|
 Be sure to join us! Our keynote speaker
will be
Rev.
Shirley Ranck, PhD, author of the ground-breaking adult religious education
curriculum "Cakes for
the Queen of Heaven." *Shirley's talk will be titled "ON THE THRESHOLD." It is said that St. Bridget, named for the Old Goddess of Creativity, was born on a threshold. Her story is that she lived her life on the threshold between the Old Pagan tradition of reverence for both Goddess and God and the new patriarchal deities of Christianity. Today we live on another threshold between the last violent upheavals of patriarchy gone wild, and a new era in which our hope is that our identities will be widened and our connectedness with all of life will be made central and sacred. Let us take a fresh look at feminist thealogy in this new century. Where have we come from? Where are we going? With a special look at the theological contributions of Sophia Lyon Fahs, a woman who was way ahead of her time. |
| * The brand-new "Cakes: In Ancient Times" curriculum is now available! See the Continental UU Women and Religion website www.uuwr.org for details. We will have copies for sale. |
| ** North Shore Unitarian Church was also the site of our first WomanSpirit Gathering in 1989. |
| Presented by the Women and Religion Committee of the Central Midwest District Unitarian Universalist Association and the WWS 2008 Retreat Committee. |
| DETAILS |
| Childcare and Maidens Winter WomanSpirit childcare provides
activities for children (girls and boys) up to age five to ensure that they
have a wonderful experience. Natalie Silk will lead the Youth Maidens (ages
6-12) in crafts, games and other activities that mirror workshop themes,
focusing on the Japanese Sun Goddess, Amaterasu. Teen Maidens (ages 13-18) will
choose maiden-friendly workshops. Scholarships In the spirit of offering our programs to as many women as possible, the Women & Religion committee administers a scholarship fund to assist those women who are at a point in their lives where desire is sincere, but resources are scarce. If you are unable to manage the cost of this retreat, we encourage you to request a partial scholarship by filling out the space on your completed registration form. Sorry, WE CANNOT ACCEPT Scholarship applications postmarked later than January 5, 2008. The scholarship fund is supported through the generous contributions of our participants. If you are able to donate to the scholarship fund, please do so at the level with which you feel comfortable. Please indicate the amount in the space provided on the registration form. Full text of the scholarship policy is available on our web site (www.womenandreligion.org) or from the scholarship chair. Silent Auction Boutique Each year, a silent auction is held to benefit the Women & Religion scholarship fund. Donations of like-new items are encouraged. Please bring them with you on Friday night. There is usually a wonderful variety. Don't be afraid to come to the table and look over all the great treasures! Social Concerns/ Outreach Project WWS2008 and W&R Committees have chosen to support a theme-related project this year. CMwD Women & Religion and UU Women's Connection (formerly CMwD UU Women's Federation) are launching a team to present Cakes for the Queen of Heaven facilitator training in several locations around the Central Midwest District beginning in 2008. This is an historic collaboration between the two District-wide women's groups. Quench your thirst while supporting our cause. Throughout the weekend, we will sell bottled water as part of our fundraiser to benefit these Cakes Train the Trainer sessions. Check our website for more information to be posted soon. Drumming Bring a drum or other percussion instrument and join the celebration on Saturday night! Coffeehouse The "Queen Bee Coffeehouse" is calling all queens to perform in the variety show this year. Dancers, Singers, Comediennes, Poets, Musicians, Performance Artists are all welcome! Please sign up on the registration form and include a brief description of your act (so we can make the line-up interesting). Chairs, a piano and microphone will be available. Please let us know if you need any additional props (table, second mic, etc.). Acts must be no longer than ten minutes. Dances of Universal Peace The Dances are a profound, cross cultural way to touch the spiritual essence within ourselves and others through music, drumming, movement and song. Meditation Room Throughout the day Saturday, we will have a designated quiet space for meditation and relaxation. WomanSpirit Marketplace Come spend time in our Marketplace! Commune with WomanSpirit merchants as you search booths for the perfect ritual garb, soaps, candles, jewelry or gift. We've chosen several new vendors! Tarot reading, Native American stone reading, chair massage, and astrology charts will be