Herstory - District and Regional

In the spring of 2007 the Florida W & R District hosted an inspiring conference called Healing and Changing Our World.  Younger women from the UU of Clearwater Florida were so stimulated by the power of our W & R circle they were aroused to action.  A few of these women took the helm and offered to help plan the next retreat. One of these women was Jenn Davis. 

Many of us were involved with Jenn in planning our last retreat in the fall, 2007.  The theme was about working toward both personal and global Peace. During this retreat Jennifer Davis and Andrea Pisanello offered to co-chair the district. 

In reflection the memories of the peace rituals and healing space we created have become even more sacred after the events of Dec., 14th.  On that day the Florida district lost both our co-chairs Jenn and Andrea to domestic violence.  Jenn’s two children aged 2 and 4 were killed as well.

While trying to find a focus for my grief and a way to bring order out of madness a thought came to me that perhaps I could find hope and a sense of purpose by working with women nationwide to “weave” together all our expressions about domestic violence and our need to continue working on female empowerment issues.  The result would be a large art piece; one that could travel and hang in congregations nationwide.  Personally I very much needed to process the deaths of our friends and the children and for me that needed to come in some creative form.

The call was put forth and about 50 people responded in Florida and beyond.  Women from W & R circles in Rhode Island, Colorado, Maine, Michigan, Florida and California sent fabric pieces that were placed into the final project in Clearwater.

I would like to thank all those who organized the circles, gathered the materials, sent cards, words of love and encouragement and made sure to send the finished pieces in time for them to be placed on the final collage.  Special thanks to Dotti Doyle, Karen Frank, Savanna Pendergraft, and Diana Fraser for helping finish the final piece on a very long rainy Sunday afternoon.  Blessed Be!

For our April WomanSpirit gathering, UUFBR Intern Jan Taddeo brings us a taste of her experience at the International Convocation of Unitarian Universalist Women. We will explore the role of the feminine divine in myths and rituals celebrating the seasons, specifically the Demeter-Persephone story related to spring -- including a dramatic reading of a one-act play by Dr. Pat Montley, "Persephone's Journey"  -- and exploration of how the play's representation of women's identity ties in with our own experiences.

As always, all UUFBR women members and friends are welcomed to this gathering:  Monday, April 13th -- 7:30 p.m.,  in the Sanctuary.

best to you all,
mary c..............................

1. Have a closing activity or ritual that will bring a sense of closure to the group.
2. Consider having this closing include a chance for participants to share something about what they have gotten from the retreat.
3. Encourage participants to complete the evaluation form before they leave.
4. See if someone will write an article about the retreat for your district's newsletter (Sunshine), for your W&R newsletter (Womanspirit), or for UUWF's newsletter (The Communicator).
5. Remember that you are responsible for checking out with the site manager(s). Make sure they are paid. Make sure you leave the place as you found it. (It's a nice touch to invite the site manager(s) and kitchen crew into your final gathering for a round of thanks.)
6. Give yourself a pat on the back. Give your co-facilitator, and everyone else in reach, a hug. You have just completed a big job and, hopefully, had a good time while your were at it.

June 2008:  After months -- well, maybe even a year of moth-balling their drums, the Boca Babes recently drummed their way through an evening of meditation and relaxation and just plain fun.
Then, they cranked the energy back up with some special donuts provided by Karen Sherman, Facilitator of our June gathering.
Now we're scattering for the summer and will return for another season of WomanSpirit on Monday, Sept. 7th.
We welcome any of our sisters to these join in gatherings with us.
More info?  mhcadwell@yahoo

from UUTampa.org

Cakes for the Queen of Heaven - Volume 1: IN ANCIENT TIMES is a 5-session series of classes that will examine womens history related to art, literature and religion in the Ancient Near East, Old Europe and the predominate Western culture.  We will look at not only Christian and pre-Judaic cultures, but also to the wealth of material rooted in Africa, Asia, and original peoples of America.   It is important to note that our religious heritage cannot be contained in these five short sessions:

April 6 - The Sacred Female
April 20- In the Name of the Mother and the Daughter
May 4 -   Womanpower
May 18 -  From Goddess to God
June 1 -  Heritage of Peace

We will connect with our ancient past, with those deep roots in Goddess-oriented, possibly peaceful cultures.  We will begin to tell a new story.

