I absolutely love the month of May. When

you look at Webster’s Dic-tionary, the definition of “May” is: expressing possibilities. The month of May can be traced back to the Greek fertility goddesses. I believe that is the underlying reason Mothers Day falls in the month of May. It’s a perfect time to show honor and appreciation to our mothers for going through the pains of child-birth to introduce our human expression to the earth. Many years ago Charles Fillmore wrote these words: “There is that element in the commonest seed that will produce that which is implanted in it. Take the little acorn, for example. In that acorn is the mind quality that will produce a red-wood, or oak, or any tree that the Infinite Mind idealizes in that seed….Give a seed the right soil, sunshine, and air and it will develop the oak tree. Now, God’s idea of man is incorporated in this I AM in us—this image and likeness of that divine idea, and if we take advantage of possibilities that surround us, there is no reason why we should not release this same divine image, this

same perfect man, and bring forth after the im-age and likeness implanted in it”. There is no better example of expressing possi-bilities than the process of being “born”. Like the mighty oak tree, we start as an almost invisi-ble seed that is fertilized. But in that seed the possibilities are limitless. That seed grows to be YOU! I invite each one of us to take the month of May to go deep into our inner consciousness and release that idea of the all-knowing One. The God-part of you and me. Therein lies limitless possibilities just waiting to be expressed. Merry May!

COU.FYI free of judgment, full of love

“THE BABBLING BROOKS”

As Rudyard Kipling once said...

“God could not be everywhere, and therefore

he made mothers.” Thank you for being you!

MAY 2019

“SPRING ADDS NEW LIFE AND NEW BEAUTY TO ALL THAT IS.” — JESSICA HARRELSON

Staff

Rev. Bill Brooks, Lead Minister

Rev. Carol Record, Minister Emeritus

Mary Salerno, Administrator

Amber Holland, Admin. Assistant/ Youth Ed Director

Karen Sanders, Office Assistant

Kenny Green, Volunteer/Facilities/ Event Coordinator

Bob Snook, Pianist

Malcolm Beaty, Music Coordinator

Shari Pratt, Audio/Visual Technician

David Wilhite, Visual Technician

Vickie Muncrief, Bookstore Assoc.

Keith Bailey, Youth Ed

Brigitte Hughes, Nursery

Board of Directors

Mark Morris, President

Debby Holt, Vice President

Dr. Juneria Berges, Secretary

Kenny Green, Treasurer

Jeff Holland, Member

Harry Lantvit, Member

Rev. Bill Brooks, Minister

PAGE 2

Sunday, May 5 11:45 am

Join us at Rio Mambo (5150 Highway 121, Colleyville) following the 10:30 am service. Sign up at the Info Center or online by April 28 so we can give them a head count.

Come Celebrate

with Corked

a group for couples & single adults

37th Annual Birthday Banquet Friday, August 09

6:00 - 11:00 pm

We’re doing some new things this year, so

mark your calendar & stay tuned for more

info

SUNDAY SERIES

MAY 5 - JUNE 23

Lately I have been reading and hearing a lot about service to others. Rev. Bill and Rick both spoke about it in re-cent sermons. There is something unique about chari-table service, for in serving others, we both give and receive. In service we connect with our fellow man and move toward realizing our Unity with humanity. The

founders of Alcoholics Anonymous, Bill W. and Dr. Bob, discovered almost by accident that through helping others

to achieve sobriety, they were able to maintain their own sobriety. In lifting up others, we lift ourselves.

We have many opportunities to serve our spiritual family and our community. I would suggest that you

look for those opportunities that speak to you, some-thing within your personal “skill set” that you feel called to do. Maximum benefit is reached through joyful service where all involved are blessed. We reach our Divine potential through service. Our Master-Teacher modeled this and calls us to follow his example. I am grateful for this loving spiritual home where I constantly witness loving acts of service! You are loved and appreciated! Blessings,

Mark Morris, Board President

“The best way to find yourself is to lose

yourself in the service of others.” - Gandhi

DAY OF REMEBRANCE

A maximum of eight people may sign up with the intent of hon-oring a loved one who has made his or her transition. Please bring a picture of your loved one, with a card stating their name, your name, and their relationship to you. You are also asked to be prepared to tell an uplifting or

funny story about this person.

