Unity of Walnut Creek

2020-10-11 Fall Series, Part 2 "Humility" Rev. Kristin Powell explores humility as the second pillar of enduring joy, drawing from the wisdom of the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu as shared in The Book of Joy. She illuminates how true humility is not timidity or false modesty, but a grounded recognition that we are all essential threads in one beautiful tapestry - interdependent, gifted, and called to serve. Rev. Kristin Powell reminds us that comparison is the thief of joy, and that when we release the ego's games of puffing up or diminishing ourselves, we return to our truest nature as divine beings walking one another home.

2020-10-04 Fall Series - Enduring Joy, Part 1 "Perspective" Rev. Kristin Powell launches an inspiring eight-week fall series on the pillars of joy, drawing from the wisdom of Archbishop Desmond Tutu and His Holiness the Dalai Lama as captured in their Book of Joy. She explores the first pillar - Perspective - inviting us to cultivate both an expansive view that goes wide and long, and a deeper view that finds wonder in life's details. Rev. Kristin Powell shares how shifting our perspective serves as a "skull key" that unlocks happiness, reminding us that whether we look through the poet's eye or the visionary's gaze, widening and deepening our view opens the window to greater joy.

2020-09-27 Prayer Series, Part 4 "The Grace Prayer"

2020-09-20 Prayer Series, Part 3 "The Metta Prayer" Rev. Kristin Powell introduces the ancient practice of metta - loving kindness meditation - as part of her Prayers of Perseverance series, tracing its origins from the Buddha's teaching to 500 monks who needed a "weapon of protection" against the disturbing forest devas. She guides listeners through the traditional stages of metta practice - blessing oneself, a loved one, a neutral person, a difficult person, and all beings - while encouraging flexibility in adapting the order to meet individual needs. Rev. Kristin Powell reminds us that we were born to live in these transformative times and that our spiritual practice of offering kindness is both a gift to ourselves and a profound service to the world.

2020-09-13 Prayer Series, Part 2 "23rd Psalm" Rev. Kristin Powell offers a timely and deeply comforting exploration of Psalm 23 as part of the Prayers of Perseverance series, reframing this beloved scripture as a guide for navigating our collective dark valley of pandemic, racial injustice, and environmental crisis. She reminds us that the valley is not a permanent dwelling place but a passage we walk through with divine guidance and protection, and she invites us to sit at the table with those who hold opposing views - sharing the powerful story of C.P. Ellis and Ann Atwater as proof that transformation happens when enemies meet face to face. Rev. Kristin Powell closes with a beautiful invitation to accept our anointing, trust the journey, and commit to building a world overflowing with goodness and mercy.

2020-09-06 Prayer Series, Part 1- "Serenity Prayer" Rev. Kristin Powell opens a new sermon series called Prayers of Perseverance by exploring the timeless Serenity Prayer, unpacking its three essential elements - acceptance, courage, and wisdom - as gifts that support us through challenging times. Drawing from a recent backpacking trip in Yosemite, Rev. Kristin Powell shares stories of divine intervention and synchronicity that emerged when she set clear intentions and trusted the flow of life. She invites the community to practice the Serenity Prayer together daily at noon, building collective spiritual energy and deepening our relationship with the inner guidance system that leads us toward peace, right action, and divine timing.

2020-08-30 August 30, 2020 – What’s New? Rev. Sandra Campbell Rev. Sandra Campbell delivers an inspiring message on the power of imagination as one of Charles Fillmore's Twelve Powers, drawing from the story of the widow and the jar of oil in 2 Kings to illustrate how faith and vision can transform seemingly impossible situations. She shares her personal journey of imagining herself graduating with honors - and then doing so three times - before ultimately fulfilling her lifelong dream of becoming a Unity minister. Rev. Sandra Campbell encourages us to use our God-given faculty of imagination intentionally, reminding us that thoughts held in mind produce after their kind, and inviting us to see new possibilities even amid the challenges of pandemic life.

2020-08-23 August 23, 2020 – How Will I Realize My Divine Potential? Rev. Kristin Powell Rev. Kristin Powell concludes a powerful sermon series by exploring the question "How will I realize my divine potential?" - inviting listeners to recognize the unlimited brilliance already within them. Drawing on the metaphor of an acorn holding the majesty of a mighty oak tree, Rev. Kristin Powell reminds us that our greatest fear is not inadequacy but rather the fullness of our own light and power. She encourages us to shift from asking "what's wrong with me?" to "what's right with me?" - affirming that as we let our divine light shine, we give others permission to do the same.

2020-08-16 August 16, 2020 – What Serves The Best and Highest Good? Rev. Kristin Powell Rev. Kristin Powell explores the powerful question "What serves the highest and best good?" as part of her Four Questions series, offering two essential answers - our commitment to spiritual awakening and our commitment to kindness. She illuminates how surrender is the key to awakening, inviting us to build a trusting relationship with the divine through quiet listening, sacred spaces, and frequent communication. Drawing on the wisdom of St. Teresa of Avila and a touching story from Jack Kornfield about a difficult student named Shea, Rev. Kristin Powell reminds us that authentic kindness - deeper than mere niceness - is how our awakened selves serve the world.

2020-08-09 August 9, 2020 – From Which Fountain Shall I Drink? Rev. Kristin Powell

2020-08-02 August 2, 2020 – What If There Were Nothing To Defend? Rev. Kristin Powell Rev. Kristin Powell invites us to imagine a world where there is nothing to defend - and explores how dropping our personal defenses can create profound freedom, deeper relationships, and meaningful social change. Drawing on the spiritual roots of nonviolence through Gandhi's satyagraha and John Lewis's faith-grounded civil rights work, Rev. Kristin Powell shares a powerful story of 16 months of prayerful resolve that dismantled barriers in India. She encourages us to breathe, listen from the heart, and practice defenselessness in our own lives - replacing shields with faith and weapons with tools of compassion and connection.