available. See workshop 202 description for details on e-mailing your birthdate. Marketplace will be open on Friday from 5:30 - 9:00 pm and Saturday all day from 8:30 am until 7:00 pm when they will close for the weekend. In addition, North Shore Unitarian Church's Bookstore will be open through much of the weekend! Accommodations You will need to make your own lodging arrangements. If you would like Home Hospitality, be sure to indicate that on your registration form! Hotels near North Shore Unitarian Church include: A) Woodfield Suites - 2000 Lakeside Dr, Bannockburn, IL (847) 317-7300 - 0.2 mi SW B) La Quinta Inn - 2000 Lakeside Dr, Bannockburn, IL (847) 317-7300 - 0.2 mi SW C) Homewood Suites Hilton Chicago-Lincolnshire - 10 Westminster Way, Lincolnshire, IL (847) 945-9300 - 0.6 mi W D) Hawthorn Suites - 10 Westminster Way, Lincolnshire, IL (847) 267-1279 - 0.6 mi W E) Comfort Suites Schaumburg - 100 Village GRN, Lincolnshire, IL (847) 634-1766 - 2.5 mi W F) Marriott Lincolnshire - 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, IL (847) 634-0100 - 2.5 mi W |
View Larger Map with hotel details DIRECTIONS WITH PHOTOS (PDF) |
 North Shore Unitarian Church 2100 Half Day Rd. Deerfield, IL 60015 www.nsuc.org |
| 20 Years of WomanSpirit - Have you previously attended one of our winter retreats? Please bring labelled copies of photos taken at these gatherings to add to our Herstory display. We are particularly short on photos from the pre-website era, i.e.1989-2000. These photos will then become part of our permanent records. |
| WORKSHOPS | |
| Saturday Morning Workshops | |
| (TM) after the title indicates a workshop friendly to Teen Maidens (ages 13-18) | |
| 100. Balance Yourself With Drum Circle Vibrations. (TM) Discover how the vibrational massage of a drum circle can promote healthy balance and joy in your life. Learn chants that you and your friends can drum along with. No experience needed. *** Earth Beat Drummers Phyllis Lau and Peggy Patty have been facilitating drum circles for women for ten years. They love to share the joy of drumming. They also facilitate Healing Drum Circles. | |
| 101. Tai Chi (taijiquan) for Health, Balance, and Centering. (TM) Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese exercise and spiritual practice that encompasses the dual cultivation of body and mind. Participants will be taught the first three moves of the Taoist Tai Chi Society taijiquan set after seeing a demonstration and hearing an explanation. Wear loose clothing and flat-heeled shoes. *** Jean Latz Griffin, a member of the Taoist Tai Chi Society USA-Midwest branch, has been practicing for ten years, and is a Taoist Tai Chi Society nationally accredited volunteer. Jean instructs at the Arlington Heights, IL Center. | |
| 102. Dancing for the Queen of Heaven. (TM) This workshop will explore dance to help you build your own spiritual movement ritual. Simple, gentle dance movements will be taught along with basic bellydance moves. No prior dance experience is needed. Please wear comfortable clothing. *** Luci has been performing bellydance and sacred movement for 5 years. She is a member of Countryside UU Church in Palatine. | |
| 103. Singing In Sacred Circle. (TM) This workshop is an opportunity to look into your sister's eyes and share spiritvoice through songs. As we learn short, repetitive women-centered/earthbased songs, power rises from the center to empower and heal. Get ready to move as well! No experience is necessary! *** Shelley Graff is a teacher, healer, and songwriter who believes her sacred journey is guiding her to share the Singing In Sacred Circle experience with other women. Suggested CDs: Hand in Hand & Heart to Heart by Kay Gardner with Women With Wings; Fire On the Arrow by Shelley Graff; The Year is A Dancing Woman by Ruth Barrett (www.ladyslipper.org) | |
| 104. Amrit Yoga: Meditation in Motion. (TM) This practice integrates joyful inner stillness with effortless outer action in the world. This is the essence of authentic yoga. Bring a yoga mat, pillow, shawl, or blanket, and a smile. *** Donna Coletto is certified in Hatha Yoga through the Lotus Yoga Teachers Association, and has gone on to complete levels I and II of Amrit Yoga certification, studying with Yoga Amrit Dessai. | |
| 105. Change your Beliefs-Change your Life! (TM) Our beliefs have a major effect on us, whether it's our performance at work, our physical health or how we conduct our relationships. Gain an empowering new perspective to transform limiting beliefs to create the life you love. *** Karen Taylor and Melissa Ford are Option Method Practitioners who have over 20 years combined experience helping people create happier, more successful lives. Suggested books: Happiness is a Choice and To Love Is to Be Happy With, by Barry Neil Kaufman, and Emotional Options: A Handbook for Happiness, by Mandy Williams. | |
