CONFERENCE

This past week, Jean and I had the privilege of attending the annual Unity Worldwide Ministries Eastern Region Fall Conference in Richmond, Virginia.  The Eastern Region of Unity Worldwide Ministries is comprised of Unity churches from thirteen Northeastern states spanning from Maine to Virginia.  Each year, representatives from these churches – ministers, licensed teachers, board members, staff, and lay leaders – converge on one central location for four days of inspiration, education, and rejuvenation.  As usual, this year’s conference was chock-full of opportunities for personal and professional growth, as well as connection with other like-minded individuals from the larger Unity movement.

Unity of Richmond

One of the highlights of my conference experience this year was our visit to two nearby Unity centers – Unity of Richmond and Unity Christ Church of Bon Air.  Traditionally, the host center offers a special evening meal and celebration service during the four-day conference.  This year, we were blessed to have two host centers.  On Tuesday evening we attended a German Oktoberfest dinner and worship service at Unity of Richmond.  On Wednesday evening, we attended a Mexican fiesta dinner and concert at Unity of Bon Air.  Members of both churches greeted us with open arms, full of enthusiasm for their special guests from the Eastern Region.  Both churches recently completed capital campaigns, so their buildings are newly renovated and gorgeous.  They also put together incredibly uplifting, inspirational, and music-filled services for both their members and their guests on these special evenings.  The energy in the room at each service was so high that the people in attendance spent most of the time on their feet, dancing and clapping.  

Meditation Gardens - Unity of Bon Air

In contrast to the experience of being able to relax and enjoy the celebration services at Unity of Richmond and Unity of Bon Air, my other favorite part of this (and every) conference was the time devoted to teaching and learning best practices in ministry.  This year, there were two sessions on this topic.  One centered around the idea of small group ministry and how to effectively organize and conduct small groups.  The other was a breakfast meeting at which people in similar roles in their spiritual communities sat together and discussed the strategies they have developed for “doing” ministry effectively.  I learned many helpful tips, both this year and last year, from other Unity office administrators from around the Eastern Region.

On the long ride home from conference on Thursday afternoon, Jean and I made a list of all of the great ideas we gathered from our various experiences in Richmond.   We are coming back to New Jersey energized by our time spent connecting to the Eastern Region and “Big Unity.”  We look forward to sharing some of these ideas with you and, as always, we continue to look for both innovative and tried-and-true ways to help our spiritual center to grow and thrive.

With gratitude, 

~REBECCA