Lessons from Unity Cedar Rapids
163 episodes - English - Latest episode: 6 months ago -Unity is a positive path for spiritual living. We gather to create an experience of Spirit.
At UnityCR, we offer practical teachings that empower abundant and meaningful living. Meeting you right where you are, we endeavor to provide a variety of ways to support YOUR path of spiritual living.
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Episodes
UnityCR: The Unfolding Plan 10/22/2023
October 23, 2023 11:47 - 21 minutes - 20.1 MBAs a follow up to her recent series, Rev. Debra will explore how we respond to change with intention and commitment. This causes circumstances to unfold in good order for the highest and best for all concerned.
UnityCR: Wandering and Wondering 10/08/2023
October 09, 2023 12:40 - 20 minutes - 18.8 MBRev. Debra continues her exploration of Finding Yourself in Transition by Rev. Robert Brumet. This week, she reminds us that each season of life is to be honored, including the time in the wilderness --or as Rev. Brumet terms it, "The Void." He writes: "In order to become who we really are, we must let go of who we are not... The Void is a passageway to truly becoming alive and fully awake" [p. 89]
UnityCR: The Multiplying Power of Gratitude 8/20/2023
August 21, 2023 11:37 - 17 minutes - 16 MBUsing the gospel account of the "Loaves and Fishes" in Luke, Rev. Debra focuses on the multiplying power of gratitude and thanksgiving. In Spiritual Economics, Eric Butterworth writes: "...gratitude is not for God...You are not obligated to thank God for your life, for your job, for your prosperity. However, giving thanks is an important state of consciousness that keeps you in an awareness of oneness with divine flow." Join Rev. Debra and unleash the power of gratitude in your life.
UnityCR: What is Abundant Life 8/13/2023
August 20, 2023 13:58 - 21 minutes - 19.7 MBEric Butterworth writes in Spiritual Economics: "The word 'affluence' is an overworked word in our time, usually implying cars and houses and baubles of all kinds. Its literal meaning is 'an abundance flow'... and when we are consciously centered in the universal flow, we experience inner direction and the unfoldment of creative energy." Join Rev. Debra as we celebrate the abundance consciousness of UCR and explore the essential elements of the abundant life, which include well-being...
UnityCR: Discern, Discover, Demonstrate 7/16/2023
July 23, 2023 14:14 - 20 minutes - 18.9 MBRev. Debra will invite you into a larger vision for your life, your relationships, your community, and the world. The power of discerning a larger vision!
UnityCR: Easy Living 7/09/2023
July 09, 2023 17:14 - 19 minutes - 18.2 MBLet's celebrate summer with joy as we learn what it means to live'easy.'
UnityCR: Free for What? 7/02/2023
July 03, 2023 16:02 - 21 minutes - 19.9 MBJoin Rev. Debra and learn about the divine idea of freedom as we celebrate our nation's birthday. She will answer the question: "Are we free from certain conditions, or are we free for one another?"
UnityCR: Living Untethered 6/25/2023
July 01, 2023 18:26 - 19 minutes - 18.1 MBUsing the work of Michael Singer, author of the Untethered Soul, Rev. Debra will lead you in a journey toward self-realization --- moving beyond the thoughts, feelings, and habits that keep you stuck—so you can heal the pain of the past and let your spirit soar.
UnityCR: One Power 6/18/2023
July 01, 2023 18:23 - 23 minutes - 21.8 MBJoin Rev. Debra as she takes a deep dive into our opening statement: “There is only One Presence and One Power in my life and in the universe, God the Good, Omnipotent." What does this statement really mean and how can it help us navigate our spiritual journey?
UnityCR: Dancing in the Light of Day 6/4/2023
June 18, 2023 02:45 - 19 minutes - 17.9 MBInspired by Nina Swanson's newly written song, Rev. Debra will invite you into the power of recognizing that God is everywhere present in your life. Divine Spirit is available to us always and in all-ways.
UnityCR: The Window of the Heart 5/28/2023
June 18, 2023 02:45 - 17 minutes - 16 MBOn this Memorial Day weekend, we remember those who have graced our lives for a season. Rev. Debra will share here own stories of grief and loss, and invite you into acceptance and healing.
UnityCR: Leaving God for God 6/11/2023
June 18, 2023 02:44 - 21 minutes - 20.1 MBUsing Still on Fire: Field Notes from a Queer Mystic by Jan Phillips as the inspiration for her lesson, Rev. Debra will encourage you to think through and perhaps deconstruct your perceptions about God in order to experience deeper spiritual maturity and healing.
UnityCR: Spiritual Keys To Aging Well 5/21/2023
May 22, 2023 16:15 - 18 minutes - 17.3 MBAs she approaches her birthday, join Rev. Debra for a lesson that focuses on aging well by adopting the process of ‘eldering’ rather than ‘aging.’ She will use the booklet published by Unity Worldwide Headquarters as her guide.
