Unity of Ames's Podcast

Unity Church of Ames

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Another special Sunday service today! Sally Clausen spoke of Thankgiving. Everybody was touched. Most were moved. Some had tears...........

And the songs chosen for us to sing were just wonderful for today!

We arrived at church today with about one inch of snow on the ground. It was a beautiful day and a wonderful service to start out the day.

Thank You

Today's photo is courtesy of Alyson Propes. She calls it Sunset.

Welcome this beautiful morning to the Unity Church of Ames Iowa !

Today was our Thankgiving dinner. Of course that was after a wonderful service and lesson by Sally Clausen.

Please listen to today's service. It's another great one.

And don't forget to

LET YOUR SPIRIT SOAR !

Also remember, your comments are always welcome. How will I know how I'm doing if you don't tell me? I need your help!

Good Morning to all!

Today there is no audio podcast. Your faithful podcaster was not at church this morning and on top of that I forgot to give the recorder to someone to record the service.

My apologies to all.

There is a baby grand piano on loan to the church for a couple of weeks and I understand that Michiyo played today. I'm told that she was wonderful. My sincere apologies for not having that recorded.

In order to upload this "podcast", I had to add an audio portion, so the audio portion is a piece by Will Tuttle from last week.

                                 Good Morning & Blessings To All

Today's service was another very special one for us. Our guests today were Dr. Will Tuttle and Madeleine Tuttle. 

The "good things" list for them is very long. Please visit their website    http://www.willtuttle.com/ . You won't be sorry you visited!

Will played wonderful music and we were able to enjoy Madeleine's art work. Please give this podcast a listen.

And don't forget, your comments are always welcome...... 

This week our lesson was presented by Teresa Propes. It had to do with prisms, seeing all the colors, not just seeing in black and white. Terri was very enjoyable.

Pat Hulsey read the Daily Word for us.

And we had a very special guest vocalist. His name is Harold "Farmer" Brown. http://www.farmkind.org/  Harold was here to assist Will Tuttle and Clark Ford with a conference at ISU. We all had a good time as Harold led us in the song The Rainbow Connection. We all remember that song by Kermit The Frog.

You'll enjoy this Podcast for sure!

Are You Ready For This?

We are so lucky at the Unity Church of Ames! This was another GREAT service. Just wait 'till you hear the musical guests here today. We were very fortunate to have the duo of Amy and Adams. http://www.amyandadams.com/  You are really going to enjoy listening to them. And if you did attend today, you are probably listening again because you enjoyed them so much the first time!

And of course we were blessed once again with Sally Clausen's lesson that she called "Are You Ready For This?"

A GREAT BIG GOOD MORNING TO YOU

Today we were so fortunate to have as our speaker

Dr. Clark Ford

Clark is a professor at Iowa State University and is very active with World Food Issues. We are also very fortunate to have Clark as a member of our church comUNITY.

Clark's lesson today has to do with World Food Issues. It is well worth listening to! ENJOY!

Welcome to the Unity Church of Ames Podcast!

As always, we are so pleased that you joined us.

Today's lesson was brought to us by Sally Clausen. What a special delight she is!

The picture, with prose, on today's podcast is courtesy of Alyson Propes

I love the way the aspen leaves

shiver in the Autumn breeze.

I take a breath of cool crisp air.

The sunlight puts my soul at ease.

LET YOUR SPIRIT SOAR!

Welcome to the

Unity Church of Ames Podcast!

We're glad you tuned in!

Sally Clausen's lesson today was entitled:

"Harvest"

Today's picture is courtesy of Alyson Propes. She calls it:

"Goodbye Summer"

Have fun, keep laughing and LET YOUR SPIRIT SOAR!

Welcome to the Unity Church of Ames podcast!

All comments about these podcasts are very welcome. I don't know how I'm doing if you don't tell me. Am I meeting your needs? Is there anything I could or should do differently?

Today's picture is by Alyson Propes. Alyson calls it Lily.

Let Your Spirit Soar

Sally Claussen was our worship assistant and meditation leader.

Elizabeth Holzer read our Daily Word.

And our special guest was Rev. Patricia Anderson!

Rev. Patricia's lesson for today was

Celebrating Our Oneness Through Healing

A GREAT BIG Thank You to all who help out.

