FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Beverly Kingsford
(208)656-0002
seminars@earthspirit-online.com
EARTH SPIRIT TO SPONSOR NAUVOO WEST WOMEN’S RETREAT
IDAHO FALLS, ID – November 10, 2008 – The 2009 Nauvoo Women’s Retreat – Women of Promise, will be coming to the West. The Nauvoo West Women’s Retreat will be held at the new Hilton Garden Inn in Idaho Falls, Idaho, on March 5-6, 2009. Earth Spirit Wellness Center will be sponsoring the retreat.
Seven well-known speakers will share their hearts with retreat participants. Keynote speaker Mariama Kallon tells how she felt the Lord’s tender and merciful intervention in her life during the terrifying civil war in West Africa . Other sessions will explore the Lord’s promises to women in their varied circumstances and roles.
This event has been held for the last three years in Nauvoo , Ill., and will be held in both Nauvoo and Idaho Falls starting March 2009.
The retreat is a two-day conference with presenters, a pajama chocolate bar party on Thursday evening, the Legacy Concert on Friday evening, and two reenactments: the organization of the Relief Society, and the Nauvoo Burial Ground vignette “The Farewell.”
Beverly Kingsford, owner of Earth Spirit Wellness Center, became interested in the possibility of a Nauvoo West retreat while in Nauvoo as a retreat presenter last March.
“When I was approached with the idea I knew it would be a great event for this area,” she said. “Many of those attending the Nauvoo retreat came from the West and expressed a desire to have something like this closer to home.”
When asked what makes this event different from other conferences Kingsford said, “To start with, the speakers are all amazing. We are just thrilled that Ms. Kallon has agreed to speak at both the Nauvoo venue and here in Idaho. We have an incredible line-up of both professional and local talent for the Legacy concert, which is always a favorite part of the retreat, and we are pleased to be the only other venue authorized to present the inspiring re-enactment of the organization of Relief Society just as it is performed in the historic Red Brick Store at the Nauvoo Women’s Retreat.
Kingsford was quick to add that participants will be well “treated” at the Chocolate Pajama Party held the first night of the event.
She said the retreat will provide an uplifting and inspiring get-away for women ages 16-100+. Her goal in sponsoring the event is to have each woman leave feeling peaceful and empowered in their individual circumstances.
Registrations are now being accepted online at www.eswellnesscenter.com. Groups larger than ten should call to register at (208) 656-0002. Sponsors may inquire at seminars@earthspirit-online.com. For information on the Nauvoo venue, contact nauvooevents@frontiernet.net.
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Gato got runned over by Marcus many moons ago. Be ye daft, 2486? 
Let's have a new poll, alright, Joe?
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I could be wrong, but isn’t this church sponsored?
Is this a Mormon (LDS) thing?
New Age Mormonism, maybe . . .
I was thinking the same thing native….but after reading it all I think it’s more towards the New Age thing as bloop mentioned. Oh well, guess it’s safe to assume none of us will be attending.
Whatever lights your fire.
Nauvoo…isn’t that the place where Joseph Smith was taking teen-aged girls and other men’s wives to be part of his harem?
Yes, that was the place…Nauvoo, Illinois. How can honoring that place be uplifting and empowering for any woman? History tells us that the women living there were treated as chattel.
It can’t be all bad if their offering a chocolate pajama party! c’mon now!
Okay, think we are all in agreement that this is probably sponsored by a certain church group, so why is it okay to have it on this site. Wouldn’t this be a violation of #6 and #7?
So…. maybe it’s not necessarily a religious post, more of an informational post about an event?
… ok, it’s a religious post. ; )
Has anyone bothered to check their website yet to verify if it’s a certain church group sponsoring this event? I don’t think a church group would sit around in their pj’s to eat chocolate, but you never know.
I shouldn’t have said that we were all in agreement, sometimes I read things into discussions that I want them to say. I should have said that some of us have our suspicions as to what this is. Sorry.
