The 2009 Convocation: Justice and Joy

A. Registration & Costs

A.1. What are the costs for participating in Justice & Joy?
Costs fall into three categories: a) registration fee; b) housing/meals; c) travel.

a) Registration fees

Register by May 1, 2009	Register between May 2 and July 24, 2009. Extended to August 2, 2009	Register after August 2, 2009
Adult: $210 Student: $110 Child: $25	Adult: $240 Student: $135 Child: $25	Adult: $270 Student: $135 Child: $25

There is an additional registration fee of $30 the Preconvocation Forum on Friday, September 4th, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

b) Lodging cost, including all meals, ranges from $48 to $185 per person per night depending upon which lodge and the number of people sharing your room. For more details, visit the Lodging page.

c) Travel cost is your airline ticket to/from Denver International Airport for those too far away to drive to Estes Park–plus $50 for the round-trip shuttle from the Denver airport to the YMCA of the Rockies.

A.2. Can I register for only a portion of the convocation?
RMN strongly recommends that everyone participate in the whole convocation, particularly since the Justice & Joy location is somewhat remote. However, you can register for part of the convocation at these daily rates:

These rates do not includes meals for which you can pay cash at the dining hall.

A.3. Are scholarships available? How do I apply?
Scholarships are available to cover all or part of your registration fee (not lodging or travel). Download this

Scholarship Application Form and mail or fax it to Sue Laurie at the RMN office. Evaluation of applications and notification to recipients happens on the 10th and 25th of each month beginning March 10. The availability of scholarship funds is limited, so the earlier you apply the greater your chance of receiving one. If you receive a scholarship, you will be given a code to use with online registration that automatically deducts your scholarship amount.

Note that there are also nine positions available for volunteer assistants at Justice & Joy. These positions will receive free registration fee and lodging/meals in exchange for working during parts of the convocation. Application deadline for these positions is April 30th.

A.4. How do I register for Justice & Joy?
Registering online saves RMN staff time and resources. However you can also download this

Paper Registration Form or call the RMN office (773-736-5526) and request that a paper registration form be sent to you. If you have difficulties registering–either on line or by mail–or have questions regarding your registration, you can email convo@rmnetwork.org or call 773-736-5526.

The YMCA requires that you complete Convo registration before booking your lodging with our special rates. You will be able to download a Lodging Reservation Form from the registration confirmation page. If you register with us by mail, we will send you the Lodging Reservation Form. The Lodging Registration Form must be mailed or faxed to the YMCA of the Rockies (they do not accept phone/email reservations for conferences).

A.5. Do I have to be United Methodist to register for Justice & Joy?
No, anyone who would like to learn more about the momentous Reconciling Ministries movement or experience the joy and wonder of being part of a church that is truly awesome, diverse and inclusive of ALL persons is welcome to participate in Justice & Joy.

A.6. Do I register separately for a Preconvocation Forum?
No, if you would like to attend one of the Preconvocation Forums on Friday, September 4th, you must indicate this and pay the $30 registration fee along with your Justice & Joy registration.

A.7. When do I register for the workshops I would like to attend?
The slate of Justice & Joy workshops in which you can choose to participate is expected to be published by June 1st. If you’ve already submitted your convocation registration at that time, you’ll receive a notice from RMN to register for your workshops then. It is most helpful if you do register for workshops before arriving at the convocation so that RMN can match workshops with appropriately-sized rooms. If you wait to select workshops when you arrive at Justice & Joy some workshops may be closed to additional participants.

A.8. Anything other selections I need to make when I register?
Yes, there is a new program component at Justice & Joy: Breakfast Table-Talks that give you the opportunity to meet, share and grow with a small group each morning over breakfast. Indicate whether or not you would like to participate in the Breakfast Table-Talk when you register. You can go back and change this option–to participate or not in the Breakfast Table-Talk–before you arrive at the convocation. But because of advance preparations for meals you will not be able to change this after arriving at Justice & Joy.

A.9. Can we bring our child(ren) to the Justice & Joy? What will it cost?
Yes, Justice & Joy and the YMCA of the Rockies are certainly child-friendly places. Supervised children’s activities will be provided for children ages 3-12 during parts of each day (see details below).

Submit a separate registration for each child participating in the child care program, i.e., ages 3 and over. The registration fee is $25 per child. The registration system will ask you for an email for each child you register. Simply make one up to proceed with registration.

Note that the lodging/meal cost at the YMCA of the Rockies for children ages 6-12 is $21 per night. There is no charge for lodging/meals for children under 6.

A.10. Can my spouse and/or other family members come with me and not participate in the convocation?
Yes, you may choose to bring along your spouse or other family members to enjoy the YMCA of the Rockies while you participate in the convocation. You will need to reserve housing and meals for them with you at the YMCA of the Rockies. If they do not register for the convocation, it is expected that they do not participate in any parts of the convocation program.

