February 24-26, 2012

"Exploring the UUniverse of Women's Spirituality" with speaker Meg Barnhouse!

Please join us at the Hilton Houston NASA Clear Lake, TX. Where is that? Clear Lake City is really a part of Houston but don’t think of the downtown skyline or busy freeways. The 2012 SWUUW Conference will be held in the beautiful Hilton hotel overlooking Clear Lake and across from NASA Space Center. It is located 25 miles south of downtown Houston, 17 miles from Houston’s Hobby Airport and is a perfect place to relax, rejuvenate, reconnect and join us in Exploring the UUniverse of Women’s Spirituality. Contact convener Lynn Young at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you have any questions.

We'll share details here and on our Facebook page as plans progress.

• JOIN our mailling list!
• DOWNLOAD a PDF 1-pg flyer, a 2-pg trifold or the full-details BROCHURE to print out and share.
• RESERVE your room at the Hilton by FEBRUARY 3. Use Group Code SUW.
• APPLY to be a VENDOR by February 1.
  You may REGISTER ONLINE or download a printable registration form.
• LISTEN to Meg Barnhouse

Meg Barnhouse

Meg grew up in North Carolina and Philadelphia. ·After graduating from Duke University and Princeton Theological Seminary she spent a chapter of her life in Spartanburg, SC, working first as a college chaplain teaching Public Speaking, Human Sexuality, and World Religions, trying not to get them mixed up. Earning her credentials as a Pastoral Counselor, she ran her own counseling practice while raising her two sons who are now in their twenties.· She was active in the community, preaching and teaching in many churches, recording commentaries for NC Public Radio and "Weekend All Things Considered," serving as Interim Minister in several congregations and· helping to found the SAFE Homes Network for battered women. Along the way she earned a second-degree black belt in American Karate. She finished up that southern chapter with seven years as the minister of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Spartanburg, served as the Interim Minister at the UU Congregation of Princeton, and has just been welcomed by First UU Church of Austin TX as their settled minister!

She travels nationwide as a speaker, singer/songwriter and humorist. Often her partner, award winning singer/songwriter Kiya Heartwood accompanies her.

Her books, “Rock of Ages at the Taj Mahal,” “The Best of Radio Free Bubba,” “Waking Up the Karma Fairy,” “Return of Radio Free Bubba” and “Did I Say That Out Loud?” are compilations of stories from the radio. The latest book is "Broken Buddha." Her CD, “July Blue,” is a mix of 12 original songs and 3 stories. The· CD, “Mango Thoughts in a Meatloaf Town,” contains more original songs, including “All Will Be Well.” Her newest CD,· "Heart of Compassion," is a collection of Meg reading her favorite stories from her books.

Music Guest Kiya Heartwood

Award winning singer-songwriter Kiya Heartwood delivers intelligent lyrics, spellbinding storytelling, soulful confessions and political broadside with percussive guitar work, wide open vocals and a wicked groove. Kiya is half of the folk and roll duo Wishing Chair. www.wishingchair.com. Kiya's larger works include song cycles for Womens' and Mixed Chorus, operettas for young people, soundtracks for independent films and The Gaia Psalms, an earth based performance worship service for Unitarian Universalist congregations with narration by Rev. Meg Barnhouse. Kiya is the former Composer -in -Residence at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Princeton. She studied Music Composition at Converse College in SC and Westminster Choir College in Princeton, NJ.Kiya tours nationally and internationally as a solo artist and with Wishing Chair, and is the backup band for Meg Barnhouse. Kiya makes her happy home in Austin, TX.

Worship Leader Julie Lambert

Writer, artist, and educator Julie Lambert serves as the Director of Lifespan Religious Education for Bay Area Unitarian Universalist Church Houston, Texas. Her roots are in the Dallas area, where she directed a professional contemporary dance company for 13 years, and developed The BalletMobile, an arts-in-education program which served over half a million children in the United States and Canada· in both English and in French. She is a professional sculptor and painter, and one of her books has been a required text at Loyola University in Chicago and Dreyfoos High School of the Arts in Florida.

