Lovelight - Unity of Fairfax

Lovelight
Third Quarter 2011 ~ Volume XI / Unity of Fairfax ~ Oakton Virginia
Unity of Fairfax’s first home
Mildred Park, our first minister
Celebrating 55 Years ~ 1956 – 2011
Not everyone enjoys history. Some view it as
a dull listing of names, dates and factoids. Some
think “the past has passed; let it stay there.” And
as practitioners of The Power of Now, we are all
the more likely to take such a view. But if I can
leave you with one message for this 55th anniversary, it is this: that the past, present and future
are integrated parts of a whole, that they exist
simultaneously, and that they continually bear
influence on each other.
viewing platform. What is one of the motivations
of this dedicated group? To pass on a healthier
planet to future generations.
I believe in the adage, “You don’t know where
you’re going if you don’t know where you’ve
been.” Today, I invite you to enjoy a look at
some of our shared past in order to see its influence on our present and future.
Karen Skelton, Lovelight Editor
Church of the Daily Word.”
~ Lovelight 55th Anniversary Edition ~ September 2011
Original Unity of Fairfax Sign
To witness: in this issue, Mary Quattro reflects on the long tradition of retreats while at the
same time preparing this month’s retreat and
many more to come. Julius and Mary Ann
Hankin highlight 15 years of past Block Party
events, while encouraging you to attend one this
month. Steve Marcom’s article about the current
2nd Tier program also recalls its founding by
Rev. E.J. Niles and Harv Morrow. Finally, Rick
Hartley informs you about the current efforts to
educate the local community about EarthCare
Located in front of what is now the Mildred Park Center.
The church was legally registered as “Unity of Fairfax,
actions, and the present plan to build a future
~ Our Ministers ~
Mildred Park – (Founded as a licensed teacher; ordained in
1962) September 1956 – July 1970
Former Unity of Fairfax Members
Who Have Become Unity Ministers
Brandalynn Batchelor
Laura Barrett Bennett
Sandra Butler
(Mildred Park’s
Dianne Camp
granddaughter)
Diane Scribner-Clevenger
La Rae Davis
Ellen Debenport
Linda Dominik
Charmaine Emerald
Gerald Emerald
John Knight
Al Johnson
E.J. Niles – Associate Minister – July 1993 - July 1994
Stan La Torre
Lynn Miller
E.J. Niles and Jane St. John -- Co-ministers – July 1994 December 1998
Mary Anne Multer
E. J. Niles
Catherine Padgett
Mildred Park
Terry Dearmore and Donna (Johnson) Dearmore – Coministers - December 1998 - fall of 2002
Joseph Rowe
Jane St. John
Charles Schneider
Joanne Stockhausen
Donna Johnson – Senior Minister – fall of 2002 – Present
Dolores (Dee) Swinney
Linda Zupan (currently attending ministerial school at
Unity Institute)
David Davenport – 1970 – 1977
Larry Miller -- July 1977 – November 1977
Alan Stanley -- September 1978 - December 1981
Helice Greene -- August 1982 - 1992
Nicholas Griffin -- Interim Minister 1992
Bill Wilson – September 1992 - July 1994
Sandra Butler -- Associate Minister — June 2005 – Present
RECOLLECTIONS
garden with my son Andrew for
his Eagle Scout project on the
Jane Parks McDowell – Life-long member
sides and front of the Mildred
Park Center, making curtains for
I first came to Unity with my mother when it was in
Fairfax City at the little white church. Although I had been the offices and for the backdrop
raised in the Episcopal church, I soon found Unity's teach- in the sanctuary, donations to
many block parties, raising my
ings were the ones for me, and have stayed with it ever
three sons - Jacob, Alex and Ansince. Over the years I have done many things and had
many roles at Unity of Fairfax. Among them were organiz- drew at Unity of Fairfax, and
many other things. I have reing flowers with Lil Wilson for Sunday services, working
ceived many blessings through
with Gail Hughes with the YOU for craft and bake sales,
running the church bookstore for 20 years, helping out with giving and sharing with my
friends at Unity of Fairfax.
Thanksgiving Homecoming celebration, help planting a
Dee Swinney and Jane ,1975
UNITY OF FAIRFAX MINISTRY TEAM AND CONTACT INFORMATION
2854 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton VA 22124 ~ Office Phone: 703/281-1767 ~ Fax: 703/281-1739
Senior Minister: Reverend Donna Johnson
Associate Minister: Reverend Sandra Butler
Pastoral Care Minister: Reverend Jane St. John
Music Director: Carole Tomhave
SUNDAY SERVICES
9:00 a.m. (Contemplative Service) ~ 11:00 a.m. (Celebratory Service) ~ Nursery: 10:30 a.m.-Noon ~ Youth Education: 11:00 a.m.
