Upcoming Speakers
‘How Do We Deal with Our Errors?’, with Tana McElhinney & Rev. Bill Breeden
Tana and Bill will discuss how our programming impacts how we live in the world. Bill will share stories of two death row inmates and how they have dealt with their errors, as well as share his insights into what we might learn from them. Rev. Bill Breeden has years of experience ministering to the incarcerated and marginalized.
'The Divine Makes All Things Possible', with Rev. Karen Williams
If you’d like to make a huge leap in your spiritual practice, this is the talk for you! We have been given a tremendous gift from the Divine to tap into our higher Self to help us remember who and what we really are. Yet, we must be willing to choose that higher Self (Spirit) within us to feel that loving connection over everything else. When we remember our true identity and choose the part of our minds that knows only love, rather than fear, we find our channel back to God and a peaceful life regardless of the challenges in our lives. “Nothing is too big or hard or confusing for me to handle today if I seek the Holy Spirit’s help,” said Karen Casey. This is because the constant voice we carry within our minds, given to us by God in every moment, is teaching, guiding and even adjusting our consciousness. Matthew 19:26 NIV: “Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’
Stick around for the ‘Course in Miracles’ workshop afterwards!
‘Good Grief’, with Jonna Capio
Momentous change is all around us. The process of change includes grief and loss in letting go of “what was” and fears of “what will be”. How are we humans to be with this chaos and volatility happening all over the world and in all climates: environmental, social, cultural, financial, political, etc.? Jonna Capio will present her research, reflections, and what she has learned from her own personal grief journey in learning to be with “what is now”.
'Fasting for Sustenance', with Luke Salmon
Luke Salmon was born and raised in Bloomington, attended Bloomington North and Ivy Tech, and is currently employed at Catalent as a Senior Manufacturing Specialist.During the pandemic, he played an important part in training personnel to operate new equipment that produced the Covid vaccine.
He is married to Monica, with two children, Maebry and Waylon.
Luke is a member of the UOB Board, and is the Board liaison to the Chapel Action Team, Youth and Family Ministry and Hospitality Committees. In addition, he is taking some of the online SEE courses available through Unity Worldwide Ministries.
Come to Luke with any questions, ideas or blessings in the areas of co-creating a sacred space, kids and family, or food!
'Not That Far Apart: A Dialogue on Faith Styles', with Joanie & John Spain
The 14th Century Zen Buddhist monk and poet Ikkyu wrote: “Many paths lead from the foot of the mountain, but at the peak we all gaze at the single bright moon.” John and Joanie Spain started dating just as John began his studies for a Master’s degree at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. As a Humanities major and serious student of Ernest Holmes (a contemporary of the Fillmores), Joanie enjoyed talking about world religions and spirituality. They quickly realized that they always arrive at the same place, but get there with very different language and metaphors. Join John and Joanie in discussion, as they explore what it means to seek “the single bright moon” in relationship and in the context of an increasingly polarized world.
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“Not all who wander are lost” describes John Spain’s life journey. While employed in too many jobs to recount ere, he devoted much time and energy to what he calls two of the world’s most expensive hobbies: flying airplanes and pursuing two graduate degrees. So far, he hasn’t been able to convert either hobby into a career, but he has derived great satisfaction and meaning from both. His seminary education grounds his spiritual wandering in traditional Christianity and encourages exploration to the limits and boundaries of his chosen tradition.
When not drafting meeting agendas as Board President of Unity of Bloomington, Joanie Spain is a Career Advisor in the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University. She also is completing the certificate program in Spiritual Direction through Unity Worldwide Ministries and leads life skills classes with the women of Sojourn House, a two-year residential program for survivors of human trafficking (yes – right here in Bloomington).
John and Joanie have been married for 26 years. They currently share this journey through life on five tranquil acres with their basset hound-mix Toby, roving bands of deer and wild turkeys, and the occasional red fox.
' "Manna" Equals Free Pizza and Wine', with Michael May & Tana McElhinney
Awareness and Persistence
Two "Uni-tics" discussing life; the past and how it colors the present.
