SWUUWCon 2015 registrant booklet 11x17.pub

SouthWest Unitarian Universalist Women’s Conference
March 6-8, 2015
San Marcos, Texas
Our Sacred Springs—A River Flows Through Us
A SWUUW Conference You Won't Forget
Our conference theme is “Our Sacred Springs: A River Flows
Through Us.” Both San Marcos and New Braunfels, where our
sponsoring congregations are based, have beautiful sparkling
clean rivers from natural springs that flow through the hearts of
our neighboring cities. The San Marcos River and Comal River
are prize jewels in this area, and we’re using the theme as a metaphor for topics throughout the Conference.
Keynote Speaker: Rev. Dr. Rebecca Ann Parker
Author, religious activist, and recently retired from 25 years serving as President of the
Unitarian Universalist Starr King School for the Ministry in Berkeley, California, she now
serves as their Emerita Professor of Theology.
Keynote Address: From the Wellspring of Our Hearts
Workshop Presentation: Drawing Deeper from the Wellspring
Featured Musician: Terri Hendrix
Award-winning Texas songwriter and classically-trained vocalist, Terri is a singer/songwriter,
multi-instrumentalist and independent artist from San Marcos, who has been offering an
eclectic brand of Americana — encompassing folk, pop, country, blues and jazz — for more
than two decades. She will be performing in a special concert Saturday evening.
Worship Leaders:
Scottie McIntyre Johnson is a Candidate for the UU ministry and holds a Master of Divinity degree
from Perkins School of Theology (SMU), where she specialized in Worship and Ritual
Studies. She serves as a Congregational Consultant for the Southern Region of the UUA,
as Spiritual Director for the UBarU Women’s Retreats and is a frequent speaker in UU
congregations throughout Texas and Oklahoma. Scottie served the Southwestern UU Conference as Dean of the Dwight Brown Leadership Experience for many years, and in 2004,
she received SWUUC's Alfred von Stille Award for Outstanding Contributions to Unitarian
Universalism in the Southwest District by a Lay Leader. She and her husband, Jim, have
recently moved to San Marcos to live near their grandchild, Alice, and soon-to-be-born second granddaughter!
Nell Newton is completing her studies at Meadville Lombard Theological School, and
serves as the Intern Minister at San Marcos UU Fellowship. A life-long UU, her interests include
gardening, baking, and martial arts. She lives in Central Austin with her husband, two teenage
kids, too many cats, and one sweet dog. Nell is serving as our Conference Chaplain, and she
welcomes anyone who wishes to consult with her. Her cell phone number is (512) 694-9329
and her email address is nell.e.newton@gmail.com.
Ashleigh Stone resides in San Marcos and is a member of the SMUUF
congregation. Her original music is quickly gaining momentum on national radio, film and
press. Stone is fast approaching the release of her first full length album, “Elements,” released
under Blue October singer Justin Furstenfeld's UpDown Records, and will be touring the country extensively alongside the Blue October band this spring.
NEED ASSISTANCE? Do you need some direction or to ask a question of someone in
the know? Look for our Hospitality Volunteers who have a navy (or red) bandana tied around
their neck (or some other body part). They will help you, or find someone who can.
WELCOME! SWUUW aligns itself with the spirit of Welcoming Congregations as depicted by the UUA.
All who see themselves as women will be welcomed.
Your Hosts: SouthWest UU Women (SWUUW) with
San Marcos Unitarian Universalist Fellowship and Comal County Unitarian Universalist Society
Keynote Address by Rev. Dr. Parker: From the Wellspring of Our Hearts
From ancient voices of women to the wisdom that arises from our hearts here and now, women offer healing,
challenging and life-changing spiritual insight and energy. The keynote address will lift up these voices and
invite our continued creativity as religious leaders, lovers, and activists.
Keynote Workshop by Rev. Dr. Parker: Drawing Deeper from the Wellspring
This workshop will use visual images, ritual practices, and women's poetry as entryways into deeper exploration of the keynote themes, as well as the themes in Saving Paradise, by Rebecca Ann Parker and Rita
Nakashima Brock.
Maiden Program — Coordinator: Hilary Goller Hansell
The 2015 SWUUW Conference encourages Maidens attending to join in on any of the workshops (unless
Adults Only is specified). Time together in community with women of all ages is an important part of the
SWUUW Conference experience. In addition, the Red Tent Room, the Maidens’ home base, will offer two
workshops for our Maiden attendees: 1) Jewelry Making; 2) Praying in Color.
We look forward to welcoming you, our Maidens, Mothers, and Crones in the Red Tent Room!
