Where is Christianity Headed?
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Coming Up
- ‘Learn to Cook with Tofu’ – 6 p.m. TONIGHT (Wednesday, Oct. 19)
- Easy Tai Chi with Katie Cook – 4-5:15 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20 in the Great Room.
- Violet Flame Meeting – 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20, in the Great Room and on Zoom
- Choir Rehearsal – 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20, in the Sanctuary
- ‘The Unjudged Experiment’ – 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, Meyer Hall
- Sunday Service, 11 a.m. Oct. 23 – ‘Let’s Talk About It: Does God Exist?’ with Rev. Paula Mekdeci and Tom Baker. Join us in person or online via our website or Facebook page. Followed by Letters to Incarcerated Persons.
- Shining Souls Youth Choir Rehearsal – 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23
- Path to Discovery – 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 24
- ‘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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Will Christianity Change or Die?
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Dear Friends,
In 1999, Bishop John Shelby Spong wrote the bestselling book, Why Christianity Must Change or Die. Noting the exponential rise of the “spiritual but not religious,” and an exodus from traditional Christian dogma, Spong issued “a rousing c all for a Christianity based on critical thought rather than blind faith, on love rather than judgment.”
Today the trends Spong spotted are even more pronounced. A PEW Research Report released last month shows an accelerating decline in the percentage of people identifying as Christian, and exponential growth in the percentage who are atheist, agnostic, or “nothing in particular.” Church attendance is down, and many congregations are aging out. The report states, “If recent trends in religious switching continue, Christians could make up less than half of the U.S. population within a few decades.”
With these and other forces at play (including the rise of Christian Nationalism and the convergence of conservative politics and evangelical Christianity), what is the future of Christianity? If traditional Christianity continues to decline, will a new gospel of love and acceptance, based on modern Bible scholarship and critical thinking, replace it? What can we do to spur the rise of a more open and inclusive Christianity?
These are some of the compelling topics we’ll explore at our Future of Christianity mini-conference Oct. 28 and 29 at Unity Renaissance and on Zoom. On Friday evening Oct. 28, we’ll host a diverse panel discussion with leading clergy from our area; on the evening of Saturday, Oct. 29, I’ll interview via Zoom the renowned Bishop Carlton Pearson, once a rising national star in evangelical Christianity whose spiritual awakening led to life-changing loss of his former status and then emergence as an inspired and passionate advocate of New Thought and a “gospel of inclusion.” Both evenings will include audience Q&A with the presenters.
This event will be one of the most important and ambitious we have ever taken on at Unity Renaissance, with major implications for us and for future generations. Make your reservation now, and plan to join us!
Much love,
Rev. Paula
P.S. This Sunday will be my last “Let’s Talk About It” conversation with the erudite and delightful Tom Baker. We’ll tackle the central question, “Does God Exist?” See you then!
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Last Sunday’s message,
in case you missed it:
“Losing My Religion: A Journey of Deconstruction”
With Geoff Warder
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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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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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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 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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‘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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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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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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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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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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Mega thanks to Unity Renaissance member and former Board President Starr Janicki for designing and overseeing the installation of the beautiful new message in our Narthex. The wall says it all! Thank you for your generosity, talent, and dedication, Starr!
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Thank you to prayer chaplain Christine Goodman (left in picture) and Prayer and Pastoral Care Director Rev. Ann DeMichael (at right) for doing a complete refresh of our beautiful chapel, with new features including a framed display of one of the earliest editions of the Daily Word, from July 1924. The energy in this sacred space is even more beautiful than before! Thank you for your love, caring, and creativity, Christine and Rev. Ann!
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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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