My husband, Doug, and I retired in 2018 and moved to Virginia Beach from Fairfax. When we were house hunting, we had some requirements on our list that we called deal-breakers. I wanted a sunroom and, after 16 years of parking on the street in front of our townhouse, a real garage.
Soon after we moved into our home (yes, with a sunroom and, incidentally, a garage in which I’ve never actually parked my car), it was time to go church hunting. I had a deal-breaker list for that, too.
My new church had to model oneness and inclusion, teach personal empowerment through my inner divinity, give clear steps for transformation, and have a minister who was accessible. In short, it had to have heart, and I had to feel supported and at home there.
Unity wasn’t new to me. I had been a member of a Unity church in suburban Detroit starting in the mid 80s and more recently, Unity of Fairfax. However, when I first found Unity, I had no idea that such a church existed … one which explained the Bible in practical terms that consistently made sense and felt in my heart like Truth.
To my surprise, God was not a vengeful and punishing guy in the sky keeping score, that there was not a special being who was the only one who could save me from eternity in the “smoking section” as long as I formally accepted him as my savior, and that I didn’t come into this world as a poor miserable sinner.
I discovered, though, that Spirit was urging me to change, starting by taking responsibility for my own thoughts and words. Unity became my place to learn the “Jesus Christ System,” to earnestly practice principles, and to show up as my authentic expression of the Divine … to BE Love in expression … basically, what Jesus taught and modeled.
You’ve heard it many times: “Unity is positive, practical, progressive Christianity. We follow the teachings and the example of our way-shower, Jesus.” That means who I am being in this world is my most important work. Together, that’s our work, as we “transform lives that transform the world.”
Now, here’s how you can play a significant role in defining the future of our spiritual home. The Board would like to encourage you to join Rev. Richard Bunch this Sunday, April 30th, after the service for the Focused Ministry Workshop as we envision the future of Unity Renaissance and identify the qualities we desire as we recruit a new senior minister. Think about what brought you to Unity Renaissance, what matters to you, then come and be heard. First, we’ll enjoy a potluck lunch, so please bring a covered dish to share.
You are so deeply appreciated. I couldn’t begin to imagine walking on this journey without you! I am, indeed, home.
Warmly,
Gail Boynton
Secretary, Board of Trustees