The site has references to relief society and a quote from Joseph Smith…
It does have an interesting combination of new-age and (presumably) LDS items… interesting.
oh boy….. that could be an issue than. However, either Joe or one of the Moderators had to have cleared it to post, so who knows. I suppose those folks that aren’t affiliated with LDS just won’t attend thats all. Also, the post isn’t really a discussion per se’, more of an announcement.
So you think we should raise our hands and ask the teacher if it’s okay to talk about this?
just like all the other announcements we see on here from the unitarian church and democrats
It’s going to be interesting to see what is done about this post. They might end up having to give equal time to other religions.
Hey, maybe it’s a test. Maybe Mr Eagle is testing us to see if we can discuss this topic in a civilized fashion in an attempt to open it back up for discussion. If I remember correctly when he first purchased the site he did say he may think about opening it back up for discussion one day. And perhaps today is that day! Whoohooo! Ladies and gentlemen……lets get ready to ruuuuummmmbleeeeee! Uhhh…errr….I mean, talk peacefully amongst ourselves in a civilized and courteous manner of course. (just a thought)
What topic?
You mean discuss mormonism?
#4 – don’t make that assumption … you don’t know everyone on this board.
Not mormonism, religion in general.
Aw, I knew a post like this would draw meso back from no man’s land.
As a suggestion, I’d rather see announcements given a separate section on this site, maybe a side bar, and real articles on the main page as usual. No need for general announcements to garner a bunch of discussion.
Hey – Dillard’s is having an underwear sale tomorrow – can I turn it into an article?
LOL! 5 dollar…..5 dollar foot looooong! It’s ga ga going strong! Only at Subway!
I agree with the sidebar/announcement thing. Hey, but at least we got a decent, albeit meaningless discussion out of it that wasn’t related to politics.
Let’s don’t limit events like this to Mormon women; for example…an uplifting and inspiring retreat featuring a kool-aid pajama party could draw those surviving females of the Peoples Temple in Jonestown, Guyana, and their daughters to our fair city — name it Jonestown West. Similar events for other cults could make Idaho Falls a real Mecca for women of all ages.
I’m about to pull my skirt up.
Just don’t giggle while you do it! I’m already frightened enough as it is!
Oh, I’ll be giggling: http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa2/ixmio/goldfish.jpg … as soon as I get over the death of my goldfish: http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa2/ixmio/goldfishdied.jpg
Little Nancy was in the garden filling in a hole when her neighbor peered over the fence. Interested in what the little girl was up to, he politely asked, “What are you up to there, Nancy?”
“My goldfish died,” replied Nancy tearfully, without looking up, “and I’ve just buried him.”
The neighbor was concerned, “That’s an awfully big hole for a goldfish, isn’t it?”
Nancy patted down the last heap of earth and then replied, “That’s because he’s inside your stupid cat.”
http://smileys.on-my-web.com/repository/Cats_and_Dogs/cat-aquarium.gif
Yes this is a Mormon sponsored event. If you don’t want to come to Nauvoo, by god we’ll bring it to you.
Sessions will focus on the conference theme: “Women of Promise.” Inspired by scripture and messages of Joseph Smith to women, sessions will explore how we are truly Women of Promise and the power and peace which that brings.
The most conservative estimates indicate that Joseph entered into plural marriages with 29–33 women, 7 of whom were under the age of 18. The youngest was Helen Mar Kimball, daughter of LDS apostle Heber C. Kimball, who was 14. The rest were 16 (two) or 17 (three). One wife (Maria Winchester) about which virtually nothing is known, was either 14 or 15.
Now that’s a message to women.
Hope to see everyone there for the Chocolate pajama party!
Goodwife…
If you’re going to talk like that then you’d better plan on bringing your own chocolate. You’ll get no favors from the uplifted and inspired Relief Society sisters on this one.
Goodwife,
You forgot to mention all the already married women Joseph Smith took as wives. That topic oughta go real good with chocolate and jammies.