REGISTRATION INCLUDES:

• FRIDAY EVENING – registration begins at 3 pm. Opening ceremony, admission to the Bazaar
• Buy your raffle tickets at the Bazaar. Raffle items donated by vendors.
• Late evening “Jam Session” (bring your voice, your favorite instrument and a song to share)
• SATURDAY - breakfast, lunch and dinner, all day soft beverages.
• Worship Service, Keynote Speaker, and workshops.
• Raffle drawing after dinner. Buy your raffle tickets at the Bazaar.
• The Red Tent Room, entertainment Saturday night; More Bazaar
• SUNDAY MORNING - breakfast, worship service and closing ritual.

TO REGISTER:

• You may register online using a credit or debit card via PayPal at www.swuuw.org
  or mail the Registration Form with your check (made out to SWUUW) to the conference registrar:
  SWUUWCon 2012 Registrar, Verva Densmore, 3910 Sunset Terrace Dr., League City, TX 77573
• Each person attending MUST register separately (even if you are in the same family or household as another person attending).
• Pre-register if at all possible to help us plan space, food and a wonderful weekend for you.
• Early Registration by January 15th, $165. Regular registration $185. FINAL DEADLINE FEBRUARY 15!
• Registering on-site will ONLY be possible if space is available.
• There are no discounts for Workshop Presenters.
  Vendors who are also attending, please contact the Registrar.
• You may apply to be a vendor on our website.
• To help our “village” stay in touch, we will distribute all participants’ contact info to all others, via email unless otherwise requested.
• In this time of economic turmoil, please assist our sisters who might otherwise be unable to attend,
  please donate generously to the Scholarship Fund.

LODGING

Hilton Houston NASA Clear Lake
3000 NASA Road One, Houston,·Texas 77058-4322
Tel:·+1-281-333-9300············ Fax:·+1-281-333-3750·

Our special room rate of $80/night will be available until FEBRUARY 3 or until the group block is sold-out, whichever comes first. Visit our website for the link to online reservations! NOTE: SHUTTLE SERVICE from the airport is available but there is a charge.

IMPORTANT TRAVEL INFORMATION

Traveling by plane to Houston? Hobby Airport is the closest airport.
The NASA HILTON does not provide shuttle service.
To get transportation from Hobby Airport to NASA Hilton contact:
Super Shuttle.com or 1-800-Blue Van or Marvin at Reliable Taxi Service 713-416-6005
It is best to make reservations in advance.

SOCIAL JUSTICE

Please take this opportunity to bring something to help our local women's shelter, Bay Area Turning Point.
The women and children in this shelter need:
Diapers-sizes 4 & 5
New WHITE twin sheets and pillow cases
Over the Counter Medicines-NO PM or meds with alcohol or pseudophederine (sp?)
Band-aids and Home First Aid Kits
Wal-Mart Gift Cards

T-SHIRTS and TOTES

Our SWUUWCon 2012 T-shirts have our logo screen printed on the front in metallic silver! Gildan Ultra Cotton® Ladies' Classic-Fit T-Shirt and Men’s Tee in black: preshrunk 100% cotton jersey • 6.1-oz. • taped neck and shoulders • seamless • double-needle collar and hems • quarter-turned to eliminate center crease

Ladies’ style has narrow 5/8" neck rib • feminine cut shoulders and sleeves and is shorter in length and sleeve length than the men’s tee.

WIDTH is measured side-to-side at 1" below the sleeves. LENGTH is shoulder seam at collar to bottom hem.

Tote bag is 100% cotton canvas, no gusset. 14x16"

size:	XS	S	M	L	XL	2XL	3XL
men's tee width	---	18	20	22	24	26	28
men's tee length	---	27.5	28.5	30	31	31.5	32.5
ladies' tee width	16	18	20	22	24	26	28
ladies' tee length	23.5	25	26	27	28	29	30

REFUNDS

SWUUW REFUND POLICY - to be administered by the SWUUW Board -

• Only 50% may be refunded until January 5
• Only 25% may be refunded until January 15
• No Refund after January 15.

This refund policy will allow us to pay deposits and fees necessary prior to conference date.

QUESTIONS?

