Basic to our Love in Action Teams is the firm belief that service is a noble path and it is an honor to serve. Whether it's here at Unity of Bon Air (UBA) or sacred service in the community, there is no greater gift than the giving of your time. If you’re interested in volunteering, contact the UBA office and we will put you in touch with a team leader. Our volunteers make ALL the difference through each and every act of Love In Action! Thank you in advance for sharing your time and talent!
Many Opportunities for Sacred Service
Member Support
New Member Classes
New Member Classes are held quarterly for those seeking to learn more about Unity and to become a member. Attendance at two or more sessions is required for membership. To learn more before a class, we offer a 30-minute “What Is Unity” session monthly. Membership is welcomed, but not required to be a part of our congregation. However, to vote or to serve on the board, you must be a member. Those who become members are formally introduced to the congregation at a special Sunday service.
Visitor Friendship Committee
Members of the Friendship Committee agree to contact recent visitors, answer questions, acquaint them with the property, and invite them to current activities. The purpose of this committee is to ensure that strangers in our midst are no longer strangers. Volunteers are welcome to join this “friendly” committee at any time.
Elna’s Prayer Shawl Ministry
Prayer shawls are lovingly created; blessed during the creative process, and again at completion. Shawls are given to provide comfort in challenging times, or as gifts to share love and beauty. Shawls may be purchased at the Bookstore for a love offering. Love offerings go to purchase more yarn to continue this important ministry. Anyone who crochets or knits, or wants to learn, is welcome to join this team. (Elna Roop was a long-time member of this community and contributed many shawls. The ministry is named in her memory.)
Bon Air Cares
As a loving, spiritual community, the Bon Air Cares team seeks to serve members and their families and church friends in times of short-term needs and health challenges. We feel honored and blessed to serve our members and friends who so graciously and gratefully receive it. And, as the Universe would have it, the giver and the receiver are one, so YOU benefit, too! Our volunteers are committed to make calls and home/hospital visits, providing meals, sending cards of support, providing transportation (such as to church, doctor appointments, pharmacy, and grocery store), and offering comfort through companionship and prayer. (Volunteer support does not include legal, medical, or financial advice or assistance.) Please add your name to this Love In Action team!
Outreach
Chesterfield Food Bank and Outreach Center (CFBOC)
CFBOC was established in 2010 as a faith-based non-profit with the desire to feed and empower those in need within our community. UBA supports this organization through donations of food and monetary contributions. Those who wish to volunteer at the center may do so by contacting the food bank directly at cfboc.org.
Christmas Mother
Each Christmas, we sponsor several families in need from the Richmond community through the Christmas Mother program. Every year, an abundance of volunteers joyfully come forth to buy food, clothing, and toys for the sponsored families with monies generously donated by our members and friends. After the gifts are lovingly wrapped, our Unity of Bon Air “Santas” deliver them to the Christmas Mother distribution center, making for some excited families on Christmas morning!
Crossover Healthcare Ministry
Crossover Ministry is a non-profit organization that provides compassionate, high-quality healthcare to the uninsured and those enrolled in Medicaid, through the operation of two clinics in our community. Their mission is to provide healthcare, promote wellness and connect community talents and resources with people in need in the name of Jesus Christ. The clinics are staffed by volunteer medical, dental, and healthcare professionals. There are also volunteer opportunities for non-healthcare professionals. Individuals can make a difference by donating money, providing medical supplies, diapers and baby needs, and by volunteering time. Spanish speaking volunteers are most welcome! School supplies are collected to distribute to children prior to the new school year. Visit their website at crossoverministry.org for more volunteer opportunities.
Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity was founded on the conviction that all of God’s children deserve a decent and safe place to live. Habitat is a proven model, successfully enabling more than 1,000,000 people worldwide to move from inadequate shelter into simple, decent homes. Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity has been putting faith into action in our community since 1986. When Unity of Bon Air participates in a build, both skilled and non-skilled volunteers are needed. Check out the many opportunities to volunteer on a home build or at the Habitat ReStore at richmondhabitat.org.
Teddy Bear Sunday
For 20 years, UBA has been in partnership with the Chesterfield County Police Department through the donation of thousands of teddy bears and other cuddly stuffed animals. We celebrate this tradition in February each year! Everyone is invited to bring a new teddy bear on Sunday morning. A Chesterfield County police officer is on hand to address our congregation and accept the bears. The bears are blessed with prayer and given to officers to carry in their vehicles, so that they are readily available to provide comfort to a child or adult in crisis situations.
