ONLINE REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED. Register ONSITE beginning at 8:15 AM on Saturday, August 19th
Rest-oration, Renewal and Rescue! Beyond the Walls (of the church)
We invite you into an experience of presbytery unlike our other presbytery gatherings as we step into the wild. During the pandemic, we learned that creation and our connection with the creatures, offers us deep invitations for reflection and restoration. In the deepest despair of Job’s life, he was invited into the opportunity to learn from the animals to be reminded of God’s love. We know that we need times to reflect, to restore our hearts, minds, and bodies to renew our spirits for ministry. Come join us as we engage our ministry from a new perspective, as we learn and receive from the wild animals at the Wild Animal Sanctuary. Learn More.
As you can tell this assembly is unlike any of our other assemblies. We intentionally chose to meet in a non-traditional church space as a way to engage us in a new perspective. The Wild Animal Sanctuary (WAS) is a non-profit that aligns with the PCUSA perspective of creation and creature care as well as the Matthew 25 commitment to Climate Change concerns and the impact on endangered species.
One delight of meeting in this space is that we have access to go observe the animals from the walkway above their enclosures. We remind you this isn’t a zoo. They are here because they were rescued, and we want to support the community code of conduct of the Wild Animal Sanctuary by following their requirements. Learn More→
ONLINE REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED. Register ONSITE beginning at 8:15 AM on Saturday, August 19th
As part of registration and the Assembly, we are asking attendees to contribute $15 to the subsized entrance fee to the walkway. This fee helps to care for the animals that have been rescued. Please do not let the donation/fee deter you from attending the Assembly. Please contact Beth@denpres.org if you need assistance.
DATE | Saturday, August 19, 2023
SCHEDULE
8:15 AM | Registration and Check-in, sign waiver
8:45 AM | Wild Animal Sanctuary Video Introduction
9-9:50 AM | Access to Walkway | Morning Meditation with animals
10 AM | Assembly begins
12:30 PM Lunch on your own.
LUNCH
The Wild Animal Sanctuary has a cafe, The Lion’s Den and Ice Cream Shop serving burgers, hot dogs and more. They also have picnic tables indoor if you choose to bring your lunch. Learn more→ The nearby town of Hudson has a restaurant called The Pepper Pod, click here for menu and location information.
KIDS ARE WELCOME!
The Wild Animal Sanctuary is very clear for the protection of the children and the animals, children must have a ratio of 1 adult to two children supervised at all times. No running, screaming, loud noises out of protection for the animal's sensitivities. We are not providing childcare at this meeting as we feel to honor their requirements, children need to be supervised by an adult, trusted caregiver. Learn more→
DONATION AND INVITED GUESTS
We are happy to subsidize the pass into the walkway to enjoy the animals for all our presbytery commissioners. The cost is $30 and we are paying half and you will pay the other half. This “fee” is a donation to the WAS to support the care for the animals. We felt it was important that we all participate in some manner in their care. If this is a hardship, please notify Beth in the office.
If you have a spouse, good friend, or children who are coming to the sanctuary with you., we will subsidize their fees as well, to enjoy the animals. We would offer this is not necessarily a time to offer to all your buddies to come for a discounted rate. We are limited in the amounts we can subsidize.
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Minister members and those registered as Ruling Elder Commissioners with Denver Presbytery, will receive an email to register for the meeting.
Presiding: Rev. John Yu, Moderator and Ruling Elder Pat Queen, Vice-Moderator.
Meeting agenda and packet will be available August 15th at www.denpres.org/assemblies
Please note: Online REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED! Register ONSITE on Saturday, August 19th @ 8:15 AM
What to Expect
PLEASE NOTE: In this video it describes stopping at the kiosk to pay, sign waiver, check in and watch orientation video, we will have staff out front to greet you to show you to our conference room where all that will take place. Pre-paying and registering online before the Assembly will be very helpful for time constraints.
The Wild Animal Sanctuary is open every day at 9 AM and close the facility at sunset. However - please note - given that it can take a minimum of four hours to see the Sanctuary - even if you go really fast through the facility - you need to plan wisely. We have no choice but to ask visitors to leave at closing time which greatly-frustrates visitors who show up too late to access the entire facility. During July and August the temperatures can be hot, making the animals inactive.
What Should I Bring?
It will be hot and sunny outside on the walkway, but our gathering will be in a temperature controlled conference room that could be chilly. Bring hats, sunglasses, water and umbrellas and a jacket!
Get a detailed list here - or read the following:
Binoculars are a great way to see better anywhere you go... so plan to bring yours. They do have binocular units available for purchase or rent... However, if rental a unit becomes damaged during the rental period, the renter will be required to purchase them at a significant cost.
Video and still cameras are always great, as they can help record your visit!
They have Wagons, Wheelchairs and Power Chairs for rent, so you can avoid having to haul yours here - but please be aware - the Wagons, Wheelchairs and Power Chairs are limited in number and are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Renters will be required to sign a waiver as well as leave a set of car keys with the Welcome Center staff during the rental period.