Stepping Up, Reaching Out, and Dancing in the Truth
Donna Burkholder, Unity of SA Board Chair
I feel like I stepped outside my comfort box when I heeded my heart tug to plan an outreach to our Pecan Hill neighbors. My work life as a mortgage lender required a focus on rules, regulations, and numbers. Party planning wasn’t part of the job description. But I am learning to listen to my heart and trust in the Universe. And so the inaugural Pecan Hill Ice Cream Social was born.
I satisfied my inherent need for organization by using the new Event Planning Tool Birdie and I created. The form was easy to complete. It just asked that I describe the event, who’s in charge, what is the purpose, where will it be held, what resources will I need, do I need volunteers, who’s invited, do I need money, how do I want to market the event. This tool is available to anyone at Unity of SA that would like to “Dance in the Truth of who we are” by leading an event. Have an inspired idea? Click here for a copy of the form, complete it, and get it to a Board of Trustees member for approval!
But then the old insecurities raised their head. I thought: what if no one wants to come? What if I can’t get donations for the supplies? How can I make sure the event is successful? Whoa…where is that coming from? I have watched this loving community bind together as we guide ourselves through the transition to a new minister. I have experienced the openness and inclusivity as we eagerly accept new speakers on Sunday. I hear the kindness and love in the greetings to each other. I feel the community every Sunday as we gather to visit and introduce ourselves to newcomers. I began to relax and allow the divine powers to assert themselves as I envisioned the Ice Cream Social.
I Imagined a decorated community room at Pecan Hill brimming with smiling faces and lively conversation. I Released any thoughts of lack or insufficiency and in Faith and with Zeal moved forward with the plans.
A funny thing happened when I opened my mind and heart to the flow of abundance awaiting us. It occurred to me that I should ask for a donation from HEB. It was a leap of Faith because generally HEB doesn’t respond to requests from churches. I didn’t see this as a “church” event but a neighborhood social activity. In fact, Pecan Hill Apartments is a SAHA (San Antonio Housing Authority) community and specific religious activities are not allowed on their campus. I’ve never asked for a corporate donation before this event, but there it was so I immediately wrote a donation request letter, got in my car and delivered it to our local HEB. I left it at the office just knowing I would receive a positive response. Two days later HEB called to offer a donation for the ice cream! All the other supplies have been generously donated by UCSA (Unity Church of San Antonio) Sacred Service Lights!
Birdie recognized an opportunity to partner with other New Thought communities and so Wings of Light and The Awakening Spiritual Community were invited to join us. We are expecting plenty of help for serving and clean up and most importantly for sharing and getting to know our Pecan Hill neighbors.
I learned to trust my heart, prepare well, and allow the Divine that surrounds us all to manifest the good.
I am eagerly anticipating this opportunity to express as Love to those I will meet for the first time and to those of you I see every week. Come join us as we celebrate the joy of community.
Click here to learn more about this event, and feel free to join us at Pecan Hill Apartments immediately after church this Sunday, July 16.
