WEEKLY UPDATE April 8, 2025 | | |
I release self-criticism.
Our brains are programmed to look for the negative as a self- preservation mechanism, but that critical vigilance is easily turned on ourselves. We may nitpick our performance at work or lament the parts of our bodies that are aging or in pain, ignoring all the elements of our lives that are working perfectly.
Today, I let go of self-criticism. I begin to see the marvel that I am. I am made perfect in the image and likeness of the Holy. I am a glorious creature worthy of honor and praise. I love myself—I am “feelin’ myself,” as Beyoncé would say. I am grateful for all that I am, all that I have, all that I give, and all that I receive. The Christ spirit lives, moves, and breathes in me, as me. I approach the throne boldly, and I bow before me.
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. - Romans 8:1
Affirm: Today I am fearless, flawless, and fierce.
4/10/2025, I Release Self-Criticism, In the Garden: Lent 2025 Booklet, Rev. Christina Garza
Photo by Chris Plyler
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Unity Williamsburg Spiritual Center offers a
safe and sacred place for study, participation, fellowship,
support, and transformation as we awaken to
the joy of living!
We invite you to join us in 2025!
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Unity Williamsburg Spiritual Center is a diverse, open and affirming community that embraces all people regardless of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, creed, ethnicity, age or physical or mental ability - without intent or attempt to convert.
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Learn More about Unity...
Interested in more information about Unity? Who are we and where did we come from? Click on these links to inform and empower you! www.unity.org and www.truthunity.net. Blessings!
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Calendar of Events
Wednesday, April 9
Yoga Class with Jamie Fitzwater
CANCELLED
7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 13
Palm Sunday
Flipped Church with Duncan & Ingrid Hamra
10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Board Meeting
12:00 - 1:30 p.m.
Wednesday, April 16
Healing Sound Bath with Canda Lambert
5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Yoga Class with Jamie Fitzwater
7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 20
EASTER SUNDAY
Canda Lambert, Spiritual Leader
10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Easter Luncheon and Potluck
11:30 a.m.
Wednesday, April 23
Drop Off Donations for Yard Sale
3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Yoga Class with Jamie Fitzwater
7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 26
Healing Sound Bath with Canda Lambert
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 27
Eddie Robinson, Guest Speaker
10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Drop Off Donations for Yard Sale
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Wednesday, April 30
Yoga Class with Jamie Fitzwater
7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 1
Beltane/May Day Celebration with
Rev. Denise Creech & Canda Lambert
6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
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Duncan and Ingrid McGuckin-Hamra will be the facilitators this Sunday for "Flipped Church - Church Without a Sermon". Flipped Church is an inter-active service format where we devote our time to asking questions, working in groups and embodying the ideals we like to talk about.
Ingrid McGuckin-Hamra and Duncan Hamra are happily married and grateful to be members of this wonderful community. Ingrid is an educator who worked in the public school system for 10 years and currently teaches part time at a local Montessori school. Duncan cofounded a software company with his best friend and manages a team of 20 lovely people from all over the world.
Their excitement for showing up in a positive and spirit filled way is infectious and Unity Williamsburg is excited to host this dynamic couple as they explore “new ways of doing church beyond the traditional sermon.”
Platform Assistant: Teo Feliciano
Chaplain: Susan Cardozo
Greeters: Richard & Margie Tate
| | Overcoming our tendency to judge others is not always easy. Traits we see in others are often the same things we fail to see in ourselves (the ole "it takes one to know one" idea). That’s an uncomfortable thought. Let’s open our hearts and know that we are all spiritual beings having a human experience and sometimes that includes less than attractive behavior—both in them and in us. I open my heart and release judgement against others as well as myself. | | |
Unity Williamsburg Spiritual Center graciously accepts love offerings during Sunday Services and special events, online through paypal.me/UnityWilliamsburg, Zeffy, and by check, mailed to 624 Queens Creek Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23185.
How to donate with Zeffy. Video tutorial here
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Staying Grounded in Our Divine Nature
A recurring theme in our Sunday talks and spiritual programs is the fifth Unity Principle—Spiritual Growth—and in particular, staying attuned to our Divine nature.
We’re living in a time of accelerated change. Systems, routines, and even relationships we once found grounding are shifting—sometimes dramatically—leaving our nervous systems a bit frayed. In recent conversations with members of our community, the topic of Reacting vs. Responding has come up again and again.
Reacting is often automatic, driven by ego and rooted in survival instincts like fear, anger, or frustration. Responding, on the other hand, is intentional. It invites us to pause, reflect, and move forward in alignment with our higher self—our Divine nature.
One tool that has helped me in recent weeks is a simple mnemonic: PLACE
P – Pause. The moment you notice your emotions shifting, stop and take a deep breath.