CONTACT INFORMATION
E-mail: [email protected]
Web site: www.unityoffairfax.org
Rev. Donna’s email: [email protected]
Rev. Sandra’s email: [email protected]
Office Hours ~ 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. (Monday-Thursday. Closed Friday)
Listen to Podcasts of the Sunday Message at www.unityoffairfax.org or www.unity.fm
Unity of Fairfax policy on use of visual media by the church: It is understood that participants in services or activities at Unity of Fairfax consent
to the church's use of any photograph, film, or videotape taken at the activity as may be selected for church communications, marketing and/
or promotional materials.
2 ~ Lovelight 55th Anniversary Edition ~ September 2011
Ministerial Musings — A Blessing to the World
As we celebrate the 55th birthday of Unity of Fairfax, we
pause to look behind and see where we – the generations –
have been. We see our beginnings, our transitions, and our
endings within the ongoing cycles of growth and expression. We can see those ideals we’ve exalted and embodied, and we can also see where we have expanded our
understanding and spiritual demonstration. Where we go
from here remains to be drawn into expression from the
field of infinite possibilities. Whatever we choose to create,
we know our future is inextricably linked to our collective
memory, for from this memory the vision that frames our
future springs forth.
we share, our dreams and aspirations, our gifts of time, talent and
treasure, our faith, and the prayers
we pray all frame this present moment and create the memory that
becomes our identity.
My prayer for Unity of Fairfax is
that it continues in the upward, forward, progressive movement of
Spirit so that our mark of success
acts as a loving invitation and a beacon shining to those who need it most. I pray that we have
Every single person who crosses the threshold of Unity the courage to change the things from the past if they need
of Fairfax is an important part of our history making. It takes changing, the serenity to embrace the timeless blessings
each one of us for all of us to be whole, for Spirit discounts this day holds, and the wisdom to envision and create a
no one. We are the One. Everyone has great value; every- future full of promise, purpose, and prosperity.
one is here by divine appointment; everyone is making a
Every day we wake up and make history. Ours will cercontribution here and now.
tainly be noteworthy if we continue to yield to the living
In truth, there is no past, no future, only a now that has Spirit and allow Spirit to define, guide, and express through
within it all of the living energies of previous days and fuus. The history we create today will bear witness to the
ture longings. As we come into this community, we step
great value and beauty we are leaving for generations to
into the creation narrative, lending our voices to the story
come, and we will continue to be a blessing to the world.
that began years ago and will continue long after we are
And, most of all we know, it is not we ourselves, but the
gone. Therefore, it matters what we, as individuals, hold
Christ within that does the work, and by this we are
dear in our hearts today, for that guides how we interact to blessed. And so it is, and so we let it be.
create and define this community. The quality of thoughts
Blessings, Rev. Donna
Where We Called ‘Home’
1956-1958 – Fairfax Town Hall; called Unity Study Group.
1958-1973 – The little white church at 202 E. Main St, Fairfax; called Unity
of Fairfax Church of the Daily Word since 1961.(Plans for a dedicated
church in Oakton were drawn up in 1967; construction began in 1974.)
1973-1975 – Robert Frost Middle School (the little white church could no Unity of Fairfax, now the Mildred Park Center, 1975
longer accommodate Sunday services.)
1975- 1986 – The Oakton church built at 2864 Hunter Mill Rd, named in honor of founder, Mildred Park, in July 2003.
1986-1988 – James Madison High School because of the congregation’s growth. UoF then purchased Hill House (old
home on site of current church) for extra rooms, and also greatly increased parking spaces.
1988-2001 – Resumed services at the Oakton Church (which was renamed the Mildred Park Center in July 2003)
Jun 2001-Nov 2002 – During construction, UoF was dispersed across the city: services at Fairfax High School; office
space at Mastercraft Furniture Store; classes, choir etc in a private home called Pinecrest. Alan Miller drove the van
each Sunday to transport the bookstore, podium and platform chairs, youth supplies, coffee pots, etc.
Nov 2002-present – Services held in our current building at 2854 Hunter Mill Rd.
Unity of Fairfax has sponsored many new churches,
either with ministerial support or with committed financial support:
Unity Christ Church, Gaithersburg, MD
Unity of the Shenandoah, Winchester, VA
Unity in Alexandria, VA
Unity by The Bay, Severna Park, MD
3 ~ Lovelight 55th Anniversary Edition ~ September 2011
Unity Life Center, Chantilly, VA
Great Plains Unity, Norman, OK
Notes from the Retreat Ministry on the Occasion of the
55th Anniversary of Unity of Fairfax
Mary Quattro – Retreat Ministry
“Come ye apart and rest awhile.” That invitation has
called to the congregation of Unity of Fairfax for most of our
55 year history. Retreats have provided the opportunity for
countless members of this congregation to come together
in idyllic settings to talk, pray, learn, sing, meditate, laugh,
and dance together in a relaxed, spiritual setting. Friendships have begun and deepened as members of the congregation have the opportunity to get to know each other in
these times apart. Such retreats have been and will continue to be the perfect setting to build community through
more personal one-to-one contact.
