SMALL GROUPS MINISTRY

Sometimes trying to be part of a large church can be overwhelming . . .

That’s why Unity of Phoenix offers a wide variety of small groups through which it is easy to make friends, deeper connections and loving relationships in our spiritual community.

Connecting and getting to know others at Unity of Phoenix is easy! Following are some of the small group activities that are available.

For more information about these long-term small groups, or to express an interest in forming your own, contact Pastoral Care Minister Jimmie Scott at Unity of Phoenix jscott@unityphx.org

Continuing Groups

Connecting and getting to know others at Unity of Phoenix is easy! Following are some of the small group activities that are available.

A Course in Miracles Discussion Group

Where: Administration building
When: Tuesdays
6:30 to 8 p.m.

Drawing on the teachings of A Course in Miracles, this study group focuses on learning and living the spiritual principles of Christ love, joy, freedom, forgiveness and inner peace.

A Course in Miracles has touched the lives of millions and has been studied worldwide. The curriculum combines spiritual wisdom, psychological insight and daily lessons to bring practical answers that allow students to open to the awareness of God that lies deep within each of us. The book's guiding principles follow a way to see the world in a completely different light; through universal love and truth, the curriculum focuses on awareness, healing, growth and forgiveness to remember that we are all one with God and each other.

A Course in Miracles expresses non-sectarian, nondenominational spirituality which can be experienced by all. For more information, contact Alarra Ashanaya at 480.473.0565.

‘Connect with Divinity’ Meditation Group

Where: Chapel
When: 4th Thursday of each month
7 to 8:30 p.m.

Connect with Divinity Meditation facilitated by Doina Marie Barkhaus is a guided group meditation that helps you experience deep inner peace and elevates you to higher states of consciousness to experience the loving presence of Our Creator. This meditation can assist you on your spiritual journey to come into the full potential of who you are, into higher dimensional consciousness and into a higher expression of love. Anyone who sincerely desires to expand to higher consciousness and connect with inner divinity and Our Creator is welcome to attend. For more information, call Doina Barkhaus at compheal57@gmail.com or 602.978.5640.

Edgar Cayce Study Group

Where: Administration Building
When: 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month
7 to 9 p.m.

Edgar Cayce is perhaps one of the best known clairvoyants of the last century. While most of his psychic readings were dedicated to healing people, his readings also covered a wide range of spiritual and metaphysical topics.

This group will study the Edgar Cayce Readings (ECRs) by using the textbook, A Search for God, a book of affirmations and basic discourses based on the readings. Through study of the book, the group will discuss how to practically apply loving Christian aspects such as cooperation, self knowledge, faith, virtue and patience into their daily lives.

Past Board of Trustees member of the Edgar Cayce organization (the A.R.E.), facilitator John Schroeder brings a unique perspective and insight into the history of Edgar Cayce and his organization, as well as those of the Cayce family and supporters of his work past and present.

Note: there is nothing in the ECRs that conflicts with the beliefs held by Unity, but the ECRs do add a great deal of detail beyond what was taught by the Fillmores.  For more information, please contact John Schroeder at 602.373.4638, or schroedj@cox.net

GLBT Small Group

Where: Administration Building
When: 1st and 3rd Thursday
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.and
2nd Sunday of each month
12:30 to 1:45 p.m.

Our GLBT group carries the intention of providing support for gay and lesbian congregants on their spiritual path with God. The group will primarily consist of sharing personal experiences of being gay and spiritual, and include discussions that will facilitate a deeper connection with God and with others who are on a similar path. It is our intention to affirm our love and acceptance of our sexuality as part of our unique spiritual expression of God.

Additional possibilities include:
• exploring texts on gay spirituality
• offering prayer and affirmation support for the gay spiritual path
• possible participation in outreach programs that support the gay community

For more information, or to express interest in the group, please contact: Brandon Moore at postmodnik@gmail.com.

