, a special Christmas

Music Program, Advent Services, Christmas Eve

Candle Lighting, our old Fashioned Christmas

Morning, New Year’s Eve Burning Bowl

Ceremony, Boot Camp and then back to our

Annual Meeting in February, another ministry

year completed.

As I reflect on our ministry and all that we are and

all that we do, my heart expands in gratitude!

I’m so grateful for the consciousness that makes

us so dynamic! I give thanks for God’s guidance

that is continually available so that we might

always follow the will and do the work of the

Living Christ. I’m also grateful for the prayers and

finances to do that which we are called to do.

See you here, where there’s something for

everyone, where good happens, where God

happens all the time.

Love, Blessings,

Reverend Billie

Side by SideSide by SideSide by SideSide by Side

Joyce HahnJoyce HahnJoyce HahnJoyce Hahn

I’m enjoying my adventure as a

Board Member for Unity of Surprise.

I have met and have the opportunity to work with

some very special people who have become my

best friends, plus I have an opportunity to learn

more about myself.

It’s an exciting time for Unity of Surprise with our

new space. We have the opportunity for further

growth and expansion. It’s a great privilege to

serve the community with a bigger presence than

ever before. A good example is the July 1st Inde-

pendence Day Celebration with the Broadway

music and the indoor picnic. We had 160 people

in attendance!

Each Unity of Surprise Board Member has dual

duties. I’m the Vice President and also the Special

Events Coordinator. I’m honored to help in these

ways and am committed to serving you, our

members and attendees.

I’ve had a great time working with Kathryn, our

Administrative Assistant and Volunteer Coordinator

and all the volunteers on these events. I’d like to

take this opportunity to thank everyone who help

make our Special Events at Unity of Surprise a

great success. I'm honored to work with all of you.

Joyce Hahn,

Vice President & Special Events Coordinator

Notice to Unity of Surprise Notice to Unity of Surprise Notice to Unity of Surprise Notice to Unity of Surprise

MembersMembersMembersMembers Your mid-year ministry financial update will be

available by Sunday, September 2 for pickup

before our Sunday church Celebration. If you

would like yours mailed to you, please email

Kathryn at [email protected].

The Unity of Surprise mission statement is: to love,

serve and inspire all people by celebrating our

connectedness to God and to one another.

Our Unity of Surprise Purpose is: to affirm our

oneness, demonstrate unconditional love and

acceptance, teach the truth, embrace diversity

and change, and to create and maintain a

prayer consciousness.

Experts say that mission and purpose statements

describe who we are, what we are to do and

how we carry it out.

Take a look at the Unity of Surprise mission and

purpose statements above and ask the ques-

tions, “Is this who we are, is this what we do?”

Then take a look at our Core Values:

Being God centered,

Living in integrity,

Empowerment,

Commitment,

Acceptance,

Generosity

Joy

Then ask the question, “Do I as a member or

attendee of Unity of Surprise live these core

values?”

Remember… we are Unity of Surprise… each of

us is the church, not a building or a meeting

place. You put the “U” in Unity of Surprise.

Let’s live our lives from the Unity of Surprise core

values, carrying out our mission and purpose as

individuals parts of this “whole” Spiritual

Community!

Who are we?Who are we?Who are we?Who are we?

Questions to ponder...Questions to ponder...Questions to ponder...Questions to ponder...



One of my favorite things to do,

during the summer is go to the movies. And some

of my favorite movies as a child were, and still are,

Disney animated films; one of those films was “The

Rescuers,” which was released in the summer of

1977. After cheering for the hero mice, Bernard

and Bianca, and booing the villain, Madame Me-

dusa, I left the movie theatre with my imagination

stuck in high gear, but with no way to unleash it. I

resorted to daydreaming while playing outside with

my Radio Flyer… and then it finally dawned on me:

Disneyland has a bunch of rides based on past

movies from the Disney film library, why couldn’t I

create a ‘Rescuers’ ride for the park myself?

I immediately set to work on drawings, narration,

and even a full story board to make my idea as

clear as possible to the Imagineers who would

build and install my childhood magnum opus. I

initially thought of having passengers travel on

Orville, the albatross, but it seemed that Peter Pan

had already cornered the market on flying rides, so

I scrapped that idea. I finally settled on Madame

Medusa’s swamp mobile as the ideal means of

transportation.

Along with my childlike architectural renderings

and concept drawings, I included a long letter

describing every twist and turn that the riders

would experience on my harrowing adventure,

culminating in a hair-raising encounter with Mad-

ame Medusa herself, and her two pet alligators,

Nero and Brutus. I haven’t seen the movie in nearly

thirty years; I can’t believe I still remember all the

characters’ names.

When I felt that my masterpiece was finished and

the story told to the best of my eight year-old

abilities, I neatly packaged everything into a

logical order, stuffed it all into a large envelope,

and shipped it off to Walt Disney Imagineering, then

known as WED Enterprises. While I waited for a

response with enough anxiety to drive a saint to

drink, I began work on another ride concept that

has since escaped the bonds of my memory. As I

look back on this now, I think about how wonderfully

idealistic I was as a child. Never once did it occur to

me that they might not accept, or even like, my

idea. This is a testament to the creative freedom

and encouragement I was afforded as I was

growing up.