This was a very special Sunday for us. Our guest speaker and musician was Chris Foster.  http://www.chrisfostermusic.com/

The lesson for today was PEACE EXPRESSING.

Chris recited a poem that was written by Charles Osgood in 1971. I have included it below. It's quite powerful...

A family of a man was once at war,

with the family that lived in the cave next door.

And they fought that way for many a year,

until they learned to conquer hate and fear…

And they joined together that they might meet,

this looming presence across the street.

And this looming presence became a war,

And it too was worse than the war before.

And they fought that way for many a year,

till they learned to conquer hate and fear...

And they joined their forces to go put down,

the evil force from the other town.

The other town became a war,

And it was worse than the war before.

And they fought that way for many a year

till they learned to conquer hate and fear…

And when they were done they knelt to pray,

but some men worshipped the heathen way.

So religious difference became a war

And it too was  worse than the war before.

And they fought that way for many a year,

till they learned to conquer hate and fear…

And they built great navies that they might free,

the captive peoples across the sea.

So with guns and ships they fought a war,

that was even worse than the war before.

And they fought that way for many a year,

till they learned to conquer hate and fear…

They built their defences to guard their shores,

They even fought a war to end all wars.

And the war they fought to end all wars,

Was even worse than the wars before.

And they counted down and set the stage,

and they gave the world the Atomic Age.

And if there is an atomic war,

it will be far worse than any wars.

There's an ancient, deadly pattern burned...

and the question is... HAS THE FAMILY LEARNED??

Or do we still pattern how we behave,

After how it was in the family cave.

Charles Osgood

Sad Day Today

Today was Rev. Heather's Last Day as Minister of The Unity Church of Ames. Rev. Don Withers retired a little while ago. Now we won't see Heather and Don for a while.

Cheerio  -  Ta Ta  -  Wes Gesund

New Beginnings Today

Our search committee has completed the paperwork and the process has started to look for a new minister!

And another sad day......... Today was Michiyo Hattori's last day.

Dewa Mata

This service is a little longer than the normal service. There were a lot of goodbyes today.

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.

Margaret Mead

Picture courtesy of Alyson Propes.........

7 Steps to Mastery:

Lessons From The Life Of Jesus

6. He Lived Out His Purpose

Sally Clausen led us in the Unity Foundation Statement

Cheryl Binzen led us in the Silent Unity Affirmation and The Daily Word

Rev. Heather Withers lesson was HE LIVED OUT HIS PURPOSE

And how about this GREAT new Website!

Special, special thanks to Sarah Petersen,

Sally Clausen's daughter.

Picture courtesy of Alyson Propes......

7 Steps to Mastery: Lessons from the Life of Jesus

5.  He Walked His Talk

Sally Clausen led us in Unity's Foundation Statement.

Fred Johnson led us in the Silent Unity Affirmation and the Daily Word.

And Rev. Heather Withers' lesson was He Walked His Talk

I am an enthuseastic expression of caring and love.

Side notes: Today's photo is courtesy of Alyson Propes.

Your comments are always welcome. Would you like me to do anything differently? Include something that you don't see or hear?

Don't forget:  LET YOUR SPIRIT SOAR!

Good Morning Gentle Readers and Listeners!

Today's lesson from Rev. Heather Withers is entitled 7 Steps to Mastery: Lessons from the Life of Jesus. 4. He Stayed Focused.

Several folks, well Teresa Propes, Phil Clausen, Mary Nakadate and Mary Cochran, talked today as part of the lesson.

Teresa's part was kind of in the form of a skit. After listening to the podcast, I found that it really helps to see the skit as well as listen. The gist of it was that Teresa was trying to focus on meditating but had numerous thoughts going through her head while trying to settle down to meditate. Heather was talking in the background while Teresa's mind was going a hundred miles per hour.

And what a treat this was - Charlene Boll, Mary Cochran and Sally Hanna sang the song, Sweet Hour of Prayer.

Picture courtesy of Alyson Propes. Picture is of 87 year old Halim El-Dabh at his concert Symphony For 1000 Drums to celebrate the Peace Corps.    http://www.drumsymphony.com/info2008.html

Welcome to the Unity Church of Ames Podcast!

We're glad you're here.