Over the years retreats have been held at various locations, including Bon Secours Spiritual Center, Christian
Brothers Retreat Center and New Windsor Conference
Center, all in Maryland. We have also enjoyed the facilities
at Priestfield Pastoral Center, The Woods, and our beloved
Capon Springs & Farms in West Virginia. We have even
traveled on several occasions to participate in retreats at
Unity Village in Missouri.
We have been blessed to have
wonderful retreat leaders including each of our current ministers
-- Rev. Donna Johnson, Rev.
Sandra Butler, and Rev. Jane St.
John. Past UoF ministers who
have led retreats include Helice
Greene, E.J. Niles, Terry Dearmore, Dee Swinney, and Alan
Stanley. We’ve shared our retreat experience with other Unity
churches in the metro area including Rev. Millard “Butch”
Mosby of Unity Center of Light in
Rev. Alan Stanley
Bowie, MD; Rev. Amalia Frank
and Rev. Sylvia Sumter of Unity of Washington, DC; Rev.
Diane Scribner Clevenger formerly of Unity of Roanoke;
Rev. Eileen Goor formerly of New World Unity in Springfield, VA; Rev. Dianne Camp formerly of Unity of the Shenandoah in Stephens City, VA, and Revs. Edna and David
Mosher of Unity of Loudoun County in Leesburg, VA. From
beyond our local area we have had some more wonderful
retreat leaders: Rev. Ellen Debenport formerly of Unity
Church of Dallas (now at Unity in Wimberly), Rev. Tom
Thorpe and the late Maurice Williams from Unity Village.
Many lay leaders from the congregation have also
stepped forward to organize and execute retreats including
the late Tom and Sally Mallison, Rev. Charlie Schneider,
Beryl Macintyre, UoF historian Joanna Shows, Licensed
Unity Teacher Amy George, current ministerial candidate
Linda Zupan and congregation members Linda Erickson,
and Lassie and Bill Corbett among others. In addition to all
these leaders, we’ve had a wide variety of inspiring musicians, dancers, artists and crafts people who have shared
their talents to enrich and bless the retreat experience.
It has been my privilege at various times over at least
10+ years to provide retreat leadership in partnership with
many others, including Gerri Davis and Paul Vance, with
support and assistance from Pam Jepson, Barbara
Colledge, Gene Shaw and Kerstin Budlong to name just a
few.
I know that there have been many others whose names
I may have omitted that have contributed to the retreat ministry over the years. There is a time-honored tradition of
attending and financially supporting retreats in the Unity of
Fairfax community. It is a tradition that I hope continues
with vigor and grateful awareness of the benefits and blessings of taking that special time apart for personal and spiritual development to renew and refresh body and soul.
Did You Know ...
…that Rev. Alan Stanley is the number one reason why
Joanna Shows became a member of Unity of Fairfax, as
well as an annual retreat participant. She went on her first
retreat at Capon Springs, WV, just three weeks after walking through the door of UoF in 1980. Rev. Stanley and his
wife Joanne led that retreat, which was attended by nearly
80 people.
energy, which can reduce stress, strengthen our immune
system, and give us a reliable means to access our intuition.
… India Fuller Cox joined UoF in 1998,
served as Lovelight ’ s editor and as a
Board member. She moved in 2005 to
marry in 2006, yet she wants to remain
…that Rev. E.J. Niles is widely remembered for bringing
connected to UoF, so she is the graphics
the concepts and practices of Heartmath to UoF. She trav- person for Lovelight, working from her
eled to California to learn directly from the founder, Doc
home in Powhatan.
Childre, and shared techniques for tapping into the
India Fuller Cox
4 ~ Lovelight 55th Anniversary Edition ~ September 2011
RECOLLECTIONS
Lowell Smith - Remembering the 1970’s
In June 1972 my late wife Suzanne Pratt and I came to
the Washington, DC area from New Jersey. When we
learned that there was a Unity Church in Washington, DC
and in Fairfax, we were both very excited. We had learned
about Unity in New Jersey but had never gone to a Unity
service. Since we lived in Falls Church we decided to go
to the little Unity church in downtown Fairfax. We attended
our first Sunday service that month, and instantly became
regular attendees. The minister then was Rev. David Davenport, who had come over from England with his wife and
two children to take this position at UoF. Within a year I
had signed up and was taking several Unity classes from
both Rev. David and Licensed Unity Teacher ( L UT )
Dolores Swinney. I was planning to become an LUT myself but never completed the program.
