Tag Archives: SEE spiritual education
Thank you, Barbara!
Our maiden voyage of Unity New Vista Learning Center has concluded and was a smash hit!. Tonight I said “goodbye for now” to five wonderful New Thought students who attended my very first Unity New Vista Learning Center virtual classroom. Throughout the five weeks, we continually expressed avid appreciation for technology’s ability to connect us over thousands of miles. For five summer nights (winter nights for one of our students), a small group of excited, alert, dedicated, welcoming people in PA, GA, NC, KY and Australia sat comfortably in our respective homes, wearing our bunny slippers, drinking our teas, developing a spiritual connection, and enjoying intellectual and compassionate conversation. The technology served us well, with great video and audio!
I am reminded of Barbara Marx Hubbard‘s lifelong question, which she asked Pres, Eisenhower many years ago, in response to nuclear weapons testing: “What is the meaning of our power that is good?” As I listened to her repeat this question to an audience which I attended a few years ago, I internalized the question, “How can we use technology for humankind’s good?” Barbara asks each of us to be ambassadors for conscious co-creative evolution in the world, to contribute in whatever realm we are called to serve. I felt called by this amazingly vital, radiant, wise octogenarian woman to reply in my authentic style, with my individual talents. I’ve always felt called to be a teacher, and I continue to be one now, as a minister. So, Barbara, I’m doing my part: using teaching and technology to serve the greater good. I appreciate your challenge and your loving reminder that it’s up to us to do our part, whatever it is, to bring about a new earth.
All of my students are returning for at least one of my upcoming classes. Unity SEE Classes I am currently planning September – December’s schedule. Metaphysics 1, 2 and 4 are on the list, as is Twelve Powers, Overview of Hebrew Scriptures and Christian Scriptures… The list goes on. .. Follow this blog to get updates and stay in touch through Facebook.
What Did Jesus Really Teach?
Are you planning your late Summer calendar already? Set aside 5 Monday evenings to join an exciting intellectually and spiritually expanding experience! Lecture, video, dialogue, and meditation mix into Pat’s classes to make them engaging and satisfying!
A completely revamped and revitalized Unity SEE “Jesus’ Teachings” is now available from your own home!
Sign up now for this exciting revised and updated course, compiled by Rev. Pat from her M, Div. studies at Unity Institute & Seminary and further self-directed study.
This course incorporates updates on the modern scholarly search for the historical Jesus. We’ll get to know The Jesus Seminar and its tireless work, the significance of the Nag Hammadi discovery, and the valuable insight these documents bring to the study. We’ll deconstruct the Jesus myth found in the Synoptic Gospels, and learn about the historical events and cultural influences that insp
ired the myth. Why was 70 AD a critical year? How did it impact the development of Christianity?
We’ll take a frank and heart-centered look at what Jesus might have actually said, and gain insights about his message. We will also read and explore Jesus’ parables at the heart-level. Students will feel a balance in this class: balancing the head-centered and the heart-centered approach to Jesus’ teachings.
Finally, after the debunking the myth and making a heart-connection, we’ll ask reflective questions about the implications of the new findings upon Christianity and its future, seeing it through the lens of the evolution of consciousness.
This and every course offered by New Vista is in full compliance with Unity Institute’s SEE requirements and standards. Rev. Pat has offered this ground-breaking course to two groups of Unity students in Greensboro and Chapel Hill, NC. With their feedback, she has refined this course to be well worth your valuable time!
“very informative and enlightening”
“I loved the combination of readings, videos, conversation and meditation!”
“great energy, enthusiasm, teaching and facilitating!”
Go to “Unity SEE classes” tab to register or send questions to Rev. Pat
Let’s Get Started!
Yes! New Vista Learning Center has received the go-ahead from Unity Worldwide Ministries to test the very first virtual classroom SEE course!
It didn’t go just as I expected it to, but it is actually better than I had imagined. UWM tabled my proposal until after the People’s Convention, and probably until at least August so that they can take a comprehensive look at their evolving role in the education of future Unity leaders. They are very interested in New Vista’s ideas to teach in real-time through internet, so they’ve asked me to serve on the task team that will investigate technology for their future educational endeavors. I didn’t hear their decision as a “No;” not even as a “Wait.” Instead I saw another way to look at it: I offered to test the program by offering a few classes right now, between now and August, which will give the task team some concrete feedback about virtual classroom education. I am open to letting this idea evolve as it flows into manifestation.
The way it’s all dovetailing together reminds me about the Zen teaching about water: when a boulder is dropped into the stream, the water doesn’t stop and say, “Oh, No! I have got to move this boulder! It’s in my way!” Instead, it silently and smoothly glides around the boulder. I saw my consciousness like the water, just sliding right past what might have been perceived as a closed-door. And that, of course, reminds me of Daniel Nahmod’s song, Water:
Gonna be like water… Head uphill no more. I am bound for the sea.
I’ll let nature take its course. No more thinking that I know where this river’s meant to go….. it always seems when I let go of expectation and regret, life has plenty of surprises for me yet.”
The SEE courses I am offering are open to anyone. You might like to just learn something about Unity and New Thought. You might be a church leader who wants to learn Unity’s teachings or its history. You might be “just anybody” interested in spiritual deepening through Unity metaphysical theology and have engaging conversation with like-minded people from anywhere in the country. You are welcome to attend New Vista’s online sessions.
If you are interested in taking SEE courses for credit towards becoming a Licensed Unity Teacher, or becoming a Unity minister through Field Licensing, or moving on to the Ministry Path, you will find the classes you need at New Vista.
If you are a Unity minister who wishes to enrich your understanding through cutting edge discussions and earn renewal credits, you have found the right classroom!
Our platform allows us to interact real-time from the convenience of our homes. We will log on at a specific time and come into a virtual circle of of spiritual community and openness, beginning with an opening prayer and meditation, then a check-in, Typically our classes will offer a review and short presentation followed by discussion and activities to assimilate what’s been presented.
I will offer two SEE courses over the Summer. (each course is 5 two-hour sessions). You will get to take these courses from the comfort of your living room or vacation cottage! Watch for details about the upcoming SEE courses, to be announced in a few days! And please pass this on to your friends who wish to take SEE classes. Thank you!
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~Rev Pat Veenema newvistaunity@gmail.com