L – Label your emotions. Are you angry? Anxious? Grieving? Naming what you feel helps bring clarity and calm.
A – Ask yourself why. What triggered this feeling? Dig deep. Sometimes we uncover old wounds or unconscious stories that are ready to heal.
C – Choose a mindful response. What outcome do you truly want? Choose an action (or inaction) that honors that intention.
E – Empower yourself. Recognize the strength it takes to respond with presence. Celebrate that moment of conscious choice.
In many ways, UWSC is a PLACE for me—both literally and spiritually. A place where I’m reminded to pause, reflect, and realign. A place where the Christ in me sees and honors the Christ in you.
Blessings, love, and light,
A
Amy Shao, President
Jane Siegel, Vice President
Lynda Birckhead, Secretary
Johan Wagner, Treasurer
Jude Eastman, Member at Large
Teo Feliciano, Member at Large
(*To email a board member, click on their name above.)
Next Board Meeting will be April 13.
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April 20 is Easter Sunday! As a special celebration, there will be an Easter luncheon after the service. The Board will provide a Spiral sliced Sugar-Cured Ham, Macaroni n' Cheese, Carrots, Mashed Potatoes with Roasted Gravy, Green Beans, Rolls, Apple Streusel Pie and Pecan Pie. Everyone is encouraged to bring a dish to share.
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UNITY COMMUNITY YARD SALE
Hosted by Unity Williamsburg Spiritual Center
DATE: Saturday, May 17, 2025
TIME: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
GOAL: Raise $500 to update the audiovisual equipment in our sanctuary.
WE NEED YOUR DONATIONS!
Gently used, preloved, or new items are welcome. Ask friends and family too!
Housewares, Home Décor, Art, Books, Games, Furniture, Handbags, Toys, Garden Items, Antiques, Outerwear, Sporting Goods, Hobbies, Collectibles, Plants.
NOTE: Only clothing and shoes that are NEW WITH TAGS will be accepted. No exceptions.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! (sign-up sheet beside office door)
Day of Sale:
• 7:30 – 9:30 AM: Set up tables & items
• 9:00 – 11:00 AM/ 11:00 AM-1:00 pm - Sales floor, Check-out table
• 12:30 – 2:30 PM: Breakdown, load and deliver unsold items to local charity (Pickup truck helpful!)
Prior to the sale:
**“Point & Smile”- volunteers are needed to monitor donation drop off.
**Pricing & Sorting volunteers are also needed during donation drop off.
DONATION DROP-OFF TIMES (we can only accept donations at these times)
• Wed 4/23 – 3:00–5:00 PM**
• Sun 4/27, 5/4 & 5/11 Following service**
• Sat 5/10 – 9:00–11:00 AM**
• Wed 5/14 – 10:00 AM–12:00 PM**
Also needed on the day of sale: Rolling Clothes Racks, Outdoor extension cords, small grill for hotdogs, Plastic Grocery bags and newspaper.
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LETTER FROM LIN:
To my community of faith at Unity Williamsburg,
Thank you so much for your wonderful cards and healing prayers. They made me feel supported, cared for and much loved.
I write to you with a light, delightful and very glad heart. Today I stood up all by myself for the first time since mid-December! I was in the helper chair I'll admit, but my legs, arms and body kept me upright. Hoorah.
I also continue my prayers for y'all and our wonderful church building. I look forward to continuing to direct things having to do with our floral decorations, to hearing Canda give a Sunday message and seeing all your bright and shining faces.
Namaste,
Love, Lin
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Thank you for being part of our spiritual community at Unity Williamsburg Spiritual Center! If you’ve had a positive experience us, would you consider leaving a Google review? It would mean a lot to us and help others discover our center. Thank you so much!
How to write a Google review - Video tutorial here
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Please visit our new Facebook home here or search @unitywilliamsburgspiritualcenter. We will be posting the Daily Word, affirmations, meditations, inspirational music and sermon spotlights daily. We will also post information about upcoming services and special events.
Our Sunday Services will be broadcast via Facebook Live every Sunday at 10:30 AM.
Please "Like" the posts and share content from the page to improve our online visibility. If you have suggestions from content, please contact Amy Shao or Jude Eastman.
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Zeffy is a fee-free donation portal specifically for non-profits. This means 100% of your love offering comes to UWSC. There will be cards with the scannable QR codes in the Sanctuary on Sunday like the one pictured. By scanning the QR code, you are taken to a donation page where you can choose a one time or recurring donation and amount. You do not need to create an account. Once you submit your donation, you will receive an immediate "Thank You" email with a downloadable tax-deductible donation receipt for your records.
So give it a try and let the Board know what you think!
How to donate with Zeffy. Video tutorial here
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