This Sunday Rev. Heather Withers' lesson was from 7 Steps to Mastery: Lessons from the Life of Jesus   3. He Called Home Often

A. Illumination

B. Adoration, Devotion

C. Forgiveness

D. Acceptance of Blessings

E. Requesting guidance, aid, healing for ourselves

F. Praying For Others

And Heather says "Stay tuned next week for the seventh one!"

I Claim The Inifinite Good That Awaits Me As A Child Of God

Be Good, Have Fun, Laugh and Let Your Spirit Soar!

Your comments are always welcome.......................

Welcome to the Unity Church of Ames podcast

for July 27, 2008

This Sunday Rev. Heather Withers' lesson was entitled:

7 Steps to Mastery: Lessons from the Life of Jesus

2. He Embraced His Humanity and His Divinity

The Worship Assistants and Welcome & Opening Prayer was done a little different this day. Teresa and Phil Propes took over these responsibilities today. The opening prayer was started out as a "skit". Of course you can't see it in the podcast. What was happening was that Elizabeth was throwing trash on the floor of the church, of course acting. Teresa was playing as though she was seeing this on the street and she was getting upset. Phil came along the way and picked up the trash. A little later Char also started picking up the trash. After the "skit", Teresa and Phil talk about the lessons learned.

LET YOUR SPIRIT SOAR!

BE GOOD AND HAVE FUN WITH LIFE!

Welcome to 7 Steps to Mastery: Lessons from the Life of Jesus

1. He Knew His Connection with God

Unity's Foundation Statement : There is one Presence and one Power in the universe and in my life, God the Good Omnipotent.

This week Michelle Wilkening led us in the Affirmation and Daily Word.

Heather's lesson was from 7 Steps to Mastery.

You know, this is a GREAT place to worship, grow, learn, commune, etc. I'm talking about The Unity Church of Ames!

Thanks to all the wonderful folks who make this a GREAT place!

Happy 15th Birthday

Unity Church of Ames

Love Brought Us Here

This was a great hour or so! Michiyo is back! Welcome Michiyo!

JuliAnn Murphy guided us through the Silent Unity Affirmation and Inspirational Readings.

Sally Clausen led us through the Meditation.

And then Heather had three of us come up to talk about our experiences with the Unity Church.

Charlene went through the history of the Unity Church of Ames. A little earlier, Barb Mc also talked a little about the history

Phil P. talked about his (my) short history with the Unity Church.

And then Cheryl B. talked about her beliefs, ideals and association with the Unity Church of Ames.

It was all very interesting. Lot's of music! Let Your Spirit Soar!

Welcome to Unity Church of Ames Iowa - July 6, 2008

Today's lesson from Rev. Heather Withers was

A DECLARATION OF INTERDEPENDENCE

Phil Clausen read to us a quote from Chief Seattle:

This we know, all things are connected like the blood which unites one family. All things are connected. Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons and daughters of the earth. We did not weave the web of life, we are merely a strand in it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves.

Phil also read from Thich Nhat Hanh: Living Buddha, Living Christ

When we see the nature of inter-being, barriers between ourselves and others are dissolved, and peace, love, and understanding are possible. Whenever there is understanding, compassion is born.

A Declaration of Independence

There was a lot of music today thanks to Sally Hanna and special guest Colby Kegley.

Sally Clausen led us in the meditation and Unity's Foundation Statement.

Clark Ford led us in the Silent Unity Affirmation - World Peace

And Heather's lesson was called :

A Declaration of Independence

The Daily Word for today is FREE

I am living by spiritual insight that sets me free and keeps me free!

Let's Build a.....

Just What Are WE building?

Heather (and Don) are on vacation today. We are very fortunate to have Sally Clausen leading with us today!

I was also on vacation (with Teresa) so I'll be taking the written things from the bulletin today. My thanks to the folks who put together the bulletin and set up my recorder for this podcast.

Warm Thanks to ALL: Thank you Paula for again sharing your musical gift with us. We certainly enjoyed seeing you march in the parade on Memorial Day. Sally Hanna keeps us joyfully singing and takes us to the high...notes. Clair keeps the bookstore filled with reading delights. Unity singers, we love to see and feel the energy you send forth with each song, thank you. Tami keeps our children and teens rockin'  -  talk about spirit! Does she have the spirit? Oh yeah! Thank you to all who made this day flow smoothly and peacefully. We love you, we bless you, and we behold the CHRIST in you. Thank you.

