importantforus to careforcreation. All sacred.As stewardsof Earth,the it is isearth interconnected everythingand is everywhere,this meanseverything ofthis believe God'swisdom and power is present omnipotenceand omnipresence. Because we Ourfirst principle is, Godisgood, omniscience, Unity'sfundamental belief isweare all one. whatwedo to the land can bedevastating. landthe can bring joyand life all.to Likewise, in ourbackyard garden, Isee how what we doto andaround neighborhoodthe cat sunning itself blooms,young birds and squirrels moving IAs seebutterflies and bees enjoyingthe spring bench. ingarea thattakes the placeofthe old wooden congregants,our wehave a beautiful new seat- in a while, it's timeyou do.Thanks to twoof garden.If you haven't visitedthe back garden jobofclearing out both frontour yard and back clean upday, our garden teamdida fantastic wasdone severalyears ago. During our spring churchthe isto delight in thelandscaping that My usualmorning routine when I driveup to

Earth Day is Everyday is Day Earth Unity Church in Albany Albany in Unity Church

us.” groundshe returns to which weput theinto Shenourishes us;that theearth isour mother. Spiritisour father,but webreathe. The Great things:all he is thein air "The GreatSpirit is in • 21 21 • —

King Avenue Avenue King

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Albany NY 12206 12206 NY Albany

ued andued conserved because theyare God's animalplants, life, and spaceare to be val- Water,air, soil,minerals, resources, for the waysin which weuse and abuse it. creationis God's,and weare responsible we we continueour paperless pursuit and our our world,Irecommended tothe board that tinue to ourdo partto love and respect year,This withthoughts of how wecan con- er system,have we become morepaperless. Dropbox,and networkingthe ofour comput- that recycles.Through technology,emails, ingin the ministry.We now are a ministry onlyusing them activitieswhen are happen- air the We became morediligent in our use of presenceof God.” consciousnessthat we seeeverything as the and itscreatures. It isthrough awakened journeyofspiritual relationships with Earth the all, interdependence ofall life. It isa sacredness of and theintercon “The Unitymovement is guided by a vision purpose is: Team.Their wonderfulstatement of WorldwideMinistry EarthCare Ministry We areworking to become a partof Unity in beingloving and respectful to the planet. to seriouslylook at ways we can do our part year,Last Unity Church Albany in started lovingcare and respect. thesestewardship duties through actsof usefulto human beings. We should meet creationand not solely becausethey are

- conditioningand heating systems, • 518

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3603 3603 www.unityalbany.org

June June (Cont’dPg on 2) 2017 - nectedness of Vol 33, IssueVol 33, 4 — July 2017 2017 July

Mission Statement The mission of Unity Church in Albany is to awaken to and embrace the Christ in all persons through prayer and service. Page 2 June 2017– July 2017

Earth Day is Everyday(cont’d) President’s Corner capabilities to expand our use of technology by By Orisa Skipper altering the way this newsletter is distributed. Friendships Through Service This newsletter will be the last one mailed out via the United States Postal Service. This shift Here at Unity there is a heart allows us to continue to do our part as good stew- circle with every area of service. ards of our land and be good stewards fiscally. There are people serving with love and kindness to welcome We are excited to be able to offer you more infor- you. Education, Special Events, mation and a new format as we start emailing Sunday Service, Inreach/Out- the newsletter to you in August. We don't want reach, Hospitality, Building and you to miss a thing, so please make sure we have Grounds, and more. What area your email address. You can get your email is for you? address to us several ways: I encourage everyone to pray about the service 1. The sign up sheet at either entrance. area calling you. Listen and watch for your 2. Email us at [email protected]. answer.

Let's continue to work together as a community What you receive back from giving will be price- to love and respect our planet. If you have any less. I am sure of it! The reason why I am so suggestions on how our ministry can continue sure is because there are friendships that will this mission, please let us know. For as Thich grow when a mutual interest is shared. Friend- Nhat Hanh said: ships are priceless. I have experienced this "You carry Mother Earth within you. She is not blessing by serving on the board and in hospitali- outside of you. Mother Earth is not just your ty. The people I have shared service with have environment. In that insight of inter-being, it is come dear to my heart. The bond is service, the possible to have real communication with the gift to me has been friendship with loving and Earth, which is the highest form of prayer." kind hearted souls that are so very precious.