Quoting an article from TampaBay.com:
"The University of South Florida, which leases the 160-year-old house north of Brooksville and runs it as a conference center, will shut it down July 1. The facility loses about $100,000 a year, said spokeswoman Lara Wade, "and we can no longer afford to subsidize it.'' 
That means no more retreats or weddings, no more jobs for the Manor House's five employees, and, most importantly, an uncertain future for what may be the county's most historically significant and scenic property."

What this means to us is that we currently have no place to host this fall's retreat. Those of you who may know of a suitable site, please contact Michelle Gilberrt-Gregg by email: mmgyoga2go at yahoo.com

Michelle has been working on a retreat for October 9 - 11, 2009, to be titled

Peace through Yoga.

Here are the pictures of the Conference held at UU Clearwater, contributed by Diane, Carol & Mary.

Click on the first picture to start the slide show, keep your mouse near the upper right of the photo to click on "Next" when you're ready.

{gallery}Conf07{/gallery}

1. If the conference is held at a society, it is important to have a clear understanding who is responsible for cleaning up after the conference.
2. In particular, it is important to have a clear understanding about what cleaning needs to be done after Saturday activities and before Sunday morning services.

1. Give people a chance to introduce themselves. (Invite everyone to wear their name tags throughout.)
2. Thank the people who have helped with preparations behind the scenes. Introduce site manager(s) if appropriate.
3. Give people an idea of what to expect during the retreat, and assure them that they are free to opt out if they would rather nap or walk or do something solitary at a given time.
4. Explain about the importance of freedom to speak frankly, or to not speak — and about confidentiality.
5. Give people a chance to ask questions about plans for the retreat or whatever else they need to know.
6. Hand out participant list, with addresses and phone numbers of everyone present.*

* FLW & R policy: The participant list prepared at each event will indicate that: "This list is only for the personal, non-business use of each participant." (2-11-96)

Conferences, like retreats, usually have a general theme; however, the theme of a conference can be related to a talk by a keynote speaker or a special guest who may take charge of a significant portion of the program.

Conferences usually offer some programs for all in attendance to be together plus a variety of concurrent workshops. Most of the suggestions on the previous pages are adaptable for conferences as well as retreats.*

Following are some procedures geared especially for conference facilitators.

FACILITATORS' COMMITTEE

1. If there is a local facilitators' committee, rather than a single facilitator, it is wise for the committee to take time at the very beginning of the planning process to assess their individual working styles and to establish directly what their decision-making and communications processes are going to be. A team of two is usually preferable to one facilitator; two is often preferable to three.
2. If may be helpful to have an early meeting with leadership of the sponsoring organization, including the treasurer, to establish working relationships and responsibilities among them. Previous conference facilitators may also serve as valuable resources.
3. It is important for the committee not to try to do all the planning and on-site work themselves, but, instead, to involve as many members of the local society as possible.
4. If there is a committee of facilitators, only one name and phone number should appear on the conference brochure as an information source — preferably a phone number served by an answering machine. Advertising multiple numbers is an invitation to inconsistent information, duplication of effort, and confusion.
5. A copy of all procedures, governing policies, and guides should be given to each member of the facilitating committee, not just to designated chair/co-chairs.

* The differences between retreats and conferences may be related as much to the setting as to program specifics. Conferences arc more often held in a "formal" setting, such as local UU society. Retreats are more often held in a less formal, relaxing setting, removed from ''normal" activities. For example, for many years, FL District W&R has held semi-annual retreats at UU In the Pines, a retreat center, while conferences are hosted by a different UU society each year.

At the Fall 2001 Retreat, the organizers laid out a labyrinth on the grass, outlined with clothesline. Tobey Miller offered a writing workshop titled Spiraling In, Spiraling Out

Labyrinth

(for Tobey Miller & the Boca Babes)

You may never go to Stonehenge
nor yet the Cathedral at Chartres.
The traceries of fairies in the dew
may never grace your lawn.

