Well....I just became an official member of my Unity church...ever since I first stepped foot in the door and heard just a little bit about what the Reverend was saying I knew I had found my church home(and that is saying A LOT, since I have not been enthusiastic about any church in a long time). I love the diversity of it...we have one main Reverend that usually speaks, but a lot of times they will have guest Reverend from around the country come and speak, many of whom have different "styles" of speaking, if you will. One visitor we had recently gave the sermon, and quoted from the Bible a few times, though that does not always happen. We recite affirmations, have guided mediation during every service as the PP said, and the messages that they give are ones of empowerment...they often talk about how our thoughts are things, and what you think about most is what you will eventually see in your life (LOA), about abundance... they will mention Jesus every now and then but he is not a main focal point, and they do not ask if anyone wants to come up and be saved...he is seen rather as what we should aspire to be and can become.
The best part, for me, is the end, where we have our closing circle...everyone makes a huge circle all the way around the room, and then we say prayers of love and well-being - the cool part about this is that they suggest that you put your hands up in front of you, palms facing out, while you think of names of people you want to pray for. This feels so much more powerful, and effective, then simply clasping your hands together in the traditional way. You can kinda feel the energy you are putting out and receiving at the same time!
And then we all join hands in that big circle and sing the Peace on Earth song...which is so lovely that I will share the words with you here:
"Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me
Let there be peace on earth,
The peace that was meant to be....
With God as Creator, family all are we
Let us walk with eachother, in perfect harmony.
Let peace begin with me, let this be the moment now.
With every step I take, let this be my joyous vow...
To take each moment and live each moment
in peace eternally...
Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me."
Ah, if only I could really live that song, every moment of every day....
But anyway, the church is great, from what I hear they are all slightly different from eachother in the way they do things but of course they all abide by the same principles. I would check one out if you are close to one!
Follow Mothering