The snow is melting in the northern part of our District, and today I saw birds splashing and bathing in the puddles. Can spring be far behind?
On a personal note, thank you to all who’ve sent messages of hope and condolences to me and our family, after hearing of my father’s death in January. Although it won’t be possible for me to respond to each message individually, I want you to know that we appreciate each and every one. My father had many good years and had been in declining health in the last few years. We are grateful for his life and have many good memories to sustain us in the days and weeks ahead.
We always appreciate your comments and suggestions for the newsletter. Click on the "email the editor" link in the menu on the left to send us a message.
For five days of fun, learning, fellowship, and UU spirituality PLUS air conditioned luxury, come to Camp StarTrail (between Omaha and Lincoln) for another grand adventure/retreat for UUs of all ages. Past activities have included bead-making; dream analysis; painting; quilting; survival skills; Amazing Race; sock hop; talent show; barn dance, camp fire (with s'mores); challenge courses; OWL for adults; swimming, nature hikes; ad hoc writers' group, bridge games and lots more.
Camp StarTrail pampers the camper with three housing options (meals included): (a) hotel-style luxury with private baths; (b)college dorm-style rooms with bath down the hall; and, for the purist, (c) actual honest-to-goodness camp-style camping with a short walk to the rest rooms.
Camp StarTrail - July 31 to August 5, 2011. Camping that fits your budget and your soul. Find out how we "pamper the camper" at www.psduua.org/CampStarTrail. Registration is open.
Annual Conference 2011
Consider arriving early for the PSD Annual Conference and taking part in the pre-conference social justice workshop, Mirrors of Privilege: Making Whiteness Visible, on Friday, April 8, 9 AM to 3 PM. The workshop will feature the experiences of white men and women who have worked to gain insight into what it means to challenge notions of racism and white supremacy.
The 2011 PSD Annual Conference, "It Matters What We Believe" is a weekend of lectures, workshops, worship, networking, and fellowship, which takes place April 8-10 in Des Moines, Iowa.The Conference is multigenerational; children and youth are encouraged to attend.
Consider attending one of the free online workshops offered by District staff and knowledgeable guest speakers. To participate all you need is high speed internet access and a separate phone line.
Mission, Mission, Mission February 22, 2011
Dealing with Conflict Positively March 2011 (dates to be determined)
Tapestry of Faith Vision: Learn about the "Tapestry of Faith" religious education programs March 22 & 29, 2011
PSD is hosting a Young Adult Retreat at Camp Carol Joy Holling on Feb 25-27. So save the date and plan to join us in Ashland, Nebraska at the same site we use for Camp StarTrail. Got kids? Bring 'em! We'll have a multigenerational gathering where we learn, relax, cook, and serve together. Details forthcoming at http://www.psduua.org/YoungAdults
Camp Unistar, PSD's camp located on Star Island in northern Minnesota, offers weeklong programs throughout the summer. The 2011 schedule is available at http://www.psduua.org/Camps/CampUniStar.
UUA Trustee Report by John Blevins
Immigration as a Moral Issue
Your delegates took the historic step at General Assembly (GA) 2010 (held right here in PSD) to declare our GA 2012 a "Justice GA". No one quite knows what a "justice GA" looks like, because we've never done this before. Your delegates did make it clear that it will not be "business as usual". And they charged your UUA Board to make it happen (through a very specific Business Resolution).
PSD congregations have been Standing on the Side of Love and working on Green Sanctuary projects. PSD people are attending Interfaith Leadership Training and featured in a major newspaper for working on foreclosure relief.
Prairie Star District is a growing community of healthy, vital congregations in covenantal relationship with one another, transforming ourselves and our world by living our Unitarian Universalist principles. One of nineteen districts of the Unitarian Universalist Association, we serve almost 70 congregations in the Upper Midwest. We have three full time staff people and three part time program and support staff members who work with many volunteers to assist congregations. To learn more about us, see our Web site.
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For five days of fun, learning, fellowship, and UU spirituality PLUS air conditioned luxury, come to Camp StarTrail (between Omaha and Lincoln) for another grand adventure/retreat for UUs of all ages. Past activities have included bead-making; dream analysis; painting; quilting; survival skills; Amazing Race; sock hop; talent show; barn dance, camp fire (with s'mores); challenge courses; OWL for adults; swimming, nature hikes; ad hoc writers' group, bridge games and lots more.
PSD is hosting a Young Adult Retreat at Camp Carol Joy Holling on Feb 25-27. So save the date and plan to join us in Ashland, Nebraska at the same site we use for Camp StarTrail. Got kids? Bring 'em! We'll have a multigenerational gathering where we learn, relax, cook, and serve together. Details forthcoming at 
