Midweek Faith Lift
July 19, 2023
Ode to UCOA at 30!
Rev. Deb Hill-Davis
Ode to UCOA at 30!
Back in 1993, there was a holy trinity:
Barb McKelvey, Barry V. and of course, Joy Munn
Thought that Unity of AMES just might be fun!
So how did Spirit move these three?
She sent them to the Library!
And there they met and when they were done
Unity Church of Ames was begun!
By 2003 they were 50 strong-
Just 10 years later, not that long!
As all things change Rev. Barry left,
But UCOA was not bereft!
On a spiritual quest, they did go
To pray and discern what God might show.
Whilst on the retreat God made clear
That a minister would show within the year!
Rev. Don appeared and Rev. Heather was next,
With these dear souls Unity of Ames was blessed
Now once again, what could they see?
A move to higher ground where they could be
An actual church, a building of their own
Where they could pray and play and have some fun!
To 9th and Kellogg they did move,
And here they found their spiritual groove.
A kitchen, a lift, an accessible “loo”
Were all the changes they did do!
And more and more dear ones did come
To fully partake of all the fun
Young and old and in between
Became a part of the UCOA team
When change once again upon them came,
Things could no longer be the same.
Farewell to Don and Heather with lots of love
And deep gratitude for all the blessings of their love.
Now what would UCOA be?
Well along comes a musician who sings, “Let’s see!”
In comes Chris Foster, a brand new voice,
With music and humor-he was a good choice!
But Ames to Kansas City was a long commute,
So one year later, he did scoot!
A year of guest speakers UCOA did see—
Wonder who the NEXT minister will be?!?
One spring break, she did appear,
And then she spoke throughout the year.
A year-long courtship they did share-
At the end of which UCOA said,
“Rev. Deb, come here!”
To that invitation, Rev. Deb said Yes!
And now my friends, you know the rest.
At 30 years we are almost middle-aged
and ready now to turn the page.
And just take a look at what we’ve done!
We’re mortgage free! And we’ve only just begun
So what is next as we turn this new page?
There’s much to be done in the challenging age
And just like that beginning 3,
That founding holy trinity
Barry, Barb McKelvey and Joy Munn
All would say for sure
Let the next 30 years be just as fun!
Amen!
With much love,
Rev. Deb
Dear Deb and Unity Of Ames,
How thrilled I am that Unity Of Ames is celebrating it’s 30th anniversary. What a legacy of love that was created by Joy Munn, Barry Vernard, Barb McKelvey and a few others. Their vision continues to bless the community of Ames and the world. How humbled I am to have been a part of that history.
When I reflect back on my time in service, I fondly remember the Season Of Gratitude and how it had such a unifying impact on the church. I fondly remember Wolfgang and Hazel and the fun we had doing readers theater as part of the morning services. I fondly remember the Jam for Joplin fundraiser in the wake of the devastating tornado that demolished that city. I fondly remember the decision to invest in the audio visual capabilities of the church. Most of all I remember your acceptance of me. Calling me to a greater purpose and giving me an experience that was personally enriching and spiritually rewarding.
One thing I will draw your attention to is the heart that hangs on the back wall of the sanctuary. It was placed there as a reminder to anyone who was on the platform to serve in love. Love is the reason that we are here. It is the reason we are gathered today! The world needs our love now more than ever!! May Unity of Ames continue to be the light that shines in the darkness!
With all the love in the world!
Chris Foster