unity symbol Mountaintop Experience
~ Retreat ~

Sept 14-17, 2010

at Kanuga Conference Center,
Hendersonville NC

"Retreat"

Unity
Ministers
      of the
Mid-
Atlantic
States
Keynote Speakers Workshop Schedule Directions to Kanuga Registration Form

Join us in beautiful Hendersonville, North Carolina, for a wonderful time
to explore spiritual teachings,
relax and center yourself amidst the mountain splendor,
and enjoy playtime with fellow seekers!

Start the day with a Morning Meditation in the chapel... 

Or  wake up your body with gentle, healing Tai Chi with Chuck Blackburn on the pavilion overlooking the lake... mist rising... birds singing as the sun peeks over the pine trees reflected in the tranquil waters... ah...

Enjoy a wide variety of workshops offered by ministers from the Unity Ministers of the Mid-Atlantic States (UMMAS), as well as inspiring sessions with our keynote speakers.

Inspiring, original Music will fill the air and your hearts... including...

  • Dale Worley
  • Lytingale & Trilogy
  • Our fabulous Talent Show
Still your mind with Vespers in the quiet beauty of the Chapel of the Transfiguration... then drift off to dreamland.

For the seventh year, this retreat will be held at Kanuga Conference Center in scenic Western North Carolina ~ on 1,400 acres, six miles from Hendersonville at 2300' altitude. 

Kanuga is a beautiful facility in a peaceful, wooded setting, with a friendly staff.  Kanuga offers an outdoor labyrinth to walk, outdoor exercise trail, playing fields, tennis courts, hiking trails (varying degrees of difficulty), a scenic lake for boating (canoes & rowboats available for free), fishing, swimming in the lake (chilly but available), and a gymnasium.  (Project Adventure Ropes Course, 52-foot climbing tower, indoor climbing wall may be available for an additional charge.)  

Enjoy delicious food at the breakfast buffet and family-style lunches & dinners.  Accommodations include the 62-room Inn, and 46 two- to six-bedroom cottages (no a/c, but rooms have ceiling fans or box fans provided - temperature isn't usually a problem at this season. Some have shared bathrooms.)  There are plentiful rocking chairs overlooking the lake.

Kanuga Conference Center is reached from I-26, and is served by the Asheville, NC airport (30-minute drive) or Greenville-Spartanburg, SC airport (60-minute drive). Directions to Kanuga. 

Area attractions include the world-famous Biltmore House (French chateau-style mansion, gardens, winery), Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site (tour of house, goat barns, hiking) very near, the Flat Rock Playhouse, the Blue Ridge Parkway, downtown Asheville, Chimney Rock Park, Pisgah National Forest (Cradle of Forestry, Sliding Rock, waterfalls, Pisgah Inn), excellent golf nearby, shopping in nearby historic downtown Hendersonville, arts & crafts, and antiques. Click for Links to more area info.


Kanuga Inn


A Guest house at Kanuga

We offer a Children's Program & Nursery care from 9am until 9:30pm (during workshops & programs)

The experience begins with dinner on Tuesday evening
and lasts until 11:00 am Friday.
Fees include: 8 meals (3 dinners, 2 lunches, 3 breakfasts), 3 nights lodging,
and all workshops and children's programs.

Join the fun!
We'll see you on the mountaintop!

"Words cannot express the joy & peace I brought home with me from the Spiritual Retreat..... It was a pleasure to meet you & so many new friends.  As I start my Path down the Unity journey, I'll always remember the joy & peace that fills me now.  Sincerely, Yvonne" 

Massages & Bodywork by local professionals will be available for a separate love offering that you give to the bodyworker. Please indicate on your registration form that you plan to treat yourself to bodywork, so we can plan times and availability.

Click here for Registration Form

2010 Keynote Speaker: www.ummas.org/RetreatKeynote.html

Mary Manin Morrissey

Schedule     (subject to revision!)

