1. family and parenting
2. children

THE PRESENT
Celebrate Life!
Your Monthly Newsletter Gift
May 2013 ♥ Volume 10 Issue 5
Blessings & Bits
By Reverend Billie Martini—
Martini—Minister
“We came from the light, we put on
At one point, Morrie says: “Everyone knows
a coat of skins and we shall return to
they’re going to die, but nobody believes it.
the light.” Tibetan Book of the Dead
Isn’t that a powerful quote? “We
came from the light, we put on a
coat of skins and we shall return to
the light.”
Most of us know and believe that life is eternal—
that we came from the light and will definitely
return to it. We have no expiration dates, life is
If they did, they would do things differently.”
So the question for all of us to contemplate this
month is: if you believed that some day you were
going to lay your body down, what would you do
differently? And after you answer the question… I
invite you to do it!
Mother Teresa says:
eternal. But our time in this coat of skins, our
“Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.
earthly bodies on this plane of existence does
Life is beauty, admire it.
have an end date. So how then shall we live our
Life is bliss, taste it.
lives while we are here on this planet at this time?
Life is a dream, realize it.
What really matters? How do we expend our
Life is a challenge, meet it.
energy and on what do we focus our time and
Life is a duty, complete it.
attention? Do we live in peace? Do we express
Life is a game, play it
love? Do we worry and fret and scurry and rush?
Life is a promise, fulfill it.
How shall we live, knowing we will put our bodies
down at some point? I’m not getting all morbid
on you. I just believe that it’s important to take a
Life is an adventure, dare it.
Life is too precious, do not destroy it.
Life is life, Live it with everything you have in you.”
look at our lives, from the perspective that we
May is a month of celebrations, Mother’s Day
have a limited time to live in this coat of skins, on
and Memorial Day. We’ll have the opportunity
this earth. I believe it’s important to look more
to honor the Divine Mother in each of us and to
clearly at what really matters. It’s important to
celebrate the lives of those who have taken off
see what’s happening and how we’re expending
their coat of skins. And we can also celebrate
energy. Springtime is a great time to take a good
our living life to the fullest.
look at where we give our time and attention, to
Happy May
realize how and what we really love and also how
Love, Blessings,
we are loved.
Reverend Billie
In the wonderful book, then movie, “Tuesdays with
Morrie”, a man named Mitch sits with his mentor,
his college professor from 20 years previous,
Morrie, and hears many of life’s lessons from
Morrie, who is dying.
I do what I came here to the
earth to do.
Unity of Surprise ♥ The Church of Practical Christianity ♥ Where Good Happens
Page 2
Let’s Make Music
By James Crowley—
Crowley—Music Director
What a wonderful Easter we had a
few weeks ago. The Unity of Surprise Orchestra
♫
♫
♫
We’ll Miss You!
was stellar, as usual, and we all had a wonderful
It’s that time of the year when we say goodbye to
time performing and worshiping together.
those of you who escape the heat for the summer.
Now, as May arrives and we stare summer in
Please know that you will be missed. Drop us a
the face, I am starting to prepare for our
note once in a while.
Independence Day celebration, which will take
Please also remember to call the office with your
place on Sunday, July 7th. I always look forward
summer address so you don’t miss out on anything.
to these large services, every time we do them.
There’s nothing to compare with the marvelous
energy that comes from every member of the
Mother’s Day
congregation.
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Of course, the Unity of Surprise Orchestra will
Join your Unity family for an inspiring Mother’s Day
be with us again, as will Scott Schmelder and a
as we honor all women and the Divine Feminine in
few other performers, both guests and others
us all.
from our congregation. I feel so blessed to be
surrounded by such loving people and the
opportunity to express myself with such music
We’ll have a special Mother’s Day message,
surprises and special refreshments.
and creativity.
Finally, I wanted to share with you, a new
adventure on which I have recently embarked.
After much consideration and prayer, I have
I become still and know.
I remember.
I am love and I am loved.
decided to pursue the path of Unity ordination…
yes, I am going to be a minister. Rev. James… I
kind of like that! I have already completed two
classes for my prerequisite work, and I start two
more this month.