Probably the most significant memory I have of my
time at UoF is the use of “ Prosperity & Prayer hanging
baskets ” that were placed throughout the church in Fairfax, and then in the new church in Oakton. For several
months prior to the laying of the foundation of the Oakton
church, Rev. David had us place prayers on slips of paper
in those baskets, which were collected and kept until the
RECOLLECTIONS
Gerri Davis My Heart Stopped and Hope Moved In
Sometime in the 1980 ’ s I received an anonymous
subscription to the Daily Word. Every day I read and marveled at this confirmation of my current spiritual thoughts.
A few months later
I noticed inside the front page that this booklet was
connected to the Unity Association of Churches. My heart
stopped and hope moved in, thinking that I might find a real
spiritual community that shared these ideas. I felt moved to
look for Unity in the Yellow Pages – and there was an ad
that read Unity of Fairfax! I called and was told, “ Yes, we
are a church and we would love to have you visit us. ” I
lived about 40 miles away, but decided to make my first
visit the upcoming Easter service. I finally arrived after a
long drive through fog, and found this small round building
with a flat roof. As I entered I was drawn to the white Kawai
piano and sat down just behind Bruce Steeg, the pianist
and music director, wondering what this would all turn out
foundation was ready to be poured. The day the foundation was poured, we held a special prayer service on the
grounds of the new church and ceremonially scattered the
accumulated prayer slips throughout the foundation as the
contractor poured the concrete. So, that church, now
called the Mildred Park Center, is literally sitting on a foundation of thousands of prayers! To me, that is totally cool,
and I was a part of co-creating that.
Another favorite experience of mine was meeting with and
talking to the late Rev. James Dillet Freeman when he
came and dedicated the new Oakton sanctuary. I have
pictures of him signing a book – I was an usher during that
period of my time at Unity.
Lowell, second from the right, 1975
to be. Well, I sat in that same seat for three months until
the warm tears stopped flowing!
It is 25 years later and I truly cannot imagine my path
not crossing with that of Unity of Fairfax. What are the
highlights for me? All of it -- the friends, teachers, classes,
books, the new understandings, the annual retreats, the
joyful and inspiring music, Sunday school, Embracing the
Bible, and especially the chaplain program. It was such a
gift to travel for training with Rev. Donna when she chose
to add the chaplain program to the church ministries. As I
facilitated that new program I grew in a spiritual stature that
was profound. To grow in
spirit and to bask in the sacred space of prayer with
other chaplains and with
our congregation – this
has changed my life in a
very special way. I am
blessed, honored, and oh
so grateful.
Bruce Steeg
What will you see when you look back in 10 … 55 years?
5 ~ Lovelight 55th Anniversary Edition ~ September 2011
Memories from the Block Party
A Personal Recollection
by Julius and Mary Ann Hankin
The Unity of Fairfax Block Party
was launched 15 years ago, when
Julius Hankin wanted to bring to UoF
the excitement and bonding that he
had experienced in his neighborhood
when he was growing up. Barbara van
der Vate added the idea of having a
silent auction, and the two combined to
provide a fun loving and financial boost
to our church every year since.
Frequent planning meetings were
held, initially, which was another way
to bond. We had the pleasure of working with Rick and Anita Hartley, Michel
and Gayle Strickland, Pete and Maureen Clifford, Barbara van der Vate,
Mary Ellen Novoa, Jackie
Wilson and Loretta Ogden.
Michel did the major handling of the sales and follow up, all without the computer programming we
have today. More recently,
Forest Jones, Barbara van der
Vate and Dana Doten were important players in computerizing
the donations, the catalogue,
and following up on sales.
Also, Forest and Laura Jones,
Stacey Guenther and Dana
Doten, Karen Sorber, India
Fuller and Jamie Fisher have all
played important roles in heading up the Block Party one or
Block Party 1999 at Hill House. Front row: India Fuller, Mary
more times. There were many, Ellen Novoa and Ruth. Back row: Mary Ann Hankin, Gayle
many hands from the congrega- Strikland, Elizabeth Gee, Maureen Clifford and Barbara van
tion that helped make the Block der Vate.
Parties a success.