UnityCR: The Healing Power of Love 5/14/2023
May 20, 2023 14:59 - 28 minutes - 26.2 MBJoin Rev. Debra for a continuation of her recent lessons on love. On Mother's Day, she will focus on love's healing and nurturing force in the world and in our lives. Mother's Day evokes a gamut of emotions from grief to joy; however, Divine Love is available to heal, uplift, and enfold us. The "12 Powerful Women" class participants will share a 12 Powers candle lighting during the service.
UnityCR: The Gospel in One Word Is Love 5/7/2023
May 11, 2023 01:26 - 22 minutes - 20.9 MBWelcome to The Unity Center of Cedar Rapids Sunday Service Podcast. We’re glad you’re able to join us wherever you are. Today’s message is titled “The Gospel in One Word Is Love” Join Rev. Debra for a continuation of last Sunday's invitation to love. This week, she will share some actionable ideas and concepts that encourage the expression of Divine Love through us.
UnityCR: No More Lies 4/30/2023
May 11, 2023 01:00 - 20 minutes - 19 MBWelcome to The Unity Center of Cedar Rapids Sunday Service Podcast. We’re glad you’re able to join us wherever you are. Today’s message is titled “No More Lies” April 30th is "National Honesty Day" (it is also "National Raisin Day" and "National Oatmeal Cookie Day"). It was inaugurated by author Hirch Goldberg to provide a counterbalance to "April Fools Day" on April 1st which is a celebration of lie-telling. Join Rev. Debra while she talks about celebrating the glory of our being as...
UnityCR: Obstacles to Joy 2/13/2022
February 14, 2022 15:05 - 31 minutes - 13.8 MBUsing the Book of Joy by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Rev. Debra will explore how to experience joy no matter the circumstances of life. Books are available for purchase at UCR. February 13: "Obstacles to Joy" To learn more please visit http://unitycr.org/
UnityCR: Joyful Living in Challenging Times 2/06/2022
February 04, 2022 15:06 - 27 minutes - 15.7 MBUsing the Book of Joy by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Rev. Debra will explore how to experience joy no matter the circumstances of life. Books are available for purchase at UCR. February 6: "The Nature of True Joy" February 13: "Obstacles to Joy" February 20: "The Pillars of Joy" To learn more please visit http://unitycr.org/
UnityCR: The Power of Conscious Communication 1/30/2022
February 02, 2022 01:04 - 16 minutes - 9 MBMore often than not, we jumble our judgements and feelings with reality when communicating with others, leading to ineffective, incomplete, and inflammatory results. Learning to separate facts from our judgements and feelings is key to enjoying more harmonious and more constructive relationships. Jonas will also be our guest musician and song leader. He is truly a man of many talents!
UnityCR: A Well Built House 1/23/2022
February 02, 2022 01:00 - 18 minutes - 13 MBThis lesson is a celebration of Unity Center of Cedar Rapids and its resilience and commitment during a challenging two years.
UnityCR: Pay Attention 1/16/2022
January 17, 2022 13:08 - 20 minutes - 11.7 MBOn this Martin Luther King Day weekend, we are reminded of his powerful intention for our nation. As we revisit his inspiring life and work, we open ourselves to the power of intention and the necessity to pay attention to its unfoldment. To learn more please visit http://unitycr.org/
UnityCR: Let the Work Begin 1/9/2022
January 10, 2022 14:34 - 19 minutes - 34.8 MBRev. Dr. Howard Thurman, mentor to Martin Luther King, wrote: When the song of the angels is stilled, When the star in the sky is gone, When the kings and princes are home, When the shepherds are back with their flock, The work of Christmas begins... As we continue to celebrate the rebirth of the Christ in our awareness and as we begin the New Year, let's gather and open ourselves to the transformative work of the Christ in us. We will release the things that limit us and open new ...
UnityCR: Rev Debra - Zoom Service 1/2/2022
January 08, 2022 16:01 - 14 minutes - 26.4 MBSpecial Zoom Service To learn more please visit http://unitycr.org/
UnityCR: Rejoice 12/19/2021
December 20, 2021 16:54 - 16 minutes - 9.48 MBYou will notice that the candles on the Advent Wreath include a pink one that is lighted on the Sunday of 'Joy'. This is called the 'Gaudete' candle which is the first word of an ancient Latin Christmas carol and it simply means 'Rejoice!' On this last Sunday of Advent, let's join as a spiritual community to rejoice with one another as we prepare for the birth of the Christ in us. To learn more please visit http://unitycr.org/
UnityCR: The Right Order of Love 12/12/2021
December 11, 2021 18:26 - 21 minutes - 12.8 MB"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Matthew 22) These words, quoted by Jesus from the Jewish scripture, teach us the requisite order of love. We are to love God with our whole being and recognize God as the very essence of love itself. We are to love ourselves by affirming our value and worth for we are Go...