Tuesday

2:00 on ~ Registration in the lobby

6:00 - 7:00 pm  ~ Dinner together at Kanuga

7:00-7:30 ~ Welcome & Introduction - Rev. Margaret Hiller (Myrtle Beach SC)

7:30-8:15 ~ Opening Program - Be prepared to laugh, have fun, and start new friendships. - Rev. Dale Worley (Savannah GA)

8:15-9:30 ~ Keynote Kickoff:  

after evening program (about 9:40):

  • Vespers ~ Rev. Lisa Thorpe (Columbia SC)- Chapel of the Transfiguration

Wednesday

7:00 - 8:00 am ~ Tai Chi ~ Centuries-old Oriental exercise and healing method emphasizes slow, controlled movements & connection to Chi energy. Simple enough for beginners, yet beneficial techniques to maintain your health for a lifetime. - Master Chuck Blackburn (Asheville, NC) - Pavilion by the Lake

7:30 - 8:00 am ~ Morning Meditation ~ - Chapel of the Transfiguration

8:00-8:45 am ~ Breakfast

9:00 - 10:30 am

  • Workshop  ~ 

10:45 - 12:15 (choose one)

  • "Workshop" ~ 

  • An Outer Walk with an Inner Reflection with Joel & Maryanne Blackford (Atlanta GA) and Rev. Herb Pierson (Morehead City NC) ~ We will gather at "the wall" just outside the Kanuga snack bar, open with prayer and an inner reflection process to embark on an easy climbing-walking meditation to the mountain top. There we will see the outer views with a renewed inner view. The return trip will help us solidify our mountain top experience and the Abundance of Nature all along the trail to home....
  • Lake Walk with Erin Kosak (Charleston SC) ~ For those who would like to stay ‘grounded’, join Erin as she explores the lake trail.
    •

12:30 -1:30 ~ Lunch

1:45 - 3:15 (choose one)

  • "Workshop" ~  

  • "Go For It! - Climbing Over the Wall of Limitation" ~ Challenge yourself to soar to new heights and breakthrough limiting beliefs. Receive group support and lots of 'go for it' energy to do a 40' climb on the Outdoor Climbing Wall at Kanuga. $20 Fee to be paid with pre-registration. - David Hiller (Myrtle Beach SC) and Rev. Sheryl Padgett (Augusta GA)

3:30 - 5:00 

  • Workshop: ~ 

5:00 - 6:00 - Free time ~ enjoy the beauty of Kanuga Conference Center or go visit some of attractions in our area!

 

6:00 - 7:00 ~ Dinner

7:30 - 8:00pm

  • Music  by Trilogy ~ original music by Trilogy: Lytingale (vocals, keyboard), Georgia Pressman (flute), Joel Pressman (bass), with special guest Katie O'Shea (vocals).  The trio is part of the dynamic music department at Unity Center in Mills River NC.  (Mills River & Asheville, NC)

8:00 - 9:30pm

  • Keynote Speaker: Rev. Mary Manin Morrissey:  ~  
after evening program (about 9:40):
  • Vespers ~ Rev. Chad O'Shea & Lytingale (Mills River NC)- Chapel of the Transfiguration

Thursday

7:00 - 8:00 am ~ Tai Chi ~ Centuries-old Oriental exercise and healing method emphasizes slow, controlled movements & connection to Chi energy. Simple enough for beginners, yet beneficial techniques to maintain your health for a lifetime. - Master Chuck Blackburn (Asheville, NC) - Pavilion by the Lake

7:30 -8:00 am ~ Morning Meditation ~ Rev. Bruce Milne (Chapel Hill NC)

8:00-8:45 am ~ Breakfast

9:00 - 11:00am

  • Workshop  ~ 

11:15am - 12:15pm (choose one)

  • Spiritual Communion ~ Go directly to the Source for spiritual food. Without bread or wine, we will commune with God, divine substance, and the elixir of life. Rev. Ed Kosak (Charleston SC)

  • Walk the Labyrinth ~ Be a-mazed at the experience of walking a labyrinth, an archetypal symbol of wholeness that invites one into a transformational prayer experience. Walking this mystical path is a personal pilgrimage to spiritual wholeness.  Led by Sam Richardson (Hendersonville NC)

