WEEKLY UPDATE December 23, 2025 | | |
Constellations of Belonging
As a kid, nothing about Christmas thrilled me more than the King Family Christmas party. My mom was the youngest of four, and after her mother died when she was just a teenager, her three older brothers became devotedly protective of her. That dynamic grew into a family culture that prioritized support and connection.
Each year, the siblings and their families would gather. Platters of food stretched over kitchen counters and folding tables snaked through multiple rooms. Those times together glowed with love and support. They gave me a glimpse of what presence and oneness feel like.
Together we formed a constellation of care, belonging, and unbridled joy. Families, like constellations, (are) made of stars that are always moving. Some drift apart. Others come closer. Some die. Others are born.
I can’t return to the King Family Christmas of my childhood, but it lives on in me—not as a fixed memory, but as a spirit I pass on. When we create spaces of belonging—when we make the effort to come together, laugh together, tell our stories, and make new ones—we are honoring the sacred thread that runs through it all.
This Advent, I remember that love doesn’t look the same year to year. But what never changes is the blessing of gathering—to choose one another, share ourselves, and believe that no matter what form it takes, the light of love shines through us.
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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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Inclement Weather Notices
Virginia weather is a roller coaster ride and there may be times when services need to be cancelled for the safety of our congregation and speakers. Cancellation notices will be sent out via a Constant Contact email and posted to Facebook. We will also update the message on the UWSC voicemail to let callers know when services will be cancelled.
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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
Saturday, December 27
Healing Sound Bath with Canda Lambert
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 28
Rev. Maria Nouel - Burning Bowl/Water Release
10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
New Beginnings Workshop with Emily Cameron
12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
Sunday, January 4
Carylanne Steinberg - White Stone Ceremony
10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
1st Sunday Pot Luck Fellowship
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Let's Dream Big Workshop with Carylanne
12:30 - 2:00 p.m.
Sunday, January 11
Canda Lambert - Unity Prosperity Basics
Saturday, January 17
Intro to Enneagram with Tom Baker
10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Sunday, January 18
Rev. Ginny Roll - Unity Prosperity: Going Deep
10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Board Meeting
12:15 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Private Event
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Saturday, January 24
Celtic Imbolc Service
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Sunday, January 25
Tom Baker - Give Yourself Away
10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Annual Membership Meeting
11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
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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 2026!
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This Sunday, our own Rev. Maria Nouel will lead one of the most unique and powerful events we offer - the Water Release Service (formerly Burning Bowl Service). It is an opportunity to discern and dissolve any old ideas, patterns, or energies we do not wish to carry into the new year. Join us as we honor and release the past year in this service of healing and transformation. No need to bring anything. Pencils and dissolving paper are provided. We hope you’ll join us on Sunday!
Platform Assistant: Don Winkler
Chaplain: Susan Thomas
Greeters: Fran & Tom Rodan
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Christmas is the perfect time to bring this love to the forefront of our awareness. The season of giving and sharing makes it easy. Everywhere we turn there are reminders that Christmas is coming. The music, the lights and decorations, the spiritual journey of Advent, all help focus our attention on the coming holiday and kindle our generous impulses. I am love in action, sharing my gifts with the world.
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UWSC Nominating Committee
The UWSC Nominating Committee is a group comprised of a Board member, our Spiritual Director and congregation members who identify those interested in serving on the UWSC Board of Directors. The Board is currently comprised of 6 members filling the roles of President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary and two At Large Members. There are two Board openings available in 2026 and two in 2027. If you would be interested in being a part of the Nominating Committee or service on the Board, please reach out to Teo Feliciano.
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The UWSC Online Shop is Open!
Just in time for Christmas, we’re excited to announce that the online Unity Williamsburg Shop is now open!
Whether you’re looking for a meaningful gift or a little inspiration for yourself, you can now order UWSC t-shirts, Sound Bath gift certificates, handcrafter jewelry from our Unity community artisans and our 2026 UWSC wall calendar—all from the comfort of home. More items will be added soon, so be sure to check back often!
Each purchase supports UWSC and helps keep our spiritual home vibrant, welcoming, and growing. Giving from the heart has never been easier—or more joyful!
Visit the shop through this link or our website and spread the light of UWSC this holiday season!
How to donate with Zeffy. Video tutorial here
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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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Our Light of Christmas Service and Congregational Luncheon was another beautiful embodiment of what makes UWSC such a special spiritual community. Together we sang beloved carols, explored the metaphysical meaning woven through the Christmas story, and experienced a breathtaking expression of movement and spirit through William Walker’s dance. As Will moved gracefully through the sanctuary—flowing among each row—he embodied the love, connection, and shared light that bind us together. We closed the service with a congregational candle lighting, a powerful reminder that the Light of Christ is not something we observe, but something we share.
So many hearts and hands contributed to making our Congregational Luncheon a joy-filled gathering. From preparation and setup to cleanup afterward, the spirit of service was evident in every detail. I especially love the sound of voices during fellowship—stories being shared, laughter rising, and connections deepening across tables.
As I reflect on my own family and circle of friends, I’m reminded that the shape of the holidays changes over time. Some seasons are filled with bustling gatherings and celebration; others are quieter and more contemplative. I am deeply grateful for a spiritual community that reminds me that in every season of life, love is present—ready to be embraced and shared. That, to me, is the true Light of Christmas.
Namaste, A
Amy Shao, President
Teo Feliciano, Vice President
Lynda Birckhead, Secretary
Johan Wagner, Treasurer
Jude Eastman, Member at Large
Jane Siegel, Member at Large
(*To email a board member, click on their name above.)
For the most recent approved financial report and Board Meeting Minutes, click here.
Next Board Meeting will be January 18.
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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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