UnityCR: It Begins With Me 12/5/2021
December 11, 2021 18:22 - 20 minutes - 11.5 MBOn the second Sunday in Advent, Rev. Debra will remind us that peace begins within each of us. When we are peaceful, we become true peacemakers in the world. To learn more please visit http://unitycr.org/
UnityCR: Hope Grounded in Faith 11/28/2021
November 29, 2021 16:50 - 17 minutes - 11.2 MBOn this first Sunday of Advent, Rev. Debra will encourage a deeper understanding of our journey toward Christmas. Advent is a time of reflection and preparation as we open our hearts, minds, and lives to the renewed experience of our divine self. To learn more please visit http://unitycr.org/
UnityCR: Grateful Giving 11/21/2021
November 22, 2021 01:48 - 22 minutes - 11.6 MBJoin Rev. Debra as she invites you to open your life to the power of freely giving and gratefully receiving. To learn more please visit http://unitycr.org/
UnityCR: Grateful Hands 11/14/2021
November 12, 2021 12:48 - 21 minutes - 9.77 MBLesson Series: "Grateful Living" During the first three weeks of November, Rev. Debra invites you into an intentional season of grateful living. Lesson 2: Grateful Hands As our lives are transformed and blessed by the power of divine love, the natural impulse is to share our gifts, graces, and life experience in gratitude. To learn more please visit http://unitycr.org/
UnityCR: Grateful Hearts 11/7/2021
November 05, 2021 13:43 - 20 minutes - 8.91 MBThis past week, many communities commemorated either All Souls' Day, All Saints' Day, or Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). To learn more please visit http://unitycr.org/
UnityCR: You Be You! 10/31/2021
November 05, 2021 13:40 - 17 minutes - 7.44 MBOn this Halloween Sunday, Rev. Debra will encourage you to take off your mask and let your authentic self shine! You are amazing and you are enough --just as you are!
UnityCR: I'm Not Broken, I'm Open 10/24/2021
October 26, 2021 14:50 - 19 minutes - 7.61 MBWhile we may feel a sense of brokenness during difficult seasons of life, these moments can also open us to the healing love of God and its ability to transform our lives. In Truth, you are whole --not broken; yet, these dark nights of the soul can give birth to something new. To learn more please visit https://www.unitycr.org
UnityCR: I Live 10/17/2021
October 19, 2021 14:56 - 17 minutes - 7.02 MBRev. Debra will explore the quintessential ideas that spiritually ground us as a Unity congregation. To learn more please visit http://unitycr.org/
UnityCR: I Pray 10/10/2021
October 16, 2021 14:39 - 25 minutes - 12.1 MBI Pray Rev. Debra will explore the quintessential ideas that spiritually ground us as a Unity congregation. To learn more please visit http://unitycr.org/
UnityCR: A Community of Faith 8/1/2021
August 02, 2021 18:45 - 18 minutes - 7.14 MBDuring the month of August, our Sunday services will be inspired by important values that guide us as a spiritual community: To learn more please visit us at https://unitycr.org/
UnityCR: Abba 6/20/2021
June 22, 2021 00:07 - 17 minutes - 8.54 MBIn the gospel accounts, when Jesus referred to God as father he used the Aramaic word 'abba' which most closely translates in English as 'daddy'. Let's celebrate Father's day and learn how to create an intimate, close, and joyful relationship with God! To learn more please visit: https://unitycr.org/
UnityCR: Living In The Light of Love 12/13/2020
December 13, 2020 17:30 - 13 minutes - 5.46 MBThis is the third lesson in our Advent Series, "The Light of Christmas." Join us as we explore the words of John Shelby Spong: "The experience of Jesus was an experience of love. This love was a powerful life-affirming reality. It was love that broke every human barrier and that swept over every human prejudice. Jesus lived the love of God. This love was and is wasteful love, embracing love, inclusive love." To learn more please visit http://unitycr.org/
UnityCR: Living In The Light of Peace 12/06/2020
December 12, 2020 02:04 - 11 minutes - 4.78 MBThis is the second lesson in our Advent Series, "The Light of Christmas." Join us as we explore what it means to be a peacemaker and establish peace on earth. To learn more please visit http://unitycr.org/
UnityCR: Living in the Light of Hope 11/29/2020
November 29, 2020 17:34 - 16 minutes - 6.87 MBThis is the first lesson in our Advent series: "The Light of Christmas." Join Rev. Debra as we rekindle the power of hope and faith as we journey toward Christmas. To learn more please visit http://unitycr.org/
UnityCR: Grateful Living 11/22/2020
November 29, 2020 17:31 - 14 minutes - 6.73 MBGratitude is a way of life. As we saturate our lives with it, we create the space for abundance and joy! To learn more please visit http://unitycr.org/
UnityCR: Everything is Holy - Rev Debra 11/15/2020
November 15, 2020 17:30 - 19 minutes - 8.25 MBThe poet William Blake wrote: "For everything that lives is holy, life delights in life.” What transformation would be wrought if this was the lens through which we view ourselves, our lives, and our world! To learn more please visit http://unitycr.org/
UnityCR: An Orientation of Spirit and the Heart 11/08/2020
November 08, 2020 17:30 - 14 minutes - 5.61 MB"Hope is an orientation of the spirit, an orientation of the heart...it is not the same as joy that things are going well or a willingness to invest in enterprises that are obviously headed for early success, but rather an ability to work for something because it is good, not because it stands a chance to succeed.”-Vaclav Haval In this service after election day, Rev. Debra Williams encourages you to anchor yourself in hope as you continue to do what is good and just. She will call you ...
