Unity Church of San Francisco sits at 240 Page Street in the Hayes Valley neighborhood of San Francisco, inside a restored 5,000-square-foot historic building with soaring ceilings, stained glass, and natural light. A New Thought spiritual community rather than a traditional church, Unity SF gathers people who want to explore spirituality through practical principles they can apply on Monday morning, not through rigid dogma. The community is led by Senior Minister Rev. Ken Daigle and is built around music, meditation, inclusive welcome, and a five-principle approach to spiritual living.
The Five Principles at the Heart of Unity SF
Unity San Francisco is grounded in five core principles that shape everything from Sunday talks to meditation practices. The first is the declaration, also known as Unity's first principle, that there is only One Presence and One Power active as the Universe and in my life: God. The community reads this as a loving, present source rather than a distant judge, and emphasizes that the Universe is fundamentally for each person rather than against them.
The second principle holds that every person is Divinity in expression and therefore inherently good. Unity SF teaches that no one is broken or born in sin, and that each person carries a unique divine potential waiting to be realized.
The third principle teaches that we create with our thoughts and beliefs. Rather than blaming circumstances or treating them as punishment, Unity SF encourages people to recognize that thoughts act as the lens shaping how life is experienced, and that shifting mindset can shift experience.
The fourth principle is that through prayer and meditation, heart and mind align with God. Unity SF practices affirmative prayer and guided meditation to quiet mental noise, connect with intuition, and open to peace and possibility.
The fifth principle holds that through thoughts, words, and actions, people live in the Truth they know. Spirituality at Unity SF extends past Sunday morning into how neighbors are treated, how stress is handled, and how each person shows up in the world.
These principles come with a clear view of sacred texts and Jesus. The Bible and other scriptures are read as metaphor, myth, and allegory, not as literal historical fact. Jesus is honored as a great historical wayshower who demonstrated radical love and deep understanding. Unity SF does not believe in a literal geographic hell or eternal punishment; instead, heaven and hell are understood as states of being, with heaven experienced whenever attention shifts from fear and doubt into love, harmony, and peace. Unity is also distinct from Unitarianism; the two share a similar name but are separate traditions.
The Sunday Experience at 240 Page Street
Sunday mornings at Unity SF are built around three overlapping rhythms. The morning begins at 10:15 a.m. with a curated meditation in the sanctuary, offered both in person and online. Each week features a different form: a Sound Bath the first week, a Guided meditation the second week, a Labyrinth meditation the third week, and Chanting meditation the fourth week.
At 11:00 a.m., the Music and Message service begins. Live music is a centerpiece. Every song is selected with intention to reinforce the day's lesson, so that the message is not just understood mentally but felt. Talks by Rev. Ken Daigle, guest ministers, and community teachers draw on the Unity five principles, neuroscience, contemporary culture, and stories from the congregation. Topics have ranged from the spiritual lessons of Hamilton to the four levels of consciousness, the freedom of forgiveness, the meaning of Pride, and the power of imagination. Services run to about 12:15 p.m., after which a Hospitality Hour invites everyone to stay for conversation and refreshments.
For those joining remotely, every Sunday is livestreamed on YouTube and remains available in the Sunday Talk Archive, which holds years of recorded services. An After Service Zoom also opens following the in-person gathering so online participants can connect with one another.
In-Play: A Children's Program of Discovery Over Dogma
While adults sit with the Sunday service, children ages two to twelve join In-Play, Unity SF's youth and family program. The Sunday morning runs from 10:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., the same hours as the main service. The program is led by Youth and Family Director Kayla Campbell, a 2nd Grade Resident Teacher at Town School for Boys with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from UCLA.
The philosophy behind In-Play is discovery over dogma. Rather than telling children what to think, the program offers a safe, inclusive, interfaith space to ask big questions, celebrate their own inner light, and learn the value of kindness. Sessions blend interactive storytelling, crafts, and discussion on a weekly theme. Children explore universal ideas such as You Are Good, We Are All Connected, Thoughts Matter, Quiet Time is Powerful, and Action Counts. Lessons are grounded in Unity's optimistic outlook, while welcoming families of every background and belief.
Practical care is part of the program. Every staff member and volunteer undergoes a comprehensive background check. A monitored check-in and check-out system ensures children only leave with their own adults. The program is described as neurodiverse friendly, with families invited to share how their child can best be supported.
