It's so lovely to be back on campus here at Unity Renaissance. Absence has indeed made my heart grow fonder and clearer. Something wonderful is happening here! I am so grateful.
Six weeks ago, as I was waking from surgery, the surgeon stopped in. I was so happy to see him. While my family wanted to hear the details of the surgery, my only questions was, "What color is my new hip?" With a smile in his eyes, he answered "Lilac".
Over the past year, I have immersed myself in the joy of being back in an area with four distinct seasons. At one point, I recall wondering what color the blooms would be on the crepe myrtle tree outside my office. Being gone from campus for six weeks has felt like an entire season! As I drove up and parked just outside my office, it was raining miniature lilac blossoms. It covered the sidewalk, the grass, the entire area. Just beautiful and so meaningfully matching my new lilac hip! It felt like home.
There were tears and laughter reconnecting with our amazing staff, a group that has changed so much over the past year. What an amazing new season that is upon us. The Unity Renaissance “staff” are poised to serve this community in new and exciting ways while always honoring the love and connection that binds us all to you. It is truly you we have in mind as we go about our work-play.
I am thrilled to announce our newest addition to the team, Mary Molinari, who joins us as Sacred Service and Welcome Program Director. Together we will ensure that our volunteer teams are supported in every way, because they too are just amazing. We look forward to enrolling and re-enrolling the entire community as we redefine volunteering as sacred service, refine and expand Sunday offerings, and focus upon a new Membership Program. We hope that everyone, whether an official member already, desiring to be, or just simply curious will join us for the activities planned over the next several months.
Please be sure to welcome and bless Mary in this new role.
Please visit our new website page to see and hear from all the staff members.
Here's what Mary shares with us now:
"I am a spiritual being having a human experience as a dedicated educator with over 20 years of experience, a behavioral specialist, special education advocate, parent coach, and a passionate curriculum creator. I bring my deep understanding of human development and learning into every aspect of my work—whether in the classroom, in spiritual leadership, or at home as a mother.
As the Sacred Service and Welcome Program Director at Unity Renaissance, I lead with a heart-centered approach, committed to fostering a culture of connection, spiritual growth, and meaningful service. My goal is to help every congregant feel seen, valued, and empowered to discover and share their unique gifts within the spiritual community.
Through developing systems, processes, and spiritually grounded practices, I am working to create pathways for individuals to build authentic relationships, and engage in sacred service that uplifts both the individual and the collective.
As Dr. Maya Angelou says: "The things you are passionate about are not random, they are your calling."
Know you are not here by accident. Something wonderful is indeed happening here and you are an integral part of it now. Please join and/or rejoin us as we create this new season together.
I Love You,
Reverend René