I look forward to continuing in my service of this
magnificent spiritual community for years to
come. Thank you for allowing me to serve. I am
truly blessed!
Just a Reminder
Sunday lessons can be heard on pod cast. Go to
our website www.unityofsurprise.org.
We’d also like to offer video on our website. If
interested in this service opportunity, call Carol
Sarna at (623) 255-4965.
Let’s Make Music!
James Crowley
Unity of Surprise ♥ The Church of Practical Christianity ♥ Where Good Happens
Page 3
A Course in Miracles
Reverend Hal Lafler
Byron Katie, Do ‘The Work’
Study Group
FRIDAY’S from 1:30—3:00 PM
Serenity Room
Molly Harala—Facilitator
With Joyce Hahn and Lynda Thomas
A Course in Miracles (ACIM) is a self
Every THURSDAY, 1:00—2:30 PM
Charles Fillmore room
-study curriculum that aims to assist
its readers in achieving spiritual transformation. The
!!!!!! NEW DAY !!!!!!
book describes a purely non-dualistic philosophy of
forgiveness and includes what are meant to be
Q. What is ‘The Work’?
practical lessons and applications for the practice
A. A powerful and transformational method of
of forgiveness in one's daily life. The introduction to
questioning our beliefs and judgments, as
the book contains the following summary, "Nothing
developed by author and spiritual teacher,
real can be threatened. Nothing unreal exists.
Byron Katie.
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.
Q. What’s the benefit for me?
A. Because our beliefs and judgments create our
reality, it is of value to question them. The benefit is peace of mind, freedom and happiness.
We begin truly—’Loving What Is’.
Q. What does the group do?
Meditation
Facilitator—Reverend Billie
Tuesday’s from 11:00—Noon
Myrtle Fillmore Room
The Faith Lift meditation group continues on
Tuesday mornings at 11:00 am. Those who attend
this group report calmer, more peaceful days.
Join us and give the “silence” a chance to
transform you.
A. We practice doing ‘The Work’ together in a
safe and supportive environment. (We laugh a
lot too.)
Q. Who is this for?
A. This is an ongoing group for anyone who is
interested in checking us out. All are welcome
at any time whether you have done ‘The Work’
or not.
We will meet every Thursday, from 1:00—2:30 pm in
Healing Circle
Tuesday, May 14—1:00 PM
Join us for a time of healing
the Fillmore way. We’ll come
together in meditation to
experience our wholeness and
well being. We’ll pray for each other and for those
we love.
the Charles Fillmore room during March, April and
May. (Group will be suspended for the summer.)
It is helpful to read Loving What Is, by Byron Katie,
available in the book store.
I am a gift to the world.
I serve to live and live to serve.
Unity of Surprise ♥ The Church of Practical Christianity ♥ Where Good Happens
Page 4
11th Steppers
Recovery Group
Space Available
WEDNESDAY’S from 4:00—5:00 PM
A Weekly Alcoholic Anonymous Group
Serenity Room
Are you or your study group looking for a room to
hold class during the week or early evening? We
This is an 11th Step Group which will focus on a
that’s you? Call Kathryn for more information,
silent prayer time of 20 minutes prior to a time of
(623) 214-3884, Monday—Thursday from 9:30 am—
sharing our experience, strength and hope.
4:30 pm or email the church at
Coffee and fellowship!
unityofsurprise@qwestoffice.net.
have space available for individuals and groups
devoted to mind, body, spirit connection. Not sure
Unity of Surprise
Overeaters Anonymous
Thank you for your consideration in coming out to
look us over. Due to the lack of community interest, this support group has been suspended.
Confidential Prayer Support
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 and
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.
Mind, Body, Soul
Study Groups
ACIM—Friday’s from 1:30—3:00 PM in the Serenity
Room (Open) with Reverend Hal Lafler
Grief Counseling—Every Monday from 1—3 PM in
the Myrtle Fillmore Room (Open) with Certified
Grief Recovery Specialist, Samantha Decker
Stump, M.S.
Byron Katie Workshop—Every Thursday from 1—
2:30 PM in the Charles Fillmore Room (Open)
(Group will be suspended for the summer
beginning May 30th.)
