Pacific Northwest District of the Unitarian Universalist Association
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Blessing the World

Janine Larsen, District Executive

How does our presence, as individuals and as a religion, bless the world? This is the question and challenge we will be exploring in community at our Annual General Meeting (AGM), February 29 through March 2, in Tacoma, WA.

If you don’t have your mailing handy, check our website here to learn more about the opportunity AGM offers for shared governance of our congregations, leadership learning and personal spiritual deepening.

The elected delegates of our PNWD member congregations are called to this our 46 th annual business meeting to discuss our shared goals as a religious body, to elect the district Board of Directors, and to receive news to bring back home. District dues will be increasing with the 2008/09 fiscal year for the first time since 2001, and the Board will hold a special forum to review rules for the UUA Trustee election in 2009. We will also participate in the governance of the Pacific Northwest UU Growth Foundation, which provides loans and grants to stimulate growth of Unitarian Universalism in the Pacific Northwest District and British Columbia.

Be sure to arrive early this year! Opening ceremonies are held on Friday evening, and all delegates MUST register and pick up their credentials by 8:15 AM on Saturday, since our business meeting begins early (8:45 AM) this year.

The planning team from our South Sound host congregations, Olympia UU Congregation, Tahoma UU Congregation, and Saltwater UU Church, has created a rich experience for us at the newly remodeled Hotel Murano in downtown Tacoma. Saturday offers three rounds of workshops on a variety of topics related to congregational strengthening, spiritual growth and social action and witness. We are very fortunate to have the Rev. Dr. Rebecca Parker, author, theologian and President of Starr King School of the Ministry (UU) as our keynote speaker for Saturday evening’s banquet.

Please share our enthusiastic invitation with UU Youth and Young Adults in your congregation! Youth in High School will focus on leadership and spiritual expression, and Middle Schoolers will enjoy creative religious exploration as well as a variety of fun activities. Along with participating in all AGM activities, Young Adults will have the chance to meet with peers to deepen fellowship and meaningful congregational connections.

We encourage congregations to financially support delegates and others in attending AGM. PNWD will offer travel equalization grants to delegates once again this year – see the “Business” section of the AGM website to learn more.

Tacoma offers a wealth of cultural opportunities while you’re in town for AGM, including the Museum of Glass, Tacoma Art Museum and the Washington State History Museum – and several tantalizing restaurants and shops within walking distance of our meeting site. See “Details” for info on public transportation and more on our website!

Register early for the lowest rates, and make your hotel reservations by February 6 to take advantage of our conference rate. We look forward to being blessed by your presence at AGM this year – SEE YOU ON “LEAP WEEKEND” IN TACOMA, WA!