Deep in the Heart of Texas

Deep in the Heart of Texas
I’ve just returned from the Unity People’s Convention in San Antonio, Texas, where I learned and laughed and reconnected and experienced great Unity teachings! I thought I’d share some of my experience with you.
The convention was in San Antonio this year, and the hotel was on the famous Riverwalk. While most of the restaurants were several blocks away, the walkway is beautiful and it was great to have such a variety of choices within walking distance! I got my Mexican food fix…. So good!
The theme of the conference was ‘Keep Unity Wide Open: Freed by Truth – Moving with Spirit.’ I got to hear three powerful keynote speakers who were inspiring in the ways they are making a difference in the world. Rev. Sylvia Sumter is a Unity minister in Washington D.C., serving since 1991. Rev. Sylvia told us that in this time of tremendous change, we as Unity students are prepared and ready to usher in the next leap in evolutionary spiritual unfoldment. It was an inspiring and empowering presentation! Father Gregory Boyle spoke to us of an organization he founded in 1988 called Homeboy. In a moving, funny and inspiring presentation, he described the work of helping to redirect gang members in Los Angeles into productive lives. By ‘moving to the fringes’ Father Boyle and his organization help thousands of people each year. Shariff Abdullah is an advocate for societal transformation. He works with organizations to bring dysfunctional systems into alignment with our common human and spiritual values.  His presentation was also very inspiring! He will be one of the presenters at our Great Lake Conference in September. All of these presenters helped me to see a bright future for our world.
Musicians this year were all from Texas churches. Unity of New Braunfels, Unity Church of the Hills, Austin, Unity of Wimberly and Unity of San Antonio all provided great music! Their groups and singers had us clapping, dancing and singing throughout the conference. We have some amazing talent in our churches!
In the business meeting, we heard CEO of Unity Worldwide Ministries Donna Johnson speak of the changes that have been and are continuing to occur. The transition of the educational component happened last September, and it is continuing to be enhanced. CEO Jim Blake of Unity Worldwide Headquarters (what we typically think of as Unity Village) spoke of efforts there. The two organizations have been working together and are re-initiating efforts to combine the two. I was pleased and happy to see and hear about the work they are doing.
On a personal level, I got to reconnect with classmates, colleagues and fellow team members. I attended several workshops that were informative and helpful. All in all, I came away feeling refreshed, renewed and better prepared to continue my spiritual path. I am grateful!!

Blessings,
Rev. Sharon