| 106. Working With Nature Spirits: The Re-Emerging of Feminine Knowledge. You will explore feminine communication methods to establish community between yourself and the gentlefolk who co-inhabit your land and home, such as fairies, tree and rock spirits, devas and angels. *** Atala Dorothy Toy of Crystal Life Technology leads workshops on interdimensional communication, and handcrafts tools and jewelry to use in this craft. Suggested Materials: Interdimensional Communication, Parts 1-5, by Atala Toy. Available on her website, www.crystal-life.com. | |
| 107. Networking: Exploring Your Life's Path with Friends and Associates. (TM) Networking isn't just about finding jobs. Your network can help you discover resources to help in every aspect of your life. We will practice small group networking activities. *** Rita DeBoer, an attorney currently on sabbatical from corporate America, will bring you networking techniques practiced at venues such as the Professional Women's Club of Chicago, as well as the local Jewel store. Rita will have handouts. | |
| 108. workshop has been cancelled. | |
| 109. Creating a UU Global Village: Global Literacy, UU Women's
Activism, and the Meaning of Convocation. Introduces participants to the
first-ever International Convocation of UU Women, coming up in Houston in
February 2009, and invites all UU's to become part of the Convocation process
by participating in the Global Literacy Project: Weaving a UU Global Village
Network. Learn about the work UU women have done and are doing to improve women's lives worldwide. Learn how you can become a more competent and empowered citizen of our UU Global village. Empowering people to act for justice and peace is one of the primary goals of both the Convocation and the Global Literacy Project. www.icuuw.com *** The Reverend Dorothy May Emerson is a UU community minister in Medford, MA, where she leads worship as part of her ministry of social and economic justice. She serves as Program Coordinator of the International Convocation of UU Women and is the creator of the Global Literacy Project. |
|
| Saturday Afternoon Workshops | |
| 200. Earth Beat Drum Workshop. (TM) - See Morning Workshop 100 for description. | |
| 201. Samplings from the new revised and updated Cakes for the
Queen of Heaven. *** The Reverend Dr. Shirley Ann Ranck is a Crone of
wisdom and power who has touched the lives of many women through her writing
and teaching. Trained in education, psychology and ministry, she has drawn upon
all these disciplines as well as her personal life as wife, mother, and single
parent to create the female spiritual journey contained in the feminist
thealogy curriculum and book, Cakes for the Queen of Heaven. While working full time and birthing and raising two daughters and two sons, Shirley managed to earn her Master's degree in religious education from Drew University, an M.A. in clinical psychology from City College of New York, a Ph.D. in urban school psychology from Fordham University, and her Master of Divinity from Starr King School for the Ministry in Berkeley. She has been an educator and a licensed psychologist in California as well as an ordained minister in the Unitarian Universalist Association. She has worked in private practice, hospitals, clinics and a county jail for women. She has served as minister in several Unitarian Universalist congregations and is currently serving as Interim Minister with the UU Fellowship of Northern Nevada in Reno. Some of her sermons can be heard at http://www.wuu.org/sermonlib.htm. |
|
| 202. Discover Who You Really Are Through Astrology. (TM) Uncover the nature of your personality using the original language of Astrology. Every aspect of your life is contained in your natal birth chart. Understanding energy cycles helps improve your relationships and aids in making life decisions. *** Lisa Hagenbuch began her study of astrology in 1992. Her private practice focuses on understanding the energy cycles operating in your life: past, present, and future. Send birth data prior to workshop: birthdate, birthtime, and birthplace to L.Hagenbuch@comcast.net. Suggested books: any basic book about astrology would help. | |
| 203. Creating Sacred Ceremonies for Spiritual Growth. (TM) This workshop will assist you in creating your own unique ceremonies to honor life transitions as well as harness energy toward meeting goals. Symbolism inherent within ceremonial materials and actions will be covered, and samples offered. *** Becky Burns is the author of Soothe the Spirit: Blessings and Rituals for Energy Enhancement. She is an energy healer who leads ceremonies and workshops nationally. | |
