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| When and Where
The 2008 Annual Meeting takes place Friday, May 2 – Saturday, May 3,
2008, at the
Stamford Marriott Hotel in Stamford CT. Check-in is from 4:00 p.m.
to 7:30 p.m. on Friday and again on Saturday morning from 7:00 a.m. to
9:00 a.m. The meeting closes at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, although the UU
Network Mall will stay open until 3:30 p.m. |
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| Every Heart is a Vessel;
Every Dream is a Light These lines from the song,
“Crossing the Water,” by Bill Staines, speak to us of the spark within
each of us. It is the perfect image for this third annual meeting in a
series of four that illustrate systems of congregational life:
Welcoming, Nurturing, Empowering and Serving. In describing
the Empowering System, UU Larry Peers says: “This system finds ways to
help each person discover his or her spiritual gifts and passions; it
supports people in using them for the benefit of the entire
congregation.” Just imagine the synergy and transformation possible when
we have the freedom and support to explore and use our gifts in
community! Our focus will be how to discover and develop our own gifts –
our call to ministry (with a big or small “m”), how congregations can
train and equip their members to complete these ministries, and how to
learn the complex dance of shared ministry. Bring your dancing shoes! |
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| About the Hotel
A block of rooms is being held at the Stamford Marriott Hotel at the
reduced room rate of $110 plus tax (single or double). To make a
reservation (you must be at least 21 years old), visit
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/stfct-stamford-marriott-hotel-and-spa/?groupCode=xuuxuua&app=resvlink.
The Group Code – xuuxuua – allowing the reduced rate is already
filled in for you at this site. Or call 1-800-732-9689 and give the
Group Code – xuuxuua – to secure the reduced rate. You can also say you
are coming for the UU District of Metro NY meeting to secure the reduced
rate. The deadline for reserving a room at the reduced rate is
April 25. |
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| Alternative Housing
A limited number of people may be able to stay in the home of a local UU.
If you are interested in this option, indicate your interest on your
registration form and register by April 18. |
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| Meals
Unless you register for Friday only, lunch on Saturday is included in
your registration fee. For dinner on Friday and breakfast on Saturday,
the hotel offers several dining choices and there are nearby restaurants
as well, including a food court at a shopping mall adjacent to the
hotel. A list of restaurants will be available to registrants when they
check in to the Annual Meeting. |
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| Special Requests
If you have accessibility or other special requests, please indicate
them on the registration form and
register by April 18. The luncheon on Saturday will be buffet style,
vegetarian and vegan selections will be available without special
request. |
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Scholarships and
Childcare Funds A limited amount of scholarship money is
available to help defray registration fees. In lieu of children’s
programming, funds are also available to help cover the cost of
childcare so that parents are able to attend. To apply for a scholarship
or childcare funds, contact Andrea Lerner at 914-373-0193 or by email -
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| Carbon Offset Donations
Help Make the Annual Meeting Green! Annual Meeting participants can help
offset the carbon footprint of the Annual Meeting by donating $2 on
their registration forms. Proceeds will be given to
Carbonfund.org, a non-profit organization promoting low-cost carbon
reductions and supporting renewable energy, energy efficiency, and
reforestation projects that reduce and offset carbon dioxide emissions. |
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| Especially For Youth
It’s commonly said that “Young people are the future of our movement.”
We believe that they are also a vital part of the “now” of our movement.
We are continuing our concerted effort to create an Annual Meeting that
is more representational of our congregational life. Again this year,
youth and young adult leaders are encouraged to register as participants
for the entire conference. The traditional Bridging Ceremony will take
place on Friday evening. Saturday workshops will be presented by and for
youth and young adults. Youth (grades 9-12) should
register online by April 25 and return
signed forms to Andrea Lerner. Youth must be registered in advance; no
walk-ins will be permitted. Youth may be housed with parents/guardians
at the hotel or stay with the youth caucus at the UU Society in
Stamford. The “Bridging Con” will take place March 28-29 for those youth
and young adults who wish to prepare for the Bridging Ceremony.
Registration for the Bridging Con is separate from registration for the
Annual Meeting. For more
information about the Bridging Con,
click here
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| Delegates
If you would like to be a member delegate for your congregation, talk to
your board president/chair. Each certified congregation is entitled to
one member delegate for every 50 members, and no fewer than two member
delegates. Settled ministers and credentialed (master level) religious
education directors of certified congregations are also entitled to be
delegates. Each delegate is allowed one vote at the Annual Business
Meeting on Saturday. Delegates will vote in the election of District
Trustees and members the District Nominating Committee. In addition,
delegates will vote on revisions to the District bylaws. Delegates check
in at a specially marked table, in addition to checking in as
registrants. |
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| The Metro NY District
Choir Imagine a choir representing all 51 Metro NY
District congregations, coming together to sing at the Saturday morning
worship service! You’re invited to participate in this Annual Meeting
tradition. Those who would like to participate in the choir should
indicate so on their registration form. Participants will receive music
in advance of the meeting and should learn their parts in advance. The
choir will rehearse in Salon F at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, immediately
before the worship service. Janet Hanson, choir director at the UU
Fellowship at Stony Brook (NY), will conduct the choir. For further
information, contact Shelly Psaris at 631-928-7094 or by email -
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| UU Network Mall
The exhibit area will be open from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Friday and
from 10:00 am to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday. Congregations and UU-related
organizations will share, network, and inspire you with their displays.
Be sure to stop by the District Store!. To sponsor an exhibit,
click here or contact the District
Administrator by email
or by phone at 914-271-7861 before April 14. If you would like to submit
merchandise for sale at the District Store on a consignment basis (15%
commission to the District), contact Store Manager Ira Lerner by email
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You won’t have to staff a table or handle money but you can still sell
your goods! |
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| Transportation
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| By train Take
the Metro North train to Stamford. Once at the station, call
203-357-9555 for free shuttle service to the Marriott Hotel. |
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| By car traveling north
From I-95 in Connecticut, take Exit 8. Turn left at the end of the ramp.
At the second light, turn right onto Tresser Boulevard and proceed to
the hotel entrance. Parking is available in the garage adjacent to the
hotel. |
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| By car traveling south
From I-95 in Connecticut, take Exit 8. Go one short block to Canal
Street. Turn right and go to the corner of Canal and Tresser Boulevard.
Turn right and then immediately right at the hotel entrance. Parking is
available in the garage adjacent to the hotel. |
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