09/04/2026
September 4, 2026 WEEKLY UPDATE
As you know, I will be retiring from my position as Senior Minister no later than September 2027. This will mark the completion of 33 years of service to Unity of Bandon—a milestone that brings with it a great deal of gratitude, love, and reflection. Each month when the Board meets, we will be devoting time to discussing and planning for this transition. At our most recent meeting, we explored a number of possibilities for the future of Unity of Bandon’s leadership, including hiring a part- or full-time minister, an in-residence or remote transitional minister, a virtual minister, a Minister of Record (MOR), or contracting for basic ministerial consulting services. After carefully considering the various options, the Board has decided that our first step will be to explore hiring a part-time minister.
This is not a simple or quick process. It will involve determining exactly what we need from our next minister, establishing compensation and expectations and filling out the Minister Vacancy package with Unity Headquarters. Potential candidates will be identified, interviews conducted and arrangements made for an in-person visit and “try-out.” Housing is also something we will need to take into consideration. And while the Board will be taking the lead, this is something that will require the participation and input of the entire congregation.
There is another important piece of this transition. As we move forward, the Board is taking on more and more responsibility for the ongoing life and functioning of Unity of Bandon. At the same time, it is becoming increasingly important for all of us to look at what we can contribute.
Over the years, I have naturally become the person who knows how many of the pieces of this ministry fit together—how things are done (including things such as running the sound system and how to coax the email system into cooperation), who handles what, what needs to happen when …and all those little details that aren't necessarily written down anywhere. That knowledge has served us well, but it also means that part of my responsibility during this transition is to begin sharing that knowledge and helping create a stronger foundation for the future. And that means we need you. This is an opportunity for more people to become involved, learn how things work, take ownership of areas they care about, and discover that leadership at Unity doesn't belong to just a minister or a Board. It belongs to all of us.
Over the coming months, you will be hearing more about opportunities to become involved and ways you can help. Some may be formal leadership roles; others may simply involve taking responsibility for a particular activity, project, or area of ministry. My hope is that we will see this transition as an opportunity to ask a bigger and more exciting question: “What wants to emerge next for Unity of Bandon—and what part am I willing to play in it?”
We have nearly a year ahead of us to prepare thoughtfully and intentionally. My commitment is to do everything I can to help make this transition as smooth and healthy as possible. And my hope is that, together, we will create a spiritual community that is not dependent on any one person, but is supported by the gifts, energy, creativity, and love of the whole community. This is the beginning of a new chapter—and we get to write it together.
Blessings, Rev Robin
Sunday Services at 11 AM:
Sunday, September 6 – Join Rev. John Lloyd for “Living in the Now.” Being grateful for what we have, practicing mindfulness and living in the current moment – that’s what it’s all about!
Sunday, September 13 – Rev. Robin will begin a series of messages on Lessons from the Turtle: Living Right-Side Up. We begin with “The Gift of Choice” Not every choice will work out as expected, but in the end, the choices we make are what make us. The way we choose to respond to what happens in life shapes who we become and divine wisdom leads the way.
Chairs There are still some chairs available in front of the building. Pick them up any time. Donations are gratefully accepted (suggested donation is $5/chair).
World Day of Prayer is coming up September 9-10. The theme for Unity’s 2026 33rd Annual World Day of Prayer (WDOP) is Love is Alive! Uniting hearts and minds with people around the globe, this year’s affirmation is: Love leads me. Faith steadies me. Prayer carries me forward. You can join Unity Village for the opening ceremony on September 9 at 5 PM PST and immerse yourself in prayer music, and contemplation: join us online (Unity Headquarters). Live access to key World Day of Prayer events is available online using Zoom. Registration is free and requires only your email address.
Here at Unity of Bandon, we will be commemorating WDOP this Wednesday, 9/9 at 11 AM, our regular midweek meditation time. You are invited to submit names that you would like to be read aloud at that time; those names will later be forwarded to Silent Unity Prayer Ministry and held in prayer an additional 30 days. Prayer forms are available near the prayer box or you can submit names to [email protected] . If you are unable to join us in person, please join us in consciousness from wherever you are at 11 AM on Wednesday.
Annual Cranberry Blessing Friday, September 11 –at 10 AM This annual event of blessing the harvest and returning some of the “fruit of the vine” to the land, is held at Friday Farms (Freitag family), located at the corner of 4th St NE & Ohio NE – park along the street. All are welcome to join the clergy and cranberry court in attending this event.
Women’s Retreat There are some monies in the women’s retreat account from years past; anyone interested in organizing/leading a women’s retreat, please speak to any Board member about the possibility.
“Three C’s” - Courage, Confidence, Collaboration” Workshop with Joanie Lindenmeyer - September 26, 10 AM-Noon followed by Potluck. Joanie is a best-selling author, sharing stories of authenticity and resiliency as an LGBTQ+ person.
Her workshop is related to her books, Nun Better: An Amazing Love Story, Joyously Free!, and Healing Religious Hurts. Joanie will present, read from her books, talk about the writing process and discuss her current radio broadcasting and the highlights of her documentary movie, Wowzer! (filmed by Michael Gorse) are the aspects and effects of where the books have led. Her forty-minute talk will be followed by discussion and reflection, all surrounded and infiltrated with JOY!!
Joanie’s exuberant energy, faith and belief in life will burst OUT with stories and tips that will touch every heart in the room. Be prepared to laugh, maybe cry and ask oodles of questions or make comments. Please sign up in classroom or drop me an email so we can plan accordingly.
Treasurer Opportunity The Board is seeking a new Board member who would like to work alongside our current Treasurer, Pam Bate, as she completes her term in February 2027. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn the role with Pam’s support and become familiar with our financial systems before taking on the Treasurer responsibilities. The Treasurer is an important part of the health and stability of our church community. We are looking for someone who is a member of Unity of Bandon, eligible to serve on the Board, comfortable with numbers and details, and willing to learn. A job description and task list are currently being developed. Personal computer access and familiarity with Quicken and Microsoft Word are preferred.
This role calls for: attention to detail and accuracy; reliability and good organizational skills; respect for confidentiality; a commitment to personal prosperity consciousness and a healthy, spiritually grounded relationship with money; and a willingness to serve a three-year Board term. Perhaps this is your opportunity to share your gifts in a meaningful way while helping ensure the continued financial strength and stability of Unity of Bandon. Please speak with Robin or a Board member if you’d like to learn more or explore whether this opportunity might be a good fit for you.
McKay’s receipts Thank you Fran!! 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.
Food & Flourish Donations *UPDATED 9-1-26* Current needs: New women’s socks; scented body wipes (here’s an example: Amazon.com: 60 XL Shower Wipes - Body Wipes for Adults Bathing No Rinse for Women & Men | 6 Packs of 10 - Adult Wipes, 12"x8" XL Moist Bath Wipes - with Aloe and Vitamin E for Camping, Travel, Gym & Bedridden Care : Health & Household); toothpaste; sleeping bags, tents, tarps.
Note: All our local food distribution sites are running low on food – last Friday, Food & Flourish provided groceries for 103 families (237 individuals). Every bit helps! There is also the Litte Free Pantry (by Episcopal Church) and Good Neighbors Food distribution site that are always in need of food and monetary donations.
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. They provide food to many of the food distribution centers and work with FOCCAS and other animal care groups to assist in providing vaccinations and other veterinary services. Thanks Louise for being our delivery person!
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.
