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Johanna van Gelder

3 messages

• 2025-12-07 Week 2: "We Are Peacebuilders Johanna van Gelder Advent In this second week of Advent, Rev. Kristin explores the profound truth that we are all called to be peacebuilders in our world. She reminds us that Christ consciousness - embodying divine peace, love, and abundance - is not something we wait for but something already present within us, waiting to be embraced and expressed. Drawing on Jesus's parable of the lamp, she emphasizes that when we recognize moments of peace in our hearts, we must not hide this light but allow it to shine forth, understanding it as connected to a vast divine peace beyond human comprehension. Through practices like Chi Gong and conscious alignment with our peaceful nature, we can expand this inner peace and share it generously with others, becoming active agents of healing and harmony in our communities.
• 2024-05-05 The Beauty of Community Johanna van Gelder, Felicia McBarton & Don Shaw In this heartfelt message, Johanna van Gelder, Felicia McBarton, and Don Shaw reflect on what Unity of Walnut Creek experienced during Rev. Kristen's three-month sabbatical, celebrating the depth and resilience of their spiritual community. Johanna reminds us that Unity is far more than Sunday services - it is a living tapestry woven by every person who shows up, whether casually or in deep commitment. Don uses the beautiful metaphor of a community garden that thrives even when the gardener is away, while Felicia shares her personal treasure hunt of discovering growth, healing, and collaboration among the staff. Together, they affirm that this community is healthy, vibrant, and built on mutual love and support.
• 2023-12-31 Burning Bowl Service Johanna van Gelder & Don Shaw Christopher Brown delivers a heartfelt message on the transformative power of gratitude as we stand at the threshold of a new year. He reminds us that uncherished gifts vanish - that when we fail to appreciate what we already have, we lose sight of the abundance surrounding us. Through personal stories, including his own journey with chronic back pain and a life-changing encounter with a blind man on the street, Christopher Brown illustrates how shifting our focus from complaint to gratitude opens the heart and becomes the creative force that moves mountains. He invites us to feed the wolf of gratitude, fill our grace bank accounts, and remember that cherishing our lives exactly as they are is the foundation for all transformation.