Unity Centerin western North Carolina | 
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"I slept and dreamt that life was joy; | |
Love In Action is the service portion of the Unity Center's ministry in western North Carolina. Basic to the success of Love In Action is the belief that active sharing of our God-given gifts in service is essential to our own spiritual growth. Love In Action allows each of us to identify and develop our spiritual gifts, and to experience success serving in that gifted area. We believe each of us is a unique combination of talents essential to the unfolding of the Divine Plan and that all gifts are equal. Our "gifts" in full expression all come together for the good of ourselves and for the entire community of love and principle in action. The theory further supports the idea that when we serve in our gifted area, when we are doing what we love to do, there is no "burn-out." Sometimes we need to do an inner search to identify and honor our gifts and to "know" our bliss(es). As the person's needs are met, so then the church's needs are met! The Ministry of Service is designed to support this process through formal enrollment periods (once a year). People are invited to "check their hearts" on an enrollment form, identify areas that match their talents and "bliss," and/or write in ideas for new service areas. New people are also welcome to join teams at anytime throughout the year. Each area of service is guided by the Love In Action Coordinator to become a small team with its own Team Leader. Ideally this small group becomes a family within the larger church family, providing support, prayer partners, fellowship, and nurturing to each other as they learn to develop a strong service program. The Coordinator assists each team in establishing a mission and goals for the year, as well as in identifying, training, and supporting the emergence of leadership. Communication with the minister and staff is essential to coordinate up-to-date team happenings, newsletter information, formation of new teams, and recognition of volunteers. Each year we hold a Volunteer Appreciation event for all who have served in the past year, with special recognition of especially outstanding volunteers. This approach to volunteer service (originally modeled on the program at Unity of Overland Park, Kansas) has given us these benefits: the philosophy appeals strongly, the creative juices flow more readily, leadership capabilities are strengthened, and a sense of community grows steadily (for any size church). | |
"Wake up to the opportunity to perform service, | |
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The areas of service include: | |
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Love In Action Out in the World Brad Swift becomes "candy striper" to Louisiana Pets September 2005: As many of you know my life purpose is to live a life of purposeful, passionate and playful service. Well after a few nights of restless sleep, it came to me that I was being called to use my veterinary training to assist the animals affected by Hurricane Katrina. So I searched the internet and found the US Humane Society. I found out they needed help before Hurricane Rita hit, and received an email that if I could respond within the next 24 to 72 hours my services would be greatly needed, used and appreciated. So on Wednesday morning, Sept. 21st, the Swift family had breakfast and planned how to make my trip safe and of the most service possible. Amber volunteered to call local vet hospitals and ask if they would like to donate any supplies for me to take to Gonozales, LA where over 1,200 displaced pets were being kept. To our surprise, two hospitals and one grooming business donated enough supplies to make it necessary for me to take the van. Wednesday was filled with activity. Amber and Ann went around town collecting boxes of saline solution, gauze, dog food, cat food, flea shampoo, disinfectant, pet carriers, leashes, and more. This all happened in a 6-hour span. One veterinarian hospital had a jar on their counter where they collected money for Hurricane Katrina victims. Upon counting up the money the veterinarian said to the receptionist to 'Write a check for $50.00 to add to the $11.61 that had been donated.' It was truly inspiring to be present to such giving. Another wonderful surprise was from this church, who made a very kind and generous contribution so the trip would be less of a hardship on our family. When Ann's mother, Jean Brown, heard of my mission, she also made a generous contribution to the cause. Yes, indeed, this mission was blessed from start to finish. Wed. night I loaded the van and left for Gonzales, LA., arriving late in the day Friday. I worked with a team of veterinarians, vet techs, and other volunteers until 4:00 am, packing up animals to relocate them away from Hurricane Rita. We transported 120 dogs to Dixon Correctional Institute, where we set up a shelter at their farm where the inmates will provide care under the watchful eye of the Humane Society. Our task force was also responsible for the displaced ducks, geese, and chickens. I stayed until late afternoon on Sunday, serving several roles, including as a the self-appointed "canine candy striper," traveling from cage to cage making sure the dogs had, not only fresh food and water, but also a chew bone or toy and a little extra love. In a few short days I fell in love with over 150 animals. I realized on the journey home that my "Pup Placement Purpose Project" is not over yet. I am exploring ways I can help find good homes for the pets that are not claimed by their original owners. Thank you, Unity, for helping me to express my "love in action" in this way and for the prayer energy that brought me home safely. |