Meditation with Reverend Julia Leakey—Friday
Morning from 11—12:00 in the Sanctuary
(Open)
Unity of Surprise ♥ The Church of Practical Christianity ♥ Where Good Happens
Page 5
Widows/Widowers
Grief Support Group
Beginning—Monday, May 13
Meets weekly, 1:00—3:00
Myrtle Fillmore Room
A Widow/Widower support group is
now forming and Reverend Billie has
been gracious enough to give us a
Dynamic Women of Unity
Spiritual Education
Thursday, May 16
1:30—3:30 PM
Myrtle Fillmore Room
The Soul Speaks
Reverend, Dr. Carol E. Beyer,
Guest Speaker
place to hold our meetings here at Unity. This
group is free to attend open to anyone who has
The validity of intuition is an interesting topic of dis-
suffered a loss of a significant relationship that is
cussion in today’s world. What exactly is intuition?
affecting their ability to find joy in their present life.
It is difficult to define because it is not recognized
The isolation that so often is the aftermath of a
personal loss can be greatly lessened by reaching
by our physical senses. How then does it work?
How can one use it? Do you have it?
out and sharing with others who have had similar
Learning about this higher nature within can assist
experiences and understand you. Some of the
in harmonizing heart and mind. All people have
emotions you may be experiencing could be:
intuitive abilities to uncover and use wisely. This
feeling out of the moment and inability to con-
soul power is an inner unseen knowing that is
centrate, feeling overwhelmed, deep aloneness,
slowly becoming a tool for use in everyday life.
desire to be isolated and hiding your pain from
We can learn to honor our soul’s wisdom by
others, thinking one will never find love again. All
recognizing and utilizing our sacred intuition.
of these systems are part of a normal grieving
Biography
process and gradually lessen when the time is
right for you. There is no right time to be over grief,
Reverend Carol E. Beyer is a graduate of Sancta
it is a very individual process. Grief does not move
Sophia Seminary. She is a Registered Nurse, Reiki
in neat predictable stages but ebbs and flows
Healer and Spiritual Counselor. She continues to
back and forth; revisiting earlier challenges, and
teach, counsel and share spiritual wisdoms here
then having courage to reach out again.
and at RISE Lifelong Learning at Rio Salado
If you or someone you love is in grief reach out to
College.
them and let them know they are not alone and
they are welcome at the Widow/Widower support
group.
Samantha Decker Stump, M.S., Family Life
Education, Certified Grief Recovery Specialist
A love offering will be accepted and donated to
Unity of Surprise.
Did You Know?
Know?
Did you know there are various ways to assure
the future of Unity of Surprise by remembering your
Spiritual Community in your wills? There are
“planned giving” brochures on the information
table.
Unity of Surprise ♥ The Church of Practical Christianity ♥ Where Good Happens
Page 6
Dynamic Women of Unity
Unity Playful Sisters
Valerie Griffin & Jan Weidner
Co-Chairs
Save the date of Saturday, May 18th for the next
gathering of the Playful Sisters for a Ruffle Scarf
demonstration and Potluck dinner at Valerie
Griffin’s house, 17826 N 131st Avenue in Sun City
West. (623) 328.9471
Exciting & Informative
Education Program
By Your Request!
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Noon—1:30 PM
Empowering and Enlightening your
Life and Health Planning
Presenters
We will meet at 3:00 PM for a hands on demonstration on how to make a ruffle scarf by Gayle
Whitmer. If you would like to make one bring a
pair of # 9 knitting needles and one skein of Sashay
Ruffle Yarn or Starbella Ruffle Yarn found at either
Michaels or Joann’s. If you’re not a knitter just
come along to cheer on the others.
A sign up sheet will be on the information table.
Please let us know what dish you are bringing.
Paul Quackenbush, CTFA,
Wells Fargo Private Bank
Denise McClintic, V.P. & Philanthropic
Specialist, Wells Fargo Private Bank
Paul and Denise will present an overview
of the considerations and actions you
can take to ensure your life planning
wishes are followed. They will share what
Questions are referred to Gayle Whitmer—623
legal and other vehicles you can use to
975.7421 or you can email her at
protect and distribute your assets, to
GCW420@aol.com.
make certain you have the right people
in place to carry out your wishes, and to
authorize others to make healthcare
Quotes by Regina Brett, 90 years old, Cleveland, Ohio.
decisions that match your intentions.
