Unity Ministers of the Mid Atlantic States

Meeting Minutes

February 1, 2005 - Chattanooga, TN

 

The meeting was called to order at 11:40 a.m. by President Joel Blackford.  John Mclean led the opening prayer.

 

Present:  Teny Fisher, Anna Andes, Lora Beth Gilbreath, John McLean, Arlene Meyer, Chad O’Shea, Felicia Searcy, Rene Pare, Marie Pare, Doug Werth, Denise Yeargin, Joel Blackford, Maryanne Blackford, Russell Heiland, Ruth Woods-Taylor, Catherine Padgett, Cheryl Fehr, Julie McKay-Wilkinson, Gene Wilkinson, Jervais Phillips, Kaye Phillips, Penny Werth.

 

The meeting agenda was unanimously approved (appended to paper copy of minutes) with the addition of item 5(d) re-definition of UMMAS mission.

 

The minutes of the May 2004 business meeting were approved as submitted.

 

Joel presented the financial report in the absence of Treasurer Sydney Magill-Lindquist. (3 pages appended to paper copy of minutes).  Rene Pare clarified that ministers and spouses/partners attend Kanuga at without charge, which accounts for why the retreat does not make a profit.  The financial report was unanimously approved.

 

Joel presented his President’s report.  (appended to paper copy minutes). He mentioned that our current bylaws do not include the position of UMMAS Vice President (even though we have one at present – Denise Yeargin).  As the position is defined, the Vice President may be charged with serving as liaison between UMMAS and new UMMAS members so they are apprised of the services offered by UMMAS.

 

Joel explained that commuters who attend the Kanuga retreat are local residents who do not stay on the retreat center grounds.  The commuters registration fee helps defray the costs of the retreat.

 

Joel explained that UMMAS hosts a board training for the sub-region.  There is no charge for this.  It is a regular UMMAS expenditure.

 

Joel reviewed the balance of his report with explanatory comments as needed and noted below.

 

Kanuga 2005 Planning:

 

Felicia Searcy led the discussion of planning for our Kanuga Retreat 2005. The retreat will be Tuesday, Sept. 13 – 16.  Ministers arrive on Monday, Sept. 12.

 

Felicia began by discussing the creation of manual for retreat planners and presented to the group a two page checklist detailing jobs that need to be done at/for the retreat (hard copy attached to paper minutes).

 

Joan Borysenko will be the keynote presenter. Felicia shared a listing of the topics Joan is prepared to discuss. It was decided to request her presentation be on our theme or, specifically “From Stress to Strength”.  Felicia will correspond with Joan to inform her of our request and verify the specifics of our agreement with her.

 

Discussion of the theme for the retreat ensued. It was decided the theme would be: The “Rest” of the Story: Relax, Embrace, Simplify and Transform.

 

Sheryl Fehr volunteered to prepare the PR flyer and registration form for the Retreat.  Denise Yeargin’s administrative assistant will help.

 

Colleen Engel and Debbie, her assistant, (Memphis, TN) are coordinating registration.  Joel will work with Colleen to establish a bank account in Memphis to facilitate the financial side of registration

 

Sacred Circle Coordinator will be Maryanne Blackford.  John McLean will help.

 

Program and Leaders and Scheduling:

 

Tuesday Opening Program – Judy Blackwelder, Dale Worley, Denise Yeargin, Felicia Searcy

Vespers:  9:30 p.m. (Julie McKay-Wilkinson)

 

Wednesday

7:00 a.m. – 7:30 a.m. – Tai Chi (arranged by Chad O’Shea)

7:30 – 8:00 a.m. – Meditation:  Sheryl Fehr

9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. (#1) – Carol O’Connell “topic TBA”

      (Catherine Padgett room facilitator)

10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. (#2) – Catherine Padgett “Healing the Past/Creating the Future”

      (Lora Beth Galbreath room facilitator)

1:45 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. Sacred Circles

3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.  (#3) Beth and Charlie Curtis “Enneagram”

     (John McLean room facilitator)

7:00 p.m. Music: Lytengale

7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.  Joan Borysenko (60 – 90 minutes)

    (Felicia Searcy room facilitator for Joan Borysenko)

Vespers: 9:30 p.m. (Joel Blackford)

 

Thursday

7:00 a.m. – 7:30 a.m. Tai Chi (arranged by Chad)

7:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. Meditation:  Doug Werth

9:30 a.m. – 12 n – Joan Borysenko

1:45 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. Sacred Circles

 

3:00 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. (#4) Susan Scott-Downs

     (Julie McKay- Wilkinson room facilitator)

4:30 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.  (#5) Chad O’Shea and Lytengale workshop

       (Joel Blackford room facilitator)

6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. dinner

7:00 p.m. – music by Lytengale

7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.  Scott Lindquist (? TBD)

Vespers: 9:30 p.m. Lora Beth Galbreath

 

Friday

7:00 a.m. – 7:30 a.m. Tai Chi (arranged by Chad O’Shea)

7:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. Meditation:  Arlene Meyer

9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. Sacred Circles

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Burning Bowl (coordinator: Denise, Judy, Felicia)

 

Although not noted above on a daily basis, meals really will be served at the Retreat…

 

Felicia will check with Kanuga about emergency procedures.  It will be suggested participants bring a flashlight.

 

A concern was expressed about a bad experience a retreatant had with a massage therapist at the 2004 Retreat.  Chad will address the topic with the therapists who attend the 2005 Retreat to ensure the mechanics of their modality are properly explained to the participants in order to honor the participants’ sensitivities.

