Christmas & the Winter Solstice

One of the theories as to why December 25th is the day chosen to celebrate the birth of Jesus is due to the Winter Solstice.

As of the Winter Solstice (December 21) the days become longer so there is more daylight every day and people have the hope and anticipation of spring.

Additionally celebrating the birth of Jesus at this time created a rival celebration to the pagan festival of the time.

May the light and love of Christ grow brighter in you.

What if every day were Christmas?

Looking for a new Christmas song? This song is from a collaboration of podcasters.

Enjoy! If you purchase the song for $.99 the funds go to Unicef.

Podsafe for Peace - If Every Day Were Christmas

You can listen to the song at Podsafe Music

I am looking into doing a podcast and found this site of music you can use without copyright problems. If you are doing a podcast lets get together.

The Secrets of Narnia

If you are considering using the Narnia story in your lessons the podcasts by Fr. Roderick give some interesting background and metaphorical interpretations you can use.

Fr. Roderick is from the Netherlands and his English is excellent.
Click here for his website.

Have fun!!!

Beyond Bullet Points

Do you use Power Point to create handouts and slides for your lessons or classes?

Beyond Bullett Points by Cliff Atkinson gives an interesting look at death by powerpoint and how to improve your presentations.

I used some of the ideas in a presentation at work and it was very well received.

There are articles on learning and resources to improve your presentations on the website.

Let me know what you think.

AUC LUT Sharing Page

The Association has set up a page on their website where Teachers can share information and resources. There are presently resources for classes such as Lessons in Truth and Prosperity. Check it out! at http://www.unity.org/LUTPmain.html

Licensed Teacher Starts New Ministry

Congratulations to Laura Gwen LUT whose ministry Unity Center of Light in Newport, Rhode Island has been approved as a new expansion Ministry.

The Four Gratitudes

As we celebrate Thanksgiving we remember & give thanks to all who have contributed to our lives.

In Aikido we are reminded of this daily. In our training we consider the principle of the Four Gratitudes.

Gratitude toward:

I. The Universe/Divine-the source of all life.
II. Our Ancestors & Parents who are responsible for our existence.
III. Nature which provides daily sustenance.
IV. Other human beings who help us in our daily lives as contributors to our society.

Thanks to all who have contributed to my life.


John

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John

This picture was taken by Suzanne near Honesdale PA.

Unity Institute Classes

Unity Institute is now offering classes online. In an effort to increase awareness of their offerings Licensed Unity Teachers (and Ministers) may participate in these classes on a love offering basis rather than the fee posted on the website on a space available basis.

If there is a class you wish to take, send an email to Lisa Hurst at the Institute advising her of the class you are interested in. Her email address is hurstlm@unityonline.org.

The next session starts January 9th so she needs to hear from you by December 27th 2005.

For Information about these classes click here:Classes include: Unity for Today, Creative Process in the Bible, Discover the Power Within You, I Believe, Prosperity, Life of Prayer, and Lessons in Truth.Have Fun.

LUT Ministry Team Survey

You will be receiving a survey from the Association’s Licensed Teacher Ministry Team to assist them in identifying the needs of Licensed Teachers. The responses will be reviewed at the January 2006 Team meeting at Unity Village

Now is the time to let the Association know who we are. As a member of the Team I would like you to know that the Association is taking our needs seriously and this information will be used to help the Association support us in our work.

If you are a Spiritual Leader or have an Alternative Ministry please be sure to complete the survey.

Thanks John

Licensed Teacher Card Signature

If you do not have a minister who will sign your License Card to keep your license active with the Association, Eastern Regional Rep. Rev. Vertell Allison will sign it.

She can be contacted at: Life Teaching Ministry 75 Crossfield Drive, Colchester, VT 05446 email unityvt@together.net.

Conference Letter

Dear Licensed Unity Teachers and LUT Candidates,

Thank you for electing me to be your representative to the Board of Trustees of the Eastern Region Association of Unity Churches. It is an honor to represent you and your sacred service in the Unity movement. I truly appreciate the support and love I received from all of you who attended our Annual Conference and look forward to getting to know you better.

At the conference, Rev. Roger Goodwin, the chair of the Association of Unity Churches International, advised that he wanted all of us to know the Association is 100% behind the Licensed Teachers and any discussion or rumors regarding the end of the Licensed Teacher designation are based on old news. He is totally supportive of our service to the Unity movement and has established a Licensed Unity Teacher Ministry Team to support the service of Licensed Teachers. I have been appointed to this ministry team and will be able to keep you advised of all developments firsthand.

Rev. James Trapp the new CEO of the Association also attended the conference and restated this commitment to Licensed Teachers 100 %. The minutes of the Conference Business Meeting will have more detail about his time with us so I will not repeat it here.

The Eastern Region Board of Trustees made me feel totally welcome as one of the newest members of the Board. Did you know Rev. Mary Masters, the President of the Board was a licensed teacher before going to ministerial school? I didn’t … and she is committed to supporting and keeping us informed of all activities in the Eastern Region. At the banquet I had the pleasure of spending some time with Mary and had a great conversation with her and her partner regarding our personal backgrounds and visions for Unity. We were so engrossed in our conversation we ended up turning out the lights.

The mission of the Eastern Region Association is to serve, nurture, support and provide educational opportunities to enhance the growth and expansion of Unity Ministers, Spiritual Leaders, Licensed Teachers and Ministries. I look forward to working with you to realize the fulfillment of this mission. I received a lot of great suggestions on how we can strengthen our community of teachers and will share them with you in my next letter.

Please feel free to contact me directly to discuss any ideas, concerns and dreams for our service together as Licensed Teachers, and how you would like to increase our sense of community.

John Zenkewich, LUT
UnityLUT@aol.com
516-823-0940

Welcome

Welcome to the Eastern Region Blog for Unity Teachers. I look forward to working with you in growing our Unity Community.