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 The LRE Conference week begins as conferees drive into the parking lot—the gang gathering at the harbor, often for the first time of the year. We're greeted by Pels, some of us meet old friends, and we all get a glimpse at new friends to be made. The excitement to get on-island is palpable, and the boat edition of the Starliner helps kick things off.
On Island, your morning begins with the smell of fresh sea air and the sound of the gulls, or if you're a sound sleeper, with the sweet “music” of the wake-up singers. If you’re a swimmer, you might want to join the Polar Bears for a morning dip at 7:00 a.m. It’s so refreshing, participants are awarded a special certificate at the end of the week! Coffee, tea and hot chocolate are served on the porch at Oceanic long before 8:00 a.m. breakfast. The rocking chairs are an early beckon to quietly watch the day begin. A walk around the island might be your preference, or yoga — whatever feels right.
Programming for all ages begins at 9:00 a.m. with multigenerational worship/theme talk in Elliott, just off the porch. Children and youth remain with family for this experience, a cornerstone of our conference. After this stimulating hour, conferees split off into morning workshops for adults and programming for children and youth, from 10-12. Locations for the various offerings are posted in Elliott. The gentle rhythm and soft sounds of community become familiar sooner than later.
The lunch bell rings to announce the noon meal, refreshing everyone for afternoon activities. Lunch is a chance for parents to reconnect with children and youth, and plan for an afternoon together. There is a one-hour Island Quiet Time observed from 1:00-2:00, followed by a variety of afternoon activities to choose from like baseball games, art barn, swimming, island wandering, porch chats, afternoon workshops, or a good long nap.
 Social time is at 5:30, weather-permitting outside watching the sun continue its summer stretch across the ocean. Look west to the mainland, or east to the horizon — it’s all stunning in its simplicity and charm.
Dinner at 6:30 is often followed by optional activities like singing and bonfire, Sock-Hop, Musicale, Talent Show, and Pel Show. ("Pel" is short for "Pelican." They're the amazing folks who keep the island running, and help take care of our needs while we're on island.) Maybe, though, you’re just as happy with a lime-rickey or ice cream cone from the snack bar and a rocker on the porch.
For many, the day comes to a close with evening chapel services. Walking in silence up the path, carrying your lantern, toward chapel services is really one of the most special, spiritual moments on Star. If you still have energy at 11 p.m. and beyond, there are late-night social gatherings for grown-ups as well as raucous games, like cards or spoons.
LRE Week on Star Island has something for everyone: family time, quiet time, time to build your skills as a lay or professional religious educator, time to reflect and recharge, and time to relax and have fun. Most of all, it is a chance to be a part of an extraordinary, warm, and nurturing UU community. |
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