SUNSTONE UK
RECONSTRUCTING ZION
We’re meeting in person! Really! This page will be your hub for event info, ticket sales, and more! We still have firesides leading up to and following the conference, so head on over to our UK facebook page so you don’t miss out!
To submit a session proposal, use the submission form at the bottom of the page.
Click here to watch live through our facebook groupSeptember 18th – 19th, 2021
All times are in UK time
Full Conference Registration
Saturday ONLY Registration
Sunday ONLY Registration
Included in your Full Conference Registration ticket purchase:
- Full access to the conference, with your choice of three concurrent sessions
- Provided tea and snack breaks
- Provided lunch
- Amazing company and conversation
Read through the FAQ at the bottom of the page for information on this conference’s safety practices, risk assessment, and information for hotel bookings, more information about Sunstone, and more! Click here to book a room at the venue!
Schedule
Full, detailed schedule coming soon!
Friday, September 17th
This year, we have an incredible lineup of speakers!
Join us on Friday, September 18th at 6:00 PM UK TIME for our opening Keynote presentation from Natasha Helfer. Join in person on location in the UK, or join remotely through facebook live by joining our UK facebook group here.
6:00 PM OPENING DIGITAL KEYNOTE Natasha Helfer
Natasha Helfer Parker is an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist, speaker, writer, podcaster and supervisor with 20 years of experience treating individuals, couples and family systems
Natasha Helfer will touch on the theme of Reconstructing Zion and then take audience questions. Leave your questions live, or email it before the session to Grace@Sunstone.org to be asked live.
Saturday, September 18th
Then, on Saturday, September 18th, we’re hosting in-person sessions all day! With three concurrent sessions, there’s something for everyone at this year’s UK conference!
Scroll to our “About the Presenters” Section below the schedule to learn more about all of our presenters!
8:15 AM: Doors and on-site registration opens
8:40 AM: Welcome and Orientation Presented by Andrew Bolton, Julian Heath, Laura Heath, and Mark Johnson
8:50 – 9:40 AM:
- Speedy Stories: A hybrid of Speed dating and mini Mormon stories. A light-hearted ice-breaker designed to kick-off the weekend developing friendships from the start.
9:50 – 10:40 AM:
- Teaching the Latter Say Saint Movement in the Religious Education Classroom Presented by Ryan Comins
- Sunday Assembly’s ‘Life Fullness’ Project Presented by Julian Heath: Sunday Assembly is part of a global, secular community that celebrates life, and welcomes all who welcome all.
- Games and Puzzles: Continue your conversation from the last block, or meet someone new in a low-key and easygoing environment with games and puzzles.
10:50 – 11:10 AM: Morning tea/coffee/juice break (included in your registration)
11:10 – 12:00PM:
- Reconstructing a British Zion Presented by Andrew Bolton: Zion, a time, place, and condition of harmony, hope and ending poverty, was the dynamic purpose of early Latter Day Saintism. In early Victorian Britain the message of Zion found resonance among the rural and urban poor struggling with dispossession from common land, and appalling conditions in the industrial revolution. Thousands embraced the good news of Zion in these Isles. The idea of Zion in Britain is not new – it predates the Restoration. William Blake’s poem, Jerusalem, for example, not only speaks of Jerusalem replacing dark satanic mills but also draws on the legend that Jesus visited Britain with Joseph of Arimathea: Is it possible to envision a British form of Zion today amidst BREXIT, racism, and homophobia, Neoliberal economics and foodbanks, the pandemic and the National Health Service? What would the politics and culture of a British Zion look like? What would it look like if reconstructing a British Zion was Christ rather than Joseph centred?