The early Block Parties were held heavy rains forecast and we were inat Hill House – where the sanctuary is side the Mildred Park Center. The
now – and on the surrounding
lights all went out, yet we continued
grounds. Steve Cumbie provided a
bidding by flashlight; everyone still had
huge stuffed flamingo early on, and it
a great time. This was during Rev.
quickly became our mascot. Jack Vin- E.J. ’ s tenure.
cent and Julius would hang it in the big
Another time, we needed a tent for
tree near Hill House for all to see. We registration, and decided to use the
had potluck dinners under that
hospitality tent just outside the Mildred
tree, and the children enjoyed
Park Center. However, it needed to be
many activities—ball games,
moved over to Hill House. So, Col.
piñatas, apple dunking, face
Susan Vance gathered her lady friends
painting. One year we even had and they each took a pole and
a miniature train to ride.
marched up the hill at an army caEarly on, screens were rented dence; it was quite a sight.
from the Vienna Art Society,
These are just some of the many
thanks to Bev Nickens, and Bill
memories we have from the past 15
Parkin would pick them up and
years. It has been such a pleasure to
return them. Many hands
work with and make new friends each
helped with the set up and hang- time. We also hope this annual event
ing bidding sheets on the
continues on, and is featured in our
Planning Committee circa 2000. Front row, Forest Jones,
screens. For the first few Block future anniversary newsletters. We
Kirsten Budlong, Amy George, Mary Ellen Novoa. Back row:
Parties, the screens were lined
sincerely hope that you come and
Bill Horst, Mark Meschter, Tracy Fisher, Julius Hankin,
up
outdoors
by
Hill
House.
make some memories of your own at
Thom Beal and Mary Ann Hankin.
However, one year, we had
this year ’ s Block Party.
RECOLLECTIONS
Maureen Malloy-Clifford —
Wooed through the Block Parties
After we dated a few years, Pete wrote a love poem to
me ending with a proposal of marriage. He and Michel
imposed a heart over the published poem and placed it in
When Pete and I were dating, I invited him to join me at the catalog for me to happen upon!
It was our happiest Block Party until ten years later,
Unity of Fairfax for Sunday service. We served on the
when
he sent me a poem of love in the catalog again.
early Block Party committees for several years. Michel
These
Block Parties thus hold an extra special place in
Strickland did all the computer and catalog publishing at
my heart.
the time.
6 ~ Lovelight 55th Anniversary Edition ~ September 2011
2nd Tier Circle
We can also apply the Spiral Dynamics model of consciousness to current society. For example, we could
by Steve Marcom
not “ Google ” or “ Tweet ” twenty
years ago. Now, we can uncover
Second Tier began in 2003, one
knowledge effortlessly on the web.
year before Janice and I first came to
Now, we can connect with others all
Unity. It was a discussion workgroup
around the world thanks to the internet.
first led by Rev. EJ Niles and husband
In this respect, Spiral Dynamics proHarv Morrow. The focus was on underposes that we have ORANGE constanding the attitudes and beliefs of
sciousness. ORANGE came with the
the ancient writers of the Bible using
advent of modern technology and scithe Spiral Dynamics model of conence. Some of the ORANGE values
sciousness. The purpose was to give
are learning, creativity and selfeach of us a deeper understanding of
expression. Of course, we still value
the Bible; in particular, verses that
freedom, justice and order just as
might seem to be in contradiction with
much as those biblical writers over two
each other.
thousand years ago.
For example, RED and BLUE are
Why the name 2nd Tier? Levels of
Spiral Dynamic shorthand for two of
consciousness that respond to life conthe nine levels of consciousness – the
ditions are called 1st Tier levels. 2nd
human mindset which evolves over
Tier consciousness responds to a
time as life conditions change. In 2nd
deeper spiritual wisdom that anyone in
Tier, we identified one of the bible writany epoch can access. Jesus and
ers as having a RED consciousness.
Buddha were at this level; so too, perHe emphasizes the rural values of a
haps, Gandhi. And now, the Dalai
pastoral society, autonomy and perLama. These individuals are well
sonal power. The group characterized
known. But we too can move into this
a later bible writer as having a BLUE
2nd Tier Circle of consciousness. As we
consciousness. He values order and
place our attention on our physical and
obedience, attributes of an urban socispiritual evolution, we grow step by
ety with an established priesthood.
step.
Early in the Christian era when the biToday, Rev. E.J. is an instructor at
ble was redacted and standardized,
the
Unity
Institute. She teaches Spiral
the words of the RED and BLUE writDynamics to the ministerial students as
ers were occasionally intermixed,
an aid to interpret the Bible. I hear that
sometimes in the same verse. This
she is a popular teacher at the Instiadds a measure of complexity and
tute. If she retires soon, as I have
challenge to get to the underlying
heard, she will be very much missed.
meaning.
Unity of Fairfax Board of
Since the time I first came to Unity,
2nd Tier Circle has met between services, originally in the Mildred Park
Center, and now in classroom 5. There
is usually a PowerPoint presentation.
