Where is Christianity Headed, and Why Does It Matter?
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Coming Up
- Contemplative Prayer with Judy Nemeth – 12:15 p.m. Thursday via Zoom
- ‘Future of Christianity’ Mini-Conference – 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28, and Saturday, Oct. 29. In person and on Zoom. Register here.
- Sunday Service, 11 a.m. Oct. 30 – ‘The Golden Rule’ Multigenerational Service. Join us in person or online via our website or Facebook page.
- Trunk or Treat – 12:15 Sunday, Oct. 30 in the parking lot.
- Unity Yoga – 4 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 1 in the Great Room.
- ‘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. Tai Chi and the Violet Flame are cancelled this week.
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Rev. Paula Mekdeci,
Senior Minister
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Dear Friends,
This fall is feeling particularly precious to me, as I pause to appreciate all that Unity Renaissance is, and the phenomenal ways in which we are growing and serving the world.
The Unjudged Experiment last Saturday (Oct. 22) was only the most recent example of how our congregants are innovating to raise awareness and change lives. I was deeply moved by the transformational impact of people having one-on-one conversations with others whose life experiences are different from their own. You could almost see and feel minds and hearts being opened. Beautiful!
There will be more opportunities for deep connection in the coming months: Our fabulous “Future of Christianity” conference this weekend ( register now to avoid a crowd at the door!); a stirring multigenerational service this Sunday on “The Golden Rule”; a powerful Higher Consciousness film Nov. 4; Souper Sunday and an amazing concert Nov. 6; plus a much-anticipated Unity Renaissance Poetry Night and new “Food as Medicine” workshop in November. Then in December, all the outreach and festivities of the Advent season.
Consider this your personal invitation to show up and benefit from the powerful current of love and caring running through Unity Renaissance right now (as always). Give yourself the gift of participation. Come soak up the love and share the blessing of your light and presence.
This is a phenomenal time for us. Don’t miss it!
Much love,
Rev. Paula
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Last Sunday’s message,
in case you missed it:
“Let’s Talk About It: Does God Exist?”
With Tom Baker and Rev. Paula Mekdeci
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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 clergy from diverse denominations in the Hampton Roads area. On Saturday evening, Oct. 29, Rev. Paula Mekdeci will interview via Zoom Bishop Carlton Pearson, whose story of breaking away from Pentecostal Christianity is told in the powerful movie “ Come Sunday.” Bishop Pearson has a high-level view of the religious landscape and is a living example of what happens when one stands up for progressive change in Christianity.
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. Scholarships available. 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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Sign Up for One of Rev. Paula’s Small Group Gatherings
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:
2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9 at Unity Renaissance – FULL
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Minister Transition Update
Your Board of Trustees has been meeting frequently to ensure a smooth transition as Rev. Paula’s retirement date approaches in less than two months. Tuesday evening the Board met with key staff members to address how we will operate, the role of the transition minister, and Board/staff communication and collaboration after Rev. Paula leaves. As a result of this conversation, we look forward to having Business Manager Paul Mitcham or another key staff member participate in Board meetings during the transitional process.
The search for a Transitional Minister will begin Nov. 1. This person will help the church learn to operate without Rev. Paula and will also help the Board and congregation plan and conduct the search for a new Senior Minister. Our goal is to select a trained and available Transitional Minister who can serve us well through each step of this transition, and who could begin as early as January 2023.
Save the Date! Christmas Dinner and Retirement Celebration
Plan to join us for a very special event on Friday evening, Dec. 9: The Unity Renaissance Christmas Dinner coupled with a Retirement Celebration for Rev. Paula. This will be a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a holiday meal together while honoring Rev. Paula before her last Sunday Dec. 18. We would love for you to share this special time with us.
If you have any questions about the transition process, please reach out to the Board at UnityRenTransition@gmail.com. For a full Q&A on the ministerial transition, click here.
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Trunk or Treat
Sunday, Oct. 30 after the Service
Join us after the service Oct. 30 for a howling good time as participating adults decorate the trunks of their cars and provide treats for the kids. If you’re participating, please park your cars in the designated parking area, decorate your cars/trunks, and be ready to distribute 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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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 per person and includes lunch. The concert will follow our Food and Fellowship “Souper Sunday” meal of soup, bread, and a beverage (free with your paid concert ticket).
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Fun FriDAZE Poetry Night
7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18
Mark your calendars and plan to participate in our next Fun FriDAZE Poetry Night at Unity Renaissance. All aspiring poets invited to share one or two of their poems – or you may share a poem you love written by someone else. Sign up on the Signup Wall to participate. Refreshments provided. Love offering.
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Higher Consciousness Film for November
7 p.m. Friday, November 4
An overcrowded maximum-security prison—the end of the line in Alabama’s correctional system—is dramatically changed by the influence of an ancient meditation program introduced to inmates. The Dhamma Brothers tells a dramatic tale of human potential and transformation as it closely follows and documents the stories of the prison inmates at Donaldson Correctional Facility who enter into this arduous and intensive program. This film has the power to dismantle stereotypes about men behind prison bars and, in the words of Sister Helen Prejean (Dead Man Walking), “gives you hope for the human race.”
Free admission | Free popcorn | Discussion follows the film
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“Finding Yourself in Transition”
A Workshop with Rev. Paula
6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16
Life is a steady stream of transitions, from the seasons of the calendar to the seasons of our lives. We are all faced with managing changes involving our jobs, homes, family members, personal relationships, aging, health, finances — even our spiritual community! Although change can be daunting, there is a clear path through it — a framework for understanding the phases of transitions, and learning how to successfully navigate (and love yourself) through each of them. Rev. Paula will explore the three stages of any transition and the tools we can use to manage them. The workshop will be held from 6:30-9 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16, in person at Unity Renaissance. Cost: $25. Signup online or on our Signup Wall. The book Rev. Paula will be using (“Finding Yourself in Transition” by Robert Brumet) is available in our bookstore.
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Interested in Running for Our Board of Trustees?
If you’re interested in joining our awesome Board of Trustees to lead Unity Renaissance into the future, you may pick up your application packet at the Welcome Desk or download it from our website. Applications are due no later than Dec. 22. You must have been a member of Unity Renaissance for at least two years to apply. The election will be held at the Annual Meeting in January.
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Membership Renewal: It Only Takes a Minute!
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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Congratulations to grandparents Karen and Alan Perry on the birth of twins to their daughter Alanda Jones and her husband Matt on Oct. 20. From left are Dorothy Violet (pink beanie), 6 lbs. 9 oz., and Theo Brixton (blue beanie), 5 lbs. 1 oz. The twins have a big sister, Macey, and their aunt and uncle are Unity Renaissance congregants Rima and Travis Shearin. The twins and their mom are doing well!
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Our love and prayers are with longtime Unity Renaissance member Chuck Mills as he recovers from a serious illness. We see you filled with healing light and energy, fully restored and revitalized, dear Chuck. We affirm strength, comfort, wisdom, and assurance for both you and your beloved wife, Licensed Unity Teacher Cindy Mills.
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Mega thanks to Unity Renaissance member Ed Rosequist for deep cleaning the floors in Meyer Hall and the Narthex to spiff things up for our conference this weekend! Ed spent a full afternoon cleaning and steaming the scuff marks, spills, and streaks and even cleaned the bottoms of the tables and chairs to help keep the floors from getting dirty again! You always go above and beyond, Ed! Thank you!
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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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