Trisha Kiefer-Reed to speak 2/12
On Sunday, 2/12, Trisha Kiefer-Reed comes to us from her horse ranch in Columbus, Montana, to give a talk entitled: Horse Spirit ~ Reflections by A 5th generation South Dakotan. Ours is one of the few presentation offers she's accepted for the year & so we're counting down the days with anticipation! Musician, Mike Linderman from Hot Springs is bringing some of our most requested solos back into the house during this service. Mike's performances are enjoyed throughout the Black Hills region & we're fortunate to be welcoming him back...Consider Richard's sharing a bit of family history as an invitation to join us for an inspirational worship service with a 'twist of Montana'.
Minister's Message (AKA) 'A Father's Reflections.'
"At about age 9 months, Trisha's first spoken word was not Ma Ma or Da Da. It was - horsy. Held in her Grandma's arms, she was riding horses before she could walk.
Trisha grew up in a household decorated with Daily Word passages taped to most flat surfaces & my 'meta-physical paraphernalia' around every corner. As a young girl at play, one or more of the toy horses from her large herd would occasionally gallop out of control around the living room & nearly knock over my quartz crystal vibrating under a pyramid. Whispered in the horse's ear, one could hear: "Whoa Big Red... Slow down or Papa & the crystal will get upset!"
Parallel to being raised with Unity Principles infusing the air, Trisha seemed to be born with an innate understanding that there is Divine Presence abiding within all sentient beings. She's always been at home in various settings where Spirit Wind Blows.
Accompanying dancers in Green Grass, SD where the Sacred Pipe brought to the Lakota by the White Buffalo Calf Woman was encircled by song & prayer came as naturally to her as envisioning the Radiance of Christ Light guiding our family travels.
I kept the Daily Word, retired the crystals, drank all the Star Chamber Water & shelved the pyramids. Trisha eventually traded in the toy horses for real ones. Her love of & passion for horses has only grown stronger over the years. With an Equine Science degree from CSU in tow, she has built a successful private practice training horses & teaching English & Western riding lessons to students in Colorado, Alaska & Montana.
Congregational Meeting in March
Watch for an announcement about Unity of the Black Hills annual Congregational meeting in March. We're inviting members to be thinking of individuals who you'd like to see serving on the Board of Directors. There are a couple of openings on the Board, including a vacancy created by Eric Sutton's term expiring at the end of his three years of service. Amanda Diehl has been serving as interim President until this upcoming Congregational meeting where we'll be looking to nominate a new President. Please let Richard or a current Board member know ASAP who you'd like to nominate to serve a three year term on the Board so that we can get the wheels rolling in advance of March's meeting.
Youth Ministry
Uniteens first meeting successful! Uniteens met at the end of January with a group of nine teenagers. Our next meeting is scheduled for a very special day that only exists once every four years - February 29th. We'll meet again at Alternative Fuel Coffee House. The time has been changed to 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. Call Chris at 430-8624 with questions.
Chris Pelczarski has joined our Youth Ministry staff. He brings several years of experience working in the field of youth education. Expect a call from Chris asking for your ideas, suggestions & recommendations. Our minister and Board of Directors need your creative thinking about how we can best expand Unity's ministerial outreach into the greater Black Hills region!
Contact Info Needed
Our Computer Crashed and we have had to update our e-mailing list and other contact information. Apologies to all. We are trying our best to piece together an accurate list of contact information. If you have received this and do not wish to, please reply and let us know. We'll take you off the list immediately. Likewise, if you know someone that you'd like us to add to the list, send us a reply with their contact information. You may also want to fill out a contact information card at Unity if you think we may be missing some or all of your information.
Keys to the Kingdom
The keys to the kingdom await! Keys to the Kingdom is an exciting presentation by Unity Minister David Owen Ritz. The course is on 7 CDs. We will be listening to one CD per week, followed by your thoughts and discussion.
