This Week

This Week's Affirmation: When the pressure is on and the heat is rising, Spirit keeps me cool, calm, serene and peaceful!

This Sunday!!

Potluck Picnic &
Fun Fest

Aug. 12, 12:30 - 3:30 pm

Moonwalk! Dunk-the-Minister!
Face painting! Ice cream treats!
Music, fun and more!

Don't miss this "last hurrah" of summer!

IN THIS WEEK'S NEWSLETTER:

Prosperity Series: Forgiveness

Upcoming Events Lots of new events listed in this issue!

Adult Education

Youth Education

Magnet Ministries

Heighten Your Spiritual Experience: Get involved in AU!

Bookstore News

Habitat for Humanity volunteers needed for THIS Saturday, August 11th! Click here for more info.

Prosperity Series

August: Forgiveness

Remember that forgiveness is like peeling an onion. We may start with the outer layers, and then find that there is more that we didn’t consciously realize. You will know you have forgiven completely when you can speak about the incident without any negative energy. It takes ruthless honesty to know when forgiveness is complete.

Over the many years since the founding of Unity, many people have experienced the need to forgive. Charles Fillmore sat for 2 hours every evening working on forgiveness. Twelve-Step spirituality includes it as one of the steps. When it was adapted it for the Master Mind process, forgiveness found a place there as well. Clearly, it is central to Christianity and to the teachings of Unity.

In the prosperity principle, we learn that as we give we also receive. The Bible also equates the giving of forgiveness to receiving it. Jesus taught forgiveness as a way to freedom and healing. We know that judgment is something that only God can do, so we find ourselves healed in letting go of the job that is not ours. Through forgiveness, we loosen our grip on our ego self being in control, and allow God to be God.

In Against an Infinite Horizon, Ronald Rollheiser says, “We are the ongoing incarnation of God, the anointed ones of God, Christ.” He goes on to say that this incarnation, we as Christ, gives us the power to give healing and forgiveness as Jesus did. “If we forgive someone, that person is forgiven because Christ is forgiving him or her. If children of ours, or anyone else we love, no longer go to church, our love for them and their love for us bind them solidly to the body of Christ.” Forgiveness is a powerful thing, and we have the authority to forgive as Christ.

What the Bible says:

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” Luke 6:37

“He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free.” Luke 4:18

“Who are you to pass judgment on servants of another? It is before their own lord that they stand or fall. And they will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make them stand.” Rom 14:4

What Fillmore says:

“The next step is to put your selfishness away. There cannot be two in the kingdom. It is the kingdom of God, and man must give up.” Jesus Christ Heals

“In denying the reality of sin, send out your freeing thought to others as well as to yourself. Do not hold anyone in bondage to the thought of sin. If you do, it will pile up and increase in power according to the laws of mental action.” Jesus Christ Heals

“True repentance is always followed by forgiveness, which is a complete wiping out of the error thought from consciousness and a full deliverance from the inharmony that the error thought has produced.” Mysteries of Genesis

“If anyone tries to free himself while holding others in the thought of sin, he will not demonstrate his freedom.” Jesus Christ Heals

Ideas for practice

Select a passage or passages from above that are meaningful to you. Memorize and use them in your prayer. Throughout the day, whenever you feel the need to forgive, use them as affirmations that will help focus your mind on the Christ and loosen the grip of unforgiveness.
Another way of thinking about forgiveness is letting go. We are all familiar with the feeling of closing our fist on something in order to keep it. As we do so, we have lost our hand. We lose something when we hang onto an unfair or wrong deed. One step in prosperity is to clear out what is no longer needed in order to be open to receive our good. Are you holding onto things, physical, mental or spiritual, that you no longer need? Practice letting go with the ones that are easiest first—you could do this by clearing out the refrigerator, the office file cabinet, or even your sock drawer! Feel the relief of letting go of what no longer serves. Then, try visualizing yourself forgiving a specific person, and bring this feeling of relief into the picture. Write about this experience in your journal.
Take these ideas into the silence. Picture the Christ within you as a bright light of healing and forgiveness. As you do so, bring persons into that light whom you want to forgive. Practice this repeatedly until you are able to let go of any grievances.
Discuss your practice with your prayer triad. What do you notice is happening with your companions? With yourself? Commit to hold each other in the forgiving light of love in your daily prayer between meetings.

