[Visitors] September Newsletter

Sat Aug 25 00:26:51 EDT 2007

            Newsletter of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Topeka
            4775 SW 21st Street  .  Topeka, KS  66604  .  785-272-9233  .  www.uuft.org

            Proud to be a Welcoming Congregation

            September 2007

A Month of Sundays . . .

September 2 - Intimacy and Ultimacy.  Why do people seek communities like the Fellowship? There may be as many reasons as there are people, but some common themes emerge. Some seek respite from the ordinariness of daily life, others seek meaningful connections with a multigenerational group. Still others seek to wrestle with the big questions in life, or want to find a way to make a difference in the world. The UU James Luther Adams said that all these reasons boil down to two basics: The search for intimacy and ultimacy. Contact for this service: Rev. Lisa R. Schwartz. Service begins at 10:30 a.m.

September 9 - The Day the Presses Stopped.  The United States is embroiled in a bloody, costly war in a distant land, and evidence of governmental lies and cover-ups mount. Civil liberties are curtailed, and fear reigns. The year is 1971, and the issue is the publication of the top-secret Pentagon Papers. The story of how the Unitarian Universalist Association's publishing arm, the Beacon Press, defied the U.S. government and published the Pentagon Papers is a gripping tale filled with scenes worthy of James Bond. The story of how tenuously our civil liberties are held is a tale worthy to tell again and again. Contact for this service: Rev. Lisa R. Schwartz. Plan to stay for the second Sunday lunch! It's lasagne day, and proceeds benefit the Teen Pregnancy Prevention program at the YWCA.

September 16 - And the Buffalo Dance: UUFT's Totally Green Sunday.  Much more ancient than any ancient writing or formal religious teaching is the power of the natural world. For many of us, the holiest place of all is our beautiful blue green planet, where nature is the bedrock of our spiritual lives. Susan Chernak McElroy says that Earth has encoded instructions within us that are still the best guide to a good life: "Care for your children, take only what you need, keep your nest clean, support your community, be cautious but never fearful, trust life." The Fellowship's Green Dream committee and Rev. Lisa Schwartz will present the services today. See the article elsewhere in the Beacon for more creative ways to celebrate Totally Green Sunday!

September 23 - Words of a Prairie Alchemist.  Denise Low, Poet Laureate of Kansas, is the speaker and folk singer Barb Ryman is the special musical guest at both services this week. Contact for this service: Melanie Kitchner.

September 30 - TBA - Our Program Committee will let you know soon what interesting topic will be presented.  

DON'T FORGET--SERVICES START AT 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 9!

Totally Green Sunday September 16

How Green can You Be? Green issues have moved to the forefront of our Fellowship and Religious Education programs. The Green Dreams Committee invites you to bring questions on Green issues, you can put them in a basket at the next 3 services. We want to know what has worked for you, and would like to hear about it on Totally Green Sunday, September 16 at both services, 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. 

In solidarity with Green issues, we suggest wearing a green shirt or green cotton or organics if you have them, if not, wear something. We suggest not wearing materials made with petro-chemicals such as polyester. We Challenge us All to a Totally Green Sunday on September 16, 2007 at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. There will be a prize for the most unique way to get to UUFT by using the least energy. Check the carpool map at the UUFT on the sunset wall for a ride.

New Horizons

By Rev. Lisa Romantum Schwartz

Even if you've got a really good memory and excellent social skills, you can't be very good friends with more than about 60 people at once. You may be casually acquainted with a few more, you may remember names and faces and even some details about the people you encounter at work or in your neighborhood or at Fellowship, but most humans seem equipped with the capacity for between 50 and 70 friends.

It could be argued, then, that congregations should have a membership cap of about 50 people. After reaching that magic number the group could post a notice on the door reading, "No new visitors are currently being admitted. You are welcome to put your name on the waiting list, and when a current member dies or moves away, applications will be reviewed."

Unfortunately, unless the 50 people are quite wealthy and unflaggingly generous, a congregation of 50 people can't support the kind of building and staff levels that provide services and programs people seek in a church, synagogue, or fellowship. And, who would really want a membership cap, anyway? Having found intimacy and ultimacy at a place like the UUFT, most of us want to share the experience. And it's hard to keep a good thing secret for long!

