Vision & Mission

Awakening Oneness, we empower an evolving consciousness that spiritually transforms the world. We serve, inspire, and empower ministries, ministers, credentialed leaders, and laity.

picture courtesy Cindi Cousineauu

REGISTER NOW FOR FALL CONFERENCE - SEPTEMBER 24 AND 25

EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT PRICE $150 before Sept. 1st

Join the Creative Flow connecting the Great Lakes Region through creativity, communication, and commUnity. Flow together in person and over Zoom to open your powers of imagination and the life force energy moving through you. The Zoom experience will be for the business meeting and the memorial service only and at no charge, but you must register to receive the link.

Keynote speaker, Jenny Hahn, will guide us on the pathways to integration of these free-flowing ideas. Musician Kim Char-Meredith will surround us with her beautiful music.

The Conference will be held at 3 locations around the Great Lakes Region. These locations are Unity Churches in: Naperville, IL; Columbus, OH and Cedar Rapids, IA. This makes the Conference closer and easier for all of you to attend and benefit from the camaraderie and presentations.

In person afternoon workshops at each sub-regional site will offer ways to discover and recognize the powers of creativity to enhance your own spiritual path. Discover new exciting class ideas, plan innovative lessons, share successful events in your community, and relax and network together.

Flow back together to reconnect with GLR friends, sharing the many ways new creative ideas will enhance your community in the coming year.

You may view the schedule and registration link here.

More information about each venue, registration and cost will be on the website. You don't want to miss this Conference!

Vendor Opportunities

We are now inviting vendors at all three locations and there is no vendor fee. Please send an email here.

YFM AUGUST 2024

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Save the Dates: November 8-10 

Fall Youth Retreat for Uniteens & Y.O.U. in Southeast WI

Registration will open in August

"It's All Perspective" is the theme

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Next Ministering With Families Call 

August 27, 6 PM CT/ 7 PM ET

All are invited to the August call with guest Betsy Guinti giving an entertaining history of the Youth of Unity, aka Y.O.U.! Contact Cassidy to get reminder emails and a zoom link.

-IYOU 2024-

Congrats on a wonderful IYOU 2024 – 70 folks attended from across the country, including 16 people from the Great Lakes Region!

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Stay in the know about upcoming events and activities in Youth and Family Ministry by visiting our website events and trainings page.

Contact Cassidy to be added to the monthly YFM newsletter and/or with any other YFM-related questions.

• We use this catchy tune as a way to teach

our youth the 12 Powers!

Website

EarthCare

Unity of Bloomington, Indiana, has quite the story to tell about their Solar Power Initiative. If your ministry has begun planning a new roof, or wants to invest in a sustainable option for the earth AND YOUR ANNUAL BUDGET, check out Unity of Bloomington: https://www.unityofbloomington.org/solar

Do send us your story--highlighting your efforts, small and large. Email Your Info Here

Thank you for all you do!

A Message About Serving the Region

-The Benefits of Board Service -

"I thought it would be a great opportunity to learn and grow in a safe environment (with like-minded and kind people). I have not served on a board before within Unity, and there was a lot I didn't know about how the Region worked within the Unity system. It was very intimidating for me to say yes....but I am very glad I did because I have learned so much from some of the most wonderful leaders within the Great Lakes Region. It also gave me an opportunity to form some lasting friendships with a number of individuals who I would not have known otherwise. I am better because I said YES!" 

- Marty Thurman, an LUT at St. Louis South; and current Board Alternate

"I was first called into Board service for the Region by my student advisor, Rev. Ray Nelson, when I was a student at Unity Worldwide Spiritual Institute. I had never served on any board before and thought it would be useful for my future as a minister. The first year I served as a non-voting alternate. Then I ran for the Board and was not elected. I chose to serve a second year as an alternate because I was learning so much and making great connections. When I ran again, I not only got elected, but was asked by my peers on the Board to serve as the President, an office I've now held for three years. In addition to my Board service, I serve as the Minister at Unity of Livonia in Michigan. 

My Board and congregation clearly recognize the benefits of me serving on the Regional Board. I have become a better leader, more adept at by-laws and policies, and enhanced my communication skills which is helpful in my church ministry and in all areas of my life. The two biggest benefits of this board service to me have been things that I don't think most people think about. One, it has deeply strengthened me in my spiritual growth as I endeavor to handle business and finance from the Divine guidance within. And second, the beautiful relationships I've formed are priceless.  

I wouldn't change a thing." 

-Cindy Yamamoto, Board PresidentMinister at Unity of Livonia

• If you have ever considered board service or have questions, please contact Rev. Cindy Yamamoto. Click here.

• There are many other ways to serve the Region including Finance Team, Nominating Comittee, Conference Planning Team, Bylaws Teams and Policies Teams. There will be an opportunity to sign up for these teams at the Conference or you can express your interest by contacting our Admin here.

NEW-- OPEN POSITIONS:

Please see our website under the Menu heading for Position Openings in the Region. If you would like your open position listed there, please contact our glurcadmin with your information.

GLR Regional Representative & Outreach Ambassador:

Resume applications for a Regional Representative & Outreach Ambassador for the Great Lakes Unity Region are being received through August 8, 2024 Click here for info.



UNITY MINNEAPOLIS is seeking a

YOUTH AND FAMILY MINISTRY DIRECTOR:

The Youth and Family Ministry Director leads Unity Minneapolis in planning, conducting, and evaluating youth and family programs. 

More information can be found here.

Anniversaries:

Unity Spiritual Center of Lansing

celebrated 90 years in July! This community has been through splits and mergers, many ministers, locations, and name changes. For the past 8 years Rev. Sharon Ketchum has been serving as their minister. Congratulations to all of you!

Congratulations to Cedar Rapids

who has their 100th anniversary coming up in September. They have 3 Licensed Unity Teachers, one of them being on the Regional Board, and are planning on adding a 4th LUT by the end of the year. This vibrant community is currently looking to hire a minister.

Unity of Appleton

is proud to announce their 5 person band has been invited to perform at the 3 day Shawano Folk Festival on August 10th in WI. The band named Synchronicity, performs oldies and 'Unitizes" the lyrics for Sundays and is known for their sing-along songs. Our Region's Admin is among the singers. They were discovered by the Folk Festival's organizers at last year's annual International World Day of Peace Festival local celebration put on by the church at a park in September of '23.

100 Days of Mindful Practice

New Thought organizations are coming together to raise the vibration and make a difference for this year's election. From July 28 to November 4, 2024, engage in a transformative journey with 100 Days of Mindful Practice. It's time to "Tune out the Fear and Tune in the Vision." 

LEARN MORE.



UWM-Great Lakes Region Board of Trustees 

2023-24

(left to right) Rev. Cindy Yamamoto, President and Communications Liaison; Rev. Kathy Harwood-Long, V.P. and YFM Liaison;  Rev. Ray Nelson, Treasurer and Finance Team Leader; Rev. Michael Davis, Secretary; Rev. Debra Carter Williams, Trustee; Nancy Ann Berdasco, Trustee and Conference Liaison;  Susan Liddell, LUT Liaison and Nominating Team Liaison; Marty Thurman, Alternate. Thank you, all.