A.11. What is the convocation registration fee refund policy?
If you cancel your convocation registration or are unable to attend due to an emergency, RMN will refund the registration fee you paid less a $20 processing fee.

Note the different refund policy for lodging & meals at the YMCA of the Rockies: Lodging/meal cancellations 30 days or more in advance will get back 75% of their deposit. Cancellations within 30 days receive no refund.

A.12. Can I download the Justice & Joy brochure and/or logo in order to share with others in my congregation?
Yes, you may download the brochure and/or the logo for the convocation here:

B. Travel Questions

B.1. How do I get to the YMCA of the Rockies?
The YMCA of the Rockies Estes Park Center is located just outside of the town of Estes Park, adjoining the Rocky Mountain National Park. The most convenient airport is Denver International Airport, about a two-hour drive away. Map and directions to YMCA of the Rockies are here: www.ymcarockies.org/home/our-locations/EPC/epcmaps

More details about travel to convo are available on our Travel page.

B.2. Is transportation available between Denver Airport and the YMCA of the Rockies?
RMN has negotiated a shuttle between the Denver Airport and the YMCA of the Rockies with Best Ride Shuttle at a special round-trip rate of $50 during the peak travel times: going to the YMCA on Thurs., Sept. 3, or Fri., Sept. 4, and returning to the airport on Monday, Sept. 7.

If you are traveling at off-peak times, there is a scheduled shuttle service at a higher cost available through Estes Park Shuttle.

B.3. Is transportation available if I'm arriving in Denver on Amtrak?

Because of the fine rate RMN has for direct shuttle service from the Denver Airport to Estes Park, it will likely be least expensive for you go to the airport and take the shuttle from there. From Union Station in downtown Denver go two blocks to Market Street Stattion at 16th & Market Streets. From there take the AF bus (Denver Regional Transit District) to the airport. Fare is $10. Reserve your shuttle from the airport as indicated in B.2. above.

B.4. Is parking available at the YMCA?
Yes, there is ample free parking available at the YMCA of the Rockies for those who drive there.

B.5. When should I plan to arrive? leave?
Because of the immense size of the Denver Airport, time needed for securing baggage and a shuttle, along with a two-hour drive to the YMCA, it is recommended that you allow at least four hours between your arrival at the Denver Airport and when you wish to arrive at the YMCA and vice-versa. So if you are planning to arrive for the opening Justice & Joy worship on Friday evening, you should arrive at the airport by 3:00 p.m. on Friday afternoon. If you are participating in a preconvocation forum on Friday, you will need to arrive on Thursday afternoon or evening. In order to stay for the closing Justice & Joy worship on Monday morning, your return flight should be at 4:00 p.m. or after on Monday.

B.6. Can we extend our stay at the YMCA of the Rockies before and/or after the convocation in order to vacation there?
Yes, you may extend your stay before or after the convocation at the RMN convo rate, assuming there is lodging available at the YMCA of the Rockies. The nature of the YMCA’s reservations process is that you must first request your housing during Justice & Joy using the Housing Reservation Form that the RMN will provide for you after you have registered with RMN. Then after you have reserved housing during the convocation, call YMCA Central Reservations (1-800-777-9622 X1010) and ask to add additional nights.

B.7. What weather should I expect in Estes Park in early September?
Average high temperature in early September is 70F and average low temperature is 40F. This is usually a dry season but there could be occasional showers.

B.8. What kind of clothing should I bring with me?
Dress at RMN convocations is informal, so bring comfortable clothing. While summer clothing is appropriate during the day, note that evenings will likely be cool so that a jacket or sweatshirt will be needed. Comfortable, sturdy shoes are important, particularly if you want to go hiking in the mountains.

B.9. What else should I bring with me?
Many recreational activities are available at the YMCA of the Rockies so bring appropriate equipment for your favorite activities, such as swimming, tennis or fishing.

You are also encouraged to bring a musical instrument if you’d like to play along with the worship music team. Email rmnconvo@comcast.net in advance indicating your interest.

It is also recommended that you bring a Bible, a small tote bag or backpack for carrying items around with you, and a water bottle.

C. Site & Program Questions

C.1. What are the effects of the high altitude at the YMCA of the Rockies?
The YMCA of the Rockies is at an elevation of 8,010 feet. The physical symptoms most often experienced at this altitude are dryness/dehydration and shortness of breath. It is recommended that persons drink water regularly during stays here. It can be helpful to limit your physical activity for the first day or two to give your body some time to acclimate. If you have breathing difficulties, consult your physician before your trip. It might be helpful to arrange a prescription for oxygen service there.

C.2. Are there camping facilities we can use at the YMCA of the Rockies?
No, the YMCA does not allow tent or RV camping. There are camping facilities nearby in the Estes Park area. You can research these at: http://www.estes-park.com or
http://www.estespark-colorado.com.

A Justice & Joy participant has researched LGBT-friendly RV parks in the Estes Park area and reports that all she talked with said they are. Further research found that Estes Park Campground info@EstesParkCampground.com is the most reasonably priced at $35.00 a night for water & electric hookup; they are also pet friendly.