As I came home from school one day, I retrieved

the mail and there it was… the letter from Disney’s

Imagineers! As I tore open the envelop with the

eagerness of a dog raiding a butcher shop, I had

soaring visions of taking a ride on my own creation

at Disneyland and being the envy of every child at

my elementary school. I pulled the letter from the

remains of the envelop, unfolded the paper, and…

“Thank you for your wonderful idea for a ride at

Disneyland, however… “ and you can probably

guess the rest.

Actually, it wasn’t that bad. Tony Baxter, who

responded to my query, explained that ideas can

come only from in-house Imagineers, but that when

I grew up, I might want to consider pursuing that

career path. A man of his accomplishments, working

for such a renowned organization could have simply

chosen not to respond, or could have responded

with disdain or irritation, but he didn’t. He took the

time out of what I’m sure is a hectic schedule to

write me a kind and thoughtful letter, encouraging

me to pursue my dreams and goals. To this day,

more than 30 years later, I am still a big fan of Tony

Baxter.

Imaginatively yours,

James Crowley

Let’s Make Music Let’s Make Music Let’s Make Music Let’s Make Music

By James Crowley By James Crowley By James Crowley By James Crowley ♫

♫

♫


Facilitator—Reverend Billie Martini

Tuesday’s from 11:00—Noon

Myrtle Fillmore Room

Join Reverend Billie Tuesday mornings this

summer 11:00 am for a “faith lift”. These hour

long sessions will be filled with prayer, meditation,

consciousness raising and fellowship. Each time

together will be like a “mini” retreat, a time of

renewal and rejuvenation.

Please Note: No class on August 14th & 21st.

Byron Katie “The Work” Byron Katie “The Work” Byron Katie “The Work” Byron Katie “The Work”

Support group Support group Support group Support group Facilitator—Molly Harala

Wednesday’s from 1:30—3 PM

Myrtle Fillmore Room

We have launched a new group for those who

are interested in doing “The Work” together in a

safe and supportive group setting. Come one,

come all. This is for anyone who is interested or

just curious, whether you have done “The Work”

or not.

For those new to “The Work”, Reading Katie’s

book, Loving What Is, is helpful, but not required.

We will meet in the Myrtle Fillmore room every

Wednesday afternoon from 1:30—3:00, starting

Wednesday, April 4th.

This study group is open ended. Feel free to drop in

any Wednesday you are available. A love offering is

accepted.

Facilitator—Reverend Hal Lafler

Friday’s from 1:30—3:00 PM

Serenity Room

A Course in Miracles (ACIM) is a self-study

curriculum that aims to assist its readers in achiev-

ing spiritual transformation. The book describes a

purely non-dualistic philosophy of forgiveness and

includes what are meant to be practical lessons

and applications for the practice of forgiveness

in one's daily life. The introduction to the book

contains the following summary, "Nothing real

can be threatened. Nothing unreal exists. Herein

lies the peace of God." (Ref: Wikipedia)

For more information call Reverend Hal Lafler at

(623) 215-3080.

This study group is open ended. Feel free to drop in

any Friday you choose to. A love offering is accepted.

Drumming CircleDrumming CircleDrumming CircleDrumming Circle

By Joyce Hahn By Joyce Hahn By Joyce Hahn By Joyce Hahn The Summer Schedule is out for all you Drummer’s:

FRIDAY, August 17 & September 21

TIME: 6:30—7:30 pm

NEW LOCATION: Serenity Room

14495 W RH Johnson Blvd.

Bring a drum or any other instrument, plus we

have some “Toys of Sound” like rattles and shak-

ers to share. Come join the celebration!

REFRESHMENTS AFTER: Feel free to bring a treat to

share. We now have an area where we are able

to have some fellowship after the Drumming

Circle and share some treats together.

Let’s Shake, Rattle, and Roll!

A love offering is accepted.

A Faith LiftA Faith LiftA Faith LiftA Faith Lift

MeditationMeditationMeditationMeditation

Nothing can disturb the calm Nothing can disturb the calm Nothing can disturb the calm Nothing can disturb the calm

peace of my soul.peace of my soul.peace of my soul.peace of my soul.

A Course in Miracles A Course in Miracles A Course in Miracles A Course in Miracles

(ACIM)(ACIM)(ACIM)(ACIM)


But now I find that I am simply being

grateful for Grace as I begin to

understand that faith is simply an outcome of my

accepting and understanding the gift of Grace.

In a world that often feels unstable and ever

changing, Grace is my safety net and yours. God

never designed us to fall or fail. Those are words

we designed, not what we were created for and

with.

Grace is love in expression. And I am grateful that

the Grace of God is your gift and mine!!

Love,

Carolyn Sodini

Confidential Prayer Support Confidential Prayer Support Confidential Prayer Support Confidential Prayer Support

Here to pray with you Here to pray with you Here to pray with you Here to pray with you

The Unity of Surprise High Watchers prayer team

trusts in the creative, regenerating, transformative

power of Divine Love.

Through God’s Wisdom, we immerse the dear

ones for whom we pray in God’s absolute love.

We see these Beloved as perfect, whole &

complete, limitless & free.