We share questions and spiritual insights together. The most valuable insights often come from personal sharing. Our purpose has evolved over the
years and now includes other disciplines: we study not only Spiral Dynamics but also venerable works such
as the Tao Te Ching. We practice the
spiritual techniques of Creative Visualization. We learn BePeace to deal with
negative feelings and give empathy to
others. This summer we are discussing
Don Miguel Ruiz ’ s book, The Four
Agreements. Classes are ongoing
and you may attend at any time; there
are no start and end dates.
While 2nd Tier has expanded its
scope beyond Spiral Dynamics, the
overall purpose remains the same: to
help us move more and more into 2nd
Tier consciousness, where we can
grow spiritually and connect with our
inner peace.
Rev. E.J. Niles and Harv Morrow; circa 1998
Breaking News! Rev. E.J. will be the guest
speaker at our Homecoming in November!
Directors,
Helice Green
circa 1975 –
was Unity of Fairfax’s
minster 1982-1992,
when she moved to
Unity of Oak Park in
Oak Park, Illinois,
where she continues
to serve as their cominister.
Front row: Merwin
Almy, Rev. David
Davenport, Pam
Hungerford, Ray
Tiffany. Back Row:
Hugh White; Jane Priest, and E.G. Bond. This Board managed all of the funding, contractors, etc. for building the first Unity of Fairfax church (Mildred Park Center).
Helice Green
7 ~ Lovelight 55th Anniversary Edition ~ September 2011
RECOLLECTIONS
billed the church for the first few weeks, and then only after they asked me. ( I did this work until we moved out to
Bill Parkin – Many Memories
build the new church. )
I started at Unity of Fairfax 15 years ago when my
I got involved helping with the Block Parties when
friend Karen Sorber suggested that I would like Rev. E.J.
Julius Hankin asked to use my truck and go with him to
Niles ’ Wednesday night series on Bible history. I started pick up art screens which belonged to the Vienna Art Sociand liked her very much. After about seven weeks, I deety. They had 50 and we rented 40 at $10.00 each. It becided to attend one of her Sunday morning services. At
came my job to rent them every year and set them up and
the time, I was attending the Clifton Presbyterian Church
take them back. Two years later the Vienna Art Society
as well as teaching adult Sunday school. But I still mansold the screens to one of their members in Reston and so
aged to attend Rev. E.J. ’ s services, since the Unity secI rented them from her. A few years went by like this, then
ond service didn ’ t start until 11:30. I attended the first
the owner called me and said she was ready to sell the
Unity Block Party that year, and thought it was a winner.
screens. She had 32 left, and I said, “ I ’ ll take them all, ”
I dated E.J. a couple of times and we went to piano
as they were essential to our yearly Block Party. I have
bars where she sang
stored them in my barn ever since. What ’ s more, the city
“ M e and Bobby
of Falls Church rents them yearly for their Art Festival and
McGee. ” She later
makes the rental check to Unity of Fairfax. Whenever
married Harvey MorUnity has room, I will donate them and move them to Unity.
row, and then decided
One more recollection to share: plans were underway
to move out to Unity
to take an aerial photograph of the whole UoF congregaVillage. For a little
tion. Problem was, some large tree branches blocked the
while, UoF had proview. So India Fuller called me and asked if I could get
spective ministers
these removed. ( These two trees would be removed
come and speak so
eventually when the land was cleared for the new
we could choose
church. ) I called a tree removal company; they wanted
someone. Both Rev. $1,200 to remove each branch. I then called a friend; with
Dearmores gave ser- two chain saws we cut down both trees. I used my truck
mons and they came
and a long nylon rope to topple them away from the buildas a package deal that ing. I cut them up for fire wood and hauled the branches
Rev. Terry Dearmore and Rev. Donna
we all liked.
away. Rev. Terry arrived later that day and was none too
Years ago, Rev. Terry Dearmore asked Karen Sorber if pleased with me since I had not gotten permission to take
she knew a handyman who could fix things around the
on this dangerous task. But I must say, the photograph of
church. She told him, “ Get Bill Parkin, he can fix anythe congregation was excellent!
thing. ” He called and offered me $15.00 an hour, and I
said yes ( as I would have done it for nothing.) I only
Hill House – One of the original campus buildings. The tape outlines where the new church’ s
footings were going to be poured. You ’ ll recognize
the Big Oak, the blessed tree that watched over us
and the new Sanctuary until 2009. Picture circa 2001.
Construction Crew – At the groundbreaking of our new
church home 2001: Rev. Sandra , Rev. Terry , Jerry Connolly
( F airfax Board of Supervisors ) , Jean Lentz, Rev. Donna,
Rev. Jane, Rev. E.J. and a rep from the architectural firm.
8 ~ Lovelight 55th Anniversary Edition ~ September 2011
Unity Choir—
Gettin’ Our Africa On!