The Music Ministry
Music is treated as an extension of ministry at Unity SF. The music team selects every song, screen graphic, and spoken word with intention to enhance the full spiritual experience. The result is a Sunday service that draws from Lady Gaga, Cyndi Lauper, Lenny Kravitz, Broadway composers, soul artists, and contemporary musicians, alongside original pieces.
The Music Ministry is built around Minister of Music Misa Malone, who has joyfully served the community for over a decade. A dynamic vocalist, performer, and teacher, Misa is a proud Unity Ministerial student devoted to the principles of New Thought. Beyond Unity SF, her career has included performances with Beach Blanket Babylon, the National Anthem for the San Francisco Giants, 49ers, and Golden State Warriors, and roles in productions such as Shrek the Musical and When We Rise. She is a voting member of the Recording Academy (the Grammys) and is currently working on a New Thought music project.
The band includes Arthur Khu on keyboards, a graduate of Oberlin Conservatory with more than 35 years of professional experience across piano, organ, guitar, and bass; Luke Schwartz on guitar and bass, a San Francisco native who has played across the Bay Area, New Orleans, and New York City; and Brian Fishler on drums and percussion, whose credits range from major film soundtracks including The Lego Batman Movie to international touring with artists across genres. The Unity Choir is open to vocalists of every level, with rehearsals and Sunday performances forming a regular rhythm.
Meditations: Sunday and Weekday
Meditation is a daily practice at Unity SF. The Sunday morning meditation from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. is a curated experience held in the sanctuary and online. The Midday Meditation runs Monday through Friday from 12:00 to 12:15 p.m. online only, offering a brief guided pause in the middle of the workday to quiet the noise and align with the Divine. A Meditation Archive of five- to twenty-minute reflections drawn from Sunday services is available for use throughout the week.
The team behind this rhythm is led by Rev. Eleesabeth Hager, Minister of Meditations and Poetry. Her path has woven together landscape architecture, early multimedia work, interfaith hospice chaplaincy, and grief support, and she is currently completing her Spiritual Direction certification. Under her leadership, meditation is understood as the conscious practice of listening to the Divine rather than simple relaxation.
Affirmative Prayer and the Prayer Chaplain Program
Affirmative prayer is a defining practice at Unity SF. It is not a plea to a distant deity. Instead, it is described as a tool for shifting awareness from the noise of the world to the peace of the Divine within. The community frames affirmative prayer through the metaphor of clear water poured into a murky jug, with each affirmation diluting fear-based patterns and rewiring neural pathways toward possibility.
The prayer process taught at Unity SF moves through five steps: Open, by breathing deeply and creating space for new understanding; Recognize, by acknowledging one Presence and one Power as all-pervading; Integrate, by aligning with this Power and knowing the Divine nature is present within; Realize, by claiming wholeness, abundance, and peace as spiritual truth; and Appreciate, by releasing the prayer with gratitude.
A trained team of Prayer Chaplains holds submitted prayer requests in a sacred space of love and light, standing with each person in the truth of their worth and wholeness. Requests can be submitted online for personal follow-up or silent, confidential support. Licensed Unity Teacher Dave Cooperberg leads the Prayer Chaplain team, drawing on a 1978 foundation in Buddhist silent meditation and a long career as a licensed psychotherapist.
Spiritual Connection Groups
Beyond Sunday services, Unity SF nurtures small gatherings through Spiritual Connection Groups. Two are listed as ongoing monthly offerings.
Spiritually Feminine is held on the second Tuesday of each month from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 240 Page Street. Led by Misa Malone, the group is a dedicated space for women and womxn to engage in conscious conversation and collective growth. Through the lens of Unity's five principles, members educate and empower one another to stay centered amidst the noise of today's world.
Mindful Miles meets on the fourth Monday of each month from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Led by Kate Thornton, the monthly walking group explores a different scenic location each month, from the paths of Golden Gate Park to the vistas of the Presidio. The gathering is described as a dedicated time to slow down, breathe deeply, and connect with self, community, and the city.
Other connection formats referenced include the Spiritual Salon, hosted by Board Secretary Kate Hunt, and Virtual Spiritual Salon gatherings for online members.
The Path to Membership
Membership at Unity SF is a way of moving from attending to belonging. The community outlines four reasons membership matters: deepening roots through a conscious commitment to spiritual growth, shaping the future through voting rights, opening the door to sacred service roles such as Prayer Chaplain or Board membership, and taking pride as a co-creator of the spiritual home.
