Minister's Message
A Testimony of Giving and Receiving

Unity Church of Christianity Appleton, Wisconsin

October 2005

Dear Friends,

On September 25th we had a wonderful celebration as our young people selected the winners of our HOOO (Home of our Own) raffle. We enjoyed a delicious pot luck, a spirited silent auction, and many watched the Packer game on TV. Fun was had by one and all!

In Unity, we practice the law of circulation—of giving and receiving. So how did we demonstrate this law of circulation during our raffle Sunday? We sold over one thousand raffle tickets, and four of the seven grand prize winners were members of this community (or their family member) who had contributed the most in the form of donated prizes, time, talent and the sale of tickets to make this raffle and silent auction a success. The odds of having that happen are very slim. Spirit does not work by odds, but works through us as we participate fully and generously in life.

Bob and Vi Mader donated the beautiful Amish quilt, dog food, and a quilt hanging. They won the second place prize for selling the most tickets – a beautiful collection of Mary Kay products. (I wonder how these products will look on Bob?)

Al and Laurin Bellg contributed the weekend package at the Copper Leaf Hotel and they won a pair of Packer tickets and first prize for selling the most raffle tickets - a beautiful, framed Hmong wall-hanging. Kou Lor administered the raffle and auction, and donated two framed Hmong embroidered panels. He won the weekend at the Copper Leaf Hotel. What a perfect prize for him, as he prepares to travel to Laos to bring home his lovely bride, Mai! The applause for Kou brought down the house that afternoon, and it was well deserved.

Pete and Kathy Beyer donated a set of Packers tickets and their son won the Simon Weller jazz performance. Cindi Cousineau’s sister-in-law won the Amish quilt. Christine Hoderny spent a day selling raffle tickets at Bob Mader’s auction, and she won third prize of $50 for selling tickets. And last and not least, one non-Unity person won Packer tickets and a cash prize. Someone said, “I know him, he has a great consciousness.” Perhaps we should invite him to our next ‘Bring a Friend’ Sunday!

We experienced first hand the law of circulation that afternoon. The afternoon also reflected for me that when something is done in great joy and unconditional love, it manifests powerful results! We are reminded in such events that Spirit has a grand sense of humor, and works serendipitously. By the way we made over $5,000 – but the lessons of the day were priceless.

God is blessing each of you richly, and I thank you for participating in our fun-raising event!

Blessings,

Reverend Morgan
minister@unityofappleton.org