A Prayer Request box is located on the

information counter in the lobby and also in the

Sanctuary each Sunday.

Remember, God is always with you. All His

blessings and goodness are yours by divine

inheritance. God is the freeing transformative

power within; infinite Intelligence and Wisdom,

always your light and inspiration, healing and

harmonizing in every way.

Of all the gifts a benevolent God

has bestowed on us, the one I am

appreciating the most recently is the

gift of Grace. What a wonderful

thing to always know that even on

the days when I am less than per-

fect, that I am never abandoned. Eric Butterworth

describes Grace as the divine favor, the activity

of God’s love, working for us constantly. He

describes it as the buoyancy of water, keeping us

afloat, even when we try to force ourselves under.

He describes Grace as sustaining us in spite of

ourselves. He says that Grace simply is, that it is

an assurance, an explanation of why things are

never quite hopeless, and why we never quite

receive the full harvest of the errors that we sow

and why we always receive a little more good

than we sow.

I like to think of grace as the gift that sustains me

when my faith that all is well is challenged by

problems. Grace is what holds me up when my

faith and believing in a good outcome is shaky.

Grace is the bridge that carries me over troubles

and back into balance. It is Grace that gets me

through the times when I feel alone, over-

whelmed, lacking or in physical pain.

This is a gift of such extraordinary magnitude, that

it mystifies me that I forget it’s importance and

presence in my life far more often than I would

care to admit. To be loved and supported, no

matter what, is the most amazing part of physical

life. I don’t have to study it, work at it, feed it, or

nourish it, it just IS.

I have often prayed for an increase in Faith, for an

increase in the knowing and believing that only

and believing that only good is available to me.

Prayer Chaplains’ CornerPrayer Chaplains’ CornerPrayer Chaplains’ CornerPrayer Chaplains’ Corner

By Carolyn SodiniBy Carolyn SodiniBy Carolyn SodiniBy Carolyn Sodini


Opportunity is coming up this fall to join the Prayer

Chaplain team of Unity of Surprise. Training is

being offered October 19—20, 2012.

A Prayer Chaplain Team is a service opportunity

for those congregants who are truly looking to

take the next step in the development of their

spiritual maturity and level of commitment in their

spiritual growth. As such, Prayer Chaplains make

a one-year commitment in fulfilling their responsi-

bilities which include serving at Sunday Services,

making monthly wellness calls and attending

occasional team meetings.

Unlike hospital chaplains, Prayer Chaplains are

not ordained and not trained to counsel people.

Prayer Chaplains are trained to do three things

only: Hold Spiritual Space, Listen and Pray.

Prayer Chaplains are not trained to go out and

‘minister’ to the community-at-large but are

trained as a lay resource to help meet the

pastoral care needs within Unity of Surprise.

No prior experience in prayer or praying with

others is required to serve as a Prayer Chaplain.

We provide complete comprehensive training.

Prayerfully consider becoming a part of the Unity

of Surprise Chaplain Program and then submit

your completed Prayer Chaplain Registration

form by October 1st, 2012. Forms will be available

at the information table located in the lobby of

the church building by September 1st.

See Reverend Billie Martini with any questions you

may have.

“Here I am Lord!”“Here I am Lord!”“Here I am Lord!”“Here I am Lord!”

How do I volunteer as a How do I volunteer as a How do I volunteer as a How do I volunteer as a

Prayer Chaplain?Prayer Chaplain?Prayer Chaplain?Prayer Chaplain?

Reverend Denise OstendorfReverend Denise OstendorfReverend Denise OstendorfReverend Denise Ostendorf Guest SpeakerGuest SpeakerGuest SpeakerGuest Speaker

SundaySundaySundaySunday————August 12, 2012August 12, 2012August 12, 2012August 12, 2012

Reverend Denise moved to Phoenix

about 19 years ago and attended Unity

of Phoenix for many years. She became

a New Thought minister in 2004 and

Licensed Unity teacher and Prayer

Chaplain in 2011. In addition to her spiritual commit-

ments she is now serving on the Board of Trustees as

Treasurer here at Unity of Surprise.

Reverend Denise works full time with a very satisfying

career in accounting yet is willing to serve the

congregation at Unity of Surprise in the best and

highest way possible.

Reverend Denise will be speaking on August 12, as

Guest Speaker for our Sunday Worship Service. Her

talk title is “Can You Hear Me Now?”

Reverend Cathy CorbinReverend Cathy CorbinReverend Cathy CorbinReverend Cathy Corbin----ManninoManninoManninoMannino Guest SpeakerGuest SpeakerGuest SpeakerGuest Speaker

Sunday, August 19, 2012Sunday, August 19, 2012Sunday, August 19, 2012Sunday, August 19, 2012 Reverend Catherine Corbin-Mannino is a

hospital-trained chaplain and ordained

interfaith minister who currently works at

Banner Boswell Memorial Hospital. She

earned her Master’s Degree in Health

and Social Services at the University of CA, Turlock,

and PhD in Philosophy from the American Institute of

Holistic Health, Birmingham, AL. She is the creator of

Tea ‘n Empathy ™, a spiritual counseling practice

incorporating mind-body-spiritual approaches to

improve one’s overall sense of well-being. She and

her husband, Charlie, have a special affinity for Unity

of Surprise having enjoyed trips to France and Italy

with Reverend Billie and several Unity of Surprise

members.

