2000 Prairie Star District Annual Conference

Hosted by
The First Universalist Church of Minneapolis

April 27-29, 2001
DoubletreeHotel
7901 24th Avenue South
Bloomington, MN

General Information

Conference Schedule

Featured Speakers

Workshops Session A

Workshops Session B

Workshops Session C

Registration Form

Join ministers and congregation members from across the region in the Twin Cities for a stimulating weekend of speakers, workshops, worship, and fellowship. The focus of the conference workshops will be leadership. How do we develop leadership within our own congregations? How do we bring faith-based leadership to our local communities and the wider world beyond?

The Doubletree Hotel in Bloomington, Minnesota, provides an ideal location for the gathering. The hotel is within walking distance of the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, which includes a Visitor Center packed with exhibits, trails, and observation decks along the Minnesota River and the Bass Ponds sanctuary. Free shuttles are available to the Mall of America, the nation's largest enclosed entertainment and shopping complex, and to the nearby Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport.

Sunday Morning Forum and Worship

Rev. Laurie Bushbaum, Contract Minister for Children and Youth at First Universalist Church of Minneapolis, will lead both the Forum and Worship Service on Sunday morning. The title of the forum is "Bridging the Gap: Leadership in a Congregation of Children, Youth, and Adults." The discussion will focus on the challenges of being a leader in a congregation pledged to serve members of all ages. Rev. Bushbaum's sermon during the worship service is entitled "The Stonecutter and the Stone: A Theology of Power and Leadership." She will address such questions as: Do church leaders exercise power within their congregations? What is the meaning of power in a faith- based community?

Welcome, Youth!

Youth, ages 13 to 18, are encouraged to attend this Annual Conference. Youth are welcome at all conference activities. Several workshops specifically address youth issues, including adult youth communication and the training of youth advisors. In another workshop, youth will plan the worship service that they will lead on Saturday evening. Socialize with young people throughout the District in a youth hospitality suite. Join with other conference participants at meals. We encourage all youth to seek delegate status to the Annual Meeting from their congregations prior to the conference.

Walk the Labyrinth

The Labyrinth invites you to walk its sacred path any time on Saturday, from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. This self-paced walking meditation typically takes 20 to 40 minutes. Member of the Labyrinth Committee of First Universalist Church will offer instructions, but be assured, you can't do it wrong.

Join the Conference Choir!

Singers are invited to join the choir for the Sunday morning worship service at the hotel under the direction of Janice Hunton, Choir Director of First Universalist Church. If you would like to participate, plan to attend the choir practice on Sunday morning at 8:30 a.m. Please check the appropriate box on the registration form indicating your interest, and information about the music will be sent to you.