A case in point, the UUFT is close to reaching 150 adult members, and we have about 75 kids registered for Religious Education as well. And then there's the matter of our "friends," people who often love us and give generously to our organization, but choose not to become official members. All told, our Fellowship is regularly providing space, services, education and programming for about 250 people.

This is, of course, the primary motivator of our move to two services. We just can't comfortably fit any more people into our physical space, and the discomfort becomes a kind of unstated membership cap. New people will struggle to be included in the group unless some of the existing folks leave. Of course, we could take applications and put names on a waiting list, but somehow that seems to miss the point of...well, fellowship.

It's clear that having two services and two religious education opportunities will provide more space for new people to experience our awesome community, and that's really exciting. Yet separating into two groups on Sunday mornings will also make it even more challenging to connect with each other. But don't despair! Fellowship staff and volunteers are developing several new opportunities to maintain and even deepen a sense of connection with each other.

One of those opportunities is Small Group Ministry. The Fellowship tried SGM about 5 years ago and had some success with it. On Sept. 11th, a group of facilitators will meet with me and Judy Sasser to begin training facilitators for our latest adventure in Small Group Ministry. By January of '08, we hope to have 6-8 small groups who will agree to meet twice a month for 6 months. At the end of that time the group members will have an option to continue meeting, join another small group, or opt out entirely. More information about the groups and how to join will be forthcoming.

Small groups will have an agreed upon structure, with a topic to focus their gatherings. But sometimes we just want to get together and socialize with people in similar life stages and ages. On September 29th, there will be a cookout for young families to get together and have fun. (Sort of a "young adults with kids" gathering, if you will.)

Of course, we have existing groups like yoga, the Seeker's Forum that meets on Sunday mornings, and regular dinner party groups. Other opportunities are in the works, and new ideas and energy are welcome. As we continue to grow beyond a size where we can reasonably be expected to know everyone, it will be essential that we continue to find new ways to find both intimacy and ultimacy together. 

                                                                                    Lisa

Notice:  The UUFT office will be closed on Monday, Sept. 3rd for Labor Day.

Small Group Facilitators Sought; meeting Tues., September 11th

What better way to mark Patriot Day than in an affirmation of the power of human connection? If you're intrigued by the concept of Small Group Ministry and think you'd like to be a facilitator of one of the groups, please come to the Fellowship on Tuesday evening, September 11th, from 6-8 p.m. A light supper will be provided. Lisa Schwartz and Judy Sasser will be on hand to introduce basic elements of Small Group Ministry and answer your questions. 

If you're unsure about whether you'd like to facilitate a group, this is a great meeting to attend--no further commitment is implied. If you decide to become a facilitator for a small group, you'll be asked to make a commitment to at least three additional training sessions in '07, and to commit to leading a group twice a month from January through June, 2008. Additionally, facilitators will have 4-6 check in meetings with Rev. Lisa between Jan. and June.

You're welcome to call Lisa or Judy at the UUFT office (272-9233) or email them (minister at uuft.org for Lisa, or dlre at uuft.org for Judy) if you have questions or want to sign up. It's helpful to know how many people to plan food for, make handouts for, etc., so a call or an email would be appreciated!

Dinner for All: September 15th at 6 p.m. 

All members and friends of UUFT are invited to participate in September's Dinner for All, hosted by Dennis Blackmore. His address is 12207 SW 29th St 66614, (phone: 256-6667). Head west on Kansas Highway 4 from Auburn Road (approximately SW 25th St) about 3 and ½ miles. When the highway makes a 90 degree turn south at Glick Rd (you'll see a strange little utility shed), proceed straight (west) on 29th Street approximately ¾ of a mile. Dennis' house is the third on the left. Please bring a covered dish, any meat items you and your family/guests wish to consume, beverages, insect repellant, fishing poles and lawn chairs. Dennis will furnish table service, barbecue grill, lemonade and iced tea. Children are welcome but MUST be supervised by a parent inside Dennis' home. Dinner for All is a great way to get to know other UUFTers so circle the date on your calendar! Questions: call Dennis or Bill Lucero @ 232-5958.

