Dear Members, Friends, and Supporters of our Beloved Unity of Stockton community,
It has become clear to me that the time is near for me to follow that small inner nudging that has been whispering to me from the depths of my soul. It’s time for me to find a way of contributing in some significant way to the larger Unity movement. I have decided to retire from Unity of Stockton. My last day will be March 31.
It’s time for new energy for this magnificent and loving Unity community. It’s time for the next iteration for Unity of Stockton. I know in my heart that as I am being called out, there is the perfect person waiting in the wings to be called in. That is exciting and I am excited to see what brightness the future holds for you. And I am excited for myself. Each time I have been called to a new place, something wonderful has happened. I have confidence Spirit will guide me into whatever is my next level of work. Spirit is guiding you and the exact right person will come forward.
This is difficult for me. It will not be easy to move away from my Unity family. I care deeply about the Unity of Stockton community and for each of you who make up that community. Since October 2013, I have dedicated a great deal of my time and energy toward its well-being. I am confident that someone is waiting to step in. I look forward to seeing their new face(s), eager with the anticipation of their new venture, motivated, enthusiastic and filled with ideas.
We have learned to minister differently during this pandemic. We are in better shape financially than we have been for a long time. We are looking at properties to purchase. We are thriving and stable, financially and otherwise, and continuing toward even greater prosperity in so many ways. It has been the aim of the Board and me to leave a sustainable legacy to our future Unity community. We are continuing to grow our savings at a rate that will ensure a sizeable enough down payment on a property to enable this intention to manifest. The best is yet to be.
The Board is already taking on some of my duties. I am here to help in that transition and remain available to answer questions or assist as needed beyond March 31. They are exploring various options for leadership of this lovely community as I move forward to my next contribution to humankind. They will be calling in assistance from Unity Worldwide Ministries and from our West Central regional representatives as needed to help put the proper steps in place. They will be consulting with you regarding your ideas and wishes. Our annual community Townhall meeting will be February 21 @11:00 on Zoom and we invite members to vote on decisions that will determine the future of your Unity community.
You may experience a myriad of thoughts and emotions around this. Change is not always easy. Be gentle with yourself. Take a deep breath. Spend time in prayer and meditation. Be there for each other and support your leadership team. And please call me if you want to talk. I am here, with a listening ear and an open heart.
We have a strong board; competent, knowledgeable and skilled. You are in good hands with their commitment and dedication to the continued success of this, YOUR, beloved Unity community. It’s been a tremendous pleasure to work, grow, and learn with you. I take pleasure in watching you turn your eyes toward the horizon to see what is there and what it will be bringing you.
Affectionately,
Rev. Sheila Johnson
Favorite Quotes
"You are not a drop in the ocean. You are the entire ocean in a drop" - Rumi
"The task of the therapist is to uncoil the wrappings that shroud the light that is inside every family and every human being" - Virginia Satir, MFT
"You are not responsible for your life situation; but you are responsible for who you are in your life situation" - Author Unknown
“What you can feel, you can heal”
“We are all walking through this life, figuring it out a step at a time, together.”