My friend Rev. Ed Townley recently wrote these words: “Charles Fillmore, our cofounder, is said to have remarked once that if “Unity” hadn’t been chosen as the name for this movement, his second choice would have been to call it “Change.” I think that defines in a nutshell the essence of our spiritual understanding. We cannot move forward toward the new consciousness that Jesus Christ calls “the kingdom of heaven” without a heart-deep willingness to change – hourly, daily, at a moment’s notice. Obedience to the past will only succeed – at best – in maintaining the past. It cannot move us forward. A commitment to change – learning, growing, expanding the ways in which the Power of God can move through us into expression – is the most important choice we are called upon to make.” I wonder how many people would have participated in a spiritual tradition called “Change.” People may have run the other direction. Aren’t we glad he chose “Unity” instead?

As you well know the technology of today demands that we upgrade how we do things, and at warp speed. Is it better? Who can say? Is it market driven? Most assuredly. Do we like it? Not necessarily (or maybe not at all). And yet, it’s essential. On July 1 we must know how to use hands free devices for our cell phones if we want to use them in our cars. What do I know about that? Nothing. But, if I want to use my phone in the car I have to move forward and accept it and learn to do it differently. By next year the old ways of using our televisions will be so outmoded that we won’t be able to see the picture on the screen if we don’t have upgraded equipment. The same can be said for yesterday’s computers and all manner of things. We feel forced into change – change that we can’t see the value of. We’re not familiar with that new something, or its purpose or its appeal. We like the “old” one better. Yet, on the other hand, within those changes are things of great value and opportunity. I resist change as much as anyone. It baffles me – I don’t know how to respond to it – and then I explore it and learn about it and make peace with it. I have to remember that it is not personal, although it affects me personally. It’s life…it’s the evolution of life…the expansion of life…it is Life itself calling us forward out of our tendency to be “rut bound and imprisoned” by our comfort zones. It’s sometimes exhausting, but it’s also very exciting.

Your Board of Trustees and your Minister are involved in the process of exploring our church’s purpose and role. This requires intensive work to deeply listen and find a Spirit-inspired vision to lead and guide us as we move forward to fulfill our mission to our congregation, to our community, to Unity and to our world. For what do we exist? What are we doing that makes a difference? What do we need to change? And, how do we move forward?

Many churches and denominations are having a difficult time today. And, Unity churches are no exception. I frequently hear the reports from other ministers, attendance numbers are down; operating funds are a constant challenge; dedication, commitment and participation are an ongoing problem; and attempting to do what’s always been done doesn’t work. As your board and minister begin this “visioning” process and listen for Spirit’s guidance for Unity of Santa Barbara, we do so knowing that the Unity of 80+ years ago is not the Unity of today – nor are the people we serve the same as they were. We’ve all changed – even if we’ve been pushed into it.

We’ve made amazing progress during the past five years together. We’ve changed so many things – and yet, we still face recurring challenges that we can’t seem to get beyond. As your minister, I have spent countless hours in spiritual exploration, soul searching and solution seeking. In those times I think I should do more, invent something, be different, be something more, better and on and on…and yet, the Truth remains, there’s nothing wrong with us. We’re great. There’s no one to blame. It’s not that there aren’t changes still to be made, but overall we’re doing a great job of being who we are as Unity of Santa Barbara.

However, there is a changing world that is moving on without the structure of historical, religious tradition and that world is calling us forward to be relevant in this new time. If Unity is to be relevant for people today we must explore our role in “today” and our function without being bound by our “comfort zones.” What exactly will that look like? I have no idea. But, what I do know is that our future can be found through this exploration. It is with great honor and respect for our history and tradition along with our Spirit-aligned responsibility for our future that we serve you. It is in faith believing that God has a great plan for us all that we partner with you in moving forward. To God we say, onward and upward. Lead the way, we’re ready!