“Don’t compare your life to others. You have no
This program is the first in a series we
idea what their journey is all about.”
will offer in 2013 for Unity of Surprise
“It’s never too late to be happy. But it’s all up to
members and guests!
you and no one else.”
“Make peace with your past so it won’t screw up
the present.”
Did You Know?
Know?
“Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the
Did you know that our coffee cart with yummy
fancy lingerie. Don’t save it for a special occasion.
lattés and cappuccino's is fully supplied and
Today is special.”
staffed by the baristas. They pay for the coffee,
“Frame every so-called disaster with these words
the water, the milk, and the syrups that we all
‘In five years, will this matter?’”
enjoy. Thank you, thank you.
“All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.”
Unity of Surprise ♥ The Church of Practical Christianity ♥ Where Good Happens
Page 7
Selfless Service
By Carol Sarna—
Sarna—Volunteer Coordinator
On the news recently a man in
no one wanted to be bothered
Maine was seen that had
cleaning up? Would Fellowship disappear? Would
disappeared 27 years ago at the
people just leave and go home after the lesson?
age of 19 and had never been seen
Could I have turned out like the guy living in the
since. Break-ins began occurring in
woods alone? Probably no, but it does make me
this area many years ago and useful
think. Volunteering is not just my contribution to the
items were the main things stolen. The thief was
church family; it is the members’ contribution to my
dubbed the North Pond Hermit and the local
life and growth. It’s interesting to look at things from
Game Warden finally set up a surveillance
the “other side” sometimes.
system to catch him. When caught, he had
about 1,000 stolen items ranging from tarps,
propane tanks and cooking stove, tent, makeshift shower, battery run radio, and books. During
questioning he said he had not spoken but once
in 27 years to another human being, a hiker he
said “hello” to in the 1990’s.
This story got me thinking about how we all want
and need interaction with others. Our friends
encourage us, our ministers help us work on
Recovery Groups (Serenity Room)
Saturday Morning A.A.—8:30—9:30 AM (Women’s
Closed A.A. meeting)
Miracles Happen A.A.—Tuesday’s from 6—7 PM
(Open Meeting)
11th Steppers A.A.—Wednesday’s from 4—5 PM
(Open Meeting)
ourselves, we learn from each other, and so on.
What would it be like to live completely alone? I
don’t think I would do well.
When I was young (4-10 years), I was required to
go to Sunday School or church each week but
no one in my family went with me. The other
“rule” was I had to go to the closest church I
could walk to. Since we moved a lot, I ended up
going to nearly every kind of church I know
today. No one really talked to me, maybe some
Unity Goes on Retreat
September 19—22, 2013 (4 days/3nights)
Program: The Exquisite Risk: Daring to Live
an Authentic Life
Presenters: Mark Nepo & Daniel Nahmod
Join Reverend Billie Martini on a retreat to Unity
Village in Kansas City, MO.
Go to Page 11 for more information.
of the kids, and after church I would walk home.
Sign up sheets are located at the information
I don’t think we had “Fellowship”. Today Fellow-
counter off the lobby. You will need to make a
ship after church is nearly as important as the
reservation quickly as this retreat has become quite
lesson. Getting to know other members and
popular. The first deposit of $150 is due by May 15,
being able to share stories and concerns makes
2013. Total payment is due by 7/5/2013. Mary Jane
it seem closer, like a family.
Mendias is available to answer questions. Email her
What if no one brought things to share—or no
one helped set up the coffee, etc. Or, maybe
at mjmendias@aol.com or speak to her on Sunday
morning.
Unity of Surprise ♥ The Church of Practical Christianity ♥ Where Good Happens
Page 8
Birthday Brunch
ALL May BIRTHDAYS!
