Unity of Palmyra Council Members

We are so grateful for the commitment and enthusiasm of our leadership!

Sherri Freas, President
Although I have been on a spiritual journey for some time, I didn't find out about Unity of Palmyra until 2008.  After having a discussion with a friend about my frustration with religion, she had mentioned that I should try Unity.  As soon as I listened to the first message I knew this was my spiritual home.  I had lived in Lebanon my whole life and never knew that there was a place where people thought like me!  I am blessed to be part of the co-creation council at Unity of Palmyra and this experience has helped me to grow in many ways. 

I am a licensed professional counselor and marriage and family therapist in Lebanon.  I also work with at risk students in several Lebanon County schools through the Student Assistance Program.  I am blessed to be married to my best friend.  I have two teenage boys who keep me extremely busy with sports and activities.   In my spare time, I enjoy writing a blog, which incorporates some of my spiritual understandings as well as counseling theory.  It can be found at www.sherrifreas.com

Elaine Torrance Gingrich, Vice President
Elaine Torrance-Gingrich has been a member of Unity of Palmyra since 2012.  Elaine loves that Unity is a Positive Path for Spiritual Living as this philosophy is in alignment with her values as a Law of Attraction Coach.  She holds certifications in Law of Attraction, Weight Loss, and Relationship Coaching as well as being a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist.  Elaine loves being out in nature, being with her family, spending time with her dog Vinny and her latest passion is belly dance.

Linda Longenecker, Treasurer
Returning to Unity of Palmyra, after a long absence, has given me the spiritual home and community that I had been missing in my life.  I consider it a blessing to be here and look forward to serving in any way that I am able.

Gwen Ward, Secretary
Born and raised a Buckeye in Darke County, Ohio, I lived just miles from where the great Annie Oakley roamed as a young woman.  I learned many things from this woman’s mission, always aim high.  I graduated with honors from Bowling Green State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Education.  Directly from Ohio I moved to Washington, D.C. to begin my teaching career.  At the same time, my mother guided me to take a Foot Reflexology course.  After 7 years in Washington, D.C. I longed for a smaller town atmosphere and had camped several times in Jonestown, PA.  I found a job serving the Penn Laurel Girl Scout Council as the Lebanon County Field Executive and moved to Lebanon in February 1990.  I love Lebanon County!  I found my wife in this county.  Becky and I have been together since 1994.  During the time I worked for the Girl Scouts I amassed a large number of certifications and a Ph.D. as a Naturopathic Doctor all while working my reflexology business part-time.  In 2007, I was part of a council staff downsize and it was one of the best things life handed me.  I took my part-time business to a full-time business in less than 6 months.  I now teach and certify people in Foot Reflexology and Full Body Reflexology.  Both courses are nationally certified. 
In 2014 Becky and I became foster parents.  First to Samantha, who is still one of our greatest teachers, even though she left our home in 2015.  Then in September 2016, we met the love of our lives, Cheyane.  We adopted Cheyane in August 2017.  We are still licensed foster parents, but are not active at this time.

Unity Church has been a part of my life since I was in high school, even though I was unaware at the time.  My Mom subscribed to The Daily Word and I began to read it.  Later, after moving to Lebanon County, I was surprised and delighted to find a Unity Church so close.  I love the worship space here, the people, and of course the Unity Principles.

Janet Parsons
I found Unity many years ago and was attracted to the principles.  When I visited Unity of Palmyra I felt a connection to this congregation.  I was honored to be selected to fill a position on the co creation council and am happy to have an opportunity to serve my church family.  I enjoy working on building maintenance and improvement projects and I work on a family Christmas tree farm.

Linda Raber
I found Unity of Palmyra in 2014, quite by accident.  After leaving the United Methodist Church, I was looking for a more positive and inclusive place to worship.  I attended my first Unity service and never left.  I was drawn to this loving and accepting congregation right away.  I taught for 35 years in the Palmyra area School District and have been retired for the last 10 years.  I volunteer at the local food bank, The Caring Cupboard, and enjoy working with people of all ages.  In my spare time I enjoy traveling, outdoor activities, watching sports on TV, and spending time with my dog Maddie.
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