Content:
Key One: Make the Commitment to become more of who you are; Key two: Hold the Vision (you will not rise higher than your personal vision for your life) Key three: your limiting beliefs hold you back Key Four: Make Room for the New Key Five: Let go of the Past Key six: You attract what you focus upon so Multiply your good. Key seven: Live in the flow; A new way of abundant living.
Location: The classes will be held in the Multi-purpose room of the Alps Park Apartments 1800 Shaver St. in Rapid, just off West Main and Jackson.
Time: Wednesdays February 1st through March 14th 6 pm-7:30 pm
Cost: $45.00 for 7 CD set, plus a workbook ( Graduates cost will be $10.00 to review.) For more information please call Bev Jacson at 716-1351. Materials are about to be ordered, so if you want to be included, please call Bev immediately!
Condolences
Jim Gardiner's mother Virginia, died suddenly on 1/22/2012. Her funeral service will be this Friday in Martin, SD. Please send prayers to Jim, Cindy and their family during this time of transition. For suggestions as to how to offer further support, give Richard a call at 430-7547.
Thanks, Tony
Please extend your gratitude to Tony Diehl for inaugurating the fundraising idea on behalf of Unity of the Black Hills known as Prosperity Box. Through the generosity of numerous Unity members, we've raised $10,000! All proceeds will be matched by 'Unity Angels,' Tony being the lead Angel. Thanks to those who have made this effort such a tremendous success and there is an opportunity to step up as a Matching Angel contributor to help meet or exceed the tally! Why not?
Drum Circle
Feel the beat at the next Drum Circle with Jim Gardiner on February 7th at Community Transitions in Rapid City. For more information, call 399-9950.
Prayer Chaplains
Laurie Jacobs will represent Unity of the Black Hills when attending a Prayer Chaplain Trainer's Workshop in Phoenix this spring. After this, Unity will offer a 50 hour curriculum via a series of classes taught by Laurie designed to prepare volunteers as certified Prayer Chaplains. Prayer Chaplains are serving a vital role in Unity ministries in numerous locations across the country and we're excited to be incorporating a Prayer Chaplaincy Program as an integral part of our expanding ministerial services. Please contact Laurie or Richard for further information and to register for the Chaplains Training Classes.
A Moving Experience?
The Real Life ministries rejected our offer to purchase their church via a contract for deed. They've listed the church located at 602 St. Andrew for sale, agreeing to identify Unity of the Black Hills as a pre-existing party of interest. This exempts application of sales commissions should we buy it in the future. We welcome your recommendations as to how we might position ourselves financially to take another run at acquiring the church. One idea proffered is to locate a small contingency of private funders willing to craft Unity of the Black Hills a loan via promissory notes backed by them holding a 1st mortgage on the building. Please contact Richard with ideas and suggestions as to ways/means for moving forward towards our goal of establishing a Rapid City home for Unity of the Black Hills.
Who'll be the next Prez?
Eric Sutton will be completing his three year term of service on Unity of the Black Hills Board of Directors early in 2012. The majority of Eric's tenor has been in the role of Board President. He has kept a steady hand on the wheel; steering Unity along some steep & winding highways with unparalleled dedication to excellence. It's not too soon to extend a nod of gratitude Eric's way in our comings & goings as we head towards 2012.
Dennis Warner Concert Fundraiser
We will be offering packets of 10 tickets at $10 each ($100 a packet) to pre-sell for a Dennis Warner musical concert this fall. This is one of our fundraising projects beginning this Sunday. Our goal is to have a minimum of 10 individuals commit to buying a $100 packet for distribution prior to finalizing arrangements with Dennis.. Bring an extra C-note with you on Sunday & take home a pack of tickets for an inspirational 90 minutes of great music to share with friends & family! ~ In addition to raising capital, this is a proactive way to introduce dozens of people to Unity of the Black Hills Spiritual
Odds & Ends
Thank You to everyone who gives of their time, talent, and presence.
