Special Seminars

Sunday, June 9 3:00-4:30pm

The Spiritual Practice of Loving Kindness by Rev. Mary Omwake

Join Mary in exploring a simple meditation practice guaranteed to increase inner peace, an awareness of oneness  and authentic compassion.

If your desire is to be a beneficial presence is all your relationships, this Buddhist practice is for you.    

Rev. Mary Omwake is a spiritual leader, speaker, former radio host and inspiring teacher. Ordained a Unity minister in 1989, Mary has served in ministries at Overland Park, KS, where she created the Love in Action sacred service program as well as the Unity Basics One curriculum as Minister in Maui, HI. A founding member of the Association for Global New Thought, Mary has spoken United Nations for the Season for Peace and Nonviolence, worked on the Synthesis Dialogues with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and worked within her community on numerous peace projects. She was inducted into the Martin Luther King Board of Preachers in 1998. She has served on many boards and committees, including  Unity Worldwide Ministries and directed the church growth and development teams for both Unity Worldwide Ministries and International New Thought Alliance.

The Oneness Phenomenon by Rev. Howard Caesar

In 2006, Rev. Howard Caesar was exposed to something called Deeksha; a hands on transmission of Divine Energy that accelerates a person’s spiritual consciousness of awakening. Being impacted by it, he was led to personally attend the Oneness University in India and explore further this Global Phenomenon and their courses. Since that time, he has been to the Oneness University five times receiving various teachings in Oneness, as well as spiritual initiations.

A number of Unity ministers have also become involved and many others have expressed interest. Howard has integrated the Oneness Phenomenon into his ministry as an added dimension of his prayer ministry. Howard states, “It is so compatible with Unity and what Charles Fillmore would be excited about if he were alive today.”

Say What You Mean: Speaking withSpiritual Authority in Ministry by Rev. Linda Martella-Whitsett

Create Remarkable High-Performing Volunteer Teams
by Ray & Lyn Madaghiele

Have you loved the volunteer support during the past five Unity People’s Conventions?  Learn vital secrets from the volunteer coordinators themselves so you can build your own thriving ministry on a solid foundation of volunteers.

Volunteers are one of the most vital assets of any church. Empowering volunteers allows others to share in the joy of developing a successful ministry. They also help to safeguard against minister, board, and staff burnout.  So, why not spread the wealth?

During this fun and interactive workshop, you will receive practical and easy tips, tools, and techniques to create a vibrant volunteer program that enriches the Spirit of your ministry. You will learn effective ways to recruit, manage, and keep enthusiastic, confident volunteers who exemplify Unity principles.
 

Ray and Lyn Madaghiele have served as Volunteer Coordinators for the Unity People’s Convention for the past five years. Each year they have recruited, trained and managed more than 125 volunteers. Also, Ray was chair of the Volunteer Program Advisory Committee at Unity of Mesa, Arizona, where he assisted the ministers by leading the development of a comprehensive volunteer program manual and training program. Lyn’s wealth of talents and skills involve organizing systems, heartfelt communication, and appreciating volunteers.
 
Ray is a former Lay Minister and Board President of Unity of Mesa, Arizona. He speaks and facilitates workshops and planning retreats in New Thought organizations and companies throughout America. Ray is the author of Ray of Hope: Inspiring Peace: Insights on Chaos and Consciousness while Bicycling across America.

Ray and Lyn are co-creators of the Transformational Learning Center, dedicated to inspiring hope and awakening the greatness in individuals, organizations, and communities. www.InspiringHope.org.
 

The Ownership Project by Dr. Gary Simmons

Church organizations have both a culture of ownership and a culture of receivership. In general, the culture of ownership is comprised of the 20% of the congregation that provides 80% of the financial resources needed to sustain the ministry. During these challenging economic times, it makes sense to focus church growth strategies on growing ownership rather than trying to increase numbers, when in actuality, increasing receivership also increases expenses. The workshop presents four effective strategies for managing the ownership / receivership polarity that can translate into immediate shifts in giving patterns within the ministry.  It exposes common myths held by church leaders about how to best deal with financial stress and provides a clear roadmap to sustainable ministry.