Newcomer Event: Seeker Supper, Wednesday, Sept. 26th, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

This event is especially for people who are new to the Fellowship, and are curious about our history, how we're organized, or what keeps our diverse group together. Two congregational leaders host the supper at the Fellowship. Childcare is provided.

Things start with a tour of the UUFT "campus," then over a casual dinner (provided by the hosts) Rev. Lisa Schwartz will give a brief presentation about the 120 year history of Unitarianism in Topeka, and talk about some general principles of Unitarian Universalism. There's plenty of opportunity to ask your own questions about the Fellowship and about Unitarian Universalism.

There is no charge for the event and childcare is free by request, but reservations really help out the hosts and the babysitters!! Please call the Fellowship office at 272-9233 to reserve your spot or to request childcare, or email minister at uuft.org.

Young Adults With Kids--Cookout, Saturday,.September 29th

Many of the gray-haired folks at the UUFT who so warmly greet each other and swap stories about their grown kids actually met at the Fellowship when they were young adults raising their families. Having a group of peers with similar values has been invaluable for both the parents and the kids (many of the "kids" are still friends now that they're adults).

If you're a young adult (roughly 18-35 years old) with one or more kids (yes, it counts if they're on the way), you're invited to a cookout from 5 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 29th. It'll be at the Fellowship, since the space for both adults and kids is ample and familiar. It'll be hosted by one or more of the...er, mature couples who benefitted from similar connections back in the day. It's a purely social evening, and may be the beginning of some great relationships.

Hosts will provide hot dogs, hamburgers, and boca burgers. Participating families should bring side dishes and/or desserts.

Political Advocacy at UUFT

As the election season approaches and our passions run high, Fellowship members and friends may see the UUFT as a good place to recruit like-minded supporters to a favored candidate or issue. But making partisan political statements from the UUFT pulpit or in our web or paper publications, canvassing for signatures or financial support of a particular party or candidate, or even donating UUFT meeting space for political meetings, are all strictly forbidden by federal law. Thank you for observing the guidelines that keep our organization safe! (A summary of the complete rules governing congregational political activity can be found at http://www25.uua.org/uuawo/pdf/the_real_rules_summary.pdf)

Peace Camp Update

UUFT collected $122.51 for Peace Camp food. We were able to make 30 delicious sack lunches for Peace Campers and volunteers and had enough left to provide two good breakfasts for the campers. Thanks to all who contributed to our annual Peace Camp sponsored by the Topeka Center for Peace and Justice.

Lifespan Religious Education--News about our Doings, Judy Sasser, DLRE

Here we go again!!!  School has started.  At the Fellowship, we are getting ready to start the new curriculum in Religious Education.  As those of you that were here on August 19th will know, there was no promotion on Promotion Sunday.  That is because we have had to re-configure classrooms due to the need to have our Junior High class be for 7th and 8th grades only.  This change was dictated by the curriculum offerings for this age group---OWL program to start in October followed by Coming of Age program.  Because we do not have space to make a new class we changed things so that our preschool class is now a Pre-Kindergarten class; K - 2 becomes 1-3; 3-5 becomes 4-6.  The only promotion that occurred was to move our new 9th graders into the Senior High Youth Group.  Those two individuals are Martina Pezzino and Amber Peck.

Changes in classroom teaching positions are Matt and Megan Heindel joining the Pre-K team; Jennifer Hixson joining the 1-3 team; Linda Maxwell joins the 4-6 class and Kevin Maxwell signs on as their construction engineer (clearly they have proved a need for one).  He has also agreed to do some teaching.  Russell Burton will accompany Andrea to teach in the 4-6 room as well.

We honored Susan Rothchild for her tireless work as the RE Chairperson three years in a row with a dozen red roses on Sunday.  Bobbi Schaeffer takes over as RE Chair and Duane Johnson has signed on as the RE Co-Chair.  It will be a really good team.  Team Leaders in Children's RE will stay the same this year with the Rothschild's leading preschool; Sarah Granger and LuAnn Lawhon co-leading 1-3;  Sheryl Evans (new) leads the 4-6 graders; Jon Metcalf is the lead Youth Advisor for Jr. High; and Jim Schwartz and Richie McDaneld will co-lead the Senior High Youth.  Please thank these people when you see them for such big giving of their time and talent to see that our children and youth are well taken care of and getting their emotional, social, and spiritual needs met.  

