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This has been a very busy winter for KC and me. We moved in to our new home in Sandycove Acres mid November, amidst renovations and redecorating - new flooring, painting all the walls, new window coverings, new window trims, painting all the kitchen cupboards, all the doors, installing central air conditioning. Of course I had help, but I hadn't done this kind of work for years!
In between, I was busy setting up groups in Barrie and Parry Sound. In both places, we used "Harnessing Your Secret Power" classes, based on the popular book "The Secret" and incorporating Unity material, to promote Unity in the communities. In Barrie we had a group of 12 students, and in Parry Sound, with a population of 6500, we have 24 committed students.
Barrie has now completed the Harnessing classes, and because several people have expressed an interest in becoming credentialed leaders, I am conducting SEE credit classes, starting with Bible Overview. The process of credentialing will take a few years, so I realize that I will probably be staying in this area for that time, a lot longer than the 6-8 months I first envisioned. That's what's so interesting about this new ministry venture - we can change our minds as we go along, finding out what works and what doesn't!
We're also holding celebration services in Barrie on 1st and 3rd Sundays - an informal service as we are still without musicians or a substantial attendance. Weather has been an important factor this winter with the snow, freezing rain, and blowing whiteouts! We know that as soon as spring arrives, so will the congregation!
Weather has also played an important part in the classes in Parry Sound - several times we've had to cancel due to snow, but it hasn't dampened anyone's enthusiasm for the group and the learning we're having. I love the drive up to Parry Sound from Barrie - highway 400 is all four-lane now and the scenery is breath-taking. As the Harnessing classes come to an end, we're having a discussion about formalizing our group, applying for approval from Unity Canada and International, and continuing Unity classes.
The most wonderful news is that Revenue Canada has approved Unity Ministry in Motion as a registered charity with our own charitable number for tax purposes - a process that usually takes about a year took three months - I try not to act surprised!
I'm also mentoring Unity of Ottawa, speaking there and teaching classes when I go about once a month to visit my daughter.
And Rev Rob Hunter will be pioneering a new ministry in Peterborough in the coming months - another one of my target cities looked after, thank you, God!
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