Happy Juneteenth and Father’s Day Weekend!
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Coming Up
- Contemplative Prayer” with Judie Nemeth. 12:15 p.m. Thursdays on Zoom.
- Easy Tai Chi with Katie Cook – 4 p.m. Thursdays in the Great Room
- Fun FriDAZE Bingo-Trivia – 7 p.m. Friday, June 17, in Meyer Hall
- Sunday Service, 11 a.m. June 19 – “May Father’s Authority” with Tom Baker. Join us in person or online via our website or Facebook page.
- Unity Yoga with Katie Cook – 4 p.m. Tuesdays in the Great Room
Details below.
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Rev. Paula Mekdeci,
Senior Minister
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Dear Friends,
This week I have been attending the Unity People’s Convention in Kansas City online to connect with other Unity ministers and the leaders of our Unity movement. It is an inspiring week of presentations and insights as to how ministry is changing, and how we can better serve our constituents. Many times I have felt proud of Unity Renaissance — at how we have rebounded from the pandemic, how we have grown and diversified, and how our community is thriving.
At the same time, there is more for us to do. As Unity minister Rev. Eric Butterworth once said, “The Universe is calling!” The world needs our inclusive, empowering, uniting message now more than ever. We can each do our part by continuing to learn, grow, and reach out to others.
Two events in June give us the opportunity to do just that. The first is Juneteenth this Sunday, June 19. While it formally marks the emancipation of African-American slaves on June 19, 1865, it has more broadly become a celebration of Black history, culture, education, and achievement. Juneteenth reminds us that, yes, progress has been made, but much more is needed to achieve true justice, freedom, and equality for all people. You can learn more about Juneteenth here and find a local celebration here.
The second event is Saturday, June 25: PrideFest at Towne Point Park in Norfolk. Thanks to Debbie Amme, we will have a booth to reach out the LGBTQIA+ community and let them know there is a spiritual community called Unity Renaissance that welcomes and supports them. You’re invited to join us anytime between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. If you’d like to volunteer for a specific time slot, contact Debbie here.
I hope you’ll take advantage of these events to broaden your perspective and celebrate the glory of God in all people.
Much love,
Rev. Paula
P.S. Immense thanks to all of you who have contributed to the fundraiser to help Laura, Travis, and Grayson Davis recover from the fire that took their home. Together we have contributed more than $10,000 to help them rebuild their home and their lives. Thank you for your love and generosity! If you would like to make a contribution, you may donate below.
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Last Sunday’s message,
in case you missed it:
“Unjaded”
with Rev. Paula Mekdeci
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Fun FriDAZE: “Unity Trivia/Bingo Night”
7 p.m. Friday, June 17 in Meyer Hall
Join us for prizes, popcorn, lemonade, and “Bingo-Trivia” with a spiritual twist and a special guest appearance! Enjoy an evening of fun and fellowship.
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Congratulations to Rev. Ann DeMichael!
On June 13, our longstanding Board Member and Prayer and Pastoral Care Director Ann DeMichael was officially licensed as a Unity minister at the 2022 graduation and ordination ceremony at Unity Village. As a licensed minister, Rev. Ann is qualified to fulfill any of the responsibilities of a Unity minister, having successfully completed three years of academic study, two internships, and the necessary prerequisites. She will complete final steps in the coming year to become ordained as well as licensed next June. Our heartiest congratulations to our beloved Rev. Ann, who we will celebrate at Unity Renaissance on Sunday, June 26. You are a gift to us all, dear Ann, and make us so proud! (Rev. Ann is pictured here with Unity Worldwide Ministries CEO Shad Groverland at left and UWM Board Chair John McMahon at right.)
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COVID is On the Increase: Please Take Care of Yourselves!
Over the past few weeks, we’ve seen an uptick in COVID-19 cases among our congregants. As of this writing, the Chesapeake/Virginia Beach areas are rated “medium” for risk.
