by John Daubney
The old spiritual adage that proclaims: “If you want to keep what you receive, it’s vital to give it away”, is as important today as it has ever been. It seems the universe works that way. Ernie Klemm listened to his inner voice; was inspired by the example of others who gave of themselves, and was eventually inspired to get involved in service at Unity. As he will tell you, the rewards have been plentiful and Ernie in turn has inspired others. Thank you Ernie!
“I began my Unity experience 31 years ago when the Catholic Church refused to marry my then- wife and me due to my wife being pregnant. But we were able to find a friendly minister, from a church called Unity of Daytona Beach, who had no preconceived notions or judgments, and with open arms married us.
I didn’t reconnect with Unity, however, until the mid-1990’s after years of going back to the Catholic Church — Einstein has commented on this behavior — when my family and I realized that there was something more for us to experience spiritually. For myself I realized there is more to my existence than I what I had been taught and believed. I wanted to be able to transform my thoughts, especially the negative ones, through being more in touch with my emotions, beliefs, the love within me, and through self-forgiveness.
We remembered that Unity church minister in Daytona and our positive experience there, so after moving to Tennessee we found a Unity church in Nashville. We called and talked with the minister and asked some questions. One of them was particularly funny, but important to us, as we were in a new part of the country which had a very strong religious culture. We asked, the minister at that time, Jimmy Scott, if Unity was a cult. He laughed gingerly and said no that it was definitely not a cult. He told us that he had a hard enough time getting people to come to service on a regular basis, let alone getting them to join a “cult.” So we started attending and we fell in love with the church, its youth education program, the congregation, and the philosophy. We stayed connected with this church until we left to move to Albany
After arriving in Albany, we became busy with the things in our lives and fell away from church. We also fell into the judgment mode and thought there was nothing like our last church, so why bother going to another church. This was, I now see, a big mistake, but we learned. Then about four years ago, I found myself at a crossroads and woke one morning knowing that the answers to my questions and to my path were at Unity. Immediately, I began attending Unity Church in Albany
As I attended Unity, I became blessed with knowledge and understanding but at a point I felt selfish as I was taking and not giving anything back. As I watched others give I realized I needed to step up and just help. I did this out of a desire to serve, however, and not out of feelings of guilt. I was most inspired by Jim and Kay Fuller, as well as Heather Diddel, John Frederick, Dottie Frament, Jane Bloom, and Dennis Ryan. Dennis actually discussed his calling to serve, and return to the church what he was receiving. I realized at that point it was time for me to just help where I could, and as a result that approach felt comfortable for me. As an introvert it’s all about the small steps.
Over the 4 years I have been part of Unity in Albany, I have participated in the children’s teaching program, Hospitality, and currently I am an usher and teller. I also have helped with building maintenance from time to time. For me, giving back to this place that provides me comfort, acceptance, understanding and teachings is just logical. The 4T program teaches that we need to give to receive, so when a place gives unconditionally as Unity of Albany does to me, it just felt right in my heart. I’m sure this feeling is the same for all who give. They understand the giving and receiving philosophy, and its benefits.”
“To give and receive are one.
I can contribute good to someone’s life today by being full of love…
I’ll never to be empty-handed again. “
– Daily Meditations for Practicing the Course. – Karen Casey, author