Spiritual Education and Enrichment Week

Hosted by

Unity Renaissance

September 18-22, 2017

“The Wisdom Is Within You"

1120 Eden Way North Chesapeake, VA 23320

www.unityrenaissance.org

Welcome to Unity Renaissance Church

We are excited to host S.E.E. Week this Fall in Chesapeake, Virginia. Our Licensed Unity

Teachers and ministry teaching staff bring decades of experience, insight, education and

most importantly, enthusiasm to teach and share Unity principles with students like you.

“The Wisdom Is Within You” is our theme for S.E.E. Week. This year, we are offering six

required or elective S.E.E. classes. Along with the standard classes, we have an additional

focus this year on the Gnostic Gospels including: “The Gospel of Mary Magdalene” and “The

Gospel of Thomas.” We look forward to a great week of learning, sharing and spiritual

growth.

What to Do, Where to Go

Unity Renaissance is located just 19 miles from the Virginia Beach oceanfront, home to

delightful beaches and the Association for Research & Enlightenment (A.R.E.). Within a

few blocks, there is a regional mall, several shopping centers, and many hotels and

motels within a mile or two of the church (see partial list on the back cover).

What a great place to spend a week of your summer! Learn in the light and bask in the

sun. This is our tenth S.E.E. Week, and as always, we strive to make each one better than

the last.

Time Day Class Title Instructor Required Elective

9-11 a.m. Mon-Fri The Gospel of Thomas James Scott, LUT, Unity

Renaissance

X

10 a.m.-12 p.m. Mon-Fri Bible Interpretation

Hebrew Scriptures

Rev. Laura Barrett

Bennett,

Unity Village

X

12 p.m.

-1 p.m.

Mon-Fri Lunch Break

1-3 p.m. Mon-

Fri.

Mediation Practices Rev. Elizabeth Mora,

Unity of Monclair

X

3-5 p.m. Mon-

Fri.

Bible Interpretation

Acts-Revelation

Rev. Laura Barrett

Bennett,

Unity Village

X

5-6:30 p.m. Mon-

Thur.

Evening Break

6:30-9 p.m. Mon-

Thur.

Jesus’ Teachings Richard Mekdeci, LUT,

Unity Renaissance

X

6:30-

9 p.m.

Mon-

Thur.

The Gospel of Mary

Magdalene

Rev. Paula Mekdeci,

Unity Renaissance

X

“The Wisdom Is Within You"

S.E.E. CLASS SCHEDULE

Sept. 18-22, 2017

Class Descriptions

Electives

The Gospel of Thomas James Scott, LUT- (Pre-approved elective) Thomas is a gospel of the sayings of Jesus, most of them directed

at the disciples, with an amazing focus on the present moment and the unity of all.

Considered the Fifth Gospel by the fellows of the Jesus Seminar, Thomas deserves deep

study by every serious student of the teachings of Jesus. Come prepared to realign your

mind.

The Gospel of Mary Rev. Paula Mekdeci (Approved elective) When Rev. Paula taught this class in spring of 2017, students quickly

found themselves exploring not just a gospel, but the early church fathers’ agenda to

exclude women from the leadership of the Christian church. Why was Mary called “The

Apostle to the Apostles?” You will learn about Mary’s deeper relationship and

partnership with Jesus, and how she was a wise and powerful spiritual leader in her own

right.

Class Descriptions

Required (Credited) Bible Interpretation—Hebrew Scriptures Rev. Laura Barrett Bennett

An introduction to the interpretation of the Hebrew Scriptures in the Unity framework. Students will begin to understand and interpret the Hebrew Scriptures from a metaphysical viewpoint. The chief aim is that each student have the knowledge and skill to interpret scripture. They will learn to apply the teachings of the Hebrew Scriptures in their own lives. Jesus’ Teachings Richard Mekdeci, LUT

The heart of the Unity message is that Jesus is the great example vs. the great exception. Explore how Jesus taught, prayed and healed as well as the Great Commission. Learn the distinctions between Jesus, Christ, Jesus Christ and Christ Jesus and why they are important to you and your life. The primary resource is the Bible focusing on the three synoptic gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke—and the first part of Acts. Bible Interpretation—Acts-Revelation Rev. Laura Barrett Bennett

In this course students will experience the rewarding process of Bible interpretation. Students will learn, step by step, how to metaphysically interpret a Bible story and apply the meaning to their lives. Selected stories from Acts to Revelation will be maieutic ally and metaphysically interpreted. Meditation Practices Rev. Elizabeth Mora

Practicing the Silence as part of the prayer and meditation process is fundamental to Unity teachings. It is also fun when you are learning from a wise instructor rooted in prayer and the power of Spirit. During this course the main focus will be placed on the meditation process. Meditation will be defined and practiced in various ways. You will look at the many facets of meditation, from silence to music to guided. When the week is done, you will be able to outline a long-range meditation plan for yourself and put it into effect.

Richard Mekdeci, LUT—Richard is a Licensed Unity Teacher and the Music

Director at Unity Renaissance. His passions are Posi (Positive) Music, and

its spiritual complement, New Thought music. He is the CEO and co-

founder of Empower Music & Arts. Richard travels the country with his

interfaith ministry, teaching through retreats, concerts and workshops the

message of peace, self-worth, and the uniting power of music. He is

currently in his final year of Ministerial study through the Urban School.