Upcoming Events:

Ø       August 26 - Multigenerational meeting.  We will make prayer flags for the Peace Garden, and plan the play for Labor Day Cook Out.

Ø       September 2 - Cookout and end of summer celebration

Ø       September 9 - Regular classes begin.  Classes will be held in the same rooms as last year.

Religious Education Needs:

 (Please look in your basements or garages---we will be happy to take donations)

BEAN BAG CHAIRS (for the junior high classroom)

BOOM BOXES (must have CD capability)

POSITION OPENING, RE PHOTOGRAPHER (someone with a camera that will take pictures periodically in classrooms and during special activities for this 2007 -2008 school year)

Thanks everyone for your support of the Religious Education Program at the UUFT.  It truly does take a whole village.  A special thank you to Helen Newman and Jackie Lakin who have taken on registration duties for this month.  If you have not registered your child(ren) or youth, please do so.  If he/she was registered last year, it is simply a matter of checking over the registration, making any changes and initialing and dating in the upper right hand corner of the page.  

Peace and Blessings until next Month,

Judy

Rise Up and Call Her Name: A Woman-honoring Journey Into Global Earth-based Spiritualities for Women and Men

Rise Up is a multimedia program that provides a unique format for learning about goddesses from a variety of traditions, hearing and telling personal stories, creating sacred art, participating in rituals, talking about important questions in feminist spirituality, and engaging in personal discovery. Goals of the program include bringing awareness of the processes of nature into contemporary spiritual life; nurturing self-respect in women and respect for women in men; expanding appreciation of and respect for Earth-based spiritual traditions and the earth and-honoring aspects of other religious belief systems, and opening doors to cross-cultural interaction and foster respect for diversity.

There are 13 sessions of the program, lasting 2 1/2 hours each. The UUFT owns the curriculum which includes clear, well-organized session plans, videos and audio tapes, leaders guides, and more. What we need to bring this exciting program to fruition is two people with good facilitation skills, openness to shared leadership, and a commitment to the values of the program. Our Director of Lifespan Religious Education, Judy Sasser, and our minister, Lisa Schwartz, are willing to provide any training and support the leaders need, and there is money in our budget set aside to provide childcare during the Rise Up sessions. (There would be a small charge to participants to cover materials.)

If your process of discernment leads you to offer your skills to help get this dynamic program going at the Fellowship, call Lisa or Judy at the UUFT office (272-9233) or email them (minister at uuft.org for Lisa, or dlre at uuft.org for Judy). We'll be glad to show you the curriculum and answer your questions.

Questions and Answers About Two Services

Q.   What times will the new services be held?

A.   9 and 11.

Q.   Why are we doing this?

A.   Experts say and studies confirm that when a congregation regularly reaches 80% of its sanctuary capacity, its growth is severely restricted. The Fellowship is there or beyond most Sundays, and in parking and religious education space we're already over 100% of our capacity.

Q.   Will the two services be identical?

A.   The speakers/presenters will be identical at each service, but the styles will be slightly different. We'll refine things quite a bit as experience replaces theory, but the major differences are planned this way:

The 9:00 service will not have a kids' story, will have less music (both congregational singing and special music), and will have more opportunities for attendees to make impromptu comments at joys and sorrows and congregational dialogue. There may be a silent or spoken "meditation," but never a prayer.

The 11:00 service will begin with all ages gathered together for a story, will have more music, and more structured joys and sorrows sharing. There will sometimes be prayers in various styles.

Q.   Will both services have Religious Education for kids?

A.   Yes. The 9:00 service will have a nursery/preschool group, and a class we hope will appeal to kids from about 5 to 11, following a less structured curriculum. Older kids whose families come at 9:00 will be welcome to attend the service. The 11:00 service will have the RE classes we're accustomed to, broken down into smaller ranges of age and developmental stage, and following a more traditional curriculum.

