Unity in the Gold Country and Unity Worldwide
What is Unity?
Unity is a spiritual movement grounded in universal truths that transcend religious boundaries. We believe in the innate divinity of every person and the power of practical, positive principles to transform lives. Our teachings draw from the wisdom of ancient spiritual traditions, the life and message of Jesus, and the ongoing revelation of truth in everyday life.
We don’t tell you what to believe—we invite you to explore your own spiritual path.
Through affirmative prayer, mindful living, and a focus on love, unity, and oneness, we discover the infinite potential within ourselves and each other.
At Unity, we honor all faiths, all paths, and all people. Because at our core, we are all one.
What we practice and believe
The Five Unity Principles
God Is…There is one power and presence in the universe—God the Good, everywhere present and active.
We Are…We are all divine at our core, created in the image of God, with infinite potential.
Our Thoughts Create…Our thoughts, beliefs, and feelings shape our reality. What we focus on, we create.
Prayer Connects…Prayer and meditation align us with the divine within, opening us to clarity, peace, and guidance.
Live the Truth…Spiritual principles come alive when we practice them daily through our thoughts, words, and actions.
Rev. Anand Anma
About Our Minister
Rev. Anand Anma – Senior Minister, Unity in the Gold Country
Rev. Anand Anma brings a heart-centered, inclusive, and dynamic approach to spiritual leadership at Unity in the Gold Country. As a Licensed and Ordained Unity Minister, Rev. Anand is passionate about creating a welcoming space where individuals of all backgrounds and ages can experience spiritual transformation, deep connection, and meaningful service.
With extensive experience in coaching, leadership, and community development, Rev. Anand specializes in fostering spiritual growth, empowering individuals to discover their divine potential, and building intergenerational connections. Their background includes over a decade of work in relationship coaching, organizational leadership, and facilitating workshops and retreats that inspire conscious living and authentic expression.
A lifelong student and teacher of personal development, Rev. Anand has guided hundreds of individuals through transformational journeys, integrating Unity’s foundational teachings with wisdom from diverse spiritual traditions. They have served on leadership councils, facilitated reconciliation work, and designed innovative approaches to community building.
At Unity in the Gold Country, Rev. Anand envisions a thriving spiritual community rooted in love, oneness, and service. She/her are dedicated to expanding youth and family programs, nurturing compassionate leadership, and ensuring that Unity’s message remains relevant and accessible to all.
Staff & Board of Directors
Lezlie Vannatta
Ministerial Assistant
Top row: Joe Darby, Katharine Beatty, Mark Wandro, Rev. Anand Anma, Carly Tousley, Kurtis Zumwalt,
Bottom row: Theresia Evans, Julia Hamilton, Ann Sommerveil
Our History: A Legacy of Spiritual Growth and Community
Rev. Joe and Lynn
Rev. Joe and Lyn Sloan
Unity in the Gold Country has been a place of spiritual connection, transformation, and community since its founding in 2000 by Rev. Joe and Lynn Sloan. Inspired by Unity’s principles of love, oneness, and the divine presence within all people, our community has grown into a welcoming space for individuals and families seeking a positive, practical approach to spiritual living.
With faith and vision, Rev. Joe and Lynn Sloan recognized the need for an inclusive, heart-centered spiritual home in the Sierra Nevada foothills. They laid the foundation for a congregation built on the core Unity teachings: the power of affirmative prayer, the interconnectedness of all life, and the belief that we are all expressions of the divine. Rev. Joe now serves as Minister Emeritus, honoring his pivotal role in shaping our community’s roots.
Rev. Jere Farrell
In 2005, Rev. Jere Farrell stepped into leadership as our senior minister. With a background as a Catholic priest, Rev. Jere brought a deep sense of reverence, wisdom, and compassion to the community. His journey from traditional ministry to Unity’s inclusive, practical spirituality resonated with many and helped the congregation grow in both size and spiritual depth. Under his guidance, Unity in the Gold Country became known as a place where everyone—regardless of age, background, or belief—could feel seen, valued, and inspired.
Rev. Jere retired in 2024, leaving a lasting legacy of faith and unity. He now serves as Minister Emeritus, continuing to hold a special place in the heart of the community.
Today, Rev. Anand Anma leads Unity in the Gold Country into its next chapter. With a passion for inclusivity, youth and family programs, and community engagement, Rev. Anand carries forward the spirit of our founders while embracing the evolving needs of our growing congregation.
As we honor our past, we remain grounded in the timeless principles of Unity—love, oneness, and the sacred presence of the divine within and around us. We invite you to join us as we continue this beautiful journey together.