About Us
A spiritually grounded, welcoming community rooted in Unity
teachings, practical prayer, and a genuine love for one another.
A Different Kind of Spiritual Community
Unity of Raleigh offers a positive, practical, and inclusive approach to spirituality. We honor the teachings of Jesus while embracing wisdom from the world's great spiritual traditions.
Founded on the understanding that God is not a distant being but an indwelling presence of love, wisdom, and life, Unity teaches that every person has direct access to divine guidance and the spiritual power within.
We believe in the practice of affirmative prayer, applying spiritual principles in everyday life, and the inherent goodness and divine potential of every person. Our purpose is not to tell you what to believe, but to support you in discovering and living the truth of who you are.
Our Leadership
Unity of Raleigh is guided by a dedicated team of spiritual leaders and volunteers who are committed to this community and this ministry.
Rev. Ellen Barron, M.Div.
Senior Minister
Rev. Ellen, a licensed and ordained Unity minister, leads Unity of Raleigh with warmth and spiritual depth. She is committed to spiritual awakening, love, and the recognition of our oneness. Her practical, inclusive teaching, grounded in Unity principles, invites people to connect with the Divine within, discover their authentic selves, and live with greater peace, purpose, and joy. She is passionate about creating a community where people feel welcomed and supported as they grow and bring their spiritual understanding into everyday life.
Rev. Annie Nelson
Rev. Annie is an ordained interfaith minister, certified life coach, and board-certified master hypnotist. She is passionate about helping people live with greater purpose by applying spiritual principles to everyday life. Her compassionate, encouraging approach helps people discover wisdom within themselves and create meaningful, lasting change. In her discussion groups, she creates a supportive space where personal growth, healing, and spiritual practice come together.
Rev. Teresa Curry
Rev. Teresa is a licensed and ordained Unity minister whose ministry is grounded in inclusivity, love, and the transformative power of spiritual practice, drawing from diverse spiritual traditions. She encourages others to deepen their practice and leads a monthly class on affirmative prayer, inviting others to explore oneness, awaken their spiritual power, and embrace transformation. She also leads weekly book study classes, creating a space for spiritual growth.
Gregg Bockover
Music and Technology Director
Gregg has served as Music Director at Unity of Raleigh for many years, bringing his passion, creativity, and joyful energy to our Sunday services. As leader of the Uh-Huh Band, he fills our sanctuary with original songs and soulful, uplifting music that inspires and connects our community. Gregg also serves as our Technology Director, bringing that same dedication and expertise to creating high-quality productions for our Sunday services and special events.
Melanie Raskin
Prayer Team Leader
Melanie is a longtime Unity of Raleigh member and the dedicated leader of our Prayer Ministry, carrying forward Unity's deep tradition of affirmative prayer. With warmth and compassion, she coordinates our Prayer Team, offering heartfelt prayer support, hope, and encouragement to those navigating life's challenges. Melanie also leads our monthly Prayer Ministry gatherings, creating meaningful conversations that deepen spiritual practice and inspire more peaceful, empowered, and fulfilling lives.
Shawnice Smith
Youth & Family Ministry Director
Shawnice brings passion and compassion to her role as Director of Youth and Family Ministry (YFM). With a psychology degree from UNC Greensboro and four years of experience with children with special needs, she understands how to connect and inspire. Shawnice helps children discover spiritual principles through fun, interactive experiences that foster creativity and growth—from gardening and crafts to meaningful classroom activities.
Our Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors serves Unity of Raleigh with vision, stewardship, and heart—supporting our ministry and helping our community thrive.
Back Row (left to right)
Rev. Ellen Barron, Minister · Clara Davis, President · Nitia Steward, Vice President · Bob Casey, Treasurer
Front Row (left to right)
Dorothy Muccio, Secretary · Steven Fried, Member at Large · Tara Bertino, Member at Large
Our Core Beliefs
Unity is a positive, practical spiritual path with no dogma—an invitation to explore rather than be told what to believe. Our teachings draw from the timeless wisdom of many spiritual traditions and include a metaphysical interpretation of the Bible. At the heart of Unity is the understanding that we are all connected through one Divine Presence. We offer practical spiritual principles that help us live with greater peace, purpose, and an awareness of the Divine within.
God Is All and Is Good
God is everywhere and always present in every circumstance. This divine energy underlies and animates all of existence.
The Christ Within
Human beings are innately good because they are connected to and an expression of Spirit.
The Power of Prayer
Prayer and meditation connect and align us to our own spiritual nature within God.
Scripture as Metaphysical Wisdom
We interpret the Bible metaphysically and as a symbol of your personal journey.
The Law of Mind Action
Our thoughts have creative power to influence events and determine our experiences.
Practical Spiritual Living
It is not enough to understand spiritual teachings. We must apply our learning in all areas of life, incorporating them into our thoughts, words, and actions.
Mission, Vision & Values
Our Mission
We are a light in the world, centered in Spirit to inspire acceptance, peace, love and transformation.
Our Vision
Centered in God we joyfully co-create the transformation of the world by who we are: loving, accepting and giving.
Our Values
Spiritual Growth, Authenticity, Transformation, Love, Inspiration, and Acceptance
Board & Church Documents
Unity of Raleigh is governed by a dedicated Board of Trustees and operates with transparency and accountability to our congregation and community.
Church documents including bylaws and annual meeting minutes are available to members upon request. Contact our office for more information.
Request Church Documents