Hilary Goller Hansell currently serves as Director of Religious Education at Comal County
Unitarian Universalist Society in New Braunfels. She also serves at UBarU (www.ubaru.org) in
Mountain Home, Texas, as their Executive Director. Originally from Massachusetts, she holds a
B.S. degree from Southern Vermont College in Criminal Justice/Human Services. A graduate of
Reverend Dwight Brown Leadership Experience, Hilary has served several UU congregations
throughout the U.S. in various roles since becoming a UU in 1989. She now lives in Schertz,
Texas, with her husband, two children, three rabbits, and her best friend Scooter.
Red Tent Room — Coordinator: Hilary Goller Hansell
Our annual tribute to female energy will be set up in a private conference room. Our Red Tent Room will be
active, yet relaxing, a place to come at any time to recharge. A calm, dimly lit, welcoming space for sisters of
all ages – maidens, mothers and crones. Our Red Tent Room will include:
Creativity Corner: bring any beading, knitting, crocheting,
and/or drawing projects that you may be working on.
Perhaps teach a new friend about your passion. Blank
mandalas, colored pencils and sketch paper will be provided
for Meditative Doodling.
Relaxation Corner: A talented massage therapist on hand will
provide chair massages – including head, arms and hands.
Jessica Blasingame-Acox, LMT, owner of Wild Heart Holistics, will be sharing her time and talents with us
through massage and essential oils. (Please bring cash – there is a fee for services provided.)
Media Corner: We will be running the film “Things We Don’t Talk About” often throughout the weekend.
Be sure not to miss this thought-provoking movie.
Library Corner: Please bring any books that you are willing to share with your sisters for the weekend.
Feel free to bring blankets, shawls, tarot cards, rune stones, playing cards, games, and chocolate, of course.
Be sure to mark any personal items you bring clearly with your name. You will be responsible for retrieving
your items at the end of the Conference. Any items left behind will be donated to the local Women’s Shelter.
Afternoon Workshops: Session I
From Environmental Justice to Climate Justice – Dianne Rahm, Ph.D.
We will explore the evolution of the environmental justice movement from its original focus on race, and the risk of working or living near a toxic waste site, to its present-day stance on environmental justice as it relates to climate change.
Suitable for adults.
Dianne Rahm, Ph.D., is Professor of Political Science and Honorary Professor of International Studies at Texas State
University. Her research interests include environmental policy, energy policy, and science and technology policy.
Exploring Rhythm: HANDS ON! – Debbie Groves
We will explore various rhythms through drumming and rhythm instruments, using some of the hymns in our Singing the
Journey hymnal as a jumping-off point. For this hands-on, participatory workshop, you are strongly encouraged to bring
your own drum or rhythm instruments. Workshop is limited to 20 participants. All ages welcome.
Debbie Groves has been involved with UUism since the early eighties, including as Board President of Austin's First UU
Church. Now a member of Wildflower Church, she’s been a choir member in both congregations. Debbie teaches piano
at Austin Montessori School's south campus and loves music in almost all of its myriad forms.
A Butterfly Garden – Build It and They Will Come – Susan Bogle
Learn how to develop a butterfly garden with native, drought-resistant plants that require the minimum of care while
providing the ultimate in pleasure and enjoyment. Open to all age groups.
Susan Bogle is a member of both the Texas Master Naturalists and the Native Plant Society of Texas. She designed
and developed the butterfly garden at the Tye Preston Memorial Library at Canyon Lake and has acted as a consultant
on several other area projects.
Archetypes of the Feminine – Dr. Wynette Barton
An intimate look at subtle aspects of the feminine archetype reveals how and why it is more – and less – than people
sometimes imagine, carrying an aura of mystery that has both harmed and helped individual women. Open to all ages.
Wynette Barton is a Jungian Analyst, trained at the C.G. Jung Institute of Zurich. She also holds a Doctorate in
Religious Studies and is a long-time activist in women’s rights, women’s studies, and potentials of feminist thought,
particularly as they impact and interact with spiritual experience.
Improv: It’s Not Just for Actors Anymore – Robin Williams
Improvisation is a great tool for actors creating characters, but non-actors can also use this same concept to help with
real-world situations. Come see how it can help with public speaking, ease of communication, social skills and sparking
creativity. Bonus: IT’S FUN TOO! All ages welcome in this highly participatory workshop.
Robin Williams has a B.F.A. in Theatre Studies from the U of Texas in Austin and is the Artistic/Technical Director
of Circle Arts Theatre in New Braunfels. The resident instructor at Circle Arts, teaching both youth and adult classes,
Robin is one of the main-stage directors for the theatre, directing such hits as My Fair Lady, The Sound of Music,
The Producers, and The Music Man.