Q.   Who made this decision, anyway?

A.   The Sunday Program committee refined the plans for months, and finally presented a proposal to the board last spring. The board voted to try two services, and felt decisively enough about the issue to simply announce the plan at the congregational meeting in June of '07 rather than putting the issue to a vote.

Q.   Will there be a chance for people to offer opinions and make changes?

A.   In a democratically organized UU community, it couldn't be any other way! But be advised that opinions offered without a willingness to lend a hand to make the changes happen may simply receive a polite "thank you for sharing" response from hard working Sunday Program committee volunteers. There is a major survey planned for the spring of '08 to solicit opinions on how to improve the process, and everyone's feedback will be weighed at that time.

Q.   Why don't we have two dramatically different Sunday services? That is, have an outside speaker each week for one service, and have Rev. Lisa speak at the other?

A.   That kind of an arrangement creates two distinct congregations, with our minister only serving one group. It becomes hard for two different groups who share a building but not leadership or interests to move forward in the same direction. Since we're striving for greater connection and poised to make big decisions about building on our site, we need to be a unified whole. That's not to say we won't have dissent or differences, but it allows all voices an equal share in the conversation.

Q.   Don't some other UU congregations have more than one kind of service?

A.   Yes, Kansas City's All Souls UU Church has three services, and one is a "community forum" group that brings in outside speakers that have broad public appeal. The forums aren't even structured like traditional services, though they count themselves that way. Some All Souls members attend a worship service and a forum, and others go to one or the other.

There are two obstacles to the UUFT adopting that model at this time. First, All Souls is a large congregation (over 500 members) and their budget is able to support the cost of bringing in excellent speakers to their popular community forum, as well as two worship services. Second, All Souls has both an auditorium with a stage and comfortable seating AND a large and lovely sanctuary. Until the UUFT has more than one room that will hold a significant number of adults, our physical space constraints prevent us from developing a forum on Sunday morning.

Q.   How will I see my friends if they come to a service at a different time than I do?

A.   There will be some time between the services when we hope 9:00 service people will linger and 11:00 attendees will arrive early to share coffee and conversation. And the Fellowship's lay and professional leaders are working hard to provide new opportunities for people to connect in smaller groups. Even if you don't see your friends at a Sunday service, you might find a way to get together and enjoy each other's company.

Q.   What if we hate it?

A.   We don't have to keep doing it forever, but we're committed to giving it a try for two years. Who knows, we may end up with a sanctuary large enough for all of us to come together at one time on a Sunday morning. On the other hand, we might like having more options to choose from. And if our membership growth continues to trend upward, we may outgrow a new sanctuary before we can get it finished!

Last Minute Folk Concert Series Announces Fall 2007 Season

UUFT's Last Minute Folk Concert Series begins its fifth season this September with "Women of Folk - the Songstress Series," highlighting national and international touring female musicians. The series features acoustic, folk, roots and traditional music performed in a concert style, intimate, listening room setting. The venue is smoke and alcohol free and open to all ages. Musicians offer two, 45 minute sets of original music, and refreshments and dessert are available during intermission. Tickets are available at the door - $12 for adults and $6 for students. Information for dates and performers will be available on the Fellowship's website - just click-on the "Folk Concerts" heading, and season brochures and a billboard window display will be available at the west wall of the sanctuary. Contact Todd Jefferies, coordinator.

Season Schedule

ELLIS - Sat., Sept. 22, 7:30 pm

ANAIS MITCHELL - Sun., Oct. 14, 7:00 p.m.

COSY SHERIDAN - Sat., Oct. 27, 7:30 p.m.

ERIKA LUCKETT - Sat., Nov. 10, 7:30 p.m.  

WISHING CHAIR - Sat., Dec. 8, 7:30 p.m. 

"Bringing Our History to Life": A History Video Workshop for Congregations

This fall, Prairie Star congregations will get a chance to learn how to research and record their own histories. In October and November, the Prairie Star District Heritage and Archives Committee will present workshops on video production in Minnesota and Iowa. Featured presenters are experts in UU history and in video production.  This is a hands-on program; you will prepare a 3 minute finished video during the day.

