Miracle on the Mountain:
Journey Into The Soul

by Alan Minor
Photos by John McAnulty and Alan Minor

Once upon a time, not so very long ago and not so very far away, an idea was born -- an idea, which grew and crystallized into an annual event that has touched, even transformed, the lives of thousands of people. Each summer since 1982, in a high alpine valley on the northeast flank of Mt. Rainier National Park, several hundred people from the Pacific Northwest, the greater U.S., and Canada have gathered at Crystal Mt. Ski Resort. For over 25 years they have literally 'gone to the mountain' to be inspired, refreshed and renewed by the presence of not only exceptional transformational teachers and creative artists, but also one another.

In the Beginning

During the 1970's, Seattle area Unity churches held an annual retreat for their members at Seabec Conference Center. By the early 1980's, a need for change was felt. In 1981, Scott Sherman, Senior Minister at Seattle Unity Church, heard Jerry Jampolsky, author of Love Is Letting Go of Fear, speak about the transformational power of the principles and teachings presented in A Course in Miracles. That occasion sparked the conception of an expanded, more inclusive retreat that could serve many more people, not only Unity congregations, but also the general public. Jampolsky's talk led Sherman to contact other ACIM teachers and luminaries. He arranged for them to gather in 1982 for a 'miracles festival' supported by Sherman, other Unity ministers in the Seattle area, and a handful of volunteer staff. Thus, ‘Miracle Mt.’ was born at Crystal Mt. Resort in July 1982. It was an instant and remarkable success. Over the course of 10 days, including two weekends, upwards of 1,500 people came to hear programs and music by ACIM teachers and authors such as Hugh Prather, Judith Skutch, Bill Whitson, Jerry Jampolsky, and Kenneth Wapnick, Marianne Williamson and performers Oman and Shanti, Charley Thweatt, Bob and Heidi Hall, and Michael and Maloah Stillwater. To this day, people who were their comment on the sense of wonder, joy, and exhilaration they experienced.

Miracle Mt. continued as an ACIM centered event through 1984, organized and supported by Puget Sound area Unity churches. From 1985 forward, the North West Unity Region of the Association of Unity Churches has provided sponsorship. A paid Coordinator was hired and the program expanded beyond a focus on A Course in Miracles. In 1985 the program was held at Whistler Mt. Ski Resort in British Columbia. In 1986 it returned to Crystal Mt. Resort where it has mostly remained and become known generally as the ‘Crystal Mt. Retreat’.

Unity in Diversity
When asked about the purpose and intention of this annual event, Dr. Jai Tomlin, Event Coordinator, responded, "Our intention is to bring together the awakened leadership of our time so that, together, both presenters and retreat participants may realize and become the fullness of our potential." According to her, this leads to a focus on creating programs that are rich with a variety of presenters and experiences. That inclusive attitude seems to allow for learning that includes the heart as well as the mind.

Programs in recent years have included workshops by leading teachers in various realms of consciousness; music and concerts by professional musicians; theater skits; a Saturday night dance; and small group sessions to explore creativity and artistic expression, meditation, Native American wisdom, experiencing more joy in life, chanting, singing, dancing, relaxation, meditation, and spiritual development.

Keynote presenters have included well-known authors, teachers, activists and leaders, such as Danaan Parry, Jerilyn Brusseau, Wayne Dyer, Don Miguel Ruiz, Joan Borysenko, Alan Cohen, Amy and Arny Mindell, Matthew Fox, Mary Manin Morrissey and many others.  

Teachers affiliated with the Unity movement have included, Rev Scott Sherman; Rev. Richard Levy; Rev. Linda Spencer; Rev’s Mike and Faith Moran, Rev. Sallye Taylor, Rev. Jim Rosemergy, and many more regional ministers. 

Musicians and performers have included local, regional, and national artists Billy Mack, Carlos and Johnny, Merkaba, Charley Thweatt, Karl & Jeanne Anthony,  New Folk artist David Roth, and Jim Scott - composer and performer for many years with The Paul Winter Consort, especially for Missa Gaia performances.

Experience spiritual renewal - feel strengthened, refreshed and inspired. Join us this year for a heart lifting, awe inspiring, foot tapping, and fun filled retreat with the NW Unity community of friends.

See you on the mountain!