We Welcome Your Participation
(formerly Conversations with Unity Leaders)
It is our joy to be in conversation with you about ideas to explore, solutions you've discovered, topics of interest, and concerns you may have. We welcome you to participate in, share and learn more about what is going on in the Unity movement.
Connection Space: Support for You
Connection Space is designed to be a time of community and Q&A on a variety of timely topics. Each session will feature a specific topic and will be staffed by facilitators well versed in the subject matter. The facilitators will share their knowledge and then offer a time for Q&A. There is no need to register, just show up with your questions.
Scheduled Calls
All calls are Central Time.
Wednesday, November 9, 2022, at 2:30 p.m.
UWSI Education Redesign. Join us for a call during which we will be sharing where we are with the education redesign and gathering your feedback and additional ideas.
New Monthly Pioneers Cohort Forming 2023:
Do you have a new idea for sharing the Unity message with your community? Is the thought of planting a new ministry both overwhelming and exhilarating? Or maybe you’ve done all this before and have some timeless wisdom to share? This cohort is your opportunity to be in community with friends and colleagues who are asking the same questions and facing the same challenges.
Our First Connection Call is February 16 at 2:00 Central Time (see below). For more information please email the Evolving Ministry Coordinator at evolve@unity.org
Monthly Calls:
- Join Joni Lorraine, our Spiritual Direction Program Coordinator for an informal, but informational look at UWSI’s Spiritual Direction Certification Program. If you’re curious about this new program, visit with Joni and other spiritual directors about this new opportunity to explore an ancient practice of caring for souls.
- Are you a Minister of Record or part of a MOR ministry? Would you like to share your experiences of what’s working and what’s not and connect with others on the same journey? Then join us for our monthly Minister of Record Connection call and let’s grow together!
- Congregation-based, Community-based, Service-based—Where do you fit in? If you are part of a new ministry or thinking about starting an expansion ministry, then this call is for YOU! UWM Evolving ministry coordinator will be on hand to answer questions and facilitate discussions of how to thrive. This is a time to connect with your peers who are also finding innovative, unique ways to reach others with the Unity message.
Special Dispensation Program Participants: 2nd Wednesday of the month from 2:30-3:30 p.m. CST (STARTING JANUARY 2023)
- Are you a part of the Special Dispensation Program? Would you like to network with your peers in the SD program? Would you like to share your experiences of what’s working and what’s not and connect with others on the same journey? Then join us for our monthly SD Participant Connection call and let’s grow together!
- Are you a mentor for the Special Dispensation Program? Would you like to network with fellow mentors of SD program participants? Would you like to share your experiences of what’s working and what’s not and connect with others on the same journey? Then join us for our monthly SD Mentor Connection call and let’s grow together!
- The Pioneer Cohort is an experiential learning environment where we will explore the elements of successful ministry planting through monthly online webinars and activities that will help you to explore, understand, and serve your identified community.
- Are you a mentor for one of our various programs? Would you like to network with fellow mentors? Would you like to share your experiences of what’s working and what’s not and connect with others on the same journey? Then join us for our monthly Mentor Team Connection call and let’s grow together!
To Join the Connection Space:
- We are using Collaborate Ultra for our Connection Space. Google Chrome is the preferred browser so either click on this link or copy and paste the link into Google Chrome: https://us.bbcollab.com/guest/c2e8830cb42e4f5aacfb5057c6df2f75
- If you are unable to connect via the link above, you can join us by phone only using the following number: 571-392-7650 and then entering the Pin #: 534 960.6656. If joining by phone only, you will not be able to view the PowerPoint presentation and only 25 people can use the phone-only option.
If you are new to using Collaborate, this short video explains the basics.
Link to our Rapid Response webpage.
Connection Space & Webinar Recordings
Board Updates
- Connection Space Conversation: Financial Audit (Facilitated by UWM Board Chair John McMahon, and Rev. Shad Groverland, President/CEO)
Caring for Self & Others
- Webinar: "Building Rhythm & Resilience" (Facilitated by Dr. Michelle Robin, B.B.A, D.C, F.A.S.A, C.C.S.P, C.C.W.P.) 5/14/20
- “Keeping Connections Alive in Our Virtual World” (Facilitated by Rev. Pat Williamson, Rev. Myra McFadden, & Ellen Barron, LUT) 4/1/20
- The following links are mentioned on the video and might be helpful resources: Patrick Lencioni Book, YFM Resources, Kansas City North Events
- "Providing Support Through Times of Grief and Trauma" (Facilitated by Rev. Richard Carlini, Rev. Bill Englehart, & Randie Jacobs) 4/13/20
- The following links are mentioned on the video and might be helpful resources: Death Cafe, Camp Erin Grief Resources, Your Life Your Voice, The Trevor Project, Kids Help Phone Canada, The Dougy Center, From Surviving to Thriving.
