Unity by the Shore

A Spiritual Community

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
Online Giving
Prayer Request
  • About Us
    • Meet Our Minister
    • Who We Are
    • What We Believe
    • What is Unity to Me?
    • Unity Membership
    • Board of Trustees
    • Personalized Wedding Services
    • Contact Us:
  • What We Offer
    • Youth Ministry
    • Prayer Chaplains
    • Ongoing Classes
  • Prayer
    • Affirmations / Prayers
    • Prayer Request
  • Calendar
  • Planned Giving
  • Online Giving
  • Sunday Talks
    • Individual Sunday Talks
    • Guest Speakers – Sunday Talks
    • Rediscovering Jesus as a Wisdom Teacher and Wayshower – Sunday Talk Series
    • “Breathing Under Water” – Sunday Talk Series
    • ARCHIVED Sunday Talks
  • Email Lists

From our Spiritual Leader: Angela Denton

March 23, 2015 by admin

Angela Denton 500x500A year ago when I was doing research on the benefits of belonging to a healthy community I came across a powerful poem written by earth activist and author Starhawk that eloquently speaks to the beauty and power of a spiritually conscious community.

We are all longing to go home to some place we have never been – a place half-remembered and half-envisioned we can only catch glimpses of from time to time. Community. Somewhere, there are people to whom we can speak with passion without having the words catch in our throats. Somewhere a circle of hands will open to receive us, eyes will light up as we enter, voices will celebrate with us whenever we come into our own power. Community means strength that joins our strength to do the work that needs to be done. Arms to hold us when we falter. A circle of healing. A circle of friends. Someplace where we can be free.

Deeply held within the heart and soul of each of us is the desire to belong. According to Dr. Kenneth Pelletier of the Stanford Center for Research and Disease Prevention the sense of belonging inherent in all individuals is a basic human need- as basic as food and shelter. His research has shown that those who receive social support are healthier, happier, and are more active and productive than those who live in isolation without meaningful and loving connection and support.

The type of community depicted in Starhawk’s poem does not happen by chance. It requires the united effort of all members. Each individual is invited to become fully aware of the energy he/she is contributing to not only his/her experience but simultaneously contributing to the collective. Members willingly commit to conscious participation and shared responsibility. In his book Healthy Congregations, Peter Steinke reminds us that congregations are living systems that parallel the systems of the human body. The physical body is holistic in nature in that what happens in one cell, one organ, etc. affects the health and functioning of all the other cells, organs and the overall health of the entire body. Similarly, a church is a collective whole and the overall health of the community is affected by the behaviors, actions, and emotions of its membership, ministry teams, lay leaders, and the minister/spiritual leader. Steinke brilliantly gives a prescription for healthy congregations. According to Steinke healthy communities:

• Have a sense purpose where members are actively united around a shared vision, mission, and core values.
• Stimulate and provide diverse opportunities for spiritual growth
• Provide opportunities for members to identify their strengths and share their spiritual gifts
• Have clear identified roles and boundaries
• Appraise and manage conflict effectively and have an understanding that conflict is a sign of new growth wanting to emerge.

As I embark on my new role as spiritual leader of UBTS, I devote myself completely to modeling spiritually conscious commitment. I vow to educate our community on Unity’s rich Truth teachings and on the dynamics of how to embody spiritually conscious engagement. I not only want to share Starhawk’s poem to inspire you, but I want to realize it with you here at UBTS.

Love and light,
Angela Denton

Filed Under: From Our Minister

UPCOMING EVENTS

July 1st to August 1st – Morning Meditative Prayer via Zoom

Morning Meditative Prayer via Zoom July 1st to August 1st Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday Mornings 7 to 7:30 AM Dear Ones, Each morning offers a sacred threshold – a sacred opportunity to awaken centered in the consciousness of Oneness. I invite you to begin your day in stillness and spiritual alignment by participating in our […]

For Your Information

Commemorate a Special Intention with Special Music – 2025

You are invited to commemorate an anniversary, birthday, a loved one alive or departed, a special event, or intention each month with special music.  One Sunday a month, Unity by the Shore will be featuring a musical artist during our Sunday service to perform special music. Each month 1 to 3 individuals will have an […]

“I Manifest Miracles” Long Sleeved Shirt Sales!

I Manifest Miracles Every Day The prescription lies in what I say. The words from my mouth set actions in motion, Reality blooms from that energized notion. When my heart is aligned with pure intention, Miracles flow—too numerous to mention. This shirt, designed by Lynn Presley, reminds us of our boundless power. The image of […]

UBTS Ongoing Virtual Classes

Mindfulness Meditation – via Zoom

We will be meeting in-person ONE DAY ONLY Wednesday, April 16, 2025 1 pm - 2:30 pm Wednesdays 1 pm – 2:30 pm If we find ourselves distracted or uneasy, we can practice mindful breathing, walking and meditation to help center and return to … [Read More...]

A Course in Miracles – via Zoom

"A COURSE IN MIRACLES" Taught by Pamela Whitman Thursdays at 11 AM EST Come join us to explore a new perspective. www.pamelawhitman.com ~~ Love Offering ~~ If you would like to join … [Read More...]

eNewsletter Sign Up

Sunday Talks Archive

All for Love (11) Black History Month (7) Book of Joy Series (7) Breathing Under Water (7) Discover Your Divinity (12) Divine Intuition (16) Easter Season (6) Embracing the Gratefulness of Life (5) Everything is Here to Help You (5) Fourfold Path to Forgiveness (11) Great Work of Your Life (8) Guest Speakers (32) Healing and Wholeness Series (5) Heroes and Heroines from the Bible to Hollywood (9) Individual Sunday Talks (49) Learning How to Walk in the Dark (3) Living Originally (10) Rediscovering Jesus (5) See No Stranger (10) Seven Spiritual Laws of Success (8) Soul Awakening Practice (7) The 10 Golden Rules of Letting Go (10) The Be Attitudes of Inner Transformation Series (8) The Development of Trust (8) The I of the Storm Sunday Series (8)

Sunday Talks

How to Surrender in Difficult Situations

Sunday Service – June 22, 2025 I AM the essence of Love, speaking and acting with compassion. Guided by Divine Wisdom, I nurture my Life with reverence, tenderness, and Truth.

More Posts from this Category

Search Our Site

Archives

Unity by the Shore

3508 Asbury Avenue, Neptune, NJ 07753 (732) 918-3395

Copyright © 2025 · Guerrilla Professionals · All Rights Reserved

Copyright © 2025 · Outreach Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in