unity symbol Mountaintop Experience
~ People's Retreat ~

Sept 4-7, 2012

at Kanuga Conference Center,
Hendersonville NC

"2012: Emergency or Emergence -- Your Choice"

Last year's Retreat: www.ummas.org/Retreat2011.html 

Unity
Ministers
      of the
Mid-
Atlantic
States
Keynote Speakers Workshop Schedule Directions to Kanuga Registration Form

Join us in beautiful Hendersonville, North Carolina, for a wonderful time
to explore spiritual teachings,
relax and center yourself amidst the mountain splendor,
and enjoy playtime with fellow seekers!

Start the day with a Morning Meditation guided by an UMMAS minister in the beautiful Chapel of the Transfiguration... 

Or  wake up your body with gentle, healing Tai Chi with Chuck Blackburn on the pavilion overlooking the lake... mist rising... birds singing as the sun peeks over the pine trees reflected in the tranquil waters... ah...

Enjoy a wide variety of workshops offered by ministers from the Unity Ministers of the Mid-Atlantic States (UMMAS), as well as inspiring sessions with our keynote speakers.

Inspiring, original Music will fill the air and your hearts... including...

  • Dale Worley (Savannah GA)
  • Lytingale & Trilogy (Mills River NC)
  • Phillip Pennington (Wilmington NC)
  • Sky St John (Hawaii)
  • Our fabulous Spirit Sharing Talent Show
Still your mind with Vespers in the quiet beauty of the Chapel of the Transfiguration... then drift off to dreamland... or visit and laugh with your new friends.

This retreat will be held at Kanuga Conference Center in scenic Western North Carolina ~ on 1,400 acres, six miles from Hendersonville at 2300' altitude. 

Kanuga is a beautiful facility in a peaceful, wooded setting, with a friendly staff.  Kanuga offers an outdoor labyrinth to walk, outdoor exercise trail, playing fields, tennis courts, hiking trails (varying degrees of difficulty), a scenic lake for boating (canoes & rowboats available for free), fishing, swimming in the lake (chilly but available), and a gymnasium.  (Project Adventure Ropes Course, 52-foot climbing tower, indoor climbing wall may be available for an additional charge.)  

Enjoy delicious food at the breakfast buffet and family-style lunches & dinners.  Accommodations include the 62-room Inn (2 double beds, private bathroom), and 46 two- to six-bedroom cottages (no a/c, ceiling fans or box fans provided - temperature isn't usually a problem at this season. Some cottages have shared bathrooms and a small living room.)  There are plentiful rocking chairs overlooking the lake.

Kanuga Conference Center is reached from I-26, and is served by the Asheville, NC airport (30-minute drive) or Greenville-Spartanburg, SC airport (60-minute drive). Directions to Kanuga. 

Area attractions include the world-famous Biltmore House (French chateau-style mansion, gardens, winery), Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site (tour of house, goat barns, hiking) very near, the Flat Rock Playhouse, the Blue Ridge Parkway, downtown Asheville, Chimney Rock Park, Pisgah National Forest (Cradle of Forestry, Sliding Rock, waterfalls, Pisgah Inn), excellent golf nearby, shopping in nearby historic downtown Hendersonville, arts & crafts, and antiques. Click for Links to more area info.


Kanuga Inn


A Guest house at Kanuga

We offer Nursery & Child Care from 9am until 9:30pm (during workshops & programs)

The experience begins with dinner on Tuesday evening
and lasts until 11:00 am Friday.
Fees include: 8 meals (3 dinners, 2 lunches, 3 breakfasts), 3 nights lodging,
and all workshops and children's programs.

Join the fun!
We'll see you on the mountaintop!

"Words cannot express the joy & peace I brought home with me from the Spiritual Retreat..... It was a pleasure to meet you & so many new friends.  As I start my Path down the Unity journey, I'll always remember the joy & peace that fills me now.  Sincerely, Yvonne" 

Massages & Bodywork by local professionals will be available for a separate love offering that you give to the bodyworker. Please indicate on your registration form that you plan to treat yourself to bodywork, so we can plan times and availability.

Click here for Registration Form (look for the Early Bird Discount!)

2012 Keynote Speakers: www.ummas.org/RetreatKeynote.html

Rev. Sky St. John

Rev. Richard Levy

Schedule     (subject to revision!)