Living Light Bookstore
Mary Jane Mendias
SATURDAY, May 18—10:00 AM
Charles Fillmore Room
Thank you all for your help in refreshing
All those who were born in May will get together
for a birthday brunch on May 18 at 10:00 am.
the bookstore and assisting in planting
our seeds of prosperity. I am working
closely with Reverend Billie to provide
seamless service to all who attend her classes by
Join Reverend Billie and Lynda Thomas in
providing support books. Several shelves in the
celebration of your May birthday. We’ll have
bookstore are dedicated to Unity books and to
brunch (bring your appetite) and celebrate you
Reverend Billie’s classes.
and a year well lived.
We are now carrying more Daily Word items. In
Please let us know if you’ll be attending by
time, I hope to expand our Unity book shelf to
calling the church office at (623) 214-3884 or by
include more prosperity books. This month we
email, unityofsurprise@qwestoffice.net. There is
have expanded the collection of Unity author
also a sign up sheet at the information counter
Catherine Ponder. Her book The Dynamic Law of
for your convenience.
Prosperity has received many rave reviews.
Another great book—Dynamically Magnetic
boasts some great reviews: “A book that never
gets shelved”, the “Best Book on Prosperity you’ll
ever read”, are just a few of the accolades
attached to this book.
Stop by the bookstore this month and change
your life. We have gift items for Mother’s Day that
Lyla Kent ♫ May 4
Vard Miller ♫ May 6
John Starkey ♫ May 10
Ken Clouther ♫ May 12
Valerie Griffin ♫ May 15
includes complimentary gift bag and tissue wrap.
Don’t forget to check out our used books in the
lobby…. Also, submit items for review for possible
consignment to Kathryn Clouther, our
Administrator. Come see our newest sale items by
Marilyn Watkins, Artist.
“Living in the Light” - Mary Jane
Carolyn Sodini ♫ May 19
PJ Fischer ♫ May 23
“Fallen Leaves”
By Marilyn Watkins
“Emerging Women”
By Marilyn Watkins
“Silver Tree”
By Marilyn Watkins
Unity of Surprise ♥ The Church of Practical Christianity ♥ Where Good Happens
Page 9
Prayer Chaplain’s Corner
By Carolyn Sodini
The Lesson in the Lilacs
could have more. And He meant for us
I love May. I love spring. I love
to give the bush room to breathe so
leaves coming out on the trees,
when it asked God for sunshine and rain, it would
cactus in bloom, spring flowers. All
have a place to receive it.
the promises of winter are visible in
It was an early lesson in how God worked through
May, no matter what climate you
my beautiful lilacs. It was not the same as learning
live in. But most of all, one of the
to share with my brother and sisters, although giv-
things I love about May is Lilacs.
ing them away to unsuspecting neighbors had
When I was very young, we moved from a big
some merit. I was the youngest of four.
house in the “big” city, to a tiny house in a tiny
I remembered those lilacs, even when the war was
village not too far away. It was during WW II and
over and we eventually moved to another town. I
my Dad was in the Army, my mom was working
remembered the joy that came in sharing the blos-
and she wanted us closer to relatives. I didn’t
soms with others. We brought a lot of smiles to a lot
mind the smaller house. It came with a big back-
of faces.
yard, cherry trees and best of all, lots of lilac
I wish I could tell you that I always remembered this
bushes. When we moved in, spring was waning
lesson in my beautiful lilacs. Being human, it was
and the bushes looked pretty sad. My mom
easy to forget that sharing happens so that more
patiently pruned them and removed the few
can be produced. But lessons have a way of find-
flowers that had managed to show up. The yard
ing us when we forget.
was in need of some tender loving care.
