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Happy Fourth of July…I know it is a little late however it is when I am writing this.
I will be going out of town next weekend, and I am so pleased that Rev Matt Purinton will be speaking on Sunday. Matt always provides a thoughtful message and no doubt he will this Sunday as well.
Lots of great events happening in July starting with Matt, then on July 17 Steph Plourde will takes us into the world of Feng Shui. She did a workshop in May that was so well received we scheduled this as a follow-up; however, you don’t have to have attended the first one to get the benefits of Steph’s knowledge and teachings. This workshop will follow the Sunday service.
Later on Sunday the 17 at 7:00 Rev Todd Glacy and his friends will be offering a Kirtan experience. To learn more about Kirtan go to sacredsoundandliving.com. It gives you a great description of what you will experience.
Now mark your calendar for July 22 for the celebration of Rev LeRoy Lowell with a drumming and fire circle at Unity beginning at 7:30 pm. Please bring a lawn chair, drum if you have one and rattles…this is a celebration of a life well lived. This will be held weather permitting. Fixings for smores will be available…
That is not all folks…following the service on July 24 there will be an introduction to a new meditation practice for some of us; it is called Sahaja Yoga and this will be lead by Jane Gagnier and Vamshi Gooje. Here is a little about the practice…it is transformational…begins with an experience that is effortless and spontaneous. With the very first experience (known as Self-Realization) you gain a new dimension in your awareness and witness the absolute truth. Anybody can do it. Practice for a few days and you should witness positive changes within yourself.
Jane and Vamshi will be holding follow-up meetings every Tuesday beginning on July 26 from 6:30 – 8pm. They are committed to transformation, which aligns with our Unity vision statement. There is no charge, however, if you choose to donate it comes to Unity Center for Spiritual Growth.
This leads right into Sunday’s message on transformation. The message highlighted biblical figures who experience transformation or awakening…they were Elijah, Paul and then the scripture where Jesus is asking his disciples who does man say I am… and Peter answers with, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” If you missed the service, you can watch it here…
There are many characteristics of an awakening or transformation…here are a few:
- An awakening may seem to come suddenly, but there are usually years of unconscious preparation for this special event.
- A spiritual awakening can be marked by a mystical experience or at least an uncommon experience that we do not fully understand.
- A spiritual awakening often happens when we are suffering because suffering humbles us and tends to make us more receptive to spiritual forces.
- A spiritual awakening can cause a sudden and abrupt change in our life.
- It is a human tendency to want to repeat a spiritual experience, but this desire is to be put aside as we purify our intent to know God.
Let us remember that the spiritual life is not about having experiences; it is about living life from a divine center.
Have a fabulous week…enjoy summer…we waited for it for a very long time…
You are a blessing in my life,
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Unity Center for Spiritual Growth
Vision: Centered in Divine Love we celebrate a spiritually transformed world.
Mission: Unity Center for Spiritual Growth reaches in to reach out through education, service and creation of community.
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Thanks for showing your love for our spiritual community through your donations.
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MESSAGES FROM THE COMMUNITY | | |
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Children's Program
with Ms. Mari
During Sunday Service
9:45-11:15am
Please bring your children to join in.
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Hybrid Sunday Service
Live Streaming
at 10:00 AM
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UPCOMING CLASSES & EVENTS | |
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Women Empowering Women
Rev Pat Bessey, Facilitator
First Thursday of Each Month on Zoom
6:30-8:00 PM
ON HIATUS UNTIL SEPTEMBER
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Purpose: To create a safe environment where women can come together to explore issues relevant to their growth of body, mind, and spirit. To give and receive support for fulfilling their dreams, goals, and to dismantle beliefs that limit them from reaching their maximum potential. Invite friends to join with you…
Zoom ID: 865 8970 9495
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Maybe you have been hoping to
find a group of men who share
a positive spiritual path!
Look no further...
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Men's Group
with Jack Cole and Randy Sweeting
First and Third Tuesday of the month
6:00-7:30PM
ON HIATUS UNTIL SEPTEMBER
Unity Men's Group meets twice a month on the first and third Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. It is hosted by Jack Cole and Randy Sweeting. This is a Zoom call and to get the link and more information contact Jack at [email protected].
Hope to hear from you and see you at our next meeting.
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Silent Saturday
With Jack Seery
Third Saturday of the Month
NEW!!
Short format 9:30 - Noon
Full Day
9:30 a.m. - 3:00 PM
Next day of silence: July 16
We join with others to be more alone with God.
- Join with others: At times we are drawn to be totally alone and at other times being with others supports our going deep.
