‘American Heretics’ Friday; Pet Blessing Saturday
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Coming Up
- ‘You Say You Want a Revolution…in Consciousness’ – 7 p.m. TONIGHT only via Zoom. Passcode 988341. Register here.
- Easy Tai Chi with Katie Cook – 4 p.m. Wednesday in the Great Room this week
- Contemplative Prayer” with Judie Nemeth. 12:15 p.m. Thursdays on Zoom.
- Violet Flame Meeting – 7 p.m. Thursday in the Great Room and Zoom
- Choir Rehearsal – 7 p.m. Thursday in the Sanctuary
- Higher Consciousness film: “American Heretics: The Politics of the Gospel” – 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7. Free.
- Pet Blessing – 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 8. Grassy area outside Meyer Hall.
- Solar Tour – 12-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8
- Sunday Service, 11 a.m. Oct. 9 – ‘The Three Faces of God’ with Rev. Paula. Join us in person or online via our website or Facebook page. Nursery care available for ages birth-3.
- Shining Souls rehearsal – 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 9
- ‘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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A Groundswell of Community
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Dear Friends,
What an inspiring Community Forum we had last Sunday! The strength, wisdom, and resilience of Unity Renaissance came shining through. In addition to a favorable financial report, we witnessed the many ways in which Unity Renaissance is primed for the future: An active, committed, experienced Board; skilled, dedicated staff and volunteers; longtime members who can speak with knowledge and clarity about the process of finding a new minister; and a devoted and caring congregation.
Our future is all about community! I meant that when I announced my end-of-year retirement on Sept. 25. Community is the heart of Unity Renaissance. It is a precious gift in these difficult times — something to be treasured and nurtured.
It is my fondest hope that each of you will rise to a new level of awareness and appreciation for our spiritual community – and then, get involved! As soon as you take a class, join a volunteer team, help with a project, engage in community outreach, or in some other way extend yourself to serve others, your spirituality expands exponentially. So does your joy!
When I retire at the end of December, I will have to leave our beloved community for a while. But you don’t have to! I encourage you to make the most of what we have here. Show up, step out, and give your gifts. In the process, you give to yourself.
Looking forward to a bright, beautiful future for each and every one of us!
Much love,
Rev. Paula
P.S. If you missed the Community Forum, you can go back and watch it on our Facebook page. You can also see the video of my comments to the congregation here. And be sure to check out the great new web page created by Office Manager Ellysia Flores on our transition to a new minister, with a new posting of Frequently Asked Questions. If you have any questions about what’s next, you may email them to UnityRenTransition@gmail.com.
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Last Sunday’s message,
in case you missed it:
‘What is Unity?’
With 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
With church attendance declining, organized religion becoming polarized, and more and more people identifying as “spiritual but not religious,” Christianity is at a crossroads, if not a crisis point. How can Christianity and the church survive and remain relevant in today’s world?
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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‘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
Only on Zoom
Christopher Naughton’s breakthrough class continues tonight on “how the concepts of One Mind can help create common ground and increase inner peace and our confidence in the future.” Tonight’s guest is Stephan Schwartz, former Remote Viewer for the U.S. Government and author of the 2050 and 2060 Vision projects. This class is on Zoom only. Register on our website here, or on our Unity Renaissance app. $30 per session.
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Higher Consciousness Film
“American Heretics: The Politics of the Gospel”
7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7
This timely film takes viewers into the buckle of the Bible belt where a group of progressive ministers, congregations, and community leaders are challenging deeply rooted fundamentalist Christian doctrine in favor of a Gospel of Inclusion. Labeled as “heretics” for their beliefs and actions, they refuse to yield their faith, and challenge fundamentalist Christian interpretations that seek to justify nationalism and attack civil rights protections for women, minorities, immigrants, and the LGBTQ communities. Free admission, free popcorn, and an undoubtedly lively discussion after the film. Check out the film trailer here.
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Annual Pet Blessing
10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 8
Plan to join us 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.
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Solar Tour Noon-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8
Unity Renaissance, now home to 151 solar panels on its roof, is participating in the 2022 Hampton Roads Solar Tour this Saturday, Oct. 8, from noon to 4 p.m. Tour participants will be able to visit our Narthex and Sanctuary and learn more about our solar installation and its many benefits. For more information and to learn more about solar power, visit Ases National Solar Tour.
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Vegan Cooking Class
With Lisbet Chiriboga
6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19
Unity Renaissance Kitchen
Learn about the health benefits of soy and the versatility of tofu! This will be a hands-on class where we will prepare tofu recipes for breakfast, lunch and dessert. Get tips on healthy, plant-based eating from Lisbet Chiriboga, a 22-year vegan. All recipes are naturally gluten-free. $40 per person, limited to 10 participants. Ages 18 and up. Register on our website. This is a repeat of Lisbet’s previous class for those who couldn’t get in last time!
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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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Help Us Replace the Sanctuary Shades!
The automatic window shades in the Unity Renaissance Sanctuary have been broken for some time, and the cost and difficulty of repair is prohibitive. To help us purchase new shades, the Unity Sisterhood is sponsoring a fundraising initiative called “Made in the Shade.” The replacement cost is $2,000. If 20 people can donate $100 each, we’ll have it covered! Please designate “Made in the Shade” on your check or designate “Made in the Shade” in the dropdown menu on the Tithe.ly or Unity Renaissance app. Or simply click here to donate! All size donations welcome!
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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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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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Community Outreach volunteers led by co-lead Lynn Kline prepared, packaged, and delivered more than 100 meals to JCOC (Judeo-Christian Outreach Center) to serve to the homeless on the evening of Oct. 3. The onsite team included Lynn and Chuck Kline, Rev. Richard and Rev. Paula Mekdeci, Marcia Austin, Brenda Serniak, Lisa Carter, Linda McDay, Charlie O’Dowd, and two wonderful folks who are new to Unity: Rachel Green and Rosalyn! The 11 volunteers cooked and assembled meals consisting of meatloaf (or vegetarian meatballs), mashed potatoes, green beans, dinner rolls, mandarin oranges, bottled water, and a few pieces of candy — and had a ball doing it!
Congratulations to Unity Renaissance member Dr. Thedia Smith, a former pediatrician, who is our new part-time Nursery Supervisor. Thanks to Thedia, our Nursery is now open during the Sunday services, providing child care for children ages infant-3 years.
We are holding in prayer our beloved Starr Janicki, former Board president and Unity Renaissance interior designer extraordinaire, for relief of pain and full recovery following a recent accident. We are sending you waves of love and healing wishes, dear Starr, affirming full and rapid recovery.
Please join us in sending prayers and healing energy to Lisa Molander, sister-in-law of our Board Vice President Valerie Winters. Lisa is currently hospitalized and undergoing treatment for a variety of health issues. We affirm Divine Guidance for her medical team and see them swiftly taking the right and perfect steps to restore Lisa to full health and vitality.
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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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