The path to membership asks for consistent Sunday attendance, whether in person or online; deepening the practice through at least one class, workshop, or book study each year; and supporting the mission through a recurring financial contribution. Members receive a 10% discount on classes, workshops, and ticketed events, special rates on private building rentals for weddings and memorials, access to an annual One-Day Spiritual Retreat, semi-annual Visioning Sessions with leadership, and a personal monthly check-in call from a Prayer Chaplain. Membership is renewed annually.
From 165 Post Street to 240 Page Street: A Hundred Years of Community
Unity San Francisco was founded in 1919 by Cecilia Cardwell as the Unity Center of Practical Christianity, planting the seeds of progressive spirituality in the city at 165 Post Street. The first four decades are remembered as the Wandering Decades. Without an owned building, the congregation moved between nine different rental locations across San Francisco between 1920 and 1959, proving the church is the people, not the steeple.
In 1960, the community purchased its first owned building at 965 9th Street. It was during this era that Dr. Maya Angelou began her journey as a Truth Student at Unity SF, later noting that Unity is where she finally realized, "God loves me." Dr. Angelou spoke publicly about Unity San Francisco's impact on her life and work, including in conversation with Oprah Winfrey.
The Bush Street era began in 1994 under the leadership of Rev. Paul Tenaglia, when the community purchased and renovated a Victorian storefront at 2222 Bush Street in Lower Pacific Heights. That location defined a new chapter of growth and visibility.
In 2019, Unity SF purchased its current home at 240 Page Street in Hayes Valley. Extensive renovations transformed the historic building into the modern center for spiritual living it is today, with the auditorium, stained glass, and 22-foot video wall now serving worship, music, and community events.
Senior Minister Rev. Ken Daigle
Senior Minister Rev. Ken Daigle is a visionary leader, teacher, and author dedicated to helping individuals unlock their potential and live lives of abundance and wholeness. A native of New Orleans, his journey began as a Broadway performer, a foundation of artistry and discipline that became the bedrock for his spiritual work.
For more than a decade, Ken has guided thousands of participants across the U.S. and Canada through Absolute Abundance, his transformational prosperity program. That decade of front-line spiritual coaching culminated in his book, Unapologetic Manifestation, which integrates 30 years of New Thought study with modern neuroscience to offer a practical framework for creating a life of purpose. Ken's expertise in communication and conscious leadership has led him to serve as a recurring guest lecturer at the Stanford Graduate School of Business and as guest faculty for the Modern Elder Academy. As Senior Minister of Unity San Francisco and a long-term survivor of HIV, his life is a living testament to the principles of resilience and surrender he teaches. He lives in the Bay Area with his husband, JD, and their three children.
Rev. Ken frequently partners with Dr. J.D. Schramm on the Beyond Belief series, exploring the spiritual implications of Nir Eyal's book of the same name. Recent talks have included Don't Believe Everything You Think, You Are More Powerful Than You Think, and Labels Are Limits.
Board, Team, and Operational Leadership
Unity SF is guided by a Board of Trustees that acts as stewards of the mission, providing strategic oversight and governance. Tom LeNoble, a Unity member for more than 30 years and CEO of The Academy for Coaching Excellence, serves as Board Chair. Ethel Kellie-Schellang, a Licensed Unity Teacher with a 30-year Unity journey and a Master's in Social Work, serves as Vice Chair. Kate Hunt, a retired Spanish teacher and Social Media Ambassador, serves as Secretary. Shaun Kelly, an experienced nonprofit leader and Prayer Chaplain, serves as Treasurer. Other board members include Renee Labourdette, Hospitality Lead; Mike Hirner, a 20-year member and California Real Estate Broker; Rosie Dominia, a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Integrative Nurse Coach; Dean Harvey, a construction company owner and family music company director; Dale Lancaster, a student of Truth since the mid-1980s; and Laura Lee Burell.
Operational staff include Ryan Harvey, Director of Media, Information, and Technology, a freelance recording engineer and sound technician who joined Unity in 2017; Casson Kauffman, Executive Assistant and Executive Director and Board Member at KXSF 102.5 FM; Kayla Campbell, Youth and Family Director; and Ivis Fontez, Bookkeeper.
Welcoming Visitors: Parking and Transit
Unity SF's home at 240 Page Street is easy to reach from across San Francisco. Parking is available in front of the building. During Sunday services, visitors may double park on either side of the street; a staff member is present to help find a place to park and to keep an eye on vehicles during the service.
