Home is where the heart is: Unity sees new chapter beginning in new space

Relocating a church isn't easy -- either physically or spiritually.

"We believe we can do whatever we decide to do," affirms the Rev. Elise Cowan, minister at the Unity Church of the Ozarks in Bentonville. "Also that God speaks to us through that still small voice within, and when we listen and act on the guidance we receive, seeming miracles occur. We also prayed for it to happen."

But...

"Whew, it was a lot of hard work," admits Larry Owensby, president of the Board of Trustees that is the governing body of the nonprofit Unity Church of the Ozarks. "Being a church we had like six days to make the entire move happen! We literally had a Sunday service at one location, then had the next service the following Sunday at our new church home. Everyone pitched in with the cleaning, arranging, taking down and setting up. It was beautiful."

Owensby says the move, to 2200 S.E. "J" St., "has been wonderful for our 'Unity community' in many ways. We now have more space to grow, we have lots of parking, great exposure being on J Street. This move has been a very freeing energy that everyone can experience."

Cowan notes that all churches face challenges these days.

"Churches across America are aging out, meaning that the younger generations don't always choose church," she says. "We want to change that in our small community, and one of the reasons we are having the open house so that people can learn about what we have to offer."

"We want people to come and see a warm and welcoming place where they can experience the universal truths found in the teachings of Jesus Christ, and that these truths are also found in many of the other religions of the world," says Owensby of the open house. "[We want them to see] a place to find their personal chosen path without condemnation or criticism.

"All are welcome; everyone, no exceptions," he adds. "Jesus taught only love. Through his teachings and others, we find a practical way to express our own spirituality, and it can be manifested in our own lifetime."

"Unity is a Christian faith," Cowan goes on to explain. "Positive, affirmative prayer and meditation are the backbone of Unity. We believe that prayer works, and in meditation we experience the presence of God. The idea that God's presence is always with us keeps us aware of any counterproductive, negative thoughts."

Cowan faced her own challenges to get to this point in her life.

"I discovered Unity after having tumultuous years in my teens and 20s," she says. "Unity taught me that I create my life experiences through my way of thinking and believing. As I applied the teachings to my life I began to have peace of mind, a feeling of being accepted, and things turned around for me.

"I wanted to help others turn their lives around too," she adds. "It took me 13 years to earn a college education and earn a Master's of Divinity. This is my first job as a Unity minister, and I've been here three years.

"We are full of love, joy, enthusiasm and we offer a positive path and teachings for living a spiritual life," Cowan concludes. "Our message helps people live healthy, prosperous, and meaningful lives. We want to share what we have learned to empower each person to have a stronger connection to God every day."

NAN Religion on 11/16/2019