Summer Institute 2012

If you are reading this brochure for the first time, we are excited to share the contents enclosed giving you a peek into the world of Ohio Meadville District Summer Institute (OMDSI). Those of you who are reading because you are excited to see what this year’s SI has in store for the community, we are glad to have you returning and look forward to sharing the many opportunities SI provides.

Please share the magic of SI with those around you! This year promises to be a unique year enveloping that which is familiar and that which reflects necessary change.

The SI magic blooms each year for Unitarian Universalists in the Ohio Meadville District. 2012 Summer Institute is excited to welcome theme speaker Rev. Meg Riley and invites all attendees to explore Embodied Theology in a Digital Age..

Change is an ever present current running through our lives and thus through the SI community.

As you read the brochure you will see the continued presence of youth, children, young adults, families who come together to experience the magic of SI. Woven throughout the community you will note change.

A number of factors have come together insisting on change for this year. Summer Institute Planning Committee has diligently worked to respect community needs expressed through evaluation feedback (yes, we really do read your feedback every year and take it to heart as we plan the next year!) and the financial constraints of the SI budget. Over the past few years, costs associated with SI have risen. The registration cost has not risen to attendees. This year, to meet current cost demands associated with a weeklong intergenerational camp and to address a budget deficit, registration costs have risen to $440 for adults, $315 for children and $60 for the young adult weekend. The cost reflects increases from Kenyon College and rising food costs. Your SI 2012 planning committee worked hard to maintain your SI MAGIC and still break even. As you explore programming, you will see diverse opportunities to enjoy physical, intellectual, and art activities. There is something for everyone.

We look forward to sharing the SI magic with you and exploring theology in a digital age!

 

Diana VanWinkle
SIPC 2012 Chair

 

Embodied Theology in a Digital Age.

Reverend Meg Riley

Whether you love it or hate it, ignore it or embrace it, we are in the midst of a revolution of meaning-making. "Social media" means that there is social interaction around meaning of all kinds, rather than one-way declarations given by experts and received by couch potatoes. The first generation that came into consciousness with that interactive reality is now taking leadership roles in all of our institutions, including churches. In this new world, we are co-creating the way forward. Meg Riley believes that this creates unprecedented opportunities for Unitarian Universalists to offer our gifts to the world, which is increasingly asking for exactly what we have! Come and explore the changing terrains of media, religion, culture, even as we hold fast to the center of our common, embodied, humanity.

While the senior minister of the Church of the Larger Fellowship (CLF), Meg has served the Unitarian Universalist Association in a variety of positions including directing the Advocacy and Witness Programs, Washington Office for Advocacy, Office of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual Transgender Concerns, and Youth Office. She directed the Standing on the Side of Love campaign and the Unitarian Universalist response to Hurricane Katrina. She has also served many national boards of directors including the Interfaith Alliance, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, and the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice. Meg is also the founding president of two organizations, Faith in Public Life and Equal Partners in Faith.

Meg's life work has been advocating for a world of peace and justice. In so doing, she became quite interested in the media revolution taking place, and in the opportunity to create deep and meaningful community on the internet. She was originally from the UU Congregation of Charleston and then moved to the UU Church of Akron. Meg now lives in South Minneapolis with her human and animal family.

Worship

Inspirational inter-generational worship is an integral part of Summer Institute. Morning worship will be led by the Rev. Steve Aschmann. Three evening vespers will be led by Rev. Michelle Buhite. Youth and Young Adults will each lead an evening service. All of these are community gathering times and announcements are made either before or after these services.

Morning Services

SI 2012 is the perfect antidote for "Nature Deficit Disorder." Modern humans can get so plugged into electronic diversion that they loose their connections with Nature. The more high-tech our lives become the more Nature we need to achieve a wholesome vital balance. SI provides a maximum dose of "Vitamin N"! Rev. Steve Aschmann will draw from the wisdom of various authors to express these sentiments during morning worship. The human species and our spiritual wellbeing are at risk if we ignore our natural history. UUs balance Nature and human consciousness in a symbiotic relationship by breathing "Respect for the interdependent web of which we are a part." Let's work to "leave no child inside" and develop a style of living that is fully aware of the natural world.

Steve grew up in downstate NY in the Hudson Valley. He had a perpetual interest in Nature, carried turtles in his back pocket, waded streams looking for hellgrammites and crayfish for fishing, maintained backyard frog ponds, and brought frogs and pollywogs to school every spring. Like those pollywogs, in his adulthood he was transformed to a UU minister after spending some time at Walden Pond. Some of his friends call him Rev. Rainbow for his social consciousness and his desire for a healthy Planet.