As an adult, I had the experience of heading an
My mom’s efforts paid off. The next spring we
organization that was dependent upon govern-
had lilacs. There were lilacs everywhere, or so it
ment funding and private contributions. These are
seemed. I loved them and sat under them and
not the most stable of financial sources, but we
dreamed under them. Imagine my horror when
managed to thrive and survive. Until a financial
my mom began snipping off blossoms and send-
crisis came along and contributions dried up with
ing me off to share those lilacs with neighbors
it. I was blessed with a volunteer financial advisor
and relatives. I wanted them on the bush where I
from what was then know as “The Big Eight.” He
could see them. And as if that wasn’t enough,
was always straight, but never easy on me. I had
she began pruning the branches. I cried. “Can’t
been cutting back on resources, human and
we leave the lilacs on the bushes so I can see
otherwise until I was down to the bare bones.
them?” I asked? I didn’t want to share them, I
When he came to visit me, he pretty much verbally
wanted them to stay right there in my yard. My
attacked me with some harsh words. He said, “if an
mother patiently explained that in order for the
organization starts eating itself, it cannot survive
bush to thrive, we had to give the flowers away.
long.” And I reacted and said, “I have done every-
If we didn’t, we wouldn’t have lovely flowers in
thing I can think of and I’m doing the best I can”.
another year. She also explained to me that God
And then he said, “if you need help, then ask.
meant for us to share our beautiful flowers so we
continued on Page 11
Unity of Surprise ♥ The Church of Practical Christianity ♥ Where Good Happens
Page 10
Prayer Chaplain Corner
Continued from page 10
SEVA Acupressure
PJ Fischer
You are not in this alone. Until you do that, no one is
Acupressure is the practice of apply-
going to help”. And he walked out and left me to
ing hand or finger pressure to specif-
struggle with my damaged ego for a few hours. I had ic energetic or conductive points on
forgotten that I didn’t have to do this by myself. Like
the body. It helps to activate the
the lilacs, the gardener can prune and share blos-
body’s recuperative ability, assists in
soms, and God can send sun and water. Just don’t
diminishing congestion and promotes vitality. This
take out the roots so He has nothing to work with.
hands on work releases and strengthens the
God works through so many sources, but when there
body’s energy system. It is especially helpful with
things all by ourselves and we leave out God as our
medical care
although
canmy
be an
effective
and
pouritout
love
source and his creative way of working through
complementary therapy. PJ is offering 20 minute
others. Ask and it is given. We are never alone.
sessions and because of the nature of the work an
I denyconditions.
the appearance
of to
evil
is a problem, it becomes easy to think we have to do stress related
It is not meant
replace
I still remember those lilacs. And I remember the
lesson that was contained in them. And I can’t think
onto the world.
appointment with PJ is needed. Call PJ at (262)
203-0690 for a session.
of them without remembering a little girl being sent
A love offering is accepted and donated to
out with her arms full of blossoms by a loving mother
Unity.
who knew that in giving we receive, and in receiving
Biography
we give.
I love May. I love spring. And I especially love lilacs.
PJ is a retired RN with 12 years experience in
critical care and 13 years experience as a case
manager for telemetry and ER. PJ moved here
Did You Know?
from WI in June of 2012. She had a private
Did you know that Unity of Surprise never asks for a
facilitated a SEVA Acupressure Clinic in
fee for any class or church activity? Everything is of-
Janesville, WI. She is happy to have found her
fered freely to everyone, member and nonmember
church home at Unity of Surprise and became a
alike, all are welcome. A love offering is accepted
member in fall of 2012.
and appreciated.
Did You Know?
Know?
Love is harmonizing.
acupressure business in Fontana, WI and
Did you know that you can use your debit or
credit card for your weekly or monthly tithe?
Stop into the bookstore at anytime Monday—
I live life abundantly.
Thursday 10:00 am—3:00 pm or on Sunday
mornings before or after service and give your
tithe or love offering using your debit or credit
card.
It’s easy, it’s safe and appreciated!
Unity of Surprise ♥ The Church of Practical Christianity ♥ Where Good Happens
Page 11
Memorial Day Celebration
May 24—10:00 AM
Join us in remembering all those who passed
from this earthly life into the next great adventure
of living. Let us honor also, those who have died
in service to our country.
Lunch Bunch
Sunday, May 26
Carrabba’s Italian Grill
14043 W Bell Road in Surprise
12:30 PM
Join this fun activity on SUNDAY, May 26 with
Bonnie and Ken Knapp following the worship
Bring pictures of your loved ones for our memory
table.
celebration and hospitality hour.
Carrabba’s on the south side west of Bell Road
and west of Litchfield Road. Remember to sign up
Early Bird
Coffee Service
as we want to reserve enough places for everyone desiring to attend.
