unity symbol
Mountaintop Experience
~ Retreat ~

August 29- Sept 1, 2006

at Kanuga Conference Center,
Hendersonville NC

"The Sound of Healing"

Listening, Accepting, Being

Unity
Ministers
      of the
Mid-
Atlantic
States
Keynote Speaker Minister Workshops 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 overlooking the lake, 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 cornucopia of workshops with various ministers from the Unity Ministers of the Mid-Atlantic States (UMMAS), as well as two inspiring sessions with  our keynote speaker.

Lytingale

 Inspiring, original Music will fill the air and your hearts... including...
  • IALA and her one-woman musical show, PaRaDiSe 4 $Ale
  • Lytingale with Trilogy, (Fletcher, NC) 
  • our fabulous Talent Show

 

Trilogy: Georgia, Joel, Lyte

For the third 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 a gymnasium, outdoor exercise trail, playing fields, tennis courts, hiking trails (varying degrees of difficulty), and a scenic lake for boating (canoes & rowboats available for free), fishing, swimming in the lake (chilly but available).  (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 - heat 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 (Beware: new exit numbers!), and is served by the Asheville, NC airport (30-minute drive) or Greenville-Spartanburg, SC airport (60-minute drive). Directions to Kanuga: http://www.kanuga.org/map.htm.  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), Flat Rock Playhouse, the Blue Ridge Parkway, 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 full of fun and creativity. Nursery care is provided for the littlest ones.

The experience begins with dinner on Tuesday evening
and lasts until 11:00 am Friday.
Fees include: 8 meals, 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" - 8/21/99 

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, so we can plan times and availability.

Click here for Registration Form

 

2006 Keynote:

Lee Coit

"Listening, Accepting, Being"

Over 20 years ago, best-selling author Lee Coit began a quest for answers to his pain and frustration. As a result, he discovered an inner guidance system that has helped him make decisions in all areas of his life. This path has led to the writing of several highly successful books and to giving lectures and workshops internationally. Lee's dramatic change from a very busy advertising agency executive to a content & happy spiritual being gives hope to anyone seeking a better way to live.

Lee brings depth, warmth, and humor to his presentations.

Books by Lee Coit:

  • Listening - How to Increase Awareness of your Inner Guide  - This was Lee's first book written 17 years ago and recently revised. It details how to access and follow Inner Guidance in a simple and easy to understand manner. Many examples are given of how this process works from Lee's personal experiences.

  • Accepting - How to Increase Your Awareness of Perfection - In his second book Lee explains and demonstrates how to move beyond conflict and defensiveness and to realize that everything has the possibility of containing a "blessing". The book details his life after a major shift in his priorities and viewpoint.

  • Being - How to Increase Your awareness of Oneness - In the final book in this series Lee discusses how to live a life of "being" rather than "doing". He illustrates from personal examples how when we accept that all of creation is joined and inter-connected we are sustained fully in peace, joyfulness, and abundance. 

Lee Coit was raised in a very spiritual environment. His mother was a Christian Science healer. Both his parents were active in the Christian Science church they founded. After his formal education he went into the advertising business and became totally immersed in a high powered business life. After two divorces, and a row with his partner, he sold the business and retired in his mid-forties. Despite his personal business success, he felt something was missing in his life and yearned to find love and peace. His search started with a one year commitment to find the "meaning of life" and that resulted in a twenty-five year experience of totally following his inner guide.

Lee has traveled the world and given workshops and lectures throughout Europe. His books, based on his personal experience, are currently published in seven languages. His fourth book Awakening is coming out soon. He founded a retreat Center, Las Brisas in the wilds of Southern California and for seven years lived and held seminars there.  He lives in Ventura, CA, where he sells real estate, sails, and enjoys life.

Lee on "Abundance":
"Think how creation works. A tree does not have just one seed. It produces more than seems necessary for its own procreation. Some seeds provide food for animals. Some seeds are carried beyond the tree’s small area never to be seen again. Some seeds rot and provide rich soil for other plants. Some seeds sprout only to be eaten, some seedlings wither and die, and some seedlings provide shade for smaller plants. Nature is abundant providing more than what is needed. Examine your life and see how you can be more abundant than is needed. Do not try to keep track of every thing you produce and demand that it gives evidence of usefulness. Give for the love of giving not the results of giving. Try this with all things material as well as spiritual. For example, try giving love, truth, and joy away even when you see no specific need or result. Observe what happens and how you feel. In meditation ask for clarity on abundance."

www.leecoit.com

Lee Coit will speak:
  • Wednesday Evening (August 30) - 7:30-9:00 
  • Thursday Morning (August 31) - 9:00-11:00
"The purpose of meditation is merely to open a reception channel which will provide you with access to thoughts and guidance through out the day... 