C.2.a. If I'm not staying at the YMCA, can I eat meals and participate in other activities there?
Convocation participants not staying in one of the YMCA lodges will pay a guest fee of $10 per day to be on the Y grounds and use the facilities. You can pay this at the registration desk in the Administration Building. You can also purchase meal tickets there for any meals you wish to eat at the Aspen Dining Hall with other convocation participants. Prices are: breakfast $6, lunch $9, and dinner $12.

C.3. Are the YMCA buildings and meeting rooms handicapped-accessible?
Yes, all of the public spaces RMN will utilize at the YMCA are handicapped-accessible. In some cases, the accessible entrance, i.e., ramp, may be located on the side of the building rather than the front entrance.

C.4. Are wheelchair-accessible sleeping rooms available?
Yes, there are wheelchair-accessible sleeping rooms in all of the lodges at the YMCA. However, it is recommended that persons using a wheelchair or mobility scooter stay in the newly-constucted Longs Peak Lodge. That lodge has six wheelchair-accessible sleeping rooms. If needed, request one of those with your housing reservation.

C.5. Will shuttles/golf carts be provided to transport persons between buildings at the YMCA?
Because of the close proximity of the meeting, sleeping and eating venues at the YMCA of the Rockies, RMN is not planning to provide a shuttle service on the campus. It is highly recommended that persons with mobility concerns stay in the Longs Peak Lodge. This newly-constructed facility is completely accessible with an elevator and is a short distance from the dining hall and meeting facilities. If you have a particular mobility or accessibility concern, contact rmnconvo@comcast.net to explore this further.

C.6. Are the meeting & sleeping rooms air-conditioned?
The plenary hall, dining hall and most meeting facilities for the convocation are air-conditioned. The sleeping rooms are not air-conditioned. As noted above, the weather there in early September will be temperate–even cool. Average high temperature is 70F and average low is 40F. All sleeping rooms have windows and/or patio doors than can be opened. The new Longs Peak Lodge has a ceiling fan in each sleeping room.

C.7. Is Internet service available at the YMCA?
Yes, the whole YMCA campus has wireless Internet service–both the lodges and common meeting areas.

C.8. Can I use the recreational facilities at the YMCA?
Yes, your payment for lodging & meals includes a basic user fee for the YMCA of the Rockies facilities. (Note that persons staying elsewhere and commuting to the convocation will be charged a $40 YMCA fee.) A complete list of the recreational opportunities is given here:
http://ymcarockies.org/home/our-locations/EPC/EPCrecreation. Note that there are additional fees for some of these activities.

The Justice & Joy schedule includes more “free time”–usually in late afternoons–for enjoying the YMCA of the Rockies and Rocky Mountain National Park. RMN will provide group recreation opportunities, such as nature hikes, climbing wall and challenge courses, at these times.

C.9. Will child care be available?
Yes, the YMCA of the Rockies and Justice & Joy are child-friendly places. An organized program of activities will be provided for children ages 3 to 12 under the leadership of professional child care staff. The children’s program will convene primarily during the Justice & Joy plenary and workshop times. The child care staff will consult with parents/chaperones before the convocation to tailor the child care program for the mutual benefit of the children as well as their adult companions.

C.10 Is food available at meals for someone with a special diet?
Be sure to indicate any dietary needs or food allergies with your Justice & Joy registration. The YMCA is experienced in providing healthy and balanced meal options for a wide variety of dietary needs. If it appears that the YMCA will have difficulty fulfilling your particular needs, you will be consulted before the convocation.

C. 11. What if I have a medical emergency?
There is a First Aid Station as well as trained First Response personnel on the YMCA grounds for dealing with minor injuries as well as immediate evaluation of medical emergencies. Emergency transport is provided to the nearest medical center, about three miles away.

C. 12. What is policy on alcohol possession and consumption?
Alcoholic beverages are allowed, but not sold on the grounds and may not be consumed in public areas. You may have alcohol in your room, cabin, or reserved meeting room.

C.13. Are there designated places for cigarette smoking?
Smoking at the YMCA of the Rockies is only allowed at designated places outdoors.

C.14. Are sign-language and/or translation services provided for convocation sessions?
ASL interpretation will be provided for persons requesting this service at the time of registration. Persons needing foreign language translation should contact rmnconvo@comcast.net before registering to explore translation options.

C.15. Any advice for me as a first-time convocation participant?
Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your first RMN convocation experience:
a) If you can, participate in one of the preconvocation forums on Friday morning and early afternoon. This provides an opportunity to get to know a smaller group of persons before you engage the much larger Justice & Joy assembly.
b) Be sure to go to one of the Justice & Joy orientation sessions offered on Friday afternoon before the convocation opens that evening. These sessions happen every hour that afternoon.
c) Participate in the smaller group activities during Justice & Joy, such as the Breakfast Table-Talks and workshops, that provide more opportunity for personal interaction.