The Wonder of Easter
By the Reverend Nancy Norman
Every year thousands of people climb a certain mountain in the Italian Alps to honor the life of Jesus Christ and to
observe the Easter tradition. As they go up this mountain, they pass through the Stations of the Cross. When they
reach the top of the mountain, they find the crucifix, perform whatever ritual is important to them, making the sign
of the cross, saying special prayers, and then they start down the mountain. They stop at the crucifix. One day a
visitor found an old trail; it was covered with weeds and bushes, but he saw that it was going beyond the crucifix.
He was fascinated by his discovery and wondered where the trail led.
He began to clear away the weeds and brush overgrowth, picking his way along this ancient path. Soon he came
upon a shrine depicting the empty tomb. Beyond the crucifix was the symbol of the empty tomb. The empty tomb
is the real part of Easter, and yet how many of us stop at the crucifixion and fail to go on to the resurrection? How
many of us stop in pain and suffering and think that is what life is all about? Yet, there is that trail beyond the
crucifixion; the trail that leads us to resurrection.
There can be no resurrection without the crucifixion.
Far too many of us have gone just to the crucifix, and there we stay with our heartbreak, our pain, and our despair.
Too few of us have moved beyond the cross to find the empty tomb, the real meaning of Easter.
There is so much symbolism in the Easter Story. For me, it clearly gives me courage, strength and faith that
nothing is impossible to God. Nothing. If a big stone weighing two tons can be removed, then the stones and
barriers in my path can be removed. They can be rolled back. The stones of unforgiveness, the stones of
resentment, the stones that are withholding every good thing from me, can be rolled back.
With God, all things are possible; no matter how heavy or how big, they can be removed.
Life does not have to be a struggle. We don’t have to fight or strain for happiness or wholeness. Any limitation in
mind or any barrier that we may be holding can be removed because, with God, all things are possible. Jesus Christ
showed us the great possibilities of life; He showed us that we can overcome any situation, any condition. Jesus
Christ taught and proved that the life of God is indestructible, is changeless, is eternal, and is complete.
I invite you this Easter to reflect upon the Easter story because it is your story. I invite you to begin to see things
differently, to rise above the conditions and circumstances that may be causing a barrier in your life.
This is a new life.
May the triumphant, victorious power of Jesus Christ rise up within you and over every limiting thought and idea.
May you be triumphant and victorious in Jesus Christ’s name.
You Bless Me!
By Laurie Durgan
One of the greatest blessings I have ever received is knowing you. You have taught me so much about God. You're
shining light has warmed my heart and made my life so much more beautiful. Each Sunday, when I go home after
church, I feel so loved so thankful to be your teacher. I thank God for you in my prayers.
I pray that you know and feel how special you are; not because of what you do, but because of who you are. You
are awesome, unique and perfect
at being you. You are God’s
treasures − and mine too.
I pray that you remember
that God is with you, never
leaves you, and always, always
loves you. It doesn't matter
what mistakes you made, God's
love is always with you. I
pray that as you go through your
day, you feel confident and
courageous, that you remember
the words of Jesus, "With
God all things are possible."
Nothing is impossible with
God and you as partners.
I pray that you see all the
beauty that surrounds you
each day, and that you look for it
and enjoy it. We live in a
wonderful world: smell the
flowers, hear the birds sing,
feel the wind blow, taste the salt
in the ocean, feel the sun on
your face, and hug someone you
love. God is within you and all
around you.
I pray that if you ever feel worried or afraid, you will remember God is protecting you and caring for you, and you
are never alone. God is your best friend and is always with you. Remember Jesus' words “Peace, be still.” Peace is
found in your heart, in the quiet of your prayers, and is always there for you. I pray that when you are confused or need
to make a decision, you will remember God is guiding you; just ask in prayer; go to God first and trust the answer you
get and then share it with someone you trust and love. And, I pray that you feel joyously happy to be you. You are in
my prayers.
with Hallie Hopper
Please spend some time checking out some of the items in
the bookstore that are not books− things like the cards, the
journals and small notepads.
If there is a book you would like and we don’t have it, let me
know and I will make every effort to get it for you. Many of
the books are also on CD; this is a great way to experience a
book while you drive to work.
As many of you may know, Laurie Durgan and I are each
working towards becoming an interfaith minister.
