toobigtoofail

Leadership

toobigtoofail — Thu, 12 May 2011 18:51:54 +0000

Dr. William P. Brown, Professor

Conference Plenary Moderator and Worship Leader

Recent Work to be discussed at Conference:

The Seven Pillars of Creation: The Bible, Science, and the Ecology of Wonder

Tevyn East of The Affording Hope Project

Conference Creative Artist

Will perform Leaps & Bounds

Dr. Tyrone B. Hayes, Professor

Conference Plenary Presenter

Click the above link to learn more about his interests, research, and publications

Dr. Marcia Ishii-Eiteman, Senior Scientist of PANNA

Conference Plenary Presenter

Check out her blog and learn more about PAN’s research

Dr. John E. Ikerd, Professor

Conference Plenary Presenter

Click above link to learn more about his interests, research, and publications

Rev. Ashley-Anne Masters

Conference Coordinator

Carolyn Raffensperger, M.A., J.D.

Conference Plenary Presenter

Executive Director of Science & Environmental Health Network

Dr. Holmes Rolston, Professor

Conference Plenary Presenter

Click link above to learn more about his interests, research, and publications

Rev. Stacy Smith

Conference Music Leader

Let Everything That Has Breath…

toobigtoofail — Thu, 12 May 2011 17:30:50 +0000

Worshiping our Creator will be an intergral aspect of our time together. In light of our theme, our worship services will be inspired by the Iona Community in Scotland. Rev. Stacy Smith-who spent significant time in the Iona Community- will be our music leader, and in collaboration with Rev. Hansen Wendlant and Rev. Ashley-Anne Masters, she will be crafting worship services rooted in the Iona Community resources and style of worship. Rev. Dr. Bill Brown will give a meditation each evening in light of the day’s discussions, and will preach during the Service of Communion and Closing Celebration on Saturday prior to our departure. Worship will include time for singing, time for prayer, time for reflection, time indoors, time outdoors, and most importatnly, a time to give thanks to God and “Be still and know.”

About the Iona Community:

We are full Members, Associate, Youth and Staff Members, Volunteers and Friends of the Iona Community. What we share, expressed in many different ways, is an experience of the liberating power of Jesus Christ, and a commitment to the personal and social transformation that spring from the vision and values of the gospel.

Members share a common Rule which includes:

Daily prayer and reading the Bible
Mutual sharing and accountability for our use of time and money
Regular meeting together
Action and reflection for justice, peace and the integrity of creation

Members meet regularly throughout the year in local groups and in 4 plenary gatherings, including a week on Iona.

As well as serving on the decision and policy-making bodies of the Community’s corporate work, members particularly focus on a two-year theme which shapes and informs its programmes and publications. The current theme is Peace. A commitment to Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation is an integral part of the Rule of the Iona Community, and a key aspect of our lives both as individuals and as a community. The Peace Working Group is currently conducting an audit of how we live out this part of our rule – as members, as local “Family”groups, and as a whole community. Members’ involvement varies according to the area they live in and their individual circumstances, but it is clear that across the community there is an unwavering commitment to peace and justice, reflected in many types of activity, from quiet peacemaking in our neighbourhoods and families, to political lobbying and nonviolent opposition to weapons of mass destruction

Sabbath & Siesta

toobigtoofail — Thu, 12 May 2011 13:18:13 +0000

You will notice in the Conference Schedule that there is built-in free time. You may stay on site and explore Highlands, take a nap, hike, walk the labyrinth or you may take a trip to some of the surrounding areas like Estes Park, Lily Lake, Boulder, Lyons, etc. Check out on site activities (10 person minimum) and prices at Highlands as well as other local attractions.

Boulder, Colorado

Lyons, Colorado

Rocky Mountain National Park

Estes Park

Optional PEC Sponsored Activities Include:

Thursday 3pm Highlands Trail Bird Walk

Guided by Ted Floyd, editor of Birding magazine and author of The Smithsonian Field Guide to North American Birds, and Bob Turner, former Vice-President of the Audubon Society in the Rocky Mountain Region, who has led bird walks in more than 100 countries. You can rely on identifying birds you might not have noticed with these two faithful guides.

Thursday 8:30pm PEC Wine & Cheese Reception

We look forward to welcoming you whether this is your first experience with PEC or you are a long time conversation partner and supporter. Come relax by the fireplace and learn more about PEC and how to become a member while meeting new colleagues and reconnecting with friends. Cheers!