EVENT OF THE WEEK - Saturday, June 28, 7pm Unity Church of Ames. How will an evening with Maulana Zainulabedin Kazmi, internationally known Sufi saint and healer, CHANGE YOU? Originally from India, then Pakistan, now London, Maulana brings his magnificent blend of sweetness and love, which has been handed down from a 1,500 year old tradition of Sufi masters. During the evening he will give a talk, lead chanting for releasing the old, which will lead into healing of physical, emotional and mental healing, for those who choose. Bring a bottle of water and a bottle of olive oil to be blessed for your own use. Share this information with your friends. All are welcome! Admission is free!

Father's Day

Faith of Our Fathers

We all have direct access through the Father/Mother in us - the central "I" of our being - to the great whole of life, love, wisdom, power which is God.           Emilie Cady: Lessons In Truth

Heather's lesson was called Faith of Our Fathers.

Colby Kegley again played one of his works called Glory to God. Glory to God is recorded and included on this podcast with his permission. You will enjoy it. We did........ Thank you Colby.

Dear fathers, within your hearts there is a desire to guide and nurture children and to let them be all that they were created to be. Bless you for your willingness to be there for children and for your encouragement as they explore life. Through your guidance and example, you show them how they can open themselves to a world of possibilities that await their acceptance.

We pray, affirming that each child in the world has someone like you in his or her life. Children need someone who loves and cares for them, someone who believes in them and cheers them on in meeting their accomplishments.

We envision you blessed in your roles as fathers and blessed by children your whole lives through.

Good Day on this beautiful day in Ames Iowa!

Today's lesson from Rev. Heather Withers was titled:

Call and Response

We had a special guest today. Colby Kegley played both the pipe organ and the keyboard today. What a treat! We also sang one of Colby's songs, Listen For the Lord. This was recorded and presented in this podcast with permission from Colby Kegley.

I just want to remind everybody that your comments are always welcome. You can comment and unless you leave your name, I won't know who you are. You can be constructive, but go easy on me....

Practicing Peace in Times of War

I must apologize - I pushed the wrong button on the recorder this Sunday. So, I don't have the audio podcast. I did record an audio apology from me though, just in case you want to hear me grovel.

Also, I used a picture from last week. I think I can get only one picture per podcast, so I decided that posting the picture of our new members was more important. The picture posted today is of some of the veterans in the Church and family members who are veterans and no longer with us.

Heather talked about Practicing Peace In Times of War.

"Peace is softening what is rigid on our hearts." - Pema Chodron: Practicing Peace in Times of War.

"The essence of nonresistance is unity. You are not isolated from the rest of the universe. You are an indispensable part of the universe, and as such the universe loves, protects and cherishes you. ...You are safe. You are inconceivably valuable. Nothing opposes you. ...Nonresistance means not to oppose, mentally or physically. ...The strength of all your gifts can be turned to the creation of harmonies."  Imelda Shanklin: What Are You?

Trusting The Process of Change:

New Beginnings

Today was special for three reasons. Heather continued with her series of CHANGE. We received three new members into the Unity Community. And we honored veterans and others who mean so much to us.

This is a new day, and I begin it with great enthusiasm!

Our Unity Comunity has grown by three: Mary Nakadate, Cheryl Binzen, and Michelle Wilkening.  Welcome!

You'll always have a place in my heart, cause that's where I keep my valuables!

What a GREAT community we have!

Trusting the Process of Change:

A - Void - Dance

The Inspirational Reading - In the Void, our usual guidelines for loving have vanished; we may have only the intenal voice of the I AM to guide us. Ultimately, this is all that we need. In the Void we may encounter what appears to be a new beginning before we are yet ready. ...An "old generation" of consciousness must die before we are ready for the next step.     Robert Brumet: Finding Yourself In Transition.

O God of all the days complete, help me to understand the beginnings and the ends so that I may let go of the past and, in so doing, go renewed and free into the new day You plan for me.   Dorothy Pierson

Mother's Day: Heart of the Mother

Mothers...are God's Love in Expression!

