Venue
Stoney Creek Hotel, Moline, IL ·
Group rate $115/night
Includes breakfast
https://tinyurl.com/StoneyCreekRegistration
PEOPLE | POWER | PURPOSE
About the Conference
Join us for the Great Lakes Unity Regional Conference 2025
— a celebration of inspiration, healing, and collaboration.
September 22 - 24
Registration
In-person: $200 Early Bird
ZOOM Only: $150
(6.5 CEUs Available)
Image
_0.png)
Image
Rev. Kelly Kincaid
Senior Minister, Unity of Farmington Hills
She is passionate about her relationship with God and about learning, teaching, and living according to the teach-ings of Jesus and Truth principles. She refers to Truth principles in her Critical Conversations group, which she started five years ago, after the murder of George Floyd to discuss the unjust, unequal, and unloving aspects in the environment of our country. She says that she’s not about the politics, but the “heartitics” because it is through the heart that we can create real change. Throughout the years, she has been progressively introducing a broader perspective through films, field trips, fundraisers and work-shops to introduce a de-escalation of polarizing influences.
Image
Dennis Muzzi
Community Builder, Educator, and Facilitator
Dennis Muzzi is a retired clinical and community social worker and part-time social work faculty member with a deep commitment to healing social divides. He actively serves with Braver Angels, a national organization dedicated to reducing political polarization and fostering civil discourse.
Dennis developed the Bridging Divisions series, offered through both the University of Michigan’s lifelong learning program and Unity of Farmington Hills, where he helps individuals navigate difficult conversations with empathy and curiosity. His passion lies in repairing the harm polarization has caused to families, friendships, and communities—while making political discussions safe, respectful, and even enjoyable again.
In this presentation, participants will receive ideas on cultivating more closeness, understanding, awareness and unity within their spiritual communities, using Unity teachings. They will learn a 'Braver Angels’ approach to bridge-building across differences. They will learn ways to co-create environments where all individuals feel seen, heard, and valued. Through the lens of spiritual integrity, participants will reflect on their roles as inclusive leaders.
The calling is to be, and teach others to be intentional agents of Truth, healing, and change in the world, individually and collectively.
CEU Credit: 1.5 DEI and 1.0 Ethics
Image
Jim Blake
CEO Unity World Headquarters
Image
Rev. Roxanne Graves
CEO Unity Worldwide Ministries
Image
Rev. Valerie Mansfield
UWM Board President
Our Evolutionary Edge, Emerging Vision
Exploring the Possibility of a Unified Future for Unity
Join us for a forward-looking conversation about the potential merger of Unity Worldwide Ministries and Unity World Headquarters. This panel will explore the spiritual, organizational, and cultural opportunities that could emerge from greater alignment between these two powerful arms of the Unity movement.
Grounded in principle and guided by vision, we’ll reflect on what it means to evolve as a spiritual movement—and how this potential unification might serve our collective mission in today’s world. Come with open hearts and curious minds as we imagine what’s possible together.
CEU Credit: 2 General Hours
Image
Rev. David McArthur
Winner of the 2022 Charles Fillmore Award
Rev. David McArthur left the practice of law to become an ordained Unity minister and has led dynamic Unity churches for more than thirty-five years. In addition to roles as the senior minister in Unity churches in Montana, Washington, and California, he has served as a member and Chair of the Board of Trustees of Unity Worldwide Ministries. He has been honored with Unity’s Youth Services Award and as a Hero of Forgiveness by the Worldwide Forgiveness Alliance. David also spent seven years as a director and trainer at the world-renowned HeartMath Institute.
His years working with HeartMath’s discoveries on the role of the heart in human transformation have given him the opportunity to teach clergy from many religions and denominations. Rev. David has trained Unity’s Silent Unity prayer ministry, its ministerial students, hundreds of Unity ministers, and many churches in the heart’s transformative power. He has been a keynote speaker at Unity conventions and conferences as well as being featured in Unity Magazine.
David is the bestselling author of three books, The Intelligent Heart, Your Spiritual Heart, and The Monk’s Choice. He currently continues to present his workshops, keynotes, and services throughout the country. He and his wife Kathryn live in Poulsbo, Washington, where he is active with the Unity Northwest Regional Board.
His work can be found at https://accessingwisdom.com/
Heart Coherence
& Circle Shares
Cultivating Inner Balance Through Connection
Join Rev. David for an experiential session introducing the transformative practice of heart coherence, grounded in the science of HeartMath. Coherence practices are "proven to release stress and increase balance, poise, and clarity—especially in challenging times."
Through guided Circle Shares, participants will explore these principles in action, engaging in heart-centered dialogue and deep listening. This session offers both insight and embodied practice for those seeking greater emotional resilience, clarity, and spiritual alignment in daily life.
CEU Credit: 2 General Hours
Image
Cassidy Meeks
Youth & Family Ministry Coordinator for the Great Lakes Region
Supporting youth programs across eight states. With over a decade of experience, she brings creativity, empathy, and a passion for building inclusive, spiritually connected communities.
Truth Principles & Practical Tools for You & Today’s Youth and Families
Whether you are wondering about serving the rare child that arrives on a Sunday, or want to guide a multi-age approach to Sunday youth gatherings, or you are motivated to serve families with greater effectiveness, Cassidy will address your interests and needs in this interactive session.
CEU Credit: 1 General Hour
Image
Rev. Dr. Kathy Engelhardt
Spiritual Leader, Entrepreneur, Prosperity Teacher
Rev. Dr. Kathy Engelhardt is a longtime entrepreneur turned Unity minister, with a rich background in business, wellness, and off-grid living. She embraced Unity’s prosperity teachings and now leads a thriving ministry. Ordained in both Interfaith and Unity traditions, Kathy brings decades of experience, a zest for life, and abundant loving energy.