Workshops will be offered in Minnesota during October and in Iowa during November:

      Saturday, October 20, 2007
      9:00 am to 3:30 pm
      Minnesota Valley UU Fellowship
      10715 Zenith Avenue So
      Bloomington, MN 55431
      http://www.mnvalleyuu.org

      Registration deadline: October 10.
     Saturday, Nov. 10, 2007
      9:00 am to 3:30 pm
      First Unitarian Church of Des Moines
      1800 Bell Avenue
      Des Moines, IA 50315
      http://www.ucdsm.org

      Registration deadline: November 1.

Thanks to a grant from the UU Funding Program and the Prairie Star District, the cost is only $25 per person.  Included are registration, materials, morning snack, and lunch.  Participants are responsible for their own housing arrangements.

To register by mail, print and fill out the registration form found at the website below.  Mail the form with a check for $25 per person, payable to Prairie Star District, to:

Prairie Star District, UUA

122 W. Franklin Ave., Suite 303

Minneapolis, MN  55404

To register via credit card on the District Web site, go to the following link:

http://www.psduua.org/Events/BringingOurHistoryToLife

Click on Prairie Store to continue.

For further information

Lowell Hanson

651 426-8764

ldhanson at comcast.net

Revival 2007

The UU Christian Fellowship (an affiliate organization of the UUA) is hosting a spirited revival, featuring John Dominic Crossan, spirited worship, healing and communion services, and more. The event is Nov. 1-4 in Cleveland, OH. Info is posted on the sunset wall, and is available online at www.uuchristian.org/revival.

District Annual Conference Seeks Presenters on "Faithful Democracy"

The 2008 Prairie Star District Annual Conference will be April 11-13 in Omaha, Nebraska, co-hosted by the First and Second Unitarian Churches of Omaha. The theme will be "Rebuilding a Faithful Democracy."

The Annual Conference Program Planning Committee invites you to consider the opportunity to present a workshop that speaks to the theme as we explore the role and vitality of democracy in our faith communities. In your contemplation of a workshop offering for 2008, consider the message you would like to pass on to youth of the Prairie Star District regarding "Rebuilding a Faithful Democracy." We are confident you will come up with engaging, creative, informative, stimulating and fun ideas for workshops relevant to Unitarian Universalists of all ages in Prairie Star District.

Information is at http://www.psduua.org/AnnualConference/AnnualConference. (Scroll down to "Apply to Present a Workshop at the Conference.") The deadline for workshop applications is September 30, 2007. 

Please note that workshop presenters must still pay the full conference registration fee (Last year's registration fee was $135; lodging, etc. are extra). The PSD respects the generous contribution of time by workshop presenters. Thanks for your support of the mission of Prairie Star District.

Help Needed

Hello fellow Topeka UUs. I'm up here in Minnesota and need some counsel. As most of you know, I am planning a move back to the San Francisco bay area this fall. I will not be taking any furniture but will be taking many personal and household items. I would like to ship my stuff in these large crates I see advertised all the time (PODS is one company, but there are others). My question is this: Do any of you have any experience with these shipping companies for long distance moves?  Also, does anyone have any other suggestions for me as to how to get all my stuff out to CA without driving it half way across the county in a UHaul (something I am NOT going to do!) Any advice anyone can give me would be greatly appreciated. Just call or email me: 785-749-9682; dvidmar2004 at yahoo.com

Peace

Dianne Vidmar

PSD Southern Cluster Retreat

September 21 - 23, 2007

White Memorial Camp

Council Grove, Kansas

Please join us for a wonderful weekend of rest and rejuvenation at this beautiful lakeside camp with tall grass prairie trails, great food, fun, and fellowship!

Dynamic Sunday Service, Engaging Workshops, 

Rest & Relaxation, Canoeing on the Lake, Campfire with Music

Fellowship with Southern Cluster UUs

Social Justice Keynote: Bob Minor

Bob is a professor of Religious Studies at KU.  He is also an author, lecturer, workshop leader, and social justice activist with a special emphasis on oppressed people including people who are LGBT.