A very important part of allowing growth is to be connected with one another. We are a communi- ty of heart-centered individuals, a community of Going people that care, trust, and are willing to serve toward a mutual goal to continually better our Green! church. Unity is a place to experience real con- nection with mind-liked individuals. Drop the

pretenses, let down your guards, you don't need Attention all readers of them here. Just allow the real you to shine and connect with others without fear and with love. Unity in Albany’s Newsletter! At Unity we learn to go within and listen, to give Please take note that we are from our hearts. We learn discernment, the dif- converting the newsletter to a ference between what you think and what the digital format vs paper beginning heart is desiring. Authentically supporting each with the August/September issue. other in developing friendships and trust.

Please send your email address to Namaste’! [email protected] if you are called Orisa to continue to receive this mailing.

Page 3

By Rev. Roger Mock

Journey of Souls

As a teenager, one of my and open to other possible scenarios, the anger fell away. My beliefs had become too restricting. favorite ways to spend a I'm talking about scenarios like the possibility of Saturday afternoon was to , of multiple journeys down multiple take the bus from my tributaries of life. Or the idea that a soul chooses hometown of Little Falls to its experience on the physical plane for it's own the nearby "metropolis" of reasons with its highest good in mind. When I was Utica for a visit to the Mun- angry it was because I was seeing myself as the son Williams Proctor Muse- victim of a plan I had nothing to do with. But if I um of Art. It's a great little believed I had chosen this particular path myself museum with a permanent collection specializing from the higher perspective of the soul, then I in 19th and 20th Century American and European could allow myself to trust in the journey. paintings and sculpture. The most impressive One of the things that helped me a lot early on pieces in the collection—the ones I recall most viv- was reading Raymond Moody's seminal book, “Life idly—are a series of four VERY large canvases by After Life”, which was published when I was in my Hudson River School painter Thomas Cole called early 20’s. I had come down with mononucleosis "The Voyage of Life", considered to be his greatest and had had to return home to my parents' care achievement. Cole completed the commissioned for a week or so, and brought the little book with work in 1840. In grand romantic style, they em- me. It was the first book to present a case for ploy the metaphor of life as a jour- peoples’ reports of near death ney down a magical (if at times experiences. Much has been treacherous) river. The published on the topic since, of journey is illustrated in four phases course, including the recent per- of a man's life: Childhood, Youth, sonal account by neurosurgeon, Dr. Eben Alexander. Manhood and Old Age.

Is reincarnation true? Are peo- The guardian angel disembarks ples’ near death experiences during the "Youth" phase and is worthy of being taken seriously? seen waving cheerfully from the Will we ever know what the river bank as things are still looking very rosy and heck we're really here for? No matter what the promising for the young lad. "Have a nice time! chosen belief, the questions remain. I think living Catch you later!" What could possibly go wrong? with the question is a key ingredient of the journey I'll spare you the drama and cut to the chase. The of life. I think that life is meant to be experienced, seemingly oblivious angel reunites with a very not understood in an ultimate sense. So I try not shaken old man in the final frame, his faithful din- to hold too rigidly to any particular beliefs. None- ghy itself a shambles. I have a vague memory of theless, I do believe in the soul and I believe this being met by my parents in such a manner at the physical life is a means for the soul to expand, to end of a far-more-horrifying-than-it-first-appeared grow, to "row the boat of being toward ecstasy," as amusement park ride. I have heard it put. I think that the soul's growth Life as a watercourse journey. Despite the overly must have to come from allowing itself to have an romanticized depiction in Cole's larger-than-life experience of not knowing; a life or lives in which paintings, it remains a salient and inescapable it learns to trust the unfolding of its own hero's metaphor. Many the unseen bends, daunting journey. I don't know for sure, but I strongly rapids, and—hopefully—tranquil, flowing suspect that the soul is able to allow itself many passages in each of our lives. such opportunities down many rivers of experence.

