1120 Eden Way N Chesapeake, VA 23320 757.420.5280 FAX 757.420.5288 Our Services: Sundays 10:30 am Nursery Youth Education Daily Prayer Tuesday - Thursday 12 noon Silent Unity 1-800-NOW-PRAY Offices & Source Bookstore Georgia Rhodes Hours of Operation: Tues - Thurs: 10 am - 3 pm Mon, Fri and Sat: Closed Sun: 9 am - 12 pm Ministry: Minister: Rev. Paula Coppel Administrative Director: Donna Reed Corbet Adult Education Director: James Scott, LUT Celebration Services & Social Groups Director Starr Janicki Music Director: John Sterling Prayer & Pastoral Director Ann DeMichael Youth & Family Director: A Global Movement As a member of the organization of Unity Worldwide Ministries, this community is a part of the worldwide Unity movement. We are also affiliated with Unity School of Christianity, the publisher of the Daily Word devotional magazine, and home to Silent Unity and Unity Institute. Our primary teacher is Jesus whose message is love love of God, love of others, and love of ourselves. We are committed to encourage and inspire spiritual and personal growth through practical, relevant Christianity and loving service. Thank you, for allowing us be part of your life! Unity.org 1120 Eden Way N, Chesapeake, VA 23320 757 420-5280 Our Vision Spiritually Awakened Individuals Creating a Loving World Our Mission Transforming lives Through Authentic and Empowering Spiritual Experience
Who We Are S.T.E.P.S ON YOUR SPIRITUAL JOURNEY Oneness Statement The Christ in me greets the Christ in you, and we work and celebrate together for the Glory of God! This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. (John 15:12) A Spiritual Life Center As a center for prayer and expanding awareness, Unity Renaissance is a nurturing center for personal and spiritual growth. Seeing God in ourselves and in each other, we honor diversity within our community and the world, encouraging creativity of spirit and service to humanity. Offering activities of joyful celebration and spiritual education, we embrace the Truth as taught and demonstrated by Jesus Christ and inherent in all religion. Our Vision Spiritually Awakened Individuals Creating a Loving World Our Mission Transforming lives Through Authentic & Empowering Spiritual Experience Unity Renaissance has lots of ways to support you and your family. Check out information found at Welcome Desk in Narthex and on our website: Education Unity Renaissance Spiritually Transforming and Enlightening Pathways, or S. T. E. P.s program, is a map of educational pathways designed to guide you in the journey through life that is as unique and individual as you are. Adult Education - Unity Renaissance has a great Minister, three Licensed Unity Teachers, and a whole group of facilitators, coaches, and trainers who offer educational courses and activities all year round. Our adult classes include courses in Metaphysics and Spirituality, the Bible and World Religions, Peacemaking, Prayer and Meditation, Prosperity, Healing and Healthy Lifestyles, and more. Within our overall S.T.E.P.s program, we also offer credit course work from the Spiritual Enrichment & Education (S.E.E.), which is the adult education program for the worldwide Unity movement that can lead to the Licensed Teacher and/or Ministerial programs. How much would you like to learn in this lifetime? We can help you delve deeper into who you really are! Youth Education - As part of our Youth and Family Ministry, our Youth Education serves age groups from nursery through the Middle School age Uniteens. We also have a Youth of Unity group for High School Teenagers. Our teachers are trained, dedicated, and background-checked, and our curriculum addresses many of the topics found in Adult Education as they apply to the lives and interests of children and young people.
