Celebrating Growth, Service, and Gratitude
If you’re a parent, you’ll probably relate to what I’m about to share.
Do you remember when your child received a certificate, an award, or a letter recognizing something they had accomplished? Do you remember how proud you felt?
That’s how I felt, and I hope you did too, when I shared during Sunday’s service the letter we received from the Town of Windham, specifically from Patrice Leary-Forrey, Food Pantry Coordinator, expressing gratitude for the generous donation of 45 pounds of fresh produce delivered from our community vegetable garden during the month of July.
What a wonderful example of love in action!
A mighty WOO HOO! to everyone who has faithfully watered, weeded, harvested, and cared for the garden. Under the leadership of Scott Mazer, the garden team has done an extraordinary job. Your dedication is blessing our wider community, and we are deeply proud of all you have accomplished.
On a personal note, this month marks two significant milestones in my life and ministry. I am celebrating 15 years as the minister of Unity Center for Spiritual Growth and 30 years as an ordained Unity minister.
My Unity journey began in 1989 when I first walked through the doors of what was then Unity of Greater Portland. I could never have imagined how profoundly my life would be transformed. Through practicing Unity principles, I discovered a greater sense of purpose, peace, and possibility. Those principles continue to enrich my life every day, and I am grateful to share this journey with all of you.
To celebrate these milestones, I invite you to join me in helping us retire the remaining $1,100 snow-plowing balance. As a symbolic gift of celebration, consider making an additional donation of $15 or more. Together, we can eliminate this expense and continue building a strong financial foundation for our spiritual home.
Thank you for your generosity, your love, and your ongoing commitment to our community.
Phillis Wheatley: Freedom of the Soul
This past Sunday, we explored the remarkable life of Phillis Wheatley, the first African American woman to publish a book of poetry in America. Born in West Africa and brought to America as an enslaved child, Phillis overcame extraordinary obstacles to become a respected poet whose voice continues to inspire us today.
What makes her story so powerful is not simply what she accomplished, but what she understood about herself. Living in a society that denied her full humanity, Phillis refused to allow her circumstances to define her identity. Though others saw limitations, she recognized a deeper truth: The soul is created by God and is forever free.
One of her most profound statements reminds us that “in every human breast, God has implanted a principle, which we call love of freedom.” Phillis understood that freedom is more than a political ideal. It is a spiritual impulse woven into the very fabric of our being.
Her life invites us to ask: Am I defining myself by my circumstances, or by my spiritual identity?
Many of us carry invisible chains of fear, self-doubt, old stories, or limiting beliefs. Phillis Wheatley reminds us that beneath those conditions lies something untouched and unbroken: the Divine Presence within us.
As we continue our journey of spiritual growth, may we remember that our true identity is not found in what has happened to us, what others have said about us, or even our current challenges. Our true identity is found in the Spirit of God expressing through us.
Together we affirm: My true identity is spiritual, powerful, and free.
Join Us Next Sunday: Mercy Otis Warren
Next Sunday, we continue our series “Expanding the Promise: Women Who Helped America Grow” with the story of Mercy Otis Warren, a writer whose words helped shape the vision of a new nation.
At a time when women had little public voice, Mercy used her gift of writing to influence ideas, encourage courage, and support the cause of freedom. Her life reminds us that our gifts matter and that Divine wisdom can flow through each of us in ways that bless the world.
Together, we’ll explore the question: How am I being called to use my unique gifts in service to a larger vision?
Join us for this inspiring look at a woman who proved that one voice, faithfully expressed, can make a difference.
You are a blessing in my life,
Rev. Patricia Bessey