Unity

[angelailona]

Any Unity mamas out there? I was raised Lutheran, but keep feeling pulled towards the love in the Unity church. Whenever I go to a Unity church it just feels so welcoming and full of love. Such a positive experience!

[Subliime]

I have friends who attend Unity church and I have always wanted to check it out. I've read some of the things they bring back and I LOVE the message.

[Maluhia]

I'm planning to start this Sunday - DD's "boyfriend" from preschool goes and his Mom is on the board and it sounds killer

[hotharmony]

I have always attended Unity growing up and was thinking about starting to attend now that I'm grown up myself.

[angelailona]

hotharmony: Did you attend a church in our area? We just went out to Livonia Unity a few weeks ago and really enjoyed it. Years ago we would go out to Church of Today when Marianne Williamson was there. Its a bit of a drive for us though.

[sithlordswife]

We go to Unity of Livonia and love it! I love the Sunday school program for my boys and I love the metaphysical tools that are so easy to apply to your everyday life

[sparklefairy]

I really felt a spiritual home with Unity but found that it was socially lacking, but I wouldn't assume that about every Unity congregation.

[willibug]

Would any of you be willing to describe to me what a typical Unity service is like? I'm curious. I've done some reading about the church, but can't seem to find a description of this.

Thanks!

[MamaMonica]

Originally Posted by sparklefairy

I really felt a spiritual home with Unity but found that it was socially lacking, but I wouldn't assume that about every Unity congregation.

I had a similar experience years ago when I went to Unity. I loved so much about it, but didn't connect with the group.

[angelailona]

Wilibug: Sorry it took me so long, but here is a wonderful article on what to expect at a Unity service.

What to Expect at a Unity Church
By David Swafford

If you're new to Unity and have never visited a Unity church, you may wonder what it's like to attend one. Here is a brief overview of what to expect.

The Basics

Unity is positive, practical, progressive Christianity. As such, it strives to be nondogmatic, open, and accepting.

Unity's teachings are based on the teachings of Jesus.

Unity honors the universal truths in all religions.

Unity respects each individual's right to choose a spiritual path.

Unity services are rather open and relatively unstructured. The ideas of original sin, fires of hell, and the wrath of God are not discussed. Unity does not follow dogma or creeds and relies very little upon ritual.

“The emphasis is definitely on our divinity, not on our sinfulness,” says Richard Mekdeci, licensed Unity teacher and Sacred Music Resources Coordinator for the Association of Unity Churches International. “We're loved, we're not damned, and we call that ‘the Original Blessing.' ”

The Common Elements

Unity churches operate autonomously, so what you find in one may not be what you would find in another. There are, however, some notable common elements:

A minister-led meditation time, which allows congregants time to become quiet and centered.

Readings from the Bible or other spiritual literature.

Metaphysical interpretations of the Bible.

Lessons that typically provide some practical guidance on how to live a better life or how to address a particular life issue.

Contemporary, upbeat music—sometimes played or sung by live musicians. “Let There Be Peace on Earth” is often played as a closing song.

First-time visitors are often welcomed during the service.

Some churches include a meet-and-greet time during the service to give attendees a chance to say hello to one another.

During services, the teachings of Jesus are often evoked and metaphysically interpreted, but not in every church. The Lord's Prayer is recited at many Unity churches, but not at all of them. Mekdeci, who has visited hundreds of Unity churches for the Association, says that while some services have a definitive Christian slant, others offer a more interfaith approach.

A Prime Example

Unity Church of Christianity in Houston, led by Senior Minister Howard Caesar, blends teachings based on Christian principles with an acceptance and openness that is characteristic of interfaith.

“In the opening prayer, I always include a blessing of all churches, all religions, and all spiritual paths, in the Spirit of unity, love, and oneness,” he says. “We might supplement the lesson with quotes and references from other spiritual paths, masters, mystics, or teachers, but it is always clear the main emphasis is on Jesus Christ's teachings with a metaphysical undertone.”

Unity Minister Duke Tufty, who is also Chair of the Unity School of Christianity Board of Directors, says those who attend a Unity church regularly can expect an increase in their sense of well-being through empowerment, upliftment, and liberation from negative thought.

Key Takeaway Messages

Each person has:

A direct connection to the divine through affirmative prayer and meditation.

The freedom to cultivate and live his/her own spiritual truth.

The opportunity to create life experiences by choosing what to think and believe.

To learn more about Unity, go to www.unity.org. I hope this helps to answer some of your questions!

Love and Light
ANGIE

[willibug]

Thanks so much, Angie!

Very interesting.

[JuniperMama]

This is very interesting. We attended Seattle Unity some off and on and really liked it. Unfortunately, the pastor we really liked left which was a big bummer. We haven't been back since...

I am generally not a fan of organized religion but must admit I was VERY pleasantly surprised by going to Unity. It felt so welcoming, great energy, nice people...

I really should go back...

[angelailona]

I really love Unity. We have been to a few different Unity churches and all have wonderful energy. My son is 3 and also loves Unity. Most of the time he stays in the service with us. When I do take him to the nursery, he gets a full lesson while he is playing. It is so wonderful!

[angelailona]

sithlordswife: How long have you been going to Unity of Livonia?

Hotharmony: Which Unity church did you go to?

We would like to check out Unity Chapel in Southgate. It would be much closer for us.

[AprilDaisy]

We attended Unity services for awhile and enjoyed it a great deal. Lovely people, atmosphere, energy. We haven't been back in months though...not sure why really. Our pastor has retired and we're no sure what we'll find when we go back. There have been various people leading services every week in the meantime.

About the drive...almost everyone attending had a long drive.

[joycenjackiesmom]

I have been attending our local Unity for a few years now. I have found that it is the first church that feels like home for me after growing up Catholic and attending Catholic school. I especially love how the message will stay with me all week. I can see a difference in myself when I attend on a Sunday and the good feeling typically stays with me all week.

[angelailona]

We attended a service at Unity Chapel in Southgate this week and it was wonderful. It is a very small church, but they are growing. My son is 4 now and we are hoping that more families with children find the church and a strong children's program can begin to form.