Turning Points

All of us live a life in which we make choices, sort through alternatives.  Most decisions we make are – naturally – minor.  But, sometimes we find ourselves at a crossroads and it is then that we may be truly tested. This Sunday at Unity, please join songwriter and speaker Doug Benecke and his chosen musical companion, Sallie Spirit, as we look at turning points.

Doug is a lifelong musician and student of the human spirit. He holds a religion degree from Oberlin College and works as an addictions counselor. Doug and his wife, Sallie Spirit, share talks and music at churches all around the Sound.

For the Zoom login links, subscribe to our newsletter here.

Living In Kindness

Living in kindness – and choosing love – is available, always, to those who seek the Spirit.  This Father’s Day at Unity, choosing love over fear and living in the spirit of loving kindness. Reflections from songwriter and speaker Doug Benecke with ongoing musical kindness from Sallie Spirit.

Doug is a lifelong musician and student of the human spirit. He holds a religion degree from Oberlin College and works as an addictions counselor. Doug and his wife, Sallie Spirit, share talks and music at churches all around the Sound.

For the Zoom login links, subscribe to our newsletter here.

Got Mystery?

Know-it-all or know-nothing --- most of us focus on what we know and likely feel insecure about what we don’t.  Are you comfortable with what you don’t understand?  Can you open your mind to something greater than yourself which may be beyond comprehension? Can you find a way to just let the mystery be?  Meditations on the unknowable as we venture further into the unknown with each passing day. A talk by musician, songwriter, speaker Doug Benecke with additional musical contributions, as ever, by Sallie Spirit.

Doug is a lifelong musician and student of the human spirit. He holds a religion degree from Oberlin College and works as an addictions counselor. Doug and his wife, Sallie Spirit, share talks and music at churches all around the Sound.

For the Zoom login links, subscribe to our newsletter here.

"Fly Away"

When the women went to the tomb, it was empty; the stone had been rolled away. An angel there said to them, 'You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here.'
 

The mystery at the heart of this story touches us at the deepest level – the question of an ongoing existence, beyond the bounds of our earthly bodies. On Easter at Unity, exploring the mystery of the phase beyond this life and a remembrance of those who have taken that next step. A talk by songwriter and speaker Doug Benecke with music by Sallie Spirit and Doug.

Doug is a lifelong musician and student of the human spirit. He holds a religion degree from Oberlin College and works as an addictions counselor. Doug and his wife, Sallie Spirit, share talks and music at churches all around the Sound.

For the Zoom login links, subscribe to our newsletter here.

Freedom’s Highway

Many picture freedom as an expression of an individual’s self-sufficiency --- like a cowboy on his horse.  But the spiritual path points to an alternate approach; one where liberty resides in community and is tied to an obligation to love my neighbor as myself.  Thoughts on true freedom and the journey we all are on by songwriter and speaker Doug Benecke, in musical collaboration with Sallie Spirit.

Doug is a lifelong musician and student of the human spirit. He holds a religion degree from Oberlin College and works as an addictions counselor. Doug and his wife, Sallie Spirit, share talks and music at churches all around the Sound.

For the Zoom login links, subscribe to our newsletter here.

The World Anew

In a year as uncertain as any, we have the opportunity to begin again, to create the world anew.  In moments of woundedness and pain, there’s an opening for growth, for healing.  Our vision may be clouded, our gaze blinded – but friends, teachers, even strangers, can arrive with offers of guidance and support.  We rebuild our lives, moment by moment.  Thoughts on renewal by songwriter and speaker Doug Benecke with musical inspiration by Sallie Spirit.

Doug is a lifelong musician and student of the human spirit. He holds a religion degree from Oberlin College and works as an addictions counselor. Doug and his wife, Sallie Spirit, share talks and music at churches all around the Sound.

For the Zoom login links, subscribe to our newsletter here.

With Feathers

In a time of abundant problems and pain in our world, where can hope be found?  In moments when despair feels palpable, how can we connect to resilience?  Living in a New Year of hope and purpose, a talk by songwriter and speaker Doug Benecke with music of hope from Sallie Spirit.

Doug is a lifelong musician and student of the human spirit. He holds a religion degree from Oberlin College and works as an addictions counselor. Doug and his wife, Sallie Spirit, share talks and music at churches all around the Sound.

For the Zoom login links, subscribe to our newsletter here.

Turning Toward Light

Each day we have choices; we exercise free will.  The question is – as always – what direction do we take? Which way do we turn? It’s easy to be distracted, distressed, to focus on all that troubles us, on what we think requires our critique, even our disdain.  Yet there is another voice that calls us, and an affirmative reality that beckons us to turn toward it --- if we have eyes to see.  In the third week of Advent at Unity, songwriter and speaker Doug Benecke on Turning Toward Light, musically illumined by Sallie Spirit.

Doug is a lifelong musician and student of the human spirit. He holds a religion degree from Oberlin College and works as an addictions counselor. Doug and his wife, Sallie Spirit, share talks and music at churches all around the Sound.

For the Zoom login links, subscribe to our newsletter here.

Gratitude or Bust!

While happiness is commonly thought of as a result of achieving a goal or acquiring a coveted treasure, new research and timeless wisdom both agree that true joy flows from an underlying state of gratitude. An exploration of what humans have learned, and are learning daily, about thankfulness and the benefits available to each of us through its practice.  Join songwriter and speaker Doug Benecke, grateful to be joined by songbird Sallie Spirit.

Doug is a lifelong musician and student of the human spirit. He holds a religion degree from Oberlin College and works as an addictions counselor. Doug and his wife, Sallie Spirit, share talks and music at churches all around the Sound.

For the Zoom login links, subscribe to our newsletter here.

River of Grace

In the ordinary course of our lives, we find an established rhythm, daily exchanges, quid pro quo, this for that.  But there are times when we connect to an ever-flowing stream, a river of grace, that fount of peace that surpasses our normal understanding. This Sunday at Unity, opening to grace; thoughts by songwriter and speaker Doug Benecke with music by Doug and Sallie Spirit.

Doug is a lifelong musician and student of the human spirit. He holds a religion degree from Oberlin College and works as an addictions counselor. Doug and his wife, Sallie Spirit, share talks and music at churches all around the Sound.

For the Zoom login links, subscribe to our newsletter here.