Don’t miss this oppor-

tunity for healing and

sharing! Sign up at the

Info Center. If more

than eight are interest-

ed, the first eight will

take part on the 19th,

and we’ll hold another

one at a later date.

SUNDAY, MAY 19 11:45 OR 11:50 AM

In conjunction with Gigi Johnson’s talk, “The Thinnest Veil: Death is an Illusion,” we’ll hold a

In Prayer and Meditation Room

Many of our congregants have asked us to bring back spoken announcements. As many of you know, we’ve been running the announcements, without voice, on the screens in the sanctuary before service. This just isn’t working for some folks who have other duties, are greeting visitors or each other, or who come late. For this reason, we want to go back to spoken announcements, and now that we have a new media room where the old prayer room was, we’d like to record the announcements there. If you are comfortable in front of a camera and can devote some time to record-ing, perhaps once a month, we’d like to hear from you. We’re looking for 4 – 6 volunteers who can commit to recording every 4-6 weeks. Our camera people will be Rev. Bill, Kenny, and Paul Caraway. Please email Kenny Green at coukenny@gmail.com, Rev. Bill at billbrooks@ibrooks.com or Mary Salerno at mary@unitychurchgrapevine.org if this is a fit for you.

Keeping up with social media has been vital for some time. In the past, congregants and staff have assisted here and there and the support is deeply appreciated. Now, we’re looking for an individual (or small team) to regularly coordinate our presence on social media, including:

Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram & Google (Cynthia Harnest has dedicated much of her time to Google Ads and will continue

to. She will be a great resource, and may even agree to be part of the team)

This person(s) will be asked to con-sistently devote the time it takes, preferably on a daily basis, to keep our name and our events visible across all of these social media platforms. If this is something that interests you, please contact Kenny Green at coukenny@gmail.com or Mary Salerno at mary@unitychurchgrapevine.org

The Spiritual Journey From Addiction to Recovery with Rick Weaver SUNDAY, MAY 19 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM As Unity prays with millions of people each year, more than half the requests are for healing — healing of all kinds — physical healing, mental healing, rela-tionship healing, and especially, healing from addic-tion. Knowing how many people are in the midst of addiction or rebuilding their lives from it — Unity offers a collection of deeply honest and personal sto-ries and insights about the spiritual journey of recov-ery. It is divided into three sections: for those new to recovery; for those clean and sober for years who may be looking for a deeper level of spiritual aware-ness; and for families whose recovery parallels the addict’s.

In this 90-minute workshop, we will touch on spiritual principles for newcomers, for long-term recovery, and for families who have been afflicted with addiction. Topics Include:

• GATHERING COURAGE

• HOW MY THINKING HAD TO CHANGE

• THE SPIRITUAL HEART OF THE 12 STEPS

• MOVING OUT OF SPIRITUAL KINDERGARTEN

• RECOVERY IS AN INSIDE JOB

• FIRST I GREW OLDER, THEN I GREW UP

Join us to learn more about how the healing power and presence of the Divine can help us discover a new way of life. Sign up at the Info Center.

WANTED: SOCIAL MEDIA MINISTRY VOLUNTEER

BE

OUR

STAR

with Kenny Green

ART ISTS PLA Y Monday, May 20

6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Whether you want your garden to be a container garden, a backyard garden, raised beds, or other, Kenny will help you with planning and will offer tips to help you decide the best kind of garden for you. Supply list to follow. Contact Kenny at coukenny@gmail.com for more info. Sign up online or at the Info Center.

PAGE 4

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

YOUTH ED: Simon Brooks 18 Jeremy Jones 23 Eric Salas 23 Gabriel Lewis 25

ADULTS: Harold Rumzek 01 Michele Schulenberg 03 Gladys Pettid 07 Ian Hennes 08 Greg Will 10 Sarah Bailey 11 Jeff Holland 12 Shane Sheffield 13 Michelle Redwine 15 Elizabeth France 20 Bill Toon 20 Nick Bell 21 Kylee Hawks 21 Marion Solis 22 Sandy McIlvain 31

Mike & Carol Record 06 Dwayne & Arlene Taylor 12 Wes & Sharon Crowder 18 Bill & Karen Toon 19

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Celebrate

Change up your lunch routine and come enjoy great food and great friends with a home-cooked meal prepared by June Koppe with the assistance of Kenny Green.

