Unity World Day of Prayer On Zoom Tonight
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Coming Up
- Unity World Day of Prayer Opening Ceremonies, Unity Village. 8 p.m. tonight (Eastern Time) on Zoom. FREE. Register here to receive the Zoom link.
- 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.
- Sunday Service, 11 a.m. September 11 – ‘More Than Enough’ with Rev. Paula Mekdeci. Join us in person or online via our website or Facebook page.
- Teacher Appreciation Lunch – 12:30 p.m. Sunday, September 11
- Unity Yoga’ with Katie Cook – 4 p.m. Tuesdays in the Great Room
- ‘Investing Love’ A Recovery Support Group – 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 13. Drop-in group; no registration necessary.
Details below.
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Rev. Paula Mekdeci
Senior Minister
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Dear Friends,
The Unity movement’s World Day of Prayer is one of the most sacred and beautiful events of the year. People across the globe unite in prayer for themselves, their loved ones, and our entire planet, affirming peace, healing, unity, and love.
This year’s World Day of Prayer is Thursday, Sept. 8, with opening ceremonies at 8 p.m. tonight on Zoom. The opening event features great music and great speakers, and sets the tone for 24 hours of continuous prayer at Unity’s Prayer Ministry (Silent Unity) and across the world. If you’d like to immerse yourself in sacred energy by virtually attending the opening, you may register for free here. The Zoom link will then be emailed to you.
This year’s World Day of Prayer theme is “Holding the High Watch.” Whether you participate in the official events or simply take time to turn within, I encourage you to make a conscious choice to shift your awareness to a higher level. Behold the good in yourself and in others, and affirm an awakening that returns us to Oneness.
The World Day of Prayer affirmation is, “I pray with an elevated mind and an open heart.” More World Day of Prayer resources are available here, and affirmations from Daily Word here. You can reach Silent Unity at 1-800-NOW-PRAY, or 1-800-669-7729.
However you choose to pray, know that you are one with the all-loving presence of God. May you sense that at depth, and experience peace.
Much love,
Rev. Paula
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Last Sunday’s message,
in case you missed it:
‘Let’s Talk About It:
The Invention of Hell’
With Tom Baker and Rev. Paula Mekdeci
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New Class!
“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
In person and on Zoom
On the heels of his highly successful class on the “One Mind” last fall, Christopher Naughton returns with a four-week exploration of “how the concepts of One Mind can help create common ground and increase inner peace and our confidence in the future.” He’ll be interviewing world-renowned experts in science, metaphysics, and parapsychology including Alan Cohen, Mitch Horowitz, Helané Wahbeh, Stephan Schwartz, Jeffrey Mishlove, and Glenn Aparicio Parry. This class will be offered in person at Unity Renaissance and on Zoom. Register on our website here, on our app, or on the Signup Wall at church. $99 for the full four weeks or $30 per session. Scholarships available.
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“Holding the High Watch”
Unity World Day of Prayer 2022
Thursday, Sept. 8
Opening Ceremonies Wednesday, Sept. 7, on Zoom
Unity’s World Day of Prayer is a time to lift our consciousness into an awareness of Oneness. You can participate in the online opening ceremonies at 8 p.m. today by registering at worlddayofprayer.org. The event is free but they need your email address to send you the link. Guest speakers include Revs. Linda Martella-Whitsett, Kathy Beasley, Tawnicia Ferguson Rowan, Chris Jackson, and Evin Wilkins.
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‘Investing Love: A Recovery Support Group’
7 p.m. Tuesdays beginning September 13
Unity Renaissance members Dawn Bennett and Sam Akompong are launching a new recovery support group called, “Investing Love,” Tuesdays at 7 p.m. in the Y.O.U. Room starting Sept. 13. The focus will be on applying proven strategies to move from feelings of “unlove” to feelings of wholeness and worthiness through the giving and receiving of love. The group will examine learned patterns of unhealthy self-protection including addictions, recriminations, procrastination, holding grudges, and dishonesty as an attempt to rescue our self-image. When these are addressed with love, one’s quality of life improves immeasurably. This is a drop-in group; no registration required. All are welcome. Love offering.
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Community Forum
1:15 p.m. Sunday, October 2
The Unity Renaissance Board of Trustees is hosting a Community Forum Sunday, Oct. 2, after the Food and Fellowship “Chili Cook-off.” Come ready to hear news, updates, and financial reports, and bring any questions you might have. All are welcome to attend.
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Enter Our Chili Cook-off!
12:30 p.m. Sunday, October 2
Do you claim to have the BEST chili recipe this side of the Mississippi? Do you have that secret ingredient that only gets passed down from generation to generation? It’s time to strut your stuff at our Food and Fellowship Chili Cook-off Sunday, Oct. 2. Sign up on the Signup Wall at church or email Ellysia here to enter your prized pot of chili. We have three experienced judges ready to do the taste-testing and declare the best of the bunch. The winner will receive a brand new 8-quart Instant-Pot Pressure Cooker! And for those who’d rather eat chili than cook it, you may purchase your chili lunch for $5 a bowl with a side of cornbread. Let’s get cookin’!
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Annual Pet Blessing
10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 1
Mark your calendars for our annual Pet Blessing on Saturday, Oct. 1, in the grassy area outside Meyer Hall. Bring your furry (or not-furry) friends on a leash or in a cage or holder for a brief ceremony, treats and water for the animals, and an individual blessing for each from Rev. Paula. One of the sweetest events of the year. Join us!
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Step into Sacred Service:
Hospitality Team Wants YOU!
We are in great need of additional help on our Hospitality Team. These are the folks who put food out for us and clean up afterwards, and we love them dearly! If you could help one Sunday a month, it would be hugely appreciated. Please see Tammy Fiske or email her here. (Pictured are Hospitality Team members Kitty Penny and Deborah Farrell.)
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Volunteer Presenters Wanted for ‘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, a project called “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.
The “Unjudged Experiment” planning team — Margaret Jenkins (lead), Donna Shannon, Charlie O’Dowd, and Shafeeq Ameen — is currently seeking volunteer Presenters. If you have experienced bias or felt judged in your life and are willing to share your story with others, we want to hear from you! Please contact Margaret here or complete the application form (see link below). Please submit your application by Oct. 1st. In coming weeks, the team will also provide information on how to participate as a “Seeker” — one who attends in order to listen, learn, and connect with others.
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Unity Renaissance – Boutique Art Gallery presents:
“Shadow of Color Exhibition”
September-October 2022
Featured Artist: Jorge Antonio Saenz
Be sure to check out the gorgeous artwork in our Sanctuary from featured artist Jorge Antonio Saenz through October. Saenz’s work reveals multiple layers of shapes, patterns, and color fluctuation, often completed with translucent drips. His work has been featured in local exhibitions at the Virginia Beach Art Center’s Brock Gallery, Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, Charles H. Taylor Visual Arts Center, Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library, and MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art) in Virginia Beach. He has received many accolades for his work, and his art is sought after by various collectors internationally. All artwork is for sale, with 30 percent of the proceeds going to Unity Renaissance.
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Please hold congregant and ministerial host Ardell McCoy in prayer for prompt, abundant resources and support to overcome a current health challenge. We see doors opening for you to receive all the answers and care you need, dear Ardell, and your body returning to full, vibrant health.
Join us in affirming rest, rejuvenation, and full healing for our beloved Office Manager Ellysia Flores. We see you filled with healing energy, Ellysia, your body responding beautifully to all the care, rest, and attention you give it. Bless you for being the amazing, giving person you are. Get well!
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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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