Remember to Set Your Clocks Back Saturday Night!
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Coming Up
- Contemplative Prayer with Judy Nemeth – 12:15 p.m. Thursday via Zoom
- Violet Flame – 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 3. Zoom only All are welcome.
- ‘The Dhamma Brothers’ Higher Consciousness Film – 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4. Free admission, free popcorn.
- Daylight Savings Ends – 2 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 6 (Set clocks back an hour when you go to bed Saturday night)
- Sunday Service, 11 a.m. Nov. 6 – ‘The Dance of Diversity’ with Rev. Paula Mekdeci. New Member Sunday. Join us in person or online via our website or Facebook page.
- Food and Fellowship “Souper Sunday” – after the service Sunday, Nov. 6.
- Unity Yoga and Investing Love are canceled for Nov. 8, since the church is a polling place and closed for business on Election Day.
Details below.
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Rev. Paula Mekdeci,
Senior Minister
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Dear Friends,
One of my favorite parts of the Sunday service is talking to our youth about what they learned that morning. They always say such wise and profound things — often to the surprise of their teachers!
I was struck once again by the wisdom and beauty of our young people at last Sunday’s multigenerational service on “The Golden Rule.” Kudos to our Youth and Family Ministry Director and Assistant Director, Ana Vincent and Bea Clendenin, for picking the perfect topic to help both children and adults in these challenging times. Immense thanks to our youth for their inspiring speech, singing, acting, and participation. Their lights shine so brightly!
It warms my heart to know that Unity Renaissance is helping children thrive by reminding them how loved and special they are, each in their own way. The lessons they are learning about love, fairness, inner strength, inclusiveness, and more will help them lead the way as adults. They are our future!
Many thanks to our incredible Youth and Family Ministry team — the leaders, the teachers, the parents, and the kids!
Much love,
Rev. Paula
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Last Sunday’s message,
in case you missed it:
“The Golden Rule”
Multigenerational Service with
Our Youth and Rev. Paula Mekdeci
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1:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 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. Concert tickets are $25 per person which includes lunch. Children under 18 may attend the concert free. 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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‘Souper Sunday’ Food & Fellowship Lunch
12:15 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 6
$5 Per Person or Free with Concert Ticket
Join us this Sunday for our final Food and Fellowship lunch of the year. Our busy cooks are preparing 13 different kinds of homemade soup to warm the cockles of your heart. Vegan and gluten-free options available. For $5 (or free with your ticket to the Christie Lenée concert), you get a hearty bowl of soup and bread, with iced tea or water. Bake sale available as well featuring homemade treats from our Unity baking team. Enjoy food and fellowship and stay for the Christie Lenée concert after lunch!
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Minister Transition Update
‘Why Do We Need a Transitional Minister?’
Your Board of Trustees is meeting often to ensure a smooth transition after Rev. Paula retires in just over six weeks. All is going well, and we have received our first applications for the Transitional Minister who will serve Unity Renaissance until a new Senior Minister is hired. We expect to receive more Transitional Minister applications in the next few weeks.
One of the questions often asked is, “Why do we need a Transitional Minister?” In other words, can’t Unity Renaissance operate on its own until we have a new Senior Minister?
Here are the answers to those and related questions, from the FAQs on our website. A copy of the FAQs is also available on the Board bulletin board at church. You may also speak to a Board member about any questions you have:
Why do we need a Transitional Minister? When a minister leaves after having successfully served a congregation for many years, Unity Worldwide Ministries recommends a buffer time before the new Senior Minister is hired. This gives the congregation time to grieve and adjust to operating without the departing minister. The Transitional Minister will lead the church during that time and steer the change process.
What is the process for selecting the Transitional Minister? Unity Worldwide Ministries will provide our Board with the names and background information on a few qualified individuals who could serve as Transitional Minister. These are Unity ministers who have specifically been trained for this work for 2-3 years. Our Board will review the candidates, conduct interviews, and select the individual who is best suited to our community.
Can the Transitional Minister stay if we like him or her? No. Unity Worldwide Ministries’ guidelines specifically forbid the Transitional Minister from staying on or applying for the permanent Senior Minister position.
If you have any questions about the transition process, feel free to email the Board at UnityRenTransition@gmail.com. The Board is regularly updating information on our website here.
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.
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Small Group Gatherings with Rev. Paula
Rev. Paula has scheduled 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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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
We all face changes in our lives 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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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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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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Unity Renaissance Boutique Art Gallery Presents:
“Art is the Highest Form of Hope”
With Featured Artists Robert Hersh and Donna Twiford
November-December 2022
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Robert E. Hersh, MD, is a self-taught photographic portrait and landscape artist who has pursued his passion in the photographic arts for most of his 34-year Naval medical career. As a plastic and reconstructive surgeon and hand surgeon, photography has always held a critical importance in his clinical work. He sought learning from online sources and various mentors to raise his skill in capturing more artistic images. Dr. Hersh’s desire to see his images in print rather than in digital media only prompted the production of this art show.
Dr. Hersh retired from active Naval service in 2016 and currently serves the needs of U.S. Veterans at the Hampton VA Medical Center in Hampton, VA. He lives in Chesapeake with his wife of 33 years, Denise. They have five children and three grandchildren.
Donna Twiford is a photographic artist who loves capturing those moments that make you say “ahhhhh,” and sharing her photos with others. While she enjoys portrait and wedding photography as well, she often heads to the beach to greet and capture the new day. She has trained online with world-renowned photographers, and has been blessed with mentors who have guided and helped hone her artistic skills.
Donna grew up in North Carolina where she began taking photos for her school’s yearbook in the ninth grade. A graduate of North Carolina State University’s School of Industrial Engineering, Donna is a Systems Analyst who has supported U.S. military aviation for 20+ years. Donna and her husband, Jim, and two children have lived in Chesapeake since 2003, and now proudly enjoy two grandsons as well.
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Thank You, Trunk or Treaters!
A great big THANK YOU to everyone who participated and volunteered in this year’s Trunk or Treat. Everyone looked great, the trunks were fantastic, and all went smoothly. It was one of our best!
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The 2022 Trunk or Treat winners for best decorations were Jeff Blauch (first place, right), the Warder family, and Monica Prewitt (left of Jeff).
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The Warder Family hosted a tea party and won second prize!
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Unity Renaissance Youth in their Halloween finery!
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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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Please join us in holding Unity Renaissance member Jeff Blauch in prayer as he heals from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident earlier this week. Jeff is home from the hospital now, working to regain mobility. Jeff, we see you getting stronger by the day, your body filled with healing energy, and your muscles, ligaments, and joints restored to full health and vitality. Our love is with you and your beloved Linda Tucci.
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We are holding Unity Renaissance member Chuck Mills in the light as he continues his recovery from serious illness. We affirm that you are restored and revitalized, dear Chuck, and pray for strength, comfort, wisdom, and assurance for both you and wife, Cindy Mills.
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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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