The Five Pillars of Brain Fitness – Meredith Patterson, RN
This presentation is an overview of brain health science and applications – learn how to significantly decrease the odds
of having dementia in later life through daily practices involving exercise, diet, mental activity and stress management.
Interactive, entertaining and applicable to anyone with a brain! All ages welcome.
Meredith Patterson, RN, BSN, CRRN, has over 25 years of neuroscience nursing experience. She is a frequent presenter for both community and professional audiences, including UT Health Science Center, Scott & White Hospital, Texas
State University, and the Texas Culture Change Coalition. She is co-founder of Brainstorm Mind Fitness, a brain health
education company.
Wave Tapestry Weaving – Linda Bond Thomas and Dawn Wales
Materials fee: $15, includes a small wooden loom, yours to keep, and yarn. Limited to 10 participants. Learn and
experience the legacy of weaving! You will weave a small 3x4 inch water-themed tapestry using the same skills that
have been practiced since Biblical times. No prior weaving experience necessary! All ages welcome.
Dawn Wales is a weaver, high school teacher and alpaca rancher. She owns organic aquaponics farm Green Dragon
Farm in Cibolo. Linda Bond Thomas owns Lucky Ewe Yarns near Gruene.
Afternoon Workshops: Session 2
Meals for Health, Climate and Compassion – Becky Allen, Karen Franks, and Amber Walter
Explore the hows and whys of transitioning to plant-based meals. Our panel shares easy meals for a single woman, a
partnered woman and a woman with a family to feed. Multimedia, interactive, food samples, many recipes, websites.
All age groups welcome.
Becky Allen, member of UU Ethical Eating, converted to plant-based meals in 2008. Karen Franks is an advocate of
plant-based eating for our health and that of the Earth, and for animal and food justice. Amber Walter began cooking
vegan for her husband and children after suffering from food-related health issues. A dedicated blogger and "foodie,"
Amber is happy to share with you the tricks and tips she’s learned to keep her vegan children healthy and satisfied.
Basics of Bellydance: The Art of Middle Eastern Dance – Jamie Lynn Shelton
Discover the history, music and moves that make Bellydance a captivating dance world-wide. Proper stance and posture
is emphasized to learn the foundational moves, but really, it’s about having fun and moving your body in ways you may
have never thought it could move! Open to all age groups.
Jamie Lynn Shelton has been teaching and performing belly dance for two decades and is dedicated to helping students
discover the beauty and history of this rich heritage. She teaches private classes and workshops around the country.
Sacred Springs and Healing Plants of Texas – Maria Rocha and Marika Alvarado
Maria Rocha will tell about the San Marcos sacred springs and how the Coahuiltecan creation story says that this is
where they emerged as “The People.” Healer Marika Alvarado will explain how she produces her tinctures and how she
uses them in the healing process. A specially brewed tea will be offered to participants. Q & A follows. All age groups.
Maria Rocha is Executive Director of The Indigenous Cultures Institute in San Marcos, Texas. She is a traditional healer
(taught by her mother and grandmother) who works with plants and herbs.
Celebrating Nature Through Writing – Susan Hanson
How does our close observation of nature, and our attempts to capture it in words, inform our understanding of ourselves
and the world around us? Participants in this workshop will explore this question in their own writing and discussion, as
well as in the words of others. Designed for adults.
Susan Hanson is a member of the English faculty at Texas State University, where she teaches environmental writing
and an honors course in nature writing. She has also worked as a newspaper journalist, and as a lay Episcopal chaplain
at Texas State. She is the author of Icons of Loss and Grace: Moments from the Natural World, and other works.
Chanting in Sacred Circle – Gretchen Ohmann
An introduction to raising energy by singing and chanting in sacred space. In addition to singing new and familiar chants,
you’ll get a handout listing places to find the growing resources in this spiritual tradition. Bring your voice, your heart and
your hands to join in circle. Open to all age groups.
Gretchen Ohmann is a Board Member of Continental UU Women & Religion and UU Women’s Federation. Past Music
Director at her local fellowship, she has led songs and chanting in congregations and women's retreats since the 1980s.
Finding Compassion in Our World — Starting With Ourselves – Dr. Erin Flynn
Inspired by Karen Armstrong’s 12 Steps to a Compassionate Life, we will explore how nurturing compassion for self is a
necessity for practicing true compassion for all. This presentation, including a small group discussion, is open to all ages.