Upcoming Events

Please NOTE: Independent workshops and classes listed below may be presented by individuals and/or organizations not affiliated with Atlanta Unity, who are simply renting meeting space from the church. The information presented for such events comes directly from the presenter, and this listing in no way constitutes endorsement or guarantee of the content of such events by Atlanta Unity.

"The ability to communicate effectively is the number one reason why people advance in their careers." Professional speaking is not an art (where some people "have it" and some don’t), but a science. Any one can excel and succeed if they know the ABC’s of effective communication. Communicate for Success is a two-evening workshop designed to focus on the techniques needed to overcome your nervousness and prepare you to speak with confidence in front of any size group. Students, trainers, managers, sales people, teachers and anyone wanting to improve their presentation skills will benefit from this class. Open to anyone 18 years of age or older. Cost: $49 for both evenings. August 2nd and 9th, from 6:30 to 9:30 pm, in room 111. Information: David Doerrier 404 291-0034, or email DavidDoerrier@AbundantSpeaking.com. Also check out David's website, www.abundantspeaking.com.

If you have ever sung, or ever wanted to, here is your chance to discover (or rediscover) your voice! Join us as we raise our voices together in harmony, fun and friendship! Just show up Tuesday nights in August, starting August 7th at 7:00 pm, in the Choir Room just off Fellowship Hall. No experience necessary - "if you can talk, you can sing!" Guaranteed to bring harmony and joy into your life! Contact Sharon West for more information.

Y'all come this Sunday, August 12th, from 12:30 to 3:30 pm! It's a chance for one more afternoon of summer fun the day before school starts for most Atlanta area kids. We'll have a moonwalk, ice cream treats, face painting, treasure hunt, music & more. And warm up your throwin' arm... you may be the one to "Dunk-the-Minister"!

We'll provide the hamburgers, hot dogs, veggie-burgers, potato salad & baked beans.

Tables & chairs will be set up both inside Fellowship Hall, and outside under a tent awning, but you are also welcome to bring blankets to sit on the grass under our beautiful trees. Don't forget your sun-block.... and bring your favorite vacation photos to share, too! Everyone is welcome!

Outstanding health is your birthright! One of the keys to living in a state of "wellness" is to adequately hydrate our bodies with the right kind of water. Join us Thursday, August 23rd, at 7:15 pm in Fellowship Hall for an educational seminar that features an amazing technology from Japan that produces water which is helping people dramatically transform their health. For a free introductory DVD to review prior to the seminar, contact Jim & Mary Ashmore at 770-448-5751.

Tibetan Gong Meditation:
"A Calling of Angels with the Sounds of Sacred Gongs", featuring Richard Hite

Sunday, September 9th, 1:00 to 3:00 pm, in the Sanctuary. This two-hour concert with traditional healing instruments is a truly musical experience. Participants typically bring pillows, mats and bedrolls to lie on with eyes closed as they are sent on extraordinary inward journeys of healing and enlightenment. Biofeedback research with electroencephalographic (EEG) measurement and heart monitors show that the music of these gongs has a powerful beneficial effect on the brain and heart. Richard Hite is a modern master of the gongs, playing them in hospitals and clinics since 1987. Love offering.

Top off your spiritual rejuvenation after Sunday Service with a marvelously relaxing and rejuvenating chair massage... and support Atlanta Unity at the same time! Beginning September 9th, Katherine Smith is generously offering chair massages to “walk-ins” the second Sunday of each month, from 1:00 - 3:00 pm, in the Meditation Room. Katherine is a certified massage therapist and is giving 100% of the proceeds to Atlanta Unity. Fees are $5 for 5 minutes, $10 for 10 minutes, $15 for 15 minutes, or $20 for 20 minutes.

You may have noticed our beautiful new Peace Pole next to the water wall in the lobby. If not, check it out! It wishes peace to the world in twelve languages: English, Arabic, Aramaic, Spanish, Cherokee, French, Greek, Swahili, Chinese, Hebrew, Hindi, and... Paw Prints! We will have a dedication of the Peace Pole on Sunday, September 9th. More information will be included in upcoming bulletins, newsletters and on the website.

