“Metaphysics Made Easy” Starts Tonight
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Coming Up
- “Metaphysics Made Easy” – TONIGHT. 7 p.m. Wednesdays through August 24, via Zoom. $20 per class.
- Contemplative Prayer” with Judie Nemeth. 12:15 p.m. Thursdays on Zoom.
- “Engaged Mindfulness” with Alex Botero. 6:30 p.m. Thursdays via Zoom. No preregistration required.
- Higher Consciousness Film “Summer of Soul” – 7 p.m. Friday, Aug 5
- Sunday Service, 11 a.m. August 7 – “Love Comes First” with Tom Baker. Join us in person or online via our website or Facebook page.
- “Summer of Soul” – Post-film Discussion – 7 p.m. Monday, August 8 via Zoom.
Details below.
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Donna Shannon and
Charlie O’ Dowd
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Summer of Soul Movie Night and Discussion
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Dear Friends,
Join us for movie night, Friday, August 5th, for the viewing of Summer of Soul and on Monday, August 7th, for a follow-up discussion on Zoom.
Summer of Soul is a documentary based on the recently discovered film of the 1969 Cultural Music Festival held in Harlem, the same year as Woodstock. Although this festival has not been recognized for over 50 years, its music and message are literally woven into the tapestry of our culture. On Friday we will view the film in its entirety and maybe have a little dancing. The following Monday we will highlight and discuss the themes of harmony, hope, unity, identity and transformation in the film.
This event is open and free to all. We encourage you to invite others to join in the fun, share perspectives and connect with others. Music is the common denominator! It reflects the hopes and dreams of a society. It’s our hope that the movie and the follow-up discussion will foster a spirit of openness and connection within our community and beyond.
Can’t make it to movie night? No worries, you can still join the Zoom on Monday. We will have film clips to spark the conversations.
Looking forward to seeing you!
Donna Shannon & Charlie O’Dowd
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Last Sunday’s message,
in case you missed it:
“The Wisdom of Muhammad”
With Rev. Paula Mekdeci
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Metaphysics Made Easy
On Zoom with Rev. Dr. Paul Hasselbeck
Four Wednesday nights at 7 p.m.
Rev. Dr. Paul Hasselbeck, Unity’s foremost teacher of metaphysics (the study of the nonphysical, intangible aspects of life), joins us on Zoom for this provocative four-week class on the spiritual questions people ponder most, such as: What is the nature of God? What is the nature of humankind? What is the nature of our relationship with God? How are we to think about heaven and hell, and the problem of evil? Rev. Paul takes the classic Unity teachings and updates them for contemporary language and understanding, challenging our embedded theology along the way, and assuring lively debate and discussion. The class will be held at 7 p.m. on four Wednesdays beginning Aug. 3. Register on our website, our app, or on the Signup Wall in the Narthex. $20 per class.
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Higher Consciousness Film
7 p.m. Friday, August 5
This documentary examines the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, which was held at Mount Morris Park (now Marcus Garvey Park) in Harlem and lasted for six weeks. Despite having a large attendance and performers such as Stevie Wonder, Mahalia Jackson, Nina Simone, The 5th Dimension, The Staple Singers, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Sly and the Family Stone and The Chambers Brothers, the festival was seen as obscure in pop culture, something that the documentarians investigate. Free popcorn and free admission. Discussion follows the film.
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“Discover Your Infinite Supply” Workshop with Ron Chapman
1 p.m. Sunday, August 21
Join us for this interactive workshop to discover the “manna” – spiritual sustenance – already and always available to you.
We will engage in experiential practices, journaling, and discussion to identify what is blocking our progress to the realization of our fulfillment.
This workshop will help us heal from past wounds and limits in order to claim the kingdom that is waiting for us and to see and experience our lives and living in a new and exciting way.”
$35 love offering. No one turned away. In person only!
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Engaged Mindfulness with Alex Botero
6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursdays
Through August 4
Gifted spiritual instructor Alex Botero offers coaching and tools to help us recognize the workings of our minds and transform habitual patterns. By cultivating mindful speech, actions, and interactions with others, we give ourselves the opportunity for a more vibrant and fulfilling life.