- Books: On Grief & Grieving, Finding Meaning, Healing Into Life & Death, Four Things That Matter, Spiritual Economics.
- Self Care (Facilitated by Dr. Nancy Little & Pami Parker) 5/5/20
- Self care topics covered include 9 Dimensions of Wellness: Spiritual, Physical, Emotional, Career, Intellectual, Earth, Social, Financially and Mental.
- The following links are mentioned on the video and might be helpful resources: The Energy Creators, HeartMath, Happify, Emotional Intelligence, Social Intelligence, Self-Compassion
Diversity/Inclusivity
- Embracing Our Common Humanity: Supporting Healing & Justice 6/11/20
- The following links are mentioned on the video and might be helpful resources: Jane Elliott, Robin DiAngelo, The film: 13th, available on Netflix, National Museum of African American History & Culture, National Center for Civil & Human Rights, and poem by Tracy Brown.
- Book Titles: Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome, Seeing White, Stamped From the Beginning, Waking Up White, and White Fragility
- Webinar Recording: The Road to Inclusion - Outreach, (Facilitated by Tracy Brown, www.StainedGlassSpirit.net | www.ITurnToPrayer.com | www.ReclaimJoy.com) 4/29/20
- Link to the book: Stained Glass Spirit
- Webinar: Spiritual Activism in a Politically Charged World, (Facilitated by Leona & Matthew Evans) 8/18/20
Ministry Going Forward
- Integral Christianity & Unity (Facilitated by: Rev. Pat Veenema) 3/15/21
- Opening Up Again, (Moderator: Rev. Cynthia Vermillion-Foster Facilitators: Rev. Myra McFadden, Connie Savage, Rev. Denise Shubert (CSL) 4/20/21 Summary Document
- Holding Virtual Annual Meetings (Facilitated by Len Young) 1/28/21
- New Retirement Plan Assistance (Wilborn Advisors) 2/9/21
- UWM Retirement Investment Changes (Wilborn Advisors) 6/8/21
- "The Misplaced Generation: Bringing Our Young Adults Home" (Rev. Ytonna Finnegan, Rev. Linda McLeod, & Miranda Baker, C.S.E.) 9/14/20 The UWM Young Adult Team offered a survey asking many of these former and current Unity attendees what draws them to Unity, and why they may choose to leave or return. The data is in and the results have been compiled.
- "Leveraging Social Media in the Pandemic" (Faciltated by Rev. Jacquie Fernandez + guests) 4/11/20
- The following links are mentioned on the video and might be helpful resources: Getting Better at Speaking Into a Camera, Canva, Hootsuite, Buffer, Eventbrite, streamyard, switcherstudio, also visit the app or play store for the switcherstudio app.
- "Live Streaming" (Facilitated by Rev. Jean-Marie Schweizer & Owen Howson: Contact) 3/26/20
- The following links are mentioned on the video and might be helpful resources: wirecast, streamyard, restream, ecamm, videopad, blackmagic, mixer, music license, music notes, switcherstudio, also visit the app or play store for the switcherstudio app.
- "Making Online Giving Easy" (Facilitated by Rev. Richard Bunch, Rev. Becky Whitehead, and Rev. Dale Worley) 4/11/20
- The following links are mentioned on the video and might be helpful resources: Paypal Giving Fund, Tithe.ly, Push Pay, Vanco, Breeze, EzTexting, CARES Act FAQ, Uplifting Your Giving.