Friday 8:30pm The Majesty of Long’s Peak

Learn about the tallest peak in Rocky Mountain National Park from the comfort of your seat with Long’s Peak expert Jim Detterline. He retired from the National Park Service and is the greatest living expert on Longs Peak.

Are We There Yet?

toobigtoofail — Thu, 12 May 2011 06:56:53 +0000

If you will be flying to Denver instead of driving, there are various transportation options for getting to and from Highlands for you and your family/group depending on your needs and budget.

If you will be driving or renting a vehicle, and are willing to offer a ride to or from Denver Airport, please email Ashley-Anne at aamasters@gmail.com. Please include number of persons/luggage you can take, estimated arrival time, and if you are available on Wednesday or Saturday.

If you’d like to ride in the PEC Shuttle from Highlands to Denver Airport on Saturday, please email Ashley-Anne with the number in your party and if you need the 12:00pm or the 3:30pm shuttle depending on your flight time. PEC Shuttle is $25 per person, payable by check at the event. Reserve now. Space is limited.

Helpful and informative links are included below:

Denver Airport Ground Transportation Information

Denver Super Shuttle

Regional Transportation District

Boulder Visitor Information

University Corporation for Atmospheric Research

Conference Schedule

toobigtoofail — Thu, 12 May 2011 06:13:53 +0000

Wednesday August 31

Pre-Conference Field Trips

(Optional-See details under Pre-Conference Field Trips Category)

4pm-5:30pm Check-in & Registration

5:45pm Highlands Orientation

6pm Dinner

7pm Opening Gathering & Worship

8:30pm-10pm Optional Activities & Fellowship

~~~~~

Thursday September 1

7:30am-8am Yoga (Optional)

8:15am-9am Breakfast

9am Gathering & Announcements

9:10am Leaps & Bounds Performance

10:45am Break

11am-12:30pm Workshop I

12:30pm-1:30pm Lunch

1:30pm-3pm Workshop II

3pm-6pm Sabbath and Optional Activities

6pm-7pm Dinner

7pm-8pm Plenary I

8pm-8:30pm Worship

8:30pm-10pm Optional Activities & Fellowship

~~~~~

Friday September 2

7:30am-8am Yoga (Optional)

8:15am-9am Breakfast

9am Gathering & Announcements

9:15am Worship

9:45am-10:45am Plenary II

10:45am-11am Break

11am-12:30pm Workshop III

12:30pm-1:30pm Lunch

1:30pm-3pm Workshop IV (or Field Trip; See Workshop Options Category)