- Silence helps us to clarify our inner state, and come to a deeper understanding of our selves
- Silence is the path to touch our soul, our inner depth, the presence of the Sacred.
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Regardless of one’s spiritual tradition, there are times when a movement into silence is an essential part of the journey. This pull into silence allows us to listen to a deeper aspect of ourselves, deepen our consciousness of the Sacred, however named and may allow us to see more clearly our relationship to the social issues of our day.
Silent Saturday has been an aspect of the spiritual life of the Unity community for some years, providing an opportunity for people to enter into the silence. In order to make Silent Saturday accessible to more people whose lives do not allow for the current 9:30 am to 3 pm experience, I have expanded the Silent Saturday process so that more people can take advantage of this opportunity.
Beginning the third Saturday in July, July 16, we will be offering a shorter experience, from 9:30 – Noon, with the continuation of the full day for those who wish the longer format. The day will begin with one half-hour of shared silence. This will include a brief reflection to serve as a possible focus for the time of personal silence.
Some have found walking in the gardens, reading meaningful texts, engaging in creative activities, or other ways of prayer meaningful during the silence. It is each person’s choice of setting and way of being.
Then, from around 10:15 until 11:45, participants will engage in individual silence as each chooses until a brief time of closing together.
My hope is that expanding the ways of participating in what Silent Saturday offers will make this important aspect of the spiritual journey more accessible to more people.
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Feng Shui Basics II Workshop
With Steph Plourde
Sunday, July 17
11:45 AM - 1:15 PM
This workshop is offered both as a follow-up to May's Feng Shui Basics workshop, but also as a standalone session for anyone interested in transforming a space - specifically how they feel in their space.
Cost : $15
Sign-Up on church bulletin board
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Kirtan
with Todd Glacy, Helena Nash, and Marni & Jason Prince.
Sunday, July 17
7:00PM
Join us for a live, in-person event, an evening of Music - Mantra - Meditation as we participate in the practice of call-response chanting (Kirtan), led by Todd Glacy, Helena Nash, and Marni & Jason Prince.
Kirtan is a devotional practice typically done in a call-and-response format that is easy to follow and is a powerful trance-formational experience that draws from many traditions and brings us back into vibrational alignment with ourselves and all that is. Feel free to sing, clap, dance, or just relax and enjoy the vibrations.
Cost: $20. suggested donation.
All are welcome!
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Fire Circle and Drumming
in Honor of Rev LeRoy Lowell
Friday, July 22
Unity Center for Spiritual Growth
7:30 pm – 10:00 pm
(weather permitting)
Bring a lawn chair and drum
(if you have one)
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LEARN TO MEDITATE
Sahaja Yoga
Sunday, July 24
11:30 AM
Free of Charge
Unity Center for Spiritual Growth
Experience self realisation through inner energy awakening.
- Control excessive thinking
- Keep your system in balance
- Help to reduce stress
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Hilary Anne Hayes
07/29/48 to 05/24/22
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Celebration of Life
for Hilary Hayes
at Unity Center for Spiritual Growth
Tuesday, July 26
11AM
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Coffee House Open Mic Night
Every last Friday of the Month
6:00pm – to sign in for performers
6:30pm – open mic starts
Next Open Mic: July 29
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Healing Service
Sunday, August 6
11:45 AM - 1:00 PM
In the Sanctuary
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The purpose of the Healing Service is to facilitate healing by the flow of energy through the power of grace. Those serving as facilitators of healing know that their services represent their commitment to support the emergence and acceptance of the wholeness that Spirit intends for us. This is achieved by applying Unity's principles of healing as well as other modalities.
All who attend will have the opportunity to receive a personal time for healing if they choose. Everyone is invited to remain for the whole service, even after receiving a private healing session, as to help support the service.
These services are offered as a gift to our community; no fees are charged. Your love offerings will be gratefully accepted and will support the work of the Healing Ministry and Unity of Greater Portland.
Please invite your family, friends and others who may benefit from this service to attend.
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SAVE THE DATE
Women's Retreat - Living True to You
October 21 & 22
Friday night - Potluck and Fire Circle
Saturday - Human Design facilitated by Sue Vittner
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WEEKLY ON-GOING UNITY CONNECTIONS | |
Thanks for showing your love for our spiritual community through your donations. | | |
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A Unity Way of Life
by Rev. Airin Wolf
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A Gradual Awakening
On Sunday, Rev Pat spoke about spiritual awakening. This is one of my favorite topics to speak about and I could tell that it might be hers, too. She gave some examples of spiritual awakening stories, and I will do that as well. ‘A Gradual Awakening’ by Stephen Levine, 1989 is one of my favorite books. I have had the paperback book about 30 years. I think that our spiritual awakening is gradual even if it may start off with a flash. The Divine might try to be getting our attention.
