Last weekend I had the experience of crewing on a friend's boat for the annual Leukemia Cup Regatta on Lake Lewisville. Shortly after having agreed to crew again for the 6th year in a row, I started to feel apprehensive, and began to worry about the weather. It seems that every year I'm in the regatta, I get injured and we experience some stormy weather.
Several years ago a squall line came through just as a race was beginning and two of the boats in our fleet were de-masted while the entire crew on another boat was thrown into the water as the boat flipped onto its side. Meanwhile my captain was screaming to the crew (me) to get the sails down before a similar fate met our boat, while all I could manage was to try and not fall overboard. Once we finally did get the boat in order and start to head back to the marina, we noticed that the race had indeed started. Needless to say we didn't place very well that race, and I injured my knee, which led to some back pain that lasted for nearly the next half year or so.
This year's weather again provided heavy winds, blowing about 30 knots out of the north, and my apprehension increased as our motor wouldn't start so we'd have to sail out of the marina to the starting line of the race. We waited to raise the jib sail until just before the start of the first race, as this sail requires a lot of energy from the crew, and results in the boat leaning way over to the side. The skies were overcast and the tension in the air was thick as we raised the jib, and started the continuous tacking as we tried to position ourselves in a favorable line for the start of the race.
Well about six hours and four races later the wind started to settle down, the sun was out and we sailed back, totally exhausted and ready for the happy hour painkillers being served at the marina. Once the race had started, it seems like I never had time to even think about worrying about getting injured or the weather, other than looking for where the best wind might be. I guess sailing can make you experience living in the moment. The best part was learning that we had placed second within our fleet, which was our best showing by far to date! Other that being sore all over and slightly sun burnt, I'm injury free and looking forward to next years race.
On the expansion front, we should be getting water and sewage hookup to the portable classroom this week, the fill dirt has been brought in, and the new slab for the classrooms should follow soon. At first I was apprehensive about this expansion also, worrying about funding and the impact on our congregation. Now I'm excited and looking forward to the next chapter in the growth of our spiritual community.
See you soon!
Mik
Sunday services at 11:00 AM---
May 11, 2008
Pam Livingston - Guest Speaker
Dwain Briggs - Guest Musican
Ellen Davis, Minister, is on a sabbatical until July.
A big thanks to Colleen Pierce for all the work she is doing in the office as a voluntary administrative assistant!!!!
TOLL FREE PRAYER LINE
877-203-3917
Mission Statement:
We at Unity Church of New Hope embrace the God Spirit within through prayer and meditation
CHURCH PICNIC
The Annual Church Picnic will be Sunday, May 25th, immediately following church service. This year the picnic will be held at Coral Cove in Oak Point, TX. This address is 7.5 miles from here. Please pick up a map off the small table at the front door.
The church will provide the hamburger and hot dog fixings. Please bring a side dish or dessert, serving utensils for your dish, outdoor games and there will be limited seating. Please bring your own chairs.
Help will be needed in loading and transporting tables to and from the picnic. There will be a sign up sheet for side dishes and desserts on the bulletin board by Ellen's office.
PROGRESS ON NEW BUILDING
A special thanks to Mik Birze who has spent hours and hours meeting with the builders, bankers, etc. to make all of this happen.
You will be seeing the foundation go in as the first part of the building process. We are now on our way to a new youth addition to our building.
2008 Fall Program Volunteers Needed
The book selected for our Fall Program study this year is "The Four
Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz. Some of you undoubtedly remember
this book from our study several years ago. "The Four Agreements"
is considered a practical resource for guiding our lives, and when a
congregant suggested repeating this program, the idea was met with
enthusiasm.
Serving on one of the Fall Program committees is a fruitful and
positive way for you to get involved in the church by sharing your
unique talents and abilities. Whether you have served before or not,
please contact Pam Livingston at 940-591-6613 or at
pam.livingston@yahoo.com to set up a one-on-one meeting BEFORE MAY
1st. My intent is to get candid feedback from you about the program,
and to discuss your interest in either helping deliver the 2008 program
or in creating the program for 2009.
If you are not interested in serving on one of the committees at this
time but would like to give me feedback about the Fall Program, you are
also encouraged to schedule a meeting with me for discussion.
Everyone's input is important as we strive to provide programs that
have meaning and value for our congregants.
Make Pretty Committee
The Make Pretty Committee is looking for a volunteer to step up and take charge. Anna Shaffer is stepping down as Chairperson after some pretty amazing organizational and physical work on her part along with her family, Kevin, Mason and Ethan.
So, the position of Chairperson for the Make Pretty Committee is open. Please contact Anna for information on this position.
