Happy New Year—Happy New You!
January is the time for new beginnings. This month, we remember the contributions of those who laid the foundation for us to be where we are. Rev. Ruth M. Mosley’s dream to create a path for those interested in becoming Unity leaders lives in each of us. And let’s not forget Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s dream to create a world where everyone’s contributions are welcome and valued. As we ring in the new year, let us reflect on and celebrate the accomplishments of the past year as we look forward to “even greater works” to make 2023 the best year in UUMS history.
Join me as we dedicate each month to one of our Twelve Powers as defined by Unity co-founder, Charles Fillmore and refined by many others, including Rev. David Williamson, D.Min, in the 52 Weekly Lessons on the Twelve Powers (2000). See the website for a lesson related to the power of the month. For the month of January, we ground ourselves in our Faith power.
Starting with the following affirmation from The Positive Prayer Wheel, we step out in faith and dedicate ourselves to this new beginning:
As another year dawns, we embrace all that has been, as well as the mystery of what will be, giving thanks for the support we have received along the way. Feeling inspired, we bravely step forward in faith, claiming the greater good for ourselves and our world. (Source: The Positive Prayer Wheel: for the cycles of life. available at Unity.org)
“For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7).
Looking back at 2022.
As I think back on what we’ve accomplished in 2022, I am reminded of the song “We’ve come this far by faith.” Can I get an Amen?
We are reminded by James in the textbook we refer to as the Bible that faith without works is of no use. “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead” (James 2:26). As you glance over our past achievements from this abbreviated list, I’m sure you can see faith in action.
In January, we launched the UUMS Monthly Newsletter. Each issue focuses on various themes to educate and inspire readers. If you have an interest or unique ideas you would like to contribute to the Newsletter, contact Rev. Sandra Campbell at re*******@uu**.org. Articles are due by the 23rd of each month in Word format.
Our school would not enjoy the many achievements were it not for the generous contributions by individuals and organizations. We sincerely appreciate all who contributed to our continuing mission: “…to bring good news to the poor…to comfort the broken-hearted…to proclaim liberty to the captives, and freedom to those who are imprisoned” (Isaiah 61:1). Our Thank-You list is on the website.
In the Spring, the cohort of eight interns launched a special project that provided books for UUMS classmates in South Africa. This undertaking resulted in the shipment of more than 400 books to the Unity Centre of Love and Light in Johannesburg. Six of the congregants are enrolled in UUMS with the intention of becoming Licensed Unity Teachers and Ordained Unity Ministers. The books have developed into a library at the church that also expands New Thought teachings into the surrounding communities. On June 14, those eight students graduated from UUMS and were licensed and/or ordained by Unity Worldwide Ministries.
On June 11, we earned accreditation from the Accrediting Commission International, Inc., in Beebe, Arkansas, joining more than 200 institutions of higher learning, including the Johnnie Colemon Theological Seminary and Emerson Institute. We are truly grateful to Dr. John Scheel and the board of ACI for their confidence and trust in our school.
We played a major role in the success of the first Celebrating Our Soul: People of African Descent New Thought conference at Unity Village, August 11-14, 2022.
On November 16-18, we held our second annual virtual family reunion themed, “The Love Train,” with more than fifty registered participants who boarded from all over the world. The travelers enjoyed informative and inspiring speakers, workshops, music, and dancing. By popular demand, “The Love Train” will return in 2023. The dates and particulars will be announced as plans are developed. Proceeds from this event support the UUMS scholarship program for students needing financial assistance.
UUMS was a proud sponsor of the 58th anniversary of West Side Unity, the church founded by Rev. Ruth M. Mosley (founder of UUMS) and under the current leadership of Rev. JoAnn Watson, President of the UUMS board of directors.
Looking Forward to 2023…What’s Next?
Here’s a short list. More will be coming as the year unfolds.
Graduation/Ordination: Save the Date – June 14, 2023, at Unity Village, MO
Scholarships: To be announced soon. Go to uums.org.
n Charles and Myrtle Scholarship for 2nd & 3rd Year (Ministerial Studies Program)
n Rev. Dr. Ruth M. Mosley Scholarship for 1st Year (Ministerial Preparation Program)
“The Love Train”: UUMS 3rd annual family reunion. The Committee is looking for volunteers to help plan the next one. Contact Rev. Wilma Taylor-Costen; lu**********@gm***.com.
Survey…What’s working? What needs improvement? Okay. It’s time to stop grumbling and talking among yourselves. Fess up! What do you like about UUMS and what areas need improvement? Send your comments to re*******@uu**.org, or enter them on the UUMS website.