 

Money Matters:

Raw cost 2005 charged by Kanuga:  $178.00/double occupancy (200 total people)

Joan Borysenko per contract:  $4,000 + travel

 

Charge to participants 2005:  $345.00/double, $425.00/single

Deposit will be $175. /double, $215/single

Youth charge remains (10-18 y/o): $140/each

Children (3-10) $100/each

Infants/toddlers – no charge

Commuters:  $85/total retreat, $30/day

 

Sound and Taping Matters: Chad shared some ideas related to recording the workshops on CD and/or DVD.  It was unanimously agreed to pay Unity of Fletcher/Mills River $1500 for recording and duplicating of workshops on CD at the 2005 Kanuga Retreat.

 

Board Training:

Will be in the Asheville, NC in July (8th and 9th or 15th and 16th).  Chad will revert with the dates ASAP (that will be provided to UMMAS members ASAP).  The program will be determined ASAP based on availability of presenters.  Information will be emailed to UMMAS members.

 

Scholarships and Grants and Redefining UMMAS Mission:

A discussion of the nature of UMMAS ensued which was relevant to the distribution of scholarships and grants.  Rene provided an oral history of UMMAS.  Russell read from the Articles of Incorporation.  Many ideas were shared.  It was moved that the executive team and five additional UMMAS members provide a recommendation or recommendations to the membership at the May meaning concerning the distribution of UMMAS funds that are in alignment with all IRS regulations.  Motion passed unanimously.  (Team members:  Joel Blackford, Denise Yeargin, Sydney Magill-Lindquist, Russell Heiland, Sheryl Fehr, Arlene Meyer, Felicia Searcy, Doug Werth, Rene Pare)

 

The meeting closed with prayer at 5:45 p.m.

 

Unity Ministers of the Mid Atlantic States

Meeting Minutes

February 2, 2005  - Chattanooga, TN

 

The meeting was called to order by Joel Blackford at 9:25 a.m.  Opening prayer was led by Sheryl Fehr.

 

Present:  Lora Beth Gilbreath, Arlene Meyer, Rene Pare, Marie Pare, Denise Yeargin, Joel Blackford, Maryanne Blackford, Russell Heiland, Sheryl Fehr, Julie McKay-Wilkinson, Gene Wilkinson, Ruth Woods-Taylor, Doug Werth, Penny Werth, Catherine Padgett.

 

Lora Beth Gilbreath suggested a speaker from the Alban Institute as a possible presenter at the Board Training in July in Asheville.

 

Joel suggested a possible ministers’ spiritual growth opportunity (weekend program, spiritual retreat, etc. for ministers). There was animated discussion and support for the idea.   He encouraged input from the group and volunteered to report back at the May meeting or before.

 

Discussion of a grant requests ensued.  It was moved that a grant of $7,000.00 be made to Julie McKay-Wilkinson.  The motion passed unanimously.

 

The business meeting concluded at 10:50 a.m.

 

A discussion of “what works” in ministry ensued.  The topic of holidays opened the discourse.

 

Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, both are on Sundays in 2005:

From Sheryl Fehr: Travelers Service (week before) and Christmas Day Celebration at 5:00 p.m.

No Year’s Day plan as yet

From Rene Pare:  in the past we did one service only on Christmas day (rather than 2).  Note:  there will be football games on Christmas Day.

From Catherine Padgett:  Do burning bowl for the Sunday Jan. 1 Service and no New Year’ Eve service

From Penny Werth:  A 3:00 p.m. service and pot luck dinner

From Julie McKay-Wilkinson:  The “inner Christmas” that focused on the metaphysical symbols of the Christmas story.  She is willing to share with others upon request.  The book “The Trip To Bethlehem” by Hypathia Hasbrouck spells out the details.

From Russell Heiland:  Will be using “The Twelve Powers of Woman” as well as 12 Powers of Man.

From Rene Pare:  the colors/12 powers connection came about 25 years ago when someone made a color wheel to teach 12 powers to children (Beverly Hale Watson?)

From Penny Werth:  Memory service before Christmas (Christmas Eve) to honor those who have made their transition during the year.  Light a candle.  Also light candles for those who are traveling.

 

New Years Eve:

From Sheryl Fehr:  get flash paper for Burning Bowl from E-Bay, about ¼ of the cost of retail.

From Joel Blackford:  put burning bowl lists in trash can, then process outside to burn.

 

Thanksgiving:

From Marie Pare:  Have the church host a Thanksgiving dinner on the Sunday before Thanksgiving.

From Catherine Padgett:  “The Fast Before The Feast” a soup/salad dinner at the church on Wednesday before Thanksgiving.

From Julie McKay-Wilkinson:  The church provides Thanksgiving dinner on Thanksgiving day for the church, friends, etc. at the church.  Pot luck style.

 

Halloween:

From Sheryl Fehr:  Did “Holy-Ween” a metaphysical stage play based on the Wizard of Oz.  Sheryl will provide copies of the script to all who request it.  It was in lieu of the Sunday talk.

 

Easter:

From Joel Blackford:  Individuals write a part to be read (under minister supervision) in which they talk about their connection with Jesus.  Idea from Sharon West, music minister at Atlanta Unity (John Strickland, minister)

 

Contemplative Prayer Service:

From Russell Heiland:  Russell shared the candle lighting process at Wilmington’s early service in which congregants have the opportunity to light a candle for their prayer intention.

 

Discussion of Wednesday Evenings:

Soup and Soul in Fletcher/Mills River was mentioned in which there is a soup dinner and a healing prayer activity.

 

Software: Suggestions for churches:  Faithful Steward, Servantkeeper, Quickbooks Non Profit, Membership Plus, Shelby

 

Prayer requests and prayer support were shared among the group.

The Chattanooga meeting was closed at 11:45 a.m.