UWM-GLR November 2025


In this issue...

  1. Save The Date: Annual UWM Business Meeting and Vote
  2. Board President Message
  3. Introducing the New Regional Board
  4. Invitation: Volunteer on a Regional Team in 2026
  5. Regional Rep Message
  6. Regional Zoom Support Calls & Links
  7. Celebrating Our Progress
  8. Youth and Family News
  9. Earthcare News
  10. Upcoming Classes & Events
  11. Unity Worldwide Ministries/Unity World Headquarters Updates
  12. Resources: Season of Gratitude

Save The Date


Annual Business Meeting - Unity Worldwide Ministries: Vote on the Acquisition 

November 5 | 1 PM CT | Zoom | More Info (including how to vote)

Board President Message from

Rev. Kathy Harwood Long

People, Purpose, Power, Principles

 

Dear Partners,

 

We are poised as a Unity movement for emerging newness. Newness is how that which we call God works. We are increasingly in ‘unprecedented times’--(again) but we’re ready. We will not be pushed over by the increasing news worthy challenges. Storms are stirring the waters, while compassion is stirring our hearts.


 Our ground as individuals and ministries is solid: the spiritual solution desired is already at work and accessible within. Faith is our multiplier when fear seems to factor and divide. Faith is a daily activity of the mind. Faith sees with the eyes of spirit and knows stumbling blocks are stepping stones. You are not ...

Board Message Continued

Introducing our New Great Lakes Regional Board

"We give thanks! We get to serve!!"


Kathy Harwood Long, Unity minister, President

Rev. Debra Williams, Vice President

Rev. Sandra Higgins Smith, Treasurer

Rev. Jeff Berry, Secretary

Rev. Liesa Chase, YFM Liaison

Paula Land, LUT, Trustee

Nancy Berdasco, LUT Representative

Rev. Peggy Konkel, Alternate / Prayer Chaplain

Rev. Diane Robinson, Regional Representative & Outreach Ambassador

From left to right top to bottom: Jeff, Kathy, Debra, Diane, Sandra, Nancy, Chase, Peggy and Paula

Watch For Invitation to Volunteer on the Regional Team in 2026


We will be sending out a call for volunteers for our regional teams to light the fires of love and truth in this region by giving and sharing of our Unity movement, reaching more and more people with our five principles and joy. The more directly you are involved in this great Unity movement, the more excited you will become and this will show in everything you will do. 


A past board president said she had no idea how she found the time to do the work along with her ministry but the time appeared, as it will for you. Consider your talents and skills and when we send out our call in the coming week for team volunteers, joyfully consider giving a small amount of your energy and enthusiasm to the Region and be ready to receive so much in return. We will ask for a one-year commitment.

Regional Rep & Outreach Ambassador Notes from Rev. Diane Robinson

It’s hard to believe that I sat down with my music team this past week to plan our Christmas experience. Where did this year go? As we head into the holidays, even though the world seems to be topsy turvy, there is so much good for which to be grateful. I’ve been in this position for barely over a year and it’s been a year of growing, learning new ideas, meeting some incredibly fabulous people and figuring out how I can best serve the region. The sub-regions are still a priority to me. I believe support for ministers is critical. It’s not an easy job and I know many of us feel isolated. Connecting with other ministers, someone who really knows what we do, can save our sanity. Likewise connecting with other licensed teachers, board members and other leaders can inspire us with great ideas. There’s no reason not to ...

Regional Rep Message Continued

Regional Zoom Support Call Zoom Links


Regional Rep Support Facilitated By Rev. Diane Robinson


Ministers & Spiritual Leaders Only | Nov. 6 | 11 AM ET | Join on Zoom


Anyone in Church Leadership | Nov. 20 | 11 AM ET | Join on Zoom


Earthcare Collaboration | Nov. 15 | 12 PM ET | Join on Zoom


Ministering with Families | Facilitated by Cassidy Meeks | Nov. 25 |

7 PM ET | Join on Zoom

ZOOM SUPPORT CALLS CALENDAR 
 

CELEBRATING OUR PROGRESS

Reigniting the Spirit Through Mission, Vision, and Core Values

By Rev. Sharon Ketchum


When was the last time your ministry truly revisited its mission, vision, and core values? If it hasn’t been post-COVID, you may discover that who you were is not who you are now. Unity Spiritual Center of Lansing recently invited our Regional Representative, Rev. Diane Robinson, to facilitate a workshop on Mission, Vision, and Core Values. By the end of the day, we had gained a new understanding of ourselves and our purpose. The best part? The work done by our congregation under Rev. Diane’s guidance has ignited a fresh spirit of enthusiasm throughout our ministry. Teams that once felt weary have found new life and energy. Within just 48 hours:

· A new Youth...(read on)

YOUTH & FAMILY MINISTRY

Another Retreat in the Books!

We're thrilled that 84 people attended the Fall Great Lakes Regional Youth Retreat Oct 24-26, the largest turnout since 2019! Regies led the group in joy songs, meditations, and more, and other youth led 'funshops' and the small groups, all related to how we have more peace in our lives. We also did some Dances of Universal peace prior to the Halloween-themed dance. Huge gratitude to all the chapters who sent a group, and to all who supported the event, financially, through prayer, and/or attending!


Look for dates to be announced before the end of the year regarding the 2026 Spring Unitreat (for middle schoolers) and June Rally (for high schoolers).

Announcing the YFM Dream Seed


Have you heard the Buzz? Rev. Deb Hill-Davis is organizing a team dedicated to seeding YFM in ministries, raising funds for our regional YFM efforts, and MORE! Contact her for more info: davdesigns9@msn.com

YFM Leaders' Summit

Wednesday, Nov 19 | 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm CT | Zoom | Free


Join fellow Youth & Family Ministry leaders from across the Unity movement for a day designed just for you. This one-day online event is your opportunity to connect, collaborate, and grow together as we nurture the next generation of spiritual explorers.


Together we’ll:

  • Hear Updates from UWM and the Regions – Stay informed on what’s happening across the movement and how it impacts YFM programs.
  • Share Ideas and Inspiration – Exchange practical insights, creative approaches, and stories from your ministry experiences.
  • Build Skills for YFM Success – Strengthen your toolkit with hands-on learning and fresh practices to support your youth and families.


Register for Summit

Dear EarthCare partners.


We appreciate the many ways our ministries are utilizing the many resources available to encourage care for creation. Resources are no longer located on the new UWM website. As we quickly create a website for our newly approved UWM alternative ministry "Unity EarthCare Alliance (UEA)", please contact us directly with any questions or needs at: unityearthcarealliance@gmail.com. Use this direct link to our folder of resources including 12 Powers for Our Planet:

EarthCare Resources

UPCOMING CLASSES AND EVENTS

 

Preregistration Required for AI Assistant Class: Register Here

Submit Your Ministry's Celebrations, Events and Classes

Newsletter deadline is the 25th of the month.

Send your info to Cindi at greatlakesunityr4.gmail.com

Read The Update

UWM/UWH Fall Conference Video (Click picture to view)

GLR-SPONSORED EVENT

View Consistent Giving Class Transcript
Purchase Cards Here

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