About Us
Unity of Palmyra is a welcoming and affirming congregation, and is a member of Unity Worldwide Ministries. We teach a message of inclusion and positive spirituality, and participate in the Unity movement’s vision of creating a world that works for all. As stated in our Diversity Statement, “We recognize and honor the Divine within as the one common denominator that we share on our human journey.”
Charles Fillmore, co-founder of the Unity movement, once defined Unity as: “Unity is a link in the great educational movement inaugurated by Jesus Christ; our objective is to discern the truth in Christianity and prove it. The truth that we teach is not new; neither do we claim special revelations or discovery of new religious principles. Our purpose is to help and teach mankind to use and prove the eternal Truth taught by the Master.”
Often defined as “practical Christianity,” Unity embraces many paths to God, and honors the truth that is at the heart of the rich and varied faith traditions in our world. Through our Sunday services, youth education, classes, workshops and events, we learn and demonstrate those truths in our daily lives, endeavoring to become the change we wish to see in the world. “The Unity movement stands for and will tirelessly work for harmony so all people may know the freedom of peaceful expression; so they may know their own inner worth and essential contribution to the whole of life.” – Unity’s Statement of Social Action Position
Our Vision
Awakened hearts, empowered lives, a world transformed through love.
Our Mission
We create an open, safe, and caring community, calling all to embrace their oneness with
the Divine through prayer, education, practice, and service.
Our Values
Accepting – Honoring the divinity in all creation, meeting everyone
where they are on their spiritual journey.
Compassionate – The heart of the Devine acts through us, responding to the needs
of our community and world with loving-kindness and grace.
Inclusive – Embracing the diverse tapestry of humanity, and consciously creating a space
where every voice is heard, every identity is celebrated, and all are truly welcome.
Inspirational – Igniting the Light in ourselves and others, growing a spiritually
vibrant community extending beyond our walls.
Spiritual – Prioritizing our conscious connection to the One Source,
through the teaching and practice of universal spiritual principles.
Awakened hearts, empowered lives, a world transformed through love.
Our Mission
We create an open, safe, and caring community, calling all to embrace their oneness with
the Divine through prayer, education, practice, and service.
Our Values
Accepting – Honoring the divinity in all creation, meeting everyone
where they are on their spiritual journey.
Compassionate – The heart of the Devine acts through us, responding to the needs
of our community and world with loving-kindness and grace.
Inclusive – Embracing the diverse tapestry of humanity, and consciously creating a space
where every voice is heard, every identity is celebrated, and all are truly welcome.
Inspirational – Igniting the Light in ourselves and others, growing a spiritually
vibrant community extending beyond our walls.
Spiritual – Prioritizing our conscious connection to the One Source,
through the teaching and practice of universal spiritual principles.
History
After meeting at the Best Western Inn in Hershey for a number of years, we set an intention to find a location where we could grow and expand our ministry. In 2000, after applying to the Association of Unity Churches' Field Licensing Program to become an ordained minister and leading us in a blessing of release for our meeting place at the Best Western, our spiritual leader, Julie Vance, found an ad in The Patriot News which read "Church for free." A local builder and developer had bought an existing church building in Palmyra and wanted to donate it to a church group. We were chosen to receive this incredible gift!
Julie was accepted into the Field Licensing program in March 2001 and we joyfully held our first service at our current location, 37 East Main Street in Palmyra, on Easter Sunday, April 15, 2001. During the past fifteen years we have been blessed as a congregation to celebrate our church building's 100th Anniversary on July 4, 2002, Reverend Julie's ordination on April 10, 2005, our congregation's 10th Anniversary Celebration in Palmyra, and many joyous occasions in the lives of our Unity family.
In April of 2017, Rev. Julie retired after many happy and successful years as our Senior Minister. In May of that year, we hired Rev. Stephanie Seigh to support us through our transition. In December of 2017, Rev. Stephanie and the Council decided, with the support of the congregation, to make their relationship a more permanent one. Rev. Stephanie has served our community as Senior Minister since then, through Covid, renovations, and much more… we look forward to many more years together, committed to being the change we wish to see in the world.
Julie was accepted into the Field Licensing program in March 2001 and we joyfully held our first service at our current location, 37 East Main Street in Palmyra, on Easter Sunday, April 15, 2001. During the past fifteen years we have been blessed as a congregation to celebrate our church building's 100th Anniversary on July 4, 2002, Reverend Julie's ordination on April 10, 2005, our congregation's 10th Anniversary Celebration in Palmyra, and many joyous occasions in the lives of our Unity family.
In April of 2017, Rev. Julie retired after many happy and successful years as our Senior Minister. In May of that year, we hired Rev. Stephanie Seigh to support us through our transition. In December of 2017, Rev. Stephanie and the Council decided, with the support of the congregation, to make their relationship a more permanent one. Rev. Stephanie has served our community as Senior Minister since then, through Covid, renovations, and much more… we look forward to many more years together, committed to being the change we wish to see in the world.
Bylaws
Click here for Bylaws.