Ministry Leaders & Teachers
Ministry Leaders & Teachers 2026
October 5-7, 2026
Ordained Unity Ministers, Spiritual Leaders of Unity Churches, Ministries, and Licensed Unity Teachers and their partners come together once a year for a time of connection, renewal, and growth at the Ministry Leaders and Teachers (MLT) event. As part of the event, we will hold our Annual Regional Meeting where members will vote for Trustees & our Budget.
This year, we are holding our annual MLT event at beautiful Villa Maria Del Mar in Santa Cruz. On the coast of the Monterey Bay, Villa Maria del Mar is a house of hospitality for individuals and groups seeking a beautiful and serene space for prayer, planning, and healing. Single Occupancy Rooms (one twin bed, no double occupancy rooms are available) and all meals during the event are included!
Villa Maria Del Mar
21918 East Cliff Drive
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
831-475-1236
Join us for a meaningful gathering of connection, learning, and shared wisdom. This event features engaging, interactive workshops designed to inspire and equip participants, along with a special session on “The Four Pillars of Meaning in Ministry.”
Participants will discover practical ways to cultivate authentic community, help people reinterpret their life stories through a spiritual lens, inspire lives of service and purpose, and create transformative experiences that awaken a sense of the sacred. Together, we’ll explore how meaning provides direction, fosters coherence, builds resilience, and brings depth to ministry. Come ready to connect with others, gain practical insights, and be renewed in your purpose and calling.
SCHEDULE & DESCRIPTIONS
Monday, October, 4:00-8:30pm
Retreat Check In
Orientation, Dinner
Connection Circle & Prayer Partnership
Tuesday, October 6, 8:00am – 8:30pm
The Four Pillars of Meaning in Ministry is a model that defines meaning as the experience of belonging to something larger than oneself, understanding one’s life through a coherent story, pursuing a purpose that contributes to others, and encountering moments of transcendence—and its power lies in giving life direction, coherence, resilience, and depth even amid suffering.
Through presentation, rich discussion, engaging activities and meaningful ritual we will explore these four essential pillars that shape our ministries and how to consciously apply them to our service as ministers. Breathe life and meaning into your ministry and take home some applicable ideas to foster a greater sense of belonging, creative use of story, deepened purpose, and supported transcendence.
This all-day exploration through the Four Pillars of Meaning in Ministry is led by Rev. Brian Walker with the support of the West Central Regional Board Members.
Wednesday, October 7, 8:00am-2:00pm
UWH Presentation, Questions & Responses with Rev. Shara Moscinska, Executive Director of Unity Communities & Leaders and Rev. Dr. Stephen J. Kosmyna, Program Manager – Outreach and Engagement
West Central Regional Membership Meeting
Lunch
Depart by 2pm
Registration & Payment
Unity WCR MLT 2026 Registration
Step 2: Payment
Cost per person if you are staying at Villa Maria Del Mar: $450
Includes lodging, dinner on Monday, 3 meals on Tuesday, breakfast and lunch on Wednesday.
Cost per person if you are staying somewhere else: $300
Includes morning juice/tea/coffee/pastries, lunch, and dinner
If paying by check, please mail your check to:
Unity West Central Region
c/o Carrie Deterding
11111 Lakeshore South
Auburn, CA 95602