We Appreciate all the Help in the Kitchen Every Sunday!
Please take advantage of the Unity Lending Library located just behind the sanctuary
Please send any Happenings announcements to unity@rushmore.com
Course in Miracles Study Group
Everyone is welcome to join the Course in Miracles group that gathers on Mondays and Wednesdays, 7pm @ the Agape Center. Please call Mary at 209-7113 for more information
New Titles in the Unity Library
"Beads on a String" by Dennis Warner. "How to talk so Kids will Listen and Listen so Kids will Talk" and "How to talk so Teens will Listen and Listen so Teens will Talk" both by Faber Mazlish
Living in Faith: Unity Principles Applied
This class is intended for those new to Unity as well as those familiar with Unity principles. The Next Class TBA Cost is $25/per session to cover materials and to support UBH. If cost is prohibitive, please see Richard. We want everyone who is interested to be able to attend. There will be a sign-up sheet at UBH.
Meditation Group Invite
Realize your self every Sunday and Thursday at 8 p.m. at the Self Realization Fellowship group. Meet at Joe & Wendy Lowe's home. Call 787-9383 for directions. Beginners & first time meditators are always welcome.
Brain Tuning
Brain Tuning Class led by Dr. Jim Gardiner every Thursday from 430-6pm. Relax and enjoy making music while you improve your concentration and memory. 1st session is free. After first session, $30 per class or $100/month, Discount for Seniors and Students. 803 Sioux San Drive in Rapid City. Call Jim Gardiner at 399-9950 for more information
Save Your Receipts
Thank you to all for saving receipts when shopping at Family Thrift stores and bringing them to Unity of the Black Hills. Thank you to Ev Merritt and Stu Steele for keeping count. Our goal is to be able to turn in $150,000 in receipts to receive a check for $1,000 when the goal is met. We are currently at over $100,000!!!
Food Bank
Please help the Children's Ministry collect food for the Food Bank. Bring non-perishable items each Sunday. THANK YOU to all who have volunteered in the past at the Food Bank!!! Please consider giving your time this holiday season and beyond!
12 Powers
Unity headquarters is designating 2010 “The Year of the Twelve Powers.”
A variety of resources are offered FREE online to help you understand and
apply one new power each month. Articles, affirmations, meditations and
music are all available online at www.unity.org/12powers Free 12 power kits that include a refrigerator magnet with a window to display the power of the month are available at the back table in the sanctuary for you to take home. Special resources are available for children as well.
New Books Available
Dr. Catherine Ponder, renowned Unity minister and author, has donated 16 copies of her books to the library at Unity of the Black Hills. Please avail yourselves of the opportunity to study these transformative books on healing and prosperity.
Survival Guide for the Soul
A wonderful new Unity booklet is now being offered FREE of charge to Unity’s constituents. It is filled with valuable spiritual “how-to’s” and can help you adapt to change; forgive; express gratitude; slow down and relax; even say good-bye. Get reminders on how to pray, meditate, use affirmations or create a treasure map.
This booklet, Survival Guide for the Soul, An All-in-One Manual for Spiritual Practice is free and you may receive your copy by calling toll-free 1-800-669-0282.
School Supplies Needed
As an outreach to the community, Unity of the Black Hills is gathering school supplies for children in need. If you would like to contribute to this worthy cause, please do so by bringing the articles to the church.
Following is a list of some of the most wanted items:
Crayons, glue sticks, No. 2 thin pencils with erasers, erasers (large pink or green), pocket folders, large box tissues, wide ruled spiral notebooks (one subject), school boxes, yellow highlighters, watercolor paints, color pencils, tote bags, backpacks, Fiskars pointed, metal scissors, 12-inch rulers with centimeters and inches, quart size Ziploc bags.
If you are interested in providing a single child with all supplies, a list of grade-specific supplies is available on the back table in the sanctuary. Thank you for your gift to children in need.