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Michael May is the grandson of a Monroe County stonecutter; a fully pedigreed Hoosier local boy. Michael’s teenage years and global perspective were formed during work experiences in Sweden and Jamaica. Upon graduation from Indiana University, Michael joined the teaching faculty of the international Ecumenical Institute based in Chicago. The Institute served as a consortium for the recovery of contemplative depth methods, practices, and exploration using contemporary and existential language. The Institute worked to recover the gifts of contemplative practice for a diverse, global, secular, digitally-enveloped, and quantum scientific world.
The foundational curriculum of the Ecumenical Institute is re-presented today in the cinematic art forms of Interior Mythos Journeys on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Interiormythos.
Michael currently serves as curriculum editor for the program. Michael resides on a hill in the woods of eastern Monroe County with his wife Mary Sullivan Madore. Mary manages the dogs and horses while Michael is learning to be a hay farmer and lumberjack, personally engaging in regular chainsaw therapy.
'Turning Our Attention to Home', with Rev. Karen Williams
with ‘A Course in Miracles’ Workshop afterwards
'Turning Our Attention to Home' focuses on our spiritual journey from childhood to our entrance into eternity, our final home or Heaven. Rev. Williams will help us understand what it takes to be home in peace, love, and joy in our everyday lives.
Heaven on Earth is an enjoyable concept and a very pleasant state of mind to live in. Jesus taught his followers to pray, “Thy kingdom come on Earth as in Heaven.” The church took this teaching to make Heaven as a place you go to after your Earthly life, yet Jesus taught that our divine, loving attention on Earth makes this world more like Heaven. It is an everyday consciousness.
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Reverend Karen Williams is an ordained minister and has been an educator, nonprofit director, human services supervisor, and retired as a manager with the City of Phoenix. She enjoys birdwatching, traveling the world, reading, learning all things in spiritual growth and is an avid student of A Course in Miracles. She lives in Ellettsville, Indiana with her wife, Wendy and two cats, Elfo and Rojo. They are very much a part of her Heaven on Earth.
'Greeting the New Year with Intention Using Fire and White Stone Ceremonies', with Devta Kidd
Master of Science in Positive Organization Development and Change Management
Are there habits or tendencies that you’ve come to realize no longer serve you? Instead of bringing them into the new year to struggle with them anew, join us in expressing thanks for the value that those attributes once brought as we offer them to the communal fire for purification in a Fire Ceremony. Then, relax into the support of your commUnity as we meditate on the year ahead and declare what it is that we would like to build individually. Write your intention on a white stone and share it (if you choose) in the White Stone Ceremony.
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Devta Kidd has been a member of Unity of Bloomington for over 20 years serving in a variety of roles from Youth and Family Ministry facilitator to service and meditation leader to her current love – being a member of the Music Team. Devta is a lifelong seeker. She was raised in a strict Catholic household, but eagerly explored Buddhism, Hinduism, and Sikhism as soon as she was out from under her parents’ roof! In Unity, Devta finds the Truth that underlies all things while she continues to question and seek. She is currently studying – and questioning – A Course in Miracles and is so very grateful for a commUnity that affords the freedom to continue to explore.
'Who Needs Joy??', with Dan Piekarsky
Board Member/Soloist
What is Joy, and why do we need it? Why is Joy a part of a Unity practice? What if you are not feeling the Joy?? Is Joy just another “fake it, til you make it” placebo? This talk may have more questions than answers, but it will be a deep inquiry into Joy and the connection to our humanity and connection with Spirit.
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Dan Piekarsky has been a member of Unity of Bloomington since 1996. He has been learning and living with Unity Practices and Principals since the first time he attended a service in the Waldron Theater. One could argue that his process has been slow, but the lessons absorbed have become embedded deeply with years of commitment, service and leadership to this community. He endeavors to be the light and to see the light. He is married to the love of his live, Beth, and have two adult children, Will and Christopher.