Dr. Erin Flynn received her Ph.D. in Philosophy of Religion from the National University of Ireland, Galway. She moved
with her partner, Dr. John Eastlake, to Texas in 2013, and is teaching English, Philosophy, and Interpersonal Studies at
Katherine Anne Porter Charter School in Wimberley.
The Colors of Water – Candy Lapaglia Carpenter
Express your inner stream of colors in this watery workshop! We will enjoy water music while we paint our impressions
of moving water. This workshop is for everyone, even if the last time you held a paint brush was in first grade — no art
critics allowed! (Limited to 10 participants)
Candy Carpenter painted her first watercolor at a SWUUW Conference many years ago and she has not stopped since!
Always experimenting with color, texture and different types of paint, Candy continues to work with water on paper. She
earned a B.A. from Texas Lutheran in music and graduate studies in business. Director of Client Services for a bank
software company, she escapes the corporate world to paint or play piano.
Sunday Morning Worship Services
COMAL COUNTY UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST SOCIETY
135 Alves Lane, New Braunfels
10:30 to 11:30 am
Andrew McKnight — “What Moves Us to Move?” Inspired in part by the 2011 march to save historic Blair
Mountain in southern West Virginia from mountaintop removal, Unitarian Universalist Andrew McKnight explores the powerful forces that stir us to move — to the street for justice or to the aid of a stranger. What
sparks fan our passions, igniting action and change? An award-winning singer/songwriter, guitarist and poet,
Andrew comes to us from northern Virginia’s Blue Ridge. He will share his message in both word and song.
SAN MARCOS UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP
510 N. Guadalupe St., San Marcos
11:00 am to noon
VENDORS
COMMITTEE
Guest Preacher: Rev. Dr. Rebecca Parker, President Emerita of Starr King School for the Ministry
“Saving Paradise.” Religiously sanctioned violence and exploitation of the earth are putting the wellbeing of
the whole planet and its myriad life forms at risk. But affirming the goodness of the earth and cherishing
earthly life are at the center of Unitarian Universalist spirituality, and are deep themes in the lives of feminist
theologians and activists. This sermon will explore the ancient roots of this life-affirming alternative spiritual
and ethical perspective, examine how it has been eclipsed by crucifixion-centered theologies, and propose a
pathway to spiritual recovery. We need to foster a renewed awareness of paradise here and now, and come
to recognize ourselves as citizens of paradise, called to love and protect life against all odds.
Much thanks to the SWUUW 2015 Conference Planning Committee who have been meeting regularly for
more than two years to plan and ensure the success
of this Conference in San Marcos for the first time.
The committee consists of:
Jeannie Lewis (SMUUF – Chair)
Rev Brian Ferguson (SMUUF- Saturday Family Tour)
Amber Walter (SMUUF – Presenter)
Barbara Jacobson (SMUUF – Bookmarks)
Becky Tomblin (Home Hospitality and Music Liaison)
Charlsie Hays (CCUUS – Maidens)
Christina Rasco (SMUUF – Website/Registration)
Dawn Wales (CCUUS – Presenter)
Hilary Hansell (CCUUS – Maidens/Red Tent Room)
Ivri Messinger (SMUUF – Vendors/Hotel)
Jackie Russell (CCUUS – Workshops)
Jan Estes (CCUUS – Co-Convener/Workshops)
Jeff Rasco (SMUUF – Website/Registration Chair)
Joan McGaffic (CCUUS – Associate)
Laura Haygood (SMUUF – Volunteer Coordinator)
Lee Bricker (SMUUF – Tee Shirts)
Lisa Cradit (SMUUF – On-Site Registration)
Marissa McCottry (SMUUF – Website/Registration)
Marlene Briner (CCUUS – Raffle Ticket Sales)
Nell Newton (SMUUF – Closing Ceremony/Chaplain)
Priscilla Leder (SMUUF – Scholarships)
Scottie McIntyre Johnson (SMUUF – Emcee/Opening
Ceremony/Saturday Worship)
Teresa Smetzer (SMUUF – Maidens/Red Tent Room)
Archeo Modern Designs
Hand Dyed Silk Evening Wraps and Scarves
www.archeomoderndesigns.com
Artful Life
Featuring Sculptural to Functional Ceramic Art
Athena Silversmith
Silver Jewelry
www.athenasilversmith.com
Comal County Unitarian Universalist Church
Hand-made items
www.ccuus.org
Continental UU Women and Religion
Curricula, Books, CDs, Scarves, and Jewelry
www.uuwr.org
Plan B
Wearable art and hand-made items
San Marcos Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
Cloth wall hangings, art, hand-made cards, more
www.smuuf.org
Threads and Yarn
Tote Bags and Pouches
www.etsy.com/shop/suzannemireles
Touchstone Design of Austin
Beadwork and stone jewelry
Utigard Watercolors — Healing Art
Original and print art, cards and bookmarks
www.utigard.com
Wee Peeple Doll Construction
Hand-made Dolls
www.weepeeple.com
Thanks to SWUUW Administrator Gretchen Ohmann
WR Designs
One-of- A- Kind Jewelry
Many thanks to our Vendors who have generously
donated items to be raffled for our Scholarship Fund!