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Heart Center Meditation
with Leah Rush
Every Thursday
7:30PM
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Next Meditation: July 7
Are you interested in a heart centered 20-minute meditation? Join Leah Rush on Thursday evenings at 7:30pm on Facebook Live and YouTube. Leah uses techniques for self-hypnosis that make it easier to clear your mind and connect with your heart. This is a weekly event.
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Action for Justice and Equality Vigil
Unity's Community Responds
Every Sunday - 11:45 AM - 12:15 PM
NO VIGIL JULY 10
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Next Gathering: July 17
For more information contact Trish Vogel at [email protected].
Signs will be provided. Park in the Mercy Quick Care Parking Lot. Stay 10 minutes or however long you choose. Any action no matter how small has a ripple effect and creates a current of consciousness for change.
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A Course in Miracles
with Rev Matt Purinton
In-Person at
Unity Center for Spiritual Growth
2nd and 4th Sundays at 11:30AM
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Next Class: July 10
Contact Matt by email at [email protected].
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Program Note:
Midday Faith Lift
will be on a brief hiatus July 1-15.
Weekly Prayer Service with Rev. Barbara Kowalska
Monday, Wednesday & Friday, 12:10 PM
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GREATER COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS
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The Fuller Center for Housing |
WHO ARE WE:
We are a local chapter of Fuller Center for housing, a faith driven and Christ-centered organization, that promotes collaborative and innovative partnerships in an unrelenting quest to provide adequate shelter for all people worldwide. The Fuller Center was founded by Millard Fuller, the same visionary who started Habitat for Humanity.
Founding partners include Faith Lutheran Church, North Windham Union Church United Church of Christ, Raymond Community Church UCC, Saint Joseph’s College, Unity Center for Spiritual Growth, Windham Hill Community Church and St. Ann’s Episcopal Church
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Love Signs
with The Love Factory
Congress Square
Wednesday's 5:30PM
Friday's Noon
Saturday's 3:00PM
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Krista Donoghue's, The Love Factory, is a creative organization that is making Love Signs and promoting "LOVE". This is the radical practice of using art, music, dance and “every thing you got now” to share love with everyone.
Come join Krista, members from our Unity community and others to share LOVE.
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Available 24 Hours a Day,
7 Days a Week
If you are concerned about yourself or about somebody else please call the
Maine Crisis Hotline
1-888-568-1112
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September is National Suicide Prevention Month. All month, mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, allies, and community members unite to promote suicide prevention awareness. | | |
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We are asking that you check your profile in our church directory to make sure it is updated. If you cannot get into your profile contact Christine Wolf at [email protected] to send you your user name and password.
To get into the church directory go to our website and scroll down on rightside to Church Directory to click on sign up or log in here. It will take you through steps to sign up if you do not already have an account.
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Have you wondered about becoming a member at Unity Center for Spiritual Growth and didn't know how to go about it. We have an independent study program that you can complete on your own schedule. If you are interested please email Christine Wolf, LUT at [email protected]
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DID YOU KNOW? If you are giving a donation to Unity Center for Spiritual Growth through PayPal using your bank account you can use PayPal Friends and Family, there are no fees charged to you or the ministry. To learn more search PayPal Friends and Family.
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or Silent Unity Prayer Support
1-800-NOW-PRAY 1 (800) 669-7729
or
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God is our Source and provides us with many
CHANNELS OF SUPPLY.
Some of those channels are the following:
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When ordering through Amazon, if you go through Amazon Smile (smileamazon.com) and designate Unity of Greater Portland (our new name, Unity Center for Spiritual Growth, is not reflected in Amazon as of yet) as your chosen charity, .5% of your purchase will be donated to us despite the name difference. This is a great way to support us! About Amazon Smile
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Staples Rewards Number for Unity Center
5000266261
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REDIRECTING YOUR CLYNK DONATION
Did you know you can redirect your CLYNK balance to Unity Center for Spiritual Growth. If you have your own CLYNK account it is easy to do. Simply log into your account at clynk.com and in the search bar find UnityofGreaterPortl.
There is a quick tutorial that shares how to do it If you don’t have a personal account and would like to set it up this will also help you.
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Used Books and CDs/Tapes
Check out the gently used books in the hall by the Office. Leave a donation and enrich your library!
Thank you God for all the channels of supply you provide us with! We are so Blessed!
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Unity Center for Spiritual Growth
207-893-1233
Prayer Support
Minister: Rev. Pat Bessey
Silent Unity Prayer Support 1-800-NOW-PRAY 1 (800) 669-7729
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