Musical Memories
Unity Chorus – The Unity Chorus provides vibrant
The Original New Day –
A Mighty Wind!
music at worship two Sundays a month. Bruce Steeg
and Nan Beal preceded Carole Tomhave as Music Director. Marianne Tagge has been the beloved accompanist for the choir for the past six years. The choir currently has 42 talented, dedicated members.
Front row: Ron Wagner, Carole Tomhave, Lisa Colburn, Donna Salter,
Rick Hessdorfer. Back row: Jeff Wolf, Steve Graham, Brendan Corbett,
Roger Tomhave, Steve Cumbie
Unity Board of Trustees circa 2003 – Front
row: Jean Murphy, Rev. Donna, Carolyn Gomez and
Amy George. Back row: Bob Farrell, Tom King, Forest
Jones and India Fuller.
New Day began in May 2003. Both Jeff and Steve Grahamvolunteered for the group when they were first and second
time visitors. Steve is now our Board Chair! New Day is currently working on its 5th CD ... out in November!!
Current membership: Lisa , Steves Cumbie and Graham,
Carole, Roger , Ron and Jeff.
RECOLLECTIONS
Another sacred space I ’ ve been honored to help create
is
our Unity Library. Our library group organized books
Joan Marie Barringer of classics and contemporary spiritual literature to lend out.
Creating Sacred Spaces
We catalogued and shelved all the books in 2008. I then
I remember the years when we were preparing to build the donated chairs from my art studio ( which I had previously
bought at our church ’ s yard sale ) , along with the Chicurrent church. Rev. Donna asked if I would host a luaunese coffee table. When I organized Mildred Park's
themed party at my home as a large fundraiser before we
desk in the prayer corner in the sanctuary, I could just
broke ground. I was honored to open my home to my
imagine her sitting and reading the older books in this little
Unity family; and boy, did we have a party! Busses were
sacred space.
hired to transport two hundred fifty people, all dressed in
Lastly, how many of you remember the sudden apfestive Hawaiian outfits. Rev. Terry Dearmore and Donna
pearance
of a beautiful white-tailed deer peeking in the
Salter sang native songs they knew from having lived in
window
of
our new church during service? He seemed to
Hawaii, as we sat around the pool chatting under umbrellashaded tables. We also had many activities in my art stu- look at us with a curious expression while we all stared at
dio ( which some thought looked like a little chapel with its him. "I can't compete with that," were Rev. Donna's
stained glass windows ) , such as gathering here to create words. We all sat in silence as we observed him basking
in the energy of our new sanctuary.
memory scrapbooks for UoF ’ s 50th anniversary.
9 ~ Lovelight 55th Anniversary Edition ~ September 2011
RECOLLECTIONS
During those years I served in many different roles,
since
we were a small group and we all interchanged duJanice Donelson –
ties. Very often I was the platform assistant during Sunday
Teaching Classes for 45 Years
service. Since I had three young children, I often taught in
one of the two Sunday school classrooms. When we met
Unity has been a way of life for me since my first visit
in the high school in Fairfax I helped out as choir director.
to a center in Palo Alto, California back in 1966. I taught
Once the plans were drawn for the new church to be
some classes while attending there. When we transferred
built
in Oakton, I helped out with that. I am a professional
to Johns Hopkins University, I attended Unity of Baltimore,
artist
with a major interest in architecture, so I agreed to
and taught classes there with Rev. John Tant.
build the architectural model that was displayed on a table
I became a member of Unity of Fairfax in the 1970s
to help our members visualize this big dream and turn it
when David Davenport was the
into reality.
minister, and we met in the little
For many years I would go to Unity of Fairfax for the
church on Main St. in Fairfax. I
first service and then to Unity of Washington DC for the 11
taught a class with Hope Price at
o'clock service. I taught classes there with Rev. George
that little church. One time, a
young man attended our Basics of Stone for six years. I have continued to teach classes, and
have held a study group in my home every week since the
Metaphysics class. He listened
eagerly and told us after class that 1980's.
Presently, I teach on Tuesday evenings with a group of
he got it – he had it all in his mind.
Unity
members from both centers, and still enjoy attending
He said, “ Thanks, I am on my
both centers.
way with this newfound knowlI am so grateful for Charles Fillmore's teachings, and
edge! ” Well, three weeks later he
for
all
the wonderful ministers I have been blessed to know
returned and said … he lost it. We
and
work
with, and who have been instrumental in making
Rev. David Davenport
all understood and assured him
Unity the powerful spiritual home that it is.
that it takes time to learn all these spiritual principles, and
then put them into practice in our lives.
Memory Book in the Making
In addition to all the fond recollections we have throughout this
issue of Lovelight, plans are underway to collect more memories from anyone who would like to share them. Midd Hunt will
be set up to record your recollections during the Block Party on
Saturday, September 17, 2011, as part of the Storycrafters project. Another option you have is to see Loretta Ogden and/or
Grace Mahanes. They are creating an ongoing memory book in
which you can share special thoughts and memories of Unity of
Fairfax. This book will be in the library, and you are invited to
look at it or add to it at any time.