2020-07-26 July 26, 2020 – The Changing Of The Guard Rev. Bob Hardy Rev. Bob Hardy shares a powerful message about releasing the inner guard of old habits, fears, and self-talk that keep us small and comfortable rather than fully alive. Drawing from his own journey - from a fear-based Catholic upbringing through profound loss to discovering Unity's transformative teaching that we are in direct partnership with God - Rev. Bob Hardy invites us to chip away at what no longer serves us, much like Michelangelo releasing David from marble. He encourages us to change our inner guard through meditation, creative expression, and daily time with "God Radio" in our hearts, asking what wants to be revealed and released so we can embrace a fearless new vision for our lives.

2020-07-19 July 19, 2020 – Imperative Community Rev. Kristin Powell Rev. Kristin Powell explores the imperative nature of spiritual community, drawing on the Zulu concept of Ubuntu - "I am because you are" - to illuminate how we are woven together in ways both visible and invisible. She shares how studies reveal that hearts and brainwaves literally harmonize when people come together, and offers inspiring examples of communities bridging divides through communication and collaboration. Rev. Kristin Powell encourages us to ask, seek, and knock - engaging fully in community both as recipients of support and as contributors - reminding us that especially during challenging times, we need each other to co-create the world we envision.

2020-07-12 July 12, 2020 – In The Flow of Contemplative Action Rev. Kristin Powell Rev. Kristin Powell explores the tension between spiritual resistance and divine calling, using the biblical story of Jonah alongside a powerful personal testimony from a community member who showed up for racial justice work even when exhausted and reluctant. Rev. Kristin Powell invites us to embrace both the mystic and the prophet within - first turning inward through contemplation, then allowing inspired action to flow outward into the world. Drawing on the fierce energy of Kali and the playful obstacle-removing spirit of Ganesh, she encourages us to say yes to spirit's guidance even when part of us resists, trusting that we walk this transformative path together.

2020-07-05 July 5, 2020 – Who You Gonna Call? Melissa Phillippe & Z Egloff Rev. Kristin Powell and her wife Melissa share a heartfelt exploration of the "I-Thou" relationship with Spirit - that intimate, personal connection with the Divine that goes beyond intellectual understanding. Through powerful personal stories, including Melissa's journey from childhood religious trauma to discovering an unconditionally loving God, and Rev. Kristin's memorable download about surrendering ministry plans through a parable about cats, they invite us to consciously cultivate a deeper, more intimate walk with Spirit. Their message reminds us that when we surrender to Divine timing rather than pushing our own agenda, life unfolds more beautifully than we could ever imagine.

2020-06-28 "Naivete No More" Rev. Kristin Powell invites us to remove the tinted glasses of naivety and see our world with clearer, more honest eyes - especially as we approach celebrations of freedom that have not yet fully included everyone. Drawing on the biblical stories of Eve reaching for knowledge and Paul's scales falling from his eyes, Rev. Kristin Powell explores how spiritual maturation requires us to hold both the absolute vision of oneness and the courage to confront painful realities of systemic injustice. She encourages this community of seekers to keep learning, keep opening their eyes, and walk together toward a world where liberty and justice truly belong to all.

2020-06-21 Father's Day - “Holding Space for Real Evolution” FINAL Rev. Kristin Powell weaves together the convergence of Juneteenth, summer solstice, Father's Day, and a new moon to explore what it means to hold sacred space for real evolution - both personally and collectively. Drawing on the story of Saint Remald, the writings of Paul, and a powerful viral video of a young father patiently holding space for his toddler's 45-minute tantrum, Rev. Kristin Powell invites us to embrace a deeper expression of sacred masculinity rooted in vulnerability, compassion, and inner strength rather than domination and control. She calls us to become loving witnesses for one another - listening deeply, withholding judgment, and allowing authentic expression to emerge - so that true transformation and freedom can unfold in our lives and world.

2020-06-14 “Activating the Power of Understanding” FINAL Rev. Kristin Powell explores understanding as both a spiritual power and a call to action, inviting listeners to cultivate what King Solomon prayed for - an understanding heart. Through powerful stories, including a moving account of two strangers digging soil together at a lynching site to honor a lost life, Rev. Kristin Powell illustrates how true understanding requires willingness to listen, learn, grieve, and heal alongside one another. She encourages approaching this deep spiritual work with curiosity, courage, and a beginner's mind, reminding us that understanding lives not only in our intellect but beneath our feet - in how we stand together for truth, justice, and lasting change.

2020-06-07 "Let's Ground Together in Love" FINAL

2020-05-31 Series, Part 3: "Fear to Love" FINAL Rev. Kristin Powell delivers a powerful and heartfelt message on transforming prejudice into freedom as part of her series on turning vices into virtues. Through the parable of a king who ignores a drop of honey - leading to the destruction of an entire village - she illustrates how silence and inaction make us complicit in systems of harm, challenging listeners to embrace the spiritual truth of oneness not as a platitude but as a lived practice. Rev. Kristin Powell invites her community to do the courageous inner work of examining implicit biases, acknowledging privilege, and breaking complicit silence, reminding us that divine love moves toward pain rather than away from it. She encourages seekers to walk through the narrow gate of genuine spiritual transformation so that all people may inherit a freer, more equitable world.

Unity of Walnut Creek - Messages