How to 'Be In the World, Not of It.'
 Rev. Kurt Condra
Last week I said we're called to "be in the world but not of it." This week, Pastor Ricky Thomas of Greater Works Church of God, (they worshiped in our building before stay-at-home), challenged me to go deeper.
What does it even mean ... "in the world but not of it?" In Unity, it usually involves some form of "Keeping the high watch," "Seeing the good," "Claiming the blessing," and generally maintaining a positive attitude no matter the appearance. Important work in consciousness, fer sure!
But it's tricky to execute. Positivism can easily be misused to shield or separate ourselves from experiencing the pain often necessary for transformation. Instead of meeting challenges and transcending them, we avoid them. We stop watching the news. We don't engage in uncomfortable conversations. We stop associating with those who don't share our views. That's okay, even healthy, if we use this time apart to align with love, renew our faith, and build spiritual muscle. But we can't stay there. Moses didn't stay on Mount Sinai basking in God's presence. He brought the Ten Commandants down the mountain to face the stubbornness, rebelliousness and corruption of his people.
I love how Rev. Ricky does in-the-world, not-of-it: "I listen to what's not being said," he confided. He watches the news, but his intention is not about being informed of worldly conditions (though he certainly is). His intention is to discern the deeper truth needing to be brought to light. "The news tells me what to pray for," he said. So where there is strife he prays for harmony. Where there is hate, he prays for love. Where there is rancor, understanding. Where there is pain, healing.
I'm finding this form of news viewing to be a powerful practice. Instead of just absorbing the headlines, often getting triggered by the emotional hooks inherent in commercialized media, I consciously listen for what prayerful energy is needed, and call it forth in myself...in that moment. No longer am I consuming news, I'm employing spiritual discernment to support Spirit's activity in transforming the conditions being reported.
The best part: Practice bringing Truth to your news intake,and your ability to bring divine light to any life experience expands. As Rev. Ricky would say, "Shine on, my brothers and sisters!"
Rev. Kurt presents the lesson, Facing the Mirror. Singer-songwriter John Stringer brings his light-filled rockin' energy to inspire us. Zoom Room opens at 10:25 a.m. Click here.
Rev. Christina Garza and Gabriela Rivero lead this prayer and healing service. The 2nd and 4th Fridays of the month at 7 pm. Here's the link: https://zoom.us/j/97185470983?pwd=K1B2cklGVWZsdndheTRKeFdtTVVZdz09
Learn to refocus on the present moment and in the process develop a deeper awareness of self as well as everything around you. Click here to learn more and register.
~ Links to Virtual Spirituality Programs~
- Virtual Sunday Service streams live on Zoom from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. and features music, meditation, message and practical application from Revs. Kurt and Christina and a member of our Chaplain Team. Here's the Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/163785899
- Soul School for kids and teens is also on Zoom 9:15-10:25. Classes begin with a simple check-in and sharing to catch up with how everyone is doing Then the session breaks into class “rooms” within the meeting, so our classes can do their own brief lessons. Pre-registration required.Here's the link: https://www.unityns.org/civicrm/event/info?id=1353&reset=1
- Garden Chat Fellowship is also on Zoom from 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Grab a cup of coffee and a plat and lets meet online to enjoy a time of fellowship and connection. Here's the Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/163785899
- Mindfulness and Meditation Practices: Online Tuesdays from 6 - 8 pm, July 7 - August 4. Facilitator: Candace Lucas, Licensed Unity Teacher. 5-Class Series: $100; or $25/class. Learn to refocus on the present moment and in the process develop a deeper awareness of ourselves as well as everything around us. Go to: https://www.unityns.org/civicrm/event/info?id=1378&reset=1 to register.
- Wednesday Book Group gathers ONLINE from 10:30 a.m. to noon, to read and discuss popular titles by a range of spiritually inspiring authors. Current title is Byron Katie's "A Thousand Names for Joy." Here's the link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84442455150?pwd=eENCVUhieVdHWFhhQlBERnNCUVdTUT09
- Spanish-English Prayer Service: Rev. Christina Garza and Gabriela Rivero lead this prayer and healing service. The 2nd and 4th Fridays of the month at 7 pm. Here's the link: https://zoom.us/j/97185470983?pwd=K1B2cklGVWZsdndheTRKeFdtTVVZdz09
- Lunchtime Stress Reduction with Ann Baker and Rev. Kurt Condra. Each week, Ann shares a different relaxation/mindfulness technique to lower stress and improve mood, after which Rev. Kurt shares prays based on group's requests. Here's the link: https://zoom.us/j/461567193
- Thursday Calm in the Chaos with Ann Baker uses effective stress reduction techniques to create a group coherence effect that can then be projected out to the community to shift the overwhelming atmosphere from fear to peace.Zoom info: https://zoom.us/j/930339889?pwd=ZmtMazRqSUFQMWpGeEM5WTcrK1c2Zz09 . Meeting ID: 930 339 889. Password: 880016.
- Divine Feminine Book Group: Online gathering on the last Monday of each month at 5:30 pm. June's Book Group Selection is Anita Diamant's novel, "The Red Tent." Go to: https://zoom.us/j/872799304?pwd=SHA1OCtSM05IeWZnZVprSlZpZksvdz09
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Our Center and ministries are completely supported through your tithes and offerings. While it may be tempting to hold tight during times of uncertainty, we ask that you remain faithful in giving. Your generosity empowers us to continue our work toward creating a world that works for all by sharing principles and practices for abundant spiritual living. It's safe and simple:
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