Reverend Cathy will be speaking on August 19, 2012

as Guest Speaker for our Sunday Worship Service.

Her talk title is “The Aftermath”.

Our new Sanctuary is such a beautiful place for

special ceremonies.

Unity of Surprise has many ordained ministers to

choose from for your special occasion.

Call the church office for details and available

dates—(623) 214-3884.

Tell Your FriendsTell Your FriendsTell Your FriendsTell Your Friends Do you know people who need space to rent?

Unity of Surprise has our lobby area and Serenity

Room available for support groups and classes.

Any group that has a mind, body, spirit connection

is welcome.

Call the church office for more information, rates,

etc.

Cool Stuff You Might Not Cool Stuff You Might Not Cool Stuff You Might Not Cool Stuff You Might Not

KnowKnowKnowKnow

The State with the highest percentage of people

who walk to work: Alaska

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If a statue in the park of a person on a horse has

both front legs in the air, the person died in battle.

If the horse has one front leg in the air, the person

died because of wounds received in battle.

If the horse has all four legs on the ground, the per-

son died of natural causes.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What do bulletproof vests, fire escapes, windshield

wipers and laser printers have in common?

A. All were invented by women! ☺


Planning a Wedding, Planning a Wedding, Planning a Wedding, Planning a Wedding,

Vow Renewal or Christening? Vow Renewal or Christening? Vow Renewal or Christening? Vow Renewal or Christening?

I’m writing the Gratitude Booklet again this

summer and would like your input. Please send

me via email, [email protected] 1-3 sentences

about what you are grateful for and your permis-

sion to use your statement by September 1st.

I’ll include as many of your “gratitude’s” as I can

in the booklet which will be gifted to our

congregation on November 4, 2012.

Important RemindersImportant RemindersImportant RemindersImportant Reminders Our next Communion Service will be in October…

none in August.

Other cancellations:

Healing Circle—None in August—next one will be

on Tuesday, September 11 at 1:00 pm.

Faith Lift—cancelled for August 11 & 21— we will

resume on August 28th at 11:00 am.

Birthday Brunch—cancelled for August—we will

be celebrating both August & September

birthdays on September 23 at 10:00 am.

Purl’s of Wisdom Craft Group—cancelled for

summer—next meeting will be October 26.

Sunday lessons can be heard on pod cast. Go to

our website www.unityofsurprise.org.

Office will be closed August 8—August 24.

Input Wanted, You Can HelpInput Wanted, You Can HelpInput Wanted, You Can HelpInput Wanted, You Can Help

Reverend Billie MartiniReverend Billie MartiniReverend Billie MartiniReverend Billie Martini

I am alive, alert, and aware!I am alive, alert, and aware!I am alive, alert, and aware!I am alive, alert, and aware!

Reverend Susan Osborn is a member of

Unity Church of Surprise and loves it. She

is active in Selfless Service and has been

a guest speaker and platform host for

several of our Sunday morning services.

She attended Santa Anita School of Ministerial Studies.

She served as Assistant Minister at Santa Anita Church

for 7 years in addition to being guest speaker and

teaching classes at many Unity and Religious Science

Churches in California and St. Louis, MO.

For the past 50+ years, Reverend Susan has been a

member of the Phoenix City Council of Beta Sigma Phi

and currently serves as President of this organization.

She also serves on the Phoenix Union High School

Alumni Association Board and oversees a program

that provides funds to high school students for books,

clothes, sports, and anything that helps them stay in

school and get an education making them produc-

tive citizens. Once a month she serves as a docent at

the Historical site Museum for Phoenix Union High

School.

Please come and hear her message, September 16,

on “The World of Serendipity”.

Dynamic Women of UnityDynamic Women of UnityDynamic Women of UnityDynamic Women of Unity Unity Playful SistersUnity Playful SistersUnity Playful SistersUnity Playful Sisters Save the Date: August 18th

Event: LATE AFTERNOON ON THE TOWN

Unity’s Playful Sisters will enjoy a cool afternoon movie

Saturday, August 18 at the Ultra Star Theater on

Litchfield Road in Surprise. The sisters will complete the

“Late Afternoon on the Town” event with supper at

Las Fuentes Mexican restaurant right next door to the

theater.

Keep an eye on the information table in the lobby for

a movie list, as the schedule is not yet available. The

cost is $6 for those 55+. Sisters could attend different

movies if they end about the same time.

Join the Dynamic Women of Unity at this fun event.

We’ll car pool from church. Remember to sign up and

indicate if you can drive or if you need a ride.


