Lay Leader Education Program

To serve the growing needs of our congregation, Unity North is unveiling a new spiritual education program with the purpose of training a dynamic and powerful Lay Leader Team!

Here you will find the extensive curriculum and the team of teachers who have put it together. Every class is available on a class by class basis, but for those who are ready to step more fully into leadership and their own spiritual path, we are encouraging you to take the plunge and sign up for the entire program. Those who complete the program will be publicly recognized and certified as a Unity North Lay Leader and an important part of the ministrerial arm of our community.

Class Participation:

• 5-Week Classes – $75
• 2-Week Classes – $30

As a Lay Leader you will work closely with Rev. Richard in several different areas of the UNA ministry.This recognition and certification will afford you opportunities to lead services and programs at Unity North, to represent UNA in the greater community, to serve as a mentor for other congregants and to have access to the spiritual growth that will come from being part of this dynamic team. In more traditional churches this role would be called a Deacon or an Elder. Although we are not using those particular terms, the position of Lay Leader will be held in the highest regard as an important part of Unity North’s future dreams.

As we continue to grow our congregation, each member of this esteemed group will become an essential component to the success of our beloved community and be given opportunities to shine as a beacon of leadership.

If you are interested in becoming a Lay Leader or finding out more about the Lay Leader Program, email Rev. Richard at rburdick@unitynorth.org.

Class 1 – New Thought History and Foundations

Jan 6 and 13 – 7:00 – 9:00  

Register Here

New thought has a long history that precedes Unity founded by Charles and Myrtle Fillmore, and their contemporary Ernest Holmes who founded the Science of Mind Movement.  In this two-week class we will study the history of the foundational ideas that came through the minds of people like Nona Brooks, Emma Curtis Hopkins, Mary Baker Eddy, Emmet Fox, Thomas Troward, Phinneas Quimby, Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau.  As we follow the roots, the lineage and the threads of thinking that brought us to our current understanding of new thought, we may go as far back as Hinduism and even Plato!   These deep thinkers are foundational to the thoughts we share today.                         

R.Sc.P. Michael Doss, Rev. Julie Boniger, Rev. Richard Burdick, Rev. Avril Maynard

Class 2 – Metaphysics 1

Jan. 20 – Feb. 17   7:00 – 9:00

Register Here

In this metaphysics class we will explore topics such as the nature of God, how Unity defines the Holy Trinity, both within us and as the creative process we can use for manifestation.  We will explore “who” and “what” we are, “who” and “what” Jesus was, and how Unity deals with topics such as the power of thought, sin, hell, heaven, affirmations and denials and the spoken word as a force for good.                                                                                       

Rev. Richard Burdick, Rev. Julie Boniger, Rev. ChieStine Lawrence (Ministerial Intern)

Class 3 – Meditation and Prayer Practice

March 3 – 31  

The Unity movement was founded on the power and practice of meditation and prayer. Not only is this our 4^th Unity principle, but it is a principle found in most spiritual traditions.   This class will introduce you to various techniques of prayer and meditation both Unity and Eastern, and offer you a framework for using these tools to create peace within, stillness of mind and harmony in your world.                                               

LUT Brenda Durham, Rev. Richard Burdick, Rev. Avril James

Class 4 – Leadership/Non-Violent Communication/Conflict Resolution 

April 7 – May 5      

Register here

Being a leader requires us to have not only a high IQ, but also a developed EQ and SQ.  (Emotional Intelligence and Spiritual Intelligence.) During this class we will work with techniques to help us manage difficult situations and people, play with tools to effectively lead environments from discord to harmony, and share leadership strategies to guide yourself and others to more productive and spirit centered experiences.                   

Rev. Virginia Moore, Dr. Jerry Epps, R.Sc.P. Michael Doss, Rev. Richard Burdick

Class 1 – Self Awareness/EQ/SQ

Aug. 4 and 11 | 7:00-9:00 pm

Rev. Richard Burdick, Dr. Jerry Epps,

Rev. Julie Boniger

Class 2 – Metaphysics 2

Sept. 15-Oct. 13

Rev. Richard Burdick, Rev. Julie Boniger

Class 3 – How Can I Help?

Prayer and Meditation for Leaders

Oct. 27 – Nov. 24

R.Sc.P. Michael Doss, Dr. Jerry Epps,

Rev. Avril Maynard, Rev. Virginia Moore,

Rev. Brenda Durham

Class 4 – Leadership/Including an Intensive Weekend Retreat (To Be Determined)

Dec. 1 – 29

Rev. Richard Burdick, Rev. Virginia Moore,

Rev. Julie Boniger, Rev. Avril Maynard,

Dr. Jerry Epps, R.Sc.P. Michael Doss,

Rev. Brenda Durham