Unity on the North Shore

Unity on the North Shore Our purpose is to create a safe space where people are empowered to take risks and live their deepest truth. Encouraging creative spiritual exploration.

Unity is a church for those who are spiritual but not religious, offering a positive, inclusive approach to spirituality rooted in the teachings of Jesus and the transformative power of prayer. We do this by:

Acting on principles of inclusivity. Embracing innovative possibilities. Collaborating to create community and personal growth. Living Truth Principles.

Living from the CenterBy Rev. KurtYears ago, when I worked in magazine production, I thought success meant being prepare...
06/02/2026

Living from the Center
By Rev. Kurt

Years ago, when I worked in magazine production, I thought success meant being prepared for every possible contingency. Producing a magazine is like assembling a puzzle whose pieces keep changing shape. Stories get revised, ads get canceled, deadlines are relentless, and press times wait for no one.

To stay on top of it all, I created backup plans for everything. If an ad dropped, we had another layout ready. If a story broke, we knew what news to swap out. In theory, it seemed wise. In practice, I was doubling or tripling the workload. Staff felt it.

Then I discovered Unity and changed my approach. Instead of anticipating problems, I focused on going with the flow and trusting that we would find creative solutions as circumstances changed. The shift was remarkable. Collaboration flourished, the magazines improved, and people began to enjoy their work.

What I didn't realize at the time was that the real transformation wasn't about improving workflow—it was a shift in consciousness. I stopped viewing life through a lens of fear and began trusting the wisdom and creativity already present within me.

Now I see that life doesn't have to be dictated by circumstances. Instead, it flows from within, like ripples spreading outward from a stone dropped into a pond. Failed plans and disappointments may still occur, but they need not determine our experience. As we learn to live from the inside out, we discover that the wisdom, creativity, and resilience we need are already present within us, ready to meet whatever life brings.

Just outside our doors, the garden quietly teaches what we gather here to remember:that with light, love, and patient te...
06/01/2026

Just outside our doors, the garden quietly teaches what we gather here to remember:
that with light, love, and patient tending, what is planted within us blooms in its own perfect season.

Photo: Pam Parker
Unity on the North Shore

An Evening Under the Stars: Lincoln Square Rooftop SoiréeJoin us for a beautiful late-summer evening of connection, conv...
06/01/2026

An Evening Under the Stars: Lincoln Square Rooftop Soirée

Join us for a beautiful late-summer evening of connection, conversation, music, and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine at our Lincoln Square Rooftop Soirée.

Saturday, September 19, 2026
6:00–9:00 PM
Hosted by Gail McClellan & Molly Heflin
Lincoln Square, Chicago

$85 per person

Reserve your place here:
https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=6746c8fe-5d42-11ee-90fc-1260ab546d11&locationId=ee663a53-c5b7-4b61-b1fe-fb66e8a36313&fundId=a4871277-183e-4387-ab87-0ab924894484&amount=8500&frequency=one-time

Space is limited. We would love to share this memorable evening with you.

What if the peace, strength, and wisdom you’re searching for aren’t waiting somewhere out there—but already exist within...
05/31/2026

What if the peace, strength, and wisdom you’re searching for aren’t waiting somewhere out there—but already exist within you?

This morning, Rev. Kurt invited us to explore a powerful shift in perspective: moving from an “outside-in” life to an “inside-out” life.

So often we believe our peace depends on circumstances changing. We wait for the apology. The outcome. The certainty. The solution. We spend enormous energy trying to control conditions around us, hoping they will finally give us the feeling we’re seeking.

But what if the deeper truth is that what we long for most—peace, trust, joy, abundance, connection, belonging—is already present within us?

Drawing from the story of Moses and the burning bush, Kurt reminded us that spiritual transformation doesn’t begin when life becomes predictable. It begins when we recognize the divine presence already living within us.

One of the most memorable images from today’s message was the idea of “creating two magazines at once”—expending energy preparing for every possible contingency, problem, or disappointment. Many of us do this in our own lives. Yet when we trust the wisdom, resilience, and creativity already available within us, something shifts. Life becomes less about control and more about participation.

As Charles Fillmore wrote:

“The kingdom of God is within you. The health you seek is within you. The substance that is the root of the prosperity you seek is within you. The love that you hunger for is within you.”

Perhaps the invitation this week is simple:

Instead of asking, “How do I make this situation change?”

Ask, “What quality of being do I want to bring to this moment?”

