Join us this Sunday for the 2nd "Mindful Communication Challenge" |
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The Pearl of Great Price The 2nd in a five-week series on being better communicators This Sunday and in
the next week, we'll focus on asking ourselves "Is it true?" "Is what I'm saying or about to say really true?" Truthfulness is precious. The opposite, deceitfulness, is worthless. To study this, we'll consider the parable of the merchant searching for the pearl of great price. When he found it, he sold everything else to buy it. The most beautiful, most precious pearl of life is our growing understanding of God's wise love for our spiritual safety and well being. That's the "pearly
gate" to heaven!
It's serendipitous that the biggest gem and mineral show in the world is happening right here in Tucson right now. I hope to get down there to interview some experts on pearls. Nathan
LOTS OF OTHER THINGS GOING ON: Lobby Renovations and more... The newly remodeled and textured ceilings in the Chapel lobby and "vestry" were painted this week, and they now look fresh and
clean. (Several old, unused ceiling vents were removed and patched over.) Next step is installing the new lighting fixtures in both rooms as well as the baseboards in the lobbies of the Chapel and Friendship Hall. Thank you for your patience as these items get done.
Small Groups for this year's Journey of Spiritual
Growth
I'm really excited about the level of interest in our small groups this round. See below for the times and locations of small groups for the 5-week "Mindful Communication Challenge" program. We started last Sunday, January 29, but the groups are open to anyone who would like to try them out.
30th Anniversary Planning Meeting Anyone available this Sunday afternoon - during the luncheon - is invited to another planning meeting, led by Frank Rose. It will be in the Children's Chapel. Bring your lunch. This will be a time for teams to report in on their progress and bring up any
questions for discussion.
We need to get really clear about what various people are planning and how we can promote the events to the community.
Please see below for a little information on my hopes to get this feature up and running. I need to know what interest there is "out there." Would YOU, dear
reader, be willing to help with donations to pay for the equipment and ongoing costs?
Nathan
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UPCOMING CHURCH ACTIVITIES: 9:30 am "Journey" Small Group #2 led by Michael Brown
10 am
Music rehearsal 11 am Worship Service - 2nd topic of "Journey" program - "Mindful Communication Challenge" -- "Is it
True?" 12:00 pm Luncheon + 30th Anniversary Planning Meeting in Children's Chapel - Bring your lunch.
MONDAY 2/6/2017
11 am Tai Chi for Health
12:15 pm "Go for it" Meeting
TUESDAY 2/7/2017
6:30 pm Bereavement Support Group
7:00 pm "Journey" Small Group #2 led by Michael Villeburn
WEDNESDAY 2/8/2017 9:30 am Sermon Writing Team
6:30 pm "Journey" Small Group #2 led by Nathan Gladish (with a videoconferencing option - talk to Nathan for details)
THURSDAY 2/9/2017 11 am Tai Chi - Yang Style 7:00 pm "Journey" Small Group #2 led by Kelly Woofenden. This is a women's group. Contact Elise Gladish or Kelly Woofenden for location. 9:30 am "Journey" Small Group #3 led by Michael Brown
10 am Music rehearsal 11 am Worship Service - 3rd topic of "Journey" program - "Mindful
Communication Challenge" -- "Is It Kind?" 12:00 pm Luncheon
Mindful Communication Challenge |
Join A New "Journey of Spiritual Growth" Group
Update -- I'm really thrilled with the interest in this program and the groups. It was exciting to start my group Wednesday night with 5 online
attendees from Phoenix, Pennsylvania, Ottawa, and Tucson and 4 people "in the room." Last night's women's group had 16 participants! Go groups!!
This five-week program inspires us to pay attention to our thoughts and
feelings, and the way we express those thoughts and feelings to others. Since true connection has a heavenly quality, we will explore symbolism from various Biblical parables that start with the words, “The kingdom of heaven is like . . ."
Each chapter of the workbook includes a communication task drawn from a parable, as well as daily readings, quotes and reflections.
This will be a great chance to support each other on a journey of true self-expression, as we nourish connections with those we love. Join us as we practice speaking in ways that are kind, true and useful!
Starting Sunday, January 29 Week 1: Am I listening?
Week 2: Is it true?
Week 3: Is it kind?
Week 4: Is it useful?
Week 5: Am I willing?
Small Group
Options... Sundays at 9:15-10:30 am at Sunrise Chapel - Michael Brown, leader Tuesdays at 7:00-8:30 pm at Sunrise Chapel - Michael Villeburn, leader
Wednesdays at 6:30-8:00 pm at the Ada Peirce McCormick Building near the U of A (including videoconference option) - Nathan Gladish, leader Thursdays Women's Group at 7:00-8:30 pm. Contact Elise Gladish or Kelly Woofenden for location details.
To sign up or just inquire, contact the church office or Nathan Gladish or Elise Gladish.
To purchase an E-book or sign up for short daily emails, go to www.newchristianresources.org Or go to the New
Church Journey site and check out more details at this link.
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Would You Contribute toward Live Streaming our Worship Services? |
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This photo doesn't really capture what's involved, but I hope it gets your attention.
Some people say that it's really wise to get our live streaming option up and running. There is more and more interest in being able to participate in services remotely.
It's been my goal to install it by the end of this month - February - and ensure that it's up and running by our 30th anniversary celebration. The estimated cost is $2,000, which includes all the equipment, software and subscriptions needed to do it smoothly.
If you are reading this and are interested in seeing this new feature happen, would you be willing to contribute toward it? Please send me an email or talk with me. I can't move forward on this until I have some idea of the level of interest and support for it.
Thank you, and I look forward to hearing your thoughts!
Nathan
nathan@sunrisechapel.org
Cell 520-820-5148
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Phoenix New Church Women's Retreat |
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The women of the Phoenix New Church are excited to announce their second annual women's retreat to be held on the weekend of March 3-5 at a beautiful, private home in northern Phoenix, generously provided just for this event. The spa pool, gas fire pit and lovely views on the edge of a golf course are part of the
rejuvenating experience.
The theme will be the Butterfly Effect (acts of kindness paid forward). Please contact Elise Gladish by February 20th (or sooner!). The retreat coordinator is Laurel Walsh of Phoenix. The cost is very minimal, covering food and craft
supplies only. Carpooling will be available from Phoenix and Tucson. Don't miss this event! It was a huge success last year, and will be again because of all of the wonderful ladies who attend.
Elise Gladish and Laurel
Walsh
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Heavenly Treasures
Matthew 6:19-21
Jesus said, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your
heart will be also.
The Parable of Finding Something Valuable
Matthew 6:44-46
"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field."
"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like
a merchant looking for fine pearls. 46 When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it."
Selling the Junk and Buying the Pearl
Secrets of Heaven 5886 - Swedenborg
Everything that is our "own," which consists of nothing but evil desires and false
ideas, ought to be alienated from us, and then we will receive from the Lord good desires and true ideas, which are "treasure in heaven."
“Blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it."
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Helping people experience heavenly joy through spiritual growth
www.sunrisechapel.org
nathan@sunrisechapel.org Office 520-298-1245
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