Vespers

Take the time to reconnect and reflect on the day's lessons and experiences during Evening Vespers; an interactive and thoughtful time for all ages.

Rev. Michelle Buhite is a long-time member of the UU Congregation of Jamestown, NY. A 'newly minted' minister (May 2012), Michelle and her family are looking forward to the next great adventure.

Adult Programming - Morning Seminars

Adult morning seminars are held Monday through Friday. When you complete the SI registration form, be sure to select one seminar for the week and two alternate choices. Seminars fill up quickly and are assigned on a first come, first serve basis, so register early. There are also morning programs scheduled for Youth, Children, and Nursery.

1. Yoga, Meditation, and Breath

Renaye Brauning

For more than 5,000 years, yoga has provided insight, awareness, physical strength, flexibility, and peace of mind. Join us for a daily practice that will introduce the beginner to the process and satisfy the more advanced student’s need to deepen his or her practice. You will learn to bring healing to the body and mind through breath work, focused attention, and gentle energetic movement. Plus, you will learn the joy of meditative awareness. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat. Limit: 20

Renaye has been practicing yoga for 5 years and is a certified yoga instructor. This is her second year as a workshop leader and she enjoys sharing the love of yoga with her SI friends.

2. Discovering Your Inner Drummer

Rebekah Benner

Learn the basics of hand-drumming, Afro-Cuban polyrhythms, and techniques to help you have fun and feel confident in participating in a drum circle—or lead your own! Good for both the novice and more advanced drummer. You must bring a drum suitable for hand drumming with both hands, i.e., ashiko, djembe, or doumbek. If you have difficulty obtaining a drum to use, please let Rebekah know as soon as you are accepted to the workshop, as there may be drums to borrow. Limit: 25

Rebekah is a drummer, silversmith, mother and “Amma,” and recently became an on-call volunteer chaplain for the Cleveland Veteran’s Administration. She thanks the gods for bringing the drum into her life and is thankful for the places she’s gone and people she’s met through the heartbeat of the Mother. Rebekah teaches drum workshops in the U.S., Canada and Ireland, but her greatest joy is in leading drum circles for drug and alcohol rehab centers, women’s shelters, and the Akron After School program for at-risk children.

3. Stories of Power and Passion: An Introduction to the Juicier Parts of the Hebrew Bible

Rev. Joan Van Becelaere

This workshop will explore some of the most powerful stories of passion and leadership in the Hebrew Bible. Drawing on the tools of literary, historical, structural and canonical criticism, we will discuss the questions of: Who wrote the Hebrew Bible? Why and when was it written? What role has it played in our western culture? And what lessons can we draw from it for our day and age?

Joan is the Ohio-Meadville District Executive. During her seminary studies, she was fascinated by the Hebrew Bible and considered it as a possible PhD focus. As a result, she took 3 years of Hebrew language and numerous courses on Hebrew Bible history, theology and exegesis and studied with one of the most influential liberal modern scholars, Dr. Walter Brueggemann.

4. Morning Boot Camp - The Wake-up Workout

Andrew B. Sobczak

A boot camp workout each morning for those how are interested and willing to push themselves. We will do body weight calisthenics, cardiovascular training, strength training, flexibility and focus especially on abdominal strengthening Limit: 20

Andy has been a personal trainer for over a year now, working with people from every walk of life. He’s taught group power classes, TRX classes, Kettlebell classes, Bootcamps, Biggest Loser groups and one-on-one training and is looking forward to working with you.

5. It Only Hurts When I Laugh

Bill Brauning

Laughter is a powerful antidote to stress, pain, and conflict. Nothing works faster or more dependably to bring your mind and body back into balance than a good laugh. Humor lightens your burdens, inspires hopes, connects you to others, and keeps you grounded, focused, and alert. This workshop will review laughter and its benefits through integrating film clips in the media from TV, film, music and home movies, AND delving into writings on the subject of laughter, from such authors as Norman Cousins and George Carlin. Limit: 45

Bill serves as an adjunct professor teaching Pop culture with Cleveland Community College. He has previously presented at SI on History of 60's Television, History of the Music Video, Review of Cartoon Animation and History of Film Composing. He attends the Akron UU Church.

6. Beads in Spiritual Practice – Creation and Construction for Meditation and Prayer

Amy R. Walters

This workshop covers fundamental information on how beads are used in Hindi, Buddhist, Sikh, Catholic, Islamic, and BaHai’ traditions. The meaning of different types of beads, the significance of how the beads are strung or configured, and the process of using them in spiritual practice will be discussed. Participants will have the opportunity to make their own beads, construct their own configuration of beads, and develop their own personal meditation or prayer.

