Cornerstones of Unity East

We acknowledge:

1. There is only one presence and one power in the Universe and in our lives, God the Good.

2. The Christ Spirit is within each individual.

3.  We create our experiences by the activity of our thinking.  Manifestation begins in thought.

4. Unity is a way of life.  Knowing and understanding Truth are not enough. One must apply the Truth.

The Cornerstones of Unity East are based on the practice of the presence of God through prayer, meditation, and silence.

 Statements of Vision for Unity East 

We envision:

	Prayer, meditation, and silence as an integral part of all aspects of this ministry.
	Deliberate participation in the law of giving and receiving, both individually and collectively, through loving service and outreach.
	Sunday Services filled with a loving community of people experiencing the presence of God by active participation in prayer, meditation, music, and teaching.
	Our church as a center for a variety of multi-level educational programs for all ages designed to promote understanding and encourage application of principles resulting in spiritual growth.
	Social/fellowship activities that promote a sense of family and community through sharing laughter, fun, joy, and creative expression of self.
	Communicating accessible, well-received information about the ministry of Unity East and its activities through all available avenues.
	For our building and grounds, a light-filled facility that is welcoming, accessible, functional, attractive, and versatile.

 Leadership

Spiritual Leader: Rev. Rose Houston 

Youth Ministry Director: Traci McCue

Bookkeeper/Assistant:

Office Assistants: Vicki and Ed Miller

Those serving on our Youth Ministry Team:

Traci McCue, Director; Peter Bush,  Jodi McKinley, and Debi Moody (and a wealth of volunteers from our congregation who support our program as needed)
 

Musicians: Ralph Leeseberg, Lynda McClanahan and Joel Knepp, Elmer Fischer, Sandy Young and many other musicians who perform occasionally. (Click here to view photos of our musicians)  

Volunteer Teams & Leaders: 
Bookstore Team: Cheryl Leeseberg

Building Maintenance Team: Doc Renner

Care Team:  Jo White

Community Service Team: Kathy Hilyar
Fellowship Team:
Finance Team:

Greeter Team: Fred Moore

Grounds & Garden Team: Bobby Lewis
Sound Tech Team: Doug Shoemaker
Usher Team:  Fred Moore
Volunteer Coordinator: Judy Renner

Board of Trustees: Connie Jenkins, President; Robin Cummings, Secretary;
Scott Hurlburt, Treasurer; Sharon Sheppard, Vice President;  Zrelder Smith,
Doug Shoemaker

History

Unity East Church was incorporated in 1989 by Melvin Ryman, long-time Unity minister.  Services were held on Livingston Avenue in Reynoldsburg for the first year.  Then the church moved to Milnor Road in Pickerington.  In the early 1990s, Sidney Ryman, Unity minister, joined Mel in leadership of the church.  In 1995, Mel left Unity East Church for retirement, but later assumed leadership of Unity Christ Church in Riverside, California, where he serves today.  Sidney Ryman continued leadership of the church until she made her transition in 1997.  Leadership of the church was then carried on by Mary Lake Farley, Licensed Unity Teacher.  Mary’s loving leadership facilitated growth in the numbers as well as the congregation’s involvement in the church.  Mary retired from the ministry in December 2000.              

                                               

                                                                             The Milnor Rd. church around 2001

In February 2001, Joanne Blum, Ph.D. began leadership of Unity East.  Under Joanne’s energetic nurturing, the congregation continued to grow in numbers and in spiritual strength.  Due to growth, the church moved from its long-time location on Milnor Road in Pickerington to a temporary location in Etna , Ohio , while undertaking a year-long facility search. Thanks to the overwhelming support of members and friends, Unity East purchased its first church facility, at 170 E. Columbus Street , in the village of Pickerington , in April, 2003. A Pickerington landmark with a rich historical heritage, Unity East's current quarters are comfortable, inviting, and in excellent condition. Unity East is blessed with a multitude of talented musicians, who provide joyous worship in song.

With love and gratitude for eight wonderful years, Unity East accepted the retirement of Joanne Blum as Spiritual Leader in July 2009.  After a divinely lead discovery process, Rev. Rose Houston became the Minister in December 2009. 

A Youth Ministry Program began in September 2001 with Susan Reed-Goeschl as Director.  This vibrant program was enjoyed by many little truth students and nurtured by several dedicated teachers including Traci McCue , Terri Wilson, and others.  In October of 2006, Nancy Brinda stepped into the Youth Ministry Director position, as Susan stepped down to pursue other interests.   Nancy served the youth and families of our church community with skill and devotion for the better part of a year before returning to her first love of tutoring children in the public school system.  In November 2007, Susan Reed-Goeschl returned to Unity East as Youth Ministry Director and served our youth program with great enthusiasm and creative energy until June 2009.  In March 2010, Jessica Starr took leadership of the Youth Ministry Program. 

Periodically guest speakers, workshops, concerts, and social gatherings add to the joyous, loving, inclusive environment of Unity East Church .