The Importance of Having a ‘Sustained Giving’ Program
The blessing of the giver and recipient of a Sustained Giving Program. It is easy to implement, track, and makes it much easier to manage your church budget. Join Kathy for an engaging time together, reminding ourselves of the BLESSING around GIVING!!
Typical questions to be addressed:
What is a "Sustained Giving" program?
How do you launch it?
How easy is it to get off the ground?
Who are your initial participants?
WHY would we institute this program?
Can you help us with materials so that we can make ours personal to our center?
CEU Credit: 1 General Hour
Image
Rev. Phil Smedstad
Transitional Ministry Specialist UWM
Rev. Phillip Smedstad has served as a Unity minister for 49 years and is a Certified Transitional Ministry Specialist. He founded ministries in Hawaii and Texas, authored Real Wealth and the My Next Step cards, and currently serves as Minister of Record for Unity of Santa Barbara..
One Presence, One Power: From Belief to Experience
In this one-hour (presentation/workshop) I will share with you what I’ve learned and experienced regarding the concept of “Living With No One and Nothing Against You” as Dr. Gary Simmons presents in his book The I of the Storm
In addition, I will share with you several handouts including:
Mastery of Emotions
A Deeper Understanding of The Law of Mind Action
Shadow Work is Essential for Personal Transformation
How To Hear Your Guidance
How To Use Judgments of Others as Tools for Spiritual Growth and Self-Love
“What I Received From Having Cancer” which is an account of someone in my congregation learning to see everything that happens to her as “her idea.”
If I Feel Upset With Someone
CEU Credit: 1 General Hour
Image
Rev. Ric Beattie
Senior Minister, Unity of Royal Oak
Rev. Ric Beattie has over 20 years of Unity leadership experience and currently serves as Senior Minister at Unity of Royal Oak, MI. Known for his passion for spiritual transformation and inclusive community, he brings a heart for service and strong skills in digital ministry and outreach.
Ministry Workflow Integration With AI
Simplify. Streamline. Serve More Deeply.
Discover how artificial intelligence can support and enhance your ministry’s day-to-day operations—without losing the heart of what you do. This hands-on session will explore how AI tools can help streamline tasks such as email writing, social media planning, newsletter creation, sermon preparation, and volunteer coordination. You’ll learn practical, beginner-friendly ways to save time, reduce overwhelm, and refocus your energy on spiritual leadership and community care. Whether you’re tech-curious or tech-shy, you’ll walk away with real tools and renewed confidence.
CEU Credit: 1 General Hour
Image
Nina Swanson
Music Director: Unity Center of Cedar Rapids
Nina Swanson has been the music director at the Unity Center of Cedar Rapids for over 35 years. She enjoys writing music for the church as well as using traditional hymns and finding new music from many different sources. At Unity CR she works with a house band, and many different guest musicians, who keep the joy going! Outside of the church she is active in theatre, teaches piano, works as a voice-over artist, and accompanies her local school's choirs.
Please Add this Email to Your Address Book!
Please add greatlakesunityr4@gmail.com to your email address book.This will help ensure all conference access materials are delivered to you without any issues.
ATTENDING THE 2025 CONFERENCE
How will the online conference be held?
The 2025 Online Fall Conference will be a hybrid event, A hybrid conference allows guests to attend in person or join select sessions virtually via Zoom, making the event accessible from anywhere.
What is Zoom?
Zoom is an application that allows groups to facilitate online gatherings. It includes the ability for displaying video feeds of the participants, as well as screen sharing and other tools to allow for an interactive experience.
What do I need to participate in the conference via Zoom?
You will need a computer or mobile device with sound. For interactive portions of the conference, you will need to have a working microphone and web camera (already on most laptops and mobile devices.)
How will I access Zoom after I’ve paid?
After completing your registration, you will receive a receipt of your purchase. Contact our Admin with any questions: greatlakesunityr4@gmail.com 24-48 hours before the start of the conference, you will begin to receive a series of emails with access links to your sessions.
Is there any event that is in-person at the conference?
All events are available in person.
The GLUR 2025 Online Conference Sessions are waiting room enabled.
You will be entered in a waiting room before the start of each session.
REGISTRATION & COST
What is the cost of the conferences? $200 early bird. $250 late bird August 1-Sept-5
in person is $200 (early bird rate) and includes a potential of 8 CEU credits including DEI and Ethics.
Zoom only is $150 with the potential of 6.5 CEU Credits
When does registration close for the conference?
Registration for the conference will close on September 5th, 2025.
What is the refund policy of the conference?
The Region shall retain a 20% processing fee for cancelled registrations during the 30 days preceding the opening day of the Annual Regional Conference, (August 22nd - Sept. 22nd)
Is there a scholarship availible to attend the classes?
Scholarship Application: https://www.greatlakesunity.com/scholarship-application
CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS (CEUs)
The Great Lakes Unity Region has designed and is offering sessions which we believe are CEU worthy and in relevant areas such as inclusivity, ethics, ministry operations, methods of teaching and self-care practices. Ministers and LUTs are required to track and document their potential CEUs and submit them yearly with their annual report. Please maintain copies of all registration confirmations, list of classes provided to you, and conference payment receipts for your records.
Didn’t Receive Your Access Links?
Contact us: email-greatlakesunityr4@gmail.com. | CINDI COUSINEAU, GLR ADMIN | QUICK ACCESS Text 920-540-0716
You should receive your links via email 24-28 hours prior to the start of your sessions. Please contact us at greatlakesunityr4@gmail.com.