I write this week from the beautiful grounds of Unity Village. I am attending my final days of the Field Licensing Program to become an ordained Unity minister. Thursday is graduation day. It has been an eight year process that will culminate in ordination on June 17th. I do hope you will join us for the ordination ceremony.
Unity Village is quiet in these almost spring days. The sun rises in the quiet of this morning and the birds greet it with their cheery hello. The rose bushes are cut back to the ground and the fountains do not flow. Signs of spring haven’t made their way to Missouri quite yet. Still, there is a stunning beauty about this space even with the barren trees and brown grass. There is an energy that calls me to a place of great tranquility as I walk around The Tower reading the inscriptions of each the Twelve Power sculptures. I marvel at the way the artist has captured the essence of each of the powers.
I sit for an hour in the Peace Chapel. The very chairs that Charles and Myrtle Fillmore sat in, I now sit and reflect on the words painted in front of me “Peace be still”. I sit in the stillness for an hour until the bells ring at 11:30. Historically these bells called everyone together to share Charles’ reading of the Daily Word and prayer.
I walk around the Silent Unity Chapel and I take in the quiet that permeates this very sacred space. This building is the home of The Silent Unity Prayer Vigil Chapel. For one hundred twenty seven years without fail, prayer have been said ongoing. Silent Unity prayer staff pray over all prayer requests at thirty minute intervals. Each person enters and leaves the Prayer Vigil Chapel in silence. Prayers continue twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, each and every week. Even during threat of tornado, the prayer requests are carried to the safety of the tunnels where Silent Unity staff hold vigil over the requests. Every request that is placed in the prayer box at Unity on Greenville is prayed over by our prayer team and sent on to Unity Village where they are prayed over non-stop for thirty days.
Eventually I wander down the path leading to the empty and not so greens of the golf course. I follow the course and wind my way through the cottages that were once quarters for weekend guests and more recently ministerial students. I make my way past the old motel and back to the warmth and comfort in front of the fire place at the conference center.
Having once again taken in the wonder of Unity Village, I am ready body, mind, and spirit to step into the final week of this amazing journey. I am both grateful and humbled by each step of the way. I am honored that you have been with me on this journey and have celebrated each milestone with me. You have made this all possible with your prayers, love, and encouragement.
With heartfelt appreciation, I say “thank you”. With all my heart, I say “thank you”. You, each of you, have been an integral and purposeful part of my ministerial education. For this I shall remain eternally grateful. Because of you, I have become me.
Sunday I shall return to Unity on Greenville to continue our season of Lent. Come early – Metaphysical Bible Study begins at 9:30, Celebration Service is 11:00, and stay late for Mastermind Prayer Group at 12:30. You do know, It’s never the same without you!
Sending love and blessings from Unity Village,
Rev. Karen