• About registration -- Please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it @ This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
• About the conference -- Please email conference co-convener Lynn Young, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it @ This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

MAIDEN PROGRAM

This year we will be offering a new and exciting, flexible maiden program for youth (13 to 18yrs). Exploring the UUniversal Beauty of our Bodies will include workshops, projects, and social events designed by maidens, for maidens that explore the concepts of beauty through health, wellness, fashion, media, and more.· The maiden program is designed to be a safe, supportive space for young women of faith. Youth registered as maidens are not limited to maiden identified workshops and may attend all open offerings. Adult sponsors of our maidens are responsible for their youth throughout the conference. READ MORE...

MORNING WORKSHOPS

All workshops are appropriate for all ages unless otherwise indicated. Please be sure to write your first and second choices on the registration form.

AM1···· The Spirituality of Consensus Building -- Margaret Anderson

Learn how women can lead the way to consensus and peace, in our congregations and beyond, using spiritual practices that speak to the feminine heart.

Margaret Anderson is the author of Bridges to Consensus in Congregations. A professional consensus-building trainer and consultant, she is an instructor in Rice University's School of Continuing Studies and a former adjunct professor at University of Houston.
Lecture, role-playing demonstration, discussion

AM2···· How UU Women Gather --· Kathy Calhoun

As a member of two women's groups, Kathy will share her experiences with church sponsored women's groups, and hopes that you come share your experiences and dream a little about the future.

Kathy is very active in UU stuff. She has attended all of the SWUUW conferences except for one. She has been the president of 3 different women's groups and is very active in the SWUUC leadership training.
Town Hall Meeting/Forum for Comments

AM3···· Simple Abundance-A Journey to Wholeness -- Jody Brown

Based on the book Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnach, this interactive workshop explores the principles of Gratitude, Simplicity, Order, Harmony, Beauty and Joy as a path to wholeness and spiritual growth.

Jody Brown, a Suzuki piano instructor, Discovery Toys educational consultant, Natural Childbirth Educator, Reiki practitioner and Meditation instructor, is also a Simple Abundance Certified Leader.
Presentation with Small Group Discussion

AM4····WORKSHOP FULL!! Collage: Exercise in Playful Unity -- Keddy Ann Outlaw

Bring 12 full page cutouts of favorite images, scissors and a glue stick (or $2 for supplies). Participants will be led in short collage exercises designed to increase composition skills and visual harmony. (optional but useful - bring a camera in case there is not time for full glue-down of compositions)

Keddy Ann Outlaw's mixed media collage and assemblage works are for sale at the Texas Art Asylum and Lucia's Garden. Houston Caladan Online Gallery gave her a solo show in July 2011.
Arts based Experience (music, visual art, dance, crafts) LIMIT 15 participants

AM5···· Where Men are Wives: An introduction to Yoruba Religion -- Mary Ann Clark

The Yoruba tradition is the major religious system we know almost nothing about. Workshop will introduce the basic beliefs and practices-and then we'll dance.

Mary Ann Clark is an author, fully initiated Santeria priestess, and long-time UU who is both a scholar and a participant in the Yoruba religious tradition.·· Lecture with Q&A and experiential opportunity

EARLY AFTERNOON WORKSHOPS

EA1····· Chanting in Sacred Circle: Find the Goddess Within -- Gretchen Ohmann

An introduction to raising energy singing and chanting in sacred space. In addition to singing new and familiar chants, you’ll get a handout listing places to find the growing resources in this spiritual tradition. Bring your voice, your heart and your hands to join in circle.

Gretchen Ohmann is a past member of CMwD Women and Religion and is currently a Continental UUW&R co-convener. Music Director at her local fellowship, she has led songs and chanting in congregations and women's retreats since the 80s.
Hands on, Participatory Workshop

EA2····· You Must Do the Things You Think You Cannot Do -- Marilyn Mehr

The presenter will tell how she circled the majestic Mt Blanc at 70 and transcended fears of loss, illness and aging.· Others will share stories of challenge and triumph.

Dr Marilyn Mehr is a member of the Board of All Souls NYC and former President of the UU-UNO, psychologist, retired Professor of Family Medicine -- and a hiker!·Presentation with Small Group Discussion

EA3····· La Vida Pura -- Escape the Enslavement of Materialism and Find True Happiness -- Betty Dabney

How one woman emerged from bankruptcy to find new meaning in life. You will develop a plan to purify your own life from spiritual bankruptcy.

