Developing UU Leaders With Vision!
A Day in the Life of NELS
Here is an example of a typical day at
NELS. The curriculum is ever evolving
to address new challenges.
7:15 Worship Service
Every participant has the opportunity to be part of
planning worship service. Small groups are given a theme and
then have 24 hours to create a worship service for the
community. Services take place in the rustic tabernacle
building. Each worship service is unique and may include music,
guided meditation, singing, and other elements to build
community.
7:45 Breakfast
All meals are eaten together. Meal times are important
social times where food and informal discussion are enjoyed.
8:30 Worship Reflection
This is an opportunity to consider what worked in the
worship service and what the worship leaders learned.
9:05 Leadership Development
"Why am I here?" -- This is one of the themes addressed to
learn which human qualities contribute to effective
leadership.
10:10 Break
10:30 Theology
"Too Good to Damn" -- Is human nature innately
good? Is there a divine spark within us? Do I believe in
sin? These questions and many others are explored in
lectures by the historian/theologian on staff.
11:45 Lunch
A variety of choices, including vegetarian, is
available at each meal.
12:30 to 1:45 Free Time
2:00 Worship
"What practice deepens our experience?" -- Most of us want our
worship not only to speak to our minds and engage our
intelligence, but also to touch our hearts and move us
emotionally. Is our worship large enough to hold the real,
whole and sometimes messy lives of each person who attends?
3:15 Break
3:35 Leadership Development
In the "Creative Conflict" group exercise, participants
begin to understand their own conflict management
styles and learn the appropriate times to use alternative
conflict management styles.
4:50 Group Reflection
Each participant shares thoughts by writing a feedback sheet
for the staff, who summarizes them for the next day.
5:15 Free Time
5:45 to 7:30 Dinner and Free Time
7:30 Credo Groups
This small group focuses on the individual spiritual
journey. Through journal writing, meditation, and discussion,
each person in this small group develops a personal belief
statement.
9:15 Social Time
Participants have the opportunity to spend time
together outside or in the common room talking, singing or
playing games.
11:00 Quiet Time
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