UNITY CHRISTIAN CHURCH

NAMASTE TIMES Volume 1 Issue 3

August-September, 2011

Unity Christian Church, Rev. Eric Ovid Donaldson, Senior Minister 3345 McCorkle Road Memphis, Tennessee 38116 (901) 396-9961 (901) 221-2212 FAX [email protected]

Book of The Month:

A U G U S T W OR S H I P F O C U S E S O N D I V I N E W I L L

Power: Divine Will Disciple: Matthew Color: Silver Location: Center Front Brain Unity Principles

Description

by Renford

When we will to do the will of God, we bathe our individual will in wisdom, love and spiritual understanding; we build Spiritual character.

Although we are accustomed to man-made laws and customs, the concept of Spiritual laws can sometimes be confusing. What is the purpose of spiritual law? What‘s the difference between a law and a principle? Why am I just learning about these laws now (when I‘ve been in church all my life)? These questions and more will be answered with the help of this insightful book by Renford. Unity Principles will easily become an excellent reference book in your New Thought library.

Inside this issue: UCC Worship

2

Unity Cross Recipients

3

Lesson In Living

3

Scripture

“My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.” Matthew 26: 39 Affirmation

I choose God’s will which is always good for me.

5 Reasons To Believe God’s Will For Me Is Good “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:32

Daddy‘s Girl Conference

3

UCC‘s New Member Profiles

4

Nelsons Are Honored

5

God's will for us is absolute good, but how can we be sure? There are 5 points we can pull from the above scripture to help us rest assured:

6

1. The same God that does

Perkins Elected

the works in Jesus is the

same God we are to receive as our own.—Jesus says it is YOUR Father‗s good pleasure to give YOU the Kingdom. The Kingdom is your true source and supply of good.

2. Jesus sees God’s will as Good-Natured and Pleasure -filled.

3. Jesus sees the Kingdom

as a gift from God; something given or offered.

4. If the Kingdom is a gift, or is offered, then it is not earned.— This is God‗s grace and will at work.

5. To Jesus the Kingdom of God is not something you earn and get into, but something to be sought within one's self and understood.

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Unity Christian Church

UNITY CHRISTIAN CHURCH WORSHIP CELEBRATION Sunday August 28, 2011 11:00 a.m. PRELUDE THE CALL TO WORSHIP

I Love Myself So Much I love myself so much;

THE STATEMENT OF BEING “I AM a child of the living God. I have within me the all-creating power of the Christ. It radiates from me and blesses all whom I contact. I AM now in the presence of pure Being, and immersed in the Holy Spirit of life, love & wisdom.”

A SONG IN THE SILENCE THE DAILY AFFIRMATION

That I can love you so much; So you can love you so much;

NAMASTE MOMENT

“I honor the place in you, in which the entire universe dwells. I

honor the place in you, which is of love, of truth, of light and of peace. When you are in that place in you and I AM in that place in me, we are ONE”.

CONGREGATIONAL SONG

So you can start loving me. (repeat)

OUR LORD’S PRAYER THE DAILY WORD A CENTERING MOMENT A MUSICAL SELECTION MEMBER ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS SPIRITUAL BAPTISM & CHRISTENING

Prosperity Prayer & Offertory:

“Divine Love, through me, blesses and multiplies all the Good I AM and have, all the Good I give and receive”.

RECOGNITION OF VISITORS ANNOUNCEMENTS BENEDICTION

Our Prayer List Rev. Eric & Valencia Donaldson and Family Rev. Mary Hardy Willie Gales Omie Harding Charles Randle JaMarcus Johnson Marcus Terrell & Family Willie-Mae Withers Lenny & Gabrielle Parker Clyde Exum Marcus Westbrook

Volume 1 Issue 3

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Congratulations To Unity Cross Recipients Occasionally at Unity Christian Church, Reverend Donaldson selects a few members of the church and appreciates them for faithfully volunteering their time and talents. Rev. Donaldson chose the Unity Cross as the token of appreciation for these occasions. The Christian cross is one of the most recognized symbols in the world. There are many types of crosses throughout the world that denote the Christian belief. In Unity, the cross is a symbol of the forces in man adjusted in their right relation. When the personality of error thought or sin is "crossed out", humanity is lifted spiritually in consciousness. The Unity Cross is a unique symbol which reflects the sentiments of Unity Cofounder, Charles Fillmore. Fillmore adopted a winged globe as a Christian symbol of the Unity movement as early as