I used to believe that you only get one chance at I'm just glad I'm having this one right now! Life is life. In my early "manhood phase", I experienced good. mounting anger at the inequality and unfairness Love and light and a good strong dinghy, of it all, but as I was able to release that "story" Roger

Page 4 June 2017— July 2017

Events Calendar

Looking for a Spiritual Community? Sundays, Matinee at the Spectrum Unity Movie Group Summer Worship Schedule st The 1 Sunday of every month, join a group of Join us at 1 of our 2 Sunday Services congregants meeting at the Spectrum Theater to 10:00 am | 6:00 pm go to a 3:30 or 3:40 movie. There is a signup sheet available at the Bradford St. lobby. (The week after Labor Day weekend, we will return to 3 services 9:00 am | 11:00 am| 6:00 2nd Saturday of the Month pm) Unity Hiking Club Ongoing Join us for a fun hiking experience. Each hike will be different, and details will be provided prior to our climb. Even if you can make only Wednesdays, 6:30—7:00 pm in the downstairs one occasionally, we’d love to include you on fellowship hall or in the Sanctuary, join the list. It’s a wonderful way to commune Rev. Crystal Muldrow for with God in His church ~ the great outdoors! form meditation. (Zazen). This Contact Ann Marie Burke or Paul Frament for will bring peace to your mind more information.

and body. 1st Sunday of the Month Sundays 9:00—9:45 am in the large upstairs classroom. Jerry Friendship Sunday Patel and friends offer Sunday Bring a friend to 11:00 am service and perhaps morning each week a dish to share for after the service.

before morning service. The regular practice of Tuesdays, 10:00-11:30 am meditation builds peace and calmness within and helps us strengthen our awareness of our Tuesday Book Study Group connection with the Divine. Group meditation New book 7 Spiritual Laws of Success by makes the process easier and helps us move more . Starting June 6. deeply into the meditation experience. Please Sign up in the lobby to order a book. arrive before 9:00 am as the doors will close to hold the silence for this sacred gathering.

A Course In Miracles Study Groups Prosperity Update While the Course is designed for individual study Through April 2017 it is helpful to have a “support group” to share your questions, discoveries, and journey with. Note: Fiscal Year is January 1—December 3 • Sunday evenings at 7:15 PM in the church Month to Date Year to Date library. April April Jan-Apr Jan-Apr • Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8:00 pm at the church. 2017 2016 2017 2016 For further info, call or text John at 518-935- Income 19,497 16,571 73,992 78,125 8038. Expenses 18,619 26,150 72,374 79,762 • On the 2nd and 4th Mondays at 7:00 pm at the home of Leslie and Joe Coffaro, in Albany. Surplus/ 878 -9,759 1,618 -1,637 Deficit Call Leslie at 518-465-3399. “God is our Source. We bless and appreciate all the many channels through which God’s Mondays at 5:00 pm abundance prospers our ministry. Kripalu We affirm that our fiscal year concludes Deborah Foss (944-9858 for info). with a financial surplus. We always have more than enough to spare.”

Page 5

People to Know

Upcoming Staff

Saturday, June 3, 1:00—6:00 pm Rev. Crystal Muldrow, Senior Minister Guest Speaker Series Jane Bloom, Licensed Unity Teacher, Reverend Crystal Muldrow (Reverend Boepbo (LUT) and Director of Youth Sunya Dharma) will be guest speaker at the and Family Ministry at the Change Your Mind Day; Expanding and Rev. Roger Mock, Music Director Awakening the Mind & Body. Her topic: 101. This event will be held at the Barbara Zeller, Office Administrator First Unitarian Universalist Society in Albany, 1pm—5pm. Sunday, June 4, 10:00 am & 6:00 pm services 12:30 pm Workshop Guest Musician/Bob Sima Paul Frament, Co-President The workshop, entitled “Full Body Musical Ex- Hospitality perience”, is an intentional chakra balance, and

a multi-dimensional

experience of discussion, guided meditation, live music and conscious Orisa Skipper, Co-President breathwork. Investment: Inreach/Outreach

$30 advance/$35 at door.

Bob Sima is a dynamic singer-songwriter, perform- er, storyteller, speaker, servant of humanity, Ernie Klemm, Treasurer workshop and retreat leader, meditation and Spiritual Education breathwork facilitator, and creative collabora-

tor—often weaving all of these elements into a single performance.

