‘The One Mind’ Class Concludes Tonight
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Coming Up
- ‘You Say You Want a Revolution…in Consciousness?’ – 7 p.m. TONIGHT only on Zoom. Passcode 988341. Register here. Special guest Jeffrey Mishlove.
- Violet Flame Meeting – 7 p.m. Thursday in the Great Room and on Zoom
- Choir Rehearsal – 7 p.m. Thursday in the Sanctuary
- Sunday Service, 11 a.m. Oct. 16 – ‘”Losing My Religion: A Journey of Deconstruction” with Rev. Geoff Warder. Join us in person or online via our website or Facebook page. Youth Education available, plus nursery care for ages infant to 3.
- Shining Souls youth choir rehearsal – 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16
- ‘Investing Love’ A Recovery Support Group – 7 p.m. Tuesdays. Drop-in group; no registration necessary. Meet in the Y.O.U. Room.
Details below.
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Rev. Paula Mekdeci,
Senior Minister
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Discovering All Faces of God
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Dear Friends,
As I shared last Sunday, we can follow Jesus’s example in developing a relationship with all three “faces of God”: Infinite God (the transcendent God, everywhere present); the Intimate God (Holy Other, Beloved Companion, Wise Guide); and the Inner God (the Divine within us, our true essence).
To gauge which relationship with God we might wish to further develop, we can ask:
- (Infinite God) Is my God big enough? Does it transcend the mythical idea of a superman sitting up in the sky?
- (Intimate God) Is my God close enough? Do I have an up close and personal relationship with God – a sense of God as my friend, supporter, companion, and confidante?
- (Inner God) Does my God include me? Do I behold the Divine in myself? When I look in the mirror, can I see God?
Remember, what you are seeking is seeking you! Enjoy the journey!
Much love,
Rev. Paula
P.S. I have scheduled five small group meetings to meet with up to 10 congregants at once to process the change in ministerial leadership at Unity Renaissance, and connect heart to heart before my retirement in December. I am so looking forward to this time of personal connection! Please see below to sign up for one of these small groups.
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Last Sunday’s message,
in case you missed it:
‘The Three Faces of God’
With Rev. Paula Mekdeci
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Sign Up for One of Rev. Paula’s Small Group Gatherings
How about some personal time with the minister before she retires at the end of the year? Rev. Paula has scheduled five small group meetings to meet with congregants in a more intimate setting and share thoughts, feelings, and ideas about where we’ve been and what lies ahead. Maximum 10 people per group; some groups will meet at church, others on Zoom. More groups can be provided as needed. Click on the link below to sign up for the time and date that work best for you:
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Update on Ministerial Transition
The Board of Trustees is working diligently to ensure continuity with our community as we prepare for Rev. Paula’s retirement at the end of the year.
The Board has had several meetings with Toni Boehm at Unity Worldwide Ministries, who is helping us find a transitional minister to serve temporarily until we seek and hire a new senior minister. On Nov. 1, Toni will be sending our church information to the cadre of individuals who serve as transitional ministers in the Unity movement to identify who is interested and available to work with us. Our Board will then interview the available transitional ministers and select the person we feel is the best fit for Unity Renaissance.
The Board is also meeting regularly with Pat Bessey, our Eastern Region consultant, to assure as smooth a transition as possible. Please check our website for the key communications we have issued so far, including a detailed FAQ that answers commonly asked questions. Also, if you missed the Oct. 2 Community Forum, you may go back and watch it on our Facebook page. You may also see the video of Rev. Paula’s comments to the congregation here.
If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to reach out to a Board member or email us at the transition email, unityrentransition@gmail.com. This email address is monitored daily and a board member will get back to you.
We will come through these changes together, stronger and better than ever! Thank you for your love and support.
Blessings,
Valerie Winters
Board Vice President
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‘The One Mind: You Say You Want a Revolution…in Consciousness?’
With Christopher Naughton and Special Guests
7 p.m. Wednesdays, Sept. 21-Oct. 12
Only on Zoom
Christopher Naughton’s breakthrough class concludes tonight with a thought-provoking interview with Jeffrey Mishlove, author of “The Roots of Consciousness.” Dr. Mishlove also received the Bigelow award, a half million dollars given to the individual who could best present evidence of consciousness surviving bodily death. This class is on Zoom only. Register on our website here, or on our Unity Renaissance app. $30 per session.
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The Future of Christianity
A Two Evening Mini-Conference
7 p.m. Friday Oct. 28 and Saturday, Oct. 29
In person and on Zoom
Join us for a provocative two-evening mini-conference Oct. 28-29 to discuss “The Future of Christianity” with a variety of local and national religious leaders. On Friday evening, Oct. 28, Board president and Emmy-award winning broadcast journalist Christopher Naughton will moderate an in-person panel with four clergy from diverse denominations in the Hampton Roads area, to discuss current trends and the need to evolve. On Saturday evening, Oct. 29, Rev. Paula Mekdeci will interview via Zoom Bishop Carlton Pearson, whose story of breaking away from evangelical Christianity is told in the powerful movie “ Come Sunday.” Bishop Pearson is a living example of what happens when one stands up for progressive change in Christianity. He offers a high-level view of the religious landscape and a passionate perspective on what needs to change.