What a beautiful Mother's Day.

Sally Clausen led us in the Welcome and Opening Prayer.

Fred Johnson spoke the Silent Unity Affirmation.

Rev. Heather Withers talked about "Heart of the Mother".

"As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you" Isaiah 66:13

"God is not only fatherly, God is also mother who lifts her loved child from the ground to her knee" Mechtild of Magdeburg

"We are all meant to be mothers of God. For God is always needing to be born" Meister Eckhart

Trusting the Process of Change:

The Journey Begins

Sally Clausen did the Welcome and Opening Prayer

Pat Hulsey led us in the Silent Unity Affirmation

Heather Withers' talk was on change.

Of course our thanks to Michiyo Hattori for the keyboard music.

And we were introduced to the UFIDs, or Unity Friends In Deed.

Eeesing Into Spring

Enlightenment:

Lights on, Somebody's Home

Mary Nakadate led us in the Silent Unity Affirmation - Inner Peace

Attuned to Spirit, I act with wisdom and grace.

There have been a lot of sightings of UFIDs this week. Next week in church we'll find out what a UFID is (I hope).

Until next week, have a great week and don't forget:

LET YOUR SPIRIT SOAR!

EARTH: Our Mother, Our Father, Our Teacher

I have to tell you, this was a very interesting morning!

It's about the EARTH and how we view it.

Please listen to Heather's talk!

"We call upon the earth, our planet home, with its beautiful depths and soaring heights, its vitality and abundance of live, and together we ask that it teach us, and show us the way."

Roberts & Amidon: Earth Prayers from Around the World

Healing and Transformation

Sally Clausen led us in a little different service today. Her talk was about Healing and Transformation.

JuliAnn Murphy led us in the Silent Unity Affirmation - God's powerful presence is at work within me. I am healed in every way.

The Unity Singers blessed us with a song titled "Healing Hands"

Have a great week and don't forget:

Let Your Spirit Soar !

Series - Eee-sing into Spring: Our Renewable Energy Source

Sally Clausen led us in the Welcome, Opening Prayer & Meditation.

Shelly DeHart led us in the Silent Unity Affirmation

The Unity Singers sang Psalm 23

And Welcome Back to Don and Heather!

LET YOUR SPIRIT SOAR !

Good Morning Everybody!

We were blessed with Sally Clausen this morning. Don and Heather were in Texas visiting family, in particular Don's Mother.

Don's Mother is 96 years old!

Sally's talk today was entitled: Spring Is Faith In Action.

And the Daily Word was CAREGIVER

Don't forget - Your comments are ALWAYS welcome, even if all you do is say hello...... Oh yeah - LET YOUR SPIRIT SOAR!

Easter Sunday in Ames Iowa

What a beautiful day today - Okay, there was snow on the ground and it was about 30 degrees. But we are happy, breathing, and enjoying each other's company!

Of course another great Sunday service. Lots of beautiful flowers and absolutely wonderful singing. The Unity Singers sang Rise Up by Sandie Wilde. As a group, we all sang Christ the Lord is Risen Today, Eternal Life Is Here, and Lord Of The Dance (one of my favorites). And, and... Peggy Faden was here again! WOW - what a treat! Peggy sang The Holy City and Easter Parade. Peggy and Sally Hanna both wore great looking Easter Bonnets. We can't forget Michiyo Hattori's keyboards!

Sally Clausen led us in the Welcome and Opening Prayer. Also the Meditation. Charlene Boll read the Silent Unity Affirmation (Inner Peace), the Daily Word (Resurrection) and the Inspirational Reading. And of course Rev. Heather Withers' talk was called Finals Week.

Don't forget to  -  Let Your Spirit Soar !

March 16, 2008

What a special service today! We were blessed today with              Rev. Shannah McAleer.

Shannah talked about Happiness. Very interesting and fun talk. Of course, without a doubt, Shannah is always fun!

We started out with Sally Hanna playing flute and Michiyo Hattori playing the keyboards.

And along with the usual great music, we listened to the wonderful Peggy Faden singing Who Is This Man and When Irish Eyes Are Smiling. What a treat she is..........

Please give a listen to this service, it's well worth it.

And as always   LET YOUR SPIRIT SOAR!

