Unity at the Lake Church is a self-governing, non-profit spiritual organization. The operational responsibilities for Unity at the Lake lie with the Board of Trustees. All board members, except the ministers, are elected by the congregation from its membership in a democratic process. The ministers are standing members of the board. The president and other officers are elected by the board.
To serve on the board, an individual must be a member in good standing of Unity at the Lake Church, have a strong Unity background and be willing to commit the time to board responsibilities. The board functions as a team in carrying out the leadership, operational and fiduciary responsibilities of the church.
The By-Laws of Unity at the Lake Church are registered with the state of Missouri and certified as a non-profit. All board members sign a "Code of Ethics & Commitment Agreement" which states in part: "I hereby pledge to carry out in a trustworthy and diligent manner the duties and obligations of my role as a board member. I will exercise the duties and responsibilities of this office with prayer, integrity, collegiality and care, always working to learn to do my job better. I will hold sacred my own prayer life, spiritual practices and spiritual growth. I will demonstrate my commitment by setting an example of the spiritual principles taught by Unity through my words and actions."
Unity at the Lake is a member of the Unity Worldwide Ministries, which provides services to its members such as Sunday school materials and other products and services. The Association has authority and responsibility for ordaining Unity ministers but no responsibility for the governance of its member churches. Unity at the Lake is a separate legal organization. We receive no financial support from the Association.
Current Board Members
Serving Unity at the Lake
Rev. Dale has been involved in the Unity movement for more than 35 years. She has served on a number of ministry teams for the Association of Unity Churches including the Admissions Team and the Licensing and Ordination Ministry Teams. Prior to serving the congregation at Unity at the Lake, Marge served on the executive staff of Unity School of Christianity in Unity Village, Missouri for 28 years. Her operational responsibilities included vice president of Human Resources and director of Public Relatons. She was a member of the Board of Trustees of Unity School for 17 years. Marge brings a strong background in communication, business administration and education to the ministry. She is a charter member of Unity at the Lake and was part of the core group who founded the church. Marge came out of retirement to serve the congregation at Unity at the Lake to fulfill a "lifetime committment to follow the plan of Spirit for my life and to help others do the same." Marge's husband, Bill, who is also an ordained Unity minister, supports the church in various capacities. They have eight grown children and live in Sunrise Beach with their two dogs Nicole and Ashley.
Karen grew up at the Lake and went to high school in Camdenton.. She attended the University of Missouri in Kansas City and received her Diploma in Nursing from Research Medical Center. Karen has dedicated her life to the healing profession, pursuing the path of Complimentary and Alternative Medicine Specialist (CAM). She expects to receive a Doctor of Naturopathy degree next year. Karen brings a wealth of business experience to the board having served in executive positions in several major health care corporations In Iowa, Arkansas and Missouri. She currently owns and operates Natures Remedies in Laurie, where she provides health consultations and services in Cranio Sacral therepy on humans, dogs and horses. Karen has been a dedicated Unity student for 40 years. She has a deep commitment to Unity principles and says they support her life's work in healing and helping others to heal. Karen enjoys fly fishing, horse riding and the ballet.
Cathy is a charter member of Unity at the Lake and currently serves as Secretary of the board. She has been active in the church since moving to the Lake area in December, 2001. Cathy served a previous term on the board and has served on the Love in Action and Welcome Ministry teams. She currently serves on the Prayer Ministry and Children's Ministry teams. Cathy holds degrees in law and education. She currently serves as one of the facilitators of the adult study classes offered by the church. Unity has been a part of Cathy's life for more than 20 years. She has earned 60 credits toward her Licensed Unity Teacher designation offered by Unity School of Christianity. Cathy loves the outdoors. Her hobbies include gardening, boating, reading, knitting and walking her yellow lab, Daisey. She and her husband, Dean, are both retired.
The Rev. Michael Osterhout is an ordained International Interfaith minister, with a diverse background in spiritual and theological studies including, Unity, Religious Science and other contemporary western and eastern religious disciplines. Rev. Osterhout was ordained in 1998 by the Alliance of Divine Love International Interfaith Ministries and has certifications from the United Methodist and the Church of Religious Science. He has served the Unity Movement in various capacities for more than 18 years. Rev. Osterhout currently serves as Associate Minister of Unity at the Lake Church where he performs pastoral duties including Sunday services, weddings, funerals and small group studies.
In addition to his calling to ministry, Rev. Osterhout is dedicated to energy conservation and education regarding environmental issues. His professional background includes serving as CEO of an alternative energy company. He uses this expertise to help guide Unity's vision and plans for growth and the evolution of a "green" energy efficient campus in Sunrise Beach, Missouri. Rev. Michael and his wife, Mary Jo, reside in Sunrise Beach with their cocker spaniel, Barney.
Marty Fiser, Board Member Marty is a life long member of Unity, attending South Side Unity, in Kansas City, MO, as a child, later joining, as a chartered group when Unity on the Plaza was completed and was married there in 1949. She joined Unity at the Lake as a charter member serving as team leader of the Prayer Team from its beginning, and also serving as a member of other teams in the past. She enjoys church
activities including attending classes in spiritual growth and positive living. She also enjoys the activities offered at the West Side Seniors Center in Laurie where she serves as a member of the Board of Directors. After many years in Kansas City, working in the insurance field, she has been a resident of the Lake area since 1977.
Judy Haines, Board Member Judy was born and attended school in Des Moines, Iowa through 2 years at Drake University. Married Harold Haines in 1965. Besides Des Moines, IA Judy has lived in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Peoria, IL, Kansas City, Mo, McHenry, IL and moved to Sunrise Beach in 1992. She helped Harold establish Haines Prosthetics and Orthotics in Des Moines, IA and worked as office manager and bookkeeper for several years. Sold real estate in Des Moines for 6 years at which time they sold the business. They moved to Sunrise Beach in 1992 and started Haines Four Seasons Sunrooms. Judy was the general manager and bookkeeper until they retired in 2006. She served on the West Side Chamber board and the Sunrise Beach Fire Dept. board. Joined Unity in Des Moines, IA in 1972 and at one time served on that church board. Has taken several Unity Classes over the years, has 10 hours credit with Unity, co-facilitated classes. Judy is a charter member of Unity at the Lake and was on the steering committee to start the church. Served as treasurer from 2001 to 2006. Served on Building Committee and Hospitality Team. Currently sings in the choir and is Bookstore Manager and co-chair of Women of Unity. Judy welcomes an opportunity to once again serve on the board if elected. The truth principles she has learned over the years have greatly enriched her life. Unity is as important to Judy's personal growth today as it was in 1972.