Meet Us
Our Story
“I think you can learn to be brave and to trust. Sometimes it takes a while. Spiritual Soul Center didn’t just happen. I had to stay awake and be open to where life was guiding me to be. Over the last few years I practiced following the direction I was receiving from within and trusting that something bigger than me was happening. I seemed to wander…but now realize that the wandering was part of getting to right where I am now. The Spiritual Soul Center was born by letting go and following the urge to be all I came here to be. It was born because the people I invited to participate and get it off the ground brought an energy to it that would not be stopped. I am dedicated to growing this movement because I know we can make a difference, a real and positive difference…together. Grow, Serve, Transform. Here we go!”
Rev Paula
Rev. Paula Zabkar, Spiritual Leader
Paula is a passionate teacher and inspiring speaker who walks her talk. She believes in using ancient and contemporary wisdom as a guide to living spiritually in present life circumstances. Her highest prayer is to inspire you to live an extraordinary life!
She was previously the Spiritual Leader at Unity Spiritual Life Center in Durham, NC and Interim Spiritual Leader at Unity of Wilmington in Wilmington, NC.
Paula has a Bachelor’s Degree in Metaphysical Science from the University of Metaphysics, is a Licensed Unity Teacher and Life Coach.
My Story
I distinctly remember feeling the first time that Spirit (God) tugged on my heartstrings, calling me home. It was the day I walked to the front of my childhood church to say I wanted to be baptized. I was so young, I wasn’t fully aware of what I was choosing, only that those steps were the right ones in that moment. I have taken many steps since then on many paths, but no matter how off course or completely lost they may have seemed in the moment, all of them have led me in the direction of the Beloved and my heart’s home. Continuing to follow this pull, I found myself at Spiritual Soul Center. I have known and loved Paula for many years and was touched by what she has created. Spiritual Soul Center is a safe place of belonging, practicing, and learning. I have discovered here, a sense of Self, a sense of community, and a sense of peace. There are so many opportunities for serving our fellow man and for showing up with loving-kindness and compassion for all beings.
Rev Megan
Rev. Megan Rose, Associate
Rev. Dr. Megan “Magpie” Rose, PharmD, B.Msc., RYT200 is a perpetual seeker of Source Love. It took her many years to find and give voice to her own heart song, and she now finds joy in being a vessel to hold space for others to find theirs. She currently shares her word, song, meditation, and asana practice. She has been and is a student of the University of Metaphysics, Yoga for the Planet, Rev. Richard Levy, and L.S.L. Noble.
Board of Directors
Rev Paula Zabkar, Spiritual Leader and Board President
I am excited to introduce our board. Spiritual Soul Center is fortunate to have this dedicated group of people to help guide our work and support this community as it grows and evolves into all it can be. I am grateful for their commitment and the unique gifts each brings to this important work.
Rev Megan Rose, Secretary
I am a perpetual seeker of Source Love. It took me many years to find and give voice to my own heart song, and I now find joy in being a vessel to hold space for others to find theirs. I am a student of the University of Metaphysics, Yoga for the Planet, Rev. Richard Levy, and L.S.L. Noble. I am excited to be part of Spiritual Soul Center!
Jeff Miller, Vice President
I am honored to be considered for membership on the Board of Directors for Spiritual Soul Center. I have had the opportunity to serve on many boards, both local and national, during my varied career. My goal is to serve the congregation and provide leadership. I believe that we as a church are at the crossroads of progress both financially and in the area of membership. I would like to help move the church to its next phase of growth.
Jessica Baker, Treasurer
At Soul Center, I have found home and my family. I cannot speak enough about the palpable acceptance, love and support of this incredible community. Paula captains this amazing movement and I am honored beyond words to be part of her and SSC’s crew. Dedicating my time, creativity and talents to SSC and its community is one of the biggest blessings of my life.
