For the first part of the year, we will be allowing these four gifts to be in our consciousness and to demonstrate in our lives – Prosperity, Presence, Power, and Peace. We start this Sunday thinking about prosperity, and it will encompass more than the financial piece. Prosperity has to do with every part of our lives. Edward Hayes has agreed to teach Edwene Gaines' book on four Thursday nights in February. It will be energizing and fun learning together.

I am so looking forward to sharing our yearly rituals of the candle lighting service (12/24), the burning bowl (12/29), and the white stone service (1/5), as we close 2024 and begin 2025. In each of these we go within and listen to Spirit’s whispers. This is the ultimate spiritual practice - to be still and know the truth within.

A philosopher from 6BC, Lao Tzu, said this:  “If you are depressed you are living in the past.  If you are anxious you are living in the future.  If you are at peace you are living in the present.” 

The official Christmas season is here, yet I believe that Christmas is something that happens every day, not just in December. Christmas occurs when we open to the possibility of hope, when we live as ambassadors of peace, when we become expressions of love and grace, or when joy bubbles forth from our hearts and lives. In these moments the Christ is given expression. This can happen any moment on any day.

In the spirit of this week, I invite you to contemplate the love that flows in and through UCBA. We have so much for which to be thankful.
Just recently

After Rev. Robin’s story of healing on Sunday, I invite you to read words from Myrtle in a 1936 letter that instructs us in empowering thought. This is great medicine!

I spoke about the incredible book, Radical Forgiveness, on Sunday. It’s one way to release and change our lives. Another similar option is from Florence Shinn. She tells stories of release in her books. She calls it casting the burden on the Christ within.

As we focus on the power of release this month, I am sharing Charles Fillmore’s daily practice that was published in a little booklet called “A Sure Remedy.” Forgiveness is a mighty spiritual practice to release all that is not serving us. Let us continue to release and make room for expressing the great good of love that is the truth of our being. Joy and peace arise as we release.

We are into the last week before election day.  It is a time of anxiety for some, so I’d like to share a prayer from our dear Myrtle Fillmore to help us stay centered.  We keep returning to the love that we are and remember that peace begins within.