June 7, 2020
Sunday Lesson via Livestream
The Outer Life and
the Inward Sanctuary
The title of this week's lesson is inspired by the words of the Rev. Dr. Howard Thurman, African American pastor, theologian, philosopher, author, and educator. In his reflection, "The Outer Life and the Inward Sanctuary", Thurman writes that "the outer life must find its meaning, the source of its strength in the inward sanctuary. As this is done, the gulf between the outer and the inner will narrow and [our lives] will be increasingly whole and one piece." Join Rev. Debra as she invites us to take a journey to our center where the questions of our hearts are answered, the difficulties of life are transformed, and where we experience the profound grace necessary to heal a hurting world.
|
|
How Can We Serve You?
UCR Community Survey
The Board of Trustees is seeking information to make the best decisions about how to support you. Please help us serve you by completing this simple survey. It should only take a few minutes to complete. We are looking forward to hearing from you and appreciate your help! Click here for the survey.
|
|
To register for the Coffee Hour, please click on the link below. You will be asked to enter your name and email address. Once you submit your registration, you will receive an email with the login information to use the day of the event. If you have any difficulty registering, or if you have questions, please email minister@unitycr.org Click here to register. Share the Facebook Event here.
|
|
UCR Building Re-Keying
Recently, the two main entrances to UCR were re-keyed and a limited number of new keys were issued to the Staff, Trustees, and Licensed Unity Leaders (LULs). There are three important rationales for the decision to re-key the buildings. First, it has been a decade since the locks were re-keyed and we are certain many keys were never returned by community groups meeting at UCR. Over the years, keys were lost or misplaced as well. Secondly, the center experienced a break-in to the main church office and minister's office earlier this year, and most recently, a microwave was removed from the small kitchen. Lastly, the Trustees are regularly meeting to explore how and when UCR will resume Sunday services and group meetings. This requires a great deal of planning and preparation. The CDC and Public Health Department guidelines include cleaning protocols that make a wider distribution of keys inadvisable at this time, particularly in the very early days of resumed activities. It is important that the cleaning staff knows when and how the building is used as we work to assure the health and safety of all who enter by targeting the areas used.
Once the center is fully open and meetings and classes resume, we will distribute keys to group and ministry leaders as necessary and in keeping with best practices for the center. We are sorry for any inconvenience, but please know that in response to this decision, a staff member is now at the center on Tuesdays from 9 AM - 5 PM, and Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10 am - 4 PM. While the buildings are not officially open to the public, please knock at the Community Center door and we will happily assist you. If you need something at the center outside of the hours listed above, please contact Rev. Debra at minister@unitycr.org or reach out to one of the Trustees. We will do our best to accommodate you. Thank you for your understanding.
|
|
Elayne Fisher Community Cupboard –
Circulation in Action
We have recently received many funds dedicated to the Elayne Fisher Community Cupboard, which means they cannot be used for any other purpose (like operating expenses). We are so grateful for these funds, and we joyfully and generously share with those in need. If you or someone you know needs some assistance, we welcome you to our pantry on Tuesdays from 10:00-12:30.
Spread the word!
|
|
Staying Connected with UCR
We are committed to remaining connected to our UCR community during this time. Let us know how we can serve you. If you are anxious or experiencing a health challenge, let us know and we will reach out to support you. You can email Rev. Debra at minister@unitycr.org, call the church office at (319) 393-5422 and leave a message, or call our pastoral care number (319) 382-5358.
|
|
Many Ways to Give!
During these unprecedented times, you turn to UCR for a positive message and help centering and focusing on Good. Even though we are meeting virtually for a while, we still have to pay our minister and staff, as well as our mortgage, insurance, maintenance, etc. Your consistent gifts are welcome and appreciated.
|
|
Thank you for keeping your prosperity consciousness intact. There are many blessings around us, in us, and through us, and many more to come!
|
|
|
|