In the Beginning… Harnessing the Power of Creation

With Rev. Jane Hiatt

As we start a new year, I’m drawn to reflecting on beginnings. How do we begin? How do we start again and again? Who is doing this beginning? What’s the key to intentions that work—or don’t? The Bible starts with the words, “In the beginning…” Like so much in the Bible, the creation stories are multi-layered. How do the stories—as we’ve been taught them—affect our abilities to begin again with the great work of creation? As we face a world in crisis, we need to harness the power of creation and so these questions are critical to consider.

Bring a friend this Sunday – If you know someone who is looking for a spiritual community to start the year with more connection this is a perfect Sunday to invite them. If they can’t join you this Sunday, they are welcome to come any other time too.

Youth Programs

Little Ones –

The nursery is open for little ones up to 4 years old. We have a fun new addition in our nursery – come let your little ones check that out!

Elementary aged kids –

Are you a Muggle or are you Magic? Asleep at the wheel as you go through life or in touch with your innate powers? That is a spiritual journey we all undertake and our kids will be beginning that journey in The Nest starting this Sunday, Jan 8th. They will don capes and explore their power, in fun lessons drawn from the Harry Potter stories. The greatest value, of course, will come from attending every week (of 10) but each lesson stands alone, so bring them when you can!

Sunday Sound Bath

Every Sunday at 5:30 PM at Unity

Led by Lisa Swisher and friends. At the beginning of class, you will be asked to quietly set intentions for what you would like to release and what you would like to allow into your life. Please wear comfy clothing, bring a yoga mat, pillow, blanket (if needed), and a desire to be uplifted and transported through sacred sound!

Please pay at the door: $10-$20 sliding scale

Don’t Miss the Opportunity to Create Your Vision for 2023

Vision Board Playshops – Wednesday, January 4th from 1:00 to 4:00 PM & Saturday, January 7th from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM at Unity.

These 3-hour Playshops, led by Donna Benjamin, will cover the deepening, creative and fun “ways in” to creating an amazing Vision Board for 2023. Sign up for whichever date works best for you. Cost is $30 and includes most supplies and snacks.

Full Moon Cacao Ceremony & Kirtan Music

Saturday, January 7th from 5:00 to 6:30 PM

Welcome in the first Full Moon of 2023 with this beautiful offering of ceremony and mantras. We will start with a simple yet powerful Cacao ceremony and then join Eric, Victor, Greg, and friends for a special evening of sacred songs. No experience necessary.

All are welcome. Love offering of $5 to $20 is appreciated.

Warm Clothing & Camping Gear Drive

Sunday, January 15th and 22nd at Unity

This is an opportunity to share with our unhoused neighbors in the Redmond community. Jericho Road has 6 programs that serve this population. One of the programs is outreach. A dedicated group of volunteers takes basic necessities out “in the field ” every Friday morning. That program is in need of gently used warm long sleeved shirts, long pants, waterproof items, socks, boots, coats, gloves, hats, and camping gear and blankets for men and women living out in the elements. Bring donation items to Sunday service on January 15th and 22nd. Thank you Margaret King for setting this up.

Newcomer’s Potluck Dinner

Tuesday, January 17th at 6:00 PM at Kevin & Clare Kubota’s home

A welcome dinner for anyone new-ish to Unity! Let’s get to know each other and have some fun. All are welcome, but space is limited to 8 guests, so please RSVP as soon as you are ready to commit to joining us. Address will be given upon receipt and confirmation of your RSVP.

Season of Non-violence Book Read and Discussion

Thursday, January 19th at 10:00 AM at Unity

We’d like to invite you to join us in a Season of Nonviolence book study group as part of Central Oregon Community College’s Chandler Lecture Series and Unity Spiritual Community’s ACT social and enviro justice ministry.

We will be reading the book, This is My America, by Kim Johnson. This book chronicles seventeen-year-old, Tracy Beaumont’s journey writing to Innocence X to help her father, an innocent Black man on death row.

Cylvia Hayes will host a discussion on the book January 19th, 10:00 to 11:00 AM, at Unity.

Please order the book asap and register for the January 19th group discussion. There is no fee for this event.

Unity Online Classes Starting January 9th

If you’ve been enjoying Rev. Jane’s talks on the Bible, you may be interested in her class – Overview of Hebrew Scriptures. The class runs January 9-13th from 9:00 to 11:00 AM each day – You will gain many different tools to understand what was actually being said. (Hint: none of it was literal!) This class is being offered through the Unity NW Region.

There are 3 additional classes happening the same week. See them all at the link below. You might be particularly interested in Discerning Your Purpose, being offered from 11:30-1:30 PM that same week.

Ongoing Programs for Adults

Women’s Activity Group – Every Wednesday at 10:30 AM. Join a group of wonderful women for hikes and other fun adventures. Contact Suzanne Landry to be notified of what’s happening each Wednesday.

January 4th – Snow Shoeing TBD

Men’s Group – A time to connect and get to know each other. Gatherings are held on the 1st and 3rd Monday at 6:00 PM at Unity. The next gathering is January 16th. Contact Dan Stephenson for more info.

Singing Group – Join Unity SolShine music director, Dave Finch every Wednesday at 7:00 PM at Unity. No experience is necessary and all ages are welcome! Contact Dave for more info.

We are Looking for Some New Board Members

If this is something you are curious about we encourage you to reach out to learn more. We have a board member whose term is ending and a couple others who are required to step down because one will soon be official minister and the other will be a LUT (licensed Unity teacher). We are so excited for them!! If you are interested in learning more about what’s involved in this commitment contact Clare Kubota and she can get your questions answered. We have an amazing board and it is a beautiful way to contribute your talents to our community.

Member Appreciation

As always, there are so many to thank, but this woman hasn’t had a thank you in a while, so we felt it was time to give her some extra kudos 😁. Gayle Zeigler has been part of the marketing team for several years now and a member of Unity for much longer than that. She plays a big part in our event promotions by making sure all our events are up on the MeetUp website, in all the local calendars, and posts flyers all around Central Oregon. Her work connects us with people who would otherwise not know about us or the events we host. Her efforts are working! If you’re new to Unity be sure to let us know how you heard about us. This helps our marketing team a great deal. If you have a suggestion for a place for us to post our events, or are interested in helping the marketing team please reach out to Clare Kubota. Thank you Gayle!! Your time and efforts are a HUGE help! 🙏🏽💕

New Year’s Eve Burning Bowl Ceremony

What a beautiful burning bowl ceremony we had with Donna on the flute, Cylvia leading the meditation, and Lisa doing her singing bowls. If you missed it you can listen to Cylvia’s meditation to get your word for 2023 HERE.