Unity of Ventura

Join us for our ongoing Prosperity Luncheons!

2010-05-08T08:29:00.000-07:00

Please join our ongoing prosperity luncheons. Reverend Cathy will give lessons each week on different aspects of prosperity. Bring a lunch and the Church will provide drinks. Attend as you are able. The classes are informative and lively - you'll leave feeling inspired. This is also a time to support each other in meeting our dreams and goals. Meets in the Sanctuary kitchen.

These luncheons began as a request from those who attended our 4T Prosperity Program and felt the program was so wonderful, they did not want the classes to end! Please join us and find out what all the buzz is about. Remember, prosperity is not limited to just your pocketbook. See you there!

Upcoming Fundraiser - Jewelry Extravaganza!!!!

2010-04-21T10:25:00.001-07:00

Don't forget to attend our fantastic fundraiser - our Jewelry Extravaganza!!! Join us and shop our silent auction on April 25 and May 2 (just in time to find fabulous Mother's Day gifts)! This is a fun way to support our Community Awareness Committee!

Prayer Chaplains

2010-04-19T16:12:00.000-07:00

The Prayer Chaplains of Unity of Ventura work with congregants to pray after service, perform wellness calling and pray over prayer requests. Now is the time to consider whether or not you may have a calling to serve as a Prayer Chaplain. Or, perhaps you would like to sign up for monthly wellness calls, where one of our fantastic Prayer Chaplains will call to see if there is anything you might like to pray about. Prayer Chaplains hold the high light and are a fantastic tool to utilize to help keep your faith.

BEATLE-FEST!

2010-04-09T21:33:00.000-07:00

Our own amazing Jack Lee has put together a fantastic group of musicians for a Unity Church of Ventura Fundraiser on April 30, 2010. The evening will be "ALL BEATLES, ALL NIGHT" and boasts top musicians from Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles Counties. The evening starts at 7:30 p.m. at the new Unity Church location, 700 East Main Street, Ventura. $15 donation. Sure hope to see you all there.

Upcoming Fundraiser - Jewelry Extravaganza!!!!

2010-04-07T11:19:00.000-07:00

Join us for our JEWELRY EXTRAVAGANZA! There are two ways to help: 1) donate new or gently used jewelry you are no longer feeling joyous appreciation for and we will put it in our silent auction; 2) join us and shop our JEWELRY EXTRAVAGANZA silent auction on April 25 and May 2 (just in time to find fabulous Mother's Day gifts)! This is a fun way to support our Community Awareness Committee!

Help for Haiti

2010-01-24T12:50:00.001-08:00

We at Unity of Ventura are praying for those who have been affected by the earthquake in Haiti.

To pray with someone from Silent Unity, call the free prayer line at 1-800-PRAY-NOW.

Here is a big list of organizations who are helping the recovery efforts in Haiti and their Charity Navigator ratings.

Interestingly, Haiti's motto is L'union fait la force -- Unity is strength.

A reason to celebrate

2009-11-13T11:01:00.000-08:00

On Sunday, November 8, Unity of Ventura had our first service at our new 700 E. Main Street location!

We had moved to the new building because we were out of room at our old church, but guess what? Our new church was completely full, too! Over 120 people showed up to help us "Make a joyful noise."

Led by wonderful guest musician Tina Meeks, we raised the roof with our singing.

Reverend Cathy personally thanked many of the people who helped make the move possible. It was a true team effort, and the love and affection we have for one another in our Unity family was shown through the great efforts of so many.

Even though the church has gone through a great change, we have brought the best parts of the old church with us and have added some great new things, like amazing stained-glass windows, more office and Sunday school space, room for more people and a nice fellowship area.

Of course some of the "best parts" from the past are people - like our amazing and talented Jack at the piano:

And our intrepid sound man, Doug, who is also a talented musician in his own right:

We look forward to making new friendships and strengthening old ones as we enjoy our new church home. Please join us.

We are looking so good!

2009-10-26T17:30:00.000-07:00

Our new church building at 700 East Main Street in Ventura is gorgeous, and our offices at 740 E. Main are becoming beautiful, too, thanks to a giant crew of helpers.

On Saturday, October 24, Unity members and friends came and went to the office building all day long, cleaning, spackling and painting. Others, like our beloved Amy Bolland, brought food for the hungry troops.

By the late afternoon, several rooms had been painted shades of seafoam blue and soft gold and others were clean and spackled and ready for next week's crew.

We will be meeting again 8 a.m. on Saturday, October 31 to continue the project. We would love to have you join us. Wear your grubbies and bring your energy and willingness. We will be painting all day long.

Then on Sunday, November 1, we will both celebrate Dia de los Muertos AND move our church. Wear your jeans and old shirts to church, because after the service, fueled by tacos and mariachi music, we will pack up everything in the old (Sperry Ave.) church.

On Monday, November 2, we can also use moving help unpacking boxes at the new church building.

Our first service at our new location will be November 8. Please join us with all of your finest patience and humor as we work the bugs out! We look forward to growing and changing with each and every one of you, and with new friends too.

