Dear Friends,

You have probably noticed that, since February, there has been a significant drop in both our attendance and financial support. As I reported in a previous email, the records indicate that our Church was on the rise prior to this period. What happened?

The catalyst for this reversal is tied directly to management issues concerning this year’s Women’s Retreat. Though the Board and I did everything possible to support this endeavor, we were not in a position to accept responsibility for the proposed $8,000 budget. Determined to go forward, the Retreat organizers agreed to take responsibility for any deficit incurred. There was indeed a loss, and two of the three organizers, true to their word, covered their share. Others, not involved in organizing the Retreat, stepped in to help make it a break-even proposition.

While some individuals undoubtedly benefited from their experience at this event, the overall result of this Retreat and its ensuing fallout has now placed our Church in a precarious position. I have every reason to believe that, had this Retreat not taken place, the Church would have continued on its upward trend, and those who have left would still be with us, just as supportive as they were for years prior to this unfortunate development.

As a practical and responsible measure, the Board designated as “inactive” those members who, of their own volition, left our Church. This means that their right to cast a vote in the legal business of this Church has been suspended until they return, as our governing bylaws specify, and once again endeavor to “… further the work of this ministry through his/her active interest, love, and support.” Their choice to either remain inactive or to reactivate their membership is entirely their own. The Board has asked no one to leave. To the contrary, your Board has extended an open invitation for them to return and to re-establish their status as active members.

The beauty and power of the Unity message is in its directive to stop wishing things had gone differently, accept a given situation as it is, and lift our vision to what can be. This ministry has always blessed and levitra soft discount online released those who have made the choice to move in other directions. Love does not cling. Love releases in the joy of knowing that God is guiding every person to his or her highest possible good. With lifted vision, the sadness of parting gives way to the satisfaction of seeing each soul flourish, not on the path of our preference, but on the path that is perfect and highest for them.

Each time we encounter turmoil in our ministry, Beth and I use the situation to take stock. Are we still on the path that is for our highest good, and the highest good of those we serve? While we do not feel our work in Grand Junction is complete, we are open to the guidance of Spirit as we put this development behind us and move forward with our own lives. This church has a history of losing ministers as the result of situations just like the one we face now. As a spiritual leader, I have strongly felt the need to break this long-standing, negative cycle, to demonstrate that adversity is not a sign that it is time to give in, but to stand firm in the principles embodied in this way of life that we have chosen.

To stand firm in this ministry, to carry it forward, Beth and I need you to stand with us. Without you, we have no ministry, no reason to remain here. I believe that the ministry we are conducting through Unity Church in Grand Junction is the most spiritually profound and powerful message available. It is profound and powerful because we do not seek to draw people with social amenities. We appeal to those who are ready to explore the practical implications of their relationship of oneness with God, to find their own spiritual center of strength and power, and to learn, as Emilie Cady wrote, “… to stand alone with God.” As she points out, “Nothing else avails. Nothing else will ever make you master of your own destiny.” This is what I have always believed, and this is what I will continue to bring to our ministry.

Many of you are asking how you can help. Your continued expressed love and support for this ministry, your attendance on Sunday morning, and your continued financial support (either by mail, internet, or in person) are what we need to move forward. We also need everyone to stop the unfortunate perpetuation of misinformation and levitra sur ordonnance italie half-truths. Because I have been involved with every aspect leading to our current situation, I am more than happy to answer any questions and address any concerns you may have. My door has always been open, and will remain so to everyone.

In August, we were blessed with two very generous gifts from anonymous donors who want to see our ministry continue. We need all of us, working together, to do what is needed to carry on. You know we are strongest when we have many doing a little rather than depending on a few doing a lot. Everyone doing what you can to keep this ministry solvent and available to all who are looking for it will turn this present situation into a profound demonstration of success. I have faith in God, and I have faith in each one of you.

Beth and I want to thank you for the countless ways you have enriched our lives in our twelve years with you. If our role here is coming to a close, we will leave with the beautiful memories of those of you who have exemplified the best of the human spirit. Should we all rally and continue on this path together, I have no doubt that we will, both as individuals and as a spiritual community, become stronger than ever.

Our richest blessings to you,

Doug and Beth Bottorff