Wild Heart Holistics
Soaps, Oils, and Scrubs
www.etsy.com/shop/WildHeartHolistics
Local Non-Profit Recipients of Conference Funds
It has been a custom of SWUUW to donate a significant amount of the conference profits (if there are any) to a local
non-profit of the Convener’s choosing. Since the San Marcos UU Fellowship (SMUUF) and the Comal County UU
Society (CCUUS) are co-hosting, we will split this fund 50/50.
In keeping with the spirit of our theme — “Our Sacred Springs: A River Flows through Us” — we each have chosen a
local organization that strives to protect our precious rivers that flow through the heart of our neighboring towns. San
Marcos River begins at the springs in Spring Lake and the Comal River is formed by springs at the base of a limestone
bluff in New Braunfels’ Landa Park.,
SMUUF has chosen the San Marcos River Foundation (SMRF), a non-profit that was founded in 1985 during the
Sesquicentennial Celebration for the community by a small group of San Marcos citizens with a mission to preserve
and protect the flow, natural beauty and purity of the San Marcos River. SMRF and its Program Manager, Dianne
Wassenich, are good friends of SMUUF, providing the large hand-painted mural of Rio Vista Springs on the San Marcos
River in the Spring Lake Ballroom, the beautiful floral arrangement that graces our stage, and help with arrangements
and commentary to show the Yakona film. Their website is www.sanmarcosriver.org.
CCUUS has chosen the New Braunfels Parks Foundation, a 501(c) 3 non-profit all volunteer organization formed
in 2006 to promote, protect and enhance the parks system of New Braunfels through education, resource development
and community partnerships. The Parks Foundation creates a positive influence to help our parks thrive and grow.
Comal Springs and Landa Lake are located in Landa Park. The website of New Braunfels Parks Foundation is
www.nbparksfoundation.org.
We will “Pass the Basket” at our Saturday morning Worship Service for these two worthy environmental protection
organizations if you wish to donate. As Members and Friends of these Unitarian Universalist congregations, we
covenant to affirm and promote respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.
The lovely handmade bookmarks you received are a gift from the SMUUF Women’s Sewing Guild.
Free Yakona Film Screening
This award-winning film will be shown Friday at 3:30 p.m. and again at 8:45 p.m. in the Spring Lake Ballroom. It will be
introduced and commentary will be provided followed by a question and answer session after the screening.
Yakona, meaning "rising water" in a local Native American language, is a visual journey through the crystal clear waters
of the San Marcos River and its headwaters at Spring Lake. This film takes the viewer from prehistoric times through the
modern era on an impressionistic journey from the perspective of the river. While filming, many extraordinary changes
occurred surrounding the springs and river, including the removal of the Aquarena Springs theme park, the restoration of
Spring Lake and the uncovering of ancient human remains. We were there to capture these historic changes to the river.
We follow the river from source to sea, through the changing seasons, interpreting the river’s time and memory, and
documenting this relationship between the natural world and humans. Yakona speaks directly to the viewer with its
beauty, appealing to humanity’s higher nature, and the viewer begins to understand this is a river that yearns to remain
unchanged despite everything that is changing around it.
The film has been shown at several film festivals around the country and has won many awards. The awards include:
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Audience Award – South by Southwest Film Festival
in Austin, Texas
Best Cinematography - Rainier Film Festival
Best Music - Blue Ocean Film Festival
Muybridge Award - Oak Cliff Film Festival
Best Documentary - Oak Cliff Film Festival
Global Insights Stellar Award - Black Maria Film
Festival
The San Marcos UU Fellowship was a financial and
spiritual supporter of the film and is listed in the credits.
