As fireworks light up the sky this July 4th, we’re invited not only to celebrate the birth of a nation but also to reflect on what true independence means—both historically and spiritually.
In 1776, courageous individuals declared their independence from a monarchy that no longer reflected their values or voice. They envisioned a democracy—a government by and for the people—rooted in liberty, justice, and equality. That bold move was not just political; it was profoundly spiritual. It declared the sacred worth and agency of every human soul. In the Declaration of Independence, we read, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.” These words rang out as a revolutionary affirmation of inherent dignity and divine potential.
And yet, we know the journey has been imperfect. Not all were included in that original vision. The work of democracy—like the work of spiritual awakening—is ongoing. We are still learning how to live those truths more fully, to extend equality and justice to all people, regardless of race, gender, orientation, or background. Our democracy, like our spiritual community, is a living, breathing experiment in love, inclusion, and shared responsibility.
We are still working it out!
Today, we are called to a similar kind of awakening—one that releases us from the internal tyrannies that keep us small: fear, separation, apathy, and self-doubt. We are invited to claim a new kind of spiritual freedom, one that liberates us to love more fully, to serve more boldly, to live more consciously, and to bring more kindness into our world. This is the freedom not only to believe in higher truths—but to embody them.
That’s the invitation behind our community’s new Sunday series, “Sailing the 7 C’s.” It’s a sacred journey that charts a course through seven soul-centered experiences: Communion, Connection, Compassion, Community, Contribution, Change, and Communication/Clarity. Together, they form a map—not to a distant shore, but to the heart of a thriving, inclusive spiritual community.
Then, we will tailor these to our Core Value statements and the new language that our Culture Team has been prayerfully and creatively developing. We will explore how we can express these values not only in words—but in the way we live, serve, and show up for one another. In this way, our spiritual journey and our community culture become one integrated path of awakening.
Here’s a glimpse of what we’re sailing toward:
🌊 Communion – Do we touch the sacred when we gather? True spiritual liberty is found in our shared experience of the Divine—free of dogma, rooted in presence.
🌊 Connection – Do we feel seen, known, and welcomed? Like democracy, spiritual belonging is not a privilege—it’s a birthright.
🌊 Compassion – Do we extend love beyond Sunday mornings? Just as our founders sought freedom for all, we seek to love beyond our circles of comfort.
🌊 Community – Is this a place where all are safe and valued? The spiritual counterpart to “liberty and justice for all” is welcome and worthiness for all.
🌊 Contribution – Are our gifts making a difference? Freedom blossoms when we each know our presence matters and our voice is heard.
🌊 Change – Are we evolving with life’s unfolding? A living democracy and a living faith both require courage to grow and grace to adapt.
🌊 Communication and Clarity – Is our truth spoken in love? Transparency and honesty are not just administrative virtues—they are spiritual practices that build trust.
Then, we will tailor these to our Core Value statements and new words that our Culture Team has been working on to explore how we can express those as well.
As we set sail together, may we remember the words of M. Scott Peck:
“Community is a group that has learned to transcend its individual differences.” (1)
Peck reminds us that authentic community isn’t built on agreement or uniformity—it is born through vulnerability, honesty, grace, and deep listening. It’s a space where we move beyond roles, defenses, and divisions, and begin to see and be seen for who we truly are. Real community emerges when we allow discomfort to soften us, conflict to teach us, and love to lead us.
This doesn’t happen by accident—it happens by intention. And it’s exactly the kind of space we are co-creating through the Sailing the 7 C’s journey.
So let us not drift, nor lie at anchor. Let us sail—with values intact, hearts awakened, and love as our compass.
With love and deep gratitude for this journey we share,
Rev. Denese Schellink
Transitional Minister, Unity in Lynnwood
1) M. Scott Peck: The Different Drum: Community Making and Peace
A man goes to sleep in the town where he has always lived, and he dreams he’s living in another town. In the dream, he believes the reality of the dream town. This world is that kind of sleep, The dus
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