The Holidays
During the holidays, congregants experienced one of the most beautiful and sacred worship services of the entire year at our Christmas Candlelighting Services. The services celebrated the light of the Christ child being born into the world: "the true light that gives light to everyone."
As each individual candle was lit from the flame of one, our spiritual family filled the room with brilliant, shining light, symbolic of the Christ light that shines within each of us. The lighting of the candles also symbolized that, loving and supporting others to help their light shine doesn't diminish our own light ... but, rather, creates more light for everyone. This very special service deeply touches our hearts year after year.
Thank You to All of Our Christmas 'Angels'
Spearheaded by congregant Pam Petersen (pictured above in center) and the Outreach Committee, our Christmas Angel outreach program was a resounding success this year, thanks to the generosity of our congregants. We adopted 285 4th and 5th grade students at Palomino Intermediate, and provided "gift baskets" to 12 teachers.
In addition, we raised almost $7,000 for food certificates. Combined with our church tithe to this program, we donated over $10,000 in food certificates to Palomino and Echo Mountain families!
We also collected two huge truckloads of used jackets, sweaters, sweatshirts and blankets during our "Warmth Drive," which have been donated to the Palomino Thrift Store. Thank you, and bless you all!!!
Photos with Santa
Unity Music Director Jerry Harkey and his band members (below left) took a break between December 12 worship services to have their photograph taken with Santa in the Courtyard. Over 100 additional congregants and groups also stopped for a close-up with Jolly Old St. Nick, including Barry and Kay Hoke (below, top right), who were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary.
Unity of Phoenix Christmas Party
Unity's Christmas party — spearheaded by Social Committee Chair Connie Cornelius and Bookstore Manager Julia Kellogg (upper left photo)— allowed congregants to celebrate the holidays in the "Sanctuary" of their spiritual home, enjoying a sumptuous buffet (lovingly prepared by Board President Katie Williams), dancing, laughter and lots of light-hearted holiday fun!!!!