Monday, June 10  4:00-5:30pm

The Thought Exchange by David Friedman

"Our thoughts create our reality. What we think appears before us in the world. Change your thoughts and you change your life."  
 
We know this. Why don't we do it?  In this participatory workshop, we explore The Thought Exchange® a revolutionary new method that teaches us not only how to choose a new thought, but how to move through any resistance that comes up to staying with that new thought.
 
We begin with a meditation in which we remember that everything we could ever want and every possibility we could ever think of exists right here, right now, in the invisible world that we call “The Great Un-Manifested.”
 
Knowing this, we ask whomever would like to speak (nobody has to speak, you get as much out of this whether you speak or not) to talk about a “problem” they’ve been having, something they want, something they think they lack. Then, looking at the physical world as an exact mirror of our thoughts, rather than the cause of them, we ask the question, “If I’m seeing this problem in the mirror, what MUST I be thinking?” And we uncover thoughts we didn’t know we were holding, or at least don’t care to be holding, thoughts like, “I’m no good, I can’t have anything, I’ll never win, I’ll always be alone.” We think we’ve been sabotaging ourselves with these thoughts, but in fact, we’ve been protecting ourselves from the sensations that come up when we take on those thoughts, because of things that have happened in the past.
 
We then look for a thought that would reflect as what we wish to see in the world, and exchange our old thought for our new thought. But then, and this is the most important part, we stop and notice the sensations we have when we take on that thought, and instead of running from them or taking on a new thought to get rid of them, we simply stay with them and experience them as sensations. Simple but not easy, but the results in our lives are amazing. We get to break through to things we have never broken through before, and finally have the tools to not only choose a new thought, but to stay with it and see it manifest.

Join us in this intimate, safe environment, and change your life.

From We Can Be Kind to Listen To My Heart, Help Is On The Way, We Live on Borrowed Time, Trust The Wind, I'll Be Here With You and hundreds more, David Friedman has written songs of inspiration, love and hope that take on new emotional meaning in these challenging times.  With 5 Broadway shows, his own Off Broadway Show, 8 Disney Films, 3 television series and recordings by such artists as Diana Ross, Barry Manilow and Nancy LaMott to his credit, David has, in recent years, come to realize that his true mission in life is to help heal and enlighten people in whatever ways he can.  With this in mind, David recently wrote a book entitled The Thought Exchange – Overcoming Our Resistance to Living a SENSATIONAL Life” and spends a great deal of time travelling around the country lecturing, giving concerts and teaching Thought Exchange principles in workshops and private.

Speak Prosperity! by Rev. Nancy Worth

Tips They Didn't Teach. . . by Rev. Joyce Fisher Pierce

Come learn how Joyce’s church moved from an original 1600 sq. ft. converted ranch house to their new 11,000+ sq. ft. building immediately behind the original church…and had fun in the process! Their new church opened February, 2012.

Rev. Joyce Fisher Pierce graduated in 2000 from Unity Ministerial School and became minister at Unity Christ Church of Bon Air, Richmond, VA, in September of that year.  

Since then the membership has tripled and beginning in 2001 two services have been held on Sunday morning to make room for the growing congregation. Also through her leadership the congregation has raised over $1.2 million dollars to build a new church to accommodate the increased number of people seeking a deeper spiritual experience.

John of God Gathering with Rev. Diane Scribner-Cleventer and Chris Harker

Are you here, in Unity, to break through the crystallized thought strata, as the Fillmore’s said of Jesus? How does all this seemingly impossible healing fit in with Unity teachings, the Bible, and our common sense? Have you wondered how Oprah and Wayne Dyer’s healing experiences with John of God might affect your life?

Join Rev. Diane Scribner-Clevenger and Chris Harker  (Casa Guides) to experience the Love that permeates the Casa de Dom Inacio de Loyola in Abadiania, Brazil - where the trance medium, faith-healer John of God allows spiritual entities to heal others through him - with the over-lighting power of God doing all the work.

