53rd Weekend 2004 - Valerie Tutson, storyteller

The theme speaker for the weekend, Valerie Tutson, is a highly acclaimed storyteller who has developed an enthralling style of retelling the old Bible stories in a fresh new way.

"Since 1990, I have worked as a professional storyteller traveling the country and the world telling stories, gathering tales, and leading workshops and retreats. My travels have taken me to search out my roots in Scotland, Germany, and Africa. I have told stories at festivals, in theatres, schools, churches, libraries, parks, prisons, and open spaces. I tell stories from the world to the world with an emphasis on African traditions. I share the stories and songs I gather along the way, as well as true stories from history, my life, and my travels. I believe in the power of storytelling to help us see ourselves and each other more clearly."

Valerie's love of storytelling started at an early age. She jokes that her dad says she was born with her mouth open. In her last year of high school and first year at Brown University, she met several storytellers at the university bookstore and had a professor who inspired her. She's been telling stories since and encourages others to try their hand at story telling. Valerie has shared her gifts at conferences, retreats, worship services in South Africa, Europe, Canada, and throughout the United States.

At 53rd Weekend, Valerie will address participants four times, starting with an evening session Friday and concluding Sunday morning. Participants will also take part in elective sessions throughout the weekend, which is May 28 to 30, 2004.

Valerie has a degree in a self-designed major -- Storytelling as a Communications Art --and has a Master's degree in Theatre Arts from Brown University, Rhode Island. She lives in Providence, Rhode Island, and is a member of Sheldon St. Church. She sings in the choir at the church, which is affiliated with both the United Church of Christ and the American Baptists.

"Valerie is an energetic, dynamic performer who leaves the room vibrating when she exits, her voice, facial expressions, and her dance movements make her presentation a delight for children and adults." Randy Robert, Director, New York State Museum

"Valerie has the capacity to touch the hearts, minds, and spirits of all ages. Through songs, stories, movements, and details she shares her journey and we are better people because of her gifts." Sally Maguire Deming, President, Florida Association of Theater Educators

Elective sessions for 53rd Weekend 2004 included:

• Banner Bee! Enjoy the time honoured tradition of a quilting bee as we produce a banner for all to enjoy at 53rd Weekend.
• Breathing Life into the Story... Using drama and music we will explore one’s ability to tell a story and to experience the storytellers magic from within the written word.
• God in Our Stories is an interactive workshop for participants to trace the ways Jesus Christ has been good news for them and to consider how they might sensitively share their faith with others.
• Keepers of the Flame - Let Aboriginal elders share with you the Fire Teachings and Ceremonies, and grow in awareness of the fire within you and in all creation.
• Labyrinth - Rooted in the spiritual discipline of pilgrimage, Labyrinth offers ‘seekers’ a continuous opportunity to encounter and explore many aspects of their spirituality such as creativity, prayer and faith.
• Music of the Anglican Church - Investigate the development and meaning of hymns, canticles, responses, service music and anthems, and prepare some music to perform at the closing Eucharist. Sing and learn!
• Nurturing Body, Mind, & Spirit - Understand our ability to heal body, mind, and spirit while we create a greater awareness of the power of the Holy Spirit at work in our lives. Learn to use meditation to nurture the body.
• The Touch of Christ: Your Reservation - What’s cooking? Discern life’s banquet and the delicacies that come from spiritual awakening. You have a treat waiting for you using a variety of tastes to determine your reservation.
• The Art of Stained Glass - Learn the art and create simple stained glass pieces to take home and treasure. A great opportunity for beginners!
• Where Everybody Knows Your Name! Parish ministry with children, youth and families is about involving everyone. This elective addresses the need to involve all members of the church in the active ministry of the church. Join us if you are a young person looking for a place in the church, a church leader, a Sunday School teacher, or if you are wondering how to ensure there will be warm bodies to fill the pews in the years to come!
• Tell Me the Stories - Children 12 and under will be busy in this elective that is based on the stories of our theme speaker.
• Youth, Leadership & the Future of Our Church - As young people in our Church communities, what are our responsibilities to prepare for the future? This youth elective will look at different leadership styles, the importance of leadership within the Church, and the unique abilities we each bring to the Church through leadership.
• plus other electives, music, worship, meals, and more!!

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