3pm-6pm Sabbath and Optional Activities

6pm-7pm Dinner

7pm-8pm Plenary III

8pm-8:30pm Worship

8:30pm-10pm Optional Activities & Fellowship

~~~~~

Saturday September 3

7:30am-8am Yoga (Optional)

8:15am-9am Breakfast

8:45-9:30 PEC Annual Meeting

Please check out prior to breakfast to ensure everything is out of your space by 10am.

There will be space to store luggage if you do not have a vehicle on site.

9:30am-12pm Worshipful Work & Closing Celebration: A blend of Plenary, Dialogue, Worship, & Communion

12pm Lunch & Departures

If you need to leave immediately due to flight times, box lunches will be available

Go in Peace!

The Conversation Continues

toobigtoofail — Thu, 12 May 2011 05:57:49 +0000

Thursday Morning: Workshop I

1. Cleanliness and Godliness: Practical Tips for Non-toxic Stewardship of Your Home and Body

Shantha Ready Alonso, Advocacy & Outreach Specialist for National Council of Churches

2. Recovery and Transformation Workshop Description

Tevyn East, The Affording Hope Project

3. Follow up on Precautionary Principle Plenary: Empowerment for the Task

Carolyn Raffensberger, Science & Environmental Health Network and Tyrone Hayes, Biologist and Herpetologist

4. Stories of Faith, Stories of Hope: Sustainability, Community, and the Good Life

Peter Sawtell, Eco-Justice Ministries

Thursday Afternoon: Workshop II

1. Climate Change and its Impact on the Poor, Including ACCRA Confession

Andrew Kang Bartlett, Presbyterian Hunger Program

2. Environmentally Responsible Investment

Bill Somplatsky-Jarman, Peace, Compassion and Justice Office PC (USA)

3. Food and Faith, Including Congregational Health Index

Jenny Holmes and Diane Waddell, PEC

4. Be the Change You Wish to See: Choices for Embodying Transformed Values

Peter Sawtell, Eco-Justice Ministries

5. Eco-Stewards Program Workshop Description

Katie Holmes, Environmental Ministries Office PC (USA)

Friday Morning: Workshop III

1. Environmental Ministries Updates Workshop Description

Katie Holmes, Environmental Ministries Office PC (USA)

2. Climate Change Implications: The UN Climate Change Meeting Cancun

Bill Somplatsky-Jarman, Peace, Compassion, and Justice PC (USA)

3. Crisis and Opportunity: Sustainable Agriculture Sustainable Economics

John Ikerd, Agricultural Economist

4. Too Small to Fail: Small Scale Farming Takes on High-Tech Agribusiness

Andrew Kang Bartlett, Presbyterian Hunger Program and Marcia Ishii-Eiteman, PANNA

Friday Afternoon: Workshop IV

1. Earth Care Congregations Workshop Description

Katie Holmes, Environmental Ministries Office PC (USA) and Jane Laping, PEC

2. Ecological Implications of Proposed Uranium Mining in Virginia: An Eco-Justice Approach Recent Info

Tom Pakurar, Hands Across the Lake

3. Invasive Species

George Beck, Bioagricultural Scientist and Gary Beil , Minnesota Crop Improvement Association

4. Bus tour of Rocky Mountain National Park (4 hours)

$40 fee; space is limited Payable on Highlands Registration Site

You may choose one workshop option per time frame.

You will be prompted to choose your workshops when you register for the conference via Highlands Registration site.

Pre-Conference Field Trips

toobigtoofail — Thu, 12 May 2011 05:48:11 +0000

Want to arrive early and take part in even more exploration of Colorado? Great!

See details below:

PEC PRE-CONFERENCE TRIP/TOUR

This year, those who arrive early for the Presbyterians for Earth Care Conference will have an opportunity to visit three world class environmental laboratories:

1. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colorado

NREL is the only federal laboratory dedicated to the research, development, commercialization and deployment of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. Backed by 33 years of achievement, NREL leads the way in helping meet the growing demand for clean energy. We will have a guided tour of a portion of the laboratory, led by a scientist who specializes in the concerns of faith congregations. Their web site is at www.nrel.gov.

2. The National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder

The National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) is a federally funded research and development center devoted to service, research and education in the atmospheric and related sciences. NCAR’s mission is to understand the behavior of the atmosphere and related physical, biological and social systems; to support, enhance and extend the capabilities of the university community and the broader scientific community – nationally and internationally; and to foster transfer of knowledge and technology for the betterment of life on Earth. A tour at NCAR offers an informative view of weather, climate, and the broad spectrum of atmospheric research at a world-class science laboratory. Learn about current Earth science research spanning our planet’s changing climate to atmospheric chemistry and the genesis of severe weather phenomena. See scientific observational tools including some of the fastest supercomputers in existence today. For more information, see their web site at ncar.ucar.edu.

3. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Boulder Laboratories

At the Boulder Laboratory we will enjoy “Science on a Sphere:” Here’s a description: Science On a Sphere (SOS)® is a room sized, global display system that uses computers and video projectors to display planetary data onto a six foot diameter sphere, analogous to a giant animated globe. Researchers at NOAA developed Science On a Sphere® as an educational tool to help illustrate Earth System science to people of all ages. Animated images of atmospheric storms, climate change, and ocean temperature can be shown on the sphere, which is used to explain what are sometimes complex environmental processes, in a way that is simultaneously intuitive and captivating.

