Welcome to the Retreat!
We're so delighted you are here with us at Unity Village for a weekend of learning, visioning, and connecting. A lot of planning has gone into the weekend, but, hey, we're realistic. Weather may change and surprises may happen. So, this digital schedule will enable us all to be flexible.
A special thanks to our speakers, and our volunteers Joy & Kathy,
Let's have a great retreat!
Carol, Erika, & Sarah
Co-sponsoring retreat organizers from:
Announcements & Schedule Updates
important: Sunday's schedule has changed. Scroll down for the most up-to-date session times.
Schedule
Friday evening, October 28 @ The Fillmore Chapel
Focus: Welcome, orientation and introductions
4:00 - 6:00 pm Registration!
Pick up nametag at at Fillmore Chapel, check out the Animals and World Religions display
4:00 - 4:40 pm Jolly wagon tour of Unity Village grounds (optional)
5:30 - 6:30 pm Dinner (meal plan)
6:45 - 8:30 pm Orientation and introductions
Saturday, October 29 @ The Fillmore Chapel
Focus: The Road to Eden and Whole Planet Spirituality
6:30 - 9:00 am Breakfast available in the hotel
8:45 am Morning meditation - Centering Prayer with Rev. Erika Allison
9:00 - 10:00 am Introduction
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A Brief History of Unity, The Road to Eden and Whole Planet Spirituality by Rev. Carol Saunders
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Welcoming statements by Rev. Shad Groverland, Executive Director of Unity Worldwide Ministries
10:00 - 11:00 am My Road to Eden Inquiry led by Rev. Carol Saunders
11:00 - 11:15 am Break
11:15 am - 12:00 pm Compassionate Dining: A Cultural History by Victoria Moran
12:00 - 1:00 pm Lunch + Q&A with Victoria Moran (meal plan)
1:15 - 3:15 pm
KEYNOTE: Finding Common Ground by Gene Baur
Followed by Q&A/dialogue
Challenging systems of oppression can result in conflicts that devolve into unhealthy judgements and animosities. We'll address how focussing on shared values and principles, while also being mindful of diverse lived experiences, can help build bridges instead of walls and bring about shared understandings that inspire steps toward a more peaceful future.
3:15 - 3:30 pm Break
3:30 - 4:00 pm Spiritual practice with Rev. Erika Allison
4:00 - 4:15 pm Break
4:15 - 5:30 pm The Greatest Transformation in Human History with Q&A by Sailesh Rao
5:30 - 6:30 pm Dinner (meal plan)
7:00 - 7:30 pm Facilitated Visioning led by Rev. Erika Allison
7:30 - 7:50 pm Inspiration: Reflection of Will Tuttle
7:50 - 8:10 pm Inspiration: Reflection of Judy Carman, author of Homo Ahimsa
8:15 - 9:00 pm "Amazing Animals" watch party with yummy popcorn
Sunday, October 30 -The Fillmore Chapel
Focus: Being in Action as Whole Planet Champions
6:30 - 9:00 am Breakfast available in the hotel
8:45 am Morning meditation - Whole Body Prayer with Rev. Carol Saunders
9:00 - 10:15 am Engaging Communities: How Awakening Animal Relationships Can Spark Caring Attitudes and Actions with Rev. Sarah Bowen
In this workshop, Sarah Bowen will lead you through mindfulness practices that can help your community discover (or strengthen!) their sacred bonds with other species, from cats and dogs to sheep and songbirds. Next, she’ll propose innovative ideas for creating high-impact community engagement and collaboration through interspecies meditation, prayer, nature liturgy, and the tools of animal chaplaincy. You’ll take home ideas and tools to use in your family, community, and local habitat.
10:15 - 10:30 am Spiritual Practice with Rev. Sarah
10:30 - 10:45 am Break
10:45 am - 11:45 pm Using Dialogue to Inspire Others to Shift to Compassionate Living workshop with role play by Laura Aube: PART 1
10:45 - 11:00 am Break
12:00 - 1:00 pm Lunch (meal plan)
1:15 - 1:45 pm Inspiration/reflections by Dr. Milton Mills
2:00 - 3:00 pm Using Dialogue to Inspire Others to Shift to Compassionate Living workshop with role play by Laura Aube: PART 2
3:00 - 3:15 pm Break
3:15 - 4:15 pm Healthy Mindset - Healthy Living: Make the Transition by Vince Tucker
4:15 - 4:20 Announcements
4:20 - 5:30 pm Renewal, restoration & self-care (free time)
5:30-6:30 pm Dinner (meal plan)
6:30 - 8:00 pm
“A Hallowed Experience”
This will be an experiential evening exploring “hallowing” in the context of the holiday we more often know as Halloween. We’ll be inspired by the cultural traditions of All Hallows' Eve, El Día de los Muertos, All Saints' Day, Samhain, Ghost Festival (sometimes called the "Chinese Halloween"), Obon, and yes, even Mischief Night!
Monday, October 31 - The Fillmore Chapel
Focus: Taking Ourselves Into the World
6:30 - 9:00 am Breakfast available in the hotel
8:45 - 9:30 am Yoga with Victoria Moran in the Fillmore Chapel
9:30 - 10:00 Hotel check out
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
“What’s on Your Heart” Dialogue and Vision Completion followed by Whole Planet Spirituality Ritual Closing
12:00 - 1:00 pm Lunch (meal plan)
1:00 pm Airport shuttle, drive home or hang out with who’s hanging out