Great News - we have a new home!

2009-10-20T08:14:00.000-07:00

Unity of Ventura will be moving to our new home at 700 E. Main Street in Ventura in the next few weeks. It is a gorgeous building that was built in 1924.

View Larger Map

Our first service in the new building will be on November 8, 2009. Please join us in our new spot!

Blessed with good friends

2009-09-11T14:19:00.000-07:00

Unity of Ventura has been so blessed with wonderful speakers lately.

Our friend John Maxwell Taylor stopped by with his lovely wife Emily Hartwell for a Sunday talk and two wonderful workshops on The Power of I Am and the Healing with the Tao.

Please make sure to check out John's website, because he has some great video. A talented actor and speaker, John has a melodic Welsh accent that makes him pleasurable to listen to.

Then, at the end of August, famed speaker and author on spirituality and health Susan Smith Jones came to our church. Smith Jones is a glowing example of vibrant good health, so she obviously practices what she preaches.

She debuted her new book Health Bliss: 50 Revitalizing NatureFoods & Lifestyle Choices to Promote Vibrant Health at Unity of Ventura, and we were proud to have her choose to share her writing with us.

Thanks to our fascinating speakers. Stay tuned for more exciting speakers and events in the upcoming months.

Ventura County Fair Parade

2009-08-09T21:27:00.000-07:00

We had a great time at the Ventura County Fair Parade. Carl let us borrow the big red Dingmasters fire engine.

The kids loved riding on the fire truck.

Looks like Noah has a halo in this one!

Tyler waves the flag

Matthew shows his smile

We even had some enthusiastic fans along the route!

We can't wait til next year!

A visit from an old friend

2009-04-27T18:21:00.000-07:00

Richard Levy loves to use props in his talks - this one is on Jacob's Ladder. Thanks to Charlie for the use of his ladder.And apologies for the poor photo quality - camera phone from a distance!

As Reverend Cathy rode off into the sunset to celebrate a long-awaited honeymoon with her husband,Charlie, Unity of Ventura got a very special visit from Richard and Maureen Levy.

Richard went to ministerial school with Cathy (a few short years ago) and has led some of the largest Unity congregations in the United States, most recently Seattle Unity Church.

Following his heart and his own unique path, Richard recently left that church and is on to new adventures.

His wife of 37 years, Maureen, has joined him in their own Flexing Heart Ministry. Check out their website - they have one- to three-minute video inspirations being posted weekly.

While they were with us, Richard gave two Sunday lessons and he and Maureen presented two evening workshops.

At the conclusion of each workshop, the Levys gave participants the Oneness Blessing, a simple laying on of hands that can have profound results.

We thank the Levys for taking over for Cathy and for sharing their deep, funny and insightful teachings with us at Unity of Ventura. We are truly blessed to have so many good friends with ministerial talents.

Financial Peace!

2009-02-08T21:09:00.000-08:00

About 20 people have been attending our 13-week class on Wednesday evenings, Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University.

We are all learning sound financial planning principles that will lead us to be debt-free and prosperous.

During week 4, people began cutting up their credit cards! Reverend Cathy bravely showed us how it is done:

Keep your eyes open, because we will have more upcoming classes on prosperity. Something is always happening at Unity of Ventura!

The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender - Proverbs 22:7

Time Flies

2009-01-15T19:29:00.000-08:00

We had a great December here at Unity of Ventura. We finished out November with a beautiful Thanksgiving potluck and swept on into the season of light - and activity!

During the month, we had our first-ever Christmas pageant by the children (including a very cute four-year-old wise man played by Mason). The choir, led by Paula Lurvey, also sang Christmas songs, and we went out caroling to nursing homes.

Comedian and musican Greg Tamblyn gave a great Sunday talk and a concert that was full of inspiration and love.

As usual, Willie led us to another successful food drive that lasted the whole month and garnered bins full of food for our local food bank.

A dinner for 30 at Margaritaville was followed by a tour of the Olivas Adobe, where the magic of Christmas in the California Rancho days was on display.

Our annual Christmas party was smaller this year, but very cozy and fun. A potluck dinner was followed by our crazy gift exchange, with presents being swapped and stolen with great gusto and glee.

Here party referee Alan discusses the rules with his wife, Patricia:

I asked Marlena to supply us with the recipe for her wondrous Scalloped Corn from the potluck, and in the spirit of abundance, she was happy to share:

Recipe for Scalloped Corn (Polenta)
2 eggs beaten
1 can whole kernel corn, drained
1 can creamstyle corn
1 stick butter, melted (can use substitute but it really is better with butter,
just eat a little!
1 cup (8oz) light sour cream
1 box Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix
1 small can diced green chiles (optional)

Mix all ingredients except corn muffin mix.
Fold ingredients into corn muffin mix.
Put in greased casserole
Bake at 350 degrees for 55-60 minutes-or until golden brown.

You must promise not to make this for a Unity potluck!! LOL
Enjoy!
Marlena

On December 24, we had a beautiful Christmas eve service at the Poinsettia Pavilion with lots of music, twinkling lights, and, of course, poinsettias. It was the perfect lead-in to the most wonderful day of the year.

