About Us
Rev. Sharon Connors
Rev. Sharon Connors, an ordained Unity Minister since 1987, began her ministry here at Unity Spiritual Center in September 2019. Before moving to Sun City, she had served ministries in Florida, San Francisco, San Diego and at Unity World Headquarters. She has served on the Board of Trustees for Unity Worldwide Ministries as well as Unity Regional Boards and community Boards.
She has authored six books, Heaven Now: A Quest for Meaning and a Beautiful Life (Amazon); Spiritual Cliff Notes: Empowering Ideas to Create Your Best Life (Amazon); Adventures in Resilience: Ignite the 12 Powers in You to Create a Radiant Life (Unity Publishing); Adventures in Prayer: Praying Your Way to a God You Can Trust (Bantam); a children’s book, Adventures in Prayer: The Magic of Discovery (Westbow Press); and a journal, Seasons of Inspiration. Her articles have been published in Daily Word, Unity Magazine and local newspapers.
Rev. Sharon is a Certified Life Coach whose clients include Executives, Boards of Directors and Leadership Teams. She holds a BA in Spanish & Education from Michigan State University and an MA in Vocational Counseling from Northeastern Illinois University. Additionally, she is a certified Handwriting Analyst and certified Conversational Leadership Coach.
Her hobbies include dancing, tennis, golf, pickle-ball and clarinet. She has two adult children and three grandsons—all the lights of her life.
Our Spiritual Leaders.
Board of Trustees.
Board President
Mackey Essary
Mackey is our Mack-of-all-trades. She has been a member of Unity Spiritual Center since 2005. This is her fifth term on the board over the years. She has served as a prayer chaplain, manages the facilities, volunteers at all of our events and takes care of us all in general.
Trustee
Darlene Hubard
Darlene has been a member of Unity Spiritual Center since 2018. She has worked in various counseling roles. In addition to education, she has worked as a dental assistant and sales rep. Darlene has served our church as an usher/greeter, office assistant, and on special events.
Board Vice President
Alan Fields
Alan spent his career in the hospitality industry, including being on staff at the Kennedy White House, GM of Four Seasons Restaurant NYC, serving as Food & Beverage Director at the Helmsley Palace Hotel and as GM of David Rockefeller's private club. He has 3 daughters and now lives with his life partner, Barbara Hadley, who serves with him as an Ambassador to USC.
Trustee
Cathy Filppone
Cathy was born in Scarsdale NY but after she married her husband Charlie's job moved them and their three sons all over the US, England and Guatemala. In 1990 Cathy & Charlie started their own business, which Cathy took over when Charlie passed. After retiring, she discovered Unity Spiritual Center and has blessed us with her many beautiful flower arrangements.
Board Secretary
Barbara Layton
Barb came to Unity as a long-time student of “A Course In Miracles” and is a current devotee of “A Course of Love”. She is grateful for Unity’s acceptance of all paths to God. A year-round resident of Sun City, she helps with the library, kitchen, book store and events.
Alternate Trustee
Paul Martodam
Paul has been a member of USC for 9 years. For over 40 years he led community organizations, primarily Catholic Charities. He has served on local, state and national boards promoting best practices and advocacy to achieve social justice. Paul and Linda have been married for 54 years; they have 5 children & 7 grandchildren.
Board Treasurer
Stan Shawl
Stan has a background of serving on a church board (treasurer), two hospital foundation boards, and a long tenure on a Rotary Club board. He has a masters degree in financial services, holds a Chartered Life Underwriters and Financial Consultants certification, is a retired Naval Flight Officer, college instructor, family farm manager, and insurance agent. He was the freshman Crew Coach at UC Berkeley and was a US Rowing referee. He and his wife Billie live in Surprise.
Music Team
Mission Statement
To teach and demonstrate spiritual principles that inspire people to live their greatest life through discovering Spirit within.
Vision Statement
Advance spiritual growth in our community and our world by expressing love for all, acceptance of all and service to all.
Faith Statement
There is only One Presence and One Power in the Universe… God the Good, Omnipotent!