Elaine Lasda, Secretary

Special Events

Sam House, Trustee Building & Grounds Did you know that you are wel-

come to attend Board of Trustees meetings?

They are held on the 3rd Thurs- day of the month at 6:00 pm Karin Reinhold, Trustee Prosperity/Sunday Worship in the library.

Upcoming

June 15 Josephine Faruol, Alternate July 20

Page 6 June 2017—July 2017

Sunday, July 23, 10:00 am continued from page 5 Events Calendar Guest Musician/Megon McDonough By the age of 17, Megon McDonough was opening

Upcoming for such folk acts as John Denver, Steve Martin and Thursday, June 8, 6:30 pm Harry Chapin. She has performed on stages as di- Tama Kieves verse as Carnegie Hall and the Workshop entitled, “Unleash your Cellar Door. Megon is best Calling: Create the Work & Life known for her work as an inau- You Love.” Come join Tama gural member of the folk group Kieves and learn how to get past The Four Bitchin’ Babes, which limitations and unleash the pow- allowed her wit and folk sensi- erful calling within you. In bilities to comment on the ups this fun interactive workshop, and downs of everyday life. To learn how to: trust your instinctive genius and date, Megon has 13 solo albums to her credit, and is best known move past old limitations, choose the right passion, for her song “Amazing Things.” stay motivated, experience unstoppable strength, Megon classifies her music as folk/cabaret, citing turn roadblocks into launch pads, and fall in love her love of theater and jazz as the reason for the with your life. unusual mix. Featured in USA Today and on Oprah radio, Tama In addition to her singing career, Megon has also is best-selling author. A former Harvard-trained had an acclaimed acting career. She received rave attorney, she is a sought-after speaker and visionary reviews for playing Patsy Cline in "Always Patsy career/success and writing coach. She has helped Cline," has appeared in Pump Boys and Dinettes thousands world-wide to discover, launch and thrive and was recently seen in "Forever Prine" at the in the life, calling, and business of their dreams. Viaduct Theater in Chicago.

Sunday, June 11, 12:00—5:00 pm Megon currently serves as the Director of Music for Capital Pride 2017 the Unity Northwest Church in Des Plaines, IL.

Washington Park, Albany Represent Unity at a March, Parade, and/or Table. Looking October 6 - 8 for volunteers. Contact Orisa Skipper Ramananda John E. Welshons October 6 - 7, Unity Annual Retreat Wednesday, June 21, 7:00—8:30 pm October 8, guest speaker and workshop World Peace and Prayer Day WELSHONS is a highly respected contemporary The focus and purpose that an inter-faith prayer is spiritual teacher who lectures being organized and call for in the city and various and leads meditation courses, inter-faith communities and churches to prayer as workshops, and retreats across one human species from many faith traditions and North America. He has worked cultures for the sincere progress of Earth Aware- extensively with , ness and World Peace. Stephen Levine, and Dr. Elisa- It’s an inter-faith prayer and musical devotional beth Kubler-Ross. He has spent with invocational music to join the rhythms of the time in India at the ashrams of earth and her children to pray and sing for peace, Meher Baba and Neem Karoli understanding and respect for all species and the Baba. He is the author of three Earth, Our Mother. powerful books: ONE SOUL, ONE LOVE, ONE Sunday, July 17, 10:00 am HEART: The Church in the Park Sacred Path to Healing All Relationships; WHEN Thatcher State Park at Greenhouse Pavilion. Look PRAYERS AREN'T ANSWERED: Opening the for the Unity Banner. Bring your own grillables, a Heart and Quieting the Mind in Challenging dish to share, games, walking shoes, etc. Times; AWAK-ENING FROM GRIEF: Finding the

Page 7

By John Daubney Spotlight On Service

warm feeling as hospitality, it is important work that requires it be done correctly. The tellers team rocks!