Whenever you become upset during the day simply stop for a minute and say or think, ' could choose to be peaceful, please show me how.'” 

 Click here for Registration Form

Minister Workshops

Tuesday

1:00 on ~ Registration in the lobby

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

7:30 - 8:00 pm ~ Opening Program: Welcome by Revs. Catherine & Terrance Padgett,: introducing the presenters; general info & announcements.

8:00-9:30pm ~ Then hold onto your hats for PaRaDiSe 4 $ALe - A soul splittingly hilarious, one woman, theatrical jungle journey event! Written and performed by IALA, with original music by Akal.

IALA had a vision. In one life transforming, soul shattering, pivotal moment that showed her the LIGHT, pointed her home, answered all of her questions, solved all her problems and revealed her mission - she had a vision. And boy does she have a story to tell. For eight years she struggled and sacrificed for a higher purpose in a world of where army ants, stinkybaby dumb bugs, scorpions and trust fund surfers live in an uneasy peace. A crazy, off the grid, jungle jenny, back to nature, hippie queenworld where only the zealous, the psychotic, the truly enlightened and those seriously on the lam survive.

PaRaDiSE 4 $Ale is a total mind, body, spirit journey into a dimension most of us only dream of. Everyone has passing thoughts like "Gee, I wonder what it would be like if I quit my job and moved to Costa Rica." Iala on the other hand is one of those rare and special birds who cannot have a thought without seeing it through, however misguided.

So if you think you want to change the world, if you think you want to live a life of destiny, if you think you want to live in paradise - see this show first!!! And then if you still want to go through with it - well, Honey, have we got land for you!!!  PaRaDiSe 4 $Ale

  • "PaRaDiSE 4 $Ale is like a seminar packed into 70 mind bending, heart opening, soul searing, laugh till you cry minutes!"
  • "What a courageously, insane woman."
  • "It's an odyssey. She slips in the spiritual and even if you don't know you get it - you get it!"
  • "I've seen it twice and I want to see it again and again. I highly recommend this show."
  • "We had a blast at your play. You are genius. Hilarious!"
  • "Thanks for sharing your insight. We all take ourselves way toooooOOO seriously."
after evening program:
  • Evening Vespers - Rev. Ed Kosak
 

Wednesday

7:00 - 8:00 am ~ Tai Chi ~ Master Chuck Blackburn (Asheville, NC)

7:30 - 8:00 am ~ Meditation ~ Rev. Doug Werth 

8:00 am ~ Breakfast

9:00 - 11:00 am

  • "On Mellowing the Drama" ~ A musical medicine show dedicated to a light-hearted inquiry into the mystery of how we became so adept at turning the Garden of Eden into a rock and a hard place. We’ll identify the Prime Directive of the Jesus ethic and explore the role it plays in all the drama of our self-imposed suffering. If you are tired of milking your melodrama and hunger for a laugh or two, an inspiring interlude of Lyte’s melodic genius and the healing touch of a mind unclouded by longing, this time with Chad and Lyte might just punch your ticket.  ~ Rev. Chad O'Shea & Lytingale (Fletcher NC)

11:15 - 12:15

  • "Harmonies of Healing, Part 1" ~ How do infants yell without losing their voices? They do it naturally, using all the right muscles! They haven’t yet been taught how NOT to express themselves. By simply remembering how to use the body’s own instrument, we can rediscover our peaceful nature from the inside out. When we speak and sing in a natural way, by breathing deeply and releasing the breath entirely, deep and lasting relaxation occurs. Join Lauren Lane Powell and find out how to release endorphins into your system, raise your serotonin levels, slow your heart rate and energize your whole being – just by vocalizing naturally. ~ Lauren Lane Powell

12:30 - 1:30 ~ Lunch

1:45 - 3:45

  • "The Healing Power of Color" ~Join Rene’ and Marie for a fascinating journey into healing through color. Learn how color affects us on a deep, subconscious level and how it can be used for healing our bodies, influencing our choices and lifting our spirits. ~ Rev. Rene & Marie Pare (Wilmington NC)

4:00 - 5:30

  • "Holding Joy" ~ Bring your heart’s desire and intention as we unite the power of our prayers. Where two or more are gathered energy moves! Together we will practice holding the divine ideas of abundance, wholeness, peace, loving relationships, and more for ourselves and each other in an atmosphere of joy, illumination and love. ~ Rev. Allison Mann (Suwanee, GA)

5:30 - 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

7:00 - 7:30

  • Music by Trilogy - Lytingale (vocals, keyboard), Georgia Pressman (flute), Joel Pressman (bass) (Fletcher & Asheville NC)

