July Report from Your Regional Representative

We Are Better Together

Have you ever noticed how geese fly?

When they travel south for the winter, they don't fly alone. They fly in that familiar V-formation, taking turns leading the way. Scientists tell us that by flying together they conserve energy, travel farther, and support one another. When the lead goose gets tired, another naturally takes its place. If one goose is injured, two others stay behind until it is able to fly again.

I can't think of a better picture of what it means to be a Unity community.

Sometimes we imagine that spiritual growth is a solo journey—that we have to meditate harder, pray longer, or somehow "figure it all out" by ourselves. Yet Unity has always taught that while the Christ within is deeply personal, it is also profoundly connected. We awaken together. We encourage one another. We remind each other of the Truth when someone temporarily forgets.

Across the Great Lakes Region, something beautiful is happening every single day.

Someone is unlocking the church doors before sunrise.

Someone is preparing the meditation.

Someone is teaching the children.

Someone is balancing the books.

Someone is arranging flowers, making coffee, greeting newcomers, singing in the choir, fixing the sound system, or quietly saying, "How can I help?"

Most of these acts never make the headlines. They rarely receive applause. Yet each one is an expression of Love in action.

The Fillmores reminded us that practical Christianity isn't just something we believe—it's something we live. Every smile, every hug, every committee meeting that begins with prayer, every difficult conversation approached with compassion, every volunteer who says "yes" one more time becomes a living demonstration of the Christ Presence.

And here's the fun part: we don't have to be perfect to be powerful.

Have you ever attended a potluck where every dish looked a little...unique? Maybe the macaroni was extra cheesy, the brownies were slightly overdone, and someone's famous potato salad had a mysterious ingredient no one could identify. Yet somehow, together, it became a feast.

That's ministry.

None of us brings everything. Each of us brings something.

One person brings vision. Another brings organization. Someone else brings humor when the meeting gets too serious. Another brings the courage to ask the difficult question. Someone remembers birthdays. Someone remembers to water the plants. Someone remembers to breathe.

Thank goodness we don't all have the same gift!

Our diversity isn't a challenge to overcome—it's a gift to celebrate.

As Regional Representative, I have the privilege of witnessing this spirit throughout our Great Lakes ministries. I see congregations encouraging one another, sharing ideas, celebrating successes, and reaching out during difficult times. I see ministers supporting ministers, board members learning together, and volunteers discovering gifts they never knew they had.

This is what regional ministry is all about.

We are not isolated congregations scattered across a map. We are a spiritual family connected by a shared vision: awakening to our divine nature and helping others do the same.

So, the next time you're wondering whether your contribution matters, remember the geese.

Remember the potluck.

Remember that every kind word, every prayer, every volunteer hour, every joyful laugh after Sunday service adds something essential to the whole.

You don't have to do everything.

You simply have to bring your best gift with a willing heart.

Together, we fly farther. Together, we feast more abundantly. Together, we become a living expression of the Truth we teach.

And that is something worth celebrating.

Blessings,

Diane Robinson
Great Lakes Regional Representative