05/22/2026
May 22, 2026 WEEKLY UPDATE
Every few years in Unity, we revisit the Five Basic Principles. At first glance it can feel like, “oh yeah…we already know this.” But spiritual truth is less about learning something new than remembering something essential. It’s kind of like getting a new kitchen gadget – or better yet, some new art supplies! You know what the gadget or paint does, but with a fresh outlook, repetition, and deeper understanding, a whole new world opens up.
Take our first principle: God is Good, everywhere present. Most of us have heard those words many times. But over time, they can move from being a nice spiritual statement into something lived. At first, we may believe our awareness of God/Spirit/Presence is available to us only in peaceful moments, prayer, or beautiful experiences. But slowly, our understanding deepens. We begin to notice that even in uncertainty, disappointment, conflict, or grief, there is still wisdom unfolding, love supporting, guidance appearing, life continuing.
A deepening awareness of God’s ever-present goodness can begin to change how we move through life. We may become a little less fearful of change, a little slower to assume the worst, a little more able to pause and ask, “What good might still be present here that I cannot yet see?” Rather than feeling abandoned in difficult moments, we begin looking for the Presence that never actually left.
Spiritual growth often happens this way — not through dramatic new revelations, but through returning again and again to Truth that slowly becomes real within us. Hope to see you for part two of this series this Sunday! Big thanks to Annie for writing my update last week!!
Blessings, Reverend Robin
Sunday Services at 11 AM:
Sunday, May 24 –Rev. Robin continues Five Principles series with “Unity Principles: God is, I Am.” If God is good and we are created in the image and likeness of God, that means our essential nature is good as well. What do we mean when we say there is a “spark of divinity” within? And what are the masks that we wear that obscure that divine identity? Join us as we explore the sacred truth of who we are and begin to remove some of the masks that hide that truth.
Note: Elaine will be taking a much-deserved Sunday off this week and I sure could use some help with the music – simply pressing ‘play’ and ‘stop’ on the CD player in the back will be more help than you can know as it is a challenge for me to be in two places at one time. Email me at [email protected] before Sunday if you are willing to help, please and thank you!
Sunday, May 31 - As a 5th Sunday, our gathering will take the form of a Taizé-style service — a quieter, more meditative and reflective experience centered on “Remembrance.” You are invited to bring a photo or small memento of someone who has passed that you would like to remember or honor and place it on the candle-lighting table during the service.
May Board Meeting is this Sunday, May 24 after service. Please let any board member know if there is something you would like us to discuss. We will be scheduling a Care Team meeting very soon!
Artist’s Wall – current art can be picked up this Sunday, May 24. New work will be accepted May 24 – 31 and will be displayed June 7- August 30. Thanks to George for all his work on this project!
Blessing of the Fleet & Military Join us for this beloved Bandon tradition Monday, May 25, 2026 10:00 a.m. Bandon Riverwalk Amphitheater, near the glass-enclosed shelter. Hosted by the Bandon Ministerial Association, this meaningful community ceremony honors those lost at sea, those who make their living on the ocean, and all active-duty military members and veterans.
Community members are invited to submit the names of loved ones to be remembered during the ceremony: Email: [email protected] Phone: 541-347-4696 or bring names with you to the event. Following the ceremony, local clergy will cast flowers and wreaths into the mouth of the river while reading aloud the names of those lost at sea. Donations of flowers, bouquets, and wreaths are greatly appreciated and may be brought directly to the event.
Recent Kiva Loans include Casilda, a mother of seven children from Vanunatu, Oceania who is launching a business of producing fresh kava juice. Our second recipient is Rica Myra from the Philippines who has a fish cultivation business and has requested a loan to invest in a sanitary toilet to reduce the health and hazard risks to her family. For more information and photos, see the bulletin board in the classroom.
Opportunities for Service can be found on the bulletin board in the classroom and at the end of this email
Pet Food Collection for Gizmo’s Angels is ongoing. Bring your pet food and supplies. They support pets of unhoused residents, veterans, and those experiencing challenges such as the recent fire at Harvard Street Apartments.
Food & Flourish Donations Current needs: Neutral color tents and sleeping bags; blankets in excellent condition; Men's clothing (especially small and medium size); Shoes (comfortable men's & women's shoes); Jackets; New Socks & Gloves; Belts; Hand Warmers; Wet Wipes / Body Wipes
McKay’s receipts Bring your receipts and ask friends and family for theirs as it really does add up and make a difference - place them in the designated basket in the classroom. Unity receives 1% of the total of the receipts.
Classroom Rental Space for classes, support groups, etc. is available on an ongoing basis for $25/two hours or $50 for a one-time event. A building use request form will need to be completed and submitted to the Board for approval.
Prayer Support – Send an email to [email protected] to join the Prayer Support Email List and join us in praying for friends and loved ones. If you wish to place someone on the prayer list, please make sure you have their permission to do so.
Ongoing Activities:
Midweek Meditation meets Wednesdays at 11 AM in-person in the sanctuary or on Zoom: Meeting ID: 816 8284 7005 Password: 491946
Choir meets Fridays at 10:30 AM – all are welcome to join! See Elaine if you would like to participate in choir or provide solo special music.
Sunday Services are at 11 AM; please feel free to join together in the Office at 10:30 for a brief centering prayer.
2026 Service Opportunities There’s a place for you here.
Serving within our ministry isn’t just about filling roles—it’s about showing up for one another, discovering hidden gifts, and letting Spirit stretch us in the best ways. When you say yes to service, you deepen your connection, grow in faith, and become an active part of what’s unfolding here. Your presence truly matters.
Leadership & Governance
Board of Directors – Transformative, inspiring service and play
Three openings: 1-year (regular), 2-year (regular), 1-year (alternate)
Application available in the classroom or speak with Rev. Robin.
Sunday Service Support
Platform Assistants – Assist during service; collect offering, coordinate livestreaming on telephone (training provided)
Greeters – Welcome and assist congregants (support provided your first time)
Audio-Visual – Livestream service and/or run PowerPoint (easy training)
Music Ministry – Special music or choir (contact Elaine Beausoleil)
Hospitality & Care
Hospitality Team – Snacks, Soup Sunday, potlucks, setup & cleanup
Care Team – Cards, check-in calls, home/hospital visits; this is an area that needs new leadership to expand
Prayer Chaplains – Prayer support, midweek meditation, prayer requests
(New Thought prayer training required)
Office & Communications
Administrative Support – Monitor sign-ups and volunteer coordination
Website Support – Update WordPress website
Historian – Gather photos and create a congregational history book
Facilities & Grounds
Light maintenance, beautification, and setup/cleanup after services
Artwork rotation and artist wall coordination
Outreach & Community Engagement
Peace Rocks Project – Community events and painting gatherings
Outreach Projects – Food & Flourish, Gizmo’s Angels
Kiva Loans – Select recipients and share updates
EarthCare Team – Revitalize our Congregational EarthCare Covenant
Activities Seeking New Energy
Women’s Group seasonal gatherings (retreat funds available)
Hiking Group
Knitting / Crocheting Group
Activities at Pacific View or other care centers
Interested? Sign up in the classroom or speak with Rev. Robin.
Every gift matters. Every yes makes a difference.