Dawn Ferrer
Paula and the community at SSC have become my new found friends who have helped me more than they realize as I navigate this transition phase of my life. I had been searching for a spiritual community that not only fed my soul but one that fostered my giving nature where I felt heard and needed. Both Paula and the SSC community offer compassion, acceptance and love and I am thrilled and honored to be a board member. My goal is to help SSC continue to move forward and to help spread love and kindness to everyone who walks through the door.
Pam Metzinger
The Spiritual Soul Center has allowed me to discover my true “authentic self.” As the caregiver of our little family, I stumbled upon this gem seeking help for a family member. I am eternally grateful that I discovered that it was my own spirituality in desperate need of help. With a background in Special Education, I am compassionate to guide any student, who has struggled, to succeed. I continue my passion for teaching as a private Tutor and am a huge supporter of recovery and mental health. I hope to be able to continue to transform by reaching the community and The Spiritual Soul Center at a more intimate level.
Miranda Macon
Spiritual Soul Center has been a foundation of love and support for my evolving spiritual growth. I am eternally grateful to have found SSC. Rev. Paula Zabkar speaks such powerful, open minded, loving sermons every Sunday. I know now, after many years of searching I have found my tribe. It’s a privilege and honor to serve this community. I am committed to contributing to the growth and well-being of SSC by volunteering my time to help this place in any way. I am here to serve!
Musicians
Our musicians are unique, talented and diverse. They provide original music, acoustic accompaniment for meditation and popular tunes to inspire and raise the vibration of our Sunday service. One thing for sure…you will not be disappointed!
Our music coordinator is the talented Anna Mann. She coordinates all the music and guest artists. If you are interested in playing with us on Sunday, please email her at annamann910@gmail.com. Check out our calendar page to see who will be with us in the coming weeks.
Nathan Gerry
Nathan is a singer-songwriter whose music weaves together humor and heart. Inspired by Harry Nilsson, The Beatles, and Dave Matthews, Nathan seeks to capture the breadth of human experience and resiliency through catchy and introspective indie rock.
Jared Michael Cline
Driven by a passion for music and performance, Jared Michael Cline always delivers, and when he does, it usually involves a simple, yet honest, performance. As an active performer, musician, and songwriter in Wilmington, NC, Jared Michael Cline aims to connect with his audiences on a level that digs deep below the surface of each and every person in attendance. Citing his influences as “life, love, and pain”, he has no problem using his pen to address thoughts and feelings that are essentially taboo, or plainly, unspoken.
Perry Smith
Perry Smith is a multi instrumentalist who gravitates toward a world beat sound. Having played music for most of his life he has found that music is the perfect means to communicate clearly and with love.
Soul-R Fusion
Soul-R Fusion’s music is a mix of acoustic rock, soul, blues, jazz, funk, and folk. Clever and heartfelt lyrics, rhythmic guitar, and rustic vocals combined with otherworldly fretless bass lines create unique songs that radiate positive energy and never lose the groove.
Abigail Dowd
Abigail Dowd is a Greensboro-based singer/songwriter/guitarist who grew up under the longleaf pines in the Sandhills region of North Carolina. Known for her storytelling and command of an audience, she has been called “a writer of the highest caliber” (The All Scene Eye). Pulling from her heritage of faith and determination, Abigail weave hints of Celtic melodies with the soulful gospel of the south.
Nimara Snyder Gillcrist
Nimara was born in Wilmington and graduated from NHHS. She has a degree in biology from NCATSU where she played on the volleyball team for four years. She later was drawn to chiropractic school because of her belief in this premise: the power that made the body heals it. She has been married to Kristin for ten years. They have a 22 month-old daughter as well as two fur babies.
Rog Davis
Over the past four decades, Roger Davis has provided the Port City with a sensational serving of musical talent. Whether performing for a crowd of weekend brunch-goers, a public gallery event, or the occasional night venue, Roger “Rog” Davis holds his melodic roots in the Wilmington area and remains a well-respected performer/composer within the local jazz community. A founding teaching artist of DREAMS, Rog still loves sharing his gift with new generations of musicians.