View the film Friday at 3:30 or 8:45
/water rising/
Saturday Family and Friends Tour
On Saturday we will host a stimulating and fun tour of the San Marcos and Wimberley areas for families and friends of
Conference attendees. Spots may still be available! Contact Jeff Rasco, Tour Coordinator, by Friday afternoon. Call (512)
296-7276. Cost is $40 for adults and $30 for minor children under the age of 18 in cash or check --- no debit or credit
cards. Jeff Rasco, SMUUF Treasurer, is part of the dynamic duo with Rev. Brian Ferguson to guide and provide commentary on these fascinating sites. Transportation will be by school van with a commercially licensed driver. Attendance is
limited to 16, but at press time, not all seats were filled. This Central Texas Tour includes the stops below:
Wimberley Glassworks – Glass Blowing Demonstration. Wimberley Glassworks has been crafting hand blown
glass lighting and art glass in their San Marcos studio for over 20 years. Their unique and beautiful lighting is created by
combining years of glassblowing experience and creative design. The studio was custom designed so that visitors can
observe the art of glassblowing in person.
Overlook at Wimberley Mountains — This unique overlook provides a stunning mountaintop vista of the valleys below.
And just as interesting are the handmade distinctive memorials family members have hung on the chain link fence to honor
their loved ones who have died on this winding mountain road.
Blue Hole Regional Park – We will hear a lecture/demonstration by one of Wimberley’s great Master Naturalists. Blue
Hole is one of the best-loved natural swimming holes in Texas. It’s surrounded by 126 acres of natural forests and native
grass fields that have, so far, escaped the developers' touch. Thanks to dedicated volunteers, and with good stewardship,
chances are good that the natural beauty of Blue Hole will be preserved for many years to come. If time allows, we will
also visit Jacob’s Well in Wimberley. Water flowing from Jacob’s Well, actually an artesian spring, is pushed forth naturally
from Trinity Aquifer roughly 140 feet below the surface. Layered limestone cliffs on one side, a vibrantly vegetated bank on
the other and a lively riparian area alongside, the gem of Texas Hill Country enchants visitors of all ages.
Picnic Lunch Provided by San Marcos Root Cellar – Owners of this fantastic earth-friendly restaurant are SMUUF
Members Kyle and Alex Mylius. The lunch is guaranteed to be good! Many thanks for their generosity!
Glass Bottom Boat Ride and Visit to Meadows Center and Aquarium – These interesting and entertaining guided
glass bottom boat tours give you a close up view of the springs bubbling up from the Edwards Aquifer that give birth to the
precious San Marcos River. (If time allows, we may be able to visit San Marcos Dick’s Classic Car Garage.)
Evening Stargazing at Texas State Observatory (weather permitting) – Russell Doescher, the Observatory Director,
teaches astronomy and physics at the University and has responsibility for the observatory. The observatory houses a 16
inch diameter telescope which offers wonderful views of the solar system and especially our Moon.
Local Points of Interest
Hiking — If you like to hike in the woods, San Marcos is a good place to get out and get into it. Purgatory Creek Park at
2118 Hunter Road and the corner of Wonder World Drive is just a short distance from Embassy Suites. There are even
ADA trails. If you get a small group together --- three or four --- Todd Derkacz, SMUUF Member, and Board Member of
the Greenbelt Alliance, may be able to arrange a guided hike for you. Go to San Marcos Greenbelt Alliance at
www.smgreenbelt.org. Click on Natural Areas for trail descriptions and maps. Contact Todd at (512) 754 9321 or e-mail
alliance@smgreenbelt.org for more info or to arrange a guided hike.
Kayaking or Canoeing – The San Marcos River is a great river for either kayaking or canoeing. Contact TG Canoes &
Kayaks for information and rentals. Their website is www.tgcanoe.com and phone number is (512) 353-3946.
The Wittliff Collection at Texas State University – This collection of art and artifacts is housed on the seventh floor of
the Alkek Library and it is open and free to the public. Call (512) 245-2313 or (512) 245-7410 or visit their website at
www.thewittliffcollections.txstate.edu. Current exhibitions on display include:
The Face of Texas – Photographs by Michael O’Brien. Stories by Elizabeth O’Brien.
Homegrown – Austin Music Posters 1967-1982
Armadillo Rising – Austin’s Music Scene in the 1970s
Lonesome Dove – Costumes, props and more from the miniseries archives on permanent display.
San Marcos Outlet Malls – San Marcos Premium Outlets and Tanger Outlets are side-by-side and have more than 350
top quality stores. They are one of the very top tourist attractions in the state and have been named the third best place
to shop in the world! Embassy Suites provides shuttle service free of charge to registered hotel guests.
San Marcos Convention and Visitors Bureau – will have a staffed booth in the hotel’s Ballroom Foyer with all kinds of
information and pamphlets with suggestions for places to dine, to visit, to see.
New Braunfels and Comal County – A pamphlet in your tote bag describes many wonderful sites to visit.