You mean, there really is no degree of difficulty with God when our faith is spiritually active!  See for yourself. You May Bring Photos & Healing Requests for John of God, each w/ Name, Address, Birth, 3 Requests. If possible, please WEAR WHITE to intentionally prepare for the movement of the Divine in and through you…

Raised in Unity, Rev. Diane, was nicknamed “the woman of a thousand prayers,” by a fellow minister; and she is the senior minister of Pray Attention Ministries, a Unity “church without walls.” Diane serves individuals and communities worldwide - speaking, coaching, teaching, leading Prayershops, retreats, and spiritual journeys. She and her beloved, Chris, are Casa Guides with the trance medium faith-healer, John of God, who blessed them to lead meditation events, gatherings, and trips to Brazil for those seeking spiritual healing. Diane brings light and enthusiasm to whatever she does; and she’s looking forward to being with us here today as we Pray Attention to how God is being Good in our lives!
 

Me to We--The Shift to Mission/Community Centric Ministry by Rev. Shipley Allinson and Rev. Darby Neptune

Before becoming an ordained Unity minister and the senior minister at Unity of Panama City in 2007, Rev. Darby Neptune was a successful business trainer and consultant. Her background in counseling, leadership development, team building and strategic planning helped her to prepare for her role as a spiritual leader.

From 2009 to 2012, Unity of Panama City was one of ten pilot churches chosen to participate in the Transformation Experience with Unity Worldwide Ministries. As a result, they have undergone significant changes in engaging more participation and development of leaders.

Darby has recently had articles published in regional magazines. One article focuses on her passion for the new projected levels of consciousness that will help positively change both individuals and the world. Her personal mission is to facilitate
transformation.

Rev. Shipley Allinson is founding minister of Unity on the River in Amesbury, Massachusetts. She began full-time ministry in1998 and was ordained a Unity Minister in January, 2003. She is passionate about the transformation of consciousness and the realization of oneness of the planet. Having Unity on the River enter into the Transformational Experience of the Unity Worldwide Ministries has been one of the highlights of her ministry. With this support we know that our center can achieve its mission of Celebration and Awakening and truly be a Beacon of Light to the surrounding areas.
 

Wednesday June 12  4:00-5:30pm
 

Moving Consciousness Into Action by Dr. Roger Teel

Join Dr. Roger Teel as he leads you into an experience of deepening & integrating your consciousness of God. Dr. Teel presents his message with the deep humility of sharing the challenges he has/is facing in his personal journey to overcoming the ego and staying connected to his authentic self. He provides many useful ideas for helping each of us progress in our personal journey.

Dr. Roger W. Teel is a life transforming speaker and a global spiritual leader. Through storytelling, humor and practical spirituality, Dr. Teel’s transforming messages, as well as in workshops, classes, business and national conferences, help empower people and lead them to their limitless potential to live dynamically.
He is backed by exceptional academics. Dr. Teel holds a degree in psychology and religion, a Doctor of Divinity and a Doctor of Religious Science degree. He has served pulpits in Oregon, California and in 1993 returned to his home church, Mile Hi Church where he serves as Senior Minister and Spiritual Director to over 10,000 members and friends.
 

Everybody in! The Water's Fine: Creating a Culture of Multigenerational Ministry
by Rev. Kathy Kellogg and Rev. Dr. Jane Simmons                                     

Are you looking for simple ways to bring generations together for inspiration, education and just plain fun? When you think of multigenerational ministry does it invoke in you a feeling of diving into uncharted waters? Join Rev. Kathy Kellogg and Rev. Dr. Jane Simmons in exploring the integral model of multigenerational ministry and experience how easy it can be to create a culture of oneness. You will receive simple steps and a ministry tackle box for implementing ideas in your home ministry. Come on in, the water's fine!

Turning Meditators in to Members by Janet Taylor and Peggy Mulvihill

Tiered Membership: The Do's and Don'ts by Dr. Gary Simmons

Studies have shown that a tiered membership system can be a foundation for greater member integrity, ownership, and accountability. Studies have also shown that more complex and demanding paths to membership often lead to greater commitment, maturity, and member competence. Yet, while the studies affirm the benefit of having two dimensions of membership (community member & governing member), what is most challenging is actually institutionalizing a tiered membership structure without significant push-back from the established congregation.

This workshop will provide an overview of the tiered membership system currently being formulated and soon to be field tested as a post Pilot Program module. Participants will learn the do’s and don’ts for moving toward a tiered membership structure and how to maximize community support.