There will be two housing options for those who choose to arrive on August 30:

1. Complimentary guest housing with members of St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Boulder, arranged by the St. Andrew Green Team. Transportation from Denver International Airport to Boulder is available through RTD ($ ) or by arrangement with host families.

2. Housing in Golden at the Candlewood Suites. Cost for a double room is $79. Please reserve directly with the hotel at (303) 232-7171. The hotel address is 895 Tabor Street Golden, CO 80401

Transportation will be provided with ten-passenger vans, one of which will leave from St. Andrew’s parking lot at 9 a.m. on August 31, and the other which will depart the Candlewood Suites at 9:30 a.m. Both vans will travel to NREL in Golden, where our tour will begin at 10 a.m. We will depart at Noon from NREL and head toward Boulder; box lunches will be provided. The balance of the afternoon will be spent at NCAR and NOAA, and we will depart in time to arrive at Highlands Camp and Retreat Center in Allenspark by 5:30 p.m. for check-in.

Security at Federal sites is important, so please be sure to have with you a valid driver’s license or other official photo-ID, such as a U.S. Passport, for clearance.

Cost is $60 per participant, including transportation, guided tours and the box lunch. Checks payable to Presbyterians for Earth Care and indicate “Pre Con Trip” in Memo line.

This trip is limited to the first twenty participants, with a waiting list. Reservations will be accepted until August 10, 2011.

Please note registration for the pre-conference trips is not available on the Highlands Conference Registration site, as this is a separate PEC event.

If you would like to register for these activities, please contact St Andrew Presbyterian Church and mark all correspondence as “PEC Pre-Conference Tour.”

St Andrew Presbyterian Church

3700 Baseline Road Boulder, CO 80303

(303) 494-8094 office@standrewboulder.org

Medical Care

toobigtoofail — Thu, 12 May 2011 01:10:45 +0000

We certainly hope you have a wonderful visit free of health concerns or injuries!

However, should you need medical attention, we want to be sure you have the following information:

Estes Park Medical Center

Full Service, Critical Access Hospital Open 24/7

555 Prospect Ave

Estes Park, CO 80517

(970) 227-0339

Timberline Medical, LLC

A Family Practice and Urgent Care Clinic

131 Stanley Ave, Suite 202

Estes Park, CO 80517

(970) 586-2343

Located across the parking lot from the Holiday Inn-Hwy 7 & 36

Summer Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-6pm Walk-Ins Welcome

What to Pack & What to Expect

toobigtoofail — Thu, 12 May 2011 00:53:22 +0000

Our check-in time is
4:00 p.m.

Our check-out time is
10:00 a.m.

Please contact the office if you need other

arrangements for check-in and check-out.

Please do not schedule any activities that might be disruptive to other groups during quiet hours from 10:30PM – 6:30AM

WHAT TO EXPECT: We strive to meet our guests highest expectations. Please check with our staff if you have questions that are not addressed.

Pets are not allowed on site or in buildings due to the multiple group use of our facility and wildlife habitats at camp.

Cell phones do not work at Highlands. Please give relatives or friends, who may need to contact you during your stay, our number: 303-747-2888.

We will gladly give you messages when the office is open. For after hours emergencies, callers are directed to staff members’ phone numbers to call so that we may bring you a message no matter what time of day or night.

There is a phone in our lobby for guests to use for local and long-distance calling within the United States at no additional charge.

WHAT TO BRING: Personal gear and toiletry items. Bedding and towels will be provided in Retreat Center and Cabins for this event specifically. Since the camp is located at 8,500 ft., please plan to dress for temperatures 10-15 degrees cooler than those found on the Front Range. If you plan to hike or take long walks, sunscreen, appropriate footwear, a hat and a water bottle are highly recommended.

DINING ROOM SET UP: In order to minimize your costs, guests are expected to help in clean up after each meal by returning their dishes to the dish room and wiping down their tables in the dining room that they use.

CLEAN UP: Retreat Center: On your last day, please strip your beds, put all soiled linens & towels in pillow cases and place them outside the bedroom door. Cabins: Cleaning instructions are posted in each cabin. A $50 fee per cabin will be added to your bill should these instructions not be followed.

MISCELLANEOUS:Because we have a variety of facilities we can serve several groups at one time. You may be sharing the Dining area with at least one other group.· Vehicles on site must follow posted signs designating speed limits, restrictions, traffic areas, parking, delivery and pick-up areas.

Parking is located in front of the Retreat Center with overflow parking on the ball field. Parking and/or driving is not permitted near the cabins.

· Non-passenger vehicles: Highlands prohibits the transportation of persons in non-passenger vehicles(example: backs of pickup trucks, wagons or trailers, etc.)

