Happy Fourth of July Weekend!
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Coming Up
- “Divine Audacity” – TONIGHT. 7 p.m. Wednesdays through July 27, via Zoom. “Drop-ins” welcome.
- 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.
- Violet Flame Meeting – 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 7, in the Great Room.
- “The Eyes of Tammy Faye” Higher Consciousness Film 7 p.m. Friday in the Sanctuary.
- “Path to Discovery” Class – 11 a.m. Saturday, July 2 in Meyer Hall
- Sunday Service, 11 a.m. July 3 – “The Wisdom of Confucius” with Rev. Paula Mekdeci. Join us in person or online via our website or Facebook page.
- Food and Fellowship – Salad Bar Sunday after the service, July 3.
- Unity Yoga with Katie Cook – 4 p.m. Tuesdays in the Great Room.
Details below.
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Rev. Paula Mekdeci,
Senior Minister
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Dear Friends,
One of the hallmarks of Unity is freedom of choice. We honor each individual’s right to choose their own spiritual path, practices, and beliefs. We welcome all people, regardless of age, background, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, political views, race, ethnicity, nationality, you name it.
This “live and let live” attitude creates an invigorating environment where individuals can grow and flourish. Allowing people to be themselves, and make their own choices, sets them free.
The same principle of freedom and diversity lies at the heart of the American experiment, but it must be preserved and protected. This July 4th weekend is a good time to pause and appreciate the basic freedoms we so often take for granted: Freedom of speech; freedom of religion; freedom to choose who we love and who we marry; freedom to plan and raise our families according to our own needs and values; freedom to elect our government; and more.
This is a fragile time for our country, and for all of us. May we go forward with peaceful respect for one another’s views, and each do our part to assure a future that holds high the values of choice, and freedom, and democracy.
Much love,
Rev. Paula
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Last Sunday’s message,
in case you missed it:
“Homophobia and the Bible:
A Dangerous Combination”
With Rev. Harry Stock
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“Divine Audacity”
With Revs. Richard Mekdeci and Ann DeMichael
Six Wednesdays at 7 p.m. starting June 22
Join us for this week’s class as we explore our spiritual powers of Will and Imagination. Divine Will is the “executive power of the mind” that moves into action all the other powers. Our Will helps us choose what we have faith in, what or who we love, what we know and understand and what we visualize with our imagination. Imagination is our creative power. We use our imagination to paint a picture of our desired good. Imagination comes between idea and expression.
To learn more about your innate spiritual gifts, join us Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Online via Zoom only. Drop-ins welcome! Or you can register in advance on our website. $20 per class session. The book, “Divine Audacity” by Linda Martella-Whitsett, is available in our bookstore and online.
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Higher Consciousness Film
“The Eyes of Tammy Faye”
7 p.m. Friday, July 1
This lively, provocative film provides an intimate look at the extraordinary rise, fall and redemption of televangelist Tammy Faye Bakker (played by Jessica Chastain, who won the Academy Award for Best Actress). In the 1970s and ’80s, Tammy Faye and her husband, Jim Bakker, rose from humble beginnings to create the world’s largest religious broadcasting network and theme park, and were revered for their message of love, acceptance, and prosperity. Tammy Faye was legendary for her indelible eyelashes, her idiosyncratic singing, and her eagerness to embrace people from all walks of life. However, it wasn’t long before financial improprieties, scheming rivals, and scandal toppled their carefully constructed empire. Free popcorn, free admission. Discussion follows the film.
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Ready to Become a Member?
Take ‘Path To Discovery’
11 a.m. Saturday, July 2 in Meyer Hall
If you are interested in becoming a member of Unity Renaissance, join us for the two-hour required class “Path to Discovery.” The class covers Unity history and teachings, and the past, present, and future of Unity Renaissance.
Pre-registration not required. Just show up!
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Salad Bar Sunday
Food and Fellowship
12:15 p.m. Sunday, July 3 in Meyer Hall
Join us after the service this Sunday for great food and fellowship. For $5 per person, you get a fresh, colorful salad bar full of healthy choices! Gluten-free and vegan options available. There is also a $5 baked goods sale with vegan and gluten-free options available.
The Food and Fellowship team is currently looking for folks to assist with the July event. Please reach to Ellysia at ellysia@unityren.org if you would like to help!
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Unity Renaissance Boutique Art Gallery presents:
“Dimensions of Words”
Featured Artist Maggie Kerrigan
Jul-Aug 2022
Award-winning artist Maggie Kerrigan rescues unwanted books. Maggie translates a book’s core meaning with visual interpretation. She carves, folds, and sculpts books into unique works of art. Each book is carefully curated to connect to the final visual product. Maggie also enjoys painting (often on books) with watercolor, acrylic, and ink.
She says, “Though I began with paint, I found my artistic voice in creating altered books. I love to work with the paper. The range of creative opportunities is exciting as well. It’s invigorating to problem-solve and engineer the transformation of a common book into a unique sculpture.”
You may visit Maggie in her studio at the Virginia Beach Art Center. She is President of the Art Center and on the Board of Directors of The Artists Gallery, a cooperative of approximately 50 artists. Maggie is also a juried member of the Chesapeake Bay Art Association and the International Association of Hand Paper Makers and Paper Artists.
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Back to School Supplies Drive
July 3 – August 21
Community Outreach will be collecting school supplies and backpacks in support of Thurgood Marshall Elementary School over the next six weeks. Start your stockpile now! Click here to see the list of supplies needed.
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John Stringer in Concert
“The Alignment Tour”
7 p.m. Monday, July 11
Join Billboard-charting singer songwriter John Stringer as he shares music with the intention of raising the vibration through insightful powerful songs from his albums “Limitless Love & Light” and “Moment to Moment” as well as some soul-stirring cover songs to create a night of music to remember. Suggested love offering of $25 per person.
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Vegan Cooking Class
With Lisbet Chiriboga
6 p.m. Thursday July, 14
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. Age 18 and up. Register on our website.
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Engaged Mindfulness with Alex Botero
6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursdays
For four weeks beginning July 14
During this four-week series, we will practice mindfulness tools to recognize the workings of our own mind in order to transform habitual patterns. By cultivating mindful speech, actions and interactions with others, we give ourselves the opportunity for a more vibrant and fulfilling life.
- Learn simple and effective meditation practices to calm and soothe the nervous system
- Practice guided meditations for emotional well-being
- Learn to create a daily practice through the power of intention
- Begin to experience and cultivate a balanced and calm state of mind
- Keep a journal to reflect on your meditation process and daily practices
- Be part of a supportive, safe, and nurturing community
You will receive the support and guidance to create a daily practice that will benefit you for the rest of your life. What to bring: wear comfortable clothing and a journal.
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Big thanks to Unity Renaissance member Debra Amme, who coordinated our Unity Renaissance booth at the Hampton Roads Pride Event last weekend, and to all our wonderful volunteers! We had a great turnout and many opportunities to spread the word about Unity Renaissance to those seeking a spiritual home. (From left to right: Debra Amme, Lisa Carter, Mary D’Amato, and Shafeeq Ameen.)
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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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