12:30-1:30 ~ Lunch

1:45 - 3:15pm (choose one)

  • Workshop ~ 

  • Kayaking with Doug ~ Have you ever wanted to paddle a canoe or kayak around the lake on a beautiful afternoon? Here’s your chance! Join Rev Doug for some simple basic instructions, and an enjoyable outing on the lake. Rev. Doug Werth (Chattanooga TN)

3:30 - 5:00pm

  • Workshop ~ 

5:00 - 6:00pm

  • Free time.... Walk around the lake... check out a canoe or rowboat...  Nearby attractions include the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site (tour of house, goat barns, hiking), Flat Rock Playhouse, golf at Crooked Creek, shopping in nearby historic downtown Hendersonville, arts & crafts, and antiques. Click for Links to more area info.

6:00 - 7:00 ~ Dinner

7:00 - 9:30 pm

  • Talent Show ~ Get out your talent—this is YOUR time to shine in an evening of fun and surprises!  We applaud your talents!  Sign up at Registration if you want to perform.  Facilitator & Emcee: Rev. Joel Blackford (Atlanta GA)

after evening program (about 9:40):

  •  Vespers ~ A Sacred Drumming Circle ~ connect with God by drumming or listening and catching the vibe of the drums. A great way to "come down" after a high energy night! Led by Rev. Ed & Erin Kosak (Charleston SC)

Friday

7:00 - 8:00 am ~ Tai Chi ~ Centuries-old Oriental exercise and healing method emphasizes slow, controlled movements & connection to Chi energy. Simple enough for beginners, yet beneficial techniques to maintain your health for a lifetime. - Master Chuck Blackburn (Asheville, NC) -Pavilion by the Lake

7:30 - 8:00 am ~ Morning Meditation ~ Rev. Doug Werth (Chattanooga TN) 

8:00-8:45 am ~ Breakfast

9:00 - 10:00 ~ Closing Program ~ We're so glad we've had this time together! In this hour, we will bless each other through sacred experiences before heading out on the Road of Life!  Rev. Ed Kosak (Charleston SC) and Rev. Chad O'Shea (Mills River NC)

Daily

  • 7:00-8:00 a.m. - Tai Chi for Health ~ with Master Chuck Blackburn - Centuries-old Oriental exercise and healing method emphasizes slow, controlled movements & connection to Chi energy. Simple enough for beginners, yet beneficial techniques to maintain your health for a lifetime. --Held at the Cunningham-Nevius Pavilion overlooking the rising mist and the soaring birds on the Lake.
  • 7:30-8:00 a.m. – Morning Meditation ~ Enter your day totally relaxed with a gentle Morning Meditation, led by one of our Unity ministers in the lovely Chapel of the Transfiguration

  • Evening Vespers ~ Begins 10-15 minutes after the evening program ends (about 9:40pm)  Finish your day with prayer and meditation, led by one of our Unity ministers, in the peacefulness of the Chapel of the Transfiguration

  • Sacred Path Labyrinth - an archetypal symbol of wholeness that invites one into a transformational prayer experience. Walking this mystical path is a personal pilgrimage to spiritual wholeness. A permanent outdoor Labyrinth is available near our meeting room.

  • Bodywork ~ a variety of styles of healing bodywork & massage offered by skilled practitioners, available by appointment, for a love offering you give to the practitioner.

  • Want to talk?~ The ministers of UMMAS are available to you - just ask!
  • Meals are served in Dietz Dining Room (seats 224). Tables of eight provide opportunity for conversation.
    • Breakfast Buffet: 8:00-8:45am  -with selections from French toast to grits to fruit
    • Family style Lunch: 12:30pm with a salad bar and soup
    • Family style Dinner: 6:00 pm
    • Thursday's Dinner is a Barbeque in the Pavilion by the Lake (weather permitting)

Click here for REGISTRATION FORM with full pricing details.