| 204. Five Simple Steps to Creating Balance and Enjoying it All. (TM) Come Explore the 12 Elements of your personal Life Wheel to discover what's missing in your life. We will utilize simple yet powerful tools to identify your "growth points" and create customized action plans that will help you create the life you deserve. *** Jody Erikson is a practicing Certified Life Coach and workshop facilitator. She has discovered her life purpose in working with women who are seeking to enrich their lives. Jody encourages Maidens to register with a partner so they can buddy up during the exercises. | |
| 205. Change your Beliefs-Change your Life! (TM) - See Morning Workshop 105 for description. | |
| 206. Amrit Yoga. (TM)- This second workshop by Donna Coletto will start with simple Amrit Yoga poses, and then move on to a longer meditation time, with an explanation led by Donna. Yoga Nidra is a unique combination of alert awareness and deep relaxation. It is a state of transition where you are neither awake nor asleep. This experience relaxes, rejuvenates and renews not just the physical body, but also empowers you to eliminate obstructions that keep you from connecting to the source from which inborn potentials are actualized and realized. | |
| 207. Creative Visualization: Using Hypnotherapy. Creative Visualization is such a powerful process that just a few minutes a day can balance out years of negative thinking patterns. Come and learn this in a way that can easily become part of your everyday life. Oprah believes in it and has seen it work in her life! Now you can too! *** Linda Williams is a Certified Hypnotherapist and an Instructor of Hypnosis for the National Guild of Hypnotists. Recipient of the "2007 Hypnotist of the Year" Award at the Mid America Hypnosis Conference. | |
| 208. workshop has been cancelled. | |
| 209. Creating a UU Global Village.- See Morning Workshop 109 for description. | |
|
| SCHEDULE |
| CHILDCARE (ages 0-5) |
EVENTS | ||
| F R I D A Y |
Dinner on your own * | ||
| 5:30 PM | Registration opens / Marketplace opens | ||
| 6:30-7:30 | Choir gathering – All are welcome! | ||
| 7:00-10:00 | 8:00 | Processional / Opening Ceremony. You may bring a token of your blessings to lend to the group altar. (We invite you to wear ceremonial, ancestral, or any other attire that makes you feel connected, strong and beautiful!) | |
| 9:30 | Marketplace closes | ||
| 10:30 | Depart for hotels and home | ||
| * We will have snacks (fresh fruit, veggies, cheese, etc) and beverages (coffee, tea, water) available Friday evening and Saturday. | |||
| S A T U R D A Y |
Breakfast on your own * | ||
| 8:30-12:45 | 8:00 | Registration Opens | |
| 8:30 | Marketplace will be open until 7:00 pm when vendors will close for the weekend. | ||
| 9:00 | Welcome and Announcements | ||
| 9:15-10:45 | Keynote Address | ||
| 11:00-12:30 | Morning Workshops | ||
| 12:45-2:15 | Box Lunch and Free Time | ||
| 2:00-5:45 | 2:15-3:45 | Afternoon Workshops | |
| 4:00-5:30 | Dances of Universal Peace or Choir Gathering or Free Time | ||
| 5:30-7:30 | Dinner on your own. Restaurant carpool sign-up sheets will be available at Registration table |
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| 7:00 | Marketplace closes for the weekend | ||
| 7:30-8:30 | Closing Ceremony | ||
| 8:45-10:30 | Coffeehouse or Drumming | ||
| 10:30 | Depart for hotels and home | ||
| S U N D A Y |
Breakfast on your own | ||
| RE and Nursery care are available | 9:15-10:15 | Early Worship Service - sermon by Rev. Shirley Ranck | |
| 10:15-11:15 | Choir Rehearsal | ||
| RE and Nursery care are available | 11:15-12:15 | Late Worship Service - sermon by Rev. Shirley Ranck | |
| 12:15 | See you next time! |
 Winter WomanSpirit
Committee:Gretchen Ohmann * Nancy Irons * Julianne Cicarelli * Lisa Larsen * Luanne M Lo Monte * Sumarah Karen Smith * Pat Hyams * Karin Janowski * Pat Reed * Natalie Silk * Cameron Stamm * Barbara Carraway The Women & Religion (W&R) Committee is a standing committee of the Central Midwest District of the Unitarian Universalist Association. Nine women are chosen from a wide geographic area to represent women in the District. The W&R Committee sponsors this conference each year, along with a Summer WomanSpirit Conference at Ronora Lodge in Michigan. Other services include the “W&R Roadshow,” presenting woman-focused Sunday services at churches around the District. Women who have previously served on the W&R Committee comprise our “Wise Woman Council.” More information and retreat updates are on our web site: www.womenandreligion.org. |
| REGISTRATION FORM | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| YOU MAY REGISTER ONLINE AT: http://www.regonline.com/171631 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| DEADLINES Your
request must be postmarked by: JANUARY 5 for Scholarship requests JANUARY 20 for Early Bird Registration Rates FEBRUARY 10 Last day to register Please fill out one form for each person. Copy as needed. Fee includes: Shirley’s keynote address, workshops, Saturday lunch and all Friday and Saturday activities. Register early—limited to 200 participants. * * * PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY * * * |
