The Bobby Pen

A Sunday to Remember—Led by the Heartbeat of Unity: Our Youth

Dear Beloveds, This coming Sunday is shaping up to be something truly special at Unity of Louisville—and my heart is already dancing with joy and anticipation. For the very first time since I stepped into the role of senior minister, our incredible Youth and Family Ministry will be leading the entire Sunday service. Yes, you read that right—start to finish, this sacred space will be lovingly held and guided by the youngest among us. And wait for it…they even have their very own band! 🎶

Can you feel the excitement? I certainly can. It's one thing to hear about the creativity and brilliance of our youth—it's another to witness them shine in real time. What a gift it is to have spiritual leaders—both young and adult—who are willing to step out of their comfort zones and into the fullness of their light. That, my friends, is the essence of living our Unity principles.

Now, as many of you know, putting together a full Sunday service is no small feat. It's a beautiful, sometimes messy, always meaningful dance of coordination and collaboration. From designing the slides with lyrics and announcements to assigning platform roles and navigating the ever-evolving world of live music—there are many moving parts. Add a few ukuleles, microphones, and enthusiastic teens to the mix, and you've got yourself a mountain of magic in the making.

But here's the good news: no matter what little hiccups or surprises arise (and they always do!), this Sunday will be magnificent. Why? Because it's not really about the polish—it's about the presence. As the old saying goes, “It's not about the destination, it's about the journey.” And what a journey it has been for these young leaders, drawing on the strength of their inner wisdom, love, faith, imagination, and every one of Unity's 12 Powers to craft a sacred experience for us all.

Over the past year, I've had the honor of walking alongside our youth and their dedicated leaders—at retreats, in classrooms, and through moments of creative collaboration that have left me deeply moved. Let me tell you: their spiritual depth, their courage, and their boundless joy are nothing short of inspiring. Our Youth and Family Ministry isn't just an add-on or a side room to the “main event”—it is the heartbeat of our spiritual community, pulsing with vision, vitality, and divine potential.

And now I turn the invitation to you. What role might you play in nurturing this beautiful ministry? There will be many opportunities this year to support our youth—not just with applause on Sunday, but through your time, talents, and treasure. Maybe you have a gift for storytelling, or music, or even snack-making (yes, snacks are sacred too!). Maybe you feel called to mentor, to listen, or simply to show up and be present. Whatever it is, your contribution could be the spark that lights a young soul's path.

I ask you to hold our youth in prayer this week—surround them in love, affirm their gifts, and ask yourself: What is mine to give? How can we, as a collective body, uplift our Youth and Family Ministries into their next, highest expression?

This Sunday, come ready to celebrate, to laugh, to maybe shed a tear or two, and most importantly—to be reminded of just how powerful, capable, and spiritually connected our youth truly are.

With joy and deep gratitude, Rev. Bobby