UU Studies Network 2023 Convocation

180 N. Wabash Ave.,Chicago IL 60601

23 March, 2023

Description

Widening the Circle of UU Studies, the inaugural international gathering of the new Unitarian Universalist Studies Network, will encourage presenters and attendees to engage across multiple and intersecting disciplines with the 2020 Report of the Commission on Institutional Change, Widening the Circle of Concern (Boston: UUA, 2020) which analyzes structural and systemic racism in Unitarian Universalism. Widening the Circle of UU Studies will include presentations from a variety of disciplines and perspectives that explore the imaginative, congregational, intellectual, and liberatory study of Unitarian Universalism. Beyond presentations, Widening the Circle of UU Studies will include an optional Thursday-afternoon field trip to Chicago area attractions, panels addressing a wide variety of topics, social hours and communal lunches and dinners, and a talk from our distinguished speaker, Rev. Dr. Natalie Fenimore. Keynote speakerRev. Dr. Natalie Fenimore is Lead Minister and Minister for Lifespan Religious Education at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock in Manhasset, NY, past President of the Liberal Religious Educators Association, and a former member of the UUA Commission on Institutional Change and a former VP of the Board of Trustees for Starr King School for the Ministry, and member of the UUA Commission on Institutional Change. Rev. Dr. Fenimore is an author of Unitarian Universalist Religious Education Curriculum and Religious Education Renaissance Modules, meditations and readings. She is a contributing author in “Centering: Navigating Race, Authenticity and Power in Ministry” and “UUA Commission on Institutional Change: Widening the Circle of Concern.” Her Doctor of Ministry area of study is Narrative Theology with an emphasis on Story and Faith Development for African American Unitarian Universalists. RegistrationThis event is offered on multiplatform. Registration is on a sliding scale, and a day pass is also available for in-person participation on Friday. Registration for In-Person Participation closes on March 16, 2023. Registration for Online Participation closes on March 23. 2023.  HotelsHotels are not included in your registration, but special rates have been arranged with Hotel Julian and Hotel Monaco. Please use the links below to book a reservation as a reduced price. Hotel Julian. 2 minute walk to Meadville Lombard. From $142.69 per night. Reserve room here. Hotel Monaco. 2 minute walk to Meadville Lombard. From $139 per night Reserve room here. COVID ProtocolProof of vaccination is required (including eligible boosters), with exemptions as needed. Please bring your ID and your vaccination card to campus. Masks are required. Disinfecting wipes and additional masks will be available. Please use them.Facilitators and participants should take all recommended precautions before traveling. We strongly encourage travelers to purchase travel insurance and have a contingency plan should you contract Covid during your time in Chicago.Schedule For the most up-to-date and detailed schedule, please visit UUSN's event page. Thursday, March 23, 2023 Kick-off dinner (included)Optional afternoon field trip in ChicagoFriday, March 24, 2023 Breakfast (included)Morning programs including "Sharing Equitable Unitarian Universalist Histories"Afternoon programs including "Reckoning with Marginalized Communities in International U/U Histories" and "International Unitarian Universalism and White Christian Nationalism: What Is to Be Done?"Dinner (included)KeynoteSaturday, March 25, 2023 Breakfast (included)Morning programsAfternoon programs including "Path of Exclusion: Credentialism in Ways to Ministry," "Owning Our Past: Developing a Curriculum" and a panel, "Is Congregational Polity Untouchable?"Sunday, March 26, 2023 Breakfast (included)Morning programs including worship and a panel, "Reimagining the Scholar-Minister"