Golf Group

When: Monday mornings

The Unity golf group — which includes both men and women — plays nine holes every Monday morning at the Palo Verde Golf Course, located at 15th Avenue and Maryland. Scores on the nine-hole, par-30 executive course range from 30 to the mid 40's ... but the group is much more interested in fellowship than in pars or birdies. Most of the golfers are walkers, but electric riding cars are available. After completing nine holes, many players enjoy breakfast or an early lunch at a nearby restaurant. For more information, contact Bob Snair at rsnair1@cox.net or 623.444.4669 for the location and time of the next Monday morning golf meeting.

NEW! Health Rhythms Drumming Group

2nd Thursday of each month
7 to 8:30 p.m.
$10-$20 Suggested Love Offering

Relax, have fun, and discover your unique rhythm with this newly forming drumming group! Health Rhythms has been proven to reduce stress and boost immunity. Robin Haney, trained Health Rhythms facilitator, will lead these invigorating sessions which are absolutely transcendent ... empowering you to more effectively express yourself, while enabling you to move beyond your perceived limitations and put back into your life what is missing. No prior musical experience is necessary, and all instruments will be provided! To learn more, visit www.remo.com/portal/hr/index.html

Hiking Group

MOONLIGHT HIKES

Friday, March 2 - 6:30 p.m.
Friday, April 6 - 6:30 p.m.

FITNESS FOR FUN HIKES

Saturday, March 17 - 7 a.m.
Second Water Trail - Superstitions
Saturday, March 31 - 7 a.m.
Seven Falls, Sabino Canyon - Tucson
Saturday, April 21 - 7 a.m.
Usery Pass Mountain Trail - Apache Junction

Meet in the church parking lot at the designated time to carpool to the trailhead. NO advance sign-up required.

Three spring color hikes are scheduled with hopes that Mother Nature will supply ample rain to bring out the beauty that everyone looks forward to enjoying each spring. Please refer to our Trail Mix newsletter for full details. All hikes are designed to accommodate a wide range of hiking abilities, and participants are encouraged to hike at their own pace. We recommend sturdy hiking or walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat, and snacks and water for during and after the hike (1-2 quarts of water per person).

If you have further questions regarding hiking group activities, or wish to receive the monthly Trail Mix newsletter, please contact Don Clausing at 602.866.0285 or dclausing@unityphx.org.

The Journey Toward Spiritual Enlightenment

Where: Administration building
When: 2nd and 4th Thursday of each Month
7 to 8:30 p.m.
Love Offerings Accepted

Psychic life coach Joseph Bortniak will help you make practical sense of your life and expand your personal and spiritual empowerment through this insightful, informative and enjoyable small group. Drawing on a variety of sources, including his book, Standing in Truth: A Journey of Spiritual Empowerment While Having a Human Experience, Joseph will lead you on a quest to discover, embrace and maintain your personal spiritual Truth in every area of your life: including self, family, friends, career, service and intimate partnerships. For more information, contact Joseph at 602.992.5707 or joseph@journeywithjoseph.com.

The Law of Attraction Group

Where: Administration building
When: 2nd and 4th Wednesdays
7 to 8:30 p.m.

This is an ongoing group that comes together to learn, study, practice and apply the principles of the Law of Attraction, and celebrate together the transformations in our lives. We have general discussion and sharing time, and often have a guest speaker and/or fun worksheets or activities. For more information, please contact Jane Francis at 602.978.9783 or janeslight@aol.com.

The Prosperity Group

Where: Administration building
When: second Thursday of the month
7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

John Schroeder facilitates this group each month to share practical advice on budgeting, credit scores, investment guidelines and how to maintain a strong prosperity consciousness.  For more information, please contact John Schroeder at 602.373.4638, or schroedj@cox.net

Real Love Group

(Open to all!)
Administration Building
Every Thursday
6 to 8 p.m.

We gather to awaken hearts to unconditional Love and to transform lives

Join this co-ed group where friends gather to practice giving and receiving unconditional love while learning practical ways to improve all of our relationships. The group’s focus is to learn and practice the principles of Real Love as developed by Real Love author Dr. Greg Baer.