Reverend Susan OsbornReverend Susan OsbornReverend Susan OsbornReverend Susan Osborn Guest SpeakerGuest SpeakerGuest SpeakerGuest Speaker September 16, 2012September 16, 2012September 16, 2012September 16, 2012

World Foods Potluck & WhiteWorld Foods Potluck & WhiteWorld Foods Potluck & WhiteWorld Foods Potluck & White

Elephant Gift Exchange Elephant Gift Exchange Elephant Gift Exchange Elephant Gift Exchange

Sunday, August 26, 2012 Following the Worship Celebration 11:00 am—1:30 pm Quail/Coyote Room

Experience foods from around the world at this

tasty potluck while sharing your favorite traveling

experience with your tablemates. Share a meal

from your favorite country, i.e. Swedish meatballs,

a Greek salad with feta cheese, Chili Con Carne,

Shepherd’s Pie, Rice Pilaf, Pizza or the all Ameri-

can apple pie.

After we eat we’ll play our annual White

Elephant Gift Exchange game.

What is a White Elephant Gift? It’s that unused

item taking up space in your closet or garage.

Search your home for that item you no longer use

or want—please don’t buy anything new—then

wrap your gift attractively enticing as many play-

er’s as possible to want it. When it’s your turn, you

will pick a gift from the gift table or take one away

from someone who has the one you want. Let’s

see how many times your gift goes around the

room.

The old cliché applies here… what you think of as

junk is someone else’s treasure.

Remember to sign up at the information table in

the lobby and let us know what food item you are

bringing. The church will supply the paper prod-

ucts and beverages. Join in the fun! See you here

on Sunday August 26.

(Joyce Hahn looses her gift to

another admirer of it.) We

laugh, we cry, we have a

great time. Won’t you join

us?)


Stop by the bookstore and say Good Morning;

we are open every Sunday by 9 am and again

after our Worship Service at 11am. It has become

a fun gathering place. We all await the return of

the barista’s and delicious, flavored coffee to

open again in the fall. In the meantime, some

folks are bringing their own to sit and chat for a

bit.

Come check out some new books on the

shelves; we have waited patiently for Eric

Butterworth’s “Break the Ten Commandments”.

Mary Earls writes in her Unity article in Unity

magazine, “Consider the commandment against

adultery.” Butterworth reveals that at its Hebrew

root, the word adultery refers to the total aban-

donment of one’s principles. “In its purest sense

adultery is not what two people do wrongly

together but what we destructively do to our-

selves. We lose our sense of integrity,” he writes.

Butterworth goes on to state, “Anything less than

the Truth of our oneness with the One is adultery.”

He says “that to think, speak or act untruthfully is

to compromise our divine consciousness. Jesus

taught us to recognize the indwelling God as the

essence of love—and to live accordingly.”

Reverend Thorpe from the Unity Institute says

“Breaking the Ten Commandments is a powerful

book to teach to adults. If I were leading a

church now, I’d say let’s study the Ten Com-

mandments and make them living texts and not

a catalog of sins.” Great Summer Reading!

Unity inherited thousands of papers and record-

ings from Butterworth at the time of his death.

What a great legacy for us. Visit

www.ericbutterworth.com for more information

on the collection.

I have discovered some good

books from the Lending Library,

namely “The Shack” which I have been wanting to

read for a long time. Very moving; can’t put it

down! I will be returning it real soon for you to read

too.

Did you know we have some Furry Friends that

reside in our bookstore now? They NEED to go to

church but can only go with a Young Person. Stop

by and pick one up, if you qualify. They CAN

attend Fellowship but don’t let them eat too much.

Bring them back for a nap on your way out!

Thanks to our faithful volunteers who show up every

Sunday morning to “Man the Booth” and to all for

your support!

Healing CircleHealing CircleHealing CircleHealing Circle

Reverend Billie Martini Reverend Billie Martini Reverend Billie Martini Reverend Billie Martini 2nd Tuesday of month, September 11, 2012

1:00—2:30 PM in the Myrtle Fillmore Room

Reverend Billie Martini Officiating

(No August Healing Circle)

Experience with us the power of group focus and

healing potential of that focus for our individual

needs. Our healing circle uses the concepts and

work of Myrtle Fillmore and expands the healing

power within us. Our circle embraces the concept

of Jesus—whenever two or more are gathered in

his name there is love and greater power—and the

lessons he taught us about helping each other see

the wholeness of our bodies and lives.

Join us from 1 to 2:30 pm on Tuesday, September

11, in the Myrtle Fillmore Room. Everyone is

welcome. A love offering will be accepted.

The Living Light BookstoreThe Living Light BookstoreThe Living Light BookstoreThe Living Light Bookstore

By Joy BeattyBy Joy BeattyBy Joy BeattyBy Joy Beatty


God, Thank you for this life who is such a gift to

others. Bless this special day; may it be filled with

joy and delightful surprises.

Amen

Kathy Parry ♫ August 4

Kristi Zimmermann ♫ August 7

Bob Eisenbaugh ♫ August 15

Thomas Charette ♫ August 26

Jeana Lucas ♫ August 27

JR Reese ♫ August 28

September BirthdaysSeptember BirthdaysSeptember BirthdaysSeptember Birthdays Thank you God for the gift of this child. Send your

blessings of love, health, and happiness on this

birthday and all the birthday to come.

Amen

Bill Ritchie ♫ September 5

Jubie Ellen Hughes ♫ September 8

Joyce Hahn ♫ September 23

BiBiBiBirtrtrtrthhhhdddday ay ay ay BrBrBrBruuuunnnnchchchch Saturday, September 22

10:00 AM in the Charles Fillmore Room

August & September Birthdays will be celebrated

together with Reverend Billie and Marilyn

Michaelson at 10:00 am in the Charles Fillmore

Room. We’ll eat, share stories and set an

intention for this next wonderful year of life.