But the mystic circle,
the mandala, the labyrinth
can rise at will.

The labyrinth on canvas,
painted and portable;
the more enduring,
planted with tiny hedges,
outlined with shells,
patterned with stones.

The truly ephemeral
drawn with chalk,
with string,
with spray paint,
with duct tape if you will.
With clothesline.

Each invites us to spiral in,
to focus on our core,
to spiral out refreshed.
Marble and mosaic can do no more.

-Lynn Montgomery, Miami

Facilitator: Diane Anderson

Co-Facilitator: Michelle Gilbert

Diane Anderson has been facilitating and participating in Women's programs for over 12 years. She has presented programs titled: Women Who Dance with Spirit, Unmasking the Soul, Resurrecting the Primal Spirit, and Women's Day of Renewal. Diane also teaches and lectures on Native American ritual and ceremony. She leads ceremonies recognizing rights of passage, such as those honoring women reaching maturity and older women at the end of child bearing. For many years, Diane led a Medicine Wheel Ceremony for a monthly Indian gathering and was the lead drummer/singer at many other gatherings and ceremonies. Both she and her husband, Glenn, lead Sweat Lodges for groups. Diane and her husband of 20 years have written a workbook for couples, Relationship Renewal: Step Up to Intimacy, and also lecture couples on achieving joyful relationships. Diane may be reached at (727) 898-9653 or by e-mail at WolfSongMe@aol.com.

Michelle Gilbert, originally from Maine, has lived in Florida for ten years. She has recently graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a degree in Museum Studies and lives on Treasure Island.

 El Caribe Resort & Conference Center Daytona Beach, FL

Rooms with a View - Blue Chiffon - Pretty Feet
Beach Walks - Sand Castles - Water Drums - Sunrises
Yoga - Journaling - Books - Breakfast in Bed - Brownies
Laughter - Fun - Songs - Little Goddesses - Sisterhood

JUST LET GO!

Dive deep into a spiritual and relaxing full moon, ocean side Florida Women & Religion retreat Nov. 7-9 on Daytona Beach. Bubbles, mermaid tea, and sunrises from private balconies! Some Florida women requested that we try a different locale for a retreat so join your sisters on the beach. All women who have served as W&R co-chairs are specially invited. Our private retreat space faces the ocean. Breakfasts, lunch and dinner will be enjoyed in our private ocean view retreat environment. We have a large goddess suite, three breakout suites, private balconies, heated pool, and a wide beach for our pleasure.

Facilitator: Michele Hope

Co-Facilitator: Ann Goodrich

Michele Hope of Key Biscayne is a “key” retreat planner. A teacher, education specialist, counselor, connected to the Womenspirit retreats at The Mountain, and the woman who croned our co-chair Lucy Swenson-Knights, Michele will lead us in guided meditations, special ingatherings, and fun.

Mary Ann Goodrich of St. Petersburg owns Impeccable Consulting, a facilitation, training and project development company. Mary Ann is connected to the UU community and serves as volunteer coordinator at First Unity Church in St. Petersburg. She is hospitality coordinator for the retreat and has planned many surprises.

Additional planning committee sisters: Diane Anderson (designer of fantastic logo), Carol Vogel, Cathy Stanton, Mary Cadwell, Sondra Ickes, Pamela Leavy

All Text property of Fl UU W&R and its contributors

 Elly Kelly Baker and UU women from around Florida invite you to share this weekend of

Ethereal Music ~ Workshops ~ Belly Dancing ~ Meditative, Music-Inspired Art ~ Crystal Bowls ~ Sisterhood ~ Visitations from Our Creative Muses ~ Drumming ~ Sacred Space ~ Yoga ~ Deeper Listening~ Improvisation~ Chanting ~ Free-Form Movement ~ Harmony ~ Hawaiian Ancient Kahuna Principles ~ Accessing Your Creative Flow ~ Ritual

"When you put your heart into your music, it goes everywhere." Alyshia Keyes

Music is considered the most spiritual of the arts for it originates in another realm.