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Unity's FaithLink Team Unity has adopted a second Faith Link family. Ann is 26 years old; her son, Cody, is 6. Ann had a steady manufacturing job until last year. At that time she suffered a back injury that does not allow her to do the work she was doing. She is now part of Work First, North Carolina’s “Welfare to Work” program. She is a full-time student at Blue Ridge Community College, pursuing an associate degree in computer programming. Ann enjoys math but has always struggled with English, primarily writing. She qualified for a Pell Grant, which helps with tuition and books. The family does get Food Stamps. They are living in a Housing Authority complex. She is recently divorced; she and her ex- husband have joint custody of Cody. Cody is a 6-year-old. What more can we say? He is full of energy and hugs for all. He has had more than his share of childhood illnesses. A bad case of scabies has left him with bad eczema and skin sensitivities (thus they can only use certain soaps, detergents, etc.) He is doing well in school. Last year he played soccer and t-ball. This year his mom’s tight schedule hasn’t allowed for sports. We hope to serve as friends to the family. Ann said she sometimes has transportation problems, and there are times when she may need a relief from Cody to study for exams & write papers. Sometimes Ann just needs a break. We may be able to help her with her academic skills. Although they get Food Stamps, there is always the need for items that aren’t covered. These include all non-food items and general purpose clean-up products. Both families and the Interfaith Assistance Ministry Pantry can also use any nonperishable food items. If you’d like to donate money to our Faith Link efforts, Jana will take contributions and earmark them for the families. Last year we used donations to buy pants for the growing 14-year-old of our other family. Thank you to those who generously contribute to the IAM and FaithLink Box (and donation basket) by the front door. When we pick up the items, we first give our FaithLink family a chance to take what they need. The rest goes to the Pantry at I.A.M. Unity¹s Faith Link team has been active behind the scenes. After training that started in October 2002, we were linked to a family. For confidentiality reasons their names have been changed for our "updates." Donna is a single mom. She works 30 hours a week at SSEACO and receives a disability check. Her son, David, just turned 13, and is in 8th grade and is on the Honor Roll for this last nine-week grading period! He recently had major health challenges/surgery (Grave's disease) but is now on a positive path. Fortunately we were there to help, especially with visits and transportation (Donna has no car or driver's license.) Donna and David have had a difficult journey; they have endured homelessness and major emotional and financial loss. Donna has had three sons. One drowned at age 5; another was killed in a car accident two years ago at age 10. Donna and David are now established together in a small apartment in Hendersonville. Donna is a delightful person, full of laughter and honesty, and hope. David is a sweet kid, but a typical 13-year old. All of Donna¹s finances are managed by Interfaith Assistance Ministry (IAM). They receive $121/mo. in food stamps, which covers only certain items, and no "dry goods". We asked Donna if there were items that she wants or needs we could ask the congregation to donate to her family. Although she was reluctant, we told her to include brand names she preferred. There is a box in the foyer for your donations. We welcome items for our family and also anything else you may want to contribute to the IAM free food/dry goods supply. Here is her initial list:
We¹re excited about our Unity family but realize there are challenges. We¹ll keep you updated. If you would like to join us or have questions please don¹t hesitate to contact one of us. We had an uplifting end-of-the-year --- due to you! The lobby box for our Faith Link family and Interfaith Assistance Ministry (IAM) has been bountiful. Please keep it that way. What is most needed are paper goods (toilet paper, paper towels) and cleaning products (soap, shampoo, dish detergent, clothes detergent); these are all items that are not covered by food stamps. We¹ve taken much to our family, with some going to the IAM pantry. Everything on our family¹s list appeared at least once, and thru your monetary donations we hooked our family up to the internet with no monthly fee. The family still needs much of our non-tangible support, and that we are providing. At our last meeting we decided we are ready to add another family. We are looking for new team members to share their talents (many of which are undiscovered). We are especially looking for people who have time during the work week hours. We invite you to join our team! Our meetings are on the 1st Monday of the month at 5:30pm at I.A.M. If you have any questions/concerns/suggestions please contact Persis Coleman or any team member. Unity Faith Link Team |
Love In Action is always an evolving program, never static, and therefore requires nurturing. Love In Action is "practicing our loving" as it creates opportunities for people to express their God-Self. We receive so much more than we give and we grow in ways never planned or dreamed possible. ~ Nancy Glowacki, former Love In Action Coordinator
IN THE PRESENCE OF LOVE
"No one would remember the Good Samaritan
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Unity Center 2041 Old Fanning Bridge Road Fletcher, NC 28732 (828) 891-8700, 684-3798 Visit us often for updates! |
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