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Frequently Asked Questions

Question:

What is Unity?

Answer:

Unity is positive, practical Christianity. We teach the effective daily application of the principles of Truth taught and exemplified by Jesus Christ. We promote a way of life that leads to health, prosperity, happiness, and peace of mind. Unity has established centers of study and worship throughout the world where people discover and practice the Unity way of life. We address physical, mental, and emotional needs through affirmative prayer and spiritual education. We serve those who seek inspiration and prayer support as well as those who use Unity teachings as their primary path of spiritual growth. We believe that all people are created with sacred worth, and we strive to reach out to all who seek support and spiritual growth. Therefore, we recognize the importance of serving all people in spiritually and emotionally caring ways. Our ministries and outreaches are free of discrimination on the basis of race, gender, age, creed, religion, national origin, ethnicity, physical disability, and sexual orientation. Our sincere desire is to create spiritually aware organizations that are nondiscriminatory and support diversity.


 

Question:

Does Unity Believe in the Divinity of Jesus Christ?

Answer:

Yes, Unity teaches that the spirit of God lived in Jesus, just as it lives in every person. Every person has the potential to express the perfection of Christ as Jesus did, by being more Christlike in everyday life.


 

Question:

Is there any connection between Unity and Unitarianism?

Answer:

No, there is no connection, although there is sometimes confusion because of the similarity of the names. Each is a distinct organization with its own set of beliefs and practices.


 

Question:

Is Unity an offshoot of Christian Science?

Answer:

No. Unity and Christian Science, as well as many other New Thought groups, had their beginnings in the latter part of the nineteenth century. The application of principles, the methods of teaching, and the organization of the two movements are quite different.

 


Question:

What is the role of the Bible in Unity?

Answer:

The Bible is Unity’s basic textbook. Scripture comes alive when it is understood as a clear and helpful guide for today’s experiences.

 

Question:

Does Unity offer Communion?

Answer:

Unity Church of Austin offers communion on one Sunday every three months. The Jewish meaning of “communion” is “common union.”  In Unity, the phrase “communion with God” generally means a time of prayer and meditation.  Some Unity churches offer communion, or the Lord’s Supper, as a way to heighten awareness of the Christ within.  We believe the bread signifies Truth and spiritual substance, and the broken bread represents the multiplying power of the Divine Word.  The water/wine symbolizes the divine life force flowing through our bodies. 

 

Question:

Is Unity Considered "New Age"?

Answer:

Unity is not New Age.  New Age is the name given to a broad range of open-minded explorations, methods, techniques and beliefs that started in the 1960s.

Unity is part of New Thought, an American religious movement that grew out of transcendentalism in the 1850s.  Unity’s ancestors are Walt Whitman, Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau.  Unity’s first publication was a magazine called Modern Thought, published in 1889 to offer a new way of looking beyond the appearance of things, to see life metaphysically.

 

Question:

Does Unity believe in Prayer?

Answer:

Prayer changes our lives, but prayer does not change God.  We don’t have to beg God for mercy or overcome God’s reluctance to fill our needs.  Rather, prayer changes our relationship to God by moving us from feeling separated to knowing we are one with God.  Prayer opens our hearts to receive our good, and we give thanks that our needs are already met.  Jesus said to pray believing that we have already received.  Unity calls this “affirmative prayer.”

 

Question:

Where is Unity Church of Austin located?

Answer:

We are holding service at our new church home.  That address is 5501 W. Hwy 290.   Click here for a map.

 

Question:

When are Sunday services?

Answer:

Currently,  our Sunday service is at 11:00 am.

 

Question:

Is child care and youth education available?

Answer:

Yes!  We have active classes for Nursery-Pre-K, Kindergarten-4th and 5th-8th.  We have a high school group forming also so if you're interested in a high school group, please contact Jessica Conn, Youth & Family Pastor - 892-3000.

For more information about our Youth & Family Ministry click here!

 

Question:

Are audio recordings of Sunday lessons available?  What about video?

Answer:

Yes!  You can pick up a cd in the Sanctuary of the previous Sunday's lesson.  You can also obtain a podcast online.   Our videos are posted on Google Video and you may watch them online.

Visit the Audio/Video page for more information.

 

Question:

What does the Bookstore provide?

Answer:

Our bookstore carries most of the recommended Unity readings, study books for ongoing classes and study groups, and popular titles on healing and spiritual growth. Books not in the store can be special ordered. 


For any book, of any kind, that you cannot find in our bookstore, remember that we have an Associate relationship with Amazon.com. When you follow one of the links to Amazon from the Unity of Austin web site, your purchase will also benefit your church. (Remember us during your gift-giving season!) See our "More Ways to Give" page or follow this link to Amazon.com

 

Question:

Are there weekday services?

Answer:

We have a Wednesday night Centering Prayer service. 

 

Question:

What is Centering Prayer?

Answer:

Centering Prayer is an ancient, silent prayer in which the intellect is quieted in order for one's spirit to rest in God.

Centering Prayer prepares us to receive the gift of contemplative prayer, prayer in which we experience God's presence within us, closer than breathing, closer than thinking, closer than consciousness itself. This method of prayer is both a relationship with God and a discipline to foster that relationship.

 

Question:

What about adult classes?

Answer:

A full range of classes in spiritual study is offered. Some of these classes may be taken for credit toward becoming a Licensed Unity Teacher. Most classes are open to everyone on a free-will love offering basis.

 

Question:

How do I get on the mailing list?

Answer:

Click here to sign up to be on the mailing list.

 

Question:

Is there a Prayer Line?

Answer:

Yes!  512-892-3010

 

Question:

How do I join Unity Church of Austin?

Answer:

We encourage you to join our church community!  To join, simply fill out an application, available in the foyer or online.  Then take a New Member Orientation class which are scheduled throughout the year. 

Go to our Events page for the lastest New Member Orientation dates.

Visit our Membership page for more information.

 

Question:

Does Unity Church of Austin provide hospital visitation?

Answer:

Yes, the Ministers and Pastoral Assitants will respond to requests made to our office for prayer visits in hospitals or nursing care facilities by individuals who are receptive to this healing ministry.  Contact the office at 512-892-3000

 

Question:

What volunteer opportunities are available?

Answer:

There are many volunteer opportunities available.  Some require a particular day/time commitment; some are more flexible.  Please visit our "Volunteering" page for more information.

 

Question:

Can I have my wedding at your church?

Answer:

Absolutely! The beautiful, newly remodeled sanctuary is ideal for your wedding.  Our minister is also available to schedule off-site weddings as time permits.  Contact the church office for more information 512-892-3000.

 

Question:

Who do I contact about facility rental?

Answer:

Our church is available for rent for many occasions.  Our state of the art, commercial kitchen can be used for start-up cooking business and our sanctuary and fellowship halls are ideal for meetings, classes, concerts and workshops.  Contact the church office for more information 512-892-3000.

 

 
 

Copyright 2005 Unity Church of Austin
5501 W Hwy 290,  Austin, TX  78735
Office: 512-892-3000/Prayer Line: 512-892-3010