1891 in the first issue of Unity Magazine. It became known as the Unity wings. In a 1923 edition of Unity Magazine, he gave this explanation of the Unity wings: "The winged globe or sun disc … represents the relation(ship) existing between Spirit, soul and

body. Soul (the wings to the Spirit is the oping Principle, phere in which body exist, and draw their tion."

wings) gives body (the disc). (invisible) envellike the atmosboth soul and from which they original inspira-

Robert and Sandra Estes Maurice Jones Mary and Charles Randle

Fillmore further explained the symbolism of the winged globe in another Unity publication entitled ―Good Business‖ in 1956: It is an ancient Egyptian symbol, but it is found in various forms in the religions of other races. The winged globe is also a symbol of the earth and its soul... When people of the earth lift up their thoughts to God ... then the planet takes wings into a higher radiation of universal life. As man develops spiritual consciousness, he attains the realization of the soul as the wings of the body. We award the Unity Cross to the following individuals who show that they are lifting their thoughts to God and masterfully rising above the issues of life: Robert and Sandra Estes Maurice Jones Mary and Charles Randle

A Lesson In Living—Rev. Eric Ovid Donaldson I truly believe that regardless of any situation you may be experiencing that it is God‘s will that every individual on the face of this earth should live a happy, healthy and prosperous life. I believe this is a timely message to bring to you because being in the midst of such seeming turmoil and confusion in today‘s world, people are beginning to question just what God‘s will is and what it is not. The confusion comes in discerning the things that are of God from those

things that are of man. Whose at fault when: bad things happen to good people; when our faith is shaken by catastrophe, when, instead of tackling life, life tackles you (and not only tackles you but hits you on the blind side), when you expect a certain situation to go one way, and it goes another. when the dog dies, when the job fires you, when the blues hit,

when the rain falls, when you feel forsaken in the midst of failure What do you say? How should you think? What do you do? Where do we go from here? Through the years, many people have been mentally caught up in the belief that poverty, disease, lack and limitation are God‘s punishment for human unworthiness. This belief, when internalized, leads people to a deep sense that it is God‘s will for them to suffer illness and poverty to pay for all that is wrong with them. But this belief stands in direct contradiction with the true image of God‘s will taught and demonstrated by Jesus. Jesus gave us images Continued on p. 6

Daddy’s Girl Conference Will Address Domestic Abuse The Daddy‘s Girl Conference scheduled to take place on September 21st, 22nd, and 23rd is described by the originators as ―a three day conference designed to bring victims of abuse into communion with their heavenly daddies (heavenly father).‖ The Conference will be held at Greater Faith Tabernacle Ministries, 905 E. Shelby Drive, Memphis, TN. The conference is designed to raise awareness of all --- family members, friends, co-workers, and members of the community in general about issues or ele-

ments of abuse in the life of girls and women. Participants will have the opportunity, in a strictly confidential setting, to be counseled regarding individual specific concerns. The counseling will take place on the days above from 6:00 p.m. until 6:50 p.m., and the general conference will begin immediately following at 7 p. m. each evening. The conference is inclusive of all ages. Leading up to this event, on Saturday September 17th there will be a Brunch which will begin at 10:30 a.m. at 905 E.

Shelby Drive. Tickets for the brunch will be $10 per individual and will raise funds to assist with the cost of the Daddy‘s Girl conference. Rev. Eric Ovid Donaldson will be among the presenters and counselors.

“If you think you can do it, or you think you can’t do it, you are right.” ~Henry Ford

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Unity Christian Church

Rev. Paulette Pipe Is Coming To UCC! inspire in others, audacious, bold, courageous prayer-powered living! In a collaborative effort with Unity on the Mount and other Unity Churches with the Southeast Region, Unity Christian Church will host Rev. Paulette during her MidSouth tour. Unity.FM radio personality and former Director of Unity in Great Britain‘s Rev. Paulette Pipe will be with us for a powerfilled weekend, September 23rd through September 25th. Rev. Paulette is the founder of Touching the Stillness Ministries, a vibrant, tithing, thriving prayer and meditation ministry, whose mission is to demonstrate, and

This special weekend will begin Friday evening with a special ONLINE ONLY prayer presentation. Saturday, Rev. Pipe will facilitate a "Journey to the Inner Center" Workshop in the UCC fellowship hall.