- Post-Mormon Parenting presented by Emma and Roy Hann (BBC will be Present and filming this session): Emma and Roy Hann are husband and wife and parents to 14 children. They were married and sealed in Frankfurt Temple and have lived in both Scotland and the U.S. Their ever-growing family has earned them the honour of celebrity status, with 3 documentaries and a nomination for best CBBC doc for ‘my life, my big family wedding’ which was filmed at church and at the temple. Over many years of church service, Emma and Roy have journeyed out of the church and will discuss the many things they have learnt along the way to tackle ‘post- Mormon parenting’
- Mormon Escape Room A 15 Minute Escape Room with a very Mormon Twist
12:00 – 12:45 PM: Catered Lunch Included with your registration
12:45 – 14:00: Panel Discussion on the “British Mormon Moment” Presented by 21st Century Saints and Mark Johnson Hosts of 21st Century Saints podcast Jane Christie and Alana Wilson Bryce explore what it’s like to live Mormonism in the 21st Century.
14:10 – 15:00:
- “Seek to Bring Forth and Establish the Cause of Zion” Presented by Richard Barrington: The title of this presentation was the early Latter Day Saints purpose. Zion is the quest for authentic community with the presence of Spirit and justice – that is right relationships with one another. How does dissent and common consent play out in our history in this quest for a beloved community with one another? What can we learn from these stories for today’s churches? This session will include exploring how Community of Christ’s recently identified core values or enduring principles help shape authentic community today.
- Navigating New Communities Presented by Vicky and Bobby Smart: Vicky and Bobby enjoyed a lifetime of LDS membership until several years ago when Bobby admitted he could no longer be completely true to himself and continue in LDS membership. A rocky couple of years commenced where Bobby supported Vicky attending church but during this time she had some of her own realizations and discovered some of her own truths and decided she also needed to follow a more enriching path for her life and that of her children. They had their names removed from the LDS church records officially 3 yrs ago and are the happiest and most content they have ever been but the road to get there has been a spectrum of emotions and experiences.
- Mindfulness Moments Games and puzzles available. But feel free to step away for a mindful moment with an engaging book, hand sewing project, instrument, coloring, or knitting
15:10 – 16:00:
- Challenging from Within: Using the tools of the church to effect change Presented by Nemo the Mormon
- How to Make Yourself Look better than it is — Photography and Life Tips Presented by Barrie Robinson of #Mormonmad: Barrie’s presentation, although related to MormonMad, is actually about how photography (creativity) helped him turn a midlife (faith) crisis into a midlife crescendo. If you’re into photography, this is for you. If you’re into being creative, this is for you. If you’re into enjoying life after being a TBM, this is for you. If you’re into listening to a short, fat Yorkshire man talking shit for a bit. This is definitely for you.
- Holt & Heath ‘The whistling whittlers’ Presented by Julian and Richard Heath: Join brothers Julian and Richard Heath for chatting, carving, whittling and wittering!
16:00 – 16:15: Afternoon Tea/Coffee/Juice Break (Included in your registration)
16:15 – 17:15: AFTERNOON KEYNOTE
“Common Consent over Difficult Issues” LIVE STREAM Presented by Community of Christ President Stassi Cramm.Stassi D. Cramm serves as a member of the First Presidency of Community of Christ and counselor to the president of the church. Stassi received a bachelor of science in general engineering from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, and a master of arts in organizational management from the University of Phoenix. She received a master of arts in religion from Graceland University and a PhD in organization and management from Capella University. Previous to full-time ministry for Community of Christ, Stassi was employed as a flight test engineer for the United States Air Force She also serves as the presiding bishop of the Presiding Bishopric, the highest financial council of the church.
17:15: Closing Comments and Evening Plans Presented by Priesthood Dispatches
17:30 – 19:00: Dinner Break. Attendees can eat at a number of venues around Knowle and Solihull. For those wishing to stay and chat, food can be purchased from the venue to be eaten altogether in our function room (dinner not included in the ticket)
Join us for a Sunstone dinner party. Kick back and enjoy your meal while Priesthood Dispatches woos us with funny Mormon tales!
Music, quizzes and a patriarchal blessing generator! Light entertainment will drift you into the evening. Think of it as a ‘spicy’ ward social . . . LOUD LAUGHTER is REQUIRED!!!!