Amy is President of Ginger Hill UUC, and teaches speech and media studies in the Communication Department at Slippery Rock University. She is also the artist behind Alternative Reality Works.

7. Fracking - Purpose, Products, and Politics

Cal Frye

To frack, or not to frack... Just what is fracking, anyway? Let's find out what effects hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking" has on both natural gas and groundwater production in our area. We'll visit rock types around Kenyon and maybe a drilling site. Fracking has an impact on streams and rivers, too! We'll cover the basics, the environmental impacts, and the laws and politics of the business, while we're at it.

Before turning to the dark side of systems and network administration, Cal was a paleontologist and taught at several of the Kent State regional campuses.

8. Open Explorations into Self-Portraiture

Isabel Farnsworth

Utilizing both traditional and non-traditional Fine Art mediums and processes, this workshop will explore self-portraiture and self-expression. Participants will create both 2D (drawing/painting/ collage based pieces) and 3D (plaster and assemblage sculpture/reliefs) pieces. Through observation, photo transfers, abstraction and bodycasting, we will seek to arrive at meaningful works that explore the self. No experience necessary…come with an open mind and a willing spirit. Limit: 20

Isabel has been an Associate Professor of Art at Kent State University since 1997. She received her degrees in fine art from Tyler School of Art (painting) in Philadelphia and Stanford University (sculpture) in California. Her work can be seen on her website at www.ifarnsworth.com. She lives in Kent with her two kids, Elliot and Leah (and a dog and two cats). She is a member of the UU Church of Kent.

9. Beyond OWL: Creating A Sex-Positive Community

Ashera Buhite

Beyond OWL is about how we talk about and deal with sexual issues, specifically in the context of a UU Community. This discussion-based workshop will focus on creating healthy, sex-positive communities that are inclusive to all genders and sexualities. Topics will include sex work, trans and non-binary etiquette and politics, asexuality, creating boundaries, and consent, to name a few. Limit: 16

Ashera, a life-long UU, hails from scenic Buffalo, NY. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Global Gender Studies, with a minor in sociology, from the University of Buffalo, and is an OWL and Coming of Age teacher. She spends her free time reading feminist theory and passing out prophylactics to college students.

10. Reading the Rocks: Oh the Stories Earth Has to Tell

Jamie Martin-Hayden

After a morning exploring various rock types around the Science Quad and deciphering the stories recorded in them, we will venture out to “read” the stories written in the geology of Knox County with a series of short field trips around the Kenyon campus. During these field trips we will explore local geology, landscapes, rock types, fossils, soils and rivers in person. Limit: 30

Jamie started teaching geology as a teenaged tour guide in the White Mountains of New Hampshire and continues this zeal for teaching and researching geology at the University of Toledo, Department of Environmental Sciences, where he specializes in hydrogeology.

11. Urban Gardening by the Principles

Melissa Jeter

This course will discuss urban gardening as an opportunity express our UU principles. In the course, there will be discussion about the ways in which people garden and the impact it has on how we think of the world in which we live. Participants will be encouraged to journal on the relationship of each UU principle to urban gardening and to share their insights.

Melissa is a member of the First Unitarian Church of Toledo. She is the “Hip Urban Farmer,” (www.hipurbanfarmer.blogspot.com) but works as a librarian by day. Melissa has kept her own garden for 10 consecutive years and participated in the church community garden for 2 years.

12. Taoism and the I Ching: An Introduction

Les Buhite

Of the many Eastern Disciplines, Taoism most resonates with Unitarian Universalism as a practical system that encourages self-awareness and engagement in one’s community. This workshop will explore the basic principle of Taoism through casting and interpreting the I Ching (The Book of Changes).

Les is a religion junkie. His MA from the University of Akron concerned the pre-Judaic religions of the ancient Middle East; his PhD dissertation traced the development of Protestant camp meetings in the US through the 19th and early 20th century until they culminated in the Chautauqua Movement.

13. Spread the Word: Promotion 101

Tiffany Grinstead

Whether you’re responsible for, or interested in, promoting the work of your church, nonprofit, small business, personal area of expertise or area of activism, this class can help. We’ll cover the basics of how to write a press release and call the media. We’ll also cover the basics of social media, including actionable ideas for using Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and blogs.

Tiffany is a public relations and marketing professional and an aspiring novelist. She holds the Accredited in Public Relations designation from the Public Relations Society of America and has authored articles for the national journal PR Tactics.