“participants will be well “treated” at the Chocolate Pajama Party held the first night of the event”
I hear Warren Jeffs will be making a surprise appearance at the pajama party………..
Oh, goody!
Might be lots of wife swapping going on along with chocolate indulgence.
underage, multiple wives, pajamas, chocolate….sounds like a great time………
Good times had by all!
Hello Friends,
I’m the one who originally posted the information on the Nauvoo West Women’s Retreat. I sent information to several different newsgroups so that those who might be interested would have the information. I didn’t realize it would cause such a stir. I don’t have time to read papers so I didn’t even know about this thread until it was sent to me.
I have to say I was kind of surprised at some of the comments, especially when your mission statement says, “we will not host any speech that demeans others in a subjective or personal manner.” The comment guidelines talk about this, too. It’s surprising that there are so many misconceptions of belief and affiliation about mormons.
Maybe I should clarify a few things about the retreat for you and answer some questions that were raised. This is not a church-sponsored event. We are just a group of women who wanted to create something good and uplifting for other women. If you’ve ever tried to get to Nauvoo (at least 2 hours from any major airport) you’d understand the slogan-lol. We come from a range of backgrounds and of religious and spiritual beliefs. While there is an underlying religious theme, the conference was intended to focus on issues that relate to all women regardless of their religious affiliation. We do promote faith and a belief in God and Christianity, so those not interested in those themes might not be interested in the conference.
Personally, I have my religious background and beliefs, but I enjoy sharing with others whose intent is to promote peace, harmony, understanding, healing and kindness. (We’re all healing from something.) I love learning about other’s religions and spiritual ideals. I believe that most people are good and there is a lot we can learn from each other. I’ve also learned that when wanting a better understanding of a certain group or religion, I go to that group or religion for information and not rely on other’s opinions or partial truths, especially from those who seem to have animosity for that group or religion.
FYI-There will be a modest dress-code for the PJ party since it will be hosted by a young man (comedian) who just graduated from high school. We’re not looking to torture the young thing ? But the chocolate will be good and it will be fun meeting women from all walks of life. I’m sorry if I posted to the wrong group here. This was just listed as one of the newspapers for this area. In my profession I’m used to people being quite open-minded and not having a lot of religious barriers, so forgive me if I crossed the line here-purely unintentional.
Hi Anonymous. Your response is without acrimony and with a lot of dignity. Though it’s not my cup o’ tea, best to you and all those who attend the retreat!
Anonymous,
I’m still baffled as to why you would call it Nauvoo West. Anyone who’s ever read about the place (other than LDS propoganda) can see the relationship between similar cult strongholds, i.e., Jonestown, the Branch Davidian compound in Texas, etc.
Cult leaders, David Koresh, Jim Jones and Joseph Smith all assumed dictatorial powers over their followers. As Henry Kissinger once said, power is the ultimate aphrodisiac and the above mentioned cult leaders were awash in carnal lust. They all took multiple sex partners from their congregations, regardless of the age or marital status of their female victims.
The reinactment of a Relief Society event brands this retreat as one steeped in Mormonism, yet you say this is not a church sponsored event and will focus on women of all affiliations. That ought to bring non-LDS women there in droves. Wow!
I would have to agree with Meso on this.
And not to knock your little shindig here, but I really found it interesting that you mentioned a high school boy is the one hosting the “all womens” pajama party. What’s up with that? Tell me something isn’t wrong with that picture!
“you’re not looking to torture the young thing”?? Are you kidding me? Obviously you don’t know the hormonal workings of teenage boys. Put one in a room with dozens of women dressed only in pajama’s and after hyper ventilating for 2 minutes, the “young thing” will probably spontaneously combust right before your eyes!
Meso, HEAR HERE!
Thank you for the well-wishes on the retreat. Much appreciated.
It sounds like some of you don’t know the Nauvoo I’ve experienced. It’s called Nauvoo-West because it is the offspring of the Nauvoo Retreat and being held in the West (hence the name.)