'Let Peace Begin with Me', with Luke Salmon
Father/Board Member/UoB Committee Member
As we enter the second week of Advent, we light the Peace candle, in anticipation of the arrival of the Christ. Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my Peace I give unto you.” (John 14:27)
Join us on December 10 as we step into Christ Consciousness and explore how all Peace begins within.
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Luke Salmon was born and raised in Bloomington, attended Bloomington North and Ivy Tech, and is currently employed at Catalent as a Senior Manufacturing Specialist.
During the pandemic, he played an important part in training personnel to operate new equipment that produced the Covid vaccine.
He is married to Monica, with two children, Maebry and Waylon.
Luke is a member of the UOB Board, and is the Board liaison to the Chapel Action Team, Youth and Family Ministry and Hospitality Committees. In addition, he is taking some of the online SEE courses available through Unity Worldwide Ministries.
Come to Luke with any questions, ideas or blessings in the areas of co-creating a sacred space, kids and family, or food!
'The First Sunday of Advent - the Candle of Hope', Rev. Karen Williams
Is our Hope with attachment or intention?
During the first week of Advent we light the Prophet’s Candle, which symbolizes Hope. The prophets had told people about the Messiah’s coming for a long time. Since Israel was controlled by the Roman Empire when Jesus was born, many people expected the Messiah to be a political savior. Jesus was not the Messiah that many hoped for or expected. Their hope was tied to their expectations. The deepest spiritual teaching for all of us is that the more able we are to release attachments, the less chance there will be of suffering disappointment.
Rev. Karen’s message is about Hope that lets go of attached expectations, so that our divine intention can be fulfilled.
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Rev. Karen Williams was ordained with The Salvation Army and served as a pastor and educator in the Midwest for many years. After working with the Field Museum in Chicago, she moved to the West. In 2015, she retired as a deputy director of Parks and Recreation with the City of Phoenix. Her spiritual practice includes studying the Bible and A Course in Miracles in an effective, transformative way daily. Karen and her wife, Wendy Wonderley, now reside in Ellettsville. They enjoy bird-watching and traveling.
'My Piece of Peace', with LeAnne Kelley
Educator/Coach/Gardener
After a youth spent in a fundamental religious culture, LeAnne Kelley felt the need for something more – for a deeper spiritual journey. After many years and much nudging from her sister (Lisa Fouts), LeAnne finally agreed to attend a Unity Sunday service. Here at Unity of Bloomington, she has discovered a colorful kaleidoscope lens that has brought great peace to her life. Join us on November 26 as LeAnne shares some of the lessons she has learned surrounding peace and love in her life.
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LeAnne Kelley spent 33 years as an educator. She taught mathematics and physical education for 12 years, then served as a high school principal for 21 years. While teaching, LeAnne also coached basketball and tennis. Now retired, she enjoys gardening, riding her electric trike, football season, and reading. Her yard is a showcase, with at least 250 perennial plants and a beautiful rose garden. In summer months, LeAnne raises at least 20 tomato plants, in order to keep her family and neighbors supplied all summer long. Her dogs are “spoiled rotten” and most Sundays when the weather permits, Mosey joins us at Unity, waiting patiently in the truck for her return. LeAnne is very happy to be part of the Unity commUnity.
'Playground for Gratitude', with Maryellen May
Mother/Wife/Video Artist/Certified InterPlay Leader
Gratitude is not our default behavior. Sometimes, it’s easier to focus on what’s going wrong in our lives and in the world than it is to recognize the good. Lucky for us, gratitude is a choice we can make, a posture we can embody, an expression we can practice. We may even choose to play with our gratitude. However, there are also “gratitude traps” to avoid – gratitude that is inauthentic, shame-based or comparative. How do we know if our gratitude is authentic, free of shame and comparison? In this time of Thanksgiving, let’s explore gratitude together and see what we notice. Maryellen May will share her experience with a practice called InterPlay and a couple of easy, playful forms. These forms do not require much effort and can help us access our authentic gratitude and better connect with ourselves and each other. (The next InterPlay workshop is December 6).