One of the classes I took was on the Tao Te Ching and I fell
in love with this book. It is second only to the Bible in the
number of translations that have been done. It is the “book”
of Taoism. With that being said, my book selections in this
issue are focused on it. There are many translations and I
have chosen a few for the bookstore. Perhaps you will be a
collector of more than one translation as I am. Each has its
own personality and I hope you enjoy them as much as I have.
The first is LIVING the WISDOM of the TAO - The Complete Tao Te Ching and Affirmations by Dr. Wayne Dyer
In the words of the author, “This book offers you an opportunity to internalize and directly experience
the great wisdom of the Tao Te Ching, a collection of verses authored by the Chinese prophet Lao-tzu.
The words Tao Te Ching translate to ‘living and applying the Great Way.’ Although just 81 short verses,
the Tao encourages you to change your life by literally changing the way you think.
“By reading through the verses presented here (which I’ve pieced together after reviewing hundreds of
translations) — ,along with the corresponding affirmation I’ve created for each verse — you’ll be
embarking on a path that encompasses the profound ideas that Lao-tzu intended to convey.
“The Tao Te Ching offers you Divine guidance on virtually every area of human existence. It is a new
way of thinking in a world that needs to recapture its ancient teachings. Work with the verses and
affirmations regularly and you will come to know the truth behind the ancient Tao observation: When you
change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.”
This was the edition that was suggested to us by the instructor of the class I took.
Tao Te Ching translated by Jonathan Star
This unique edition of the Tao Te Ching features the first comprehensive verbatim translation of the entire text of the Tao Te
Ching; It is literal character definitions that allow us to create our own interpretation; there is a concordance section that enables
one to track the different ways a single character is used throughout the work. There are grammatical and interpretive notes on
individual terms and verses. There is a unique commentary on the first verse, which represents a complete spiritual teaching in
itself, and lastly, a literary translation of the Tao Te Ching that can be read on its own or compared with
the verbatim translation.
And from my childhood friend Winnie-the-Pooh comes The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff. One of the
world's great Taoist masters isn't Chinese, or a venerable philosopher, but is in fact none other than A. A.
Milne's effortlessly calm, still, reflective bear Winnie-the-Pooh. While Eeyore frets and Piglet hesitates and
Rabbit calculates and Owl pontificates, Pooh just is. And that's the clue to the secret wisdom of the
Taoists. Author/narrator Hoff calls Winnie-the-Pooh a ``Western Taoist'' and uses the unassuming bear to
introduce Eastern philosophical principles. Pooh epitomizes the ``uncarved block,'' as he is well in tune
with his natural inner-self. Pooh enjoys simple pleasures and the daily progress of life.
A classic in our Bookstore…
Working with the Law by Raymond Holliwell
Science has defined a variety of natural laws that explain the physical world and how it changes. One such law states that for every
action there is a reaction, and that for every motion there is corresponding counter-motion. Whether it’s visible to the human eye
or not, one thing is certain: movement and change will occur as a result. Having studied these principles, author Raymond
Holliwell not only understood the universal physical applications, he also understood the spiritual and mental applications as well.
By using this law on a spiritual and mental level, Holliwell found that a specific thought could create a desired reaction in his
personal and professional life through continual and dedicated practice. As he came to realize the expanded potential of this
powerful law, he eventually recognized the ultimate source of the dramatic results: God.
Raymond Holliwell states in his preface: "I shall call God working in our lives Law. Interpreting the Law in several ways should
bring it more clearly into our way of thinking. Then as we strive to work with the Law we are living closer to God and such living
brings a better understanding."
A Very Happy Easter to One and All!
PALM SUNDAY
Sunday, March 24, 9:25 and 11 a.m.
Start of Easter season celebration
PRAYER VIGIL
Good Friday, March 29, 12 noon to 3 p.m.
All are welcome to the Sanctuary from noon to three on Good Friday. The church will be open for a silent time of inspiration,
meditation and conscious communion. Someone in the church will hold the consciousness of Truth during the vigil hours. Here
is a good affirmation to hold in thought during this time: All fear, doubt, worry, and sense of unworthiness are dissolved into the nothingness
from whence they came. I am lifted in consciousness. All areas of my life are vibrantly alive. I am triumphant! I am free! I rejoice!
Thank you Father, Mother God.
TENEBRAE SERVICE
Good Friday, March 29, 7 p.m.
