On April 1st, 2020, Unity of Ocala began a new relationship with Unity minister Rev. Lauri Gist. Our spiritual family had been without a minister for 11 months following the retirement of Rev. Prentiss John Davis on April 29th 2019. Reverend Lauri Gist came to us as a guest speaker many times throughout those 11 months and eventually the universe revealed to both Rev. Lauri and to the congregation that she was the right and perfect person for our open position. We could not be more pleased. And what did she find on her first official day? A church closed due to the 2020 Pandemic of COVID-19. This date will be notable and memorable for a long time to come.
Reverend Lauri Gist, is an ordained Unity Minister who was privileged and honored to serve Unity Church of Citrus County from 1997 until 2013 first as Youth Director and Licensed Teacher and then becoming Senior Minister in 2003.
Along with a Seminary Degree from Unity Institute, Lauri holds a dual Bachelor’s degree in Comparative Religion and Biblical Studies and in Spiritual and Holistic Studies from Union University in Vermont.
Rev. Lauri served as President of the Suncoast Unity Ministers Association for 6 years and recently conducted interim work, ministry consulting and team leadership training for Unity and Interfaith communities in in the Southeast Region. Lauri also facilitates Comparative Religion courses, Meditation and Prayer Techniques and Therapeutic Art Retreats throughout the state of Florida.
Lauri resides in Inverness Florida with her husband of 34 years and together they enjoy indulging their 3, soon to be 4 grandchildren.
It is Rev. Lauri’s life work and joy to live the Unity Principles and to help others realize God’s dream for their life and how they may live their highest calling.