AMAZING MUSIC Special Events and Spiritual Growth WELCOME HOME John Sterling Music Director John, is a graduate of Oberlin Conservatory of Music in Ohio. Canda Lambert Leader of Epiphany Band & Congregation Song Leader Joan Kennedy Renaissance Choir Join us! Let your heart sing. We rehearsal 7:00 PM Tuesdays and Sing on 2nd & 4th Sundays. WOW! We sound like ANGELS. As a Spiritual Life Center we are here to help you find the joys and understanding of life through all of your experiences. Sunday Service Ministry Choir Children s Choir Youth and Family Ministry ART Exhibits Workshops Concerts Light Crew Productions Classes Book Study Groups Men s Group Women s Group Unity In the World Community Outreach Global Outreach Green Team Facility Care Dear Friend, Welcome to Unity Renaissance of Chesapeake, or as we like to say, Welcome home! Many spiritual seekers and Christians with questions find that when they walk through the doors at Unity Renaissance, they feel like they ve come home. Perhaps it is because we are open, accepting, inclusive, and supportive of all people. Perhaps it is because we honor all paths to God while embracing the Truth as taught and demonstrated by Jesus Christ. Or perhaps it is because we are a positive, empowering, and engaged spiritual community that walks its talk. Whatever the reason, we hope that you feel at home at Unity Renaissance. We invite you to be who you are and to become all you are meant to be. You ll find here a wide variety of programs and services to help you on your way, as well as new friends, new opportunities, and a new sense of spiritual community. Welcome to Unity Renaissance! Blessings to you on your journey. In love and light, Rev. Paula Coppel Welcome to Unity Basics Join us on the first Sunday of each month at 11:45 am, Room # 4
Heart to Heart Small Groups Ministry: Unity Renaissance features a wide variety of small groups. Although each group s activities and meeting schedules differ, all share the intended purpose of building friendship, community, and a safe place to explore our diverse interests and expressions of God. With so many to choose from, there s sure to be a group that s right for you! God s Love in Action: Selfless Service is an important part of our spiritual journey, and one that brings a great deal of soul satisfaction. There are hundreds of ways to be involved in our ministry and the greater community; and, we ll work with you to find an opportunity that fits your skills, interest, schedule and especially the spiritual gifts that are uniquely yours. Source Store In addition to a wonderful selection of books and CDs to support you, and your entire family, on your spiritual journey, our bookstore features a wide variety of inspirational items and gifts. We can also special order any book you want. Why shop anywhere else? Get Connected Prayer Support Prayer Chaplains: Our Prayer Chaplains are available after each service to join with you in special prayer requests and celebrations whatever is in your heart that you want to turn over to the power of Spirit in your life. Look for those who are wearing the Gold and Purple stoles. Pastoral Support: We have many experts to provide Spiritual Counseling by appointment on a love offering basis, as well as prayer support. They also make hospital and home visits for those who cannot come to church. Prayer Boxes: Prayer Request forms are available on the Sanctuary on Prayer Table and in the Narthex on the Angel Table. After filling out at request drop it into Prayer Box. It will be distributed to the members of our Prayer Team, who will hold your request in prayer for 30 days prior to sending it to Silent Unity, to hold in prayer 30 additional days. Request Prayer Chaplain: Call 757.420.5280 to request a Prayer Chaplain to call you back and pray with you. Live Prayer: During our office hours, you can call and request someone to pray with you over the phone. If a representative from our pastoral care staff is not available, leave a message and someone will call you back. A Loving Community Love and Support A safe place for each heart to grow. Home Is Where the Heart Is We re honored that you have joined us. There are no coincidences. We have connected through the power and glory given to us by God. Our strength is our diversity. Our community thrives with many different expressions which can be found in our services, classes and activities. The song in our hearts is heard through the smiles and laughter we share and the many ways in which we can pray and celebrate each day. Our life is an expression of God. We have many practical understandings that set us free, allowing us to transform our lives. Join us for a personal adventure to explore your heart s questions. Find the answers you seek through the recognition that God is the center of your universe, and God sees you as the beautiful child you were always meant to be. At Unity Renaissance you have found a very special place to be. Find out more about Unity and your spiritual path at the following events: WELCOME to Unity Basics: Monthly 1st Sunday PATH TO DISCOVERY: Orientation Class ~ Feb/April/June/Aug/Oct/Dec UNITY: A Quest for Truth: Basics Principles Class ~ Jan/Mar/May/July/Sept/Nov
