Keep Plowing Ahead!
By Rev. Jimmie Scott
Pastoral Care Minister
Thinking about staying on course resurrected a vivid childhood memory of my first attempt at plowing a garden on my grandfather’s small farm in Spurlington, Kentucky. I was about 15 or 16 years old, and weighed approximately 145 pounds. At the time, I was a better than average horseback rider and thought my skill in that area would be transferable to handling a horse and plow ... I figured, in plowing, I would simply have to walk behind the horse and hold the plow and reins straight.
My grandfather helped me put the harness on the horse and get the plow into position, and vowed he would watch from the side in case I encountered any problems. Plowing the first row straight is very important, because the first row furrow is the foundation upon which each successive furrow must lay.
As I plowed the first 100 feet along the 175-foot row, my confidence began to soar. As I looked to my left for my grandfather's tacit approval, I lost my focus and pulled too tightly on the right rein. The plow pulled sharply to the right and dug deep into the ground, causing me to have to pull 70 pounds of steel and wood out of the ground while still maintaining control of the horse. Gramps helpfully continued to “monitor” my progress from the sideline.
After much struggle, I was able to take corrective steps and get back on course. The same process happened many times in this first plowing experience ... as well as all my ensuing plowing experiences my grandfather allowed me to have.
I never gave these experiences much thought until years later, when I began to equate them to life. Throughout our lives, we plan our direction and start to move toward our goals, dreams and aspirations, only to have something happen to take us off course. The “something” can be labeled as distraction, errors, lapses in judgments, lack of concentration, loss of focus, external circumstances, or whatever else we choose to label them. However, the “somethings” don't define who we are.
That’s why “staying on course” means, for me, making corrective steps and moving forward with conviction, confidence and courage, while continuing to pursue what you desire in life. Whether you get all or just some of what you desire is not nearly as important as getting the most out of every experience. Remember this as you stay on course!
There is a great metaphor in Luke 9:62 where Jesus said, “No man having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”
Stay on course, friends!
Peace and love ...


The Role of Prayer Chaplains
The role of our Prayer Chaplains is, quite simply, to pray. Chaplains are not
counselors or advice-givers. The core of the Prayer Chaplain commitment is to:
- Hold spiritual space
- Lovingly listen
- Pray from the heart
- Hold in confidence what is shared
What Type of Commitment is Required of a Chaplain?
The commitment is one year for all of the following:
- Being available for one-on-one prayer after four worship services each month
- Completing two hours (approximately) of Wellness Calls per month, to be
completed on church grounds
- Attending a two-hour Prayer Chaplain meeting each month
Next Steps
- Spend time in silence with the Divine, discerning if Prayer Chaplain service
is yours to do
- Confirm that you have met church membership requirements (please see the
back page of this newsletter for information on membership classes)
- Attend the Prayer Chaplain Orientation on Sunday, September 12, at 12:45 p.m.
- Mark your calendar for all upcoming training dates (attendance at all dates is
required). The dates and cost for Prayer Chaplain Training are listed below.
Prayer Chaplain Training Schedule* for 2010
*You must be a member in good standing of Unity of Phoenix in order to serve as a Prayer Chaplain. (Please see the back page, Page 16, for membership information). Attendance is required at all 10 parts of the training. Chaplain Camp will be held at the Franciscan Renewal Center, and costs $120. ($70 for returning Chaplains).
Part 1: Orientation -
Sunday, September 12 • 12:45 to 2:15 p.m.
Part 2: First Interviews -
Times and Dates to be Determined
15-minute interviews with Rev. Jimmie Scott, held throughout the week before Chaplain Camp
Part 3: Chaplain Camp -
Friday, September 24 • 6 to 9 p.m.
Part 4: Chaplain Camp (continued) - Saturday, September 25 • 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Part 5: Chaplain Camp (continued) -
Sunday, September 26 • 8:30 a.m. to Noon
Part 6: On-site Training #1 -
Saturday, October 2 • 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Part 7: Second Interviews -
Times and Dates to be Determined
Held throughout the two weeks of Training Sessions #1 and #2
Part 8: On-site Training #2 -
Saturday, October 16 • 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Part 9: Chaplain Celebration -
Wednesday, October 27 • 6 to 9 p.m.
Part 10: Chaplain Dedication -
Sunday, October 31 • Sunday Worship Services
For more information, please contact Pastoral Care Minister
Jimmie Scott at 602.978.3200, Ext. 234, or jscott@unityphx.org

Healing Grief Workshop
The Journey of Grief-The Path of Healing
Saturdays, September 11-October 3
1 to 3 p.m.; Room 8
Facilitated by Joan Bacchus, RN, LUT and
Bereavement Specialist
$10 Suggested Love Offering per Class Session
This workshop combines bereavement education and spiritual support for people experiencing grief from a great personal loss. If you are experiencing unresolved grief, this is one way to help. It is important to have a desire for a greater understanding of your grief and a willingness to personally work and move through the grief-process towards peace and healing.
Together we will create a sacred space for healing,
while honoring confidentiality in order to
provide a safe environment for sharing personal feelings and concerns. Space
will also be provided for questions and guidance toward answers.
You must commit to attend all seven sessions of this closed workshop.
Pre-registration is required; sign up early as space is limited to 12 participants.
Required texts: Understanding Your Grief and the Understanding Your Grief Journal by Alan Wolfelt.
To register, please contact the Reception Desk at Unity of Phoenix at 602.978.3200. For more information, contact Pastoral Care Minister Jimmie Scott at 602.978.3200, Ext. 234, or jscott@unityphx.org.
12:45 p.m. in the Chapel