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| EMERGENCY CONTACT (NAME AND PHONE #) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| IS THIS YOUR FIRST WOMANSPIRIT CONFERENCE? YES____ NO ____ IF YES, WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE PAIRED WITH A MENTOR? YES ____ NO ____ |
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| MAIDENS PLEASE FILL OUT YOUR OWN COPY OF THIS REGISTRATION FORM | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| I am a Youth Maiden (ages 6-12) Teen Maiden (ages 13-18) My Age__________ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SATURDAY box lunch preference. Please select one: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| _____ 1. portobello delight grilled portobello, spinach,
peppers and artichoke cream cheese spread on herbal foccacia, salad of the day,
& sweets.* _____ 2. turkey & apple roasted turkey, sliced apples, smoked bacon and roasted garlic mayo on ciabatta, salad of the day & sweets. _____ 3. asian noodle wrap a flour tortilla wrapped with chicken, napa cabbage, red pepper, scallions, carrots, almonds, sunflower seeds & crunchy ramen noodles in a sweet asian dressing. _____ 4. pear tree chopped cobb salad artichoke hearts, baby peas, cucumbers, yellow peppers, red onion, tomatoes & havarti cheese with balsamic vinaigrette. rolls with butter, & sweets. Pear Tree's famous finger sweets & cookies * chefs variety may include: fudgy brownies ~ raspberry bars ~ coconut dream bars ~ cheesecake squares ~ lemon bars ~ pear frangipani ~ chocolate chip ~ oatmeal raisin ~ sugar cookies |
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| WORKSHOP PREFERENCES (ENTER WORKSHOP NUMBERS) MORNING CHOICE 1ST __________________ 2ND __________________ AFTERNOON CHOICE 1ST __________________ 2ND __________________ |
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| QUEEN BEE COFFEEHOUSE Share your talent with our WomanSpirit
community on Saturday night . . . sing, play, dance, read, joke. _____ Sign me up! I will be performing: I (we) will need additional props: _____________________________________________________ |
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| CHOIR _____ I would like to participate in the WWS Choir! Please contact me with more info. |
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| CHILDCARE REGISTRATION The childcare program is available at
reasonable costs for the full weekend. Children up to 5 years of age are
welcome to participate. You will receive a childcare information packet upon
registration. Names/Ages/Gender of children 0-5 years of age attending: |
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| HOME HOSPITALITY I would like Home Hospitality _____ Friday night _____ Saturday night I live nearby and can offer Home Hospitality _____ Friday night _____ Saturday night |
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| VOLUNTEERS I would like to help with:
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| FRIENDSHIP LIST We include a friendship list in each registration packet. Do you wish to have your name/address/e-mail/phone included on the list? ___ yes ___ no |
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| SCHOLARSHIP _____ I wish to apply for a scholarship because: |
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| ACCESSIBILITY/SPECIAL NEEDS: Please note there are stairs
between the first floor sanctuary and the lower floor workshop rooms. List your
needs here: |
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PAYMENT
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| TERMS AND CONDITIONS I (we) forever release and discharge anyone involved in WINTER WOMANSPIRIT 2008, for any liability resulting from my (our) participation in WINTER WOMANSPIRIT 2008. I (we) understand that in case I decide to cancel my registration, no full refunds will be given. Cancellation requests can be emailed or sent by mail. If sent by mail, the postmark will be considered the date of the cancellation request. * 75% refund if cancellation is received more than 30 days prior to the retreat. * 50% refund if cancellation is received 16-30 days prior to the retreat. * No refund will be given if the cancellation is received 15 days or less prior to the retreat. Signature _____________________________________ Date _______________ Please make checks payable to “CMwD Women and Religion.” Registrations are taken in order of postmark. Mail check with registration form to: WINTER WOMANSPIRIT 2008 c/o Registrar Karin Janowski 708-246-4347 WWS@womenandreligion.org 4625 Lawn Ave. Western Springs, IL 60558-1554 |
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