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Maryellen May is a mother, wife, video artist and certified InterPlay leader, who grew up in Bloomington. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Peace and Global Studies from Earlham College, and received her Master’s degree in Journalism from Indiana University. Maryellen has been dancing all of her life. She enjoys daily walks with the family dog (Bowie) and shares an office with a cat named Smokey. When Maryellen bumped into InterPlay in 2018, she believed that she had found a piece of her puzzle. Over the last five years, she has had the privilege of experiencing InterPlay with people from all over the world, both in person and on Zoom.
'Who Are We?', with Jonna Capio
CommUnity Member
Right now, our world is volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous. How are we humans to be with all of this chaos? How do we not sink into over-whelming fear, depression, or anxiety with all of this turmoil? How are we to live? Who are we?
The Unity movement, based on living like Christ, offers us practical tools, wisdom, and community. When we work our beliefs and live the principles, we can be the change we want to see in the world, offering a beacon of light in all the current darkness. As we radiate, and encourage others to shine with us, we can tip the balance of collective consciousness from fear to love. Love is our power, just as Jesus taught.
Join us on Sunday, November 5, when Jonna Marie Capio shares her research and realizations on how we can BE in this chaotic world, but not be tethered to it – how we can live with Hope, as Love and Joy.
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Jonna Marie Capio has been a member of Unity for 25 years. She credits the Unity principles and practices as being both ground and inspiration for her life and for her life’s work as a mental health therapist. Jonna is the Transition Team Leader for Unity of Bloomington during our “time in-between” search for our new spiritual leadership.
Jonna believes that every human is a seeker, but few people openly understand, acknowledge or embrace this, which is why she loves and supports Unity of Bloomington. Here, she can count on being able to seek freely and talk openly about all things “freaky and geeky” about Jesus and Spirit. Feeling both safe and connected are two basic human needs, and Jonna finds both here at Unity of Bloomington, the most welcoming community she has ever been a part of. Here, we all have permission “to BE” and to strive, with the best of our abilities, to be curious and not judgmental in relationships with one another. Which, she believes, is what life is all about.
'The Paradox of the Historical Jesus and Today’s Christian Nationalist Movement', Rev. Karen Williams
Spiritual Teachings without Religious Indoctrination
The teachings of Jesus belong to ALL religions, as well as applying to anyone on the path to personal awakening, outside the context of religion. Jesus delivered a pure healing message of love and peace. His message was to celebrate the Divine in each of us. The historical Jesus loved deeply and proclaimed, “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10)
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Rev. Karen Williams was ordained with The Salvation Army and served as a pastor and educator in the Midwest for many years. After working with the Field Museum in Chicago, she moved to the West. In 2015, she retired as a deputy director of Parks and Recreation with the City of Phoenix. Her spiritual practice includes studying the Bible and A Course in Miracles in an effective, transformative way daily. Karen and her wife, Wendy Wonderley, now reside in Ellettsville. They enjoy bird-watching and traveling.
'My Walk to Unity', with Chuck Thompson
CommUnity Member
I intend to speak about some of the highlights I've learned since reading my first Unity book at Christmastime in 1954. That book was used and given to me by a woman, named Rose, who was very involved in Unity at Pittsburgh. She was pushing Unity and thought it would be good for me. She had a gay son who was a Unity minister. This told me what I wanted to know--that Unity is an inclusive group.
My story is about one person's attempt to understand the "Great Mystery." My teacher would call this Mystery, God, Buddha, Krishna, etc., all the while insisting there is only one God! Being generous, I can say: I do not understand the "Great Mystery," nor do I believe any of us are meant to understand IT. I do believe you have to believe in It's intelligence and allow it into your life to reap the benefits. I will try to clarify what works for "me."
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Chuck was born in Butler, PA in 1934. He graduated from Evans City High School in 1952 and Central Michigan University in 1965. He started with very little church time or study of religion.