Rev. Wilson
left UoF in 1994
to start Unity
Life Center in
Chantilly. This
Center is now
Unity of Chantilly, and is led
by Rev. Terry
Dearmore.
Rev. Bill Wilson
Prayer Chaplains –
The Prayer Chaplain program is an
integral part of Unity of Fairfax. Begun
in 2003, this program adds an important level of personal ministry to our
congregation. Originally led by Gerri
Davis, today this program is guided
by Rev. Jane St. John.
10 ~ Lovelight 55th Anniversary Edition ~ September 2011
Earthcare –
Taking an Educational Focus
Have you seen this picture of a
wooden staircase and platform on the
Mildred Park Center? It was displayed
on May 1st, 2011 during our Earth Day
services, and is now on view in the
atrium. Did you think that this was
ready for climbing to view the plants
growing on the roof, and did you wander around all sides of the building
looking for it? If so, you weren ’ t
alone! This artist ’ s conception is a
great example of visualizing a dream
into reality, and we expect this reality
to be made manifest by the end of this
very year.
tion by having the architectural plans
designed in November 2010 and then
by acquiring the building permit from
the county in June 2011. Moreover, he
fronted these costs in order to move
the project forward, knowing that the
Universe would reimburse him in the
future. Our challenge now is to pay
the $15,000 cost for the platform construction.
Our first choice for a sponsor is
BB&T, Unity ’ s mortgage bank for
years. We have recently met with
Stephen MacNabb, Senior VP, and
feel encouraged. He is familiar with
Here is our plan: EarthCare is now Unity teachings and is a strong advomoving into an educational phase to
cate for cleaning up the Chesapeake
communicate what we have accomBay.
plished here over the past six years.
We believe the Oakton branch of
Our ministry is planning to conduct
BB&T would want to jump at supporttours of the grounds for interested asing this project for excellent reasons.
sociations, businesses and school
First, this project is located a stone ’ s
groups; to offer seminars on stormwathrow from the bank and it is the only
ter management and wildlife habitat;
community project that reduces the
and perhaps even to sponsor an Expo
high amount of impermeable parking
for homeowners on choices they can
surface in the Oakton shopping area.
make and actions they can take in their
Visitors to their bank can easily drop
own homes and backyards.
by the church grounds after going to
We currently have six placards
with information posted around our
five acres, detailing ways in which we
have worked with the environment to
improve stormwater runoff and to increase wildlife habitat. What we need
next is access to our green ( vegetative ) roof to allow visitors to view
and learn more about it.
the bank and the bank can market their
endorsement and funding with beautiful photographs and brochures in their
bank lobby.
Secondly, their funding would be
real support for the environment and
for educating the school children and
adults through their homeowners ’
associations.
Once money has been committed,
we aspire to build the platform this fall.
EarthCare affirms that the platform is
assured all in God ’ s time. So, we
ask that you help us hold this thought
as we honor our commitment to the
Unity EarthCare Covenant, “ to act to
restore harmony in our environment. ”
If you have ideas of possible donors or know of someone who might
want to learn about what has been
done here, please notify an EarthCare
member or contact Pete Clifford at
[email protected] or Rick Hartley at
[email protected] . Then get ready
to come upstairs and learn about our
Earth friendly roof!
We already have the attention of
the Fairfax County government ’ s
Division of Stormwater Management,
local non-profit groups, and a number
of homeowners ’ associations that
are eager to visit and possibly implement similar methods to ultimately
help restore the Chesapeake Bay.
Pete Clifford put this plan in ac11 ~ Lovelight 55th Anniversary Edition ~ September 2011
Charlie’s Angels!
Charles Fillmore that is
Celebrating 55 Years Of
Ministry —
Thank You, God!
Your ministerial team:
Rev. Jane St. John
Rev. Donna Johnson
Rev. Sandra Butler
Y.O.U. Then – 2001 – Cassy
Salter, Alex McDowell, Stacy Strauss, Jane
McDowell, Andrew McDowell, Zoe Jones;
seated are Pamela Phillips & Gail Hughes
NGU Now – 2011 – Alex McDowell, Andrew
McDowell, Shelbi Bennett, and Kevin Battersby
LOVELIGHT is a quarterly newsletter published by and for members of Unity of Fairfax. We encourage individuals
to contribute stories, articles, and/or poems that reflect Unity’s spiritual principles in some way. Please send your
submissions to Karen Skelton, editor, at [email protected]. Deadline for next issue is November 1.
12 ~ Lovelight 55th Anniversary Edition ~ September 2011