Minister's Message

October 2003

Change—A Vehicle for Spiritual Growth

Dear Friends:

We at Unity Church of Christianity are in the midst of many changes and we have the opportunity to view all the changes as good. That does not mean that all change will be easy! Case in point: our current adventure in moving. Last evening in the middle of packing box #120, Cynthia pulled a book off of the shelf and handed it to me, saying that I might want to look at it. The volume was titled The Runner’s Bible. Running has been a part of my life since high school days and the volume was given to me by my mother as I left home in New Jersey to venture off to college in Ohio. The inscription read, "He who has brought you this far will take you the rest of the way" Love, Mom. The inscription brought tears to my eyes, as I would love to have my mother be at the first church service I conduct as your minister. Mom never envisioned that this first great change in my life would begin my journey to this place. Or did she?

Picking up that volume allowed me to give thanks for the major role my mother played in my life. She studied, practiced, and served the New Thought movement for most of her life. What I remember most about her spiritual life was the consistency of her practice. She started each day with her daily reading and she used denials and affirmations on a regular basis. Affirmations were located throughout the house. I particularly remember them on the refrigerator where, as a kid, I spent more time meditating on what I would consume next rather than reflecting upon denial and affirmation Mom had posted there.

During the coming weeks we will explore three phases of change: endings, "the void" (in between time), and new beginnings. We will be looking at how the process of change can be a time of spiritual growth and renewal. So as we travel in this venture together let us remember, "He who has brought you this far will take you the rest of the way." Within the challenge of change lies the seed of fulfillment. With that foundation principle we can show up open to new experiences, choose to remain in the eternal now, maintain our spiritual discipline, and celebrate the ending of one phase of spiritual growth and the beginning of other.

God is richly blessing you now.

Reverend Morgan
minister@unityofappleton.org