Tuesday

2:00-7:00 pm ~ Registration - in the lobby

6:00 - 7:00 pm  ~ Dinner together at Kanuga (included with your registration) -Dining Hall

7:30-9:00 pm ~ Welcome Celebration - Be prepared to laugh, have fun, and start new friendships.... led by Rev. Sky St. John & Rev. Richard Levy. Music by Sky St. John, Phillip Pennington, Dale Worley & friends. -Balthis-Rodwell Bldg

after evening program (about 9:40):

  • Vespers ~ Rev. Lisa Thorpe (Columbia SC) - Chapel of the Transfiguration

Wednesday

7:00 - 8:00 am ~ Tai Chi ~ Centuries-old Oriental exercise and healing method emphasizes slow, controlled movements & connection to Chi energy. Simple enough for beginners, yet beneficial techniques to maintain your health for a lifetime. - Master Chuck Blackburn (Asheville, NC) - Pavilion by the Lake

7:30 - 8:00 am ~ Morning Meditation ~ Rev. Ed Kosak (Charleston SC) - Chapel of the Transfiguration

8:00-8:45 am ~ Breakfast -Dining Hall

9:00 - 10:30 am

  • Keynote Speaker:  -Balthis-Rodwell Bldg

10:45 - 12:15 (choose one)

  • Workshop ~ . Rev.  -Balthis-Rodwell Bldg

12:30 -1:30 ~ Lunch -Dining Hall

1:45 - 3:15 (3 choices - pick one)

  • Art workshop ~ Come allow your Christ Nature to play! It’s all about letting go and
    getting in touch with your creativity. ~ Lissa Pierson (Morehead City NC) & Leah King (Greenville SC) -Pavilion by the Lake

  • Contemplative Walk ~ A gentle, meditative walk around the beautiful Kanuga grounds. Very slow, very deep, present moment, beautiful moment. ~ Rev. Sheryl Padgett (Augusta GA)

  •  Workshop ~  ~ -Balthis-Rodwell Bldg

3:30 - 5:00  (2 choices - pick one)

  • Kayaking with Doug ~ Have you ever wanted to paddle a kayak around the lake on a beautiful afternoon? Here’s your chance! Join Rev Doug Werth for some simple basic instructions, and an enjoyable outing on the lake. ~ Rev. Doug Werth (Chattanooga TN) -meet at lakefront

  • Workshop ~  -Balthis-Rodwell Bldg

5:00 - 6:00 - Free time ~ enjoy the beauty of Kanuga Conference Center or go visit some of attractions in our area!

 

6:00 - 7:00 ~ Dinner -BBQ at Pavilion by the Lake (weather permitting)

7:30 - 8:00pm

  • Music  by Trilogy ~ original music by a duo from the dynamic music department at Unity Center in Mills River NC.  Lytingale (vocals, keyboard), Dave De la Rosa (vocals, guitar).  (Mills River, Hendersonville, & Asheville, NC) -Balthis-Rodwell Bldg

8:00 - 9:30pm

  • Keynote Speaker: Rev. Sky St. John: Our Openness to Learning: Life shows us that a crucial factor in our personal success and happiness is our openness to learning from every interaction and life experience.  This work/play-shop will give each one of us an opportunity to see just how open we are to learning.  We will explore and identify our favorite behaviors that prevent our learning, and learn ways to increase our openness--all the way, laughing (at ourselves and others), and growing with ease and grace. -Balthis-Rodwell Bldg
after evening program (about 9:40):
  • Vespers ~ Rev. Chad O'Shea & Lytingale (Mills River NC) - Chapel of the Transfiguration

Thursday

7:00 - 8:00 am ~ Tai Chi ~ Centuries-old Oriental exercise and healing method emphasizes slow, controlled movements & connection to Chi energy. Simple enough for beginners, yet beneficial techniques to maintain your health for a lifetime. - Master Chuck Blackburn (Asheville, NC) - Pavilion by the Lake

7:30 - 8:00 am ~ Morning Meditation ~ Rev. Ed Kosak (Charleston SC) - Chapel of the Transfiguration

8:00-8:45 am ~ Breakfast -Dining Hall

9:00 - 11:00am

  • Keynote Speaker: Rev. Sky St. John: Conscious Visioning:  Many people haven't asked themselves "what do I really want?" in regards to their lives.  Without a careful inquiry into what you want now, we are likely to repeat old patterns that were imprinted when we were younger.  This work/play-shop will give us a process which can help us create in the future what we want now.  -Balthis-Rodwell Bldg

12:30-1:30 ~ Lunch -Dining Hall

1:45 - 3:15pm (2 choices - pick one)

