What is a Licensed Unity Teacher?
By Regina Best
Spiritual Education Coordinator
Licensed Unity Teachers, or “LUT’s” as they’re most often called, serve their member ministries in various teaching and pastoral care roles. In this article, you’ll be introduced to the role of LUT’s within Unity
communities, and the commitment it takes for them to achieve their goal of becoming licensed.
The concept of spiritual growth—that we can grow spiritually by using certain principles to change our thinking and improve our circumstances—is central to the teachings of Unity. The founders of Unity, Charles and Myrtle Fillmore, considered themselves teachers of spiritual principles, rather than ministers. They invited people into their home to study and discuss the scriptures, sing hymns and pray. Together, they all learned to practice the teachings of Jesus Christ in everyday life. This teaching tradition carries on today, in the training and licensing of our Teachers. These dedicated people spend many years immersing themselves in the study of Unity, with class topics ranging from the Movement’s history to those on experiencing the Christ within.
The primary purpose of the Teacher program is for students to deepen their own spiritual journeys. The program usually takes students several years to complete as it includes accredited classes, written assignments, volunteering and educational intensives held at Unity Village. All of these requirements give students oppor-tunities to expand consciousness, release old, limiting beliefs and “live” Unity principles more deeply.
In addition to the commitment to their own spiritual growth, LUT’s may serve in their ministries in various capacities. Depending on the needs of the ministry, and at the discretion of the Lead Minister, Teachers may teach classes, serve Communion or officiate at christenings, weddings and funerals.
Becoming a Licensed Unity Teacher takes many years to complete, a deep personal commitment to one’s own growth and a desire to serve the needs of one’s church community. The next time you attend a class or a service facilitated by one of our LUT’s, let them know you appreciate their commitment
Classes and
Workshops
Sunday Classes
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Welcome to Unity
In May:
Sunday, May 11
12:45 to 1:45 p.m.; Room 7
Facilitator: Regina Best
In June:
Sunday, June 8
12:45 to 1:45 p.m.; Room 7
Facilitator: Chris Kennedy
This class will provide
direction for your individual path, as well as answer
questions about Unity. We will
discuss the history of the Unity movement as well as our own Unity of Phoenix history. Plan on attending this class to get acquainted with and become more aware of our spiritual family.
Monday Classes
Space For Grace:
A Yoga Class for All Levels
Mondays, Ongoing
9 to 10:30 a.m.; Rooms 9&10
Facilitator: Glora Whitaker, Certified Yoga Instructor
$10 suggested love offering (per weekly session
This yoga class embodies the many practices and philosophies of the Eastern traditions. The meaning of yoga is to unite the mind, body, heart and soul. Through the practice of these ancient teachings, we will integrate the separate aspects of self so we are more fully aware of our connection with Grace. Our practice will be to let go of each moment as it arises and stay present in this moment where Grace lives. Each yoga class is experiential and unique and will create well being of the mind, body, heart and soul. Classes are physical, as we will use the postures, the breath and meditation as our practice. Everyone is welcome as our first practice is, “To embrace self right where we are.”
Reiki Share
(First Monday of each month, beginning April 7th)
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.; Room 5
$10 Suggested Love Offering per class session
Facilitator: Kathy Flanigan
This monthly gathering is an opportunity for Reiki practitioners and Reiki I graduates to practice giving--and receiving!--Reiki treatments. Students of this healing art have been asking for an ongoing forum in which to ask questions, practice and gain experience. Guided by Reiki Master and teacher Kathy Flanigan, this regular gathering will answer that need.
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nterpreting the Bible (or “Making Peace with the Bible”!)
Mondays, May 5 – June 2 (No class on Monday, May 26)
7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.; Rooms 6/7
Facilitator: Rev. Mark Fisk
$10 Suggested Love Offering per class session
This class may be taken for SEE credit.
Learn how to look at the Bible through new eyes, by learning to interpret its wisdom metaphysically. In this class, you’ll discover the tools you need to develop biblical interpretation skills, to review and discuss classic Unity commentaries on important bible stories. If you’ve put the bible behind you, either from negative experiences or from misunderstanding, this is an opportunity to let its timeless spiritual wisdom come alive, as you “make peace with the bible”!
This class may be taken for SEE credit.
REQUIRED TEXT: (only if taking class for SEE credit):
Metaphysical Bible Dictionary OR Revealing Word by Charles Fillmore
Recommended Text: Wisdom for a Lifetime by Alden Studebaker
Tuesday Classes
No classes or activities.
Wednesday Classes
Deep Stretch Yoga and
Meditation Class for All Levels
Wednesdays, Ongoing
5:30 to 6:30 p.m.; Room 9
Facilitator: Christy Grace, Certified Yoga Instructor
$10 Suggested Love Offering
per weekly session
Yoga can help you to feel better physically, mentally and emotionally, and also help to manage anxiety and disease. Yoga also improves muscle tone, flexibility, strength & stamina; boosts self esteem and increases inner peace; reduces stress and tension; improves concentration and creativity; lowers fat; improves circulation; and creates a sense of well-being and calmness. Bring your own yoga mat and/or towel.