While we at church have not heard of any life-threatening cases, COVID must be taken seriously. Our Board strongly recommends vaccination and booster shots to reduce the likelihood of serious illness. Mask-wearing and social distancing are left to your discretion. However, if you have symptoms, test positive for COVID, and/or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, you are strongly encouraged to wear a mask.
The CDC recommends staying current with COVID-19 vaccines/boosters and getting tested if you have symptoms. Thank you for continuing to make responsible decisions to safeguard your health and the health of others.
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NEW CLASS! “Divine Audacity”
With Revs. Richard Mekdeci and Ann DeMichael
Six Wednesdays at 7 p.m. starting June 22
On Zoom only
“Divine Audacity” means bold spiritual living. It means embracing and expressing your 12 spiritual powers in every aspect of your life. As a spiritual being having a human experience, you have the innate capacity to express the highest spiritual principles in everyday life.
This class will explore the 12 Powers outlined by Unity cofounder Charles Fillmore in contemporary language with current-day application. You will discover what it means to dare to be the light of the world!
Online via Zoom only. Register on our website, app or on the Signup Wall at church. $20 per class session or $100 for the complete course. The book, “Divine Audacity” by Linda Martella-Whitsett, is available in our bookstore.
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Hampton Roads Pride 2022
12-8 p.m. Saturday, June 25, 2022
Town Point Park, Norfolk
In this time of global turmoil, questioning, and searching our hearts and institutions on how to celebrate EVERYONE with dignity and respect, we are called to live our Christ selves through our thoughts, beliefs, and actions.
On June 25 we have a special opportunity to show up as our highest selves by extending our love at Hampton Roads Pride Day. Since 2018, Unity Renaissance has sponsored a booth at this event to celebrate diversity, love, and acceptance. Many members of the LGBTQIA+ community are grateful to learn of a spiritual community that will accept them for who they are.
Come join us at the Unity Renaissance booth on Saturday, June 25 and let your light shine! For more information or to volunteer at the booth, please contact Debra Amme at (757) 288-6760.
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Higher Consciousness Film
“The Eyes of Tammy Faye”
7 p.m. Friday, July 1
This lively, provocative film provides an intimate look at the extraordinary rise, fall and redemption of televangelist Tammy Faye Bakker (played by Jessica Chastain, who won the Academy Award for Best Actress). In the 1970s and ’80s, Tammy Faye and her husband, Jim Bakker, rose from humble beginnings to create the world’s largest religious broadcasting network and theme park, and were revered for their message of love, acceptance and prosperity. Tammy Faye was legendary for her indelible eyelashes, her idiosyncratic singing, and her eagerness to embrace people from all walks of life. However, it wasn’t long before financial improprieties, scheming rivals, and scandal toppled their carefully constructed empire. Free popcorn, free admission. Discussion follows the film.
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Congratulations to our fabulous Director of Youth and Family Ministry Lisa Carter, who we honored last Sunday for her seven years of dedicated service at the helm of Youth Ed. Lisa’s last day will be June 30 — however, she promises to stay involved as a member and volunteer. Thank you, Lisa, for your talent, dedication, passion, and love for our children and families! Ana Vincent will assume the position of YFM Director starting July 1. Welcome, Ana!
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Please join us in holding our beloved Evelyn Hurd in prayer for recovery from current health challenges. We love and bless you, dear Evelyn, and see you filled with peace and healing.
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Congratulations to our Bookstore Co-manager Janet Adams on the birth of her great-grandson, Mateo! He lives in Massachusetts with his mother, Cassie, and father, Isaiah. So happy for you, Jan! What a blessing!
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Last Saturday morning, the Mighty Men of Unity met for a friendly game of Frisbee Golf at Bayville Farms Park in Virginia Beach.
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Big thanks to Office Manager Ellysia Flores and Facilities Coordinator Linda McDay for their great help supporting the groups and individuals who have been renting Meyer Hall. You both epitomize love and service! Thank you, Ellysia and Linda! (At right, the setup for a charcuterie board class sponsored by Kellie Moore of Boards and Moore, who is renting Meyer Hall regularly.)
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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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