- Webinar Recording: Moving Classes from On-site to Online, (Facilitated by Diane Venzera)
- Part 1: Technology Considerations & Systems 4/9/20
- Part 2: Develop a Mobile Mindset
- Part 3: Effective Class Design
- Part 4: Motivating Learners
Youth & Family Ministry
- "Virtual Youth & Family Ministry Resources" (Facilitated by Janell Renshaw, Trish Yancey, & Vanessa Martinez-Huff) 4/30/20
- The following links are mentioned on the video and might be helpful resources: To find out more about the Eastern Region events, contact Janell Renshaw, Scribblio, Codenames, Jackbox, CCUOrlando Kids, Link to Trish's Book and Videos, Trish's Website, Kansas City North Children's Virtual Board, Kansas City North Teen Virtual Board, Object Lesson Ideas, Kira Willey Movement
- "Virtual YFM Training" (Facilitated by Rev. Diane Venzera, M.Ed)
- Part 1: Current State of YFM & Maintaining Our Connections 9/21/20
- Part 2: Inclusive Online Lessons/Safety & Security/Technology
- Part 3: Online YFM Lesson Design: Ideas, Apps, & Demos
- Part 4: Creating a Re-Entry Plan (Previously Recorded)
- Part 5: The Hybrid Classroom: Combining an Onsite & Online Program
- Resources and Handouts:
- "Connecting Through Virtual & Hybrid Experiences" (Facilitated by Rev. Diane Venzera, M.Ed) 1/25/21
- "What's Working in Virtual YFM?" (Speakers: Nevin Valentine, Unity of Tustin; Akosua Washington-Woods, Unity San Diego; Mary Nowroozi, Unity Fox Valley; & Vanessa Black, Christ Church Unity, Orlando) 2/14/21
Archives of Conversations with Unity Leaders
Check out the archives of Evolving Ministry calls too (formerly called expansion ministry).
Thursday, August 8, 2019, Topic: Prayer and Discussion on Gun Violence Video
Wed, May 22, 2019, Topic: CSL Reciprocal Agreement Video
- We recently finalized a reciprocal employment and ordination agreement. It provides a simple path for Unity ministers to receive a CSL ordination while serving in a CSL ministry—and for CSL ministers to receive a Unity ordination while serving in a Unity ministry.
Thurs, March 21, 2019, Topic: New Bylaws Template Video
- We have a new bylaws template for Unity ministries. Effective January 1, 2020, ministries will be required to utilize this template, requesting preapproval from Member Support for changes.
Thur, Jan 17, 2019, Topic: Unity Outreach Program Training Webinar. For questions about the Outreach program, contact Cheri Jamison at outreach@unityonline.org or 816.347.5531.
Wed, Jan 16, 2019, Topic: Special Dispensation / Video
Wed, Nov 28, 2018, Topic: Credentialing Update: Path to Ordination
Wed, Oct 17, 2018, Topic: CEUs and Code of Ethics / Video
Wed, Sept 19, 2018, Topic: Safe Ministries Video (Additional Resources regarding Armed Intruders)
Thurs, Sept 6, 2018, Topic: 1 Unity, update from the Core Team Video / Español
Thurs, July 12, 2018, Topic: 1Unity, Video / Presentación 1 Unity
Thurs, May 3, 2018, Topic: Bylaws,
Thurs, April 12, 2018, Codes of Conduct, Video
Thurs, March 8, 2018, Outreach Program (new Caregiver brochure) If you have any questions or would like to request outreach materials, please email Cheri Jamison at outreach@unityonline.org.
March 1, 2018, Recognizing and Dealing with Harassment
November 16, 2017 Dialogue Call about CEU's for Ministers
October 3, 2017 Communications with UWM (~55 second sound delay)
April 27, 2017 Identifying Your Ministry Online Voice (~30 second sound delay)
November 15, 2016 Promoting Ministry Activities & Electronic Event Invites
July 21, 2016 Unity Principles on Twitter
May 18, 2016 Create a Social Media Marketing Plan
April 28, 2016 Education Transfer Update (SEE) - Video / PowerPoint
January 21, 2016 Creating & Training a Social Media Team
January 13, 2016 Education Transfer Update - Video / PowerPoint
December 8, 2015 Multiple Models of Ministry, article reference in discussion
December 3, 2015 Education Transfer Video / PowerPoint
November 11, 2015 Social Media Policy
July 2, 2015 Open Discussion
April 9, 2015 SEE and M&RS Transition Task Team
March 26, 2015 Credentialing: Ministerial Education
February 26, 2015 Voting Alternatives (off-site, ratio of votes) Ministry Team Report
Jan 15, 2015 Licensed Teacher and Regions Voting
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