Rev. Patricia A. Anderson

We were truly honored to have Rev. Patricia speak to us today. Rev. Patricia is an Ordained Unity Minister living in Kansas City. But not only were we honored by Patricia speaking with us, but a couple of weeks ago she became a member of our Unity fellowship. We welcome Rev. Patricia with OPEN arms.

Phil Clausen led us in the Daily Word and Sally Clausen led us in the meditation.

Sally Hanna was delightful on the flute. We all love her playing (and we love her!).

And a GREAT song by the Unity Singers!

LET YOUR SPIRIT SOAR !

Again, your comments are always welcome, even if it's just to say hi !

Good Day Again Gentle Listeners

I missed this Sunday's service. Once again I went back to Denver over the weekend. Many thanks to Don Withers for recording the service for me last week and this week.

I have uploaded the pod cast onto our pod cast site. You can access it from here.

Phil Propes    -     LET YOUR SPIRIT SOAR !

Good Day Gentle Listeners

I'm finally getting this on the pod cast.

I did not attend this service as Teresa and I were attending a funeral in Denver. I uploaded the recording of the service, but I do not have information to go along with the pod cast.

I'll see you soon and   LET YOUR SPIRIT SOAR !

Today was a very blustery day!

Snow, wind, wow - there was a lot of uncomfortable weather. Okay, JuliAnn Murphy helped us to see that we should look past the bluster and see how beautiful the snow was on the ground and in the trees. Actually, it really was very beautiful.........

Those of us who had a sense of humor showed up and we all enjoyed a good service. Heather guided us through her talk entitled Respectfully Yours.

To treat others with the same courtesy and respect I would like them to give me, regardless of whether they give it or not, is to "let it begin with me" and act rather than react.   -Anonymous

Remember to LET YOUR SPIRIT SOAR!                  Phil Propes

Welcome - Welcome - Welcome

To Our Valentine's Sunday: Return To Love service!

Rev. Heather Withers' talk was on LOVE. Very very nice...Thank you!

Sally Hanna was back from Arizona after over a month down there. "65 degrees everyday, boy, I could get used to that!"

Sally Clausen led us in the Meditation. Pat Hulsey led us with the Silent Unity Affirmation (Healing) along with the Daily Word.

Heather also blessed the new Board of Directors. As you can see in the picture, they are, from left to right Rev. Heather Withers, Pat Hulsey (Trustee), Elizabeth Holzer (Secretary), Charlene Boll (President), Phil Clausen (Vice-President), and Teresa Propes (Treasurer). Absent was Barb McKelvey (Trustee).

Remember, your comments about the podcast are always welcome, even if all you have to say is that you visited. Thanks - Phil Propes

Thanks for tuning in and don't forget:

Let Your Spirit Soar !

Welcome to the

Unity Church of Ames

February 3rd, 2008

This Sunday was a SuperBowl service with Heather Withers kicking off the Season of Non Violence.

Sally Claussen tackled the Meditation while Teresa Propes read the coaches' Daily Word and Inspirational Messages.

Of course, Michiyo, for whom Sally gave great deserved praise from all of us, was our one person marching band.

Thanks for tuning in to our game and, as always, LET YOUR SPIRIT SOAR!                                            Phil Propes

To our gentle subscribers....

I was not here today, so I'm sorry to say that I did not record the service. And, I also forgot to give someone the device to record the service. My apologies to all.........

Have a great week and LET YOUR SPIRIT SOAR !

Phil Propes

Today's service was absolutely WONDERfull! We were blessed to have Rev. Shannah McAleer as our guest speaker this morning. Rev. McAleer is with the Spiritual Life Center in Sacramento California. She is such a delight. You can't help but be at least a little bit better having been with Shannah McAleer!

AND, Peggy Faden had the walls vibrating with her singing this morning! Peggy sang Lord, Make Our Lives a Blessing. She is just glorious!

Elizabeth Holzer led us in the Silent Unity Affirmation.

Sally Clausen led us in the Meditation.

Last night at the church we celebrated Don's 68th birthday! We sang songs from the movie Yellow Submarine. And Don, yes we will still feed you, we will still need you, when you're 68!

Let Your Spirit Soar!                                                    --Phil Propes

 The Challenge of the Dawn

Deny the power of yesterday.