We thank Attendee Management, Inc., of Wimberley for assistance with the design of the SWUUW Conference website, registration
processes, and general meeting planning support. CEO Jeff Rasco, CMP, is a long-time SMUUF member, and AMi has donated all
their time and experience to the Conference. We especially want to show our appreciation to SMUUF members and AMi teammates
Christina Rasco and Marissa Fehler, AMi's Sharon Mickey for registration support,
and Jennifer Smith for her beautiful Conference logo and other graphics.
Embassy Suites Offers Special Free Services for Registered Guests
Free cooked-to-order breakfast
each morning from 7:00 am to 8:30 am
Free Manager’s Happy Hour Reception
with wine and snacks each evening from
5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Free Wi-Fi in Lobby, Coffee Shop, and
Business Center
Free shuttle van to and from world-famous
San Marcos Outlet Malls just one mile away
Free parking
Free Wi-Fi Connection
Choose: AT&T Wi-Fi
Password: 201502
SCHEDULE (Times subject to change)
Friday, March 6
Time
Session
Location
3:00 pm– 7:30 pm
Registration Desk Open and Raffle Ticket Sales
Ballroom Foyer
3:00 pm– 7:30 pm
Texas Bazaar Open
Ballroom Foyer
3:30 pm– 5:00 pm
Yakona Film with expert introduction and commentary
Spring Lake Ballroom
5:30 pm– Close
Red Tent Room Open
Chautauqua A
5:30 pm– 7:30 pm
Manager’s Happy Hour Reception. Hotel Guests Only.
See Hotel Floor Plan
Dinner on Your Own –
See San Marcos Visitors’ Bureau Booth for Suggestions.
Ballroom Foyer
7:30 pm– 8:30 pm
Opening Ceremony
Scottie McIntyre Johnson with Terri Hendrix and Ashleigh Stone
Spring Lake Ballroom
8:45 pm– 10:00 pm
Yakona Film with expert introduction and commentary
Spring Lake Ballroom
To Close
Red Tent Room Open
Chautauqua A
Saturday, March 7
Time
Session
Location
7:00 am- 8:30 am
Complimentary Breakfast – Registered Hotel Guests Only
Hotel Coffee Shop with Breakfast Snacks Also Open
See Hotel Floor Plan
All Day
Registration Desk Open
Ballroom Foyer
All Day
Texas Bazaar Open
Ballroom Foyer
All Day
Red Tent Room Open
Chautauqua A
All Day
Raffle Ticket Sales
Various Locations
8:30 am– 8:45 am
Welcome
Spring Lake Ballroom
8:45 am– 9:30 am
Opening Worship Service
Scottie McIntyre Johnson with Terri Hendrix and Ashleigh Stone
Spring Lake Ballroom
9:30 am– 10:15 am
Keynote Address
From the Wellspring of Our Hearts—Rev. Dr. Rebecca Ann Parker
Spring Lake Ballroom
10:15 am- 10:30 am Break
10:30 am- 11:30 am Keynote Workshop of the Whole
Drawing Deeper from the Wellspring—Rev. Dr. Rebecca Ann Parker
Spring Lake Ballroom
11:30 am- 1:00 pm
Buffet Lunch and SWUUW Membership Meeting
Spring Lake Ballroom
1:00 pm– 1:30 pm
Break
1:30 pm– 3:00 pm
Workshops Session I – Full Descriptions in Workbook
From Environmental Justice to Climate Justice—Dr. Dianne Rahm
Spring Lake A
Exploring Rhythm: HANDS ON! - Debbie Groves
Veramendi H
A Butterfly Garden – Build It and They Will Come—Susan Bogle
Chautauqua B
Archetypes of the Feminine—Dr. Wynette Barton
Spring Lake B
Improv for Fun and Profit—Robin Williams
Spring Lake C
Five Pillars of Mind Fitness—Meredith Patterson, RN
San Marcos A
Wave Tapestry Weaving—Linda Thomas and Dawn Wales
San Marcos B
3:00 pm- 3:30 pm
Break
3:30 pm– 5:00 pm
Workshops Session 2 – Full Descriptions in Workbook
Meals for Health, Climate and Compassion—Becky Allen, Amber Walter and Spring Lake A
Karen Franks
Basics of Bellydance: Art of Middle Eastern Dance—Jamie Lynn Shelton
Veramendi H
Sacred Springs and Healing Plants of Texas—Maria Rocha and Marika
Alvarado
Chautauqua B
Celebrating Nature Through Writing—Susan Hanson
Spring Lake B
Chanting in Sacred Circle—Gretchen Ohmann
Spring Lake C
Finding Compassion in Our World (Starting with Ourselves) - Dr. Erin Flynn
San Marcos A
The Color of Water—Candy Lapaglia Carpenter
San Marcos B
5:00 pm– 5:30 pm
Break
5:30 pm– 7:30 pm
Manager’s Happy Hour Reception. Hotel Guests Only.