Unity of Surprise will continue to sponsor a food

drive to help fill the shelves of our local ‘Youngtown

Food Bank’ throughout the year. We will accept

your contribution on the 1st Sunday of the month.

As the basket fills up, we will deliver our treasure &

abundance to Valley View Food Bank.

Thank you for sharing your treasure with your

neighbors.

Lunch BunchLunch BunchLunch BunchLunch Bunch

Ken & Bonnie Knapp Ken & Bonnie Knapp Ken & Bonnie Knapp Ken & Bonnie Knapp

September 30, 2012

Coco’s

15955 W Clearview Blvd.

Sun City Grand in Surprise

at 12:30 pm

Join us for another fun outing on Sunday,

September 30 following our Worship Celebration

and fellowship hour.

Please sign up at the information counter, located

in the church lobby or call the office (623) 214-3884

for a reservation. Directions will be provided as we

get closer to the event.

Deadline for reservations are Wednesday,

September 26.

Thank you Bonnie and Ken Knapp for arranging

another place to fellowship with friends.

August BirthdaysAugust BirthdaysAugust BirthdaysAugust Birthdays

Support the Valley View Food Support the Valley View Food Support the Valley View Food Support the Valley View Food Bank in YoungtownBank in YoungtownBank in YoungtownBank in Youngtown

I Sizzle with joy and I Sizzle with joy and I Sizzle with joy and I Sizzle with joy and

enthusiasm!enthusiasm!enthusiasm!enthusiasm!


Now that August is upon us and September soon

to follow I am reminded of what my mom & dad

called Indian Summer back east… the weather

cooled off, a light jacket was needed and Labor

Day marked the end of the summer. My family

would head up to camp in Lake George, (all 7 of

us) and we would stay in a house just up the road

from Gaslight Village, miniature golf, and soft serve

ice-cream. It was traditional to walk the village with

our parents, play pin ball for 10¢ with all the dimes

we saved up throughout the year and of course

end the night with miniature golf and an ice cream

cone. As I grew older these weekends became

ever popular with my 2 sisters and me. The boys

were everywhere and it was exciting to walk main

street and hear a whistle or two. My two older

sister’s were gorgeous and petite and drew most

of the attention. I so enjoyed just being part of the

group. I felt so grown up when I was out with my

big sisters, at night, and NO parents! Every teen-

agers dream. I realize this has nothing to do with

selfless service except that it was awfully kind of my

big sisters to let me tag along and enjoy the feeling

of being grown up. Over the years they nurtured

me, taught me to apply makeup, how to look for

clothes that flattered my figure and coached me

on dating, friendship and community service. I was

appreciative of the attention and help. These were

selfless acts that gave me guidance and confi-

dence as I grew into a young woman.

“Our mission is to love, serve and inspire all people

as we celebrate our connectedness to God and to

one another.” As your Volunteer Coordinator, I

offer guidance on how to get plugged into our

church. We at Unity will nurture, empower, lead,

and love you into serving in unexpected ways.

Here at Unity of Surprise we want to accomplish our

mission. The way to get at the true value of volun-

teers beyond the usual “to save money” is to

eradicate the hunger in our community... hunger to

love and be loved, to grow spiritually and to find

purpose in our lives, to envision one’s hopes and

wishes for a greater family unit, to expand a corps of

Volunteers serving the organization, effectively and

creatively in a myriad of ways.

We encourage teamwork between employees and

volunteers, so that we can offer the best services

possible. Volunteers contribute their unique talents,

skills, and knowledge so that our community will grow,

so each one of us can enjoy a loving atmosphere

and want to return, over and over again and want to

get involved. As you grow independently, spiritually,

socially, so does Unity Church of Surprise. Get

plugged in! You won’t regret it.

Bible Study ReturnsBible Study ReturnsBible Study ReturnsBible Study Returns Journey in the Old Testament

September 8—October 13

Saturday from 1—3 pm

Facilitated by Rev. Denise Ostendorf

This class will be a wonderful opportunity for you to

obtain a greater connection to the Bible. Every story

in the Bible reflects the spiritual journey of your soul. If

we look at the stories in the Old Testament literally, it

sometimes does not make a lot of sense. Therefore,

we will be looking at the Bible metaphysically. When

we study the bible metaphysically, we are looking

past the literal meaning of the Bible stories and find-

ing a deeper meaning that reflects the different

stages of the unfoldment of the soul. We will start

with Genesis which tells about the creation of the

soul and then go through the highlights of the rest of

the Old Testament which is an amazing adventure

that our soul takes through the stages of “trial and

error” experiences. This class will give you an oppor-

tunity to explore the old testament and understand

it in a way that you have not done before. Please

come and see how the Bible is your story.

Selfless Service Selfless Service Selfless Service Selfless Service

By Kathryn Clouther By Kathryn Clouther By Kathryn Clouther By Kathryn Clouther

Coming up on Saturday, October 6 at 10 am on the

Patio: 14495 W RH Johnson Blvd, Sun City West.

