Here is a sampling of activities you might want to put on your calendar. For more information about St. Lawrence District (SLD) activities, visit www.sld.uua.org, or ask Michael Scott or the individual contacts listed for events below.

September 15 – deadline for Chalice Lighter Grants. The deadline to file an “Intent to Apply” is Monday September 15. An “Intent to Apply” must be filed in order to obtain a Chalice Lighter Grant application. For more info visit www.sld.uua.org

September 16, 2008 – Zhaxi Zhouma Rinpoche Lecture. Zhaxi Zhouma Rinpoche will be giving a free lecture at the First Universalist Church at 150 South Clinton Avenue, Rochester, NY, on September 16, 2008 from 7-9 pm. “Anyone interested in obtaining good fortune and happiness, becoming enlightened in this lifetime, and learning more about why and how Dorje Chang Buddha has come to America should attend this presentation.” Please visit www.zhaxizhuoma.net for more information.

September 18, 2008 – Causes In Common. Causes in Common, a program which focuses on GLBT community issues, is being planned for Thursday Sept 18th at First Universalist. For more information, please see Todd Plank at First Universalist.

September 19-21 – Unirondack work/play weekend. Have you ever visited our UU camp in the North Country? It’s a beautiful and reverence-inspiring place. Work/play weekends are a low-key way to enjoy the woods and contribute to the upkeep of the camp. Attendees spend Saturday morning cleaning and repairing facilities, and the rest of the weekend hiking, canoeing, or otherwise relaxing in the great outdoors. Cost is $15 for communal meals. Accommodations (cabins) are rustic. Contact director@unirondack.org.

September 27 – “Building and Sustaining a Strong Small Group Ministry Program”. Hosted by the First UU Society of Albany, NY, this workshop will provide inspiration and information for lay and professional leaders who are (1) beginning a Small Group Ministry Program, (2) in an existing program in need of revitalization, and/or (3) seeking inspiration and ideas on how to expand and grow an existing program. The workshop leader will be the Rev. Dr. M’ellen Kennedy of Strafford and Washington, VT. Cost is $40 ($35 for each additional person from the same congregation). Contact Rev. Deane Perkins: deaneperkins@gmail.com or (518) 793-3405.

September 27 – “Growing People of Prophetic Fire: Spiritual Osmosis and Social Justice”. Annual Fall Ingathering for Religious Educators to be held at First Unitarian Church of Rochester, 220 Winton Rd. South. The Rev. Richard Gilbert will be the keynote speaker. Cost is $10, which includes lunch. Contact Jacki Thompson: lepican@unitarian.ithaca.ny.us or (607) 273-7521 Ext 23.

September 28, 2008 – A Leap of Faith Reception to benefit Refugees.
A reception with photographer Chris Kogut will be held Thursday, September 28 5:30- 8:30 pm at Gallery Kunstler at Booksmart Studio, 250 N. Goodman Street to benefit Catholic Family Center’s Refugee Resettlement Program. Contact Cheryl Marshall at 262-7172 or cmarshall@cfrochester.org for more info or to register.

October 4 – Politics & Liberal Religious Values Campaign 2008. Hosted by the First Unitarian Society of Schenectady and presented by the St. Lawrence District Social Justice Council, this will be an opportunity for social justice people to consider the implications of their faith in a critical election year. Blair Horner, Legislative Director of the New York Public Interest Group (NYPIRG) will be the featured speaker. There will also be a panel and audience discussion, and various topical workshops. For further information, visit www.sld.uua.org.

October 10-11 – New York State Convention of Universalists annual meeting. Hosted by the UU Fellowship of Poughkeepsie, NY. Charlie Clements, President of the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee, will be the keynote speaker: “How Universalist Values Are Having An Impact In Every Corner of the World, Every Day”. There will be variety of additional workshops, worship services, social activities, and the annual business meeting. For further information, visit www.nyscu.org.

October 17-19 – Unirondack work/play weekend. A SLD activity, see the Sept. 19-22 description above.

October 17-19 – UU Weekend at Silver Bay, Lake George, NY. This popular annual event provides a wonderful cooperative opportunity to get together with other UU’s from all over the Northeast, at a classic, 600-acre Adirondack resort. Hosted by the SLD, there will be optional workshops on topics ranging from the intellectual to the recreational; social events; a Saturday night talent show; hiking; boating; and lots of time to talk and relax. Friday evening entertainment will be provided by famed UU musician Jim Scott. Cost ranges from $102 to $318 per person, depending on age, accommodations, and meals. Financial assistance may be available. Contact Randy Rosette: rosette_jensen@juno.com or (518) 783-9202.

June 2009 — UUA Elections. Elections for UUA president, moderator, and financial advisor as well as members of decision making boards, commissions, and committees will be held at the June 2009 General Assembly. Please take a few minutes to get to know each of the candidates by visiting the UUA’s election website http://www.uua.org/aboutus/governance/elections/index.shtml and joining the UUA Election-l email list at http://lists.uua.org/mailman/listinfo/election-l.