Based on Deepak Chopra's book, "How to Know God: The Soul's Journey Into the Mystery of Mysteries". What do you believe to be true about your world, your reality, your life and your God? As we journey together through this 7-week spiritual growth program you will begin to uncover the exact nature of your individual faith. As you go deeper into the mystery, you will become more aware and awake to the subtle presence of Spirit that is always around you. An important part of the personal journey will be participation in small in-home study groups, where you will be encouraged to pray together, share insights and reflect on Deepak Chopra's book. (The book is available in the Atlanta Unity Bookstore.) Sign-up sheets will be available in Fellowship Hall this Sunday, August 12th, for those interested in hosting one of the small groups. Look for more information about the program, the small groups and the schedule in upcoming newsletters and bulletins, and on the website.

The Enneagram is "a geometric figure that represents nine fundamental personality types and their complex interrelationships." It is a profound tool for psychological growth and increased understanding of relationships, unique in its ability to illustrate the full range of human potential. In this workshop you will: discover your own personality type; gain an understanding of the key motivations of each type and how they impact behavior; learn how each type deals with stress; gain a better understanding of factors that affect your work and personal relationships; learn how to communicate more effectively in relationships. Saturday, September 15th, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Cost: $125 per person ($140 if registering less than 7 days prior to workshop). Registration required; closes 48 hours prior to class. Registration forms available in Fellowship Hall, or call 678-534-0139, or email enneagramgeorgia@enneagramgeorgia.com to register. Facilitated by: Gloria White, MDiv, LCSW, ACSW, a Fellow in the American Association of Pastoral Counselors, and an Approved Supervisor for the American Association of Marriage & Family Therapists; and Wanda R. Brown, M.S, who holds a Masters Degree in Management with a focus in Organizational Behavior and Development. Approved for CEUs by GAMFT, LPCA-GA, & NASW-GA.

If you joined us for the Summer Solstice Ceremony, you know what a joy it is to celebrate the changing of the seasons with your spiritual family. If you missed it, plan to celebrate the Fall Equinox with us on September 20th at 7:30 pm, in Fellowship Hall. (More info to follow.)

Adult Education at Atlanta Unity is expanding! We are so blessed to have teachers stepping forward to share their knowledge and experience.

Adult Education Program director Sandy Solomon has a lot more for planned for the near future. Stay tuned to our newsletter, the bulletin, and our wonderful website www.atlantaunity.org for more information.

If you've ever acted - or wanted to - this class is for you! Learn new techniques, hone your skills, broaden your repertoire - and be prepared for the applause! During the 6-week session we will explore basic acting techniques, stage and movement, scene study, text and subtext. Students will present their performance pieces to a live audience during a graduation presentation following the final class. Don't miss this opportunity to study with an accomplished professional! Mariclare Scott brings more than 25 years of acting, directing and teaching experience to this performance-level class - including directing the recent smash comedy hit, "Murder at Rutherford House" here at Atlanta Unity! If you missed her first class earlier this year, here's your chance to catch up! Class meets on Mondays, from 7:00 - 9:00 pm, Sept. 10th through Oct. 15th. Cost is $150 per student for the full 6-week course. Enrollment is limited, and pre-registration is required. Contact Mariclare at 678-571-8011, or via email at mariclarem@aol.com, for more information or to register.

Love to laugh? Take this class! The 6-week course will provide a basic understanding of comedy improv performance techniques and styles, develop improv-related skills through side-splitting games & exercises, gain a basic understanding of comedy and performing rules, and increase your overall confidence, presentation and performance skills! You’re guaranteed to laugh till your face hurts! Thursdays, 7:00 to 9:00 pm, Sept. 6th through Oct. 11th, with an optional graduation "improv night" for a live audience the following week. Cost is $150 per student for the full 6-week course. Enrollment is limited, and pre-registration is required. Contact Mariclare at 678-571-8011, or via email at mariclarem@aol.com, for more information or to register.

Presented by Linda Wilson, this 8-week class begins Wednesday, September 19th, at 7:00 pm. Look for more information in upcoming bulletins, newsletters and on the website.

Geri Whaley offers Spanish classes, meeting Thursdays from 7 to 8 pm, in room 109. Call 770-923-9518 for more information.

Join this ongoing class on the 2nd and 4th Sundays each month in room 108, from 12:30 to 2:00 pm. For more info, contact Carol Grant at 404-372-4939. Books are available in the bookstore.

"Just-for-Fun" July really was fun!! Thanks to everyone who contributed their time and talents. Regular Sunday School classes begin again this Sunday, August 12th. Interested in volunteering for Youth Ed? Contact Patsi Yarborough at patsiyarborough@yahoo.com.

