LOVE -- We live, move and have our being in Love, the Divine Energy!
Why do we believe this way?
- Love is our source of being; a vehicle through which God is expressed
- Love is a magnet, which draws people together.
- Love is unlimited, patient, kind, accepting, and unconditional.
How do we demonstrate this value?
- We acknowledge the Christ within and follow Jesus’ teaching of love and acceptance.
- Our spiritual community fosters fellowship, connection, and the sharing of ideas, gifts, and talents.
- Our leadership models the respect of all people, wherever they are on their path, through loving words and actions.
How do I as an individual live this value?
- I open myself to God’s love flowing through me.
- As I love myself I radiate love, which draws more love to me.
- I recognize all behavior is either love or a call for love, therefore I respond in love.
- I take life’s challenges and hold them in love.
- I AM loving and supportive and practice forgiveness.
JOY -- The source of joy is God and only as we enter into the consciousness of our oneness with God, can we find real joy. True joy takes hold of one’s consciousness when one awakens to the realization of one’s divine nature and to the blessings that accompany that realization.
Why do we believe this way?
- “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness.” --Galatians 5:22.
- Joy is a natural attitude that manifests as we “let go and let God.”
- Joy leads us up from an earth-consciousness to the Christ consciousness step-by-step.
- Joy is the culmination of faith, peace, and love.
How does Unity of Hagerstown demonstrate this value?
- Our Celebration Service and other activities help us keep our thoughts on God. “The free, open mind thus stayed on God is certain to bring forth joy, real satisfaction in living, and true prosperity.” --Charles Fillmore
- Our leadership trusts God as the Source for wisdom and prosperity.
How do I as an individual live this value?
- I choose joy, when I remember and trust God within.
- I let go of fear and move into the power of love.
SPIRITIUAL -- I am a spiritual being, living in a spiritual universe, governed by spiritual law.
Why do we believe this way?
- If there is a physical body, there is also a spiritual body. --1 Corinthians 15:44
- Let us make man in our image, after our likeness; and let them have dominion. -Genesis 1:26.
- Ye are Gods. --John 10:34.
How does Unity of Hagerstown demonstrate this value?
- Our community activities include prayer in order to align with our Spiritual Essence.
- Our Sunday celebrations encourage reflection to listen to the Truth within.
- We explore and discover practical tools for spiritual living.
How do I as an individual live this value?
- I give myself daily time to connect with the divine through prayer and meditation
- I participate in classes and programs that support my spiritual growth.
- I practice service with loving kindness as an expression of my inner divinity and true purpose.
ACCEPTANCE -- We accept and appreciate our selves and others! We accept God’s good now!
Why do we believe this way?
- The word “accept” means to let go and trust. Acceptance teaches me to have faith that God is in every situation and the outcome will be right for all involved. When I live in acceptance, I am safe, serene, and at peace.
- “We believe that all people are created with sacred worth, and we strive to reach out to all who seek support and spiritual growth. Therefore, we recognize the importance of serving all people in spiritually and emotionally caring ways. Our ministry is free of discrimination on the basis of race, gender, age, creed, religion, national origin, ethnicity, physical disability, and sexual orientation.” (adapted from Unity Worldwide Ministries statement)
How does Unity of Hagerstown demonstrate this value?
- We embrace diversity and respect all spiritual paths.
- We offer classes and workshops to grow in the understanding that we can accept our good now.
- We practice letting go that which no longer serves us to make room for a higher consciousness.
How do I as an individual live this value?
- I do not judge myself nor others, understanding that we are all learning.
- I am willing to listen to others.
- I acknowledge God as my Source and give thanks for my good now.
OPEN MINDED -- We are open to new ideas!
Why do we believe this way?
- Except ye turn, and become as little children, ye shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven. --Matthew 18:3
- We leave our preconceptions behind and approach life with a beginner’s mind.
How do we demonstrate this value?
- When there is a difference of opinion, we give it our prayerful thought to come into understanding.
- Our leadership shows the compassion and understanding that we would like to receive ourselves.
How do I as an individual live this value?
- I make a new beginning and become more childlike, more receptive, and more eager to learn.
- I pray with an open mind and unlimited faith: “This, or something better.”
WELCOMING -- I welcome events and people into my life with an open heart and mind.
Why do we believe this way?
- "Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God." --Romans 15:7
- “God is the one harmonious Principle underlying all being and the Reality out of which all that is eternal comes.” --Charles Fillmore
- Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! --Psalms 133:1.
How does Unity of Hagerstown demonstrate this value?
- We greet everyone who comes to our Sunday Celebration Service warmly.
- We create a welcoming atmosphere at every event.
- Our leadership welcomes new ideas.
How do I as an individual live this value?
- I give thanks for the ‘renewing of my mind’ to entertain new ideas.
- Whatever life holds in store for me, whatever my experience, I am willing to examine it, and to grow from it.
- I move forward with a willingness to expand my horizons.
- From God's spirit within me, I reach out to all with understanding and acceptance.
- I welcome visitors personally, seeking to help make them comfortable.