A few days later during the Sunday service, our dear Reverend Cathy announced that she was eloping that very day to marry her sweetie, Charlie. Congratulations to the happy couple!

So that was our December at Unity. It was a magical month and we entered the new year ready for all the joy, abundance, fun and learning that is to come. Please join us for the trip.

Friday Night Fun

2008-11-12T13:26:00.000-08:00

Meditation Music Concert

You are invited to an evening of relaxing and heart-opening music featuring live performances by Jack Lee on guitar, keyboard and hammered dulcimer. There will be guided meditation, singing, toning, soft lights and special surround sound.

No experience with meditation is needed! Just come ready to relax, refresh and renew! Recover from your busy week and mellow into your weekend. Refreshments afterward.

This Friday, November 21st at 7:30 PM.
Admission is $15

Unity of Ventura
2065 Sperry Avenue, Unit G
Ventura, California 93003
(805) 658-1059

We are always thankful...

2008-11-08T19:34:00.000-08:00

But we will celebrate Thanksgiving with a potluck at church on the Sunday, November 23 following the service.

Sign up in the fellowship hall to let us know what dish you will be bringing - or just show up and surprise us!

Unity of Ventura supplies the turkey, ham and pies for dessert.

Please join us for a joyous time of celebrating our good fortune and our friendship.

Thanksgiving

For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food,
For love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Dia de los Muertos celebration

2008-11-02T15:07:00.000-08:00

Our third annual Dia de los Muertos celebration was the best ever. CC Gaitan organized a day that was both beautiful and touching.

CC decorated the fellowship hall

The fellowship hall was decorated with a day of the dead altar, banners of colorful papel picado, or cut paper and our skeleton señorita. During the service, we took time to remember those loved ones who have gone before us.

Three singers from Teatro Inlakech sang for us in Spanish during the service wearing beautiful mariachi outfits.

After performing beautiful music during the service, Felipe and the other singers from Teatro Inkakech joined us for lunch.

Following the service, we feasted on traditional Mexican treats: pan de muerto, cafe de la olla, chapulines, frutas, and, best of all, tacos from Carlos of El Taco (He does catering - call him at (805) 368-8840).

Carlos and his wife brought a grill, three kinds of meat, salsas and all the fixings for a fabulous meal.

Gloria enjoys some tacos

As you can see, everyone had a good time!

Barbara and Cyndi

We plan on having another celebration next year, but don't wait that long to join us. Fun is happening at Unity of Ventura all the time. Services are at 10 and there is Sunday school for the kids!

This weekend at Unity

2008-10-30T15:19:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, November 2, we will have our third annual Dia de los Muertos celebration for Day of the Dead, which is organized by the wonderful CC Gaitan.

This tradition comes to us from Mexico and is not a sad time, but rather a beautiful way to remember those who have passed on and who we think of fondly.

The fellowship hall will be decorated with banners of papel picado and marigolds, the traditional flower of this day.

As with every good celebration, we will have plenty of food, from the sweet Pan de Muerto (bread) and Cafe de la Olla (sweetened spiced coffee) to tacos and salsas.

Please join us for the Sunday service at 10 am and stay for our celebration.

Here is a painting of a Day of the Dead altar and story about celebrating the holiday.

Unity of Ventura Looking for a New Home

2008-10-27T10:29:00.000-07:00

We are continuing our search for a new, larger facility. The walls aren't bursting yet but we are quickly approaching the season when we fill to capacity. We would like to find someting within 5 miles of our current location if possible but the Board is open to any suggestions. We need between 5,000 and 6,000 sq feet.

If you have a sighting (spot a possible site), please e-mail Fred at Unity of Ventura and let him know where to look.

Rev. Cathy Wins the Chili Cook-Off

2008-10-26T15:59:00.000-07:00

There wasn't a scrap left of Reverend Cathy's Chili!

The Third Annual Unity of Ventura Chili Cook-Off had six entrants and many tasters. When the secret ballots were counted, Reverend Cathy had triumphed! And this from a woman who often claims that she doesn't cook!

After the tasting was done, many people bought extra chili and had a nice lunch.

We are thankful to have such a fun and hardworking membership that makes it possible for events like this to take place. Thanks to all the entrants, organizers, set-up and clean-up crew.

Chili Cook Off Time

2008-10-23T14:06:00.000-07:00

You are invited to attend and/or compete in our Third Annual Chili Cook-Off on Sunday, October 26 at 11 a.m. following the service.

To enter the contest, simply bring a crock pot of chili and $5 to church. The winner takes all the proceeds!

Chili will be voted on by all tasters. Following the tasting, chili will be available for purchase to take home and enjoy later or to have for lunch on the spot.

Last year's winner, Ish Sales, with Board President Fred Hulem.

Service to our community

2008-10-13T14:13:00.001-07:00

On September 20, members of Unity of Ventura came out with hundreds of other people to help clean up our lovely California beaches.

We give thanks for the efforts of all those who helped make the California Beach Clean-Up a success.