TONIGHT: ‘Finding Yourself in Transition’ with Rev. Paula
|
|
Coming Up
- ‘Finding Yourself in Transition’ Workshop with Rev. Paula. 6:30-9 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16 (tonight!) at Unity Renaissance. $25. Register here.
- Contemplative Prayer with Judie Nemeth – 12:15 p.m. Thursday via Zoom
- Tai Chi – with Katie Cook – 4 p.m. Thursdays in the Great Room
- Violet Flame – 7 p.m. Thursdays via Zoom . All are welcome.
- Sunday Meditation – 10:15-10:40 a.m. Sundays in the Chapel. Come early! Space limited.
- Sunday Service, 11 a.m. Nov. 20 – ‘Ask the Minister’ with Rev. Paula Mekdeci. Join us in person or online via our website or Facebook page. Submit questions here before Saturday.
- Unity Yoga with Katie Cook – 4 p.m. Tuesdays in the Great Room
Details below.
|
|
Christopher Naughton,
Board President
|
|
Finding Ourselves in Transition
|
|
Dear Friends,
Here is an update on where your Unity Renaissance Board of Trustees stands in choosing a transitional minister.
Based on the strong recommendation from Unity Worldwide Ministries (UWM), the Board is bringing in a transitional minister to serve after Rev. Paula retires in December and until we hire a new senior minister. The transition period will create a “buffer” between Paula’s time here and the start of the new senior minister, and will allow time for a new Ministerial Search Committee, the Board, and the congregation to find the right long-term fit for our spiritual community.
The Board is in the process of interviewing three candidates for transitional minister: Rev. Elizabeth Longo, Rev. Cynthia Vermillion-Foster, and Rev. Richard Bunch, all of whom have been specifically trained for this role. Here are the specific questions we are asking all the candidates (plus any spontaneous questions from Board members during the Zoom interviews):
- Why do you wish to be our transitional minister? Why here, and why now?
- What do you see as your role here?
- Do you prefer to work full-time or part-time?
- How many churches have you worked with? What were the highlights and challenges? What would you have done differently?
- How do you believe you can work day to day with our staff and the business matters of Unity Renaissance?
- What questions do you have for us?
Our first interview with Rev. Elizabeth Longo on Thursday, Nov. 10, went very well. It included the full Board plus Business/Operations Manager Paul Mitcham. We asked all our questions and gave Rev. Elizabeth a chance to explain her experience, successes, and challenges as a transitional minister.
Next week we will interview Rev. Cynthia Vermillion-Foster and Rev. Richard Bunch. We hope to complete the interview process and make a decision by the end of November, with the goal of having the transitional minister on board in early 2023.
We are encouraged by the responses we have received so far and the high quality of the candidates seeking to serve us as transitional minister. We will keep you informed as the selection process continues. Your Board is fully engaged and will provide regular updates now that transition planning is in full gear.
With blessings,
Christopher Naughton
Board President
|
|
Last Sunday’s message,
in case you missed it:
“The Gospel of the Beloved Companion”
With Rev. Paula Mekdeci
|
|
|
“Finding Yourself in Transition”
A Workshop with Rev. Paula
TONIGHT! 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 recommended but not required.
|
|
Fun FriDAZE Poetry Night
7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18
Meyer Hall
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. Homemade desserts and coffee/tea provided. Love offering.
|
|
‘Food As Medicine’ Workshop
10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19
Discover how to improve your health through wise nutritional choices and healthy eating. This workshop, hosted by Unity Renaissance members Lisbet Chiriboga and Laurel Brookes, will begin with viewing the film “Forks Over Knives,” followed by discussion. A nutritionist from Sentara will then speak on the inspiring results of Sentara’s healthy eating program, which has successfully reduced heart disease and other chronic illnesses. The workshop will conclude with assembling our own “Buddha bowls” for lunch. $20 per person, includes food costsw. Sign up online or on the Signup Wall (prepayment required).
|
|
Create Your Own Video Farewell to Rev. Paula
Or Get Help This Sunday!
As part of our celebration of Rev. Paula, we are inviting congregants to create personal video messages expressing their gratitude, appreciation, and/or well wishes to our departing minister. The consolidated video will be shown at the Christmas Dinner/Retirement Party for Rev. Paula on December 9. Please keep your video to 30 seconds or less. If you are using your phone to record it, please turn the phone to landscape or horizontal mode. We will also be available this Sunday, Nov. 20, after the service to help you make a recording!
Please email your video to Rmekdeci@gmail.com by no later than Monday, Nov. 28. Thank you in advance for your help!
|
|
Recovery Support Group on Hiatus Till 2023
“Investing Love: A Recovery Support Group” will take a pause for the remainder of 2022 and plans to resume in 2023. If you have any questions or would like to help plan the future of this group, please reach out to Dawn Bennett here.
|
|
Small Group Gatherings with Rev. Paula
Rev. Paula has added two more small group gatherings to accommodate congregants who wish to get together to share thoughts, feelings, and ideas about the ministerial transition at Unity Renaissance. Maximum 10 people per group; all current groups are meeting at church. Click on the link below to sign up for the time and date that work best for you:
2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17 at Unity Renaissance (full)
7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30 at Unity Renaissance (full)
|
|
Sign Up for the Christmas Dinner
and Rev. Paula’s Retirement Party!
