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2008 Ohio Conference Annual Gathering

Heidelberg College, Tiffin, Ohio
June 8 - 10, 2008  •  Sunday thru Tuesday

Official Call

•  The “greening” of the Annual Gathering

Environmental stewardship will be a topic of discussion during the Annual Gathering, and we are taking steps to make our meeting as green as possible. The first change you will notice is the reduced size of our registration mailing. We are sending you basic information and asking you to check here for complete details. This, of course, is also a cost-saving measure that helps to keep your registration fee as low as possible. We will serve water without using plastic bottles, provide recycling containers, reduce the use of paper, and take as many other measures as possible.

•  Register

Register by printing and mailing the registration form with your check or by registering online (available by end of April). If you choose online registration, you will need to follow up by sending your check by U.S. mail.  We are not able to accept credit card payments.  Everyone who attends the Annual Gathering needs to register.  Fees depend on the options you choose.

Registration deadline:  May 27.  Discount deadline:  May 15. 

Save money – register early!  Discounts apply to the registration fee, dorm lodging and meals.  Registrations received after May 15 must include the full registration fee.  If we receive your check for a discounted registration fee after May 15, you will be notified by email, and the balance will be payable when you check in at the Annual Gathering.

Online Registration and Discount.  If you register online by the May 15 discount deadline, you will qualify for the discount if your payment is received by May 27.  If you register online by May 15 and we receive your check for a discounted registration fee after May 27, you will be notified by email, and the balance will be payable when you check in at the Annual Gathering.

•  Refund/Cancellation Policy

Registrations cancelled by May 27 will receive a full refund.  Cancellations received between May 28 and June 4 will be refunded, less $10.  Cancellations received after June 4 are not eligible for refunds.  Emergency requests will be considered individually.  Refunds will be processed after the Annual Gathering.

•  Travel to Tiffin

For directions and a map for travel to Tiffin in northwest Ohio, click here.

To learn more about Heidelberg College, visit www.heidelberg.edu.

•  When You Arrive on Campus

When you arrive at Heidelberg College, please go to the Campus Center, Room 220 to check in and receive your registration packet and dorm assignment.  The closest parking lot is the one off Hedges Street behind Gillmor Hall.  Please park there during registration if you wish, then move to another lot for the remainder of the Gathering.

Registration desk hours: 

Sunday, June 8:  3 pm to 9 pm
Monday, June 9:  8 am to 7 pm
Tuesday, June 10: 8:30-9:30 am

•  Parking

Parking permits are not required on campus during the Annual Gathering. All parking lots are marked (A - J) on the campus map.  Handicapped accessible parking spaces are located between Seiberling Gymnasium and Hoernemann Refectory, in the parking lot at the corner of Hedges and Greenfield Streets, and the parking lot off Hedges Street behind Gillmor Hall.

•  Handicap Accessibility

The buildings we will use for the 2008 Annual Gathering are handicap accessible and are located close to each other.  Van transportation will be available for anyone who requests it.  Wheelchair accessible dorm rooms are available in Miller and Williard Halls.

•  Meals

All meals except the Sunday banquet will be served cafeteria-style in the Hoernemann Refectory.  Sunday’s meal will be served buffet-style in Seiberling Gym. Vegetarian, low carbohydrate and sugar-free options will be available at all meals.  If you have other dietary needs, please let us know on the registration form.  You can register for an ALL MEALS package or for each meal individually.  Note that early registration discounts apply to meal costs as well as the basic registration fee. 

Sponsored Meals

•  Housing

Residence Halls

We will be using two air conditioned residence halls on the Heidelberg campus:  Williard and Miller.  This is basic dormitory housing with single or bunk beds, depending on your dormitory.  Most rooms are part of 2-room suites; suitemates share a bath. Rooms are assigned on a first come, first served basis.  There is a limited number of single rooms. See the registration form for rates and other information.  Note that early registration discounts apply to dorm lodging costs as well as the basic registration fee. 

LINENS:  Sheets, pillow, one thermal blanket and a small towel are provided.  For your comfort, WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU BRING ADDITIONAL TOWELS AND AN EXTRA BLANKET.

Hotels

If you would prefer a hotel room, click here for a list of hotel suggestions.  We have reserved blocks of rooms at the Holiday Inn Express, Hampton Inn and Quality Inn in Tiffin.  Reservation deadlines for the group rates on these rooms are May 8 (Quality Inn and Hampton) and May 15 (Holiday Inn Express).  Please call the hotel of your choice directly to make a reservation.

•  Small Group Sessions

Small group sessions on Monday morning and afternoon will give you the option to choose a workshop or discussion forum on a wide variety of topics.  Once you have registered for the Annual Gathering, you will receive an email with a link to on-line registration for workshops and discussion forums.  Click here for the latest information on small group sessions. 

•  Church Professionals Event  — Monday, 7:30-9:00 pm and Tuesday, 8:30 am - Noon

Although these sessions are designed with church leaders in mind, all interested persons — clergy and lay — are invited and encouraged to attend.  Our leader will be the Rev. Michael Piazza, Dean of the Cathedral of Hope United Church of Christ, Dallas, Texas.  Click here for the latest information about this event.

•  Youth Program

Each Association and church is encouraged to send youth to the Annual Gathering.  The youth will participate in Annual Gathering worship and workshops.  In addition, special activities are being planned for youth.  Look for details here, on this flyer and in a special mailing to youth.

•  Wellness Screenings

Individualized health screenings, part of the myhealthIQ enhanced health and wellness program offered to participants in the (non-Medicare) UCC Health Plan, will be offered on Monday morning, June 9, 7 - 11 a.m.. Representatives of the Pension Boards will be in attendance to provide the screenings for those wishing to participate in myhealthIQ. All screenings are confidential and are performed by qualified healthcare professionals.  For more information, please contact Camale Allen at 800.642.6543, Ext. 2872 or callen@pbucc.org.

•  Gathering for Clergy New to the Ohio Conference

On Sunday, 3 - 5 pm, clergy who are new to the Conference are invited to get together with Association and Conference staff members for some informal hospitality, conversation and orientation. Details and updates will be posted as they are available.

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