As I write this I am at Unity Village, home of Unity’s worldwide headquarters and
Silent Unity. There is a massive effort underway to repair the Unity fountains, which have been non-operational for a number of years. The fountains provided beauty, nourishment and functionality for the campus and when they had to be shut down because of age and disrepair, everyone felt the loss. The bridge of faith was closed, the fountains were off, and walls were caving in. It was disturbing, and disheartening, to see what we loved and counted on falling apart. Now, through a major fund raising
effort and with the support of people all over the world, the fountains are ready to spring forth once again on September 9, which is also the day set aside for World
Day of Prayer. And so, the theme for this year’s World Day of Prayer is “Living in the Flow.”

Things change and fall apart, old structures and systems break, what we count on as the constants in our lives fail, but the living water of Spirit endures and remains the one continuous source in and through it all -— and one day — the renewal of life comes gushing forth. It takes effort, it takes commitment, it takes seeing something through the fallow times, it takes courage and faith to keep on…but then, one day what you’ve prayed for, what you dreamed of, what you have known is possible, begins to gather energy, take shape and comes into being. The Divine flow is there and in the right season it takes shape and “pops” into visible manifestation.

Seeing the fountain restoration take place gives me great hope for our beautiful Unity of Santa Barbara campus. Our buildings have serious needs - Unity house is in very sad shape with major repairs that must be made along with full exterior painting; the Chapel wing including the brides room and the basement need refurbishing, paint, water damage control, carpet replacement, and the leaking tower repaired; the sanctuary carpet is worn out and stained and has to be at least partially replaced, there are leaks in the sanctuary roof and skylights above the platform…and then there
are the other things. But, I am suddenly feeling very hopeful. I’ve decided to give up my discouragement and practice what I preach by dedicating myself to the emerging possibility. I’m going to begin seeing, knowing, and praying that this renewal and restoration effort is already accomplished in Spirit.

Given our budgetary considerations this may sound like wishful thinking. However, I’m seeing the evidence of how it works right here and right now at Unity Village. If they can get these fountains up and running, we can restore our sacred Unity home to its right, perfect and prime condition. This can happen! Together, in harmony with Spirit we can accomplish anything. It may take effort, it may take prayer, it may take money,
it may take more faith than we think we can muster, it may take dedication, it may take time – but it will happen. We’ve seen it happen before and I am asking you to join me in creating the way for it to happen again. During this fall season you will be hearing more about our plans and the ways you can be involved.

September is always a wonderful month at Unity of Santa Barbara. Please plan to join us for our World Day of Prayer Service on Thursday, September 9 at 7:00 P.M. and for our Fall Kick-off service and volunteer recognition on Sunday, September 12, and bring a friend – share with them the wonderful gifts you’ve found in Unity.

With blessings and love,