Sunday Worship Celebration Service. The timing is perfect for Rev. Pipe‘s visit, as Unity churches and ministries around the world will be completing the World Day of Prayer September 8, 2011. Those participating with Rev. Paulette can be assured in learning various and unique forms of meditation through which to viscerally experience God in stillness. Rev. Pipe is committed to living an intentional prayer-powered, creative life, with passion, purpose, authenticity, boldness, integrity, love, and gratitude.

Rev. Pipe will conclude her visit with a special, spiritual prayer service for our

Young Families Seek The Lord, Membership In The Church Mi’Caela White and Baris Bacon Mi‘Caela White and Baris Bacon are the parents of Ka‘Marrion Ashford who is 9 months old. Mi‘Caela is the daughter of UCC member, L.H.White. They were looking for a church home when L.H. recommended Unity Christian Church. They visited and loved Rev. Donaldson‘s positive sermons. The dance ministry also caught Mi‘Caela‘s eye as she seeks to participate and share her years of liturgical dance experience. Their hobbies include cooking, quality time

with the baby and date night. Michaela will attend beauty school and seeks to own her own beauty salon. Baris will attend truck driving school and dreams of owning his own trucking company.

Antwon and Jennifer Williams Antwon & Jennifer Williams are the parents of 5 children, Dezario Collins; Quin-Sha Williams; Antwon, Jr. ; JayTwon Williams; and Ji‘Marya Williams. Jennifer spent some of her childhood here at UCC, then left Memphis and met her husband, who grew up Baptist. They have

3 children together. Jennifer wants to join Unity Christian Church because the church did so much for her when she was young. They like UCC because they can come as they are and not be judged. Although they plan to return to Nebraska in the months to come, Antwon and Jennifer plan to be active members via the internet. Jennifer went to school to become a registered nurse, but loves doing hair and helping people.

In The News: Coleman and Martin Make Accomplishments, Headlines A story in the Commercial Appeal about Memphis World Trade Club president (and UCC member) Roquita Coleman describes her as "A dynamo." This was based partially on the fact that Ms. Coleman crammed two or three 90 minute workouts a day over 45 days in 105-degree heat at the Bikram Yoga studios in East Memphis in order to join her son, Jamie Martin, in France. It appears that Jamie is

something of a dynamo as well. Last summer Jamie, aged 15, attended a threeweek French program in Loches, France hosted by his school, Lausanne Collegiate School. His host family – the Marque family – provided housing during his stay and an ongoing relationship took root. Subsequently Martin‘s academic achievement at Lausanne earned him a chance to return to France and study French for a year at the Saint Denis International School. After studying in France Jamie reported to the Tri-State Defender that his mission is ac-

complished because he now speaks French better than English. Jamie‘s vibrant and uniquely accomplished mother is a native Memphian and graduate of Sheffield High School, and the University of Memphis. For the full stories see the Memphis Commercial Appeal article by Wayne Risher Published February 23, 2011 and the Tri-State Defender article by Julia Griggs published July 1, 2011.

Volume 1 Issue 3

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Annual National Night Out Gathering A Success The McCorkle Road Neighborhood Development Association, Inc. of Memphis, observed and held the annual National Night Out gathering on Tuesday, August 2nd, 2011. The gathering was held among the trees at Winchester and McCorkle in the space near Grave‘s elementary school near Unity Church. Participants arrived early before 6:00 p.m. and left late after 8:00 p.m. Mrs. Yvonne Nelson who is the president of the McCorkle Road association and local organizer for the event over the past several years, states that National Night Out is a Police Department originated observance sponsored by the MPD and by Police Departments all over America. It was designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; and strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships. National Night out was

started in the northern states circa the early 1980‘s. Ms. Nelson is of the opinion that attendance at recent events is somewhat hampered by sweltering temperatures although the event has been held and attended regularly since almost the beginning of the McCorkle Road Association which was started by a grant in 1994. Ms. Nelson stated that southerners would not have likely chosen the month of August for the Delta region and somewhat supportive of her point of view is that this year the state of Texas will celebrate the National Night Out in October. This year about three dozen persons attended the Whitehaven event. There were three or four distinct generations present including grandchildren, young adults, parents, older adults, seniors and grandparents. There were representatives from the Memphis Police Department and civic leader Ms. Rhoda