Open to all. Bring a friend or the whole family! Please sign up at the Info Center by the Sunday prior.

Sunday, May 5

"One looks back with appreciation to the brilliant teachers, but with gratitude to those who touched our human feelings. The curriculum is so much necessary raw material, but warmth is the vital element for the growing plant and for the soul of the child." ~ Carl Jung Thank you to all our wonderful Sunday school teachers and all they bring to our youth. You are loved and the time you give is always appreciated.

Thank You Teachers & Substitutes: Jerry & Nan Allen, Keith Bailey, June Brookshire, Gloria Caraway, Susan Cassady, Boyd Colt, Cynthia Harnest, Debby Holt, Brigitte Hughes, Murray Kelly, Brigette Mann, Craig & Christie Reyenga, John Rouzer, Lori Sheffield, Karen Spencer, Gene Trainor, and Irene Vera.

- Needs You -

We have a few positions available in Youth Ed. Join us as a regularly scheduled teacher (twice a month) or as a substitute filling in as needed. All lessons and crafts are prepared for you and there will be another teacher with you so you’re not left to do it alone. If you’re interested in joining the excitement and fun, please email Amber or come talk to her on Sunday, amber@unitychurchgrapevine.org.

Positions Needed: ♥ 2 for Nursery: 1st &

3rd or 2nd & 4th Sundays

♥ 1 for 3rd - 5th Grade:

1st & 3rd Sundays

♥ 2 for 3rd - 5th Grade:

2nd & 4th Sundays

♥ 2 for Greeter before church: 1st & 3rd or

2nd & 4th Sundays No experience necessary! All positions are required to have a background check.

Sunday, May 19 10:30 am

If your child is currently 4 years old, in 2nd grade, 5th grade, or 8th grade, they will get to “move up” to the next class. Join us for cake and punch in Fellowship Hall after service to celebrate ALL our young people!

Come enjoy some spaghetti and side dishes! Vegetarian options available. Suggested Love Offering $5

Great time to invite a friend! No sign-up required. Just come on down!

POPPY SALE TO

BENEFIT VETS In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields. We’ll have poppies available again this year for a donation. Watch for them in Fellowship Hall and the foyer during May, and wear them on Memorial Day.

Assembled by disabled veterans in VA hospitals, proceeds go to the vets who assemble the poppies, and to provide financial assistance in maintaining state and national veterans' rehabilitation and service programs. Funds also partially support the VFW National Home for Children. We thank Stephen Thornton for coordi-nating the poppy sale, and Allan Werst, who got the ball rolling years ago.

• • • TREE OF LIFE • • • • Since relocating the Tree of Life from the foyer to the hallway, most comments about the move have been positive. We were able to make the tree bigger and to rearrange the plaques to better represent those who have chosen to remem-ber a person or group in this manner. Imagine what the tree would look like without any inscriptions. It would be worse than a wintry tree; it would look like a dying tree. Although our tree has experienced some significant growth in the last couple of months, it could use more growth. Please take the time to read some of the inscriptions, then imag-ine yours among them. We’re continuing with our 10% off sale, so this is a great time to honor someone with a plaque on the Tree of Life. Just see Jennifer Brecht or Mary Salerno for more info.

Winner of the Victorian Prize for Liter-ature, Sarah Krasnostein’s The Trau-ma Cleaner: One Woman’s Extraordi-nary Life in the Business of Death, Decay, and Disaster is the fascinating biography of one of the people re-sponsible for tidying up homes in the wake of natural—and unnatural—catastrophes and fatalities. Homicides and suicides, fires and floods, hoarders and addicts. When properties are damaged or neglected, it falls to Sandra Pankhurst, founder of Specialized Trauma Cleaning (STC) Services Pty. Ltd. to sift through the ashes or sweep up the mess of a per-son’s life or death. The remnants and mementoes of these people’s lives resonate with Sandra. Before she began professional-ly cleaning up their traumas, she expe-

rienced her own. First, as a little boy, raised in violence and excluded from the family home. Then as a husband and father, drag queen, gender reas-signment patient, sex worker, small businesswoman, and trophy wife. In each role she played, all Sandra want-ed to do was belong. The Trauma Cleaner is the extraordi-nary true story of an extraordinary person dedicated to making order out of chaos with compassion, revealing the common ground Sandra Pank-hurst—and everyone—shares with those struck by tragedy. Meet in the youth assembly room, last room on the left.

