OUR MINISTERS
REV. MARCHIENE RIENSTRA
Marchiene describes her life as "one grand, glorious adventure!"
REV. MARCHIENE RIENSTRA
Marchiene describes her life as "one grand, glorious adventure!"Coming to Unity on the Lakeshore in 2003, five years later, Reverend Marty is still energizing the congregation with inspirational messages that encourage practical applications. From leading congregational pilgrimages to Unity Village, the World headquarters of the Unity moment, to teaching how to incorporate universal spiritual practices into our daily lives, Reverend Marty illustrates a life of dedication and service.
Marchiene was born to medical missionary parents who served in India and Pakistan. Her first fourteen years of life in India greatly influenced her love of the interfaith traditions. She taught at Calvin College and Western Theological Seminary. She and her husband John along with their four children served in Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Mexico.
Reverend Marty’s statement and dedications:
• To celebrate and proclaim the Divine Truth that shines in all the world’s Wisdom Traditions, for the sake of greater understanding and peace in the world, and the raising of human consciousness.
• To honor the Feminine Face of God, and empower women and men to express the Divine Feminine in their lives as full and equal partners in the home and in all arenas of society, for the sake of the flourishing of all.
• To honor the Feminine Face of God, and empower women and men to express the Divine Feminine in their lives as full and equal partners in the home and in all arenas of society, for the sake of the flourishing of all.
Who is Reverend Marty?
• A lifelong student of world religions/wisdoms.
• A supporter of ecumenical endeavors that promote our “oneness.”
• The first woman to graduate from Calvin Seminary with a Master in Divinity Degree.
• Creator of the Network to Empower Women.
• First woman to be senior pastor in the Reformed Church of America.
• Author of five books: Knowing the Lord, Swallow’s Nest, Come to the Feast, The Future for Women, Elisha’s Search
Her credentials and experience include:
• Master of Divinity, Calvin Seminary 1978.
• Master of Divinity, All Faiths Seminary, New York 2000.
• B.A. in English and Speech, Calvin College, Grand Rapids Michigan.
• Co-founder of Interfaith Dialogue Association, Grand Rapids Michigan.
• Co-founder of and former Minister at Mother’s Trust/Mother’s Place, Ganges, Michigan.
• Co-founder of the Interfaith Institute at Mother’ Trust/Mother’s Place in Ganges, Michigan.
• Regular panelist on ecumenical/interfaith radio program, “Soundings.”
• She has served churches in the Presbyterian, Reformed and Congregational denominations.
Reverend Marty invites you to experience your own grand, glorious adventure through the enfolding miracle of Be-ing. Join her for this mystical journey at Unity on the Lakeshore.
PASTOR SHERRY PETRO-SURDEL
Sherry arrived at Unity on the Lakeshore by way of water in 1998. Each summer she and her husband Mel would spend weekends on their floating retreat. Their love for the community grew stronger with each passing season. Then, after four seasons of being moored at Tower Marina, spending her Sunday mornings meditating and pondering her spiritual destiny, Sherry found Unity on the Lakeshore. She no longer had to do her spiritual journey alone. Winters became difficult because she was unable to attend her beloved new spiritual home. What else could she and Mel do but sell their home in the Chicago area and move to Douglas? And so they did in 2004.Sherry’s Mission Statement
• To be true to myself in words, deeds and actions.
• To give until there is nothing I can do but Give More.
• To love until there is nothing I can do but Love More.
• To be a contribution to this world in whatever way God calls me to be.
Who is Sherry Petro-Surdel?
• A spiritual counselor who sees possibilities and assists others in actualizing all that is possible.
• Dedicated to incorporating the Universal Wisdoms of the ages and the sages into this moment of modern life.
• A licensed minister who has served as Associate Pastor of Unity on the Lakeshore since January 2008.
• A certified Life Coach (The Academy for Coaching Excellence, 2004).
• An adept and sensitive therapist (LCSW) with thriving practices in the Chicago, IL area and Douglas, MI.
Credentials and Experience
• Adler School of Professional Psychology - 2 years doctoral studies.
• University of Chicago - MS in social Service Administration, June 1988.
• Saint Xavier University, Chicago - BA in Family Therapy; BS Criminal Justice Counseling, June 1986.
• Southside Christian Counseling Center, Orland Park, IL - Clinical Coordinator and Psychotherapist, 1986-1989.
• Private practice since 1989 at 7804 West College Drive, Suite 2SW, Palos Heights, IL 60463 and since April 2007 at 201 Center Street, Suite 4, Douglas, MI.
Sherry Petro-Surdel welcomes you to test the waters and immerse yourself in the joy of truth seeking at Unity on the Lakeshore.