When Moses asked God what its name was, God answered, “I am that I am.” So every time we say, “I am,” it is good to remember that we are affirming our God-self. In that awareness, let me begin this first communication as your new minister at Unity in Green Valley that I am joyous, abundant, excited, energized, grateful, and blessed to serve you.

I have been on a journey this past year. Geographically, I traveled our beautiful country and took a short side trip to Biblical sites in Turkey. It has been a journey of faith, rejuvenation, and reconnection—with Spirit, with family and friends, and with me.

I didn’t know where I would land, only that I would be guided to the right and perfect place in divine order and with divine timing. I also knew that my new community would be guided to reach out with welcoming arms when the time was right for us to come together. Even before Unity in Green Valley reached out, I had traveled through Henderson and thought, “I wonder if there is something here for me to do.” Several months later spirit answered, “Yes, there is!”

In John 15:16, Jesus says, “You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name.” I believe God has brought us together to “bear fruit” and do great work.

As a community, you have laid a deep spiritual foundation upon which to build a thriving church. With my arrival, we are entering a time of Transition—transition for your founding spiritual leaders, Kathryn Thalden, LUT, and Ann Graham, for you as a spiritual community, and for me as I move to a new state, a new city, and a new church home.

During August I am speaking on the subject of Transition, so that we have a common language to speak from as we build something new together. We will move forward as a community with more clarity, focus, and ease when we recognize and experience all the stages of Transition—the Endings, The Void (i.e., the empty space created by releasing the old), and the New Beginnings that are built on the work we do in The Void.

I am spending much of August and September meeting individually with Unity in Green Valley members. If you miss the opportunity to sign up after Sunday worship, e-mail me at Minister@UnityGV.org. I’ll get in touch with you to set up a time for us to visit—at your home or other place of your choosing—so that we can get to know each other better.

These are great times at Unity in Green Valley. I am excited and grateful that we have been chosen to do God’s great work and “bear fruit…that will last” in this place at this time.

With Joy and Peace,
Rev. Sophia