Happy New Year from The Great Lakes Region of Unity
A Note from your GLR President,
PEOPLE, POWER, PURPOSE
“Where there is no vision, the people perish...” Proverbs 29:18. James Dillet Freeman is reported to have shared his core perspective about the reason for ministries: reduce suffering. The Latin root of the word suffer is: “to bear”. What is your vision for ministry? Does it reduce suffering? Does it address your own challenges that you consistently bear? Maybe you feel you can’t bear any more change! Let’s remember with the conviction of faith, everything in creation is designed for life to thrive…and evolve. You and I are the unfailing evidence of life designed to evolve ideas commensurate with constant change.
As I ponder our whole region (and our Unity movement) post pandemic, evidence of change to reduce challenges that have become a form of suffering in our leaders and ministries is occurring throughout. Notice the different approaches for creating connections: SE Region offers a virtual only conference over three days ($250) since many of their folks prefer to go to the UWM convention to see friends and meet new people, etc., but they are known for subregional retreats for leaders. SC Region offers an annual in-person retreat since folks can obtain CEU’s through UWM online courses (their business meeting is virtual only). The NW Region offers an annual retreat for ministers and spiritual leaders only.
Join us for an exciting Zoom meeting, "Let's Talk Church," where we come together as a vibrant community to explore the essence of our spiritual journeys! This is not just any meeting; it's a golden opportunity to connect with like-minded ministers and spiritual leaders who share a passion for growth and Unity. Dive into enriching discussions, discover new perspectives, and empower each other as we nurture our collective spirit. Don't miss out on the chance to network, share your insights, and feel the love that binds us all together!
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
Spreading Our Wings Leadership Training
This live, online training is for both adults and teens to grow their leadership skills. Register for the Jan 31-Feb 2 traininghereand please help spread the word to your youth groups!
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
Please click here to see all the teams and their members:
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.
Jackie Compton is a Licensed Unity Teacher with Unity of St. Louis South.
Zoom Book Study on The Five Principles
The five principles constitute the core teachings of Unity; a spiritual movement founded in 1889 by Charles and Myrtle Fillmore. These same principles reflect the laws of the Universe that apply to everyone, all the time. They show up in every major religion, and are all reflected in the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Join Rev. Cindy Yamamoto and others in a deeper exploration of these foundational Truths. We’ll discuss how to work with these principles, test them, and apply them to our lives as we move through a book study of “The Five Principles: A Guide to Practical Spirituality,” by Rev. Ellen Debenport. The study will take place via Zoom on 5 consecutive Monday evenings, January 27, 2025 – February 24, 2025 from 7 – 8:30 p.m. EST. There is no fee for the class, but you must pre-register to get the Zoom link. You can register on the sign-up sheet at Unity of Livonia by providing your name and email address, or by calling the office at 734-421-1760 and sharing that information with our staff or on our voicemail.
Whether you’re new to Unity, or have been around for decades, this study will invite you into an immersive discovery of yourself and your relationship with your higher power, so that you may live more fully into your Wholeness.
Books are available for purchase in the Unity of Livonia bookstore or can be ordered online at
https://shop.unity.org/product/the-five-principles. If you are able, please read pages 1 – 33 to prepare for our fist meeting.
I’m looking forward to sharing this journey with you. Feel free to invite a friend.
Rev. Cindy
New Class: “The Creative Power of Blessing”
with Rev. Linda Dominik
Sunday, January 19 @ 11:30 am - 01:00 pm
We are beginning the new year with a new class, The Creative Power of
Blessing, led by Rev. Linda Dominik. Rediscover this spiritual practice
that is so simple yet profound that it transforms lives. The practice of
blessing—not just as a polite response to a sneeze, but is a conscious
act of directing positive spiritual energy toward ourselves and others.
When we bless, we tap into something far greater than mere positive
thinking.
Join us immediately following the Sunday Service in the PCAC
auditorium.
This class is offered on love offering basis.
Faciltator: Rev. Linda Dominik, Friends of Unity
Venue: Plymouth Community Arts Council
774 N. Sheldon Rd, Plymouth
UWM-Great Lakes Region Board of Trustees
2024-25
(left to right) Rev. Kathy Harwood Long, President, Communications Liaison; Nancy Berdasco, LUT, V.P. and Treasurer; Rev. Debra Carter Williams, Secretary; Susan Liddell, LUT, LUT Liaison; Rev. Jeff Berry, Trustee; Rev. Liesa Chase, Trustee; Sandra Higgins Smith, LUT, Alternate; Thank you, all.
