Winter is the Perfect Time to Think About Summer – in Minneapolis

Feb 18th, 2010 • Category: Committee News, Denominational Affairs, News & Events

February is an excellent time to start making plans to attend General Assembly, June 23-27, 2010 in Minneapolis.  Although registration for GA will not open until March 1, this is an ideal time to look at air fares and to budget for expenses.

Minneapolis is it a progressive, culturally diverse, LGBT friendly city, rich in cultural arts and a stunning natural environment.  There are 900 lakes and 170 parks in the Twin Cities area, making this GA an excellent family vacation destination.

There are many housing options at GA this year and at a variety of price points. Four pre-GA tour packages have been developed: Tour #1 visits 3 local UU congregations and Sculpture Gardens; Tour #2 is a narrated boat ride down the Mississippi River.  Tour #3 is an ethnic cook’s tour of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Tour #4 is shopping and dinner (on your own) at the Mall of America.  All Tours take place on Tuesday, June 22, 2010.The GA Planning Committee offers some scholarships, and other financial aid is available if you start planning now.

But the biggest draw is General Assembly itself.  Participants will experience wonderful and uplifting worship services with glorious music and inspiring messages; be able to network with UUs from other congregations, attend panel discussions, workshops, lectures and, shop in the Exhibit Hall as well as attend to the business of the Association.  Several important resolutions, will be discussed and voted.

As in past years there will be special events

·         the Opening Celebration and Banner Parade on Wednesday night with singer, songwriter, (“Holy Now” and “Blue Boat Home.”) Peter Mayer www.petermayer.net/music, who will be Live in concert at UUCWC on Saturday, March 27th

·         The Ware Lecturer with Minnesotan Winona LaDuke, an internationally renowned Native American (Anishinabe) activist

·         A Public Witness as part of the Twin Cities’ Pride Festival & Parade (GA will take place during the city’s annual Pride Festival)

Read all about GA 2010 at  www.uua.org/ga.

Jim Sanders