Minister's Message

September 2003

Dear Friends:

As I sit at the keyboard, I first want to express to you that Cynthia and I feel totally blessed with the opportunity to share ministry with you. Also, as I write this brief column, I realize this is the first action I am taking as your incoming minister. Like many aspects of ministry, there is great joy as well as a bit of stress as I compose quickly while packing a suitcase and making phone calls. We leave for Appleton before dawn tomorrow. I know many of you are affirming the right and perfect home for Cynthia and I and by the time you read this, it will be manifested, thank You, God.

There is a wonderful, magnetic energy generated by your church’s positive collective consciousness. We know, because that is what drew us to you. I look forward to actively participating in each of your lives as we unfold the next steps in the Divine Plan for your Unity ministry in the Appleton area. I am deeply grateful for the work accomplished by Rev. Marylou Palmer that will make this transition joyful and easy for all. The Search Team, the Board, all the staff, volunteers, and the congregation made us feel so welcomed. When we left that Sunday afternoon, we felt like we had been with old friends and that was a powerful, loving, and magical experience.

So why are Morgan and Cynthia coming to Appleton? The answer is simple. We truly surrendered for Spirit to be in charge of the process, and we felt the connection that called us to this loving community. In addition, I would like to acknowledge the work done by all, especially the Search Team. I shared with the Association of Unity Churches that they should hire the search team as consultants to teach churches how to conduct the selection process with a sense of celebration. I believe it was the most stress-free, professional selection process undertaken this year! Everything I have observed says this community values quality in all its activities. People enjoy each other’s company, work hard, have fun, and are truly in community.

So what are the next steps for Unity Church of Christianity? I want to get to know you, and listen to your dreams and desires. I will be seeking your input and I look forward to sharing ideas in the coming months. For anyone who thinks they need to know the answers, please come and hear my initial talk titled, “The Divine Puzzle”.

Blessings,

Rev. Morgan J. Barclay
minister@unityofappleton.org