14. Advanced Hand Dyeing: SACRED GEOMETRY

Alyssa Rockstar

Sacred geometry is the idea that beautiful and mystical geometric patterns occur naturally in nature on every imaginable scale, from the microscopic, to the shape of our galaxy. This workshop will guide participants through creating tie-dyed or shibori mandalas on flat fabric. Bring flat, natural-fiber things to dye, a sense of wonder, and your love of beauty and color. Limit: 24

Alyssa is a tender soul who loves pretty colors. She began dyeing as a way to keep stained clothing out of landfills. A teacher by profession, she is also a featured artist at Dharma Trading: www.dharmatrading.com/autogen/featuredartists/html/473/

15. Aesop…the first UU?!

Deb Lemire and Laura Conkle

Was Aesop the first UU? Could be! His tales have long explored the intentions of human beings and our social and personal responsibility to each other and ourselves. Join us for a fun week of exploring several tales. We will use improv and the discipline of theatre to recreate these tales and perhaps have impromptu performances all around SI!

Deb is a member of the UU Church of Akron. Deb is a professional actor in Northeast Ohio currently working with Magical Theatre Company. She received her training from Kent State University and West Virginia University and has worked in professional regional theatres for over 20 years. Deb is also Artistic Director of Queen Bee Productions, producing theatre and creative programming that advocates for women on important issues. Laura is a member of the First Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh and is a professional actor trained at West Virginia University, Folgers Theatre in Washington D.C. and Heinz College at Carnegie Mellon University. Laura enjoys ensemble productions, creating new plays, and working as a voice over artist. She is also active in the trauma survivor community, blending her art and other original work to promote healing and meaningful relationship with the great wide world.

16. A Theology of Wild Abundance: Foraging as Spiritual Practice

Rev. Colin Bossen

Learn to see the world through the eyes of a forager and how foraging can transform your perception of the world—from a place of scarcity to a place of abundance. Workshop participants will learn the basics of mushroom identification as well as tips on when and where to find certain kinds of edible mushrooms, wild fruit and herbs. The workshop will take place both inside and out, so please dress for being outdoors and off the beaten path.

Colin is the minister of the Unitarian Universalist Society of Cleveland. An avid forager for mushrooms, wild fruit and, occasionally, herbs, he is the author of two UUA curriculums; his essays and articles have appeared widely.

17. Leading Change in Changing Times

Rev. Renee Ruchotzke

Leadership School comes to Summer Institute! This interactive course (in combination with the late afternoon workshop “Chutes and Ladders for Leaders”) will help leaders comprehend and adapt to the changes in our society and learn to lead their congregation toward transformative change. Youth and Young Adults are encouraged to join us!

Renee is the Regional Leadership Development Consultant of the Central East Region of the UUA. She co-wrote the Tapestry of Faith curriculum “A Chorus of Faiths.” She is passionate about finding new, creative ways to blending the arts, theology, spiritual development and leadership development.

18. Belly Dancing: Goddess Dance for All

Pam Midyett and Laura Howe

Through movement, video, and music, we will explore belly dance as a dance for all ages and body types. We will explore some styles currently being danced and introduce the spiritual connection. Limit: 20

Pam is the “harper of SI” and studied belly dance in Ohio before moving to Portland. She loves to share the Goddess in all ways. Laura Howe is a member of North UUC and was belly dancing before she found her spiritual home as a UU.

19. Confronting Racism

Rev. Melissa Carvill-Ziemer and Saunis Parsons

Using a combination of approaches, we will look at racism in the contemporary United States and try to come up with strategies to recognize and deal with racism when we see it. We will present some information, share our stories and use role playing to develop and practice new ways of living into an anti-racist, antioppressive way of being.

Melissa is the Minister of the UU Church of Kent and President-Elect of Allies for Racial Equity. She has been involved in anti-racism and anti-oppression initiatives for nearly two decades. Saunis Parsons is a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Kent and a member of her congregation’s anti-racism team. Saunis and Melissa have explored a variety of anti-racism initiatives and trainings offered by the OMD and the UUA and have collaborated on classes and workshops in their own congregation, through the William Williams Workshop and at the OMD District Assembly.

Youth Theme 2012: You're Carded! Expressing your UU ID

How do you express your UU Identity? If someone asked you to prove you were UU, how would you do it? We will begin by building our own UU theology, but then move to how that engages with deeper questions of identity: Unitarian Universalism as a way of living, of being, and of selfunderstanding. We’ll explore the many rubrics of UU identity—the social, cultural, ethical, and theological—and the ways they connect to our personal identities and self expression.