7:30 - 9:15

  • Keynote Speaker: Lee Coit:  "Awakening" 

    We can find our peace amidst the fear, hatred and chaos of life on earth. Come, gain insight into the purpose of our journey on earth and a deeper understanding of why difficult things happen in our lives despite our best efforts to become "spiritual". Lee will contrast the idea of trying to become spiritual with the natural progression of our soul’s awakening.

after evening program:
  • Vespers ~ with Rev. Joel Blackford 

Thursday

7:00 - 8:00 am ~ Tai Chi ~ Master Chuck Blackburn

7:30 -8:00 am ~ Meditation ~ Rev. Maryanne Blackford 

8:00 am ~ Breakfast

9:00 - 11:00

  • Keynote Speaker:  Lee Coit:  "Awaken"

    How can we know if we are on the right track when it comes to our spiritual growth? Join Lee to learn specifically how to set up a program for spiritual development. Learn how to practice the three steps to spiritual awakening:

11:15 - 12:15

  • Toning Circle ~ Your voice has healing energy! In many cultures around the world, the vibrational energy created by the human voice is used to heal the body, mind and even situations. Rediscover how to direct your voice with intention and experience relief of pain and stress and explore the pure, whole sounds of the crystal singing bowls! ~ Lauren Lane Powell

12:30 - 1:30 ~ Lunch

1:45 - 3:45

  • "The Riches of Revelation" ~ "The Book of Revelation" has baffled and even terrified Christian believers for centuries. However, when this radically sacred book is examined from a metaphysical perspective, each chapter can be understood to contain a universally meaningful message. The entire series of images and events recorded in this book details the myriad of ways that we on earth experience spiritual transformation. Is "Revelation" a guidebook for all seekers, chaotic ramblings from one person's altered state of mind, a picture of a future world, or a warning about our current human condition? I believe that it is a rather wild "ride" through our conscious, subconscious and superconscious phases of mind. All must be focused on one reality, one life, one love, and one Spirit before we can enter the "new Jerusalem." Join with me as we explore the primary themes of "The Book of Revelation," and you will discover that it is a faith, not fear, that you will find.. ~ Rev. Susan Scott-Downs (Greensboro NC)

4:00 - 5:30

  • 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!  Facilitator & Emcee: Rev. Joel Blackford

after evening program:

  •  Vespers ~ Rev. Lora Beth Gilbreath.

Friday

7:00 - 8:00 am ~ Tai Chi ~ Master Chuck Blackburn

7:30 - 8:00 am ~ Morning Meditation ~ Rev. Shirley White

8:00 am ~ Breakfast

9:15 - 10:15 ~ "The Last Dance: A Circle of Healing" ~ Blessing in movement, led by Rev. Ed & Erin Kosak

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 Meditations ~ 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 15 minutes after the evening program ends (usually @9:30-10:00pm) Finish your day with prayer and meditation, led by one of our Unity ministers in the peace 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...
Click here for Registration Form

COMMUTERS: $40 per day or $95 for whole retreat.  Price includes LUNCH & DINNER each day but only IF you Pre-register.  Commuters should contact Unity Center, Fletcher NC (828) 891-8700 or unity@unitync.net to Pre-register.  (You may also register on arrival, but your meal will not be included!)

Click here for REGISTRATION FORM with full pricing details.

Questions? Call: (901) 359-9926 or
send e-mail to Unity, Cordova TN

Registration accepted by mail with check, or
by email or phone with credit card.
We can accept credit cards for full/partial payment only until Sept. 14th!
Balance due at check-in must be paid with cash or check!

 

  • If you cancel your registration, there will be a Cancellation Fee of $35 to cover administrative costs.
  • Deposits are NON-REFUNDABLE after Aug. 15th!
  • 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:  (watch out: they changed the I-26 Exit numbers last year!)

From I-40: near Asheville, take I-26 East to Exit 49-B (Old Exit 18-B) into Hendersonville, 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 Conference 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 at US 25, turn left to Flat Rock Playhouse, then right on Little River Road to its end, then right on Kanuga Street, and immediate left on to Kanuga Lake Road (small Kanuga Conference sign). Go 1.25 miles, Turn right on Kanuga Conference 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 exit and follow that highway up the mountain into NC.  Watch carefully for Exit #5; turn left on 2-lane US 25 to Flat Rock Playhouse. Turn left on Little River Road to its end, then right on Kanuga Street, and immediate left on to Kanuga Lake Road (small Kanuga Conference sign). Go 1.25 miles, Turn right on Kanuga Conference 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

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Last modified: 2006-08-28