Although there may be some similarities to the “cults” you mentioned, there are vast differences also. There are many similarities in mormonism and Budhism, too, and many similarities with mormons and other Christian-based religions. Regardless, I think people should be judged by their character and not by the myths surrounding them or their religion. There are mormons I agree with and those I do not, but I don’t expect everyone to think just as I do. I am cautious, however, to never speak ill of someone I do not personally know. You know how stories can get passed around and changed.
The time of year the event is held coordinates with the organization of the Relief Society- an incredible women’s organization that has done much good all over the world. Local actors portray the event and retreat participants are invited as well as the public. It’s just offered for those who are interested in that. The original retreat catered to those coming to Nauvoo to celebrate the reenactment and give them other activities to enjoy. The retreat has grown way beyond just those interested in attending the reenactment. I think most come for the sessions and the concert is always a big hit.
I don’t think there has ever been a problem at the chocolate bar. It’s clean, light-hearted fun, not a sexy lingere party that invokes a hormonal overdose (trust me on this, I have 3 teenage and young adult boys- the flannels that usually show up wouldn’t do much for them.) The women that come to this event have always been respectful and modest. It’s always been in good taste and good fun. Those that would turn it into something less than that probably wouldn’t be attracted to the subject matter of the sessions.
Don’t mind Meso. He has been waiting a long time in the background just waiting for his favorite topic to come up. Meso is like the stray cat wondering the neighborhood. Looks ok on the surface, but once you feed it some milk, you are stuck with the non-stop howling and whining all day long and it never goes away. Tries to fight with every living thing in your yard for no reason, and the smell, well don’t even get me started on the smell. Best to just leave it alone. Don’t feed the strays………
I disagree Herby. Meso is like a Lion, the king of the jungle. Hear him roar! And like you and everyone else on this board, he speaks his mind and stands up for what he believes in. We may not always agree with what he says, but how many people have you agreed with on this site 100%? I would bet not very many, if any at all. If everyone agreed with everyone else on every topic, this world (let alone this site) would be a completely different place. And frankly one I wouldn’t want to live in.
Now, how about your thoughts on the actual topic?Perhaps your views on the chocolate pajama party?
Meso, you have mirrored my thoughts pretty closely in comment #38
Is this a non-mormon event that teaches mormon ideas?
Sounds a lot like my son’s time in scouts. I understand that it was run by the LDS church, and without them we probably wouldn’t have scouts in this area, but there was way too much emphasis on mormonism for a scouting group, in my opinion. That was finally the reason that he quit, and I am sad that he had to give it up for that. At least one mother (and yes, I know this to be true) told him that her son was not to associate with him because he wasn’t LDS.
Do I want to go to this pajama party?
Do I want a root-canal?
This is not an appropriate post for this website. Nuff said….
Nauvoo West Women’s Retreat Qs
Reposted on behalf of leapordz (the original post fit better under this thread)
February 9, 2009
Hello Friends,
I’m the one who originally posted the information on the Nauvoo West Women’s Retreat. I sent information to several different newsgroups so that those who might be interested would have the information. I didn’t realize it would cause such a stir. I don’t have time to read papers much so I didn’t even know about this thread until it was sent to me.
I have to say I was kind of surprised at some of the comments, especially when your mission statement says, “we will not host any speech that demeans others in a subjective or personal manner.” It’s surprising that there are so many misconceptions of belief and affiliation about mormons.
Maybe I should clarify a few things about the retreat for you and answer some questions that were raised. This is not a church-sponsored event. We are just a group of women who wanted to create something good and uplifting for other women. If you’ve ever tried to get to Nauvoo (at least 2 hours from any major airport) you’d understand the slogan-lol. We come from a range of backgrounds and of religious and spiritual beliefs. While there is an underlying religious theme, the conference was intended to focus on issues that relate to all women regardless of their religious affiliation. We do promote faith and a belief in God and Christianity, so those not interested in those themes might not be interested in the conference.