Wendy Montague
Wendy performs locally with her singing group Deja Vu. When sharing her music her greatest desire is to bring inspiration and joy.
Youth Ed Teachers and Nursery
Mission Statement
We create a loving and joyful learning environment which reminds children they are innately good and one with God. We encourage loving kindness, compassion and listening to the quiet.
We teach the children at SSC because we love it. The inspiration and words of wisdom that are received from our children are both jaw dropping and teary at times. We have the best job in the world since we get to relay the message that they are wonderful, innately good, one with God/Spirit/Oneness/the Nature of the Universe and a gift to all of us. They already know this of course which means there is no struggle within them when they hear these things. Sometimes we study people who have done beautiful and helpful things in the world, such as Mahatma Gandhi, Peace Pilgrim or Wangari Maathai. Sometimes we study qualities within us that we want to cultivate. The lessons are experiential, honoring oneness and individuality at the same time. We have fun as we learn and share loving time together. More information.
Holly Kenney, Youth Ed Director
Holly absolutely loves teaching children how wonderful they are and that they are deeply loved… a goodness and a Godness. She has been a teacher and life coach for many years. She has 3 grown children and a sweet husband who shares her love for teaching.
Jordi Russo, Nursery Care
Jordi loves working with children and makes it her mission to share love, kindness, and a “joie de vivre” (joy of life) with all she meets. She graduated from UNCW with a bachelors in International Studies and French and her passion for food and people brought her to work at Brent’s Bistro as well. She is an adventurer, hiker, 200 hour yoga teacher and practitioner, and nature lover living with gratitude and wonder.
Meet Our Teams
Service to our community is a big deal. Each of our teams supports the mission of Soul Center in their own unique way. We appreciate all they do and all they are!
Video Team
We record Sunday services so that our messages can be shared on YouTube and social media to inspire and uplift our community and beyond.
From left: Sam, Jayce, Renee.
Logistics Team
We serve by arranging our meeting spaces, moving furniture and tables to accommodate events and overseeing parking to assure easy access for all.
From left: Megan, Paul, Robert, Star.
Safe Spaces Team
We provide a safe place by being prepared to handle a variety of emergency and surprise situations at our community gatherings.
From left: Renee, Olivia, Anna, Terri, Joe, Paul, Jessica, Jeff.
Hospitality Team
We create space for community and connection by offering food and beverages at Sunday service and other events at Spiritual Soul Center. And…we are lots of fun!
From left: Terri, Lori, Alison, Julie, Jessica, Beverly, Annette.
Welcome Team
We create connection by offering a warm welcome, a kind word and a handshake or hug to all who attend our Sunday service and other events at Spiritual Soul Center.
Front: Gabi, Wendy, Beverly, Jayce, Brooke, Miranda Back: Mel, Jean Paul, Olivia, Joe, Pam
Service Projects Team
We serve by organizing our community outreach projects and fostering community contacts with the non-profits we serve. Together we make a big difference.
From left: Janette, Jordi, Diane, Susan, Maria.
Fundraising Team
We commit to developing fundraising initiatives to ensure a financially thriving spiritual community. We focus on strategic and sustainable initiatives, including appeals (requests for donations), events and activities that are in alignment with the Spiritual Soul Center mission and that foster connections among Center members and strengthen ties with the broader community.
From left: Diane, Shayla, Alison, Jackie, Christine, Jessica, Christina, Beverly, Jill.
Youth Ed Team
We create a loving and joyful learning environment which reminds children they are innately good and one with God. We encourage loving kindness, compassion and listening to the quiet.
From left: Jean Paul, Jordi, Alan, Debby, Bruce, Kristin, Holly, Sherry.
Growth and Expansion Team
We serve by developing, implementing and maintaining plans for membership growth and physical expansion. We support the Board by working to understand costs associated with the purchase or rent/lease of a suitable facility including ancillary costs.
From left: Jackie, Jeff, Kari. Ann