Did You Know. Where do I find information about Unity Renaissance? Welcome Desk Ask anyone with a name badge who will lovingly guide you to the person who can assist you Facilities - a map is located at welcome Desk Sunday Bulletin Website Mailings Hall Wall Weekly E-News Board of Trustees Suggestion Box on refreshment table & Bulletin Board located next to water fountain Call the Office, 7575-420-5280 Get Connected We have a gift for our first-time visitor! Stop by the welcome desk in the Narthex to pick up your complimentary Unity visitors packet and welcome CD. It's our gift to you! We would love to get connected. When you fill out the Visitor's form and turn it into the Source Store, we have another free gift of a CD from a previous Sunday's service. We are excited to have you at Unity Renaissance! We hope your first visit is a beautiful experience and that you will come back and make Unity Renaissance your church home. When are nursery and youth Sunday classes? While you enjoy a service designed for you, your children will enjoy an experience designed just for them in the nursery or their classroom. All parents/guardians are required to sign their children in (ages 2 to 10) each Sunday and to have a registration form on file. Please arrive at least 10-15 minutes before service starts to allow yourself some extra time to check-in your children, especially if it is your first visit. A nursery is available for infants and toddlers through age two located in room # 1. Youth classrooms for ages three, Room 2 Kindergarten and First Grade, Room 3 Second and Third Grades, Room 6 Fourth and Fifth Grades, Room 5 Uniteens, Grades Sixth, Seventh and Eighth, Room 4 Youth of Unity (Y.O.U.) Grades 9-12, Room 7 Did You Know. We hope to make your visit to Unity Renaissance a joyful and easy celebration of God and life! Here are some answers to our most frequently asked questions. When are Sunday services held? Sunday celebration services are held at 10:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary. Please be courteous by silencing all electronic devices while on campus. Food and Beverage are for enjoyment in the Narthex (foyer). Kindly refrain from taking them into the sanctuary during services. How can I learn more about Unity & get to know others? Join us after services in the Narthex. Here you can get connected to our spiritual community and enjoy a refreshment and a cup of coffee or tea. Our welcome ambassadors are available in the narthex on Sunday mornings to show you around and answer your questions. What should I wear? We want you to feel comfortable joining us for the Sunday celebration service. Attire varies from jeans to business wear. Where do I park? Parking is available in our parking lot and in the adjacent building parking lot closer to Greenbrier Mall. Parking access is available from Eden Way N. and River Birch Run Handicap/Elderly: If you or someone you are with is elderly or handicapped, please use our handicap parking with easy access, located at the front circle drive. Where do I find information regarding Unity Renaissance Organization, Bylaws, Membership, Calendar, etc? Www.UnityRenaissance.org Board of Trustees Bulletin Board, next to water fountain in Narthex Hall Wall in Narthex Call Our Office 757 420-5280
Prayer and Meditation Affirmative prayer is the highest form of creative thought. It includes the release of counterprod uc tive, ne ga tive thoughts as well as holding in mind statements of spiritual truth. Through meditation, we experience the presence of God. Prayer and meditation heighten our awareness and thereby transform our lives. Youth and Family Unity recognizes that there are many expressions of family life. All are welcome. Unity creates an affirming environment that fosters positive self image, personal responsibility and unconditional love and acceptance. Spiritual Action In Unity, we feel a sacred responsibility, individually and collectively, to make a positive difference through personal example and active service in our spiritual community, our local community and our world. Unity Teaches & Emphasizes That each person is a unique expression of God created with sacred worth. Living from that awareness transforms our lives and the world. The creative power of thought in our life experience. We refer to this as the law of mind action. When we take personal responsibility to choose life affirming thoughts, words and actions, we experience a more fulfilling and abundant life. The importance of applying spiritual principles in our daily lives. To continue to evolve as we identify, embrace and apply spiritual insights and the spiritual implications of new discoveries. The Bible Unity co-founders, Charles and Myrtle Fillmore, studied the Bible as history and allegory, and interpreted it as a metaphysical representation of humankind s evolutionary journey toward spiritual awakening. In addition, Unity recognizes that the Bible is a complex collection of writings compiled over many centuries. We honor the writings as reflecting the understanding and inspiration of the writers at the time they were written. The Bible continues to be a valuable spiritual resource for us. The Nature of Humankind We are each individual eternal expressions of God. Our essential nature is divine and, therefore, inherently good. Our purpose is to express our divine potential as realized and demonstrated by Jesus and other master teachers. The more we awaken to our divine nature, the more fully God expresses in and through our lives. What is Unity Unity is a positive, practical, progressive approach to Christianity based on the teachings of Jesus and the power of prayer. Unity honors the universal truths in all religions and respects each individual s right to choose a spiritual path. 5 Basic Unity Principles - Our Core Beliefs 1.There is only one Presence and one Power active as the universe and as my life, God the Good. 2. Our essence is of God; therefore, we are inherently good. This God essence, called the Christ, was fully expressed in Jesus. 3. We are co-creators with God, creating reality through thoughts held in mind. 4. Through prayer and meditation, we align our heart-mind with God. Denials and affirmations are tools we use. 5. Through thoughts, words and actions, we live the Truth we know. God God is Spirit, the loving source of all that is. God is the one power, all good, everywhere present, all wisdom. God is divine energy, continually creating, expressing and sustaining all creation. In God, we live and move and have our being. In Unity, some other ways we speak of God are Life, Light, Love, Substance, Principle, Law and Universal Mind. Jesus We believe that Jesus expressed his divine potential and sought to show humankind how to express ours as well. We see Jesus as a master teacher of universal truths and as our way-shower. In Unity, we use the term "Christ" to mean the divinity in humankind. Jesus is the great example of the Christ in expression.