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. This year we’re opting for simplicity by making dinner a potluck. Please sign up on the Signup Wall if you plan to attend, and bring a dish to share!
|
|
Help Others This Christmas
Angel Tree Nov. 13-Dec. 11
Give the gift of joy to a child this Christmas by fulfilling a wish. Simply choose a gift tag from the tree, purchase the child’s requested gift and return the tag with the unwrapped gift to church. We are giving gifts to children from our “adopted” school, Thurgood Marshall Elementary School. Gifts for children are due by Sunday, Dec. 11. You may also take an ornament and provide a gift card for the designated amount to support congregants in need throughout the year. Gift cards may be placed in Rev. Paula’s mail slot throughout December.
|
|
Stuffed Animal Collection
Through Sunday, Dec. 11
Community Outreach is collecting new stuffed animals to be given to children with AIDS through Access AIDS. Bring your donations to church and place them on empty chairs in the sanctuary, to be filled with love till December 11.
|
|
2022 Remembrance Service:
Honoring Loved Ones Who Are No Longer With Us
7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14
With Rev. Richard Mekdeci and Rev. Ann DeMichael
Celebrate life here and beyond in this beautiful service of remembrance and release. You may submit a photo of your loved one for projection or bring a photo framed or on a tablet or laptop. You’ll have the opportunity to speak about your loved one and light a candle for them. Submit photos to Rev. Richard at Rmekdeci@gmail.com.
|
|
Sunday Meditation Returns Starting Nov. 20
After a hiatus during the COVID pandemic, our prayer chaplains are excited to resume meditation before the Sunday service starting this Sunday, Nov. 20. The meditation is conducted from 10:15-10:40 a.m. Sundays in the chapel. All are welcome; no signup required. Come early, as space is limited. Thank you to prayer chaplain Sam Akompong for being our meditation group leader!
|
|
Christmas 2022 at Unity Renaissance
- “The Faith of a Mustard Seed” – 11 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 27. With Tom Baker.
- “Great Expectations” – 11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 4. With Rev. Paula Mekdeci.
- 2022 Christmas Dinner and Rev. Paula’s Retirement Celebration – 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9. Join us for a memorable evening in our Sanctuary. Please sign up and bring a dish to share.
- “The Gift of Love” – Christmas Cantata, 11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 11. With the Unity Renaissance Music Team, and our youth and adult choirs.
- Remembrance Service – 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14. With Rev. Ann DeMichael and Rev. Richard Mekdeci. A time to remember loved ones (including pets) who made their transition in 2022.
- “The Power of Love” - 11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 18. With Rev. Paula. Rev. Paula’s last Sunday. No Youth Ed. Nursery open.
- Caroling at Virginia Home for Adults – 1 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 24. 2701 Border Rd., Chesapeake.
- “Celebrating Love and Light Around the World” – A multifaith, multigenerational Christmas Eve service. 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 24. With traditional candle lighting.
- “Happy Jesus Day!” – Christmas morning celebration with speaker Rev. Richard Mekdeci. 11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 25. No Youth Ed. Nursery open.
- “New Year Kirtan” – 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 30. Chants and singing with Rev. Richard and our fabulous music team.
- “Letting Go of Holding On” – 11 a.m. Sunday, Jan 1. Burning Bowl Service. With Rev. Richard Mekdeci.
- “What’s in a Name?” – Sunday, Jan. 8. White Stone Service. With Rev. Ann DeMichael.
|
|
Support Unity Renaissance through
Amazon Smile Purchases
You can contribute to Unity Renaissance whenever you make a purchase from Amazon through the Amazon Smile program. The prices, products, and site for Amazon Smile are identical to Amazon, but when you purchase through Amazon Smile, a portion of your purchase price goes to Unity Renaissance. There is NO additional cost to you, and your spiritual home benefits! Just go to smile.amazon.com, designate Unity Renaissance as your charity of choice, and shop! Remember, only purchases at smile.amazon.com or through AmazonSmile activated in the Amazon Shopping app will support your selected charity.
|
|
Congratulations to Unity Renaissance Member Amy Marton for being selected as Senior Civilian of the quarter for the Mid-Atlantic Region of the Navy. Your love for your work and the care you show your clients is evident! Way to go, Amy! And congrats to husband Heath on his new position at Virginia Wesleyan University!
We are continuing to affirm wholeness and healing for Carlton Jenkins, husband of Unity Renaissance Member Margaret Jenkins, as he undergoes treatment for a serious health issue. We are holding you in the light, Carlton, knowing God is doing a mighty healing work in you. We see your body responding perfectly to all medical protocols. We also affirm strength, faith, and comfort for our beloved Margaret as she supports Carlton on his healing journey.
Healing prayers continue for Unity Renaissance Member Bob Lambert as he recovers from recent surgery. We are also affirming complete healing for U.R. Member Chuck Mills who has undergone a series of health challenges.
We are holding in prayer the friends, families, and all those affected by the tragic shooting at University of Virginia last Sunday that claimed the lives of Devin Chandler, Lavel Davis Jr., and D’Sean Perry. Our hearts break over the loss of these young innocent lives. We are affirming healing, peace, and comfort for the two other victims still hospitalized, and for the entire Charlottesville and University of Virginia communities.
|
|
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.
|
|
Join Our “Virtual Family” Watching
Unity Renaissance Live at 11 a.m. Sundays
|
|
Unity Renaissance (757) 420-5280
1120 Eden Way North, Chesapeake, VA 23320
|
|
|
|
|
|
|