Whether you accept the modern-day concept of "String Theory" (Everything in the Universe is composed of vibrating strands of matter in space.) or your ancient DNA instinctively senses it----Music is everywhere and allows us to spiritually transcend this existence.

Music connects us all to the spiritual experience of being human. And so, we are all natural musicians: Every moment our biological systems rhythmically ebb and flow, pulse and pause. Everyday we voice our intentions and express our innermost vibrations with our ongoing "dance" of body language.

Consider how our minds constantly struggle to keep pace with the never-ending input of stimuli. Our bodies are likewise continually adjusting to the daily rhythms around us. Our spirits are endlessly searching to co-create balance and harmony with our Self and our Universe. At times we may "tune out"; we can feel "out of sync"; we sense that we're not "resonating very well" with others; we may even get "strange vibes" when we are in unfamiliar surroundings. Our language hints at what's needed: Just as every object in the universe creates its unique vibrational "song", we are asked to rediscover our ancient pathways to harmonic union and spiritual creative flow.

We are asked to remember that Music is our birthright, and we are all natural musicians. Intention, not perfection, is the key.

So, join us on a spiritual rendez-vous with music. Come with an open heart and mind. Give yourself permission to accept and share the unique gifts with which you have been blessed. Together we will call forth our Muses and re-awaken our musical connection to the cosmos.
Through sound, dance, art, and writing, we will access and realign our inner and outer spheres of harmonic energy. Together we will laugh, gyrate, chant, glide, tone, meditate, drum, hug, and release our way to vibrational union.

May Your Journey Bring Harmony,
Elly

Fall 2005 - Laughing at Sacred Cows

What We Expect Will Happen Till the Cows Go Home

"In the beginning there was nothing. God said, Let there be light! And there was light.
There was still nothing, but you could see it a whole lot better." - Ellen DeGeneres

At our Friday night Ingathering after dinner we will invoke the directions and create our circle once again. We'll get acquainted or re-acquainted, and introduce the idea of laughing at (and with) Sacred Cows, especially those connected with organized religions and some forms of spirituality. The use of humor and laughter in healing wounds, both physical and spiritual, will be stressed this weekend, especially in our workshops. We'll share some anecdotes and jokes, maybe sing a song or two. Did we mention that we'll laugh a lot?

Did you celebrate World Laughter Day in May? Do you belong to a Laughter Club? It was news to us but we'll learn about it all when we gather Saturday morning right after breakfast with Sandra Herskowitz, Certified Laugh Leader, who will help us tone our laugh muscles and discover the healing power of laughter. Recommendation: Don't sleep late; nap later.

When we have caught our breath, Adele Alexandre will offer the first of two workshops on the use of humor to reduce stress in caring for others and ourselves, 'The Healing Power of Humor, Lightening Up with Laughter.' Space and workshop time will be set aside for the ongoing making and wearing of Silly Hats, and the creating of Sacred Cows from potatoes, sort of Mrs. Bovine Potato Heads. You will introduce your cow on Saturday night.

After lunch Adele will give a repeat workshop and there will be a workshop on the art of the clown, given by Ann Myers. She will teach us to laugh and enjoy the benefits of laughter while exploring our faces and features as we apply clown make up and find our smile lines. Bring a joke or a smile for the group.

It's also a long, long time from August to November. The retreat planning has already been blessed with serendipity and we anticipate more surprises. There will be time for rest, recreation, swimming, canoeing, and what-you-will.

Saturday night is for more fun and games: devising a Ritual of the Sacred Cow, naming our cows and placing them on the altar, presenting other fruits of our workshops, hearing a story from Jill Oldenski, and winding up with our very own Open Mike. Sorry Drummer Girls, 'not tonight Josephine,' too many other groups in residence. We will end Saturday evening with a campfire and marshmallows.

"If life hands you lemons, ask for tequila and salt."

Sunday morning after nine o'clock checkout time we will have our closing circle, laugh some more, evaluate our experiences, open the circle, send the cows home, and exit laughing.

Two nudists of Dover,
Being purple all over,
Were munched by a cow
When mistaken for clover.
- Ogden Nash

Update!