Chuck joined his first Unity Church in Bay City, Michigan during 1961. Mrs. James, the minister, and her husband, Freeburn, kind of adopted him. Chuck performed platform work, including the meditation, for over a decade. During this time he also served on the Board. =
After being transferred to Tulsa, Oklahoma, he joined a small group to start a Unity Church in 1981.
The church was successful and he served on the first Board of Unity. When he was transferred in 1983 to Houston, TX, the church was thriving with 250 members. He attended the Unity Church in Houston, and in 1984 moved to Indianapolis. There he attended the Unity Church in downtown Indy. Currently, and for some time, beginning in the late 1980s, he attended and joined Unity of Bloomington.
Chuck enjoys gardening and golfing.
'Belonging, a creative process and my spiritual journey as an artist', with Joe LaMantia
Community Artist
Why do I create art? And what kind of art do I create? Beginning my career as an illustrator, becoming a dimensional illustrator, who then became a collaborative artist to finally evolving into a community artist, it is all in the process of awakening to a calling.
Joe LaMantia is a community artist who worked collaboratively with schools and community organizations creating public art for several decades. The projects he facilitated were inclusive, the process transparent and the environment of togetherness celebratory. LaMantia used art to build community by demystifying the creative process which allowed participants a sense of ownership and to develop long-lasting friendships.
With the onset of Covid however, Joe realized working with groups of people was no longer possible. The next several years he worked on projects centered around the home. His opportunity to work once again as an artist in the community occurred after having created handrails for Unity members Richard and Mary Ann. Shortly thereafter, a neighbor stopped by to inquire about Joe’s own handrail and to ask him to create a handrail for his home around the corner! It was after completing this third handrail, Joe understood his artwork was taking him in a new direction.
'Leadership, the Polycrisis, and Unity Principles', with Richard Torstrick
Our way of thinking is partially responsible for the multiple crises unfolding around us. Our idea of leadership has caused us to undervalue those who work. Although there is probably nothing we can do to avoid the worst, with clear thinking and a better way of thinking based on Unity principles, we have an opportunity to help alleviate the coming suffering.
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Richard grew up in Louisvillle, KY. He holds a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Louisville, A Master of Divinity from The Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, and A Certificate in Organizational Development from the NTL Institute in Arlington, VA. In his consulting career, he specialized in high-performing work systems.
His musical career interest is violin/fiddle. Though his love of classical music led him to perform with a number of symphony orchestras and chamber ensembles, he notes with amusement that it was his pursuit of Bluegrass that led to his engagements at Lincoln Center in NYC. He also performed at Bill Monroe’s Bean Blossom Bluegrass festivals, and at Opryland in Nashville, TN.
Richard’s instrumental Bluegrass album, “The Wooded Shore,” was released in 1985. He hosted the WFHB radio show “Rural Routes.”
Richard served on the Unity of Bloomington Board of Trustees, as a member and president. He is father to two children and one grand-child. Married to Mary Ann Williams since 1979, he enjoys ideation, contemplation, and conversation.
'Living Inner Peace with All the Hooting and Hollering in the Outer World', with Rev. Karen Williams
Following this service will be a workshop focused on ‘A Course in Miracles’. Please see details here.
'Abundance', with Roy Capio
Unity of Bloomington Treasurer
Roy Capio has served on the Unity of Bloomington Board for 7 years, 4 of these as the Treasurer. Being a Treasurer of an Intentional faith community has special practical challenges.
“I walk a delicate balance of having to focus on material needs and challenges of the building and community while keeping the belief that all the abundance already exists but may not yet be apparent. This process is personally challenging and rewarding. I am being stretched in my faith and learning plenty about navigating the complexities of relationships and financial needs for our community.”
'Travel Far To Meet Yourself', with Dr. Norm Houze
Holistic physician/Chiropractic/Herbologist/Bicyclist
Your job can fill your pocket, but travel fills your soul. Travel can leave you speechless... and then turns you into a storyteller. Norm Houze will take you on a journey all over the world to find good, to find God, and to find yourself. Be ready to travel with Norm on July 30, without moving your feet!