A Legacy of Love and Service
There are moments in the life of a spiritual community when we are invited to pause... to look back with gratitude, to honor those who have gone before us, and to recognize that the blessings we enjoy today were built upon the love, faith, and dedication of others.
This week, our Unity of Louisville family has the privilege of doing just that.
At this year's Alan Scherer Gala, we will present the Alan Scherer Spirit Award to two extraordinary individuals whose ministry helped shape one of the most vibrant chapters in the history of our church: Reverends Richard and Judy Thomas.
Following the devoted leadership of Reverends Charles and Betty Lelly, Richard and Judy answered the call to lead this beloved ministry with vision, courage, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to spiritual growth. During the 1990s, a remarkable season of expansion throughout the Unity movement, they faithfully served Unity of Louisville for more than a decade, helping create a thriving spiritual home where people experienced love, healing, learning, service, and authentic community.
They never viewed ministry as a solo endeavor. Alongside gifted associate ministers, including Reverends Susan EngPoole and Alta Burnett, they nurtured a ministry team whose collective wisdom and compassion touched countless lives. Together they demonstrated what is possible when people answer God's call with humility and purpose.
Their leadership extended far beyond Sunday mornings. They oversaw significant improvements to our Brooks Street campus, including the installation of a new roof where prayers were lovingly placed within its very foundation, a beautiful reminder that every brick and beam can become an expression of faith. They also welcomed many of Unity's most respected authors, teachers, and spiritual leaders, enriching our congregation and expanding our vision of what was possible.
Yet buildings eventually age, attendance numbers rise and fall, and even our greatest accomplishments become part of history.
What remains is something far more valuable.
The true legacy of Richard and Judy lives in the lives they touched. It lives in those who discovered a deeper relationship with God because of their ministry. It lives in the leaders they mentored, including our own Rev. Dr. Martha Creek, and in the countless people who continue to carry forward the love, wisdom, and spiritual principles they so faithfully embodied.
Alan Scherer understood that a meaningful life is measured not simply by what we accomplish, but by how deeply we love, how generously we serve, and how faithfully we help others discover the light within themselves. Richard and Judy have lived that same spirit, making them beautiful recipients of this year's Alan Scherer Spirit Award.
If you were blessed by their ministry, I invite you to join us this Saturday, August 1, as we celebrate their remarkable legacy. If you know someone whose life was touched by Richard and Judy, please invite them to come home for this special evening.
There is something profoundly sacred about saying "thank you".
And join us the next day, Sunday, August 2nd as Rev. Dr. Martha Creeks shares her talk, "Who Do You Believe?"
Love and blessings, Rev. Dr. Bobby Kyser
If you would like to give, please click the donate button below.
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