January 20, 2017
  
An announcement about 2017 program registration is coming soon. Read on for details!
Do you live in the Calgary area? 
Meet with the NCS Board January 28!
Date: Saturday, January 28, from 7 - 9 p.m.
Location: Wild Rose United Church, 1317 1st St. N.W., Calgary
 
As directors of the   Naramata Centre Society (NCS) Board live in various cities around Alberta and B.C., board meetings are not always held in Naramata. This month we meet in Calgary, January 27-29, at Wild Rose United Church. The Board has set aside Saturday evening to get together with Calgary and area folks who attend/support/love Naramata Centre.
 
Join us for an informative evening about what's happening at the Centre this winter and our exciting plans for Summer 2017. The Board also welcomes your friends who have never been to the Centre. We hope to see you on the 28th ... and at the Centre in 2017.
Spring, Summer, Fall 2017
Programs, Programs, Programs!
Photo: Keri Wehlander
Naramata  Centre has a great program season planned with something for everyone this year! Based on feedback from 2016 program participants, we requested 2017 program proposals that fall into four areas: the arts, music, health and well-being, and spiritual nurture. The Program Committee was pleased to accept 41 programs that fit into these areas beautifully. A number of well-loved leaders (local and "from away") are returning this year. And there are numerous leaders new to the Centre offering appealing programs to look forward to, as well. By way of a sneak peek, we can disclose that there are programs for all ages: children, youth, adults, elders and inter-generational . We will also assure you that our most well-attended program "Lift Every Voice" is back!

In addition to the work our new program administrator (see article below) is doing, board members are working full steam to prepare a new-to-the-Centre registration system that must be tailored to our needs. This is a huge undertaking. Once the program calendar is built, it will be posted online. Details are now being clarified with program leaders. All of this is being accomplished as fast as we can work, along with preparations  for a Board meeting January 27 - 29, and 
important work on the business plan.

Watch for the Spring, Summer, Fall program list near the end of January. Stay tuned the first week in February for an email announcing registration for programs and accommodations.
Program Administrator: Romaine Irish
The Program Committee is pleased to introduce Romaine Irish, our new program administrator. Romaine has recently moved to Naramata.  With her extensive experience, enthusiasm and willingness to jump right in, she is an excellent fit for the position. Romaine will work part-time over the next four months. Among other duties, she will liaise with program leaders and prepare program details for the Naramata Centre website.  Romaine is eager to learn all about the Centre  and to discover why we all love it so much! 
Emerging Community: Two Unique Weeks
Last summer we had a couple of very successful weeks in which no programs were offered. Our wonderful Community Hosts facilitated a gathering at the beginning of the week where attendees got together and planned events for the whole week. Based on the interests of the group, various activities were planned and orchestrated by participants. Some hosted campfires, teens planned a dance, Sacred Pause was held, music offerings popped up. These spontaneous manifestations resulted in a very enjoyable time. So much so, that we are planning two "Emerging Community" weeks during the summer - July 8 - 15 and August 26 - September 2.
 
Come relax in good company, experience the magic of emergent programming and share in the community that develops.  More to come on this...
AGM May 6, 2017
Join us for the Naramata Centre Society annual general meeting (AGM) May 6th at the Centre. All are welcome to attend, although only NCS members are eligible to vote. Proxy voting has been approved by B.C. Conference and General Council. For the first time, members who cannot attend the AGM will be able to have their votes count. According to our bylaws, memberships must be in place three months prior to the AGM. 

The deadline for purchasing a membership, if you wish to vote at the AGM, is February 5th.   You can buy your membership here. Your membership also demonstrates your support for the work of the Board and the Society.
Spring C lean-up May 5 - 12 
Hearts and Hands Volunteer Event
Join other volunteers at our spring clean-up, as we prepare the Centre to welcome our spring, summer and fall guests. Come to the AGM and stay for the volunteer week! Share your efforts with others, and enjoy offerings of fellowship and spiritual nurture. Accommodations will be provided at no cost and cooking facilities will be available. Watch for further details in an upcoming newsletter. 
Winter Retreats at the Centre
As announced last month, Naramata Centre is offering the opportunity to stay at the Centre this winter, if you are looking for a time of quiet and personal retreat. Small groups may stay for up-to-seven days in Orchard Court. East Court is available for stays of up-to-one month. The local Centre community welcomes you to join them in Sacred Pause, yoga and more.

Email  CometotheCentre@gmail.com  for further details or to book accommodations for your winter stay.
Naramata Blend Cooking Class: 
Champagne and Choux!
Amanda Perez, chef/ proprietor of The White Apron Pastry Co., will unveil the magic behind  baking mouthwatering, fancy pastries:  classic profiteroles, two types of eclairs - lemon meringue and cho colate orange, and a chocolate raspberry St Honoré for two. Participants will enjoy a flute of Bella Wines Orchard House Gamay rose bubbles while they learn, bake, and taste the pastries. 

Date: Saturday, February 11 from 2 - 4 p.m.
Location: Orchard Court, 585 Ellis Street, Naramata Centre
Cost: $60
 
Faithful Earthkeeping: Vancouver School of Theology 
April 24 - 28, 2017 at Naramata Centre 
Enrol in this course to consider the Christian foundations and motivations for care of the earth. Discussions, readings and lectures will be framed by the issues of food security, biodiversity loss, climate change and land ethics. The course can be taken for credit or for interest. For more information and to register, visit here.
Expressions of Gratitude
Jean MacLeod
You may have noticed Jean's name in this column before, because she is a very committed, active, year-round volunteer. This month we thank Jean for her very generous monetary donation made recently to the Centre. Jean, we truly value the many ways you support Naramata Centre.
 
Anonymous donor
In December, we received another very generous monetary gift from a donor who wishes to remain anonymous. We respect the wish for privacy, and want the donor to know that we are very appreciative of this gift!
In This Issue
Upcoming Events
January 28:  
Meet NCS Board
in Calgary
February 11:
Cooking Class: Champagne and Choux!
April 24 - 28:
Faithful Earthkeeping
May 6:
Annual
General Meeting
May 5 - 12:
Spring Clean-Up Volunteer Event
Volunteering
Hearts and Hands
Support the Centre with your physical efforts, and receive in return gifts of community fellowship, spiritual nurture, and the satisfaction of giving back.

Naramata Centre Ambassadors
Thanks to all who have offered to keep their congregations up to date on what is happening at the Centre. If you would like share Centre  news with your church, please email:
Donate

Want to support the ongoing work of the Naramata Centre Society? Donations are always appreciated, and donors will receive a tax receipt at the end of the year. 

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Keep In Touch
Membership
Membership in the Naramata Centre Society is a way to show your support, stay informed, and have voting privileges at the Society's 2017 annual meeting. If you have not already done so, sign up today to keep your membership current.
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PO Box 68  Naramata, V0H 1N0
250-496-5751