Stigall took an active part. Ms. Stigall who is vying for the City Council seat of District 6 and other friends and neighbors of Whitehaven enjoyed the opportunity to connect. Hot dogs, hamburgers, water and soft drinks were served. Also, two caramel cakes were prepared and provided by Ms. Christine Sykes especially for the National Night Out event. They added to the enjoyment of the birthday celebration of long time community residents Shelton McGhee and Douglass Wright, Jr. Ms. Sykes said of the event: ―If I do not do anything else for the remainder of the year, I always look forward to and participate in the Neighborhood Association National Night Out.‖ Rev. Eric Ovid Donaldson and his children were in attendance, and tables for the event were furnished by Unity Christian Church.

Hattie Nelson To Be Honored At Women of Stamina Luncheon On September 24, 2011, the 12th Annual Women of Stamina Luncheon and Awards tribute will be presented at the Marriott East Hotel. This year, the recipient of the Dorothy Mae Curry Withers (DMCW) award has been revealed as none other than our own Hattie Milam Nelson, member of Unity Christian Church, Women of Unity President, and secretary for UCC‘s Toastmasters International. In 1999 the first Women of Stamina Awards was introduced as a one-time event to honor Mrs. Withers, and women that Mrs. Withers herself admired in the

Memphis community who consistently demonstrated excellence in civic and business affairs. That presumably onetime event evolved into the Annual Women of Stamina Awards. Last year (2010) the actual DMCW award was established as a further enduring tribute to the late Mrs. Withers, whose legacy and stamina as an equal partner with her spouse (the late Ernest C. Withers, Sr., international photojournalist) is recognized history. Hattie Nelson uniquely exemplifies this distinction as joint owner of Nelson, Inc. Hattie is being acknowledged by Women of Stamina as the ―wind, force chosen by

God, aiding in enhancing the gifts of her husband and business partner,‖ Will Nelson. Beverly Herron Watkins of Comrades N Community Incorporated is the Women of Stamina Awards Founder. For more information please go to:

www.womenofstaminaawards.com.

Nelson, Inc. Named Construction Firm of the Year Minority Enterprise Development Week (MED Week) 2011 is honoring Nelson, Inc. as the Construction Firm of the Year. MED Week is October 3rd through October 7, 2011. Nelson, Inc. was founded in 1974 by UCC members, Will and Hattie Nelson. MED Week‘s National Theme for 2011 is, ―Emerging Industries and Markets: A Blue Print for Success,‖ and will be hosted by Tennessee Small Business Development Centers (TSBDC); Small Business Administration (SBA); and the

Will Is Character In Action. ~William McDougall

Minority Enterprise Development Corporation (MEDC). It will be the 30th year for the event.

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Unity Christian Church

A Lesson In Living (Cont.) and expressed ideas of God as generous, gracious and compassionate to all. Jesus‘ God was a God who let the rain fall and the sun shine on both the just and the unjust. Jesus‘ God is a God who, as it says in Philippians 2:13, works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose. Well, I don‘t know about you, but I want to believe like Jesus believed. I believe that it is God‘s will that every individual on the face of this earth should live a healthy, happy and prosperous life. But what comes from believing such a thing? For me, believing that it is God’s will that every individual on the face of this earth should live a healthy, happy and prosperous life grounds and roots me into the Truth about God, my fellow man and myself. When I am rooted in the belief that God‘s will for my life (and might I add, for all others as well), is happiness, health and prosperity; I begin to exhibit the faith to look for the evidence. Someone once said that whatever I‘m searching for, if I look hard enough, I will find it. Rather than looking for the bad (which I will find if I look hard enough), I step up to people, situations, and circumstances looking for the good, expecting the good, doing good, and seeing things I would not be able to see with another mind-set. When life pulls me off-center, I can find my way back to the center with this belief. Believing this about God‘s will creates a centering statement of faith. It is an anchoring choice and a unifying truth – more than just an optimistic longing, but a blessed assurance; and a deep-seated declaration which reminds me of the true will of God and God‘s ability to