Several MUNI options are within a short walk. The 6 and 7 bus lines drop off one block away, while the 21 and 22 bus lines are about five blocks away. Subway lines J, K, L, M, N, and T serve Van Ness station, roughly four blocks from the building. The closest BART station is Civic Center, where riders can transfer to the subway to Van Ness and walk about ten minutes, take the 6 or 7 bus to a stop one block away, or walk the 15- to 20-minute route on foot.
What to wear is left to personal comfort. The community gathers in business-casual attire and welcomes whatever visitors choose to wear. The Hospitality Hour after each service offers a relaxed setting to meet members and ask questions.
Giving, Sponsorship, and the Volunteer Welcome
Generous support is welcomed through online giving. Recurring donations provide a steady foundation that allows Unity SF to plan, grow, and serve. Hospitality sponsorship and Music Ministry sponsorship are available for those who wish to underwrite a specific Sunday. Hospitality sponsorships of $500 a week cover food, supplies, and staff support for the post-service gathering, while Music Ministry sponsorships of $500 a week help support the professional band.
Volunteers form the daily rhythm of welcome. The Welcome Team creates a warm first impression at the door, helping guests find their way around the Page Street home. The Hospitality Team sets up, serves, and cleans up after each Sunday's fellowship hour. The Music Team invites vocalists of every level to join the Unity Choir for rehearsals and Sunday performances.
Rentals and the Building Itself
Unity SF's restored 5,000-square-foot historic building is available for values-driven events, including client gatherings, retreats, performances, screenings, and workshops. Capacity reaches 125 guests across two levels, with flexible layouts for seated or open-flow events. The space includes professional A/V, a 22-foot video wall, live-streaming, recording capability, and an on-site technician. Tables, chairs, digital signage, and shared spaces are included. Members also receive special rates on private building rentals for weddings and memorials.
Podcast, Blog, and the Wider Conversation
The Spiritual Living for the 21st Century podcast brings Unity SF's teaching into the wider world. Hosted primarily by Rev. Ken Daigle, often in conversation with Dr. J.D. Schramm and others, the podcast explores modern spiritual teachings and how to apply them in everyday life. Recent episodes have included Beyond Belief, The Four Levels of Consciousness, and New Openings, with the show available wherever podcasts are found.
The Reverend Ken's Blog and guest posts continue the conversation through essays on kindness, forgiveness, imagination, Pride, and the spiritual lessons of Hamilton. Topics range from the Divine Feminine and the Father Principle to A More Perfect Union for Independence Day, the meaning of Memorial Day, the call to Rising Together during Black History Month, and reflections on Juneteenth as a spiritual metaphor for freedom.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Pride
Unity SF has long welcomed LGBTQ+ people and their allies into its spiritual community. For decades, LGBTQ+ members have helped shape the culture of the church. The community teaches that the Divine expresses through every race, culture, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, and life experience, and that all people are created with sacred value. Ministries and outreaches are free of discrimination on the basis of race, gender identity, age, creed, religion, national origin, ethnicity, physical disability, and sexual orientation.
Each year, Unity SF celebrates Pride Month with special services and guest speakers. The community invites every person, LGBTQ+ or allied, questioning or certain, to bring their whole self to the Page Street home.
Upcoming Workshops, Classes, and Retreats
Beyond weekly rhythms, Unity SF hosts classes, workshops, and retreats throughout the year. The Unapologetic Manifestation Masterclass is a recurring multi-week online intensive with Rev. Ken Daigle exploring the Five Steps of manifestation, integrating timeless spiritual principles, neuroscience, and practical tools for lasting transformation. The community also hosts an annual Fall Fundraiser and a One-Day Spiritual Retreat for members, and partners with Spirit Tours on occasional journeys to sacred destinations. The event calendar at unitysf.com lists the current schedule.
Listening In, Reading Along, and Staying Connected
Sunday talks and music from past services live on in the Sunday Talk Archive and Music Archive on YouTube. The talk archive gathers years of services, while the music archive preserves the songs that have shaped Sunday mornings. Guided meditations are available in their own archive for five- to twenty-minute practices throughout the week.
A weekly newsletter keeps the wider community connected with reflections, announcements, and event highlights. A Connection Card invites visitors and members alike to share contact details and prayer requests. Prayer requests can be submitted online at any time, and a quiet place is held for every name received.
Unity San Francisco continues to gather at 240 Page Street as a community where spirituality is treated as discovery rather than dogma, where music and meditation are as central as the message, and where everyone is invited to bring their whole self through the door.