Kyle emailed Sandy to ask her for the bibliography so we could post it on our web site. This is a link to Sandy Herskowitz’s web site:
http://lifetakesbalance.com/index.html
This is the link for the world laughter tour that she talked about:
http://www.worldlaughtertour.com

If you email the webweaver with a request, you can get a link to a page of pictures from this retreat...

The Florida district of W & R has been extremely active in the last few years. Our "spiritual home" where we had met for retreats twice a year for nearly twenty years became unable to meet our needs. This necessitated a long search for another facility that could house our retreats, provided the quality of service we desired and privacy for our group. As you may imagine this change of venue was integral to maintaining our district continuity. In the last year we had to cancel one event because a retreat center was not available. We were please to find a perfect new home for our spring 2006 gathering.

In spring 2006, about 56 woman and children gathered at Chinsequt Hill Retreat Center in Brooksville, Florida. Our theme, Pele: Goddess of Destruction - Goddess of Creation: Two Ends of a Continuum invited women to contemplate the Hawaiian Goddess Pele and to use her inspiration as we strive for balance in our lives. With Pele's help we explored the vision that we all must learn to in live with the power of fire, both internal and external, and learn to be in balance - to embrace our anger, as well as our calm. Pele's many facets were explored through hula, Hawaiian chants, songs and legends. Luckily, we had Kalina who for twenty years has been teaching these locally. For workshops, we made real Hawaiian gourd drums, created ritual skirts like those worn by Pele's sisters, crochet leis in the new style, created Maori mandalas, used Hawaiian story starters for a writing workshop and learned basic hula. Saturday evening was a joy to behold as all the groups presented what they made and preformed small skits for the evening. Pele (Margaret Shepard) made an appearance and torches were lit for a sacred dance to Pele. It's hard to choose a highlight because the weekend was so much fun. One of the most memorable moments was when Susan C. Hefte was reading the Hawaiian story of the Flying Vulva. In an effort rid herself of the male pig god who is following her Pele's sister flings here vulva across the islands - at this moment Susan lifted her skirt and dramatically flung Spanish moss across the room. This retreat was organized and lead by Leslie Rigg, Jill Oldenski, Susan Pendergraft and Kalina.

In May of 2007 Diana Fraser and Patty Callaghan organized a group of woman to host a conference at the UU of Clearwater Florida. The theme was Healing and Changing Our World about 80 woman and children join us for the weekend. For generations women have been healers, and that tradition has been passed down to our daughters thru the ages. To this end many exciting workshops were offered: Harmonic Rituals for Everyday Balance, Energy Medicine, Eco-feminism: Spirituality and Activism, Our Rwanda Sisters, Ratify the ERA, Healing with Music, Taoist Tai Chi, Facial Massage Meditation, Living Organically, Creating Prayer Shawls, Women and Economics in the Third World, and Solar Funnel Cookers. Our evening concert was the phenomenal Amy Carol Webb who some of you may know from SUUSI. This powerful singer songwriter is extremely talented at writing and performing feminist music. Magaret Shepard led the rituals during the evening. She is wonderful person who is able to enhance any spiritual event. The sanctuary was decorated with amazing goddess inspired art produced by Judy Villei. A labyrinth on loan from Hospice was available for sign-up. Ann Myers organized a group of woman and men to provide the food for the weekend. The conference was a great success; many people experienced the Florida group for the first time! An empowered group of younger women from the Clearwater church to offered to help plan the next retreat. Plans were made to create new Cakes circle for the younger woman. We were very lucky that Jenn Bernsdorff has agreed to co-chair the Florida District. Please join us for the next retreat it's going to be a wonderful follow-up to a great year!
Susan Pendergraft, Co-Chair

Other News

W&R Resolution initiator/activist Lucile Schuck Longview, 96, recently relocated to 155 E. Kellogg Rd, #210, Bellingham, WA 98226, per her son Steve. He also writes that she "might appreciate a 'Welcome to your new home' card with [just] your signature. Additional notations would have no value," he adds in a poignant letter. Warmest thanks to those who take time to do this.