Our barista’s are here to serve you
delicious flavored coffee before
Join our barista’s, Dan, Vard, Marion & Ralph.
Purls’ of Wisdom Crafters
Gayle Whitmer
Inquire about how to become a barista.
FRIDAY, May 31
Come to church early and enjoy your favorite
Charles Fillmore Room
and after the Worship Celebration.
coffee drink and some good conversation. Our
Purls of Wisdom Crafters will meet on Friday, May
baristas are on duty each Sunday morning 9:00— 31 between 10:00 am and Noon. Join us for a
9:35 am and again after the worship celebration. morning of knitting, crocheting, looming or just
You’ll find us located in the Lobby across from
sharing in fellowship. We would love to share our
the Living Light Bookstore. Enjoy your beverage,
crafting skills with you. For more information call
socialize, or shop the bookstore. A love offering is
Gayle Whitmer at 623 975.7421
accepted.
Thanks and happy stitching,
Did You Know?
Know?
Coming in June
Spiritual Economics Class
Did you know that your Unity of Surprise staff is
the best? Each one thinks outside the box, goes
the “extra” mile and has the best interest of this
Tuesdays at 1:30 PM facilitated by
ministry at heart all the time? Did you know that
Reverend Billie Martini. Get your
each of them, in their own way, go far beyond
book early from the Living Light
their job descriptions to serve you? Let’s give
Bookstore.
them an extra hug and say thank you.
Love is the only answer to
any question.
Unity of Surprise ♥ The Church of Practical Christianity ♥ Where Good Happens
Page 12
Kansas City,
MO
Unity Village
Retreat
TravelwithReverendBillietoUnityVillage
Sept.19,2013—Sept.22,2013
Program:TheExquisiteRisk:DaringtoLiveanAuthenticLife
Presenter(s):MarkNepo,withspecialconcertbyDanielNahmod
Thecostofretreatmaterials,lodging,meals&airporttransportationfor
singleoccupancyisapproximately$775.00.Thecostfordouble
occupancyisapproximately$650.000
Costofairtravelisnotincluded.MarkNepoisaNew
YorkTimesbest-sellingauthorof13books,includinghis
latesttitle,SevenThousandWaystoListen,andTheBookof
Awakening.Apoetandphilosopher,Markhastaughtinthe
4ieldsofpoetryandspiritualityformorethan30years.
DanielNahmodhasperformedhis
originalmusicformorethanamillion
peoplesince1999.Daniel’spoeticand
evocativemessageofpeace,love,and
compassion—acrossallnations,cultures,
andfaiths—hasfoundoverwhelming
acceptanceworldwide.
For more information:
Contact Mary Jane Mendias, mjmendias@aol.com
Reverend Billie Martini, liteworker1@cox.net
SAVE THE DATE
Sunday—June 9th
What would a party be without gifts?
Please gift us with your “presence” and if you so desire with a
“present” for Unity of Surprise wrapped in birthday paper.
Gift suggestions include:
gift cards for Office Max,
Staples, Costco, Sam’s
Club, any grocery store,
paper products, including
plates, cups, towels, nap‐
kins, copy paper, bottled
water, coffee, tea, etc.
may
Do Greater Things
In 2013
Sun.
Mon.
Tues.
Miracles Happen
Recovery Group
Sunday
Service
10 AM
BIRTHDAY &
ANNIVERSARY SUNDAY
Thurs.
2
Fri.
3
Sat.
4
11th Steppers
Do ‘The Work’
ACIM
A.A.
Study Group
1:00—2:30 PM
1:30—3:00 PM
Sat. AM A.A.
(Closed—Women)
Reverend Hal Lafler
8:30—9:30 AM
(Serenity Room)
(Serenity Room)
4:00—5:00 PM
(Open)
6:00—7:00 PM
Weekly
6
Stillness
1
(Open)
Tuesday nights
(Serenity Room)
5
Wed.
7
1st Monday’s with
Your Self
1:00—3:00 PM
(Serenity Room)
8
(Charles Room)
9
10
Faith Lift
11th Steppers
11:00—Noon
Reverend Billie
Facilitator
A.A.