Youth Community Speakers:

Rev. Susan Ritchie has served as Minister of the North Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Lewis Center, OH since 1996. Sharing a solid understanding and enthusiasm for liberal religious identity is important to this life- long Unitarian Universalist. Susan is well-published on the topic of Unitarian Universalist history and identity, holds a PhD in Cultural Studies from the Ohio State University and a Master’s of Divinity from the Methodist Theological School in Ohio, currently serves as the Ohio Meadville District Trustee on the National Board of the Unitarian Universalist Association, and she teaches at the Starr King School for the Ministry, Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley, CA. Favorite recreations include family time with partner Donna, anthropomorphizing her Springer Spaniel “Valentino,” competitive amateur tennis, and ridiculously ambitious gourmet cooking. (And, of course, she is well known at SI for her conversations with Merrily.)

Robert Esice grew up in Columbus, Ohio. He holds a BS in science education from The Ohio State University and an MS in curriculum design from Capella University. Robert has been teaching science, critical thinking and philosophy to mid- dle and high school students for over 15 years. He is a founder and teacher at Phoenix Middle School, an alternative public school in Worthington, Ohio, based upon the integration of core curriculum with critical thinking, global educa- tion, fine arts, wellness, and community interaction. Robert and his wife Stephanie have two wonderful children; Sasha who is in 4th grade, and Hana, a 9th grader. He loves teaching, coaching rowing, movies, and reading about philosophy and science

Youth Morning Workshops

After the morning theme speaker’s activities, you have several workshops to choose from. Perhaps you’ve seen everyone at SI with tie-dye shirts, but you want to step things up with a pair of tie-dye shoes? Maybe you have a song you want to practice for the coffee house performance, but you’re looking for someone who can lay down a seriously funky bass line? Or after an hour of theme talk, you’re tired of sitting inside and want to get up and move around? Maybe you have a couple ideas on how youth vespers could be improved? You’re in luck, because this year’s morning workshops will include:

• Crafts
• Music Jams
• Ourdoor Games
• Worship Planning

In addition to all of the other fun things happening at Summer Institute, there are activities and spaces specifically geared to- wards 18-35 year old campers!

COMMUNITY SPACES & HOUSING

Young adults may opt to stay in Gund Dorm, or choose to be housed among the general SI community. Gund Dorm is our home base, where we gather for young adult activities and casual socializing. This dorm is not air conditioned, but is attached to a large, air conditioned common space ('The Icebox').

For those staying in Gund Dorm, one section is designated substance free. Young adults under 21 are automatically placed in substance free housing; those 21 & up can request substance free housing on the registration form. As a community, we accept and support young adults with children & families, but for safety reasons this dorm cannot house children under the age of 18. All young adults, whether housed in Gund Dorm or elsewhere – are welcome to spend time in these young adult spaces.

PROGRAMMING & WORSHIP

Young adults are encouraged to sign up for a morning workshop of their choice alongside the general Summer Institute community. The workshops range in topic and degree of activity & tend to fill up quickly so register early! The young adult community has its own evening vespers; Matt Meyer is our worship leader this year.

Matt Meyer is lifelong Unitarian Universalist, a graduate of the Berklee College of Music and has studied abroad in Cuba, Ghana, and Central America. Matt has led hundreds of services for UU congregations across the country, has performed at and led worship at the last 6 General Assemblies of the UUA, served as Artist in Residence at a number of UU summer conference retreats, and lives in Boston where he plays with several world music groups. Matt has been active with building Young Adult community at the local, regional, and national levels. He is a member of the UUA's Council on Cross Cultural Engagement and is a founding board member and resident of the Lucy Stone Cooperative, a newly-formed Unitarian Universalist housing cooperaive creating an intentional community and a center for social justice in the Boston area.

REGISTRATION

Register early, even as a “maybe” – there are no down payments or cancellation fees for young adults; please show your grati- tude by refusing to register late. The early registration deadline is June 1st. If you plan to apply for a scholarship, start the pro- cess now – complete applications must be turned in by May 31st!

The “WeekEnder”

Can’t make it for the whole week? $60 gets you some indoor floor space to camp out on and a meal ticket Thursday night through Saturday morning!

WHAT TO BRING

Musical instruments, worship planning supplies, games (indoor & outdoor), a reusable water bottle, snacks, sunscreen & insect repellent, a fancy outfit for Monte Carlo Night, and talents for the young adult coffee house.

Please see the attached brochure for complete information

See you in Kenyon!