Bring your fur, feather and fin children to the Annual

Pet Blessing. Reverend Billie will present a short pet

blessing service and then will bless each fur, feather

or fin child personally. Please no reptiles or rodents,

Reverend Billie will bless these children from afar.

If you are unable to bring your pet, you may bring a

picture to be blessed. Treats will be provided.

New Member ClassNew Member ClassNew Member ClassNew Member Class

Coming up in the FallComing up in the FallComing up in the FallComing up in the Fall Are you thinking about making a commitment this

year to be part of a dynamic spiritual community?

Do you have a deeper desire to explore your own

divinity and spiritual growth?

Join Reverend Billie, Kathryn, our Volunteer Coordina-

tor and the Board of Trustees for the New Member

Class on Sunday, October 14, from 11:45—3:30 pm to

find out what is involved in membership, to learn

what Unity really teaches and how you can become

a member of Unity Church of Surprise.

The meeting is open to everyone who wishes to know

more about Unity and is a mandatory meeting for

anyone who desires membership.

A complimentary light lunch will be served. Watch for

sign up sheets on the information counter near the

lobby in September.

AllAllAllAll----Congregation MeetingCongregation MeetingCongregation MeetingCongregation Meeting

Sunday—October 7, 2012

We will discuss and vote on the ideas presented in

the booklet “The Proceeds of Open Space in Unity

at Unity of Surprise”. This is your opportunity to vote

on the ideas and to harness our energy on what is

of interest to the people here at Unity of Surprise.

Annual Pet BlessingAnnual Pet BlessingAnnual Pet BlessingAnnual Pet Blessing

Saturday, October 6Saturday, October 6Saturday, October 6Saturday, October 6


Minister

Reverend Billie Martini

Minister E-mail: [email protected]

Call Reverend Billie if you would like prayer, a

home or hospital visit, or spiritual counseling.

She is also available for baptisms, christenings,

memorial or funeral services, weddings,

office or home blessings.

Music Director

James Crowley

[email protected]

Administrative Assistant/Volunteer Coordinator

Kathryn Clouther

Church E-mail

[email protected]

Church Main Telephone Number

623 214-3884

Church Fax

623 214-5223

Reverend Billie Martini—Option 1

Kathryn & General Information—Option 2

Prayer & Inspiration—Option 3

Office Hours

Monday—Thursday

9:30—5:00 PM

Closed on Friday for classes.

Church Website

www.unityofsurprise.org

Tuesday Whispers

Connect mid-week with an inspiration e-mail

message. To sign up, e-mail Reverend Billie at

[email protected].

For Your ReferenceFor Your ReferenceFor Your ReferenceFor Your Reference

Contact Information Contact Information Contact Information Contact Information

Unity Church of Surprise

World Day of Prayer Service

11:00 am in the Sanctuary

September 13, 2012

`

All Services

10:00 am

Sign up Sheets are located on the Information counter off the

lobby.

Please note:

Office Closed

August 8—25th

1111 Byron Katie’s

The Work—Study Group

1:30—3:00 pm

(Myrtle Room)

2222 3333 ACIM

1:30—3:00 pm

(Serenity Room)

4444

5555 It is What It Is


Food Bank Sunday

Share your daily bread by brining dry food items & toiletries, to

church.

6666

7 7 7 7 A Faith Lift

11 am—noon Midweek Renewal

Reverend Billie

(Myrtle Room)



1:30—3:00 pm

(Myrtle Room)

9999

10101010 ACIM

1:30—3:00 pm

(Serenity Room)

11111111

12121212 Can You Hear Me

Now?

Guest Speaker

Reverend Denise Ostendorf

13131313

14141414



1:30—3:00 pm

(Myrtle Room)

16161616 17171717 ACIM

1:30—3:00 pm (Serenity Room) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Drumming Circle

6:30 pm

(Serenity Room)

18181818 Unity Playful

Sisters

Late Afternoon on the Town

Carpool from Church

to Movie & dinner Time TBA

19191919 The Aftermath

Guest Speaker

Rev. Catherine

Corbin-Mannino

20202020 21212121



1:30—3:00 pm

(Myrtle Room)

23232323 24242424

ACIM

1:30—3:00 pm

(Serenity Room)

25252525

26262626 You Have No

Expiration Date


World Foods Potluck & White Elephant

Gift Exchange

27272727 28282828 A Faith Lift

11 am—noon

Midweek Renewal Reverend Billie

(Myrtle Room)



1:30—3:00 pm

(Myrtle Room)

30303030 31313131 ACIM

1:30—3:00 pm

(Serenity Room)

AugustAugustAugustAugust I am blessed!I am blessed!I am blessed!I am blessed!I am blessed!I am blessed!I am blessed!I am blessed!

Sun.Sun.Sun.Sun.Sun.Sun.Sun.Sun. Mon. Tues.Mon. Tues.Mon. Tues.Mon. Tues.Mon. Tues.Mon. Tues.Mon. Tues.Mon. Tues. Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat.Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat.Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat.Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat.Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat.Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat.Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat.Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat.

SeptemberSeptemberSeptemberSeptember

I am a blessing!I am a blessing!I am a blessing!I am a blessing!I am a blessing!I am a blessing!I am a blessing!I am a blessing!

