My early mentors in ministry suggested that a ‘healthy’ ministry’s board would be working a step or more ahead of the year of programming being launched. As a pioneering minister this was very challenging and I would constantly attempt to have my finger on the pulse of the community’s energy. A finger on the pulse of our region of ministries and leaders is what the GLR board is attempting to do. Thank you to the 50 folks who submitted Survey input regarding conference 2025. One location for this year! And, a continued exploration for the Hubs idea in the future; it addresses the potential for closer locations plus reduced cost.
The board is also attempting to keep its finger on the pulse of changes at UWM & UWH. I was told by Rev. Roxanne UWM Convention 2025 is scheduled but beyond that they are unable to confirm any dates.
We are on course for our year, and beyond, with your input and ideas. Below is what we know, so far:
CONFERENCE 2025: Stoney Creek, Moline IL, Sept 22-24. With a focus on ministry, yet restorative practices. Offered in person, with the sincere effort to create an online option (still to be decided). CEU’s for attendance. Imagine: our reunion, friendships, and evolutionary edge ideas for ministry and leaders. Possible musician opportunity.
The Conference Team meets in February–please continue to submit your ideas for the theme, speakers, and more. Contact: kathyharwoodlong@gmail.com
ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING ONLINE ONLY, October 23rd, 2-4PM Eastern. Imagine: this is a perfect opportunity for subregion leaders to gather in their locale for the in person experience also.
ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE, OFFERED ONLINE in early November. for the purpose of remembering Unity leaders that have made their transition. Imagine: creating an in-person hybrid event option in your ministry and/or subregion. The intent is to reach more of those that remember our dear leaders. Led by Rev. Toni Fish: toni.lovenlight@gmail.com
IMAGINE–A round table to address attracting funding and growing leaders for our Region's ministries: Two folks have indicated they are very interested in this conversation. If you are too, contact: kathyharwoodlong@gmail.com
NEW TEAM FOR THE REGION: “Social Media Team”. Social media refers to online platforms and tools that enable people to create, share, and interact with content, ideas, and communities. For Unity churches, social media serves as a powerful ministry tool to extend Unity Truth Principles, foster engagement with congregants, and attract new members. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube allow us to share uplifting messages, promote events, and build a connected spiritual community both locally and globally. Several Unity ministries are successfully creating greater connection within their ministry. See info below. Contact: Unity member Sherry Wells, slw922@hotmail.com
That’s all folks! Bowing to you for your dedicated service, Kathy
DISASTER RELIEF FUND
GLR donates 1% SEED MONEY for DISASTER RELIEF: not a tithe, but a seed of love, care and compassion, dedicated to the Hurricane and Disaster Funds of UWM. These donations are in addition to the 10% tithe given to UWH 2%, UWM 2%, UWSI 2%, UUMS 2%, GLR Scholarships/Grants 1%, and quarterly discretionary of 1% (currently designated to the three ministries that served as conference hubs nurturing all of us spiritually, and physically). Thank you for your donations to GLR. https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/4648556
Join your Regional Rep and Outreach Ambassador on a monthly Zoom call. One for Ministers and Spiritual Leaders; the other for all Church Leaders. Each position is unique and different. I look forward to connecting with you!
Eight ministers from the greater Chicago area met in the beautiful facility in Woodstock, IL on Monday, January 27th, for our first sub-regional meeting. Mary Patriece and Tom Wendt hosted this event and as soon as a group of ministers got together, the ideas began to flow. Over a pizza lunch, we discussed money, marketing, best use of our tithes and the challenges many of us face with aging congregations.
Kurt Condra was instrumental in organizing the event and contacting all the area ministers. We agreed to meet quarterly in person and more on Zoom if needed. There is so much value in coming together to talk church. There was never a lull in the conversation and Megan McDonough blessed us with one of her amazing songs.
There's something really amazing that happens when the ministers gather. Magic happens!
I will be setting up our next round of forming subregions in the Ohio area soon. I hope you will join us. Together we can do what I cannot do alone!!
4TH THURSDAY 2PM ET Church Marketing & Promotion Ideas, Led by Rev. Kathy Harwood-Long Zoom Meeting ID 442 053 9188
YOUTH & FAMILY MINISTRY
Ministering With Families Call
Tuesday Feb. 25| 6-7 PM Central
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 zoomhttps://zoom.us/j/91752808738
Send Teens to Chapter X
Do you have teens in your congregation, but no Y.O.U? Please send them to www.youthofunity.org to get connected with the all-online Chapter X, a dynamic community which includes well-produced, youth-led spiritual services twice a month! LEARN MORE HERE
Dive Into Leadership Wings Youth of Unity Training has been postponed. Instead, join us for an online, youth-led training for teens and adult leaders, in partnership with the Great Lakes Eastern Region's YOU Officers. Thurs. Feb. 27, 7 PM ET (above)
Eastern Sub-Regional Youth Mini-Rally & Lock-In
March 1- 2, Unity of Columbus, OH (4211 Maize Road, Columbus, OH)
The purpose of this event is to generate interest in the Uniteens and YOU (Youth Of Unity) in the Eastern Subregion of UWM Great Lakes Region, which includes Unity ministries in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and Michigan. Learn more here
Spring Unitreat Registration Open
April 4-6, Lutherdale, Elkhorn, WI
Open to all youth in 6th - 8th grades and their adult leaders. Learn all about it and get registered by downloading the ‘about event’ flyer here. Registration closes March 7th
Rev. Toni Fish has moved from Unity of Minneapolis to Unity of the Valley Spiritual Center in Minneapolis as of January 1st.
EarthCare News
GLR Earthcare- Plan a Green Fashion Show!……
Has your church or spiritual center considered having a “Thrifty Threads Fashion Show” in 2025? What a great idea to have a fun fundraiser at your center where fashion meets sustainability! The idea is for congregants and others to showcase their thrifted clothing from donations, consignment stores, garage sales, or wherever they found their new, used clothing.
One example would be to have a Thrifty Threads Fashion Show in March for the “Wearing of the Green.” All models would wear some “thrifty clothes” in the color green. Unity centers could use other themes throughout the year, including Easter, Summer clothing, Fall, Winter and even the Christmas holidays. Check out, https://oceanblueproject.org/sustainable-fashion-shows/, or other environmental organizations.
This is another way to promote environmental protection. What other ideas are you able to share?
Plan for a Green Fashion Show! The GLR Earth Care team is excited to invite ministries to join together as a region in March.
To get involved with GLR Earthcare or if you have any questions, please contact Linda Ridley, LUT, via email at llRidley817@yahoo.com or Reverend Jeff Berry at berryjeff1200@gmail.com.
The latest EarthCare newsletter is ready! Read it on our website here.
REGIONAL MINISTRY'S CLASSES AND EVENTS (Send us yours)
Morning Reflections
w/ Rev. Cindy Yamamoto, Unity of Livonia
Morning Reflection, weekday mornings from 10:00 - 10:30 a.m. EST, is a group from throughout the U.S. that began in 2020 as a way to commune and support one another along our spiritual journeys when we were all feeling separated. We begin by reading a brief passage from a booklet published by UWH, followed by an open discussion where we share our thoughts, feelings, ideas, and prayers. All are welcome to join us via Zoom to connect and reflect. Join us any day or every day. There is no need to sign up and no commitment.
