Good Links:
http://unity.org/
http://www.easternregionauc.org/
http://www.dailyword.com/
and more...
Food from the Mother Ship
Have you ever noticed how easy it is to get so wrapped up in the unconscious cycle of run-run-run and do-do-do that we forget to stop and breathe and get connected to the very reasons why we are running and do ing in the first place? And is it just me, or when we are completely overwhelmed and most in need of comfort and support, do we tend, instead, to become even more engrossed in ourselves and our struggles, rather than looking up and reaching out to the various support systems that are available to us? I know that there have been many times in my life when I have felt as though I have lost my way and somehow become disconnected from the very truth that had so nourished and enlivened me not a year or sometimes even a day before. Through Unity, I have learned that there are always resources available to me to remind me of who I am and why I’ve come here and to help me get back on track.
In addition to our Unity center and plenty of good books and friends, two of the resources to which I constantly turn for guidance and support are the Association of Unity Churches International and Unity Village. The Association is an organization made up of Unity churches and individuals worldwide, which serves churches and members, providing products and programs to help individuals develop spiritually, to help spiritual leaders gain skills, and to help churches thrive. Unity Village is the headquarters for the whole Unity movement. It provides people around the world with positive, spiritual messages of hope, healing, prosperity, and peace. Since I became a member of the Board Trustees at USC, I have become even more aware of all of the wonderful resources and services available through the Association and Unity Village. I wanted to take a moment to let you know about the various ways that these two organizations offer spiritual food to people around the country and around the world.
The Association of Unity Churches is an invaluable resource for ministers, board members and lay leaders within the Unity movement. It offers support to Unity churches in the form of board training, licensing and ordination of ministers, licensing of Unity teachers, curriculum resources for both youth and adult programs, marketing and media support, fundraising strategies, an employment network, and several timely publications dedicated to helping Unity ministries thrive in the twenty-first century. You can imagine how vital the Association’s services are to the leaders within our own ministry, as we strive to grow our consciousness and help our message reach all those who are searching for it.
Unity Village is really just a tangible expression of Unity, the movement, founded by Charles and Myrtle Fillmore in 1891. Through Unity Village, Unity, the movement, offers a veritable fountain of spiritual nourishment to seekers who resonate with the truth teachings that Unity espouses. Here is a list of resources which you can take advantage of right now through Unity Village to help you on your path of spiritual growth. I hope that you find them to be as helpful as I have. But don’t take my word for it. Check out www.unityonline.org for yourself. I promise you’ll be pleased with what you find.
The Daily Word : Created in 1924, this Unity publication has been offering encouragement and prayer support in the form of daily affirmations for over 80 years. Unity centers around the world read the Daily Word every Sunday at their worship services. You can receive the Daily Word magazine monthly through the regular mail, or receive it for free online each day by going to www.dailyword.com.
Silent Unity: Silent Unity is often referred to as the heart of the Unity movement. After Myrtle Fillmore, Unity’s co-founder, experienced physical healing through affirmative prayer, she created a ministry devoted to praying every evening for individuals and for the world. Today prayer continues to be a cornerstone of the Unity teachings. Currently, Silent Unity receives more than 4000 calls a day. Each of 200 dedicated and well-trained prayer associates answers every call with a greeting familiar to many through the decades: “Silent Unity, How may we pray with you?” Compassionate listening is followed by the invitation to focus on the presence and power of God within. Affirmative prayer is spoken, acknowledging God’s constant good and envisioning its demonstration in the lives of those uplifted in prayer. If you have a prayer request, you may reach Silent Unity by calling 1-800-NOW-PRAY (1-800-669-7729). You may also write to Silent Unity at 1901 NW Blue Parkway, Unity Village, MO 64065. Or you can submit your request online at www.unityonline.org.
Meditations and Affirmations: Find a nice selection of beautiful guided meditations, both in text and video format at Unity’s website www.unityonline.org. The website also offers affirmations on a variety of different subjects.
unity.fm Online Radio: Hear live broadcasts of Unity spiritual programming right from your home computer. Topics range from spiritual relationships to spiritual parenting, from spiritual book club discussions to discussions on metaphysics and the Bible. You can even hear spiritual music at scheduled times throughout the week. And you can listen to podcasts of previously recorded programs at your convenience. Go to www.modavox.com/unityFM and check it out.
Unity Magazine : A bi-monthly publication, this description says it all: “For more than 100 years, Unity Magazine has shed spiritual light on psychological and cultural issues, demonstrating the universal truths found in all religions. Dedicated to all people searching for a deeper understanding of life, this spiritual magazine explores the human connection to a Higher Power. The featured articles provide insight into spiritual principles and are designed to stimulate thinking and refresh interest in spirituality.” For more information or to subscribe, go to www.unityonline.org.
Unity Bookstore : Go to www.shop.unityonline.org for a great selection of spiritual books, CD’s, and other products at your fingertips. Better yet, go online to see what book you’d like and then ask our own bookstore manager Jackie to order it for you!
SpiritPath Retreat and Conference Center : If you’re interested in furthering your spiritual growth or just relaxing with like-minded people, check out SpiritPath’s retreat calendar at www.unityonline.org/retreats/calendar.
Unity Institute : The education branch of the Unity movement, the Institute offers a variety of courses and programs leading to different certifications in the areas of spiritual development, leadership, and Licensed Unity Teacher certification. Courses are offered at Unity Village, online, and sometimes even at local Unity churches. Want to take your spiritual education a step further? This is the place for you.
http://foreverafter.us/ - This website/blog is a way for you to connect with others who grieve and create a lasting memorial that you can share or keep on your private page. It is the memories of our loved ones or beloved pets that last ForEverAfter™.
Well, I hope I’ve given you some food for thought, if not inspired you to run right out and check out all the things I’ve listed here. Maybe it’s just me, but I think that Unity is pretty amazing, and I’d hate to think that anyone who might read this article might not know about all of the wonderful things that are available from the “Mother Ship.” I know that this year is shaping up to be filled with blessings and opportunities for you to grow toward the light. Happy exploring. Happy learning. Happy almost-spring. Until next time, may you be at peace.
~Rebecca Stoker