Leadership Development Training
Friday evening, July 18 and Saturday, July 19
Unity is a heart-centered community built by people like you. Offering your time and talents is more than just volunteering—you’re planting seeds of connection, purpose, and spiritual growth. UMMAS (Unity Ministers of the Mid-Atlantic States) is excited to offer a magnificent weekend that will inspire you and your ministry in the coming months and years. In a sacred space of belonging and community, you’ll be taking top-notch training classes with fellow Unity leaders.
Retreat is available in person and via Zoom.
Hosted by:
Unity of Gainesville
3415 Stancil Road
Gainesville, GA 30506
UnityofGainesville.org
SCHEDULE
Friday, July 18th, 2025
3:00- 5:45 ~ Check into your hotel and have dinner on your own or with your church group.
5:45 – 6:30 ~ Social Time ~ Enjoy light refreshments, catch up with old friends, and make
new friends.
6:30 – 6:45 ~ Opening Music and Welcome – Mike Davis and Rev Danny Spears
6:45 – 7:15 ~ “A Bright Future Ahead: Supporting Unity’s Youth and Young Adult Programs” with Rev Miranda Koberg
Miranda will share an update about exciting upcoming events and ways you can support our youth’s growth. Whether you have young people in your community or simply want to help nurture the next generations of spiritual leaders, this is for you.
7:15 – 8:15 ~ Inspirational Hour ~ Led by Rev Danny Spears, music by Mike Davis
Saturday, July 19th, 2025
8:30 – 9:00 ~ Enjoy coffee, tea, and snacks
9:00 – 9:15 ~ Welcome with Rev. Robin Volker and Mike Davis
9:15 – 10:45 ~ “Embark on a Journey of Growth: The Four Elements of a Thriving Ministry” with Rev. Robin Volker
Attend this enriching growth lab where we will explore the Four Elements of Ministry: Consciousness, Programs, Organization, and Relationships. Each element is a vital leg in the stool of support for your spiritual community. Come and find out the unique insights and opportunities for growth when you understand where your ministry stands on the Four Elements.
10:45 -11:00 ~ Break
11:00 – 12:30 ~ “Invite, Include, Empower 2.0 – Leadership Concepts for Success – Bringing Forth Natural Talents to Build a Healthy CommUnity!” with Revs Francie & Warren Potter
This paradigm is created to Invite, Include, and Empower people to be a part of the whole and to serve and share their talents. This whole is your community, your church, your family, your team. Implementing this program is so POWERFUL for any ministry!
12:30 – 1:15 ~ Lunch: Courtesy of Unity of Gainesville
1:15 – 2:45 ~ “Harmonizing Hearts: Choir, Community, and Celebration” with Mike Davis
Community singing is not a performance. It’s an immersive experience that we share together. Your music team sets the tone for the entire congregation to sing. Remember, when you sing, you pray twice! Come and learn simple, easy ways to incorporate engaging musical flow into your services.
2:45 – 3:30 ~ Wrap up: Q&A and Closing Ceremony – Rev Therese Lee
FREE YOUTH CAMP!
We will have a FREE YOUTH CAMP for 4 years old and up (older kids can be Jr. Counselors).
This will be facilitated by Ms. Ashley Thorpe, YED. Please include an RSVP when you register so we can have enough supplies for all attendees.
PRESENTERS
Rev. Miranda Koberg, CSE serves as the Associate Minister at Unity in Greensboro. She graduated from Elon University with a B.A. in Religious Studies in 2017 and completed Unity’s Certified Spiritual Educator training with UWM in 2019. With a history of leadership within both the Southeast Youth of Unity and Next Generation Unity programs, Miranda now focuses on helping Unity communities bridge marketing and generational communication gaps to grow multi-generational outreach and leadership.
Rev Robin Volker is an ordained Unity minister, passionate facilitator, inspirational speaker, and certified life coach. Rev. Robin is a frequent guest speaker for Unity churches, both in-person or virtually. She teaches Unity and spiritual classes remotely and has served on the Board of Trustees of the Southeast Unity Region and the Great Lakes Unity Region. Robin also provides spiritual coaching and direction for individuals, church boards, and congregations without ministerial leadership.
RECOMMENDED LODGING
Holiday Inn Express on Dawsonville Highway.
770-533-5140
$180 per room per night
https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/dawsonville/atldv/hoteldetail
Gainesville has several AirBNBs if you want to do your own research.
A UGG Board Member has offered two bedrooms in her home at no cost. She writes: “I can accommodate 2-4 people (2 bedrooms/shared bath) in Dahlonega. (35 min from UGG). No food (lol) but easy kitchen access. Dogs and cats on-site.” Get in touch with Unity Gainesville at www.unityofgainesville.org/contact-us for the board member’s contact info.
Don Carter State Park (Georgia’s newest park) has electric/water and primitive sites available. This park is 10 minutes away. Book early as the sites are in high demand.
www.ReserveAmerica.com