Keynote: Coming Out Progressive to Make the L Word Work

The liberal label has seen hard times even though the word is a proud one with a progressive history. Dr. Minor discusses how we as individuals can come out as liberals to take back the national debate.

Workshop: The Nuts & Bolts of Taking Back the Social Justice Debate Dr. Minor will discuss practical strategies to take a stand for social justice issues in the midst of constant right-wing objections.

Workshop: New Sanctuary and Diversity in Our Congregations

Angela Allard, an immigration attorney in Kansas City, will give us an update on the New Sanctuary Movement and lead a workshop on welcoming diverse ethnic groups to small congregations.

Special Music Event: You!

Musicians and choralists of the Southern Cluster will lead a participatory choral event Saturday afternoon.

PSD Southern Cluster Retreat

September 21 - 23, 2007

White Memorial Camp - Council Grove, Kansas

Friday September 21, 2007

  9:00   Early arrivers welcome - Exploration, relaxation, socializing 

12:00   Dutch treat lunch at Hayes House in downtown Council Grove

  1:30   Bicycle tour of Council Grove and Council Grove Lake dam

  3:00   Registration   Opens                                    Lodge

  6:30   Dinner                                                Lodge

  8:00   In-gathering ice breaker               Lodge

  8:30   Game Time                                        Lodge

  8:30   Minister Panel Question Time         Red Cabin

10:30   Lights Out/Quiet Time near cabins

Saturday September 22, 2007

  8:00 -   9:00  Breakfast

  9:30 - 10:00  Opening Words - Jim Eller

10:00 - 11:30  Keynote Speaker - Bob Minor with Q&A/discussion time

11:30 -   1:30  Lunch with Table Topics

  1:30 -   2:30  Workshop with Bob Minor

  1:30 -   2:30  Workshop with Angela Allard

  2:30 -   3:30  Music preparation & rehearsals for 4:30 event

  2:30 -   3:30  Workshop on emerging congregations

  3:30 -   4:30  Intergenerational Soapbox Time

  4:30 -   5:30  Music for All  

  6:00 -   6:45  Dinner

  7:30 -   8:00  Intergenerational Worship Service led by Young Adults and Teens

  8:30               Campfire with structured music & activities

10:30               Lights Out/Quiet Time near cabins

Sunday September 23, 2007

  8:00 -   9:00  Breakfast

  9:30 - 10:30  Celebration of Life - Farewells

10:30 - 11:30  Pack up & Clean up

11:30 - 12:30  Lunch

12:30               SCORE Meeting

  1:30               Weekend review and assessment

PSD Southern Cluster Retreat

September 21 - 23, 2007

Registration

High School age and younger are free but must be accompanied by parent or other adult sponsor - we are all one family when it comes to including our kids at SCORE events.

Ministers and church staff and their partners are free - we appreciate your professional guidance and support!

All are welcome and encouraged to attend.  

Financial assistance is available through SCORE.

For information contact your minister or Jill Jarvis at jjarvis1 at kc.rr.com.

Register online at www.psduua.org/prairiestore         

(be sure to sign in if you are already a Prairie Store member)

-          or   -

Mail your check and this form to 

All Souls UU Church    4501 Walnut     Kansas City, MO 64105

Write 'SCORE Retreat' in the memo line

                                                                                                            Fee per          Qty      Total                                                                                                                            Adult                           

Full Weekend                        2 Overnights             5 meals           $120                ____    _____

Half Weekend                      1 Overnight               3 meals           $  70                ____    _____

Saturday Only                                                           2 meals           $  20                ____    _____

In Town Lodging       Full Weekend                                                $  30                ____    _____

                                                                                                Total                            _____

A couple of in-town lodging options: 

Cottage House Hotel                                  www.cottagehousehotel.com

Herington Inn and Suites                            www.heringtoninnandsuites.com

Please provide the following information:

First Name:                                                     Last Name:

Street Address:

City:                                                                State:                                      Zip:

Evening Phone:                                            Email:

Congregation:

Number of youth attending:

Number of minister/staff and family attending:

Vegetarian meals needed?

Other special needs or considerations:

For more information contact Bob Miller 

816-561-4615

rmiller1 at kc.rr.com

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