Trust.
Compassion.
Faith.
Joy.
Peace.
Love.

The ripples begin from the center.

Thank you, Rev. Kurt, for reminding us that the Christ within is our hope of glory—and that no storm outside us is greater than the divine presence within us.

I trust the power within me.
05/31/2026

I trust the power within me.

What a beautiful day of adventure, connection, discovery, and community.This morning, Rev. Kurt gathered us at Dawes Par...
05/31/2026

What a beautiful day of adventure, connection, discovery, and community.

This morning, Rev. Kurt gathered us at Dawes Park with a prayer, light breakfast, and an invitation to see Evanston through fresh eyes. Armed with little more than clues, photographs, curiosity, and teamwork, three groups set out on an ArtVenture through downtown Evanston in search of murals, sculptures, architectural details, and hidden treasures scattered between the lakefront and Elmwood Avenue.

Some of the places we discovered weren’t new to Evanston, but they became new to us as we slowed down, looked closer, and experienced them together.

Over the next few hours, we wandered streets, shared stories, met new people, laughed often, solved clues, and discovered just how much beauty is hiding in plain sight. Every team returned with creative photographs, memorable moments, and a collection of discoveries that reflected the spirit of the day.

One of the greatest joys was seeing how differently each team experienced the same city. Through their photos and storytelling, familiar places became works of art, moments of connection became memories, and Evanston revealed itself in entirely new ways.

A heartfelt thank you to Rev. Kurt for creating such a joyful and creative fundraiser supporting Unity on the North Shore, and to everyone who participated with enthusiasm, curiosity, and community spirit.

Sometimes the greatest treasure isn’t what we find.

It’s learning to see what has been there all along.

Stay tuned as we share some of the day’s most creative photos, artistic perspectives, hidden gems, and joyful moments from our ArtVenture adventure.

I choose courage over fear.
05/29/2026

I choose courage over fear.

I am surrounded by love, light and a shared purpose.
05/27/2026

I am surrounded by love, light and a shared purpose.

Giving from the Inside OutBy Rev. KurtThere is a subtle but profound difference between giving to something and giving f...
05/27/2026

Giving from the Inside Out
By Rev. Kurt

There is a subtle but profound difference between giving to something and giving from something.

Often, giving is considered an external act: We give to a cause. We give to a church. We give to a person in need. And while all of those are beautiful and necessary, spiritual giving asks a deeper question: What am I giving from?

Am I giving from guilt? Obligation? Fear? A need to be recognized or appreciated?

Or am I giving from gratitude, love, abundance, and connection?

Outer-centered giving focuses on the gift itself—its amount, its visibility, its outcome. But inner-centered giving flows from an awareness that life itself is already flowing through us. It recognizes that generosity does not deplete. It draws us deeper into the ever-flourishing flow of life.

When we give from an awareness of life's flow, our giving shifts from material transaction to divine expression. We are no longer trying to earn worthiness, secure approval, or manipulate outcomes. We are simply allowing love, compassion, creativity, and substance to move through us.

Perhaps that's the deepest invitation of inside-out-giving:
not merely to ask, “What should I give?”
but “What wants to flow through me?”

Downtown Evanston is about to become a living treasure hunt.Join us for Evanston ArtVenture — a lively team adventure wh...
05/26/2026

Downtown Evanston is about to become a living treasure hunt.

Join us for Evanston ArtVenture — a lively team adventure where art, architecture, history, creativity, and community all come together for a one-of-a-kind downtown experience.

Teams will follow creative clues through Evanston discovering murals, sculptures, hidden artistic gems, and unique architectural details — capturing photos together along the way to document each discovery.

Part exploration.
Part competition.
All fun.

Expect:
• colorful murals
• hidden details
• teamwork & laughter
• artistic surprises
• creative photo moments
• fresh ways of seeing the city we love

At the end of the adventure, everyone will gather back together for a build-your-own sandwich bar, community connection, and awards celebrating the day’s most creative and spirited discoveries.

This special event also serves as a fundraiser supporting Unity on the North Shore and the continued creation of meaningful, community-centered experiences like this one.

Hosted by Rev. Kurt
Saturday, May 30
10am–1pm

Meeting Spot:
Dawes Park Picnic Area
Downtown Evanston

Tickets: $50 per person

Sign up here:
https://www.unityns.org/events

Come explore, connect, laugh, discover, and experience Evanston with fresh eyes.

Address

3434 Central Street
Evanston, IL
60201

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 10:30am - 11:30am

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