Let’s start with a big shout-out to Rev. Matt Purinton for his powerful message this past Sunday, Letting Go of the Illusion of Control. I don’t know about you, but that theme is dancing through my life right now. Matt did a beautiful job helping us unpack the myth that we’re in control. If you missed the service, I highly recommend watching it.
This past weekend, I traveled to Unity of Syracuse, and it was such a heartwarming trip. My connection with that community goes back quite a few years. When Rev. LeRoy and I lived in Virginia Beach, he served as their temporary minister and would travel up regularly. For the past five-plus years, I’ve been honored to support them however I can, especially during their time without a permanent minister. It’s a joy to walk alongside them.
Now, let’s talk about what’s coming up because we’ve got a lot to look forward to! This Sunday, Julie Thompson will be with us, sharing both the message and her beautiful music. Julie’s been part of our Unity family for over 25 years; she even sang at Rev. LeRoy’s and my wedding. So set your alarm, come join us, and stay afterward for a celebratory cookout. Your Board of Trustees is hosting it as a thank-you for your continued support as we wrap up our fiscal year on August 31. If you feel inspired to bring a side dish, we’d love that!
And speaking of inspiration, fall is nearly here, and our calendar is filling up fast. Take a peek and see what’s calling to you. Starting September 2, our Zoom Book Group kicks off a new read: The Dalai Lama’s Cat and The Four Paws of Spiritual Success by David Michie. It’s the fourth in the series, and I absolutely love it. We meet Tuesdays from 10:30 a.m. to noon, and it’s always a rich, heart-opening conversation.
Also returning this year is the luminous Mary Reed, the Unwitting Mystic. She’ll be with us on Saturday, September 13 for a full-day retreat and speaking on Sunday. If you didn’t get to experience her last year, this is your chance. Mary’s journey from agnostic to mystic is extraordinary. As poet Chelan Harkin writes, “To come into contact with anything Mary pours forth is to receive the glorious invitation to be remade into the Beautiful One you truly are.” I couldn’t agree more.
So, my dear friends, there are so many beautiful ways for us to gather, grow, and serve together. I hope you’ll join us in whatever way your heart feels called. Let’s keep showing up for each other with love, intention, and joy.
You are a blessing in my life,
Rev. Patricia Bessey