Rev. Paula Mekdeci—Paula is the senior minister here at Unity

Renaissance. Her vibrant energy and vision have had a powerful impact on

this ministry. She has a Masters of Divinity from Unity Institute and

Seminary. From 2007 until 2013, she served as Vice President of

Communications and Publishing at Unity World Headquarters, overseeing

Daily Word, Unity Magazine, Unity Books, Unity Online Radio and Unity

marketing and communications.

James Scott, LUT—Scotty is Adult Education Director at Unity Renaissance.

He also travels the nation as a speaker and workshop facilitator, and mixes

humor with metaphysics in large and powerful doses. He has stretched our

education program into the Gnostic Gospels and other non-traditional

offerings over the past few years, giving our students a broader look at

historical Christianity. Scotty has been an LUT since 2006.

Instructors

Instructors

Rev. Elizabeth Mora, MDiv, is a dynamic, inspiring minister who

is passionate about helping people grow on their spiritual path. She

combines her engaging speaking style and personality with a spiritual depth

from years of daily practice, and extensive Unity and interfaith learning.

“I’ve been in Unity over 30 years. Unity is simply the best thing in my life.

So I’ve had these teachings for a long time, and Unity has had a real impact

for me. I love Unity because it affirms people right where they are.” Rev.

Elizabeth serves as the minister at Unity of Montclair, New Jersey.

Rev. Laura Barrett Bennett—Many of the ministers in Unity were taught

their Bible courses by Rev. Bennett. It is a delight to have her here as part

of our S.E.E. Week, even more so because she was senior minister at Unity

Renaissance for eight years. Rev. Laura’s Bible skills are legendary, and the

two classes she is teaching will be a learning moment for every student. Of

many things she is doing within the Unity movement, she is currently

serving on the committee that is shifting the education program from Unity

Institute to Unity Worldwide Ministries.

Nearby Lodging

Hyatt Place 757-312-0020 709 Eden Way North, Chesapeake VA 23320

Marriott Hotel 757-523-1500

725 Woodlake Drive, Chesapeake VA 23320

Hilton Inn 757-420-1212

1565 Crossways Blvd., Chesapeake VA 23320

Comfort Suites 757-424-1172

1550 Crossways Blvd., Chesapeake VA 23320

Red Roof Inn 757-523-1826

724 Woodlake Drive, Chesapeake, VA 23320

Courtyard by Marriott 757-420-1700

1562 Crossways Blvd., Chesapeake, VA 23320

Fairfield Inn 757-420-1300

1560 Crossways Blvd., Chesapeake, VA 23320

Hampton Inn 757-420-1550

1421 Battlefield Blvd. N, Chesapeake, VA 23320

Love Offering

Unity has operated on a love-offering basis since its inception by the Fillmore's. The instructors do not receive payment for teaching classes; they are reimbursed for travel, lodging and meals only. In order to show appreciation, a love offering will be received on Thursday in each class. You are not required to participate, however, your support helps keep our sessions at a reasonable cost and is most appreciated!

Questions? Unity Renaissance

1120 North Eden Way Chesapeake, VA 23320

757-420-5280 admin@unityrenaissance.org

BOOK ORDER FORM

Due Sept 8th; Books Will Be Available September 18TH

Book Prices include a 10 % discount & Virginia sales tax

Circle Books Desired

The Gospel of Thomas

The Gospel of Thomas Stevan Davies $16.21

Bible Interpretation-Hebrew Scriptures

Bible

The Revealing Word Charles Fillmore $14.26

Metaphysical Bible Dictionary $34.30

Meditation Practices

Meditation For Dummies (CD version) Stephan Bodian $19.03

Bible Interpretation-Acts-Revelation

Bible

The Revealing Word Charles Fillmore $14.26

Metaphysical Bible Dictionary $34.30

The Gospel of Mary Magdelene

The Gospel of the Beloved Companion Jehanne de Quillan $18.60

Jesus’ Teachings

Bible

The Historical Jesus James Charlesworth $19.07

BOOK ORDER TOTAL: $_____________

Place total on Registration Form

UNITY RENAISSANCE SEE WEEK September 18-22, 2017

REGISTRATION FORM (book order form is on reverse side)

Full Name: __________________________________________________________

Address: ____________________________________________________________

City, State, Zip: _______________________________________________________

Unity Church Affiliation: _______________________________________________

Name for Nametag: ____________________________________________________

Phone-Daytime/Cell:____________________________________________________

Email: (Registration confirmation sent via email) ______________________________

TAKE ONE OR MORE CLASSES!

Tuition: per class: $125.00 (Class & SEE Credit); Class Audit Only $ 80.00 $125 $80 Credit Audit _____ ______ The Gospel of Thomas

_____ ______ Bible Interpretation—Hebrew Scriptures

______ ______ Meditation Practices

______ ______ Bible Interpretation—Acts-Revelation

_____ ______ The Gospel of Mary Magdalene

_____ _______ Jesus’ Teachings

_____________ EVENING BANQUET (Thursday) $25.00

_____________ BOOK ORDER TOTAL

_____________ Contribution to Scholarship Fund (Thank you!)

_____________ TOTAL PAYMENT Visa/MC/Check payable to Unity Renaissance Name on Card___________________________

Card Number ___________________________

Expiration Date _________________________

Billing Zip Code _________________________

CVV Code (from back of card)_____________

Signature _______________________________

Mail or email completed registration form with payment: Unity Renaissance, 1120 North Eden Way, Chesapeake, VA 23320

Refunds, less $25 administrative fee with cancellations received by 9/8/16