· Medical/First Aid: User groups are to provide their own first aid and emergency care, designate individual[s] responsible for first aid and emergency care and emergency transportation, provide their own first aid supplies and equipment, and follow emergency procedures. Highlands Presbyterian Camp & Retreat Center is not responsible for medical care for user groups. For your protection and in order to comply with our ACA accreditation requirements, we require that each group have an individual on site who holds First Aid and CPRcertifications (with both certifications received from nationally-recognized providers). An emergency phone is available at the front desk of the Retreat Center. Allenspark Fire Protection District can be reached by calling 911.

· Emergency transportation: We require that user groups have medical emergency transportation available at all times. This specifies that you must have a vehicle on site that is in operational order and has enough fuel to reach the emergency care location. The closest hospital is located in Estes Park.

· No alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia, weapons, firearms, ammunition, or fireworks or their consumption and/or use are allowed anywhere on camp property.

· Participant information: Group leaders are to gather the following information from all group participants: name and address, emergency contact names and numbers, any known allergies or health conditions requiring treatment, restriction or other accommodation while on site. For minors without a parent on site, signed permission to seek emergency treatment or a signed religious waiver is required.

· No smoking is permitted in buildings. Additionally, smoking is strongly discouraged on site. If there is a need to smoke outside, please utilize the gray receptacles located at the west and northeast Retreat Center exits.

· Candles are not permitted in any sleeping area.

· Environmental Concerns: No ATV’s are permitted on site. For the protection of our property please stay on designated paths. No woodcutting is permitted. Fire wood is available on request. Property damage: Do not mark on anything on camp property. If property is damaged, the individual and/or group will be assessed charges for the repair and/or replacement of the property plus labor.

· Food is not permitted in sleeping areas of the Retreat Center or cabins. Non-perishable, purchased snacks and beverages that do not require refrigeration or heating are permitted in the retreat center meetingrooms. Food preparation is only permitted in cabins with kitchens. If you are staying in a cabin with a kitchen, food preparation guidelines are posted and must be adhered to by all user groups preparing their own meals or snacks.

· Personal sports equipment: It is the responsibility of the group leader to ensure that all sports equipment provided by the group or group participants be stored properly for the safety of all. Please contact Highlands for information on using our equipment. No personal gear may be used on climbing areas.

· Supervision of children and youth: We require that the following ratios be adhered to at all times in the supervision of children and youth:

Camper Age            # Staff        Overnight Campers           Day-only
4-5 years               1              5                              6
6-8 years               1                        6                              8
9-14 years             1                      8                              10
15-18 years           1                      10                            12

Highlands Presbyterian Camp & Retreat Center does not authorize any exceptions to ratio requirement regulations. Supervisory staff must be 18 years of age or older and at least 2 years older than the minors with whom they are working. There should be a minimum of two adults present at all times.

Specialized activities, including archery, the Challenge Course, canoeing, rock climbing, horseback riding, and mountain biking, can only be used according to prior arrangements with Highlands and appropriate personnel. Any group participating in a specialized activity is required to follow the activity’s “Specialized Activity Operating Procedures” and sign our approved release of liability forms.
Audio/Visual Equipment: PA system, DVD, VCR, TV, audiocassette tape and CD player, LCD and overhead projectors, and screens can be scheduled for your use in advance of your retreat. Easels (please bring your own paper pads and markers) and dry erase boards are also available upon request.
Copy Machine/Fax: Available during office hours. Cost is $.10 per copy/sheet.
Questions & Emergencies: If there are problems with anything in your facility, please notify one of our staff members. After hours, emergency numbers and the phone numbers of on-site staff are posted by the phone in the main lobby.
Exceptions: Exceptions or amendments to this contract are subject to review & approval by the Executive Director and/or Camp Committee.

The leader of the group is required to orient the participants to Highlands’ safety procedures and regulations.

Spread the Word!

toobigtoofail — Wed, 11 May 2011 20:17:52 +0000

Like us on Facebook:

Presbyterians for Earth Care 2011 Conference

Oversized Post-Card for Mailings/Events/Bulletin Boards

Bulletin Insert/Rack Card

Calling Card (Business Card Size) to Include in Correspondence

Download & Print Your Own Color Flyer

Download & Print Your Own Color Brochure

Text Only: No Graphics

To dropped in newsletters, bulletins, etc when you have limited space.

Are you going to Big Tent in Indianapolis?

Ashley-Anne Masters, Conference Coordinator, will be there and will have items available if you would like some to take back to your congregation/organization. If you’re not going , but would like some of these items, please email aamasters@gmail.com.