Happy Thanksgiving Blessings to everyone! The view outside my office window shows some of the trees are changing colors and it is a lovely afternoon with the temperature in the low 70's. I am so glad that Unity Church of the Valley has called Southern California "Home" for 68 years, now! We are grateful for all the souls who have built our ministry of Practical Christianity over the years, and all the souls who have passed through our doors.
Like most Unity Churches and other New Thought Churches, people who are "Seekers" come and stay for a while and then, "graduate" to other Paths of Spiritual Enlightenment. This has never bothered me, because I believe that we are all students of the Universe and we are always graduating from one level of spiritual education to another, more expansive level.
This Sunday, our Lesson: "Hope & Faith" is the theme of the 1st Sunday in Advent. Advent is the 40 days of spiritual preparation for Christmas. Unity celebrates the Birth of our indwelling Christ Nature on Christmas. It is the time in our self-awareness when we accept the believe that our true nature is spiritual. Jesus Christ, our Elder Brother, set the example of the indwelling Christ Nature. His lessons on Forgiveness, Love, Life, Faith, Trust; Hope, Compassion, Wisdom and Living in the Kingdom of Heaven set the standard for us to embrace in our own spiritual growth.
Ann Louise Christensen, our Music Director will entertain us and open our hearts with her meditation music and inspiring music during our service this Sunday. If you are able, please visit the Montrose Shopping Park on Honolulu Ave., on Saturday, 11 26 2022 from 12:00 p.m., Noon to 3:00 p.m. Her band: Christensen Music will be one of the several bands playing in the Shopping Park. I believe you will find Ann Louise, her husband, Geno Escarrega and their other talented musicians close to the Black Cow Restaurant or near Anderson's Pet Store. They will be playing for consecutive Saturdays during the Holiday Season!!
Also, this year Christmas Day falls on Sunday: 12 25 2022. We will hold our Christmas Sunday Service that day at our usual time: 11:30 a.m., so please join in the celebration!
Our Annual Unity Burning Bowl Service falls on Sunday: 1 01 2023 and we will meet at our regular time: 11:30 am. We say farewell to 2022 and Joyfully Greet the New Year of 2023!
God Blesses You, Richly, now and remember that you are always held in the Embrace of the Divine!!
Rev. Jeri Linn
Image by Deborah Hudson from Pixabay
