How are you? We are more than halfway through the month of January, and I am wondering how 2023 is shaping up for you. I am happy to say that we are seeing new folks on Sunday morning, and I am so grateful. I know how important the Unity message is for our world right now. So to the new folks keep coming back… at least try us for a few times before you decide on whether what we are offering is what you are looking for.

The message on Sunday was to highlight the birthday of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. I mentioned that it will be 55 years since his assassination in 1968. For many of us, we were just young adults and for others not even born yet. What I find striking is that his message is still resonating. My inbox has been full of quotes, stories, and pictures of MLK in memory of his birthday.

His “I Have a Dream” speech, Birmingham Jail letter, and others continue to be front and center. This is also known as a National Day of Service. Service is part of our mission statement. Is there some way you would like to serve our community? We have opportunities to serve, and here are a few: our children’s program; greeting on Sunday morning; being in the bookstore on Sunday morning; offer a program that aligns with our vision and mission. If any of these speak to you… speak to me.

Coming back! The Season for Nonviolence. The season starts on January 30 to mark the assassination of Gandhi and ends on April 4 to mark the assassination of MLK. I will be doing a talk series on the book by the Dalai Lama called Ethics for The New Millennium. From the back cover of the book: “In a difficult, uncertain time, it takes a person of great courage such as the Dalai Lama, to give us hope. Regardless of the violence and cynicism we see on television and read about in the news, there is an argument to be made for basic human goodness. The number of people who spend their lives engaged in violence and dishonesty is tiny compared to the vast majority who would wish others only well. According to the Dalia Lama, our survival has depended and will continue to depend on our basic goodness.”

This book was published in 1999. Not much has changed since then. So join me as we begin this series on January 29. This coming Sunday I am venturing into new territory as we learn about the Lunar New Year, the year of the Water Rabbit.

You are a blessing in my life,
Rev. Patricia Bessey

P.S.: Just a reminder to take care and pay attention to what your body is telling you. If you feel great, join us in person; if you don’t feel so great, join us online.