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 Issue 38: September, 2007Today you’re looking at our first ever emailed newsletter! We’re excited about the possibilities, but since we’ve never done this before, we’re also a little scared! Please take a moment to look at the new format. We have an In This Issue section on the right that links to the articles below. These articles will change from issue to issue. We also have a Quick Links section that will take you to resources available through our Web site. These links will remain pretty much the same from issue to issue. We hope you will read this first newsletter and then will let us know what you think – what you like, what you wish would be different, what other possibilities you wish we would consider. We know our newsletter will improve as we have more experience with it, and we’re eager to hear from you. Email the editor. This is an exciting time for Unitarian Universalism. We have lots of news to share, and we think this online newsletter will work well for us. Thanks in advance for your thoughtful comments, Nancy Heege Experiment with Online Workshops was SuccessfulMore than thirty people sat in their living rooms this month and participated in the first ever online workshops offered by Prairie Star District. People from Salina to Eau Claire and from Omaha to Duluth logged into a Web site and followed along with a slide presentation, as they listened and talked via conference call. The topic was “10 Top Things You Can Do NOW to Welcome Visitors.” Evaluations were positive; people liked the opportunity to do a workshop without leaving home. The technology worked – mostly – and we have plans to make that better as we continue these “Webinars.” Another 50 people attended the Leadership Conferences held in Cedar Falls, IA and Arden Hills, MN to network with other congregation leaders and take useful information back to their congregations. An exciting set of fall workshops is still to come. Gather a team from your congregation to attend one or more.
More information about these workshops including registration details is on the PSD Web site. Each year PSD honors the exceptional volunteers who keep UUism alive and well on the prairie. This year it could be someone from your congregation. To nominate someone, check out the award criteria and print out nomination forms which are available on the PSD Web site. Awards include: PSD Social Justice; Unsung UU; Keeping the Faith (for two congregations, small and large); O. Eugene Pickett (for an outstanding, growing congregation); Ellie Morton (religious education); and Betty Gorshe Heritage (for achievements in preserving, understanding and celebrating our UU history). Who in your congregation deserves to be honored?  The congregations of our Prairie Star District will raise their banners in celebration April 11-13, 2008. Mark your calendars today and join the UUs from every corner of the district who will journey to Omaha, Nebraska, for a weekend of workshops, worship, and fellowship. Together, we will study, share, and sing as we explore the 2008 conference theme, Rebuilding a Faithful Democracy. Charlie Clements, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee, will be the conference keynote speaker, and Rev. Meg Riley, Director of Advocacy and Witness, UUA, will present the Arthur M. Judy Lecture. You will find more information about the conference on the PSD Web site. Your conference host congregations, First and Second Unitarian Churches of Omaha, are looking forward to welcoming you to the Embassy Suites Hotel in our historic Old Market. It’s a great family hotel located in our prime entertainment district. In addition to an exciting conference, there is plenty for everyone to do, from art at the Joslyn to zebras at our world-class Henry Doorly Zoo. With Faith and Freedom AwardPSD will be honored for its support over the years of the Minnesota Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice, an organization that seeks to ensure that every woman is free to make decisions about having children according to her own conscience and religious beliefs. A former District Executive, Rev. Harry Green, helped found the organization and served as its chair for the early years. The Coalition shares office space with Prairie Star District and the District continues to have a formal representative on the Coalition’s Board. The award will be presented at a banquet on October 23, 2007 in St. Paul. If you wish to attend to honor PSD, tickets start at $60 and are available from the MN Religious Coalition. PSD Staffers BlogTo read thoughtful essays about UU church life, check out the Blogs written periodically by PSD staff members. Nancy Heege writes about congregational health and vitality, giving examples from PSD congregations. Phil Lund muses on lifespan religious education issues. Sherry Warren concentrates on youth and young adult issues.  Kathy Bowman, PSD President
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