September Soul in Service—Robin Joseph

Ever get a card from Unity? That's Robin--she sends out cards when she hears of a need and lets us know we are part of a loving spiritual family that truly cares. She serves as an usher-greeter, in hospitality, and brings lots of good ideas forward. She recently was part of the Faith-in-Action book study leadership team.

Robin is one of those people that you can count on. Please join me in thanking herfor all she does!

August Soul in Service—UCOL Youth of Unity

When I arrived as a new Senior Minister at beautiful Unity of Lawrence, the first people to welcome me and invite me to share a meal with them to get to know each other better was our Youth of Unity group. They introduced me to Papa Keno's Pizza on Mass. What a yummy treat---my favorite food and the slices are as big as a regular pizza pie! Every time I think of that evening I cry. They are tears of joy and appreciation for who these young people are and all they do for our spiritual community and the world beyond! As I journey through my third year here, I happily reflect on the YOU activities-- as I have gone through most of their High School years with them.

The YOU has served in almost every capacity at UCOL. They have given us a "Day of Love" on Valentine's Day followed by a crazy fun dress up dance. We have enjoyed their wisdom and zeal in Sunday services (from announcements to the talks). They have served us massive amounts of pancakes, created rallys and represented UCOL at the regional and national levels of Unity (just to touch on a few of their many activities!!).

Now as this group of YOUers moves on to college, they are thanking the congregation with a spaghetti dinner—we thank YOU our Youth of Unity for simply bringing us the light of God through you. We are blessed. I look forward to the years to come with you as you build a Next Generation Unity group here at UCOL with a KU chapter. (Rockchalk Jayhawks! AND love to all the other schools that will be blessed by your presence!). Thank you to Kitty, Jenny, Noah, Caroline, Riley, Jacob, Sorrin, Nick and Travis---and all of you who have touched my heart and the heart of this community—God is with you as you continue on the journey!

Valerie Johnson Powell is our June "Soul in Service."

Valerie is one of those priceless people who know what needs to be done and does it without asking! It would probably be faster to write down what she doesn't do, as that list would be much shorter! Valerie serves in hospitality, as an usher/greeter, does office/ administrative work, and even fixes sinks and other bathroom fixtures. I came in Friday and Valerie was here and had been, as her partner, Carrie put it--"flushing toilets for God"-translation: making sure the toilets in our bathrooms do not have any leaks! She brings in Sunday flowers, paints and prunes, and who knows what else! Truly a person who understands the power of being in spiritual service. We thank her for her big heart and all she does to keep Unity of Lawrence rolling right along! Bless you Valerie!

Bill Wachpress is our May "Soul in Service."

If you haven't had the chance to meet Bill yet, you can usually find him helping out in the Youth Ministry classes downstairs. He comes in with the children at the end of the service, too! Bill is a Youth Ministry angel indeed. He is available to support Tricia when she is unavailable as lead of the program on Sunday and often shares his humor and wisdom in the classrooms. He is a committed and inspired soul and deeply appreciated. Bill is also known as Lawrence's very own "Balloon Man." You can find him at almost all of our town celebrations, bringing laughter to the children and smiles to the families! How wonderful to have Bill bring such joy to us all! Thank you, Bill, for all you do in the Youth Ministry and more! You are our Soul in Service!

Jim Jagger is our April "Soul in Service."

Please join me in sending extra hugs of appreciation to Jim Jagger, our UCOL April Soul in Service! Jim is one of those people ministers pray for! He is open and receptive to any task asked of him. Jim served as Treasurer of our Board of Trustees for the last several years. As such, he handled much of our financial progress and banking interests as a team member with Polly McCall and Rev. Shannah. He is also a healer and every month he holds a Healing Service for all who wish to come. Almost every Sunday, you can find Jim sitting up front in the sanctuary, holding sacred space and offering prayer to all who ask as a prayer chaplain. He also teaches the Reiki classes with Deb McClaren that so many of you are currently enjoying. Their next class is here at UCOL on April 14, so sign up if that is calling you! Jim, we love you, we appreciate you and we give great thanks for you in our spiritual community! Hurray for Jim Jagger and all he does and who he is in service to this ministry and all who attend.

Elaine Roberts is our February "Soul in Service."

Elaine is one of those priceless gems that we don’t often find. She is a long-time member of UCOL and has done all sorts of service work at the church. She has played for us on Sundays as part of River City Reeds. Her talent and enthusiasm shine when she plays. One of her greatest gifts to the community that Elaine shares is coming into the church each week to complete our Moment of Inspiration line message. It is always beautiful and touches the heart. I hear how often the phone goes off on that line so I know many, many people are benefiting from her comfort. Thank you Elaine for all you do and being the beacon of light that you are! Blessings and thanks!

Allinayah Archer is our January "Soul in Service."

Nora McAfee is our June "Soul in Service."

Nora is co-champion of our Unity Book Store, vonunteers for the Grocery Ministry, is our Board of Trustees Vice President, offers her home for Dinner for 8, top notch Sound Booth Assistant and makes us laugh.

We love you, we appreciate you and we are so very happy you are shining for us!

Robbin Loomas, Y.O.U. Sponsor, is our May "Soul in Service."

We thak you, we honor you, and we praise you for your hard work and devotion to our Youth of Unity, Y.O.U. Robbin spends time monitoring Y.O.U. business meetings, overseeing events sponsored by our teens, providing transportation to and from Rallies, supervising and monitoring teen activities while at Rally, managing paperwork required for Y.O.U. activities, and so much more. As a former Y.O.U.er herself, she provides teens a safe space to explore their spirituality and their connections with one another and their world.

Thank you, Robbin, for your amazing Grace and leadership with our teens. We are truly blessed by your gifts.

Cindy McElmurry, U.C.O.L. "Building Maintenance Ministry Champion", and Craig Daniels, Top Hand Member for "Building Maintenance Ministry", are our April "Souls in Service".

Cindy and Craig show up during the week to make repairs, do the changes you notice and are constantly and consistantly taking care of both the church and annex needs which in turn takes care of us. We are so grateful to you Cindy and Craig for your superior, professional service to  maintenance. You are the quiet, seldom seen, very talented spirits performing outstanding sacred service for all of us to enjoy.

We honor you Cindy and Craig for April and for every month!

Michele Kirk is February's "Soul in Service."

She has been the Champion of the Worship Ministry, completes the order of service, and organizes all the worship assistants and more each week to support Rev. Shannah and the spiritual community as a whole! She is always open and friendly in making changes and stepping up in service in any way she is called. She is the ultimate in representing the highest of loving and compassionate consciousness for UCOL!