In order for us to feel seen, accepted and loved, we must first tell the truth about ourselves and create opportunities for other people to accept and love us as we really are ... that’s the definition of Real Love (or unconditional love). We can experience moments of Real Love as we share who we are with one person at a time ... however, when we meet with several people who are interested in telling the truth about themselves and learning how to love others, we can significantly accelerate the process of feeling Real Love. No prior experience or level of participation is required, although reading Greg Baer’s book, Real Love, is highly recommended.

For more information, contact facilitator Sharon Winningham at 602.405.0144 or swinningham@reallove.com. Sharon is a nationally certified Real Love coach who has been running Real Love groups for over six years.

Unity Music & Coffee Cantina

3rd Thursday of each month
6 to 8 p.m. 
Minimum $3 Love Offering per Group Meeting

Want to sing your favorite songs or play your favorite instrument in front of a supportive and nurturing audience? Join us for an acoustic (no microphone or PA system) family oriented two-hour musical event on the third Thursday of each month! All ages are welcome and a lot of fun is guaranteed! If you don’t play an instrument, bring an extra copy of your music (chords and lyrics), and we’ll find someone to accompany you. You’ll also meet other folks here who can back you up with vocals or instruments.

Just show up at 6 p.m. to get your name on the list. Performance order will be by drawing from a hat! We’re requesting a small love offering, and will offer coffee and bottled water for a donation of $1. (All proceeds go to Unity of Phoenix.) For more information, contact Steve Decker at s9ndog@yahoo.com or Sandy Van Slyke at renew448@gmail.com.

Unity Singles

When: Every Sunday for Lunch
12:45 p.m.
Where: Offsite
Plus Lots, Lots More!!!

Expand your social life! Unity Singles is a social activity group that offers a wide variety of exciting events for single adults. Our active group enjoys holiday parties, pool parties, Friday night Happy Hours, dancing, movies, road trips, hikes, and cultural, spiritual and community service events.

Our Singles Group also gives back to Unity of Phoenix by volunteering for Unity sponsored events and projects. For information, click here to go to our activities page.

VIP OWLS

VIP Luncheon:
Wednesday, November 16
Wednesday, December 21
Noon to 2 p.m.

Our VIP Luncheon — held on the third Wednesday of each month from October through May— is for those Very Important People who are 55 or older. Seniors attend this monthly luncheon to enjoy fun and fellowship and a special guest speaker or activity. This is a great way to stay connected, share your spirit and enjoy wonderful food, company and speakers.

The featured guest speaker at the November meeting is Mary Ross Smith, author of Soul Survivor, a true story of fortitude and iron will to survive that explores the depths of human emotions. The church will provide turkey; please bring “trimmings” to share.

December’s meeting will feature Mike Chamberlin, a well known Valley news anchor whose first love has always been music. This “Singing TV Guy” will entertain the group with his Christmas favorites. The church will provide ham; please bring a side dish to share.

Questions? Contact Rev. Jimmie Scott at 602.978.3200, Ext. 234, or jscott@unityphx.org.

Young Adults of Unity Group

For individuals between the ages of 18 and 29
2nd and 4th Sunday of each Month
10 to 11 a.m.

This group enables young adults to connect, provide support for one another’s spiritual paths, and create opportunities for service and personal growth. We are in the process of re-organizing this group and selecting new leadership. We welcome your input to help us design a program that meets your needs and schedule!

For more information, contact Christine Kennedy at ckennedy@unityphx.org or 602.978.3200, Ext. 299.

Music Ministry

Unity Adult Choir

Where: Chapel
When: Every Tuesday
7 to 9 p.m.

Music is an important part of our ministry; come join the fun! Each sessions runs for approximately two months ... the only commitment you need make! Participate in one, two or ALL of the following sessions:
• September session: August 9-September 25
• November session: September 27-November 6
• Christmas session: November 8-December 18
For more information, contact Music Director Jerry Wayne Harkey at jharkey@unityphx.org.