Fun & Fellowship
Special Events
Unity of Bon Air often hosts concerts, festivals, parties, and other special events that benefit from enthusiastic volunteers who help organize, set up, and dismantle equipment (e.g., Christmas lights in the garden). Watch for opportunities to help!
Next Generation Unity (NGU)
NGU is a group open to anyone over age 18 interested in exploring and sharing spiritual discussion, yoga, mindfulness, and more. Contact the UBA office for details on the status of this young adult group.
Women of Unity (WOU)
WOU meets on the 2nd Sunday of most months. Each month features an interesting presentation or activity led by a woman in the group. Some months feature a potluck! WOU’s theme is Faith, Fun, Friendship, and Fundraising.
Men of Unity (MOU)
MOU meet on the 4th Wednesday of the month for friendship, fellowship, and planning activities. Monthly meetings are split between spiritual discussion on various topics and organizing fundraising activities for Unity of Bon Air. All men are invited to join this fun, energetic, enthusiastic group of guys!
Unity Seniors
Our Unity Seniors group focuses on the interests of older adults. All who identify as seniors are welcome to join this dynamic and collaborative group. Contact the church office for details on the status of this group.
Garden Team
When you step out of your vehicle at 923 Buford Road, you are standing on "holy ground.” The grounds surrounding our building and promenade, the parking lot, our peaceful 2-acre Meditation Garden and the labyrinth are lovingly cared for by volunteers. Garden Team members plant, fertilize, water, prune, weed, mulch, and cleanup leaves. Our gardens are maintained by volunteers like YOU.
Garden Days are posted on the church calendar and occur during the week and on Saturdays. Just show up! In addition, some volunteers “Adopt a Garden Spot” to care for an area on their own schedule. Examples include caring for one of the flower beds, parking lot islands, statuary, and the fishpond. Other volunteers water flowerpots along the promenade.
Twice a year, we hold “Sacred Service Saturday” in which we enlist the assistance of the entire community for an all-day event and lunch is provided. In the Spring, we usually spread mountains of mulch. In the Fall, we focus on leaf cleanup.
Experience is NOT necessary and Garden Team coordinators will be glad to teach you. Students earning community service hours are encouraged to participate. Children are welcome to volunteer with a supervising parent or guardian. ALL time shared caring for our grounds enhances our space and is greatly appreciated! Join us for an hour, a day, or every month.
Education & Enrichment
Youth & Family Ministries (YFM)
With an emphasis on spiritual education for youth and family activities, our YFM is truly the best of both worlds. We offer a safe and nurturing environment for all ages (tots through teens). Our classes and curriculum are designed to encourage the practice of meditation and prayer, explore spiritual paths, and create a loving and fun environment for our youth to connect with the Greater Good. We promote and encourage family involvement by sponsoring activities, hosting events, and organizing fundraisers. We welcome all enthusiastic volunteers interested in assisting with classes and activities, including summer camp activities.
Inspiration Station Bookstore
Our bookstore offers materials used in Unity education classes and personal spiritual growth, as well as inspirational gifts, CDs, and greeting cards. The store is open on Sunday mornings and is staffed by a volunteer team. You may also purchase items during the week, during our normal church office hours. The team welcomes suggestions for books and merchandise, as well as new volunteers!
Spiritual Study Groups
Unity of Bon Air holds a ministry-wide book study at least once per year. Participants meet in small groups to discuss a spiritual book over a period of 4-7 weeks. Volunteers host groups online or in their homes and function as facilitators for the study.
Adult Spiritual Education & Enrichment
Classes and workshops take place on a regular basis at Unity of Bon Air, benefitting mind, body, and spirit. UBA also serves as a host for several community spiritual study groups, including A Course in Miracles, Science of Mind, meditation practice groups, and chair yoga. Check our website calendar, and weekly newsletter to learn about the current offerings.
Hospitality
Sunday Fellowship Coffee
Our mission is to provide a welcoming environment for members, friends, and guests to share in fellowship after Sunday morning services. Coffee and refreshments are purchased by UBA and are also provided as donations from congregants. Fellowship volunteers are not expected to provide refreshments but are welcome to do so. Rotating volunteer teams prepare coffee, setup, and cleanup. Training is provided, and no food service experience is necessary. Thank you God for this opportunity to serve! Volunteers are always welcome to join this group!
Events Hospitality
Throughout the year, there are several times when a meal or reception is needed for a workshop, meeting, or event. This group comes together to set up, provide, and serve the fare. Volunteers are often requested.