The Tenebrae service is a tradition that dates to the 12th century. It is in remembrance of Jesus, focusing on the final hours
before the crucifixion. "Tenebrae" is a Latin word meaning darkness or shadows. During this sacred ceremony we rediscover and
share the Truth that all of the world’s darkness cannot extinguish the Christ light, which shines eternally in each and every
one of us.
EASTER SUNDAY SERVICES
Sunday, March 31, 9:25 and 11 a.m.
The Reverend Nancy Norman will conduct the Easter services at 9:25 and 11 a.m. There will be special music and singing for the
season, with Zack Coblens playing the piano and organ.
THE ANNUAL EASTER EGG HUNT
Sunday, March 31, following 9:25 Sunday School
Sunday School students will once again look for hidden eggs in the courtyard; all ages are welcome to watch the merriment. A
highlight of the hunt is always the arrival of the awesome Easter Bunny.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
UPCOMING EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Sunday, May 5, Meet and Greet Author Margaret Ann Lembo of the Crystal Garden and enjoy her Special Event:
Colors and Gemstones: Positive Thoughts for Successful Living
Margaret will have a book signing also.
May 19 and 26, 1:30-330 p.m., Meditation Course with
Charlene Wilkinson
In June, TBA, Series Two of Zack Coblens’ Music Appreciation
Class
June, TBA, Concert with Zack and Daniel Cochran
Dream Yourself Awake with
Dr. Michael Lennox, Sun., April 7
If dreams are messages from the unconscious, then working with them can yield amazing results. When you know
how to effectively use these powerful experiences, great progress can be made in the process of awareness, insight and
self-actualization. Dr. Lennox will speak at both services and conduct a workshop from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. This is on a
love offering basis. In this workshop, participants will learn how to:
Understand the concept of universality as it applies to dreaming
Distinguish between universal meaning and personal meaning.
Interpret any image that appears in a dream in a powerful way
Learn a technique to increase the value of dream experiences
In a format designed to answer all your questions about dreams and dream interpretation, “Dream Yourself Awake”
will also provide a powerful experience of going deeper with a dream.
By allowing a dream to further illuminate your
mind has to say to you, a deeper level of insight
leave with a profound sense of clarity about
get where you desire to go.
Dr. Michael Lennox — psychologist,
helping people reach a deeper understanding
twenty years. In workshops, in the media,
popular website www.michaellennox.com,
with a deep and profound wisdom
spontaneous style.
understanding of what your unconscious
and self-awareness will appear. You will
where you are in your journey and how to
astrologer and dream expert — has been
of their unconscious mind for close to
for private clientele and on the internet via his
Lennox guides people through life’s mysteries
delivered through his trademark humorous,
A highly sought-after media expert, Dr. Lennox has appeared internationally on many television shows,
beginning with the Sci Fi Network’s The Dream Team with Annabelle and Michael, for which he filmed 65 episodes a few
years back. Since then he has also been featured on numerous network and cable television shows, as well as on the
radio, talking about the power of dreams.
Lennox obtained masters and doctorate degrees in psychology from The Chicago School, an accredited institution
known for training extraordinary psychology practitioners. His second book, Dream Sight: A Dictionary & Guide
for Interpreting Any Dream, was published by Llewellyn Worldwide Press in 2011. An internet staple, Lennox is
host of a weekly radio show on Unity Online Radio; Dream Interpretation with Dr. Michael Lennox.. Familiar
with Science of Mind, he was the music director of the Hollywood Church of Religious Science for five years. He leads
workshops and retreats all over the United States and conducts a worldwide private practice based in Southern
California.
http://michaellennox.com/
Design Your Destiny: Changes through
Choices
SATURDAY, MARCH 16, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
A Men and Women’s Workshop Retreat to Inspire Your Future
We will all love and benefit from every minute of this. Explore the agenda: Inspiring speakers, yoga, meditation, discussion,
labyrinth and more! Participants must register by Wednesday. March 13 by
calling 561-276-5796 and leaving their name and phone number. Bring a pair of
socks for the labyrinth walk. And please bring your lunch. This retreat is given on a
love offering basis.