  • Workshop ~ -Balthis-Rodwell Bldg

  • Kayaking with Doug ~ Have you ever wanted to paddle a kayak around the lake on a beautiful afternoon? Here’s your chance! Join Rev Doug Werth for some simple basic instructions, and an enjoyable outing on the lake. ~ Rev. Doug Werth (Chattanooga TN) -meet at lakefront 

3:30 - 5:00pm (3 choices - pick one)

  •  Workshop ~  -Balthis-Rodwell Bldg

  • Hiking With the Divine: Mountain Walk ~ A gentle climb of our feet to climb in our heart. See the new perspective from the top and know it is the vision of your heart. ~ Dale Worley (Savannah GA)

5:00 - 6:00pm

  • Free time.... Walk around the lake... check out a kayak or rowboat...  Nearby attractions include the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site (tour of house, goat barns, hiking), Flat Rock Playhouse, golf at Crooked Creek, shopping in nearby historic downtown Hendersonville, arts & crafts, and antiques. Click for Links to more area info.

6:00 - 7:00 ~ Dinner - Dining Hall

7:00 - 9:30 pm

  • Spirit Sharing ~ Get out your talent—this is YOUR time to shine in an evening of fun and surprises!  We applaud your talents!  Sign up at Registration if you want to perform.  Facilitator & Emcee: Dale Worley (Savannah GA) -Balthis-Rodwell Bldg

after evening program (about 9:40):

  •  Vespers ~ Rev. James King (Greenville SC) - Chapel of the Transfiguration

Friday

7:00 - 8:00 am ~ Tai Chi ~ Centuries-old Oriental exercise and healing method emphasizes slow, controlled movements & connection to Chi energy. Simple enough for beginners, yet beneficial techniques to maintain your health for a lifetime. - Master Chuck Blackburn (Asheville, NC) -Pavilion by the Lake

7:30 - 8:00 am ~ Morning Meditation ~ Rev. Ed Kosak (Charleston SC) - Chapel of the Transfiguration

8:00-8:45 am ~ Breakfast

9:00 - 10:30 ~ Closing Ceremony ~ We're so glad we've had this time together! We will bless each other before heading out on the Road of Life! ~ Dale Worley (Savannah GA) -Balthis-Rodwell Bldg

Daily

  • 7:00-8:00 a.m. - Tai Chi for Health ~ with Master Chuck Blackburn - Centuries-old Oriental exercise and healing method emphasizes slow, controlled movements & connection to Chi energy. Simple enough for beginners, yet beneficial techniques to maintain your health for a lifetime. --Held at the Cunningham-Nevius Pavilion overlooking the rising mist and the soaring birds on the Lake.
  • 7:30-8:00 a.m. – Morning Meditation ~ Enter your day totally relaxed with a gentle Morning Meditation, led by a Unity minister in the lovely Chapel of the Transfiguration

  • Evening Vespers ~ Begins 10-15 minutes after the evening program ends (about 9:40pm)  Finish your day with prayer and meditation, led by one of our Unity ministers, in the peacefulness of the Chapel of the Transfiguration

  • Sacred Path Labyrinth - an archetypal symbol of wholeness that invites one into a transformational prayer experience. Walking this mystical path is a personal pilgrimage to spiritual wholeness. A permanent outdoor Labyrinth is available near our meeting room.

  • Bodywork ~ a variety of styles of healing bodywork & massage offered by skilled practitioners, available by appointment, for a love offering you give to the practitioner.

  • Want to talk?~ The ministers of UMMAS are available to you - just ask!
  • Meals are served in Dietz Dining Room (seats 224). Tables of eight provide opportunity for conversation.
    • Breakfast Buffet: 8:00-8:45am  -with selections from French toast to grits to fruit
    • Family style Lunch: 12:30pm with a salad bar and soup
    • Family style Dinner: 6:00 pm
    • Wednesday's Dinner is a Barbeque in the Pavilion by the Lake (weather permitting)

Click here for REGISTRATION FORM with full pricing details,
including Early Bird Discount !

COMMUTERS: For local people or for those who wish to stay off-site:
  • Cost: $65 per day  -or-  $175 for whole retreat.
  • Early Bird Commuter Discount: $125 for whole retreat when you Pre-register before August 10.
  • Price includes 5 meals (daily Lunch & Dinner) but only IF you Pre-register in advance. (You may register on arrival, but meals at Kanuga will not be included!)
  • Commuters only should contact Unity Center, 2041 Old Fanning Bridge Rd, Mills River NC (828) 891-8700 or unity@unitync.net to Pre-register.  