Meditation Practices
Wednesdays, June 4 – July 9 (no class on June 11th)
7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.; Rooms 6/7
Facilitator: Rev. Sandy Kale
$10 Suggested Love Offering per class session
This class may be taken for SEE credit.
(Experiential class, based on Required Text, listed below). Practicing the Silence (meditating) is fundamental to Unity teaching and essential for our spiritual development. During this course we will define meditation and explain its benefits, practice different types of meditation, learn how to deal with resistance to meditation and learn how to develop a regular meditation practice. Areas of emphasis will be: understanding what meditation is/is not; dispelling the fallacy that meditation is complicated, or difficult; experiencing different types of meditation; sessions on forgiveness, abundance and healing. This class may be taken for SEE credit.
REQUIRED TEXT:
Meditation for Dummies by Stephan Bodian
Recommended Text:
Meditation in the Silence by E. V. Ingraham
Beyond the Relaxation Response by Herbert Benson, M.D.
Thursday Classes
A Course in Miracles (ACIM)
Thursdays, Ongoing
6:30 to 8 p.m.; Chapel
Facilitator: Suzanne Noonan
$10 suggested love offering (per weekly session)
This popular ongoing study group is a pathway to peace of mind. A Course in Miracles teaches us that we are holy children of God, and how to recognize the difference between Truth and perception. The course explores how to escape from the dream world of perceptions that bring us pain and into Spirit’s Truth by reversing our thinking and unlearning our mistakes. Come learn how to experience miracles! New students and participants are always welcome!
Got Limiting Core Beliefs?
Thursdays, May 8 AND May 22
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.; Room 6
Facilitator: Courtni Dyer
Class Fee: $25 per session
Despite your yearly resolutions and intentions for change, do you keep hitting a brick wall? Are past tapes and programs still playing in your head? Do shame, guilt, and lack of forgiveness of the past still haunt you? Is this year proving to be a repeat of 2007?
Using the process of muscle testing, discover the unconscious limiting core beliefs that are holding you back from living the life you desire and then learn a fun process to quickly, easily, and joyfully release them. As these belief systems release, you will uncover a new you – The Real You – a you of love, high self-esteem, happiness, and worthiness. If you are truly ready for permanent, powerful, positive life changes, then this class is for you!
Coping with Chronic Pain
Thursdays, May 8 – 29
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.; Room 8
Facilitator: Tod Prouty
$10 Suggested Love Offering per class session
Do you, or someone you love suffer from chronic pain? Do you feel confused, angry or irritable? Does your chronic pain cause a strain between you and your loved ones? This class provides a loving, supportive environment to help people in chronic pain become empowered to deal with their challenges, while enriching their faith and improving the overall quality of their lives. It will help participants combine the practice of Unity principles with medical information, and allow them to share their feelings and ideas. If you cope with chronic pain, you don’t have to feel alone, or powerless!
Friday Classes
No classes or activities
Saturday Classes
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Spiritual Gifts Workshop
Saturday, May 10
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Rooms 6&7
Facilitator: Dorothy Moore
$25 Suggested Love Offering
This class will awaken you to your God-given gifts and how to exercise them in your daily life. God programs each of us at birth with certain Spiritual Gifts. Identifying and using our Gifts is what our souls desire, and is necessary to achieve spiritual growth and maturity.
If you have ever wondered why some things are easy for you, while others are more difficult or hold no interest for you, the answers will be found in the discovery of your giftedness! You will also learn how all of our Gifts work together, and how to recognize the giftedness of others. In addition, you will learn to identify the areas of service most suited to your Gifts.
When you register for the class at the Adult Spiritual Education Table, please pick up a Spiritual Gifts Survey to fill out and bring with you to the first class. Bring a sack lunch!
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Introduction to Centering Prayer
Saturday, June 14
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Chapel
Facilitators: Carole Whittaker, PhD and Sharon Taszarek
$20 Suggested Love Offering
The intention of this workshop is to provide the foundation for participants to develop a personal practice of Centering Prayer as a practice which leads to contemplation. Centering Prayer is essentially a practice of consent to the presence and action of the indwelling Divine Presence. It differs from most practices of meditation, in that it is a practice of intention rather than attention. An ongoing practice of Centering Prayer has many beneficial effects on one’s entire life experience.
In this workshop, participants will learn the basic elements for sitting in silence, and have several opportunities for practice. Teaching content includes background on this form of prayer in the Christian tradition, the similarities and differences between Christian forms of contemplative prayer and Eastern meditation practices, and meditation practice in the context of stress reduction or medical treatment. There is also ample time for discussion and feedback.
Reiki I
Saturdays, June 14-28
9 a.m. to Noon; Gathering Room
Facilitator: Kathy Flanigan
$10 Suggested Love Offering per weekly session
Reiki is a gift of Spirit. You will learn how the practice of Reiki opens the healer, to allow the energy of Spirit to move through them to heal others. Reiki is a laying-on-of-hands, touch healing system of incomparable ease and power. The power is a part of every one of us. During the class, you will learn how to open yourself up to that power.
Recommended Text: Essential Reiki by Diane Stein.
Prayer I