Deep cuts and gouges spiral in etching on massive stone doors. A huge glass sun rises high up above, reflecting a fiery of flames. And a slow incline of steps lead the truth-seeking wanderers to none other than the Unity Spiritual Center of Boulder.

This Friday night, April 8^ththe young adults of Unity (“Next Generation”) are hosting their first of what will be a regular Second Friday of the month ‘Open-Heart Mic.’

“We want to really open up the space for people who want to express their poetry and music,” said Sierra Samuel, marketing and promotions director at Unity. “It’s called an Open-Heart Mic because it really is suppose to be a space for openness and neutrality and acceptance of everyone’s art. There’s no limit, really, to what people can offer.”

Unity is a “new thought” Christian movement with churches nation-wide. They do not necessarily believe in Heaven or Hell. “It’s more beginning at being part of your current life instead of some distant tentative,” said Samuel. “It’s more like Heaven and God is within you, kind of philosophy.”

According to Reverend Jack Groverland on their website, what sets Unity apart from other Christian denominations is, “Unity acknowledges an omnipresent Christ who guides, heals, and transforms people from within.”

The giant stone doors open out effortlessly while the sun-window draws in the great yellow sunlight to mingle with the welcoming cool air within.

“They [people at a bar] don’t want to listen to me opening my heart, spilling my guts out. But Unity’s space and venue is a really good place for that; to be more self-reflective, contemplative, and in a spiritual mood.” – Sierra Samuel

The Next Gen, young adults of Unity, range in age from 19 – 39 years old. They organize different events at the spiritual center like drum circles, kirtans, and now poetry open-mics.

“For me, my music, is not something I would want to go to a bar and share,” said Samuel. “People want to drink, and party at a bar. They don’t want to listen to me opening my heart, spilling my guts out. But Unity’s space and venue is a really good place for that; to be more self-reflective, contemplative, and in a spiritual mood.”

The Daily Camera’s BOCO Gold Award 2015 voted Unity of Boulder “Best Place for Worship” in Boulder County. The open-mic invitation is extended to the over-all community and not just restricted to Unity church members.

The well-lit and spacious Hall, long extending wooden floors and high south-facing glass windows, is filled with compassion and reverence, coffee and tea, open hearts and open minds.

“We really like the energy of the youth,” said Samuel. “They are willing to express themselves; willing to take a chance. They’re speaking for the people who don’t always have a voice. We want to encourage that creative energy. It’s important to have a place for them… (The open-mic) is also social. It’s about grassroots. It’s really about being creative, more than anything. I think creativity is essentially spiritual.”

Find Unity of Boulder Spiritual Center at 2855 Folsom Street, Boulder. The Open-Heart Mic is held every Second Friday, this month April 8^th, at 7pm in Fellowship Hall, connected to the church. And find out more about Next Generation Unity at: UnityofBoulder.com.