What do you think we Unitarian Universalists must ask ourselves as we go forward?  You are invited to help develop the discussion about the big questions. Submit your BIG QUESTIONS (Powerful Question) now through the day before the conference via this form  http://tinyurl.com/bcduua2011bigquestions. 

Two ways to register:

1)  On line via this site.

2) By regular mail with registration form (end of page) with check

[must be mailed by April 25 to ensure delivery before the conference]

The is no registration fee to only attend the District Annual Meeting  

Schedule

8:15 - 9:00                 Registration, Mix & Mingle, Delegate Credentialing, UU Mall

9:00 - 10:15               Worship with keynote sermons

10:15 - 10:25             Announcements

10:25 - 10:45             Break

10:45 - 12:15             Workshops

12:15 - 1:10                Lunch

1:10 - 1:30                 Presentation -- the 50^th Anniversary General Assembly

1:30 - 3:30                BCD Annual Meeting

Workshops

The Big Questions about:

1.   What do we need to ask ourselves to be a vital religion in our region?

People have been invited to submit what they consider to be the Big Question about our faith for this time. This facilitated open forum will provide participants an opportunity to discuss the issues that have been raised and consider what we need to do to be vital and viable

            Peter Bowden, Growth Consultant, Ballou Channing District.

2.  How can we maintain our tradition and yet adapt to changes in our society?

Unitarian Universalism and our congregations have a fine faith tradition and we also must address changes that are happening around us and in our congregations.  How can we balance the old and the new?  This workshop will explore polarity management, a technique congregations can use to make adaptive changes.

Karen Brammer, Small Church Consultant, Northern New England District

3.  How do we provide appropriate pastoral care for a changing population?

Research shows that the population demographics within society and within our churches are changing.  This workshop will focus on a new model to address pastoral care needs in order to have healthy congregations in new times. Denis Mecham is a counselor and the author of an about to released book about lay pastoral care training.

            Denis Mecham, Community Minister and author

4.  How can RE meet the needs for children and families in this changing world? 

Our society is no longer what it was. Do, or should, our churches just teach religion or should the focus be on developing a child's, youth's or adult's faith in this our changing culture?  And how are we to do what we need to do to have and support a first rate program? This workshop is an open forum to discuss these and other question in life-span religious ministry.

            Diane Elliott, Religious Professional Development Coach, Ballou Channing District

Other Information

·         UU Network Mall:   An assembly of informational displays and items for sale, Vendors, congregations, and organizations that wish to have a display should call the BCD office (508) 599-6650 to reserve a space.

·         Directions:  The church is located at 4 North Main (Route 27) at the corner of N. Main and Depot Street in Sharon Center.  Yahoo maps at: http://maps.yahoo.com·         Questions:  Call the District Office at 508-559-6650 or email bcdoffice@uua.orgThe BCD Congregation Contributions helps provide staff support for the Conference.

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BCD Spring Conference        Saturday, April 30, 2011    

Name _______________________________________________Do you have a position in

Address ____________________________________________   your congregation? 

City ______________________  State ______ Zip __________     ___ Minister  ___ President  

Email ______________________________________________     ___ DRE        ___Board  mbr

Congregation ________________________________________     ___ Committee Chair

·         Conference registration fee:  $25 Adult               $10 Youth (under 18)            

 (Fee includes continental breakfast and lunch)

# adults _____X $25  =  $_____# youth _____ X $ 10  =  $____ =  $______ Total Due

At the door Conference fee is $40 for adults, $10 for youth.

·         Annual Meeting Registration fee:   No fee

Lunch options: vegetarian ___    omnivore___       Workshop choice:  #____     

Mail by April 25 to: BCD Office, 325 West Elm St., Brockton, MA. 02301