Pet Blessing Postponed; Community Forum Sunday
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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.
- Contemplative Prayer” with Judie Nemeth. 12:15 p.m. Thursdays on Zoom.
- Easy Tai Chi with Katie Cook – 4 p.m. Thursday in the Great Room followed by potluck dinner.
- Violet Flame Meeting – 7 p.m. Thursday in the Great Room.
- Choir Rehearsal – 7 p.m. Thursday in the Sanctuary.
- Solar Tour – 12 – 4 p.m. Saturday, October 1
- Sunday Service, 11 a.m. October 2 – ‘What is Unity?’ with Rev. Paula. Join us in person or online via our website or Facebook page. Nursery care available starting this Sunday for ages birth-2.
- Food and Fellowship Chili Cook-off – Sunday, October 2 after the Sunday Service – $5 for a bowl of chili and cornbread
- Community Forum – 1 p.m. Sunday, October 2
- Unity Yoga’ with Katie Cook – 4 p.m. Tuesdays in the Great Room
- Violet Flame Meeting – 1:30 p.m. Tuesday 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.
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Christopher Naughton,
Board President
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Standing on the Shoulders of Greatness
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When the story of Unity Renaissance is written many years from now, they’ll remember this name.
Paula Mekdeci has given us the most insightful, inspiring, and soul-lifting messages week-in week-out, year-in, year-out, for more than nine years in a world that yearns for the pragmatic and metaphysical awareness that is Unity and New Thought. She has done so with talent, charisma, love, wisdom, soul, and vulnerability… with a dash of “attitude” throw in! She has guided us through a pandemic, two capital campaigns, and helped grow this spiritual life center when other churches were failing due to COVID and America’s changing religious landscape.
This one is going to hurt. A lot.
Yet I recall in 1997, as I was moving back to Virginia Beach from New Jersey, I managed to catch the tail end of Rev. Judi Meyer’s career. She started Unity Renaissance and had the faith and the determination to get our spiritual home built, the same building we have added onto in Paula’s recent time here. Rev. Judi had served 12 years and was ready to retire.
Some congregants thought it was the end of the world. Or, at least, the end of Unity Renaissance.
But that didn’t happen. Because as Rev. Paula reminded us Sunday, Unity Renaissance has never been, and will never be, one person. We are thriving today because Paula stood on the shoulders of Rev. Laura Barrett Bennett, who stood on the shoulders of Rev. Elizabeth Thompson, who stood on the shoulders of interim ministers Pat and LeRoy Bessey, who stood on the shoulders of Rev. Meyer.
Now it is our time and duty to stand on Paula’s shoulders and take what she has given and turn it into something even greater.
Which is exactly what she would want.
That effort begins in earnest this Sunday, Oct. 2, at 1 p.m. at our Community Forum where we will outline next steps for the Board of Trustees and the congregation, and answer your questions. All along the way your Board will keep you informed and engaged. We will need everyone’s participation and energetic investment to build on what has been given.
One last word: As with the departure of every significant person in our lives, there is sadness but it unleashes a font of joy and laughter. Paula will be with us for another 10 weeks or so before her retirement.
So let’s celebrate her time here together, let’s honor her, and congratulate her for everything she has accomplished and how she has affected our lives. With gratitude, let’s stand on her shoulders and take the next step in greatness for Unity Renaissance.
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Last Sunday’s message,
in case you missed it:
‘Why Community Matters’
(announcing Rev. Paula’s retirement)
With Rev. Paula Mekdeci
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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 provocative 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 guests are Glenn Aparicio Parry and Mitch Horowitz . This class will be offered on Zoom only from tonight on. 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.
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Annual Pet Blessing Rescheduled
New Date: 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 8
Due to severe weather forecast for this Saturday, we are postponing our Annual Pet Blessing one week, to 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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Chili Cook-Off!
12:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2
Join us for our first ever Food & Fellowship Chili Cook-off! The winner will take home a brand new Instant-Pot, but we are all winners because we get to enjoy the chili after the judges (Quintina Harris, Rev. Richard Mekdeci, and Humphrey Oronzo) decide the winner! You may purchase your chili lunch for $5 a bowl with a side of cornbread. Bake sale also available. Let’s get cookin’!
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Community Forum
1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 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 about Rev. Paula’s retirement and other issues. All are welcome to attend.
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Solar Tour 12 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1
Unity Renaissance, now home to 150 solar panels on its roof, is participating in the 2022 Hampton Roads Solar Tour this Saturday, Oct. 1, from noon to 4 p.m. Tour participants will be able to come in 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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Higher Consciousness Film
“American Heretics: The Politics of the Gospel”
7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7
Our next Higher Consciousness Film, “American Heretics,” 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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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” it the dropdown menu on the Tithe.ly on Unity Renaissance app. All size donations welcome!
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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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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, “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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Please join us in affirming safety and protection for all those in the path of Hurricane Ian. Our hearts are with those who are preparing for impact or seeking safe travel out of Florida. May all be comforted by the Divine Presence within them, and strengthened by faith and resolve to take the necessary steps for protection. We hold in our minds an image of this storm diminishing and having minimal impact on lives and property. And so it is! Amen.
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Happy 101st birthday on Sept. 30 to our beloved longtime Unity Renaissance member Evelyn Hurd! Thank you for inspiring us with your life, love, and spirit, dear Evelyn!
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Our deepest condolences to Unity Renaissance member Mary Carter, whose sister, Helen, made her transition last week. Helen sometimes attended church with Mary, and exuded poise and grace. Mary, our love and prayers for peace and healing are with you and your family during this difficult time. We see Helen free and unlimited in the next iteration of life, and give thanks for the blessing she was to us.
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Join us in holding in prayer Community Outreach Co-leader Debbie Farrell and her family in the loss of Debbie’s stepfather, Donnie last Sunday Sept. 25, two days before his 78th birthday, in New Hampshire. We are sending you prayers of peace, love, and healing, dear Debbie. May you be comforted knowing Donnie is safe, whole, and free on the other side.
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Our prayers are with Trudy Abbott and her family as they care for Trudy’s father in the final stages of life. Trudy, we are affirming Divine Order for your father, and peace and strength for you and your family as you move through the process of letting go. We know God is in charge, and all will be 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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