Calling all kids, from Kindergarten through 5th grade!! Put on your jammies, bring your pillow and join us the last Friday of each month, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm, for Kids Movie Night! Starts Friday, August 31st. Cost is $2 per child. Presented by the Youth Ed department and Y.O.U. volunteers.

Have you ever wanted to learn to bead? How about learning yoga? Thinking of leaving a dead-end job and finding your soul's work? Then one of Atlanta Unity's Magnet Ministries is the group for you! In fact, we have nearly two-dozen Magnet Ministries covering a wide variety of interests and subject matter. And if you can't find one that meets your needs, please contact Sandy Solomon - she can help you begin a Magnet Ministry of your own! For more information on the Magnet Ministries, check out our brochure in the lobby, or check out our website at www.atlantaunity.org, or stop by the Magnet Ministries table in Fellowship Hall after the 11:00 service and talk to Sandy Solomon.

You are in luck! We have some wonderful opportunities for you to get more involved in the life of Atlanta Unity - and you will be amazed at how richly rewarding your participation will be! Check out the list of volunteer opportunities below. Contact Debby Robic at 770-441-0585 x 201 for more information about how to get involved!

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY volunteers needed to represent Atlanta Unity this Saturday, August 11th! Contact Lorie Donaldson to volunteer, and for information about the project: Email: LDonaldson@ctflegal.com; phone (404) 422-8890 (after 5 p.m.).

"Complaint Free World" Bracelets coming soon! You've read about it in People, you've seen it on Oprah and the Today Show... now it's coming to the Atlanta Unity Bookstore! It's all about creating a new habit of complaint-free thinking that will transform your life. While you're waiting, why not start the program today, using your "Imagine" bracelet from our building fund campaign? Imagine a complaint-free world!

Expanding Your Power: Consciousness is energy which can be expanded by individuals, including you! Learn to increase your awareness and maintain spiritual, mental, and physical balance by taking charge of your psychic awareness and abilities and increase power!

Attracting the Love of Your Life: What you think about, you talk about; what you talk about, you manifest - including the love of your life. Find out the ritual for attracting your soul mate.

Attracting Money and Prosperity: Money is energy which begins with the mental consciousness of prosperity. As a child of God, the King of the Universe, we should not be bankrupt – ever! Attract money with a change of awareness.

Get your copy of "The Awakening" in the bookstore for $16.00 - and Dr. Reggie will autograph it for you!

"How to Know God" - The Soul's Journey into the Mystery of Mysteries "You don't have to believe in God in order to experience God."—Deepak Chopra In his most ambitious and important work yet, Deepak Chopra explores the idea that everyone can have the direct experience of divinity. According to Chopra, the brain is hardwired to know God. The human nervous system has seven biological responses that correspond to seven levels of divine experience. Identifying and harnessing their power will allow you to discover the divine within yourself. This is the book we will use for our Fall Program. Get your copy today in the bookstore today, and get a head start! - $14.95

"Now is the time!" Watches A collaboration between Rev. John and his brother, Dr. Van Strickland, these beautiful custom-designed wristwatches remind us to live in the moment. 2 sizes, black faux leather band - $20.

Beautiful Handcrafted Beaded Earrings Add sparkle to your wardrobe with these colorful handcrafted earrings - new designs arriving weekly! $12/pair.

"Beads of Prayer" Each bead represents a prayer while in meditation… They are made with semi-precious stones such as jasper and tigers eye. $25 each. Proceeds graciously donated to Atlanta Unity.

Prayer Flags are Blessings Spoken on the Breath of Nature The Women's Circle has lovingly made Prayer Flags to raise awareness of the gift of prayer in our world. Prayer Flags, which are symbolic devices, coupled with the energy of the wind, quietly harmonize with the environment and impartially increase happiness and good fortune among all things. These are 5 colored flags with beads and the traditional wind horse symbol, and are available for $10 each in the bookstore.

Pewter Prayer Ring Handcrafted large candle holder with the “Prayer For Protection”. It comes with a velvet pouch and 2 candles. $28.00.

The Secret What is “The Secret?” Find out what many already know, and create the life you want. DVD - $30 Book - $23. Book on CD - $30

The Law of Attraction in Action Esther and Jerry Hicks present the teachings of Abraham, whom Esther calls “infinite Intelligence”. DVD - $33.