Upwards of forty folks have participated in our 4 monthly support calls, each making progress with people, power, and purpose! Is it possible to resurrect the energy in a ministry after a pandemic, or the death of a beloved leader, or moving to a new location, etc, etc? Yes, of course, we’d all say…and we know this is easier said than done.
The evidence of resurrection is new life. The principle of new life, and multiplying life, is ready in every seed but the conditions for the seed to grow must occur in some form or other. In the natural world those conditions can include a dormant time, or winter. Jesus taught that a “falling” to the ground and dying to what was would be necessary. Minister classmates of mine, Mike and Faith Moran, worked with a ministry who’s energy was dying. Small groupings of people huddled after Sunday services complaining and worrying about the ministry. The Moran’s faced into the fears and created a Freedom From Fear theme. Mike sang on stage; Faith and others actually skydived! After service huddles became boisterous sharing about who did what to face their fears. The ministry thrived and grew, of course. (CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING)
UWM / UWH Fusion Conversations–check these links for updates:
I have talked with many of you in recent weeks and what I’m hearing are a few things that seem to repeat:
People are tired. No matter what side of the political fence you lean towards, the news is full of agitation. It’s exhausting. It’s becoming harder to stay neutral. We stand as a beacon of light in a world that needs hope, that needs a new way of looking at things. We need lightbearers who can find the beauty. We are those lightbearers.
The Unity message is more relevant now than it has ever been. If we focus on what’s wrong, we get more wrong. A united front of love could change the world. I invite you to join me at noon everyday except Sunday (there’s church!) for a minute of prayer for our country, those making decisions for our country and those making decisions for other countries as well. Breathe peace into the collective consciousness. Feel peace. Affirm peace. It is done.
From our government to our beloved Unity movement, the world is being dismantled. What arises from the ashes will define our future.
I hope you will join me on the support zoom calls each month. We share ideas, concerns, personal support and information. The first Thursday is for ministers and spiritual leaders and the third Thursday is for anybody in a leadership position, LUTs, board members, teachers and ministers are welcome as well.
(Live links here and on web calendar) Upwards of forty folks have participated in our 4 monthly support calls, each making progress with people, power, and purpose!
Youth directors, ministers, board members, and others who work with young people come together to share best practices and skills around ministering to and with families, and support each other in this important work. Join on zoom.
Successful Teen Leadership Training Last Month!
Great Lakes Regies Alex, Joey and Maddie partnered with Regies from the Eastern Region to present a training on the topic “Diving Into Leadership” to an audience of 20+ youth and adults from around our respective Regions. We were thrilled by the opportunity to partner and attendee feedback was positive!
Spring Unitreat Fri-Sun April 4-6, Lutherdale, Elkhorn, WI
Thanks for holding our 38 folks registered in prayer for safe travel to/from southeastern Wisconsin! We envision a fun and meaningful experience for all!
June Rally
Fri-Mon June 13-16, TowerHill Camp, Sawyer, MI
This event is open to all Youth Of Unity (Y.O.U.) entering 10th -12th grades in Fall 2025 (plus recent grads) & their adult leaders. Look for registration details here in early April.
This event will include a Y.O.U. graduation ceremony and Regie election, in addition to swimming, small group time and lots of dynamic activities around a theme of communication & curiosity: "Tell Me More".
YFM Spotlight: Local Events from the Around Our Region
Westlake Spiritual Center OH, Mini-Rally Fundraiser
Held March 8th, this youth-led event for Westlake’s adult congregants included family groups, truth talks, skits and more! Adults appreciated the chance to get a taste of what happens for youth on retreat, and youth built their leadership skills, raised funds to attend the Regional Spring Unitreat, and had great fun!
Unity of Columbus, OH Eastern Sub-Regional Mini-Rally & Lock-In
Held March 1-2, Daryn Wells and the team at Unity of Columbus collaborated with the Regies to organize and host a wonderful event for the Eastern Sub-region! The Regional supported with registration forms, and cost was kept at $25/registration to cover food. 24 Uniteens, YOUers and adults attended from the following chapters: Unity of Louisville, KY; Unity Spiritual Community of Grand Rapids, MI; Unity of East Louisville, KY and Unity of Columbus, Activities included Spirit Group sessions, Free Time, Secret Prayer Pals, a Saturday evening Truth Talk and “Playshop, a Sunday Morning Meditation and God Walk; Joy Songs, and more.
We share these stories as inspiration and encouragement for your ministry to consider hosting events for and by youth and would love to support you in those efforts – as well as hear about what you’re already doing so we can continue highlighting the wonderful work you do serving youth and families!
CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE: Online, November 9, 7 PM ET, Send Rev. Toni information you want featured. toni.lovenlight@gmail.com
This collaborative venture embodies the spirit of Unity, centered on generosity and service to others. LUTs play a vital role in empowering churches and groups, fostering both spiritual growth and expanding their communities with deeper consciousness and connection. For more information contact: Dara Bermick at dbermick@gmail.com.
NEW: Ministries - Consider booking an LUT for support. CONTACT Dara Bermick above.
LUT LIAISON NEWS FROM SUSAN
The GLR LUTs meet about every three months or so on Zoom. We are a lively group as we share resources and ideas. We also have invited guest speakers from UWM and Regional LUTs who have information to share.
If you are an LUT in the Region who is not getting an invite to the gatherings, please let Susan Liddell, GLR LUT Rep know at liddelles@aol.com. If you are getting the emails and haven't joined us, please consider doing so. Our next meeting is April 27, 2025, 6:30 PM CT.
The Unity East, MI, Thrifty Threads Fashion Show, “The Wearing of the Green”: Submitted by Linda Ridley, LUT
Congregants and others showcased their thrifted clothing from donations, consignment stores, garage sales, or wherever they found their new, used clothing. We learned how fashion can meet sustainability and promoted environmental protection.” A special thanks to everyone who participated.
Green Star Award
The Green Star Award recognizes Unity congregations that have completed at least three significant environmental activities during the calendar year that foster awareness of our spiritual oneness with the Earth and promote active care of creation for the environment. Your congregation isn't required to be certified under the EarthCare Program.
Applications for this year’s award are due by May 19, 2025. This includes the new Green Star Constellation Award. Green Star Application. An extension to July 31st is available upon request.
Applications for this year’s award are due by May 19, 2025. This includes the new Green Star Constellation Award. Green Star Application. An extension to July 31stis available upon request.
GREEN STAR CONSTELLATION AWARD
The Green Star Constellation Award recognizes the collective efforts of at least three Unity or non-Unity faith-based communities to work together to cultivate awareness, advocacy and care for all creation. The coalition must have been in existence for at least two years and completed a minimum of three significant environmental activities in the preceding calendar year.
The activities must foster awareness of our spiritual oneness with the Earth and promotes active care of creation.
Dive into a way of praying that uncovers your inner power to respond to life’s circumstances with spiritual authority. Deepen your personal prayer practice with a method and flow of affirmative prayer shared by Unity’s co-founders, updated for the twenty-first century. Cultivate spiritual confidence to know you command your consciousness in any situation.
Training is based upon Discover Your Divinity: A Modern Guide to Affirmative Prayer. Rev. Linda Martella-Whitsett and Rev. DeeAnn Weir Morency; Unity Books, 2023.
4sessions @ 2 hours each
6 p.m. C.T. Wednesdays March 26, April 2, 9 and 16. $200
