Meetings Notes & Minutes
So Far this Year....
2009
May
In the absence of our 'Fearless Leader' Lane Chandler, taking some well deserved
time off, VP Carl Lewis opened the meeting. Rev. Rob Robinson opened with prayer.
Ted Barnes, guest of Russ Long, later spoke on his experience with billboard/
marketing signs. Tom Taylor presented the program based on his newly released book
which is a pictorial history of Unity Village. Its been one of the faster hours in program
history as we were all very interested and engaged in Tom's presentation.
Business notes:
Ned Barnes, Atty, addressed the group regarding his vast experience regarding
Marketing Billboards. We plan on using his experience to help move forward with the vision
of creating a billboard on Unity property at little or no cost!! Larry Wheeler and Jim Miner
have been very involved!! in helping out with the updating of the pool/clubhouse changing
rooms. We know that the the pool will shine!! on our open house community event on
June 6th!! It was proposed and approved that we make a contribution for one family
and one individual to take advantage of the pool season membership. We know of a family
connected with the Men of Unity who could benefit from such a gift. Golf Tournament:
CBest talked of promoting players and the opportunity of sponsorships. As has been the case
in the past, no confirmations have been received yet, but are anticipated.
JUNE 6TH
Will host an open house community event at Unity Village. The MOU have been asked to provide
water and perhaps sell soda as well as assist with parking. The event will be during the hours of
12 noon and 5 pm. Lots of hot dogs!! Live Music in the Amphitheatre!!
Free Swimming at the Pool!!
Larry Wheeler and his wife Karen are heading the Angel Food Ministeries project. This project
is a low cost advantage program which can also assist the areas hunger needs as well as outreach
for the church.
There have been interested parties coordinating (for several months) to propose a Garden at Unity Village.
In the spirit of gardens past which is a rich legacy at Unity Village this group will present
its proposal for requesting a garden site on the grounds to the Institute Finance
Committee on 5/11. There is a huge ground swell of support for this inspired project!!
April
Rev Sam Bowman presented "The Seven Stage Journey." Another terrific program. Sam
is a very knowledgeable Spirit student. And he lives by his mantra, "Life isnt about
surviving the storm, but dancing in the rain." His wife, Shirley, is a ministerial student
about to graduate in June. We wish both of them much continued success for
their future.
Business notes:
Dick Faris provided an update on the latest Nehemiah Project. 22 were in attendance
coming from all parts of the US. The next project is scheduled for Aug 2. Another project
is scheduled for Nov. Larry Wheeler presented info on Angel Food Ministeries.
Hayden Elder presented info on projects to get the pool ready to open for the season.
He also gave an update on coordinating and collecting info on a marketing billboard
for the chapel. Ned Kelley is directing the local Next Generation Unity which hopes
to attract people between the ages of 18-35 to a spiritual gathering/discussions.
After the business mtg adjourned, several men discussed the logistics of our
upcoming Munchies de Mayo. It was decided to target for 700 tacos, meaning
we would need: 35+#/meat; 5+#/beans; 5#cheese; approx 5#lettuce; and,
4 gallons of Salsa!!
March
Another larger crowd (23) greeted 6 new faces: Jess Castillo; Jim Miner; Terry McInteer;
Josh Pettigrew; Russ Leaton; and, Greg Nitschke. Also attending were new scholarship
recipients Francie Potter, Janice Richer-Wuerfel and Edith Ann Washington. Mark Fuss, third
year student and soon be licensed & ordained, spoke of his journey at Unity Institute and the
transitions that are currently under way at the school. He generously shared some of the
comments and correspondence he received from previous ministerial students who had
received scholarships from the Men of Unity. Mark is a terrific student and leader in his class.
We've enjoyed his connection with the MOU and wish him the very best as his spiritual
gifts and service continue to unfold. Graduation and ordination ceremonies
are scheduled for June 4th.
Business notes:
The first 'Chili Bowl' was a huge success!! Treasurer Bob Haigh deposited over $700
from the love offerings. And reported that Rev Erin McCabe tithed over $200 from
her Montclair church.
Our next fundraiser will be on May 3rd following the theme of Cinco de Mayo. We
will sponsor 'Munchies de Mayo' on Sunday the 3rd and provide
a Taco Bar with all the fixings!!
The next date for Adopt a Hiway is scheduled for 4/11 at 8am.
The Duard Boone Memorial Golf Tournament is scheduled for Sat June 20th. Invitations
are being updated and hope to be mailed out soon. We are encouraging support of donations
for the tournament and the live auction, which netted several hundred dollars at last years
tournament.
New Project Recommendations:
It was suggested that the church be proactive with some of the community issues that we
face today. Providing assistance to those looking for work was one suggestion. Providing
opportunities for school students in the event that the proposed 4 day school week is
enacted was also suggested. Both inspired ideas that will need leadership and initiation
to provide much needed help and support in our community.
February
A large and warm crowd (28attd) welcomed the return of Dr Jim Fleming.
Jim is an outstanding spiritual and meditation teacher and facilitator.
Business notes:
It was suggested that the golf date be adjusted to coordinate with the Association's conference.
But it was determined and decided to leave the golf date for the fund raiser as it has
been, on the third Saturday of June.
Bob Haigh, treasurer, mentioned the need of awareness of HyVee receipts
to encourage activity to meet the goals and success of last years fund raising with HyVee.
The Men of Unity of Overland Park are hosting a Midwest Men's Retreat this month. More information
is available with Sam Bowman and Peter Jarosewycz at Overland park Unity.
Applications have been received for Unity Institute students applying for the scholarship.
Interviews will be forthcoming and selection made by the
Scholarship comm. in the next few weeks.
Drayton Riley has created a new invitation/reminder for our meetings. It not only
looks great but is reaching out to others in our community who perhaps have
not been notified before. Many Thanks...and to his excellent program coordination!!
We are continuing to try to update the Members Book. We've added several new
members over the last year. Our current membership list is over 35!!
New members received their name badges at our Feb meeting.
Social notes:
The Chili Bowl was an outstanding success. Over $700 was collected as almost 40 gallons
of chili was served in 9 various recipes. Once again our thanks go out to the community for their
support and the help and support of the Sisters of Myrtle and the Y.O.U.
January
Beth Wilson, UVgChapel Board Pres, shared info about her work with
Partnership for a Drug Free America. Then a brief discussion about the board, chapel
and the upcoming new year and graciously answered some of the concerns and questions
from the MOU members.
Hayden Elder has offerred to assist with the coffee making for meetings so it can be
ready by 9:00 am.
Hayden, Carl Lewis, Jerry Woody and Russ Long will form a committee and investigate
feasibility for a BillBoard to market Unity Village.
The 'Chili Bowl' fundraiser is scheduled for Feb 8th. John Meadows, Russ Long,
Hayden Elder will make traditional?? chilis. Carl Lewis - chicken chili. Chris Best -
vegetarian chili. CBest will compile a sign up for fixins and sodas and we'll ask for desserts etc
to be donated by Sisters (of Myrtle) and congregants.