“Ever since Paul Bernard passed, I’ve been co-hosting the Sunday A Course In Miracles with Nancy Remick. This is Karin Reinhold perhaps my biggest service commitment. This group meets every Sunday. It is not a service to Unity, although most people that come are Unity members. Serving in A Course in Miracles is, for me, serving spirit. We open the meeting with a prayer: “I am here only to be truly helpful …“, which summarizes what service is for me. The

Karin loves to share her joy through service to others. She Course also teaches that giving and receiving are the believes that being of service is being in the natural flow same. Serving others is then giving to yourself. And this of life and abundance. No matter what our life circum- is truly so because when you give without attachment, you stances may be, we can always give out of our abundance. also receive. “In my experience, I receive an openness We can simply choose to smile or be kind or lend a help- within myself that feels good. I feel as if room is made ing hand, and be richly rewarded in return. within my heart. And then, when the teachings from the Course touches someone's heart, I also receive a blessing in “The 4T and Prosperity Plus programs teach that, to be in mine. We “teach” what we give. The lesson that I receive is the flow of abundance, it is beneficial to develop a prac- by giving it to others. The Course has been a blessing and tice of showing up in life as abundance: being abundant in has brought much peace into my life. It has allowed me to time, talent and treasure. From Neale Donald expand my awareness of the love that is Walsch (Conversations with God), I learned all around us. My hat is off to Nancy there is always something we can give: com- Remick for her more than 30 years of fort, love, affection, or making someone smile commitment and dedication to our group or laugh. There are many ways we can share beginning in 1984. our abundance. The best for me is to bring joy. “This year, I said yes to serving on the “I see service as being in the flow of abun- Board of dance; giving from my energy, giving from my Trustees for Unity. I love the team I’m heart. The flow of abundance is the flow of working with. They are a dynamic and life. Life is an energy that permeates every- uplifting group of people, each bringing thing. Life wants to flow, it does not like being different gifts. I look forward to grow- constrained or pinched. If you look around, you ing in the roles this opportunity brings see that the world is abundant. Look at a tree in me. In particular I bloom. It is abundant in flowers. It produces way more enjoy holding a Prosperity Consciousness for our church.” flowers and seeds that it needs for its own reproductive pur- poses, it offers of itself to life. Service is an opportunity for "Grace happens when we act with others on us to do the same. I love the feeling of being in the behalf of the world." — Joanna Macy flow▬serving is easy, serving is a joy. “ “I serve in many capacities. I started with hospitality when I asked Jim Fuller where could I be of service. I love tak- ing care of people, I love making a small contribution that warms people’s hearts. The gatherings after service on Sunday are beautiful. I love that people come down to have a cup of coffee, a bite to eat, and a heartfelt talk with friends. The time together is important and brings us clos- er together. I love contributing to hospitality whether it is preparing the food or coffee, or tables or helping clean up. Editor’s Note: Feel free to submit photos, articles, And it is beautiful that people always show up to help. Hospitality is the heart of our beautiful community. prayers, and/or poems for publication to Bonnie Kriss, [email protected]. “This past year, I have served as teller. The teller team is a Deadline for submission is 7/20 for the committed group of people that show up at their appointed August/September newsletter. time, and is well organized by Laurie. The tellers help keep our financial house in order. While it may not have the same NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID ALBANY, NY PERMIT NO. 713

ALBANY

21 King Avenue Albany, NY 12206 518-453-3603 Sent with love and blessings to: www.unityalbany.org [email protected]

Address Service Requested

.. a positive path for spiritual living

A place to worship, grow spiritually, feel loved and accepted— is no small matter. In our spiritual family, we know there are many paths that lead to God. We believe that Spirit led you here. Our desire is to share Christ’s love with genuine heartfelt warmth. We are a gathering of all kinds of people with various backgrounds, life-styles, and life-stories. Growing together we worship, we serve, we laugh, we cry, we learn, and we reach out to our world with life-transforming truth. We aspire to live as Christ and be receptive to Spirit as it calls us to Life. Our name says it all; we are a Unity of believers celebrating and participating in inclusive worship. If you’ve been praying, searching and hoping for a place to belong, we say again—Welcome Home!

Sunday Worship Schedule Sunday Morning Summer Schedule Sunday Evening “OneSong” Service 10:00 am 6:00 pm

Youth classes are available during the Multi-faith service with music, meditation 10:00 am service and sacred chant