Both evenings’ events will be hosted in person at Unity Renaissance and on Zoom. Audience members both online and in person will have the opportunity to ask questions of the speakers both nights. Cost for the entire conference is $45 per person. Recordings of each night’s events will be available after the conference. For more info and to register, click the button below. Questions? Contact Ellysia Flores: ellysia@unityren.org
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1:30 p.m. Sunday, November 6
We are thrilled to welcome back to Unity Renaissance the sensationally talented guitarist and singer/songwriter Christie Lenée. Christie is known for her phenomenal guitar playing and radiant spirit. She was named the 2017 Guitar Finger Picking Champion and is considered one of the top guitarists in the world. Christie is also a PosiAward-winning singer/songwriter. $25 suggested love offering. The concert will follow our Food and Fellowship “Souper Sunday” meal.
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Membership Renewal for 2023
Membership Renewal has begun! We’re making it as easy as possible for you. Stop by the desk in the Narthex on Sundays to verify your membership and contact info. Or watch for an email to renew your membership. Questions? Email Ellysia at ellysia@unityren.org.
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Vegan Cooking Class
With Lisbet Chiriboga
6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19
Unity Renaissance Kitchen
Learn about the health benefits of soy and the versatility of tofu! This will be a hands-on class where we will prepare tofu recipes for breakfast, lunch and dessert. Get tips on healthy, plant-based eating from Lisbet Chiriboga, a 22-year vegan. All recipes are naturally gluten-free. $40 per person, Ages 18 and up. Register on our website. This is a repeat of Lisbet’s previous class for those who couldn’t get in last time! Sign up now, as there are only five spots left!
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‘The Unjudged Experiment’
10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22
“Building trust one conversation at a time”
To provide opportunities for open and honest conversation between people with different life experiences, “The Unjudged Experiment” will be held at Unity Renaissance from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22. It will foster conversations that build trust and understanding across racial and cultural differences. Learn about cultural differences and experiences from the people who have lived them through engaging and personal conversation. “Seekers” (those who attend to listen and learn) will have the opportunity to learn through the stories of the “Presenters.” Please sign up on the Signup Wall at church.
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Letters to Incarcerated Persons
Sunday, Oct. 23, after the service
You can change a person’s day and even their life with statements of hope, support, and affirmation. Join us in Meyer Hall after the service Sunday, Oct. 23, to write a positive note to an incarcerated person. Our prison ministry will provide the name and address and the notecards. Reach out and connect with someone who could use a friend.
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Ready to Become a Member of Unity Renaissance?
Path To Discovery Classes Available in October
If you’re interested in becoming a member of Unity Renaissance, you have two different opportunities to take the required two-hour Path to Discovery class. Rev. Richard Mekdeci and Licensed Unity Teacher Cindy Mills will be teaching this two-hour class in person on two dates in October. Pick the date that works best for you, and contact Rev. Richard to register:
7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 24, or
7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 26
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Trunk or Treat
Sunday, Oct. 30 after the Service
Here comes Halloween! And with it, our next Trunk or Treat in the parking lot. Join us after the service on Oct. 30 for a howling good time as participating adults decorate the trunks of their cars and provide treats for the kids. Sign up on the Signup Wall. If you’re participating, please park your cars in the designated parking area, decorate your cars/trunks, and be ready to pass out Halloween treats. Trophy and other prizes will be awarded for the best car decorations. Hosted by our Youth and Family Ministry team.
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The Nursery is Now Open on Sundays!
Our Youth Education department is excited to announce that the nursery is now open. Bring those bouncing babies and toddlers on Sunday and leave them in the capable care of our new Nursery Supervisor (and former pediatrician) Dr. Thedia Smith. Drop off begins at 10:30 a.m. Sundays. Please bring diapers, a change of clothes, and any bottles needed during the visit!
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Unity Renaissance member and elementary Youth Ed teacher Linda Tucci has been named 2022 Employee of the Year for the City of Virginia Beach in the Virginia Beach Probation Department. Linda was selected because she is a “change agent” and is “making a difference.” Way to go, Linda!
Our prayers are with Unity Renaissance member Gale Lumadue and her 13-year-old dog Traveler, who is undergoing two minor surgical procedures at the vet. We affirm successful surgeries for Traveler, and see him fully healed and whole. We also send prayers of comfort and faith to dear Gale. You and Traveler are both Divinely blessed!
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Please submit news of your celebrations, milestones, needs, or challenges to Rev. Paula (revpaula@unityren.org) or Ellysia Flores (ellysia@unityren.org). Note: Items included only if the person involved (where possible) has given their permission.
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Join Our “Virtual Family” Watching
Unity Renaissance Live at 11 a.m. Sundays
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Unity Renaissance (757) 420-5280
1120 Eden Way North, Chesapeake, VA 23320
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