UnityCR: We Remember
November 01, 2020 17:03 - 16 minutes - 6.62 MBNovember 1st is "All Saint's Day" and the service is dedicated to the memory of those who have transitioned. We will also remember those who died this year as a result of COVID-19. Hebrews 12:1 shares that, "we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses" --those who still live within the great heart and mind of God and who continue to love us and bless us with their lingering and present wisdom. To learn more please visit http://unitycr.org
UnityCR: Unmasking God
October 28, 2020 10:50 - 12 minutes - 5.09 MBVoltaire wrote: "If God created us in God's own image, we have more than reciprocated." At times, we project our anxieties, biases, and negative self-image onto God, creating a rather capricious, fickle, and unreliable deity. Rev. Debra challenges you to unmask God and discover the transformative power of God's true nature. To learn more please visit http://unitycr.org/
UnityCR: Rev Debra Williams 03/29/2020
April 01, 2020 15:42 - 20 minutes - 16 MBTopic: "A Brave and Startling Truth " Rev Debra Carter Williams A poem by Maya Angelou serves as the central theme of Rev. Debra’s lesson: We must confess that we are the possible We are the miraculous, the true wonder of this world That is when, and only when we come to it. This lesson is an affirmation of the possibilities that lie within us and before us. It is a celebration of the miracle that you are and your ability to co-create a world of peace, abundance, and well-being for a...
UnityCR: Rev Debra Williams 03/22/2020
March 25, 2020 13:44 - 18 minutes - 21.3 MBGod is both immanent (indwelling and permeating all creation) and transcendent (greater than all creation). However, the poet and mystic, Hildegard of Bingen, wrote: “You are encircled by the arms of the mystery of God.” In other words, the indwelling God envelopes us and bathes us in Divine Love as we experience challenges, but calls us to know that the One Presence and One Power in the universe is greater than anything we experience. To learn more please visit http://unitycr.org/
UnityCR: Rev Debra Williams 03/15/2020
March 19, 2020 13:08 - 17 minutes - 19.8 MBTo learn more please visit http://unitycr.org/
UnityCR: Rev Debra Williams 03/08/2020
March 19, 2020 11:06 - 26 minutes - 30.9 MBJames 1:7 affirms that in God there is “no variation or shadow due to change.” How do we reconcile the unchanging nature of God with the constancy of change in life? Indeed, the “times they are a-changin’ "as poet Bob Dylan reminds us. Perhaps the ability to experience change points to the dynamic of transformation itself. Perceptions must shift, attitudes and beliefs must realign, and unhealthy behaviors must be released. However, even during the most difficult seasons of change, we can rel...
UnityCR: Rev Debra Williams 02/23/2020
February 24, 2020 03:43 - 17 minutes - 19.9 MBI Corinthians 13:5 shares: “Love does not insist on its own way.” Therefore, true love requires us to let go of a desire to control or to be overly directive—even overly helpful. We must love in a manner in which the person we love feels free. Using the book by Thich Nhat Hanh as the basis of the series, as well as the teachings of Jesus and our foundational Unity principles, Rev. Debra Carter Williams will explore four important elements of loving relationships that are integral to co...
UnityCR: Rev Debra Williams 02/16/2020
February 24, 2020 03:41 - 33 minutes - 38.1 MBJoy Thich Nhat Hanh writes: “If there is no joy in love, it is not true love.” But, is true love really without struggle? This lesson explores the meaning of joy and how it can be experienced, along with other emotions, in relationships of trust and mutual respect. Using the book by Thich Nhat Hanh as the basis of the series, as well as the teachings of Jesus and our foundational Unity principles, Rev. Debra Carter Williams will explore four important elements of loving relationships ...