See Hotel Floor Plan
6:45 pm– 9:45 pm
Cash Bar Open
Spring Lake Ballroom
7:00 pm– 8:30 pm
Banquet Dinner and Raffle Drawings
Spring Lake Ballroom
8:30 pm– 9:30 pm
Special Concert Performance —Terri Hendrix
Spring Lake Ballroom
SPECIAL NOTE:
Remember to change your clocks! SPRING FORWARD for Daylight Savings Time. * * * * * * * * * *
Sunday, March 8
Time
Session
Location
7:00 am- 8:30 am
Complimentary Breakfast - Registered Hotel Guests Only
Hotel Coffee Shop with Breakfast Snacks Also Open
See Hotel Floor Plan
8:30 am- 9:30 am
Closing Ceremony and Spiral Dance — Nell Newton with Gretchen
Ohmann and Ashleigh Stone
Spring Lake Ballroom
10:30 am– 11:30 am Worship Service – COMAL COUNTY UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST SOCIETY
135 Alves Lane, New Braunfels
Andrew McKnight
“What Moves Us to Move?”
11:00 am- 12:00 pm Worship Service – SAN MARCOS UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP
510 N. Guadalupe St., San Marcos
Guest Preacher: Rev. Dr. Rebecca Ann Parker, President Emerita of Starr King School for the
Ministry “Saving Paradise.”
SouthWest UU Women
c/o Karen McGinnis
2801 Oak Forest Dr.
San Angelo, TX 76904
A non-profit organization that supports women through worship, learning, leadership, community and social justice, SWUUW discusses women's issues, explores feminist theology,
promotes friendships and celebrates the diversities that make us unique women on our individual spiritual paths. SWUUW is an organization open to all UU women, particularly those
women in the Southwest District of the Southern Region of the UUA.
2014-15 SWUUW Board
Back Row: Rev. Susan Hamilton, Nikole Witt, Karen McGinnis
Middle Row: Katie Womack, Debbie Cannatella, Gretchen Ohmann (administrator)
Front Row: Mary Kirwin, Celeste Kennedy, Jeannie Lewis
Convener Jeannie Lewis from San Marcos Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (SMUUF) –
Jeannie is a founding member of SMUUF since 1987. She has served in many leadership roles
and capacities over the years and is currently newsletter editor, Social Justice Chair, and women’s
group coordinator. She serves as a Member-at-Large on the SWUUW Board.
San Marcos Unitarian Universalist Fellowship is a healthy growing congregation of 70 members
under the leadership of Rev. Brian Ferguson. SMUUF has purchased two acres of wooded land in a settled
neighborhood on a well-traveled main street and is currently deeply involved in planning for their future
church home. Meanwhile, they rent space in a beautiful former Episcopal Church, which is currently a
campus ministry center.
510 North Guadalupe Street, San Marcos, TX 78666
www.smuuf.org
From Embassy Suites, Enter IH 35 and travel north. Take Exit 205 from IH 35 – Hwy 123. Turn
west (left) on Hwy 123 – S. Guadalupe Street towards downtown San Marcos. Midway to town,
Guadalupe Street becomes one way towards IH 35 and you are forced to turn right on E. Grove
Street. Then turn left at the next street --- LBJ Drive --- to travel parallel to Guadalupe Street all the
way through downtown and by the Courthouse Square in San Marcos. Turn left on University
Street – two blocks past the Courthouse Square. Then turn right on N. Guadalupe at the very next
street – Taco Bell on the right corner. Guadalupe becomes two-way at this intersection. The United Campus Ministries
(UCM) is on the right at the very top of the street before Texas State University. This is where SMUUF meets on Sunday
mornings. If there is no space in the small parking lot in front of the UCM, there is free parking on Sunday across the
street in the Tower Parking Garage.
Comal County Unitarian Universalist Society was founded in 1995 by a small group of dedicated
people who met in their homes. We met in rented spaces for many years and are
now 72 members in our just-completed church. We affiliated with the UUA in
1999. We are a pre-pastoral, lay-led congregation.
135 Alves Lane, New Braunfels, TX 78131
www.ccuus.org
From Embassy Suites, go south on I-35 toward New Braunfels. Take Exit 189 and turn under
I-35 (toward Seguin) on Hwy 46. Alves Lane will be about 9-tenths of a mile on your left (not
far past the River Tree traffic light). 135 Alves Lane is in the first block on your left and is set
back from the road.