Unity Temple On the Plaza

I don’t think I have been here for a service, but for many other options, I have enjoyed my visits to Unity. Unity hosts a lot of book signings, I have been for Hillary and Anne Rice. They know how to keep the lines moving and the area is nice for speakers. My favorite event is the annual (nex year they will be through twice!) sand mandala creation. It is really an amazing process to watch and begs multiple trips during the week the monks are in town to watch the progress.
Unity offers both a Christian service and a Buddhist service. They have many different classes and programs to participate in. And not affiliated, but attached, a must stop restaurant Eden Alley.
Great, very welcoming environment.

I felt so very accepted here. I’ve never felt that as much as I have with other Churches. It is a place, where I can really be myself and be what ever I want to be without any judgement or eye brows raising towards me. Growing up Catholic and even going to a Catholic High School, I’ve had that foundation of religion that will always be there, but unfortunately I’ve become indifferent with many of their views. I was recommended by my aunt to go here and I can’t praise this place enough. (It is not my intention to bash Catholicism, if you are reading this and feel that you have been offended, you’ve got my sincerest of apologies)
First off, I’m drawn to music and there have been many instances that I feel tears running down my face after hearing the amazing choir and soloists here. I can feel every word that they sing. It’s amazing to see such amazing talent all in one place gather every Sunday. I am always left in awe of that raw emotional feelings they leave on the podium after they sing. It inspires me not only musically, but I take it to heart, which I rarely had when singing traditional Catholic church book songs. (This is coming from a cantor growing up… I guess I was never really able to internalize a lot of those years old songs… and that the contemporary stuff they sing here really tugs at my heart strings)
Seing the unity of the people here is amazing. I also believe that the speakers that come every week are phenomenal at conversing their love for God by conveying heart felt stories that anyone can relate too. Sometimes it’s just too hard relating to a book written five hundred years ago… and just hearing about a day to day story with an uplifting message will make the biggest of difference rather than to hear a story you’ve been hearing since you were a kid.
I want to try and attend service more. Besides the music, my favorite part is the meditation time when you just unwind and relax… getting in touch with your inner self.
I recommend coming here! Check out a service on Sundays at 10:30am. On your first time, make sure you tell an usher, so you can get your welcome packet that comes with a meditation CD too!
I’d like to end this review with a quote from a song that truly captures the unity of love here:
«No law is gonna change us
We have to change us
Whatever God you believe in
We come from the same one
Strip away the fear
Underneath it’s all the same love» — Macklemore
#Preach
Happy Soul Searching!

There is a reason all the reviews of Unity Temple are 5 star. I was a «lost soul» for a lot of years. I stayed away from church because nothing seemed to hit home with me. But I read some of Duke’s columns in the KC Star. I watched some videos of lessons on youtube. I finally went there. I found a spiritual home. The place is just alive with life — so much going on… so spiritual… so much good in all of us. The service is one hour long and the feeling I have carries me thru the week. If you are feeling lost — just come down one Sunday. This is a place that accepts you just the way you are, and I love that.

I like the philosophy of the temple here – it’s like different religious traditions are embraced and not in competition with each other. This is the way it should be as we have much to learn from different traditions. It seems to be open and focuses on the soul needs.
I say this because of the chapel in which you may meditate. Any place offering a sanctuary to meditate is in the right direction., IMHO.
The restaurant is also an indication of finding ways to nourish the soul as well.

I don’t attend church here, but I’ve gone to several of Unity’s functions. Plus, you can say I frequently eat their restaurant in the basement. The functions they provide, from my Akashic Record Practitioner training, to Rainbow Book’s author signing, to yoga classes, very impressive. They have Reiki classes going on in one room, and a Bible study going on in the next room. I think that’s kind of cool.
I guess I’m trying to say the nondenominational churches are amazing. They allow all religions: Buddah, Christian, others. Plus, I believe they have services with musical guests.
To step inside, beyond Eden Alley, and sneak a peek at the beautiful stained glass windows is captivating. If there’s no event going on, go in and take a break, and you’ll see what I mean. it’s really a nice place. Hopefully they can get the bookstore figured out, and back up and running.

This Unity church is amazing. My family has been coming here for about 15 years. I always leave the Sunday service feeling uplifted. The choir is great and every Sunday, a special musical guest sings as well. Geneva Price sings here frequently and she is a KC jazz legend. Duke always has a great message to share as well that is easy to follow and understand.
Great services at the church:
1. Easter Sunday service– everyone receives a flower at the entrance. Toward the end of the service, everyone walks to the front of the church to place their flower in a wooden cross. It is so beautiful when they lift it at the end!
2. Tom Jacobs Christmas concert– beautiful concert. Tom Jacobs has the voice of an angel and is a super nice guy to boot!
3. Strong children’s group that sings at the end of the 10:30 Sunday service.
4. Sign-​language interpreters are available during services
5. Great marriage services and funeral services. My Dad and stepmom got married in a gazebo outside in Westin, MO and Duke performed the marriage ceremony there. A couple summers ago, my Dad passed away :(and we had a Celebration of Life at the Unity Temple. They helped us make the ceremony a positive reflection on my Dad’s life and let us play the music/​slideshows we wanted. We had a lot of freedom to put pictures around that we wanted. They really helped make the service as painless and easy to get through as possible.
This is a really great church. I love coming here. There are a lot of groups and services to attend, as well as a great choir, bookstore, and Eden Alley vegetarian café!