Lessons from Unity Cedar Rapids

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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.

Rev. brenda s. ehret


    • Oct 23, 2023 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 27m AVG DURATION
    • 144 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Lessons from Unity Cedar Rapids

    UnityCR: The Unfolding Plan 10/22/2023

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2023 21:58


    As 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2023 20:36


    Rev. 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2023 17:32


    Using 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2023 21:32


    Eric 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, joyful flourishing, purposeful living, and peace of mind.

    UnityCR: Discern, Discover, Demonstrate 7/16/2023

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2023 20:40


    Rev. 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2023 19:52


    Let's celebrate summer with joy as we learn what it means to live'easy.' 

    UnityCR: Free for What? 7/02/2023

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2023 21:44


    Join 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2023 19:48


    Using 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2023 23:48


    Join 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: The Window of the Heart 5/28/2023

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2023 17:32


    On 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: Dancing in the Light of Day 6/4/2023

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2023 19:32


    Inspired 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: Leaving God for God 6/11/2023

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2023 21:56


    Using 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

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2023 18:56


    As 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

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2023 28:36


    Join 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

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2023 22:52


    Welcome 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

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2023 20:48


    Welcome 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 we speak the truth about our true nature and its diversity of expressions.   

    UnityCR: Obstacles to Joy 2/13/2022

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2022 31:50


    Using 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2022 27:23


    Using 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2022 16:53


    More 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2022 18:58


    This lesson is a celebration of Unity Center of Cedar Rapids and its resilience and commitment during a challenging two years.  

    built cedar rapids unity center
    UnityCR: Pay Attention 1/16/2022

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2022 20:40


    On 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2022 19:02


    Rev. 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 interior spaces for growth.   Part of the service is the "Burning Bowl" ceremony (weather permitting).  To learn more please visit http://unitycr.org/

    UnityCR: Rev Debra - Zoom Service 1/2/2022

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2022 14:26


    Special Zoom Service To learn more please visit http://unitycr.org/  

    UnityCR: Rejoice 12/19/2021

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2021 16:43


    You 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2021 21:57


     "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 God's beloved children in whom God is most well pleased.  We are to love each other by acknowledging and serving the Christ within them.  Join Rev. Debra and learn the importance of rightly ordered love. To learn more please visit http://unitycr.org/

    UnityCR: It Begins With Me 12/5/2021

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2021 20:42


    On 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2021 17:14


    On 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2021 22:45


    Join 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 12, 2021 21:40


    Lesson 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2021 20:51


    This 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2021 17:14


    On 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 26, 2021 19:26


    While 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

    god in truth
    UnityCR: I Live 10/17/2021

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 19, 2021 17:27


    Rev. 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2021 25:22


    I 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2021 18:57


    During 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2021 17:32


    In 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2020 13:10


    This 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2020 11:35


    This 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2020 16:55


    This 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2020 14:56


    Gratitude 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2020 19:48


    The 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2020 14:06


    "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 to remember that you are a point of light and healing in the world as you instantiate divine love. To learn more please visit http://unitycr.org/

    UnityCR: We Remember

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2020 16:13


    November 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2020 12:14


    Voltaire 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2020 20:20


    Topic: "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 all! To learn more please visit http://unitycr.org/

    UnityCR: Rev Debra Williams 03/22/2020

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2020 18:38


    God 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2020 17:18


    To learn more please visit http://unitycr.org/

    UnityCR: Rev Debra Williams 03/08/2020

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2020 26:59


    James 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 rely on the sure and unfailing guidance of Spirit to help us navigate the challenges we face. To learn more please visit http://unitycr.org/

    UnityCR: Rev Debra Williams 02/23/2020

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2020 17:22


    I 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 compassionate engagement with the world. To learn more please visit http://unitycr.org/

    UnityCR: Rev Debra Williams 02/16/2020

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2020 33:19


    Joy 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 that are integral to compassionate engagement with the world. To learn more please visit http://unitycr.org/

    UnityCR: Rev Debra Williams 02/02/2020

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2020 32:38


    Loving Kindness: While loving-kindness expresses as selflessness, watchful care, thoughtfulness, and gentleness, it is rooted in our intention to love and our ability to deeply understand and recognize another’s joys and struggles.   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 compassionate engagement with the world. To learn more please visit http://unitycr.org/

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