do a mighty work in me. Suddenly, my life reflects the Life; my love reflects God‘s Love; my understanding reflects the Wisdom; my accomplishments reflect the Power and the Glory that God is. I then become a catalyst for the same to occur in others. For me, believing that it is God’s will that every individual on the face of this earth should live a healthy, happy and prosperous life reflects the belief in a loving and generous God. Because this statement implies that our God is a loving and generous God, I‘m more likely to seek God in times of change and challenge, and in times of my misgivings and uncertainty. I‘m more likely to relate, meditate, pray and communicate, staying connected in my relationship with God more often, if not at all times. However, if I see God as one to be feared, then I become hesitant in moments I should be asking and seeking guidance. I start saying things like, ―Well God, if you‘re not too busy…‖ or ―God ain‘t got time for me or my problems…‖ or I might even start thinking I‘m being punished by God, not realizing that I‘m only punishing myself. For me believing that it is God’s will that every individual on the face of this earth should live a healthy, happy and prosperous life is consistent with Jesus’ call for the establishment of heaven on earth. In the Lord‘s prayer Jesus prayed that God‘s will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Furthermore, he suggested that we pray in this way. Rather than organize an uprising, Jesus showed us how to ―riseup‖ in consciousness and allow the Holy

Spirit to express within us in such a powerful and profound way that it literally changes the landscape of our lives. Transformation occurs, not just in our living, but in our world, in our very being and in our affairs. The establishment of the Kingdom of Heaven is the emergence of our conscious awareness of our oneness with God. The establishment of Heaven on earth is the expression of that oneness in you and in me right now. More simply put, Heaven on earth is God in action, in me and in you. When we say happy, healthy, and prosperous, we are not speaking so much about conditions we seek to fix, but to attributes of God that we recognize and acknowledge as our natural, spiritual state of being—attributes we already are and are coming into an awareness of. My situations and circumstances may seem burdensome and difficult to overcome, but when I am reminded of the good things God has done for me, I come to understand that conditions are temporary. When I see what God has done in the lives of others, I become aware that what God has done for others God will also do for me, (if I am willing to receive). Suddenly, these seemingly monumental circumstances are momentary, passing and fleeting. When this belief is firmly planted in our minds and in our hearts—not as a change of fortune but as a way of being—it actually increases our inventory of possibilities. This is important because scripture says according to our faith shall it be done onto us. For me, believing that it is God’s will that every individual on the face of this earth should live a healthy, happy and prosperous life provides a starting point

UCC Board Member Elected T.A.C.D.L.

UCCers College Bound

Attorney Samuel Perkins was recently elected Secretary of the Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (TACDL). TACDL is a nonprofit organization that provides education, training and support to the lawyers representing citizens accused of crime. The association also advocates fair and effective criminal justice in the courts, the legislature, and wherever justice demands. Attorney Perkins also serves as the Vice President of the Board of Trustees at Unity Christian Church.

Congratulations to Sherika Austin and Jameca Shields, who are off to college. Both young ladies are attending Tennessee State. Sherika is returning, while Jameca is beginning her college career. We invite all members of Unity Christian Church to support our college-bound students in any way you can. A container has been placed in the fellowship hall for Jameca that will be delivered to her once it is filled with essential items for campus living. Both students have promised to keep us posted about their experiences and their successes.

Volume 1 Issue 3

Page 7 Unity World Day of Prayer September 8, 2011

September Calendar Sun

Mon

28

Tue

29

Wed

30

Thu

Fri

31

Sat

1

2

3 Vision Board Seminar Leroy Brooks Memorial Prayer Breakfast 9am

4 Communion Sunday, 11am

5 LABOR DAY

6

7

Social Media Training 11am-12:30pm

10

16

17

23

24

UNITY WORLD DAY OF PRAYER

12

Sunday Service 11am, UCC Board Meets (after service) SHIRLEY MILLER‘S BIRTHDAY GRANDPARENTS DAY

18

9

Toastmasters 8am-9am

Women of Unity (meeting after service)

