A Shameless Plug

I am so in love. You know, the kind that makes you want to burst, and you take every chance you get to talk about it, 100% certain that your love is so colossal, it will change the world.  I'm so in love; with my church. I became acquainted with Renaissance Unity about ten years ago when I had the unbelievable opportunity to hear Maya Angelou and Wayne Dyer speak, (sacred experiences, both). Two years ago, we really started getting close. I may have mentioned in previous posts, the minister is phenomenal. Rev. Jim Lee delivers his weekly messages with sublime compassion and delightful humor, an engaging fusion of a Dalai Lama and Chris Rock. He is the lungs of the church, breathing loving energy and Truth into the entire community.  The heart of the church is the incredible music provided by RU's choir, The Gospel Truth accompanied by a diverse and faithful band. (Incidentally, I realize there is a lot that goes on behind the scenes, but I assert that the band may be the single most under-rated component of the church service.) The backbone of the church is the congregation. If ever you are feeling alone or unloved, please walk through the doors of Renaissance Unity on a Sunday morning. You will be greeted with genuine warmth and a smile at every turn. I could go on and on, but I really want to get to what happened yesterday. As happens most weeks, there were several sacred junctures: I was overcome with gratitude when the praise dancers, six beautiful women of various ages and ethnicities, offered themselves through exquisite interpretive movement and unreserved expression. Then, an impromptu version of "Jesus Take My Hand", sung by Juliette, whose voice rivals Aretha's, brought everyone to their feet and reaching for tissue. And then there was the moment that went beyond sacred to transformational. Rev. Lee confessed that he had a realization that he himself had been holding back. That revelation sparked a palpable change in energy and renewed faith. He evoked the memory of his Mother so strongly that she was undeniably present. His invitation to walk boldly forward with the hand of Jesus inspired me to action. He has been a spiritual voice leading me to action on my own behalf, and now, I want to be an advocate for the church. I ask you to consider visiting Renaissance Unity, a non-denominational, Christian-based, spiritual community of faith that is open to all. It is well worth the forty minutes it takes me to drive there, but you can also see the service online on Sunday mornings. Renaissance Unity has much to offer, and will undoubtedly welcome the gifts you will bring to it. See for yourself at www.RenaissanceUnity.org.