COMMUTERS: For local people or for those who wish to stay off-site:
  • Cost: $65 per day  -or-  $175 for whole retreat.
  • Early Bird Commuter Discount: $125 for whole retreat when you Pre-register before August 15.
  • Price includes 5 meals (daily Lunch & Dinner) but only IF you Pre-register in advance. (You may register on arrival, but meals at Kanuga will not be included!)
  • Commuters only should contact Unity Center, 2041 Old Fanning Bridge Rd, Mills River NC (828) 891-8700 or unity@unitync.net to Pre-register.  

Questions? Call (423) 755-7990 or
send e-mail to Registrar, Unity - Chattanooga, TN
or contact your local UMMAS church

Registration accepted by mail with check or credit card; or by email, phone, or fax with credit card.
We can accept credit cards for full/partial payment only until Sept. 8th!
Balance due at check-in must be paid with CASH or CHECK! 

 

  • If you cancel your registration, there will be a Cancellation Fee of $50 to cover administrative costs.
  • Deposits are NON-REFUNDABLE after Sept 1st!
  • A refund of your Deposit may possibly be granted for medical or family emergencies, but only if approved by Registrar and UMMAS President or Officers.
  • Changes in Status:   If you have stayed 1 or more nights and then choose to move off campus and become a commuter, NO refund of fees can be given (because UMMAS has to pay the whole fee to Kanuga!), and you are still entitled to meals at Kanuga (they were part of the fee). If you choose to become a commuter at check-in before you stay on the grounds, your Deposit will be used to offset the Commuter fee (no other refund) and you must purchase your own meals. Thanks for your cooperation.

Directions to Kanuga Conference Center

By Auto:   (Note: they changed the I-26 Exit numbers in 2005!)

From I-40: near Asheville, take I-26 East to Exit 49-B (Old Exit 18-B / Rt 64 west) go 2.3 miles into Hendersonville, turn left on US 25 South (Church St) for 9 blocks, go right on Kanuga Street for 3.75 miles. Turn right onto Kanuga Lake Road (small Kanuga Conference sign). Go 1.25 miles, Turn right on Kanuga Chapel Drive (big sign). Continue thru the stop sign to the first paved parking lot on the left (@ 1/2 mile) to Main Lobby. (from Asheville, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Raleigh, Wilmington, Knoxville, Cookeville, Nashville, etc.)

From I-26 & points south: West on I-26: Take Exit 53 (Old Exit 22) on Upward Rd (becomes Highland Lake Rd) to its end; turn left onto NC 225 (Greenville Hwy), to traffic light at Flat Rock Playhouse, then right on Little River Road to its end, then right on Kanuga Road, and immediate left on to Kanuga Lake Road (small Kanuga Conference sign). Go 1.25 miles, Turn right on Kanuga Chapel Drive (big sign). Continue thru the stop sign to the first paved parking lot on the left (@ 1/2 mile) to Main Lobby.  (from Spartanburg, Columbia, Charleston, Savannah, Myrtle Beach, etc.)

From I-85 at Greenville, SC:  US 25 North (White Horse Road exit) and follow that highway up the mountain into NC.  Watch carefully for Exit #5 (Flat Rock) turn left on 2-lane NC 225 to second traffic light (at Flat Rock Playhouse). Turn left on Little River Road to its end, then right on Kanuga Road, and immediate left on to Kanuga Lake Road (small Kanuga Conference sign). Go 1.25 miles, Turn right on Kanuga Chapel Drive (big sign). Continue thru the stop sign to the first paved parking lot on the left (@ 1/2 mile) to Main Lobby.  (from Greenville, Atlanta, etc.)

By Air:  Accessible from:

  • Asheville, NC airport ("AVL") (25 minute drive)
  • Greenville-Spartanburg, SC ("GSP") (1 hour drive)
  • Charlotte, NC Douglas ("CLT")(2 hour drive)

Visit the UMMAS website

Click to join UMMASRetreat  Click to join the UMMAS Retreat Group
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Past Retreats:
2009 Retreat: www.ummas.org/Retreat2009.html
2008 Retreat: www.ummas.org/Retreat2008.html
2007 Retreat: www.ummas.org/Retreat2007.html
2006 Retreat: www.ummas.org/Retreat2006.html

Last modified: 2010-02-04
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