W&R foremother/implementer/activist Rosemary Matson turns 90 on September 20. A large gala will be held for her on September 29 at a UU Church near her home in California. Groups she has been active with, many for decades, include the United Nations, Humanists of America, UU Women & Religion, UU Women's Federation, UU Women's Heritage Society, Carmel Valley Women's Network and others. She has received numerous awards and honors throughout her life. If you are so inclined, cards may be sent to her at P.O. Box 1710, Carmel Valley, CA 93924.

FL W&R 2008 Fall Retreat!

October 10-12, 2008
Chinsegut Hill Education Conference Center
University of South Florida, Brooksville

Read more ...

5th Annual Florida Unitarian Universalist Women’s Retreat

March 20 - 22, 2015

Cedarkirk Conference Center, Lithia Florida

Through structured and unstructured activities, attendees will discover ways to connect to themselves as they are today, see others in new light, and delve into the spiritual and natural universes. Take a new look at the labyrinth, create a private centering display, and experience mental and possibly physical challenges with leaders through Pathfinders. Spend time with some new others or see old friends in a deeper way. Such will compose the weekend. See you there.

Registration is limited to 40 Participants – reserve your space now !

The retreat is moving to Cedarkirk as DaySpring is not available.

The retreat begins at 5pm Friday afternoon and concludes at noon on Sunday.

Both private and semi private rooms are available. Meals included in your registration fee are Friday dinner through Sunday breakfast. Our new location is less expensive! $155 semi private room with $20 deposit $175 first floor semi private room $20 deposit – limited number available $200 private room with $30 deposit – limited number available

Final payment is due by January 15, 2015

For more information and a registration form contact: Helen Leddy helen.leddy@gmail.com

We look forward to another great retreat and hope you will be able to join us this year!

https://www.dropbox.com/s/hgcfjcwf6v920na/FL%20UU%20Women%27s%20Retreat%203-2015.pdf?dl=0

1. The sponsoring organization should make clear to the facilitators what the budget is for the conference.
   • How much money is available for expenses and honorarium for a guest speaker?
   • Do workshop leaders get an honorarium? If so, how much? Or, do they only get free registration for the conference? Or expenses only? Or no compensation?
   • What is the appropriate registration fee? Is it the policy of the sponsoring organization to keep the fee as low as possible or to raise it in order to pay speakers and workshop leaders more? The higher the fee, the more demand there is likely to be for scholarship money.
   • Is it possible to have some money available in advance as "seed money," for travel costs, food, supplies, or as deposit on facilities?
   • Is it possible for a participant to register at a reduced fee for one day or some other fraction of the conference? Managing partial registrations may be a headache. However, partial registrations may encourage local people to attend for less than the full conference (and may get some interested in attending future retreats/conferences at other locations.)
   • How much money is available for scholarships? What policies govern granting of scholarships? Should scholarship recipients be asked to work at the conference? What are the criteria? Are scholarships given on a "first ask-first get," or some other basis? What showing of need is required? Who decides who will get scholarship aid?
   • If the conference is being held in a society's building, is the society to be reimbursed for use of its facilities? If so, how much? Is it giving up normal rentals to accommodate the conference?
2. The facilitators and the treasurer of the sponsoring organization should agree to whom registration checks are payable, and who pays for — or is reimbursed for which expense.

 

* With FL W & R conferences, the local sponsoring group generally receives all conference related money and pays bills through a designated account of that society. A final accounting and check for balance is given to W & R Treasurer. It is important that these funds be payable to and pass through an organizational account, not that of an individual (no matter how trustworthy that person!)

The 2014 program is being planned by women from the Unitarian Universalist Church of Ft Myers.

The theme is Women and Power.

During our weekend together we will share stories and inspirations and explore the many aspects of power in our lives and in the lives of women of the world.

DaySpring Episcopal Conference Center, located conveniently off I-75, offers a wooded setting on a cove of the Manatee River.

$220 per person covers expenses, including semi-private room and six meals. A non-refundable deposit of $20 will reserve your place.

Final payment is due by January 15, 2014.

For more information and an application, contact Rita Sizemore:
rsrsizemore@gmail.com or call 239-437-1014.