Assistant to a Guest Speaker or Musician
Individuals on this team support special guests by assisting with the setup and sale of books and CDs after events. Volunteers may also help with transportation and meals as needed.
Technology
Audio/Visual Team
Sunday services take place both in-person and online. Volunteers are welcome to work with our professional audio and video operators in supporting audio/visual needs for our Sunday gatherings.
Photography/Media
Help capture the energy of Unity of Bon Air’s big events and special moments. Volunteers are invited to take photographs and video, recording our events, capturing the essence of our shared experiences for use in UBA communications. Members of all skill levels are welcome to contribute.
The Sunday Service
Greeter/Usher
“Gushers” are the frontline in representing our spiritual community on Sunday mornings. Our intention is to show all those arriving on Sunday mornings that they have come to a place of joy, happiness, and acceptance. As the first “official” contact with guests and congregants, a Gusher’s mission is to embody these qualities through a hearty, sincere, and accepting welcome. Additional tasks include answering questions, handing out bulletins, providing directions, giving out visitor welcome packets, and collecting the offering. Gushers usually work in pairs, and scheduling is done monthly. Typically, volunteers only serve once a month.
Music and Choir
The music at Unity of Bon Air is an integral part of Sunday services. The words and music enhance and support the message of the minister, while the spiritual quality inspires each listener to go deep within and to often fly higher with joy. The talented music team adds to the overall richness of the experience. Our Celebration Choir is featured at some Sunday services. Those who desire to share their musical gifts are encouraged to speak with the Music Director.
Readers Theatre
Our Readers Theatre has been providing laughs and insightful moments since 2005. Readers Theatre is directed by Kelly Lane and is open to anyone who would like to participate in a light dramatization at a Sunday service. These short skits provide thought-provoking material to enlighten and expand Sunday morning messages. No experience required; only enthusiasm for the preforming arts!
Flowers and Seasonal Decorating
The goal of this team is to bring a feeling of welcome, beauty, and peacefulness to our beautiful surroundings. Flower arrangements for Sunday mornings are often provided by church members in honor or memory of a loved one. Volunteers assist with seasonal decorating. If you would like to have flowers for a particular Sunday, please contact the church office.
Service Leader
Volunteers participate in Sunday celebrations by reading the Daily Word, introducing guest speakers, and making announcements. If you are interested in serving in this role, please contact the church office.
Office Volunteers
Office volunteers assist by answering the phone and helping with a variety of tasks that support many of our church activities. For more information, please contact the church office.
Prayer
Prayer Chaplain Ministry
Unity of Bon Air Prayer Chaplains are available to pray with members of the congregation after Sunday services. They are distinguished by purple neck sashes. Prayer Chaplains also make monthly contacts with congregants to offer prayers of support, as well as prayers of celebration and gratitude.
Prayer Chaplains are provided extensive training and lovingly learn to listen, hold spiritual space, pray with others, and keep all things shared confidential. They are an extension of the overall spiritual and pastoral care capability of our spiritual community. Information sessions with the Prayer Chaplain Coordinator are available for anyone called by Spirit to serve in this way. Training is offered once a year and is required before serving as a Prayer Chaplain.
Prayer Team
The Prayer Team is committed to holding our congregation in prayer daily. Our prayer chest and prayer request forms are located at the front of the sanctuary for congregants to leave their prayer requests. Prayer requests are held in confidence for 30 days. At the end of the month, prayer requests are sent to Silent Unity for another 30 days of prayer. Anyone may serve on the Prayer Team if they would like to pray silently. All Prayer Chaplains are also prayer team members.
Wednesday Noon Meditation and Potluck
Every Wednesday at 12:00 noon, we enjoy a 30-minute meditation in the Reverend Joyce Fisher Pierce Sanctuary. Volunteers or staff lead the meditation, and all are welcome to attend. A potluck lunch follows in New-Rock Hall. Come early for Chair Yoga, starting at 11:00 a.m.
Blessing of the Animals
Blessing of the Animals is a celebration of life. Your beloved pet will receive a personal blessing for a long, healthy, safe, and happy life. All requests for healing prayers/blessing will be honored. Pets of all species or denomination will be blessed. Several volunteers are needed to help with this annual event.
Our Love in Action Affirmation
We are grateful for the many opportunities to serve Unity of Bon Air and the community of greater Richmond. We faithfully affirm that our acts of service are grounded in Divine wisdom, strength and generosity of heart. In our work together, we are blessed, our community is blessed, and we are grateful. So it is. Amen.