Design Your Destiny: Changes through Choices
The Team
L to R: organizers Brenda, Linda, Charlene
Agenda
9:00 – 9:10 a.m. – Welcome
(Brenda, Linda, Charlene)
9:10 – 9:20 a.m. – Centering (Charlene)
9:20 – 10:05 a.m. –
Four inspiring speakers who have
overcome key life obstacles
- physical, emotional or circumstantial
using God as their source and
with wonderful results. Speakers are:
Myra Goldick, Les Grene,
Dan Carballeira and David Rogers
10:05 – 10:25 a.m. –
Speakers’ Panel Discussion,
Moderated by Brenda
10:25 – 10:35 a.m. – Break
10:35 – 10:45 a.m. – Stretch and Relax
with Charlene
10:45 – 11:50 a.m. – Group Discussion
for 30 minutes, then convene back
to present answers to the larger group
11:50–noon – Blessing
Noon– 1:00 p.m.Lunch in Fellowship Hall
1:05 – 2:00 p.m. – Gentle Yoga and
Meditation (Charlene)
2:00 – 2:10 p.m. – Break
2:10 – 3:00 p.m. Labyrinth: Explanation
of the Concept then the Labyrinth walk
with Linda. Please bring socks
to wear in place of shoes on the labyrinth
3:00 – 3:15 p.m. – Close
***Reserve
Your Seat Soon!
561-276-5796 and leave your
name and phone number. ***
LINDA HURLEY is a Veriditas certified labyrinth facilitator, trained with Dr. Lauren
Artress, Veriditas founder. She has visited and studied labyrinths around the world. Her
practice includes guided monthly labyrinth walks and presentations. Linda is a prayer
chaplain and the director of prayer ministry for Unity of Delray Beach. She is a physical
therapist/massage therapist specializing in the innovative CranioSacral modality.
BRENDA ROBINSON is a writer, editor, publicist, speaker and, since 1993, a student of
Unity teachings. She runs her own book editing/web copywriting company, Potent Pen,
and serves on the Unity of Delray Beach staff as director of public relations and
newsletter editor.
CHARLENE WILKINSON says the design for our destiny lies within us. Our only task is
to turn within for guidance of how to manifest it in our life. Yoga and meditation allows
us to experience that inner guidance by stilling the body and the mind. Charlene has
been a dedicated student of yoga and meditation for more than 25 years. She is an
accomplished instructor and will lead us through a series of gentle yoga poses and a
period of meditation. Additionally, Charlene is a practicing attorney.
LES GRENE is a longtime mortgage banker currently with Regent Bank regional
headquarters. He loves golf, reading, and spending time with his family. He has great
praise for Gym 111 downtown and how they have enhanced his fitness. Les has been a
Unity of Delray Beach member for five years, and serves as an usher. Church
attendance and being in the Morning Prosperity Coffee are highlights of his week..
DAVID ROGERS has attended Unity of Delray Beach since 1999 and has participated in
4T, 5 Gifts, as an usher/greeter and co-head usher, the Morning Prosperity Coffee. He
has been president of the Men of Unity for several years, and helps with the Fellowship
setup. He is a current church board member. He holds a masters’ in civil engineering
and in 2009 founded DBR Consulting Engineers serving clients in the tri-county area.
Dave also is an adjunct professor for the School of Architecture at Florida Atlantic
University.
MYRA GOLDICK overcame a childhood laced with racial discrimination, poverty and
disability during the 50’s in New York City. As a child completely paralyzed by polio,
Myra was told she would never walk again, and living with it was her only option. After
many struggles, several treatments and surgeries, her thinking became clouded by
negative emotions and laced with feelings of self-deprivation and self-pity. After hitting
rock bottom, she slowly began to recognize her own self-worth. Today Myra is an
author, speaker, professional artist, and the host of the Never Say Impossible and Dancing
on Our Disabilities Internet radio shows. Myra says, “The key to overcoming the hard
times and succeeding beyond ordinary expectations is to recognize that anything is
possible, if you believe it is.”
DAN CARBALLEIRA is a clinical social worker, psychotherapist and certified sex
addiction therapist practicing in Palm Beach County since 1998. He is a certified State
of Florida assessor for domestic violence. Dan counsels men, women and groups to
develop positive anger management skills. He received training and certification as a sex
addiction therapist from the renowned professional expert Dr. Patrick Carnes. Dan was
honored in 2003 as Social Worker of the Year from the Palm Beach County unit of the
National Association of Social Workers. Helping others to bring about desired change is
his life’s work.
You are invited to join us for
The New Members’ Class
Both new and longtime Unity students
are cordially welcome to attend.
The Reverend Nancy Norman will teach the class
Thursday, April 11, 7 to 9 p.m.
This class is required for church membership
And
Sunday, April 14, 9:25 and 11 a.m.,
is
New Members’ Sunday
Recognition ceremony