August is significant to me and the ministry. It was on August 1, 2011 that I started my employment with this ministry. It has been a wonderful 10 years and a lot has happened in those 10 years. To name a few: We established a vision, mission and core values that we to this day live into; we purchased and transformed a small building into a Kid’s Kottage for the older children; we changed our name from Unity of Greater Portland to Unity Center for Spiritual Growth, which supports our vision and mission; together we have made numerous updates to the physical building, the latest being new bathrooms for ladies and gentlemen; and although the list can go on I do want to end with this last change. The change I am referring to is when our fiscal year ends. We moved it from year end to the end of August. So we are nearing our year end.
It is always the hope of your Board of Trustees and me that we end the year in a positive cash flow. As of the end of June we are running in a deficit of $6,000 which, given the circumstances of these last 18 months, is not somewhat expected; however, with a little help from you we can recover and end the year on a high note. So I am asking for two things from you:
1) if you are able to make a gift to our general fund over and above your normal giving to do so
2) hold with the Board and me that we generate a minimum of $3,000 a week to stay in a positive cash flow. Together with faith we can continue to thrive and grow.
Just a reminder of how your support makes a difference… we offer hope to those who have lost it. We offer education that supports spiritual growth, we offer prayer when needed, and we offer a path to purpose and meaning for the seekers. Your gift is not taken lightly; it is doing great work in the world.
The message on Sunday was the parable of the mustard seed, which is a parable about faith and the kingdom of God. This is a well-known parable, and so I am going to just highlight the take-a-way.
Jesus said, “According to your faith be it done unto you.” So, according to your perception of life, be it done in manifestation for you. If you cannot perceive the possibility of a better life, there will be no better life even though in truth a fantastic life is possible. If you cannot perceive the greater potential of the inner kingdom, your mind will remain in darkness until you can open your mind.
Can you accept the possibility that you can reach your full potential as Jesus did? That you will become fully aware of your oneness with God, as fully aware as Jesus was aware of his relationship with God? And that through this awareness you will have the same powers and abilities of Jesus Christ?
We may understand it and accept it on an intellectual level, but do we really accept it internally? Even though Jesus said that one day we would do the things that he did and even greater things, this is still difficult to own. I AM CHRIST if we follow what Jesus says then this must be true… faith is something that happens in us when the consciousness is ready. Are you ready to accept your inheritance?!
This next Sunday will be the conclusion of the series… The Power of a Promise.
You are a blessing in my life,
Rev. Patricia Bessey