Sun.Sun.Sun.Sun.Sun.Sun.Sun.Sun. Mon. Tues.Mon. Tues.Mon. Tues.Mon. Tues.Mon. Tues.Mon. Tues.Mon. Tues.Mon. Tues. Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat.Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat.Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat.Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat.Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat.Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat.Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat.Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat.

2222 To Labor or not

to Labor

Food Bank Sunday Share your daily bread

by brining dry food items & toiletries, to

church.

3333 OfficeOfficeOfficeOffice ClosedClosedClosedClosed

4 4 4 4 A Faith Lift

11 am—noon


(Myrtle Room)



1:30—3:00 pm

(Myrtle Room)

6666

7777 ACIM

1:30—3:00 pm

(Serenity Room)

8888 Journey in the Old Testament

(through Oct. 13)


(Myrtle Room)

9999 Finding our Place

10101010

11111111 A Faith Lift

11 am—noon Midweek Renewal

Reverend Billie (Myrtle Fillmore) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Healing Circle

1:00 pm (Myrtle Room)



1:30—3:00 pm

(Myrtle Room)

13131313 World Day of Prayer

11:00 am

(Sanctuary)

14141414 ACIM

1:30—3:00 pm

(Serenity Room)

15151515 Journey in the Old Testament

(through Oct. 13)


(Myrtle Room)

16161616 The World of Serendipity

Guest Speaker

Rev. Susan Osborn

17171717 18181818

A Faith Lift 11 am—noon


(Myrtle Room)



1:30—3:00 pm

(Myrtle Room)

20202020

21212121

ACIM

1:30—3:00 pm

~~~~~~~~~~ Drumming Circle

6:30 pm

(Sanctuary)

22222222

Bir thday Lunch

12:30 pm

(Charles Room) ~~~~~~~~~~~ Journey in the Old Testament

(Myrtle Room)

23232323

Coming Into Our Greatness

24242424 25252525

A Faith Lift 11 am—noon


(Myrtle Room)



1:30—3:00 pm

(Myrtle Room)

27272727

28282828

ACIM

1:30—3:00 pm

(Serenity Room)

29292929

Journey in the Old Testament

(through Oct. 13)


(Myrtle Room)

30303030 It Came to Pass

Lunch Bunch

Coco’s 12:30 pm

UNITY OF SURPRISEUNITY OF SURPRISEUNITY OF SURPRISEUNITY OF SURPRISE————WHERE GOOD HAPPENS WHERE GOOD HAPPENS WHERE GOOD HAPPENS WHERE GOOD HAPPENS “I’ll Evolve in 2012”“I’ll Evolve in 2012”“I’ll Evolve in 2012”“I’ll Evolve in 2012”

U.S. Postage PaidU.S. Postage PaidU.S. Postage PaidU.S. Postage Paid Sun City, AZSun City, AZSun City, AZSun City, AZ

Permit No. 339Permit No. 339Permit No. 339Permit No. 339 Nonprofit OrganizationNonprofit OrganizationNonprofit OrganizationNonprofit Organization

10:00 AM Service 10:00 AM Service 10:00 AM Service 10:00 AM Service

August

5

“It is What It Is”


August

12

“Can You Hear Me Now?” Guest Speaker

Reverend Denise Ostendorf

August

19

“The Aftermath ” Guest Speaker

Reverend Catherine Corbin-Mannino

August 26 “You Have No Expiration Date”

Potluck & White Elephant Exchange


Unity World Wide Ministries Unity World Wide Ministries Unity World Wide Ministries Unity World Wide Ministries ♥ Affiliated with Unity Affiliated with Unity Affiliated with Unity Affiliated with Unity ♥ Publishers of the Daily WordPublishers of the Daily WordPublishers of the Daily WordPublishers of the Daily Word

Member of the International New Thought Alliance Member of the International New Thought Alliance Member of the International New Thought Alliance Member of the International New Thought Alliance

Unity of SurpriseUnity of SurpriseUnity of SurpriseUnity of Surprise 14495 W R.H. Johnson Blvd.14495 W R.H. Johnson Blvd.14495 W R.H. Johnson Blvd.14495 W R.H. Johnson Blvd.

Sun City West, AZ 85375Sun City West, AZ 85375Sun City West, AZ 85375Sun City West, AZ 85375----5671567156715671

unityofsurprise.org unityofsurprise.org unityofsurprise.org unityofsurprise.org

[email protected]@[email protected]@qwestoffice.net

Phone: (623) 214Phone: (623) 214Phone: (623) 214Phone: (623) 214----3884388438843884

Fax: (623) 214Fax: (623) 214Fax: (623) 214Fax: (623) 214----5223522352235223

10:00 AM Service 10:00 AM Service 10:00 AM Service 10:00 AM Service

September

2

“To Labor or not to Labor”


September

9

“Finding our Place”


September

16

“The World of Serendipity” Guest Speaker

Reverend Susan Osborn

September

23

“Coming Into Our Greatness”


September

30

“It Came to Pass”


the present

Documents

augustseptember newsletter

monthly schedule

church trip

new member class

monthly wellness calls

pet blessings

communion services

potluck lunch