Affirm the promise of today.

Waken to your true self.

No limits in spirit.

Sally Clausen started out with the Unity Foundation Statement, Opening Prayer and Meditation.

Mary Cochran did the Silent Unity Affirmation -

One with God's healing energy,

I am filled with new strength and vitality.

Mary also did the Daily Word as well as the Inspirational Readings. That's Mary in today's picture!

At the end of the service, the Board Members held the Annual Membership Meeting.

Thanks for tuning in and Let Your Spirit Soar   -  Phil Propes 

Today's ceremony was our annual Burning Bowl and White Stone Ceremonies. My apologies to Don Withers. I started the recorder a little after Don had started explaining the Burning Bowl Ceremony. He had explained that negative things in a person's life are written on a piece of paper and then ceremoniously burned to release those attributes or things. In our Church we run the papers through a shredder. In Ames we have what's called the Resource Recovery Plant. The city's refuse is taken to the plant, shredded up and sent to the Power Plant to be burned with coal to produce electricity. So our pieces of papers with the negative things on them will be burned in the Power Plant and come back to us as energy.

Don also had a little stuffed dragon near the shredder. The dragon's name is Drags and belongs to Don's nephew. by using your imagination, you can see Drags burning the negativity with his flames.

In the White Stone Ceremony, we write a name or trait that we want to embody on a white stone. The white stone symbolizes a new beginning.

Don Withers began today's ceremony. Jim Rivera read the Daily Word. Sally Clausen led the Meditation. And Charlene Bols sang a wonderful song about The White Stone.

Thanks for tuning in - Let Your Spirit Soar!     Phil Propes 

Today' service was organized & presented by the Unity Church of Ames UniKids!

They are:

 Drayke Dake                              David Ford

    Shota Hattori                               Yushi Hattori

Claire Uldrich played Go Tell It On The Mountain and We Three Kings

Shota played the cello. Yushi played the flute.

Members of the congregation were invited to tell their impressions of Jesus.

Tami Dake led us in The Lord's Prayer.

It was a great service. A good time was had by all. It's very refreshing to see the UniKids' involvement.

Let Your Spirit Soar!

Ahhh, tonight's service was quietly delightful!

Members of the congregation lit the candles - The Candles for Hope, Love, Peace and Joy - while also reciting the Scripture readings.

We sang O Little Town of Bethlehem, What Child Is This?, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, We Three Kings, and of course Silent Night, all accompanied by Sally Hanna on flute.

There were a number of guests in attendance.

And I'll write it here, but it goes without saying, we had cookies, popcorn, fruit, etc, etc afterwards.

Next week's service will be on the podcast but not until later in the week. Your humble podcaster will be in Colorado enjoying the New Year events with family. Thank you and Merry Christmas - Phil Propes

Good Morning Folks! What a great service this morning! We had a wonderful musician today - Mert Sermet playing the cello.

On our podcast today we have:

Mert Sermet playing Pachelbel Canon

The opening prayer with Sally Clausen

The congregation singing O Come All Ye Faithful

Lighting of the Advent candles by Clark Ford

Silent Unity Affirmation & Inspirational Reading by Rosemary White Shield

The Unity Singers with Mert Sermet - One Small Child

Meditation with Sally Clausen

The Four Seasons: Spring by Vivaldi  -  Mert Semet

Joy To The World - Heather Withers' message

Mert Sermet playing Ode To Joy by Bethoven

And finally - the congregation singing Joy To The World

Thank you for attending our podcast - Let Your Spirit Soar - Phil Propes

Good Morning to everyone!

Today's podcast includes:

Peggy Faden - Guest Singer - O Come O Come Emanuel

     with Sally Hanna and Michiyo Hattori

Sally Clausen with the opening prayer

The congregation singing There's A Song In The Air

Peggy Faden and Michiyo Hattori with Cover Him, Joseph

Nancy Evans with the Affirmation and the Inspirational Reading

The Unity Singers with A Simple Stable

Sally Clausen with Love Came Down At Christmas

And the Unity Singers with Ring Christmas Bells

We are back. This is my first podcast. Please be patient. I will get better as time goes by.

If you have any comments, I would like to hear them, as I am always learning.

Thanks so much.

Let Your Spirit Soar!

Phil Propes