Schedule of Activities for
Wednesday, October 7th
8:00 AM
Extended Morning Prayer and Meditation
8:30 AM
Conference Group Breakfast
10:00 AM
A More Welcoming Community
With Colby Martin
This session meets and exceed requirements for an Administration / Management credit.
STANDALONE COST: $50
Knowing what the Bible does NOT say is one thing, but what about what it DOES say?
Specifically as it pertains to being and building more welcoming, inclusive, and diverse communities? In this session we will look at both practical tools as well as core values that provide pathways for walking the way of Love in an increasingly anti-tolerant world.
Colby Martin
COLBY MARTIN has been a pastor for over two decades. After starting in the evangelical world, he has since led progressive Christian communities by teaching a faith rooted in the way of Jesus, grounded in love, and open to all. As the author of UnClobber and The Shift, Colby now travels the country as a sought after speaker and is pursuing ordination in the Episcopal church. In 2024 he founded The UnClobber Initiative, a non-profit focused on equipping individuals and churches with LGBTQ inclusive theology. His 3rd book, But What About: The Most Asked Questions on Faith, the Bible, and LGBTQ Inclusion releases Nov 17 from St Martin’s Essentials. He has four kids and splits his time between Portland, San Diego, and Denver.
AFTERNOON
12:15 PM
Conference Group Lunch
2:00 PM
Heart Centered Leadership: Ethics in Action
With Jodi Smith, JD
This session meets and exceed requirements for an Ethics credit.
STANDALONE COST: $40
Ethical leadership is more than following rules–
it is aligning decisions, actions, and relationships with our deepest values.
This interactive workshop explores the role of values in leadership, and the Unity Code of Ethics for Leaders. Through discussion and real-world scenarios, participants will examine current ethical challenges facing leaders and develop practical heart-centered tools for making thoughtful decisions in ministry and life.
Jodi Smith, JD
Jodi Smith, JD, has been an active member of the Unity movement for more than 16 years, serving in a variety of leadership, educational, and service roles. She currently works as a nonprofit director leading programs and strategic initiatives that support individuals living with and at risk for heart disease.
Within Unity, Jodi has served on the Board of Directors for Unity of Bon Air, leads the Women of Unity group, and has been a longtime member of the Audio/Visual Ministry. She has supported Unity youth as a YOU sponsor and leader, including participation in Eastern Region Rallies. Jodi has also organized and led numerous community-building and fundraising events, including the Boo & Stew Fall Festival and holiday fundraising initiatives.
Committed to spiritual growth and lifelong learning, Jodi completed many of the prerequisite courses toward becoming a Licensed Unity Teacher and co-taught a course on Crucial Conversations and Nonviolent Communication with Rev. Cheryl Fare. She has also facilitated a Spirit Group focused on healing using Linda Martella-Whitsett’s book, This Is Your Life.
Jodi is passionate about applying Unity principles to everyday life, fostering meaningful dialogue, and recognizing the Christ presence in all people. Her approach to ethics and leadership combines practical experience, thoughtful reflection, and a deep commitment to living our values in action.
EVENING
5:30 PM
Visit to Unity Renaissance
1120 Eden Way N, Chesapeake VA
Please join Rev. Rene Tambur and the congregation as they welcome us to their awesome facility and share their passion and talents with us.