The annual mid-year meetings of the Association of Unity Churches International were a great success, with meetings of ministry teams, the Board of Trustees, a meeting of the joint boards of Unity and the Association, and a special Summit with some 40 attendees coming in at Board Chair Julie Montague's invitation to brainstorm effective ways to move our Association forward.

The Summit was facilitated by Stephanie Seigh, Director of Peacemaking and Transitional Services for the Association. The group identified seven areas to explore, incorporating input that was sent in by a number of field ministers who were not able to attend. Doris Hoskins introduced the Summit report at the week's closing session, saying “The meeting was organic, spontaneous, and reflected the passion of everyone. We felt the prayer support of so many who could only be with us in spirit.” (A report of the Summit outcomes will be posted soon.) Read the 12 Guidelines for Maintaining Priority of Principle developed during the Summit.

The Alternative Ministry Team reviewed input from a survey of alternative ministry leaders. Awareness and marketing of the broad range of services provided by alternative ministries emerged as a key need.

The Standards Ministry Team, composed of the regional representatives from the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico looked at ways to mentor new ministers, spiritual leaders and pioneering ministries that would help them be most successful.

The Transformation Experience Ministry Team worked on a communications plan to disseminate information and experiences of the participating groups in the Enlightened Leaders and Transformational Experience programs. Watch for updates across the varied media options.

The Convention Ministry Team gained Board approval for plans for the 2011 annual convention to be held in Kansas City, with the theme The Radiating Heart of Unity. The 2012 convention is slated for Detroit, and the intention is set for the convention to be held at Unity Village in 2013.

The Worldwide Unity Movement Ministry Team looked at how to effectively share resources and provide support across the globe. Sub-teams include Spanish, English, African, French and German. As they note, “We are culturally diverse and spiritually united.”

The Pioneering Support Ministry Team works to ensure resources and effective ongoing support to expansion ministries. The team also approves matching grants for qualifying start-up groups.

The Benefits Ministry Team is responsible for reviewing all 403B investments available to participants in 24 program offerings. The investments available through the program have kept pace with market recovery, up some 29% over the current reporting period.

The Music Ministry Team provides education and resources for ministries and hosts the annual Sound Connections conference to be held in July. They are also developing a credentialing path for inclusion in the licensed Unity teacher program.

The Board of Trustees met for an additional five days that included the meeting of the joint boards. Their agenda included the preliminary report from the task team appointed last June to review the Credentialed Leader/Ministry Review System and make recommendations for changes. There is still some work by the team to complete their excellent recommendations. Board and home office staff met together in a very productive session as plans move forward in how the home office can best serve the field with the current reduced staff. Additional reports from the board meeting will be forthcoming.  

The joint boards were updated on Unity Institute programs and projects, and work moving forward on branding. There was preliminary discussion on the scope, challenges and possibilities of integration between the two organizations. A task team under the leadership of the two CEOs will explore options, for consideration.

Watch for updates!