Sunday, May 26 10:30 am

All kids, 2 years old thru high school, are invited to come celebrate and join in the fun at our Youth Ed End of Year Party. During service we will have games, prizes, and fun to enjoy with your friends!!

END OF

YEAR PARTY

YOU’RE INVITED SUNDAY, MAY 26 FELLOWSHIP HALL 11:30 am - 1:30 pm

Mark your calendars now for an afternoon of fellowship, fun and food. We'll meet in Fellowship Hall to celebrate our culture of service with a cookout, games and great fun. All those that serve the church are invited to attend. Please RSVP online or at the Info Center by May 19. Children of volunteers are welcome to grab a bite to eat and come back down to the YE area for a movie or games.

We recently looked at our budget to see how we are doing according to our goals for 2019. For income, we’re doing pretty well but there are two areas that could use im-provement. Our yearly goal for the Reserve Fund is $19,500.00, or $4875.00 per quarter. With income for the first quarter at $1858.00, you can see that we have a way to go to make up the shortfall. Our yearly goal for Sunday Offerings is $129,500.00, or $32,375.00 per quarter. With income for the first quarter at $27,999.00, we’re almost $4,400.00 short of the goal. Overall, we’ve been successful in containing expenses, with a few exceptions. The fol-lowing areas are over budget by the

amounts shown, for the reasons noted:

• Community Garden is over $193.00 due, in large part, to very few donations, and purchases for spring planting.

• Advertising is over by $50.00 because we had to change the Montessori sign to one that lists our service times.

• The admin and office supplies category is over budget by $628.00 for the quarter because of some out of the ordinary com-puter-management related expenses in January.

We’re all working diligently to reduce ex-penses. This, along with a slight increase in Sunday giving, should put us in good shape for next quarter’s reporting. As always, you are all so deeply appreciated for your selfless giving of time, treasures, and talents. Thank you!

ARE YOU A YOGA INSTRUCTOR? As some of you may know, Christie Reyenga will no longer lead our Saturday morning yoga and meditation. We thank Christie for all she brought to us! Sue Ellen Love is a certified yoga instructor who has volunteered to lead the class, which

will continue to meet at 9:00 AM ON SATURDAY morning. This will be a

GENTLE YOGA class, with about 45 minutes of yoga and 15 minutes of meditation. Although she committed to weekly instruction, Sue Ellen would prefer to have an alternate

for days that she needs to take off. If you are a yoga instructor willing to FACILITATE EVERY NOW AND THEN , please let Mary Salerno know as soon as you can, mary@unitychurchgrapevine.org. Sue Ellen began Saturday, April 6. We're so thankful to her for stepping forward to keep this, one of our favorite and longest running classes, going. Please plan to attend, even if you haven't in the past. Just bring a mat and you're in business.

PAGE 6

Because of the smaller size of the gift and book store, we are removing some items from inventory. These items will be displayed on a shelf in the store (or possibly one of the shelves outside) marked “Free”. They’ll re-main on the shelf for a week or two, then they’ll ultimately be donated to one of our community outreach partners.

Be sure to check out the Free Shelf to see if there’s something you want.

FINANCE COMMITTEE

“I CAN STILL SHINE” PROGRAM Helping battered women through a faith-based, safe, sup-portive center. Visit www.icanshine2.org for more info.

Saturday, May 11 at Birdville Baptist Church

3141 Carson St, Haltom City

THE CARE TEAM Between us, the Care Team has years and years of experience in the art of living, and while this quote rings true, our own trou-bles are never our focus when we are supporting you in prayer. Rather, it is because we have collectively lived so many joys and sorrows that we CAN support you and hold the space for you when, perhaps, you’re unable to do so. Not to worry though; your space will be there waiting for you, when you’re ready to step back into it. We’re honored to support you in prayer. Please join us in the Prayer Room after second service with your prayer request.