Questions? Call (423) 755-7990 or
send e-mail to Registrar, Unity - Chattanooga, TN
or contact your local UMMAS church

Registration accepted by mail with check or credit card; or by email or phone with credit card.
We can accept credit cards for full/partial payment only until Aug 30th!
Balance due at check-in must be paid with CASH or CHECK! 

 

  • If you cancel your registration, there will be a Cancellation Fee of $50 to cover administrative costs.
  • Deposits are NON-REFUNDABLE after Aug 24th!
  • A refund of your Deposit may possibly be granted for medical or family emergencies, but only if approved by Registrar and UMMAS President or Officers.
  • Changes in Status:   If you have stayed 1 or more nights and then choose to move off campus and become a commuter, NO refund of fees can be given (because UMMAS has to pay the whole fee to Kanuga!), and you are still entitled to meals at Kanuga (they were part of the fee). If you choose to become a commuter at check-in before you stay on the grounds, your Deposit will be used to offset the Commuter fee (no other refund) and you must purchase your own meals. Thanks for your cooperation.
Audio & Video

Events held in Balthis-Rodwell will be audio recorded.  (Events in other buildings/rooms will NOT.)

  • Audio recordings available in 2 formats:
    1. Online download at unitymillsriver.bandcamp.com, for $5 per workshop, available about a week after the Retreat ends
    2. CD available for sale during the retreat for $10 per workshop. Order & pickup up in Balthis-Rodwell.  May be ordered & mailed (plus $5 shipping per order if mailed)

Special Combo Pack: only $30 for any 4 workshops on CD (plus $5 shipping per order if mailed)

Audio Downloads: $5 per workshop:  unitymillsriver.bandcamp.com (VISA/Mastercard/Discover/AmEx or PayPayl)

Directions to Kanuga Conference Center
130 Kanuga Chapel Drive
Hendersonville, North Carolina 28739

By Auto: 

From I-40: near Asheville, take I-26 East to Exit 49-B (Rt 64 west) go 2.3 miles into Hendersonville, turn left on US 25 South (Church St) for 9 blocks, go right on Kanuga Street for 3.75 miles. Turn right onto Kanuga Lake Road (small Kanuga Conference sign). Go 1.25 miles, Turn right on Kanuga Chapel Drive (big sign). Continue thru the stop sign to the first paved parking lot on the left (@ 1/2 mile) to Main Lobby. (from Asheville, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Raleigh, Wilmington, Knoxville, Cookeville, Nashville, etc.)

From I-26 & points south: West on I-26: Take Exit 53 on Upward Rd (becomes Highland Lake Rd) to its end; turn left onto NC 225 (Greenville Hwy), to traffic light at Flat Rock Playhouse, then right on Little River Road to its end, then right on Kanuga Road, and immediate left on to Kanuga Lake Road (small Kanuga Conference sign). Go 1.25 miles, Turn right on Kanuga Chapel Drive (big sign). Continue thru the stop sign to the first paved parking lot on the left (@ 1/2 mile) to Main Lobby.  (from Spartanburg, Columbia, Charleston, Savannah, Myrtle Beach, etc.)

From I-85 at Greenville, SC:  US 25 North (White Horse Road exit) and follow that highway up the mountain into NC.  Watch carefully for Exit #5 (Flat Rock) turn left on 2-lane NC 225 to second traffic light (at Flat Rock Playhouse). Turn left on Little River Road to its end, then right on Kanuga Road, and immediate left on to Kanuga Lake Road (small Kanuga Conference sign). Go 1.25 miles, Turn right on Kanuga Chapel Drive (big sign). Continue thru the stop sign to the first paved parking lot on the left (@ 1/2 mile) to Main Lobby.  (from Greenville, Atlanta, etc.)

By Air:  Accessible from:

  • Asheville, NC airport ("AVL") (25 minute drive)
  • Greenville-Spartanburg, SC ("GSP") (1 hour drive)
  • Charlotte, NC Douglas ("CLT")(2 hour drive)

Visit the UMMAS website

Click to join UMMASRetreat  Click to join the UMMAS Retreat Group
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Comments on this page? Please send them to the Webmaster.

Past Retreats:
2011 Retreat: www.ummas.org/Retreat2011.html
2010 Retreat: www.ummas.org/Retreat2010.html
2009 Retreat: www.ummas.org/Retreat2009.html
2008 Retreat: www.ummas.org/Retreat2008.html
2007 Retreat: www.ummas.org/Retreat2007.html
2006 Retreat: www.ummas.org/Retreat2006.html

Last modified: 2012-05-04
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