THERE'S NO ``US'' AND ``THEM'' AT UNITY CHURCH.

Byline: Holly Andres Staff Writer

BURBANK - From the opening joy songs to the closing prayer and peace circle, the congregation of Unity Church of Burbank and North Hollywood forges a link to God and to each other every Sunday.

``Our services are uplifting, soothing and inspirational,'' said Annemarie Howse. ``Our motto is `We build a bridge of love to all who enter here.'''

Howse's late husband, the Rev. Stan Howse, was the spiritual leader for about four years at the nondenominational church founded in North Hollywood in 1946. His successor, the Rev. Sally Kinarthy, was installed as minister in September.

Unity - positive, practical Christianity - is known for its monthly publication of inspirational messages, the ``Daily Word.''

The Unity movement was originally founded as a prayer ministry by Charles and Myrtle Fillmore in Kansas City, Mo., in 1889. The Association of Unity Churches claims more than 900 member churches and study groups.

``Unity is open and inclusive. We believe that God loves all of us and no one is left out. There is no 'us' and 'them' mentality,'' Kinarthy said. ``We teach that abundance and wellness is God's will.

``Unity is just such a wonderful way of life. It's much more than an hour on Sunday. It teaches the art of living. It can make your life better, richer and happier.''

Kinarthy taught English and English-as-a-second-language classes in Los Angeles junior high schools for many years. After a search for a church home as an adult she came upon Unity and was so impressed by the teachings that she changed careers and became an ordained Unity minister in 1993.

``She is very down-to-earth and someone you can relate to,'' said Dan Simpson, president of the board at the church. ``She's a people person. Her sermons are about practical ways to live your life.''

Simpson, an organ transplant procurement coordinator, said that he feels uplifted and satisfied after a service at Unity Church of Burbank and North Hollywood, where he has been a member since 1980.

``Unity teachings have brought God, the Spirit, the Creator into my present life rather than looking into the beyond,'' said Simpson. ``God is in the midst of us. I'm impressed by the teaching that everyone is equal in God's eyes.''

The congregation is proud of the ``best music in town,'' led by musical and choir director Donna Miller, and the Sunday school for children and teens. Even though it's modest in size the congregation has been heartened by parents complimenting the moral guidance of Unity teachings that led one parent to say ``these are the best kids I've ever met.''

Howse said that the church's social hour after the service is very important to the congregation. Members and visitors are encouraged to stay and enjoy coffee and a snack, often a homemade treat.

``I've realized that for many people - the elderly and children, too - church may be the highlight of their week. I've been to churches where people who may have been going there for 20 years just scoot right away after the service,'' Howse said. ``I think there is a neediness for attention for all of us. Why not make it so (after a service)? We encourage people to sit down and stay. And they do because they feel the love.''

``Tuning In'' will be the message delivered by the Rev. Sally Kinarthy at the 11 a.m. Sunday service at Unity Church of Burbank and North Hollywood, 637 S. Victory Blvd., Burbank. Silent meditation at 10:30 a.m. Dial-an-Inspiration (recorded Daily Word message) [phone]. Call [phone].

Holly Andres, [phone]

holly.andres(at)dailynews.com