Do ‘The Work’
Study Group
4:00—5:00 PM
1:00—2:30 PM
(Open)
11
ACIM
1:30—3:00 PM
Reverend Hal Lafler
Sat. AM A.A.
(Closed—Women)
8:30—9:30 AM
Food Bank Sunday
Bring in your gift to
share.
(Myrtle Room)
13
12
Love
Mother’s Day
Widow/Widowers
Support Group
14
Faith Lift
20
(Serenity Room)
11:00—Noon
11th Steppers
A.A.
(Charles Room)
21
4:00—5:00 PM
(Open)
Empowering &
Enlightening your Life
& Health Planning
Widow/Widowers
Support Group
Guest Speakers
Paul Quackenbush
Denise McClintic
Samantha Decker
Stump
Certified Grief Recovery
Specialist
1:00—3:00 PM
Noon—1:30 PM
(Myrtle Room)
26
Celebrating Life
Eternal
Memorial Day
Celebration
LUNCH BUNCH
12:30
Carrabba’s
27
Widow/Widowers
Support Group
Samantha Decker
Stump
Certified Grief Recovery
Specialist
1:00—3:00 PM
(Myrtle Room)
Dynamic Women
Spiritual Education
“The Soul Speaks”
1:30—3:30 PM
(Myrtle Room)
(Serenity Room)
17
(Serenity Room)
22
1:00—2:30 PM
(Charles Room)
23
11:00—Noon
(Myrtle Room)
11th Steppers
A.A.
Do ‘The Work’
Study Group
SEVA
1-4 PM with PJ Fischer
4:00—5:00 PM
1:00—2:30 PM
(Serenity Room)
18
ACIM
1:30—3:00 PM
Sat. AM A.A.
8:30—9:30 AM
Reverend Hal Lafler
Birthday Brunch
(Serenity Room)
10:00—Noon
(ALL May Birthdays)
(Charles Room)
Unity Playful Sisters
Potluck & Craft Class
All begin at 3 pm
Do ‘The Work’
Faith Lift
Health
(Charles Room)
16
15
Healing Circle
1:00—2:30 PM
Samantha Decker
(Myrtle Room)
Stump
SEVA
Certified Grief Recovery
1-4 PM with PJ Fischer
Specialist
1:00—3:00 PM
(Myrtle Room)
19
(Myrtle Room)
24
25
Purl’s of Wisdom
Craft Group
10-noon
(Charles Room)
Sat. AM A.A.
(Closed—Women)
8:30—9:30 AM
(Open)
ACIM
1:30—3:00 PM
Reverend Hal Lafler
(Charles Room)
28
Faith Lift
11:00—Noon
Reverend Billie
Facilitator
(Myrtle Room)
(Serenity Room)
29
(Charles Room)
30
Do ‘The Work’
Study Group
1:00—2:30 PM
(Serenity Room)
31
ACIM
1:30—3:00 PM
Reverend Hal Lafler
(Charles Room)
(Serenity Room)
(Serenity Room)
U.S. Postage Paid
Sun City, AZ
Permit No. 339
Nonprofit Organization
Unity of Surprise
14495 W RH Johnson Blvd
Sun City West, AZ 85375-5671
unityofsurprise.org
unityofsurprise@qwestoffice.net
Phone: (623) 214-3884
Fax: (623) 214-5223
UNITY OF SURPRISE—WHERE GOOD HAPPENS
Do Greater Things
10:00 AM Service
May
5
May
12
May
19
May
26
“Stillness”
Board of Trustees
Joyce Hahn
Reverend Billie Martini
Sandra Helm
“Love”
Mother’s Day
Reverend Billie Martini
Jan Karns
Vard Miller
“Health”
Reverend Denise Ostendorf
Reverend Billie Martini
“Celebrating Life Eternal”
Memorial Day Celebration
Reverend Billie Martini
Carolyn Sodini
Wisdom Council
Pat Shipley
Reverend Marcia Gonyea
Unity Worldwide Ministries ♥ Affiliated with Unity ♥ Publishers of the Daily Word
Member of the International New Thought Alliance