Rev. Dr. Gary Simmons is a principal designer of the Transformation Experience. He has won personal praise from Ken Wilber for his formulation of an integral model of ministry. Simmons is the author of Unity’s best seller The I of the Storm, now in its sixteenth printing. His latest book is The Soul’s Conspiracy and he is co-author of The Art & Practice of Living with Nothing and No One Against You. He serves as a private consultant to UWM.

Catch the Wave by Rev. Deborah Frownfelter

We have completed the final measurements and without a doubt, the Transformation Experience (TE) Pilot Program has been an outstanding success on many levels. Now it is time to expand the success of the TE Pilot Program to interested spiritual communities.  

Come learn more about how the Transformation Experience has benefited the participating spiritual communities and what we have learned about how to prepare to successfully embark on this journey—to “catch the wave.”

Join Rev. Deborah Frownfelter in this interactive session for an opportunity to learn more and to have your questions answered.
 

Friday, June 14  1:00-2:30

Surrendering to Now: The Art of Letting Go by Peter Russell

"Just let go," we're advised. "If only I could let go," others complain. The call goes back a long way, to the core of the world's spiritual traditions. Surrender, non-attachment, accepting the present, relinquishing ego, forgiveness—they all entail a letting go. Holding on, they claim, limits perception, creates tension, veils our true nature, and lies at the root of much our suffering. Letting go, on the other hand, brings relief, ease, joy, and love.
But letting go seldom seems easy. That is because we usually approach letting go as something to do. We may know it is the opposite—an undoing—but that does not make it any easier.  

In this seminar, Peter Russell will explore what leads us to hold on, how we become attached to our beliefs about what we need and how to get it. He will also share his latest thinking and practices on how to allow letting go to happen spontaneously.

Peter shows that the key is giving up all trying and effort. The mind in its natural relaxed state is already at ease. We do not need to do anything to find inner peace, we simply need to release the various thoughts that keep our minds busy and tense. The beauty of this approach is that nothing needs to be changed or eliminated. It is simply surrendering to the fullness of the present moment. Herein lies true freedom.

The Intentional Spirit--Shamanism and Spiritual Leadership with Rev. Temple Hayes

Temple Hayes will share tools that will support you as a spiritual leader and role model to becoming an intentional spirit. A thriving leader who has the ability to fully express the 5th Principle of Unity in ways that are natural and yet profound. You will learn how to apply these simple practices in purposeful ways that will enable you to thrive in the best and most challenging of times in your ministry. You will become aware of the how’s and why’s in your everyday life and how they directly affect your ability to see and be your most magnificent self.

Full Steam Ahead! Experiencing Multigenerational Ministry
by Rev. Kathy Kellogg and Rev. Dr. Jane Simmons                                     

We talked about it in the first section, now we are going to do it! Here's an opportunity to participate in multigenerational ministry through music, meditation, storytelling, service, and team building. Even if you didn't participate in section one, everybody is welcome.

If you and your family are looking for an opportunity for multigenerational fun in the Unity community, this interactive workshop is for you! Come prepared for oceans of fun.
 

Overview Of The Thriving Ministry Model by Dr. Gary Simmons

The Thriving Ministry Model is a new paradigm of ministry that utilizes a whole system approach to engaging the challenges and opportunities of ministry. Having won the personal praise of Ken Wilber for his formulation of an integral approach to church growth and development, Rev. Dr. Gary Simmons presents an overview of the Thriving Ministry Model that has underpinned the Transformation Experience. This workshop is a must for ministry leaders wishing to replicate the successes of the Pilot Program ministries. It provides a clear framework for understanding how common church-related issues are not so much problems to solve, but evolutionary drivers that need to be leveraged.
 

Rev. Dr. Gary Simmons is a principal designer of the Transformation Experience. He has won personal praise from Ken Wilber for his formulation of an integral model of ministry. Simmons is the author of Unity’s best seller The I of the Storm, now in its sixteenth printing. His latest book is The Soul’s Conspiracy and he is co-author of The Art & Practice of Living with Nothing and No One Against You. He serves as a private consultant to UWM.
 

The Master Creativity App by Ron Wagner and Beth English

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