Sunday Service: January 15th at 10:00 AM
What is Truth?
With William Gregory
We will be discussing what truth is from the perspective of spiritual traditions, the classical philosophers, and how we can utilize the innate Truth with in us.
Bring a snack to share at our after service buffet 😁
Watch Service In-Person or Online at UnityCentralOregon.org
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 –
Lumindorf in The Nest by Genesis Ilada
Let there be Light! Lumindorf to the rescue! What could’ve been a gloomy and rainy Sunday in the Nest was turned into a magical and vibrant day. Thanks to the Lumindorf , School for the Magical and Mystical curriculum by Diane Venzera based on the Harry Potter books by JK Rowling.
The Unity kiddos truly had a fun time filled with enthusiasm and magic in their eyes. I have led the youth program for a few months now and this is an absolute hit to these novice sorcerers. It was such a delight seeing the excitement in the Nest, the conversations we shared about being different, and the conclusion that it is not only okay to be different, in fact, it is a gift to be unique. We discussed how we all felt like an odd piece in a puzzle and made peace with the ways that made us stand out such as our extraordinary talents, advanced gifts and skills. Three of the kids shared that they are sports enthusiasts and are really great at them. Another example is a pupil named Blaze, a young boy who’s very eloquent, expressing his zest for film making. He did an amazing job telling Harry’s unfortunate story in the hands of his aunt and uncle because of the mere fact that he is different, a wizard. The rest of the kids listened and participated by drawing their Owl invitation to the Lumindorf School. This Owl invitation is a must-have before you enter the school of the magical and mystical. One of the kids asked me why the school was named Lumindorf and I responded, Lumen, means “ Light” and so it is.
We are excited to have more kids play with us as we explore the ways in which we can express our gifts and Light the most authentic possible.
Lumindorf school will continue for the next 2 to 3 months and all elementary-aged children are welcome to join the series or attend whenever they 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
Get Engaged in 2023!
Your Unity Community needs you because it takes a village. If you’re interested in seeing how you can become more engaged we encourage you to fill out any part of this form that applies to you. It will take just a couple minutes of your time.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS & SIGN-UP

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 Jan. 15th and 22nd. Thank you Margaret King for setting this up.
Newcomer’s Potluck Dinner – Just a couple spots left
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.
Poetic Prompts Poetry Workshop
Saturday, January 28th from 10:30 to 12:30 PM at Unity
Join Donna Benjamin and William Gregory for this 2 hour workshop exploring the many “ways in” to writing poetry. Learn how to work with prompts; how to write from the heart; and about the different forms of poetic structure. Beginners are welcome. Cost is $39.


Poetry Night Coming Up
Saturday, January 28th from 5:30 to 8:00 PM at Unity
New Year, New Poetry Evening – Celebrate the New Year with your original poetry. This is an open mic poetry event featuring Donna Benjamin and William Gregory as your co-hosts as they encourage you to share your poetic talents in a supportive environment. Beginners welcome. One poem per person and a second one if time allows.
ONGOING ADULT GATHERINGS
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 11 – Smith Rock hike
January 18 – Shevlin Park hike
January 25 – Old Mill South Deschutes Trail hike
February 1 – Snow shoeing TBA
February 8 – Benham Falls
February 15 – Cline Falls
February 22 – Twin Bridges
Men’s Group – A time to connect and get to know each other. Gatherings are held on the 1st and 3rd Monday at 6pm at Unity. The next gathering is January 2nd. Contact Dan Stephenson for more info. Next gathering is January 16th.
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.
Are You Curious About Being a Unity Board Member?
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
This week we’d like to give a shout out to two women who are putting a lot of energy into creating fun events for our community, Donna Benjamin and Suzanne Landry. You see Donna each Sunday singing her heart out as part of our SolShine music team, but did you know she also hosts regular poetry events and creative classes at Unity? Suzanne is the lead organizer of the WOW women’s group that does weekly Wednesday hikes, classes, and creative classes. We want to give them a huge thank you for playing a big role in creating community and the financial support their events bring to Unity. To get on Suzanne’s WOW group contact list you can find her email on our Unity website calendar under the Wednesday Women’s Activity event. Look for Donna’s latest offering here in the newsletter or on our website. Suzanne and Donna, you are a gift to our community! Thank you for all you do. 💕🙏🏽
Get Help With Your 2022 Taxes
Unity member, Dale DeRi, volunteers his time with the AARP Taxaide Program here in Bend. He helps provide free tax service primarily to senior citizens and low to moderate income individuals and families. He wanted to be sure our Unity members know about this service. Here are the numbers to call to sign up for an appointment – Bend Library and NeighborImpact 541-316-5789, Bend Latino Community Association – 541-788-4827, Redmond NeighborImpact 541-526-3834. Thank you Dale!
Last Week at Unity
Member Donna Benjamin led two Vision Your Vision workshops. It was so much fun! Some amazing vision boards were created. Thank you Donna!
Have Something You Think We Should Include in Our Newsletter?
An appreciation, blog content, poem, event, or class? If it fits our guidelines we’re happy to share it. Contact Clare Kubota.
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Unity Community
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