Betty Dabney is a retired professor. She gave up most of her material possessions and wants to share this liberating experience to help others.
Hands on, Participatory Workshop

EA4····· Connecting with Your Higher Self -- Kay Cox

A workshop designed to use visual journaling to explore one's relationship to one's higher self: what do we mean by higher self and how does it manifest in relationships with one another and our community? Please bring a journal, a writing tool, scissors, glue sticks, favorite images from magazines and colored markers.

Kay Cox, M.A. retired nearly 20 years since practicing and teaching art therapy here and abroad. She now works as an artist and poet.·Arts-based Experience (music, visual art, dance, crafts)

EA5····· Introduction to Wellspring -- Julie Lambert

Experience this transformative spiritual deepening program based on spiritual practice, spiritual direction, small group meetings, study of UU history and theology, and faith in action.

Julie Lambert first became involved with Wellspring in 2009 and now leads three groups at BAUUC, where she serves as Director of Lifespan Religious Education.·Spiritual Practice

LATE AFTERNOON WORKSHOPS

LA1····· Cerridwyn and Her Cauldron of Transformation -- Linda Webster

Come stir the cauldron of Cerridwyn, Celtic Goddess of transformation. What will nourish you in the changes that you are going through now in your life? What will inspire you to pursue the transformations that you long for? Through storytelling, song, journaling, ritual and personal sharing, we will invite Cerridwyn's magic.

Linda Webster has been a member of the Women's Spirituality Group at First UU Church in Austin since 1985. She has developed and facilitated rituals and retreats on Goddesses and other topics in the area of women's spirituality (including Cakes for the Queen of Heaven and Rise Up and Call Her Name) and life passage rituals for women. She has presented SWUUW workshops before and has been in the planning group for the two SWUUW conferences held in Austin (1995 and 2003). Linda is also a Verditas-certified labyrinth facilitator.
Spiritual Practice

LA2····· Living an Authentic Life -- Susan Wildin

Join Susan for an experiential workshop to learn to listen to your own heart to make decisions and react to situations in ways that honor your deepest values. Discover tools that lead to self-empowerment and self knowledge. The exercises will be based on Nonviolent Communication, developed by Dr Marshall Rosenberg.

Susan Wildin, MD, is a developmental pediatrician turned mother and homemaker. She discovered the process of NVC 5 years ago and it has transformed her life. She has been conducting workshops for more than a year.
Hands on, participatory workshop

LA3····· Understanding Yourself Inside and Out -- Paula Rose

Utilizing collage, guided meditation and music, participants will gain a better understanding of who they present themselves to be and who they are in their deepest selves. Please bring $1 for materials.

Paula Rose is a longtime UU and teacher. She continues to refer to the insights gained after attending this workshop years ago at the Oklahoma City SWUUW conference.·Art-based Experience (music, visual art, dance, crafts)

LA4····· Zumba -- Melissa Magdaleno

Are you ready to party yourself into shape? The Zumba program is an exhilarating, effective, easy-to-follow, Latin-inspired, calorie-burning dance fitness-party, that blends red-hot international music, and contagious steps to form a "fitness party" that is downright addictive.

Melissa is a mother of 3 active children and works as a special education teacher. She loves to dance and has been a Zumba fitness instructor since April of 2010. She currently is certified in Zumba Basic level 1&2 and Zumbatomic (program for kids). Melissa hopes to be dancing and learning to teach women to love their bodies for many years to come.
Hands on, Participatory Workshop

LA5 ···· WORKSHOP FULL!! FIELD TRIP: Pontoon Boat Adventure at the Armand Bayou Nature Center, www.abnc.org. Enjoy a leisurely Saturday afternoon drifting down the bayou on our pontoon boat, the "Bayou Ranger". Observe wildlife searching for their breakfast on the bayou. This trip through the heart of the Nature Center presents an uncommon opportunity to watch and learn about bayou life. The boat will pick you up at the Bay Area Park boat launch (NOT at the nature center). There is room for 8 people on the boat, so it will be first come first serve. ADDITIONAL FEE: $20