Chronological History of Unity of Gainesville, continued.

Our History continued. . . ​2020 onward.
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Theme for 2020: "Perfect Vision: Seeing Through a Spiritual Lens"
  The monthly Themes, Affirmations, and Meditations can be viewed at Unity Worldwide Ministries:
Visit https://www.unity.org/resources/perfect-vision
  • 2020 - March 18 - The CDC {Center for Disease Control} recommended that gatherings be curtailed for the next 8 weeks, due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.  Therefore, using wisdom as our guide, your leadership team here at Unity of Gainesville voted to close our building temporarily,  effective immediately.   All classes and gatherings have been cancelled until further notice.  
  • 2020 - Palm Sunday, April 5 - "Sunday Zoom Meeting" was set up by Gabriel Coleman (Trustee) and Phyllis Shepard (Vice President) for a Sunday "Gathering of Friends" (at 11:00 am).  It included music, prayer, meditation, special talk, offertory, and blessings.  There were 35 people in attendance at this first gathering.  They are planned during the time the church is closed due to COVID-19. 
  • 2020 -  Easter Sunday, April 12 - "Sunday Zoom Meeting" (at 11:00 am) was held.  
  • 2020 - April 14 - "Sacred Community Zoom Meeting" started with facilitators Rev. Eleanor Bentley, Minister, and Carla Palmer, Licensed Unity Teacher (L.U.T.).  It is scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:00 pm to hold sacred space for sharing and supporting each other in divine connection (during the church closure). 
  • 2020 - April 20 - "Board Zoom Meeting" was set up by Gabriel Coleman (Trustee) for the Board of Trustees to safely continue to meet.  It is planned for the 3rd Tuesdays of the month at 6:00 pm while the church is closed.
  • 2020 - Effective August 10, the Board of Trustees releases Rev. Eleanor Bentley from her contract, due to expire in December.
  • 2020 - Starting Sunday, August 30 - Sunday Services by Zoom are now streamed live on Facebook thanks to Phyllis Shepard, Board VP, who now coordinates the page. . . Unity of Gainesville Florida.
  • 2020 - Tues., September 8 - Bookstore reopens on Tues. and Wed., 11 am to 2 pm, with COVID-19 precautions: face masks and 6' physical distancing required; hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes available.
  • 2020 - Wed., September 16 - Qigong class at 10:30 am meets at church with COVID-19 precautions in place: face masks and 6' physical distancing required; hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes available.  Qigong class at 5:30 pm meets by telephone conferencing. 
  • 2020 - Sat., September 18 - Steve Greenough, Volunteer Coordinator and Building Maintenance Supervisor, holds "Weed Out" event to rid the church yard from weeds.  Meeting from 8:30 to 10:30 am, with COVID-19 precautions: 6' social distancing and using a mask when inside or in the vicinity of others.
  • 2020 - Tues., November 17 - Carla Palmer, Licensed Unity Teacher, accepts new position of Adult Education Coordinator.  Carla will be offering a variety of classes.  Individuals interested in providing workshops, classes, or other programs should contact Carla Palmer (carlapalmer333@gmail.com) or the church office (unitygvl@gmail.com, 352-373-1030) for an application form and to discuss their ideas. 
  • 2020 - Sun., November 22 - Sunday Zoom Services begin livestreaming on Unity of Gainesville's YouTube channel.  
  • 2020 - Thur., December 24 - Candlelight Service held on Zoom platform.  Phyllis Shepard facilitating.
  • 2020 - Thur., December 31 - Burning Bowl Ceremony held on Zoom platform.  Jacque Tatum and Carla Palmer facilitating.
  • 2021 - The COVID-19 virus remains a concern.  The church remains closed for Sunday services, but they continue on Zoom.  The bookstore is open two days per week for limited hours, and a Qigong class is held on Wed. mornings; precautions in place.  Zoom meetings are held for the monthly Board meetings, Sacred Community gatherings on Tues. & Thurs. (Carla Palmer, LUT, facilitating), and a few classes.