Unity Victoria Board of Directors

Unity Victoria Board of Directors

Shannon MacGregor,  Board Chair

My spiritual development was birthed out of my training in transpersonal psychotherapy. I became a seeker and lover of the mind, body, spirit connections and joined Unity Victoria in 2008 after exploring many New Thought communities. I made Unity my home because of it foundational structure and infectious love. I was so inspired and eager to learn about Unity, that I joined the Ushers/Greeters team immediately. It was not long before I was invited to be an Ambassador, then lead the Ambassadors team, join the Board,
and serve as a Platform Assistant.

There is no better way to lean, than to serve. As my interests and involvement with this community grows, so does my desire to support the rich potential Unity Victoria has to offer.

This deep desire to learn and serve comes naturally to me, as my passion for connection and values in relationships stem from my background in administration and work as Registered Therapeutic Counsellor and Life Coach. In my spare time, I’m exploring the great outdoors, hiking, backpacking, kayaking, mountain biking, practicing yoga, or renovating parts of my 1933 house.

Anna Harvey, Vice Chair

I was introduced to New Thought in Calgary and after moving to Victoria in 1999, looked for a similar spiritual community: like-minded people who show up whole-heartedly and with a deep connection to Spirit within.  Like many of our congregants, I feel a sense of ‘home’ at Unity Victoria.  It supports my belief in co-creating – a belief that lightens my role of being fully responsible yet also calls me to fully accept my fair share!  This is alive for me in the way I co-create my life with Spirit, the way I show up for my clients as a Life and Career Transition Coach, and the way I support Unity Victoria by serving on the Board.

As Vice Chair, I’m eager to contribute my natural gifts of clarity, focus and enthusiasm; plus my skills in public relations, marketing communications, and coaching individuals and teams.  Life passion and a light heart come from singing, hosting Airbnb guests, food and wine, and loving my circle of family and friends.

Charlane Simpson, Treasurer

My introduction to Unity Victoria came in 2004 where I listened intently to a Sunday Service where the topic of self-discovery was explored with humour and enlightenment.  I came away with a feeling of Joy as I finally found a place where Spirit was related to me in a language that I understood.

It was exciting to have several careers which gave me attributes that have served me well. Nursing gave me structure and time management, Interior Design brought forward scheduling and teamwork, and business owner came with financial & employee responsibility.

Outside Unity my heart and mind connect with fabric and textiles. At the moment, my interest is exploring building pictures from fabric and related objects. There is something wondrous in envisioning a creation, manifesting it into reality, then giving it away.

Mary Kendrew, Recording Secretary

As a life long seeker of Truth, my arrival at Unity Victoria became a date to always remember. Here, I found the warmth, creative energy of a deeply inclusive community, the guiding principles and teachings of the Fillmores, a spiritual home to live in, grow in and learn to serve. I feel supported by this community, as I also seek to be part of that support we offer each other  to fulfill our divine purpose.

A passion for anthropology took me to Belize as an orange grove owner/operator; managing retail nurseries in Canada gave me experience both as a team member and in management. In my last working years, the reward of working with individuals with developmental challenges brought with it openness and flexibility in holding space for varied cultures, ideas and abilities. This lifelong learning has taught me the importance of seeking creative ideas and solutions.

I continue to take classes and appreciate the opportunities and richness of learning, meditating and celebrating in groups that Unity provides.  I am particularly drawn to metaphysical classes and learning new meditations.  Celebrating connection, with my family, friends, and in nature brings me great joy.  I do this through my love of gardening, bird-watching, mushrooming, and, as some may know, I am a passionate foodie.

Dan Lutley, Member at Large

I have been attending Unity for 9 years (a member for 8). I am currently semi-retired from electrical engineering at Motorola. I now consult on electrical subsystems on client’s yachts.

In 2009 I needed help with my spiritual path and Unity fit that need nicely. The best things for me at Unity has been Insight Mediation, Prayer and Non-violent Communications. My most profound growth and healing has been due to my participation on the board of trustees.

My favorite thing to do is drop everything and go sailing.

Carrelyn Sheldan, Member at Large

I was a school teacher for thirty six years in Victoria. After I retired from teaching I was the lead minister at the Victoria Truth Centre for seven years. After I retired from ministry at the Victoria Truth Centre I decided to attend Unity.  I thought that their philosophy was very much like mine and I knew Rev Doris Lewis. Unity turned out to be a good fit for me.

I am very fortunate since I was born into New Thought.  The principles that I learned have certainly guided me all my life. To help make my life’s journey a happy and successful one, I wanted to be on the Board so that I can help Unity to flourish both spiritually and physically.  I would like to offer spiritual support.  I like to read metaphysical books, fiction novels and walk along the waterfront.  I have two wonderful children and a terrific granddaughter.

Love & Light
Carrelyn


Paul Turmel, Member at Large

I was born in the State of Maine, and grew up and was educated in Massachusetts.  As a married man with a wife, daughter and 13-year grand-daughter, I immigrated to Canada.  For 45 years my career was in horticulture, working initially for Esquimalt Parks and then for Butchart Gardens.  No surprise that my skills and training are of a practical nature, but I have always been open to learning new things and ways.
One of those new things was discovering Unity.  It was while listening to one of our congregation, Yavhel Velazquez, speak of his personal spiritual journey with Unity that I felt inspired to become a regular and active member.  Outside of Unity, I still enjoy gardening which I do for my own pleasure and to help others like the Hospice Garden.  I’m happiest when I’m in the outdoors, walking through nature and near the ocean.