Richard Rohr's Essentials of Engaged Contemplation with Unity of Tustin

Living as an Engaged Contemplative: A Hybrid Collaboration Series with Richard Rohr's Center for Action & Contemplation (CAC)

What does it mean to live a deeply spiritual life while fully engaging with the world around you?

Course Overview
Discover what it means to live as an engaged contemplative in today's world through this groundbreaking hybrid learning experience. Unity of Tustin is partnering with the Center for Action and Contemplation to pioneer CAC's year-long Essentials of Engaged Contemplation. Starting September 2025, join Rev. Shara for weekly in-person watch & discussion parties while exploring contemplative practices rooted in Richard Rohr and the CAC’s teachings.

This 12-month course invites you into a holistic learning experience at the intersection of contemplation and action. Through core teachings and practices from the Christian contemplative traditions, you'll develop tools to support spiritual transformation and inspire loving engagement with the world.

What Makes Our Unity of Tustin Hybrid Model Special?
Weekly Watch Parties & Discussion Groups (added to the traditional online format):

• Gather in person at Unity of Tustin to watch course content together
• Engage in immediate, meaningful discussion with fellow seekers
• Build authentic relationships while exploring contemplative practices
• Experience the accountability and joy of learning in community

Course Structure & Time Commitment
Duration: September 22, 2025 – September 12, 2026
Weekly Investment: 5-7 hours including:

• 2-3 hours: Unity of Tustin Watch Party, Practice & Discussion
• 2-3 hours: Personal study, reflection, and practice
• 1 hour: Online community engagement (optional)

Special Gatherings: Four 5-hour virtual gatherings throughout the year
OPPORTUNITY TO ATTEND OCTOBER CONFERENCE IN NM from Oct. 23-26, with special programming for EEC students. https://cac.org/news/new-events-and-courses-news-from-new-mexico/#revision (Separate Fee).
How to Register:

1. Register Online: Visit CAC's website for more information and to register. First come, first serve: Only 22 spots left as of 7/9/25!
2. Course begins September 22 and will include in-person gatherings on the 1st Sunday of every month from 1-3 pm and on Thursdays from 10-12 am.
3. Choose Your Investment Level (Can be paid in three installments):

• $2,100 (standard) to CAC plus 50% ($1,050+) love offering directly to Unity of Tustin
• $1,575 (reduced) to CAC plus 50% ($785+) love offering directly to Unity of Tustin
• $1,050 (scholarship) to CAC plus 50% ($525+) love offering directly to Unity of Tustin

AFTER REGISTRATION WITH CAC, Notify Rev. Shara Immediately ([shara@unitytustin.org](mailto:shara@unitytustin.org)) to be added to our Unity of Tustin hybrid cohort and sent information on all dates/times.
Why Join Through Unity of Tustin?

• Never Journey Alone: Experience both global online community and local face-to-face support
• Deeper Integration: Weekly in-person discussions help you immediately apply teachings
• Accountability: Regular in-person meetings keep you engaged and motivated
• Richer Understanding: Diverse perspectives from our Unity of Tustin community enhance learning
• Lasting Friendships: Build meaningful relationships with fellow spiritual seekers

2025-2026 Schedule for Unity of Tustin Participants
Unity of Tustin Watch Party Details (Weekly except for integration months):
When: Thursdays in the Sanctuary
Time: Thursdays from 10-12 in the Sanctuary. Full attendance is optimal, especially to help with accountability and community deepening. However, you can view the materials and reflect on questions on your own for the weeks you cannot attend.
Where: Unity of Tustin in the Sanctuary.

Unity of Tustin Circle Groups (Monthly except for integration months):
When: First Sunday of each month
Time: 1-3 pm after Service
Where: Unity of Tustin in the Sanctuary

TRIMESTER 1: FOUNDATIONS
September 2025

• Sept 15: Course access begins (orientation week)
• Sept 22: Trimester 1 begins - First Watch Party!
• Sept 25: Weekly Watch Party begins (every Thursday from 10-12 pm)
• Sept 27: Online Gathering through CAC (9am-2pm MT)

October 2025

• Weekly Watch Parties on Thursdays continue
• First Circle meeting scheduled
• Individual guide meetings begin

November 2025

• Weekly Watch Parties on Thursdays continue
• Monthly Circle meeting

December 2025

• Weekly Watch Parties on Thursdays through Dec 19
• Dec 19: Trimester 1 content ends
• Dec 20-Jan 16: Integration Month (no weekly watch parties, but optional gatherings)

TRIMESTER 2: DEEPENING
January 2026

• Jan 17: Online Gathering through CAC (9am-2pm MT) & Trimester 2 begins
• Jan 19: Weekly Watch Parties on Thursdays resume

February-March 2026

• Weekly Watch Parties on Thursdays continue
• Monthly Circle meetings

April 2026

• Weekly Watch Parties on Thursdays through April 17
• April 17: Trimester 2 content ends
• April 18-May 15: Integration Month (no weekly watch parties)

TRIMESTER 3: INTEGRATION
May 2026

• May 16: Online Gathering through CAC (9am-2pm MT) & Trimester 3 begins
• May 18: Weekly Watch Parties on Thursdays resume

June-July 2026

• Weekly Watch Parties on Thursdays continue
• Monthly Circle meetings

August 2026

• Weekly Watch Parties on Thursdays through Aug 14
• Aug 14: Trimester 3 content ends
• Aug 15-Sept 11: Final Integration Month

September 2026

• Sept 12: Final Online Gathering & Celebration through CAC (9am-2pm MT)

Unity of Tustin Watch Party Details
When: Weekly during active course months (see schedule) Time: TBD based on group availability Where: Unity of Tustin What to Expect:

• Opening centering practice
• Watch weekly video content together
• Facilitated discussion
• Closing practice/blessing
• Optional social time

Important Notes

• Open to All: No application or prerequisites required
• Foundational Experience: Serves as preparation for future Living School offerings
• Ongoing Access: Keep all course materials after completion
• Trained Guides: Receive support from experienced spiritual companions
• Pioneer Program: Help shape the future of hybrid spiritual education

Questions?
Contact Rev. Shara at Unity of Tustin for more information about joining our hybrid learning community. Space may be limited to ensure quality group dynamics.

Registration Opens: May 14, 2025 Registration Closes: August 31, 2025

Course Begins: September 22, 2025
Join us in pioneering a new way to learn, grow, and transform together!
Sign up

Link to full intro and course meeting dates https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:0f46afe0-fc68-490f-8c92-4982b7650818