- Learn simple and effective meditation practices to calm and soothe the nervous system
- Practice guided meditations for emotional well-being
- Learn to create a daily practice through the power of intention
- Begin to experience and cultivate a balanced and calm state of mind
- Keep a journal to reflect on your meditation process and daily practices
- Be part of a supportive, safe, and nurturing community
You will receive the support and guidance to create a daily practice that will benefit you for the rest of your life. What to bring: wear comfortable clothing and a journal.
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Youth and Family Education Fair
12:15 p.m. Sunday, August 14
Our Youth and Family Ministry team is sponsoring a Youth and Family Education Informational Fair. Do you want to grow spiritually? Do you want to share your talents? Then, we want you! Visit us at the YFM Informational Table to find out where your talents fit and schedule a time to visit and observe a classroom of your choice.
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Sizzlin’ Summer Sundays
Every Sunday in August
Sundays in August are going to be both inspiring and fun, with wonderful speakers and special treats for our Sizzlin’ Summer Sundays. Here’s the lineup:
- Aug. 7– “Love Comes First” with guest speaker Tom Baker. This will also be Hawaiian Sunday with fruity frozen treats provided by the Unity Sisterhood.
- Aug. 14: “When Religion Ends, Spirituality Begins” with guest speaker Dr. Shafeeq Ameen. Ice Cream Sunday with our Board of Trustees.
- Aug. 21: “Manna from Heaven” with guest speaker Ron Chapman. Cookout Sunday with our Mighty Men of Unity.
- Aug. 28: “Anything is Possible” with guest speaker Rev. Ann DeMichael. Watermelon Sunday with our Choir and Music Team.
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“Summer of Soul” – Post-Film Discussion
7 p.m. Monday, August 8
Join Board Member Donna Shannon and U.R. Member Charlie O’Dowd for a deep-dive discussion into the “Summer of Soul” documentary. The film is based on the Harlem Cultural Music Festival held during the summer of 1969, the same year as Woodstock. Although this festival has not been recognized or celebrated for more than 50 years, its music and message are woven into the tapestry of our culture. The format will consist of film clips interspersed with discussion and small group sharing. We will explore the themes of harmony, hope, unity, identity and social/cultural transformation. This event is free and all are welcome. It we be held via Zoom only. No preregistration required.
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Support the Wonderful My Space/My Pace Program
My Space/My Pace is an educational program that provides one-on-one tutoring and group instruction to young people who have fallen behind in school to help them reach learning standards for their grade level. This year’s program has included 16 children
and 13 volunteer instructors. This 2022 summer program began July 5 and will conclude next week.
The purpose of the program is to ensure equity in education for students who lag behind due to social promotion (i.e., being advanced to the next grade level without having learned what is needed). My Space/My Pace founder Kathleen Barnett says, “We view social promotion as a form of social injustice that we can overcome through proper community education, collaboration, and legislation.”
The curriculum includes one-on-one tutoring tailored to each child’s needs as well as group instruction, field trips, and activities to empower, educate, and enrich these young learners. Weekly field trips connect the students with local merchants, companies, museums, and historical attractions that support that week’s educational theme. All field trips are made possible through donations, and arrangements and transportation are provided by the volunteers. More volunteers are needed for the final week, as well as school supplies, snacks, and financial donations.
To contribute, please contact Kathleen Barnett at (804) 647-8425 or
Bea Clendenin at (757) 951-3272.
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Don’t Forget: Back to School Supplies Drive
Through August 21
Community Outreach is collecting school supplies and backpacks in support of Thurgood Marshall Elementary School. Without our support, some of these school children would have few if any school supplies. Click here to see the list of needed supplies. Bring your donations on a Sunday or during the week and leave them in the bins located in the narthex.
You may wish to purchase school supplies during Virginia’s Tax-Free Weekend Friday, Aug. 5, through Sunday, Aug. 7. During that weekend you may purchase school supplies that are $20 or less per item free of Virginia’s combined state and local taxes (a total of 5.3 percent).
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Unity Yoga and Tai Chi On Break
July 28 – August 17
Katie Cook will be on vacation for two weeks, so Unity Yoga and Easy Tai Chi will be on hiatus. Classes will resume after Katie returns on Wednesday, August 17. Tai Chi is being held at 4 p.m. today (Wednesday, July 27) in the Great Room so we can get in one more class before Katie’s vacation. All are welcome! Namaste!
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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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