By Martin Snapp (Staff writer) - Contra Costa Times - CA,USA
Monday, August 7, 2006
The weeds have given way to California native plants as Unity of Berkeley completes the first phase of its landscaping program, which began in April.
By this time next year, the Eunice Street church hopes to have more trees, a front lawn, a drip-irrigation system, a meditation labyrinth and a Zen peace garden.
"We couldn't have gotten as far as we have without the neighbors' help," said Steve Carter of El Cerrito, co-chairman of the landscaping project. "They gave us advice on what not to plant, to avoid turning ourselves into a salad bar for the local deer."
Unity of Berkeley is one of more than 900 Unity churches across the country, including nine others in the Bay Area. The Unity movement was founded in the 1880s by a Midwestern couple, Charles and Myrtle Fillmore.
"They had no thought of starting a new religion," Keel said. "They just wanted to help themselves and others who turned to them for help."
Unity is centered on two basic propositions: 1. God is good. 2. God is in you.
The church also teaches that the way to access the divine in you is through meditation and prayer. But prayer alone is not enough; you have to practice what you believe.
In addition, Unity believes the power of the mind is so great that you can help yourself heal with your thoughts.
"But we're not Christian Scientists," Keel said. "We also believe the doctor's skills are a divine gift."
Unity embraces all religions. Carter still considers himself a Methodist. His co-chairwoman, Joy Curtis of El Cerrito, still considers herself a Presbyterian. The church has other members who are Sufis, Buddhists and other faiths.
Sunday, November 19, 2006
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Sunday, November 19, 2006
Christian Church embraces all Religions
By Martin Snapp (Staff writer) - Contra Costa Times - CA,USA
Monday, August 7, 2006
The weeds have given way to California native plants as Unity of Berkeley completes the first phase of its landscaping program, which began in April.
By this time next year, the Eunice Street church hopes to have more trees, a front lawn, a drip-irrigation system, a meditation labyrinth and a Zen peace garden.
"We couldn't have gotten as far as we have without the neighbors' help," said Steve Carter of El Cerrito, co-chairman of the landscaping project. "They gave us advice on what not to plant, to avoid turning ourselves into a salad bar for the local deer."
Unity of Berkeley is one of more than 900 Unity churches across the country, including nine others in the Bay Area. The Unity movement was founded in the 1880s by a Midwestern couple, Charles and Myrtle Fillmore.
"They had no thought of starting a new religion," Keel said. "They just wanted to help themselves and others who turned to them for help."
Unity is centered on two basic propositions: 1. God is good. 2. God is in you.
The church also teaches that the way to access the divine in you is through meditation and prayer. But prayer alone is not enough; you have to practice what you believe.
In addition, Unity believes the power of the mind is so great that you can help yourself heal with your thoughts.
"But we're not Christian Scientists," Keel said. "We also believe the doctor's skills are a divine gift."
Unity embraces all religions. Carter still considers himself a Methodist. His co-chairwoman, Joy Curtis of El Cerrito, still considers herself a Presbyterian. The church has other members who are Sufis, Buddhists and other faiths.
Monday, August 7, 2006
The weeds have given way to California native plants as Unity of Berkeley completes the first phase of its landscaping program, which began in April.
By this time next year, the Eunice Street church hopes to have more trees, a front lawn, a drip-irrigation system, a meditation labyrinth and a Zen peace garden.
"We couldn't have gotten as far as we have without the neighbors' help," said Steve Carter of El Cerrito, co-chairman of the landscaping project. "They gave us advice on what not to plant, to avoid turning ourselves into a salad bar for the local deer."
Unity of Berkeley is one of more than 900 Unity churches across the country, including nine others in the Bay Area. The Unity movement was founded in the 1880s by a Midwestern couple, Charles and Myrtle Fillmore.
"They had no thought of starting a new religion," Keel said. "They just wanted to help themselves and others who turned to them for help."
Unity is centered on two basic propositions: 1. God is good. 2. God is in you.
The church also teaches that the way to access the divine in you is through meditation and prayer. But prayer alone is not enough; you have to practice what you believe.
In addition, Unity believes the power of the mind is so great that you can help yourself heal with your thoughts.
"But we're not Christian Scientists," Keel said. "We also believe the doctor's skills are a divine gift."
Unity embraces all religions. Carter still considers himself a Methodist. His co-chairwoman, Joy Curtis of El Cerrito, still considers herself a Presbyterian. The church has other members who are Sufis, Buddhists and other faiths.
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