11

8

13 Social Media Training 11am-12:30pm

19

Sunday Service 11am

20 Social Media Training 11am-12:30pm

14 Lessons in Truth 7:00pm-8:30pm

15 Toastmasters 8am-9am

21 Lessons in Truth 7:00pm-8:30pm

22 Toastmasters 8am-9am

First Day of Autumn

JOURNEY INTO THE INNER CENTER W/ REV. PAULETTE PIPE REV. JACK BOMAR‘S BIRTHDAY

25 Friends& Family Day 11am

26 DEVONTE‘ B. MASON‘S BIRTHDAY

27 Social Media Training 11am-12:30pm JEANNE WALKER‘S BIRTHDAY

28 Lessons in Truth 7:00pm-8:30pm

29

30

Toastmasters 8am-9am

Lessons In Living (continued from p. 6) prosperous life provides a starting point and affirms an end result. Has life ever hit you on the blind side and you didn‘t know where to go, or what to do? Have you ever somehow gotten off track, looked up and couldn‘t find your way back? If so, then start here. We do things based upon what we believe. And this statement not only gives us a place to begin (God‘s will), but identifies the place we trust God to bring us to (a happy, healthy and prosperous life).

It is my prayer that with the help of the Holy Spirit, that I clearly express the importance of holding on to your faith in the midst of challenges, as well as the importance of seeing God as a good and compassionate God as Jesus did. I pray that you are empowered by this good news – that news of the mighty Christ within you, our hope and our glory, our help and our redeemer. If you take nothing else with you from this offering let it be this; to fill your mind, your mouth, your heart and your week with the assurance that it is God‘s will that you and every individual on the face of this earth

should live healthy, happy and prosperous lives. Memorize this terrific statement of faith. As you see it, say it and hear it, let the Holy Spirit express the truth of the statement in your life. With this statement of faith, develop an understanding of God‘s true purpose and will for your life. Demonstrate this truth in every way you are divinely led to, then share the blessing. Finally, let your church family know how well it worked when you worked it. God bless you.

Unity Christian Church, Rev. Eric Ovid Donaldson, Senior Minister 3345 McCorkle Road Memphis, Tennessee 38116 (901) 396-9961 (901) 221-2212 FAX [email protected] EMAIL

The Namaste Times ARLENE SANDERS Chief Editor ROSANNA KENDALL Editor ERIC OVID DONALDSON Design Send your comments and suggestions to [email protected]

Board Members of Unity Christian Church

W E‘ RE

Earl Leake, Secretary (901)272-1708 Cynthia Walker, Member (901)338-3594 Rosanna Kendall, Member (901)438-6262 Clyde Exum, Member (901)346-4799 John Robert Leake, Jr. Member (901)272-1708

Senior Minister Rev. Montee Davis - Assistant Minister Unity Christian Church is a member of Unity Worldwide Ministries and the Unity Institute.

Our Mission Unity Christian Church is a congregation of ChristCentered Bible based believers demonstrating the “abundant life” as taught and exemplified by Jesus the Christ.

Our Vision

Unity Christian Church is a center of spiritual service and activity via worship, teaching, counseling, healing, charity and spiritual self-realization. We are committed to the growth, care and development of the whole person: Spirit-Soul-Body, as demonstrated by Jesus in fulfilling the practical needs of all humanity.

We love you! We bless you! We appreciate you! And we thank God for you!

Coming Next Month: The Spiritual Gift of

ORDER “The steps of a good man/woman are ordered by the Lord.” Psalm 37:23 “Constant development is the law of life, and a man who always tries to maintain his dogmas in order to appear consistent drives himself into a false position.” Mohandas Gandhi Order is heaven‘s first law, and is the test of true spiritual science and abundant life. Order speaks to our ability to adjust , and as we do, harmony ensues. What is Divine Order?

W EB

Rev. Eric Ovid Donaldson

George Warren, President (901)759-1330 Sam Perkins, V-President (901)396-7768

ON THE

UNITYCHRISTIANCHURCH. US

Which disciple represents order in scripture? What should I do when I am not in order? What does the spiritual gift of order have to do with living a better life? All of these questions and more will be answered during the Sunday Worship Services at Unity Christian Church during the month. Service begins at 11am. Also join us for online discussions at www.Facebook.com/UnityChristianChurch