PRAYER LINE 817-251-02341

We’re making it easier than ever to get involved. Simply sign up to bring a specific snack item to share on a Sunday and we'll take care of the rest.

EVERYONE IS ENCOURAGED TO PARTICIPATE. SIGN UP ONLINE

OR AT THE INFO CENTER.

March General Fund

Income: $26,326 Expenses: $24,414

YTD General Fund

Income: $74,180 Expenses: $77,016

God is the Source of Center of Unity. We are lavishly prospered in all ways. Thank you, God!

Center of Unity 1650 Hughes Road, P.O. Box 667 Grapevine, TX 76051 www.centerofunity.org

Our Mission Statement: We accept and support all people as we live universal truths of unconditional love, prayer, abundance and service.

Our Vision: We are a prominent spiritual and holistic center for inspiration and transformation.

COMMUNION AVAILABLE Every Sunday

8:30 am - 11:30 am

Self-directed communion is available in the new Prayer & Meditation Room. You are invited to take part in this special activity and to spend a moment or two in silent meditation there after you’ve received the elements.

“… do this in remembrance of me.” - Luke 22:19

ARTISTS PLAY 4th Mondays from 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

It's not too late to sign up to facilitate an Artists Play! We all have skills and interests. You don't have to be a "pro" at anything; you just need to have the desire to get together with a generally small group of people and lead them in an activity. To give you an idea, some of the past Artists Play workshops have included cooking, knife skills (in cooking), Zentangles, mask making, clay, papier mache, scrap-booking, jewelry making, holiday crafts...and the list goes on.

So pull out that thing you've always wanted to do or haven't done in awhile, and come and do it with us. Just let Amber or Mary know what it is and we'll get the word out.

The following dates are open:

June 24, August 26,

September 23 or November 25

“Do not assume that he who seeks to comfort

you now, lives untroubled among the simple

and quiet words that sometimes do you good.

His life may also have much sadness and

difficulty... Were it otherwise, he would never

have been able to find these words.”

- Rainer Maria Rilke

Schedule of Events

MAY 2019

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 3 Office Closed

4 9:00 am - 10:15 am Yoga & Meditation

5 8:45 am: Rise & Shine Service 8:30 am: Choir Practice 8:30 am - 11:30 am: Communion 9:30 am: Adult Sunday School 10:30 am: “Discover the Power Within” Teacher Appreciation Day 11:30 am: Sunday Lunch 11:45 am: Corked at Rio Mambo

6

7 11:30 am Metaphysical Bible Study 6:30 pm Centering Prayer

8 9

10 Office Closed

11 9:00 am - 10:15 am Yoga & Meditation 10:00 am - 2:00 pm I Can Still Shine at Birdville Baptist Church

12 Happy Mother’s Day 8:45 am: Rise & Shine Service 8:30 am: Choir Practice 8:30 am - 11:30 am: Communion 9:30 am: Adult Sunday School 10:30 am: “Discover the Power Within”

13

14 11:30 am Metaphysical Bible Study

6:30 pm Centering Prayer

15 11:30 am The Lunch Bunch

16

17 Office Closed

18 9:00 am - 10:15 am Yoga & Meditation

19 8:45 am: Rise & Shine Service 8:30 am: Choir Practice 8:30 am - 11:30 am: Communion 9:30 am: Adult Sunday School 10:30 am: “Discover the Power Within” 10:30 am: Promotion Sunday 11:50 am: Day of Remembrance 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm: The Spiritual Journey From Addiction to Recovery Workshop

20 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm Gardening with Kenny

21 11:30 am Metaphysical Bible Study 6:30 pm Centering Prayer

22

23 24 Office Closed

25 9:00 am - 10:15 am Yoga & Meditation 10:30 am The Book Club

26 Spam Sunday 8:45 am: Rise & Shine Service 8:30 am: Choir Practice 8:30 am - 11:30 am: Communion 9:30 am: Adult Sunday School 10:30 am: “Discover the Power Within” 10:30 am: Kids Year End Party 11:30 am - 1:30 pm: Volunteer Appreciation Cookout

27

Happy Memorial Day Office Closed

28 11:30 am Metaphysical Bible Study 6:30 pm Centering Prayer

29 30 31 Office Closed