Christine Organ is a writer, author, and speaker who se
eks to inspire, connect, and celebrate the human condition.Keynote Speaker: Christine Or gan
Her book Open Boxes: the Gifts of Living a Full and Connected Life is a collection o f stories about grace, wonder, and everyday miracles. Her work has appeared on The New York Times website, Washington Post, and Huffington Post, among several other well-known publications. She frequently speaks at UU congreg ations on topics related to everyday spirituality, and has led a number of writing workshops. You can find her online at www.christineorgan.com.
Christine’s topic will b e “Honoring Our Sacred Stories.” She will focus on the importan ce of accepting, honoring, and sharing our stories. Following a quiet refle ction on our own stories, women will have an opportunity to share their own untold stories.AIR is the element we will be honoring at our 58th Annual Spring Conference for UU Women’s Connection. Join us! We will dance to sacred songs, fly some kites, and watch our handmade pray er flags float in the breeze. We’ll drum and chant around the bonfire in the evenings, and share our talents at Open Mic on Saturday night.
< h3>Workshops at the Spring RetreatWriting as Spiritual Prac
tice - with Christine Organ (Keynote Speaker)
Participants wi
ll discover the ways writing can serve as a spiritual practice, and through
various exercises, experiment with different methods of using writing as a
tool for tending to your spirit.
Christine Organ is a writer, author
, and speaker who seeks to inspire, connect, and celebrate the human condit
ion. Her book Open Boxes: the Gifts of Living a Full and Connected Life is
a collection of stories about grace, wonder, and everyday miracles. Her wor
k has appeared on The New York Times, Washington Post, and Huffington Post,
among several other well-known publications. She frequently speaks at UU c
ongregations on topics related to everyday spirituality, and has led a numb
er of writing workshops. You can find her online at www.christineorgan.com. Sacred Movement - with
Juli Cicarelli
We'll learn to choreograph simple flowing mov
ements to some of our favorite UU hymns: “Spirit of Life”, &ldq
uo;Come Sing A Song with Me (A Rose in the Winter Time”), and “
’Tis a Gift To Be Simple.” You don't have to be a dancer to enj
oy this workshop. Juli and her friends have taught and performed these simp
le movements in her church services, religious education programs, local nu
rsing homes, and previous retreats. It truly brings joy to move gently to t
he words and spirit of these beautiful hymns.Creating Prayer Flags
- with Jenny Ross
Join in creating your own personal Prayer F
lag in this hands on workshop, led by Jenny Ross. In the Buddhist tradition
, prayer flags carry silent prayers and blessings that are spoken on the br
eath of nature. Prayer flags are simple devices that, coupled with the natu
ral energy of wind and air, quietly harmonize the environment. They release
happiness and good fortune among all living beings. Modern interpretations
include The Prayer Flag Project (www.theprayerflagproject.blog
spot.com) and individual Flags for Peace initiatives. In our workshop,
participants will use fabric, stencils, paint and optional embellishments t
o create one or more personal prayer flags and a communal project for displ
ay at future UU Women’s Connection events.In her professional life, J
enny Ross is an engineer and works for the FAA. She completed her first emb
roidery project as a small child playing with burlap, large plastic needles
and knitting yarn while her mother sewed and did laundry. More than 45 yea
rs later, she continues to be fascinated with the many magical things that
can be created with fibers and needles. She is a longtime member of North S
hore Unitarian Church in Bannockburn, IL, and has attended several Connecti
on retreats.Using Air for Healing, Play, & Social Justice - with He
ather McMeekan
Air is an essential element for life. Unseen,
but felt by all living beings, many of us already use air as a tool of medi
tation and relaxation. Air can also be used for grounding, body awareness,
healing, mindfulness, gentle physical activity, social justice, and good ol
' fun! Join Air Savant Heather McMeekan in this workshop designed to give e
very participant an "air element tool kit" suitable for using the air to br
ing more joy, healing, & hope into their lives and communities."
Our popular Open Mic will be on Saturday evening. Bring your p oems, stories, musical talents, and songs to share. Of course we'll be brin ging our usual board games, or drums, or whatever you choose. This after al l is your weekend, away from responsibilities and a time to share our talen ts, joys and concerns.
pdf 2016 Spring printable registration form (738 KB)
