BREAKOUT SESSIONS – Annual Assembly, 2008

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Innovative Ways Toward Contemporary Worship  Join Sarah Dan Jones in this workshop that is designed to explore alternative ways to worship, which include movement, sign language, dance, drama and song.  We will take a look at how we can think outside the box in making worship more participatory and include people of all ages in the process.  Workshop participants will design their own chalice lighting and extinguishing to be used at the Closing service on Saturday afternoon.

Global Literacy Project: Weaving a UU Global Village Network Led by Gail Tittle, this workshop introduces participants to the first-ever International Convocation of UU Women, in Houston in February 2009. Participants will learn about the work UU women have done and are doing to improve women’s lives worldwide. They will find out about the exciting program in Houston in 2009 and how they can participate. They will also become more aware of their personal and congregational global connections, and will learn how to become more competent and empowered citizens of our UU global village.

Tracing our Roots Gordon Love made a trip to Transylvania two summers ago. Using his personal photographs as a backdrop, he will share stories of the things he saw and the people he met along the journey in his attempt to discover his Unitarian roots. Love and others who have made this enlightening trip, agree that for those who are wanting to further explore their own religious odyssey, this is no ordinary vacation trip into eastern Europe. Pat Kahn of UUCA and Fred Howard of High Street are leading another group from the District on this summer. Learn more about the upcoming trip as well.

Help for the Gulf Coast As we approach three years since Hurricanes Katrina and Rita hit Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, and Texas, there is much to be done in terms of recovery. Join Derrick Evans, from Turkey Creek, Mississippi, and Bev Hoffman, originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, for an overview of what is going on now in the region, and learn how Unitarian Universalists can still play an important role in helping people return to their communities and rebuild their lives. A highlight of the workshop will be a tour of a FEMA trailer, known as the “KatrinaRitaVille Express.” Thousands of people are still living in these trailers, recently certified by the Center for Disease control as unsafe for habitation.

Creating Congregational Covenants What does it mean for members of a congregation to be “in covenant” with one another? How can a behavioral covenant enrich congregational life? What is Unitarian Universalism’s relationship with covenants? How does a congregation go about creating a covenant? What happens when we break covenant? Eunice Benton and Connie Goodbread and leaders from district congregations who have created covenants will discuss these questions.

Greener and Greener: What is your next step? Is your congregation embarked on the Green Sanctuary Program?  Are you considering it, but not sure if it fits your needs?  Are you part- way through the process and want to share some avenues to success?  Have you completed some steps but are stuck on some others?  Need advice? Want to share?  Come join other UUs dedicated to living our 7 th principle through this program established by UU Ministry for Earth: share your hopes, your goals, your successes and your frustrations with others who are in pursuit of the same goal.  Let’s learn from each other.

Innovative Programming at UUFEC:  The success of our small group ministries (Second Hour, Friendship Circles and activities under oversight of Social Justice Advisory Council) is seen in new (pledging) families and increasing Children’s RE attendance from ten to 25 in one year.  Our children’s Congregational Project to send boxes of shoes and clothes to Afghani people is making local headlines.  Please come with your questions about our Raising the Roof processes to live out our mission of “service, spiritual growth and caring fellowship.” Don Harrison, moderator

"UNLIMITED POTENTIAL!   - A New Program for Small Congregations Called "'UP!!' "

This session will be a conversation with leaders from a special group of congregations -- those with 70 or fewer adult members and no full-time staff -- who have been invited to participate in a new district program for congregations of this size to be called "UP!" -- an acronym for 'Unlimited Potential!'.  The conversation will center around two questions:

What is the power at the heart of your congregation?

What is the potential, yet unrealized, in your congregation?

This will be the kick-off conversation for the 'UP!' program, which will, throughout the next year and a half, feature special learnings, consultations, connections, and events to enrich congregations of this size in the district. 

Facilitators: MSD Growth Trustee Norman Horofker, District Executive Eunice Benton, and Program Consultant Connie Goodbread

FOR YOUTH

Deep Fun is a great resource available online and has some awesome ideas to build community in youth groups.  Maybe you are a "Deep Fun" pro and want to share with us how it has helped you.  Maybe you are asking yourself, What is Deep Fun?  No matter your expertise in this area, you are welcomed and encouraged to attend this workshop.  This is an especially helpful session to attend if you are trying to start a youth group in your congregation. Scott Weaver, moderator.

The YAC Meeting (pm session)  The MSD-YAC Annual Meeting and Elections, led by the outgoing MSD YAC. This is the session where we “take care of business.”

All District Youth should attend and see their officers in action. Learn about the activities and workings of the MidSouth District Youth-Adult Council. Vote for the officers for the coming year and help plan the bridging ceremony for the closing worship service.