by John Daubney
Many of us who have experienced “coming home” when we started attending Unity are so appreciative that it becomes a natural next-step to want to give back out of gratitude . In Unity we are encouraged to choose an avenue of service which coincides with what we love to do. That way service becomes easy and a joy to perform. Lois’ first choice for service was becoming a member of the garden committee since she loved gardening. Since that time she has participated in many other service activities, using her God-given skills and engaging in activities she enjoys. There are also activities that can be challenging but can offer an opportunity to discover more of what we are capable of being. Lois’ willingness to stretch by serving on the church board has brought her many blessings both personally and interpersonally.
“I was raised in a protestant background with my father serving as church Deacon & Trustee and as a member of the Stewardship committee. He was an honest and trustworthy man and an excellent model for service. I attended Sunday school regularly and learned the Bible stories. When I was thirteen, I was baptized on Easter Sunday.Far up above the altar area was a stain glassed window with a large white dove as the center piece. As I was being baptized, that white dove flew down to me from that window, lit upon my left shoulder and blessed me. This was my very first spiritual experience and I have never forgotten it.
As I grew thru my teens and young adult hood, I became confused by an image of God that was both loving and vengeful. This effected my entire life. I eventually abandoned everything I was ever taught and went on a quest of my own for several years, avoiding organized religions. But then I investigated the Catholic, Lutheran, Baptist and Pentecostal traditions. Each of these doctrines offered me a few years of advice, but held rules, condemnation, and judgments. I eventually realized My God was way bigger than all of that!! My sister suggested I seek out a Unity Church, as she had found one in San Francisco, where she is living, that offered her a way to seek her own spiritual path without rules or judgment. Imagine that!
So I found Unity church in Albany online, in 2008, and began attending regularly, soaking it all in. Like others before me have discovered, I was HOME. Unity was a Life Changer for me. I began to read everything I could about the Unity movement, our co-founders, Silent Unity, and began to attend Wednesday classes. I learned a new way to pray & meditate. Everything I was learning was making sense. I was “hungry and I was being fed.” I joined the church officially in 2010. My first acts of service were with the garden committee, as flowers are my Love. I see God there. Then followed the Book store. It’s exciting to share my “reads”, and those recommended by our Minister. I served on a Retreat, fall clean-ups, pot lucks, hospitality, circulation day, used book fair, and a Christmas party.
When Jackie Hawkins went off to Unity Village to pursue her calling, I told her that I would be there for her graduation in 4 years. I then started reading in books and online all I could find about Unity Village. In June of 2013 I was off to the Village which became the biggest spiritual experience of my life. The Village is beautiful and sacred ground. Spirit stunned me and I walked with God during those four days. I experienced a transcended, profound existence. I returned with an entirely different perspective about who I am, my purpose, my relationships with others. I was changed!! In gratitude, I immediately partnered with Silent Unity and became a member of their Circle of Friends, sending in a portion of my tithe each month.
Back in Albany I was asked if I would consider being on the Board. I was delighted and honored to be nominated and then elected. I now serve as the secretary, and liaison for Sunday worship. This year I attended the 4T class and learned to truly tithe and have been blessed beyond measure. That was another opening for me to expand my spirit and grow.
Many responsibilities come along with service, but I can assure anyone considering service that the joys, satisfactions, and the blessings well outweigh the “work”. You will develop many like-minded quality friends; folks who desire to wake up and grow. Laughter, joy, peace all follow service. Yes, some nights you will feel tired, but the satisfaction of serving others will make you smile as your lay your head upon your pillow. Please listen to the call of your own heart. What interests you? Then abandon all “thought” and GO FOR IT! Spirit and others will help and guide you to your true calling.”
“Everybody can be great. Because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve… You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” —— Martin Luther King, Jr.