Personally, I have my religious background and beliefs, but I enjoy sharing with others whose intent is to promote peace, harmony, understanding, healing and kindness. (We’re all healing from something.) I love learning about other’s religions and spiritual ideals. I believe that most people are good and there is a lot we can learn from each other. I’ve also learned that when wanting a better understanding of a certain group or religion, I go to that group or religion for information and not rely on other’s opinions or partial truths, especially from those who seem to have animosity for that group or religion.
FYI-There will be a modest dress-code for the PJ party since it will be hosted by a young man (comedian) who just graduated from high school. We’re not looking to torture the young thing J But the chocolate will be good and it will be fun meeting women from all walks of life. I’m sorry if I posted to the wrong group here. This was just listed as one of the newspapers for this area. In my profession I’m used to people being quite open-minded and not having a lot of religious barriers, so forgive me if I crossed the line here-purely unintentional.
Beverly
What gives? Comment #47 is just a rehash of comment #36. Maybe they are protesting too much? What’s it called? Damage control.
Moderator’s note: Sorry, Mesmo, the no religious discussion rule is still in effect. Yes, we have walked the line recently, probably more than we ought, but I cant let a comment like this open the floodgates…
WTF!
Should’t that no religion rule work both ways? How do you justify someone posting a notice for a Mormon retreat for women? And why have you disregarded that rule on this thread up until that last post? Will you go back and erase the others too?
No wonder this site has deteriorated to the point that only a few gossipers feel the need to chat endlessly in the chat box venue while nothing of substance is tendered and discussed on topics of interest.
I didn’t see any problem with Meso’s post…
I have to side with Meso & Marcus on this one. It’s not right to let one person post a whole topic on the issue and than squash Meso’s post for replying, that’s really not fair. Especially since other posters have been having a dialogue regarding the Mormon’s in the “Prejudice in Idaho” post. Bad call on that one Mr Moderator imo.
I’m in agreement with Meso on this one, and clear back to #46 – this whole post does not belong on this site. How can you not allow religious discussions but blatantly allow a religious advertisement to be posted and open endlessly for comments?
An idea – keep the Q&A’s in that section, and ads like this post, or “Maltese puppies” via scam artists – in some sort of separate “local announcements” or “advertising” section.
There is way too much “junk mail” cluttering what should be posts meant to generate discussion and debate or solutions. Just the OCD in me coming out again, things are getting a little sloppy in some areas but I still like the site.
Yep. That entire post simply invited a religious discussion.
Bad call.
This was a press release that I decided to allow. I would like to allow press releases about just about any event in the area, if possible.
One thing that I don’t think we should tolerate here is religious bashing. I dont care whether you’re catholic, Muslim, Mormon, Lutheran, Buddhist, etc. religious attacks and bashing are uncalled for, and will not be tolerated here.
However, if you would like to discuss religious topics with other idahofallstoday.com members, there is now a message board at http://religion.idahofallstoday.com where you can do so. Rules there will be more relaxed. Enjoy.
I have no problem with a press release. But by posting it in the article section and leaving it open for comments, you risk it getting bashed because of the topic. How about having a press release area w/o the option of commenting? Otherwise, it’s fair game like anything else.
So apparently it’s ok to post a press release (for Joe’s religion) on a discussion blog but not ok to discuss it? All I did in my last post was to link to a Chicago Trib article about Nauvoo. How did that violate the no religion rule? Since when is giving an opposing view of a 19th Century Illinois town considered religion bashing? Giving a more historically correct image than the one portrayed in this press release is verboten? Isn’t that what we do in a forum like this? Free speech is alive and well in this country..just not on this site.
Perhaps this site would be better served if these religious ads were placed in a section of their own and labled as such.
How does this link violate any of the rules?
http://archives.chicagotribune.com/2009/feb/08/books/chi-ap-ut-polygamyroots-bo
The link is no longer active. Sorry.
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