Later: The night is your own! Attendees can remain at the venue or move on to Solihull town centre. ‘Turtle Bay’ Caribbean restaurant and bar is a great place to begin the nights entertainment. For anyone wishing to really burn the candle, ‘Popworld’ in Solihull will remain open till 4am. Use your night wisely and remember who you are! Literally!!! Because we want to see you back again on Sunday!!!
Sunday, September 19th
8:30: Doors Open and Welcome
8:50 – 9:40:
- The Sunday School Lesson You Wished You Had Presented by Nemo the Mormon: This isn’t like any Sunday School you’ve ever been in. Truly open discussion for you to sink your teeth into, without the requirement to be loyal to any one camp or official position. Plus the topic has been chosen by you.
- Jamming Session: If you can play an instrument, dance a jig, sing, whistle, play spoons, or tap your foot, come along and enjoy some music!
9:40 – 10:40:
- The Loyal Opposition: The Gameplan to save the LDS church from its impending doom and reconstructing Zion Presented by Peter Bleakley: This is your orientation Briefing:
- Find out the current state of play at the battles front
- The many brilliant ideas in Mormonism that are worth fighting to defend and restore
- How exactly we could make the reconstruction happen in time before defeat becomes inevitable
- Service Project: Letters to government for fair and ethical treatment of refugees What is your best support for Afghan Refugees who are arriving in the United Kingdom? Is it clothes, money donation, your personal welcome, or writing a letter to your MP to ask for a fair deal for all Afghan refugees?
Actually writing to your MP in a non- party political way will at this point make the biggest difference. You will be supplied with a sample letter, an envelope and a stamp with some background information. You can add your own words. We can also help you find the name of your MP
10:40 – 11:00: Morning Tea/Coffee/Juice Break (included in your registration)
11:00 – 12:00:
- Yoga and Meditation Led by Vicky Smart: A 1-hour light yoga session that will focus on ‘listening to our inner selves’ with optional stretches but a main focus on being (selfishly) centred and aware of how things feel.
- Joint LDS and CoC Ecumenical Service Join us for our restoration-wide ecumenical service. This will give us a chance to pause and reflect on the weekend where we have explored what it means to reconstruct Zion. We have talks and prayers from members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Lynn Bleakley, David Eaton and also Community of Christ, Karen Waring and Jewell Bolton.
We will also take the opportunity to partake of the Sacrament/Communion. This will be led by Karen Waring, a member of the priesthood from Community of Christ.- Welcome: Karen Waring
- Hymn – All are Welcome CCS 276
- Invocation: Mark Johnson
- Scripture: Last Supper Matthew 26:17-30 (NIV)
- Hymn of Repentance – Humble Yourself CCS 211 Led by Karen Waring
- Moment of Reflection
- Sacrament
- Testimony by David Eaton
- Spiritual Practice – Breathing God’s Compassion by Jewell Bolton
- Hymn: Work on a Dream (Solo) by Paul Norton
- Testimony by Lynn Bleakley
- Presentation on Offering for Afghanistan by TBC
- Closing Hymn: The Spirit of God
- Benediction by Richard James
15:15 – 13:00: Britvengers Assemble and Closing remarks/Future Steps Presented by Peter Bleakley, Nemo the Mormon, 21st Century Saints, Community of Christ, Sunstone U.K., Priesthood Dispatches, and Affirmation: A summary of the weekend and visions for the future.
13:15: Sunday Carvery? There are several places to eat lunch in and around Knowle or a little further afield in Solihull if you prefer. The venue will also be available for food following the conference. For those wishing to carry on the chat, a number of places have been booked at the Toby Carvery, next door to the venue. Let us know if you would like to use these places and we can provide you with the booking reference (Meal not included in Sunstone ticket price)
15:00 For Those Not Ready to go Home: There are some beautiful canal walks not far from the venue where you can continue your chats with sunshine on your face and an ice-cream in your hand. (Sunshine and ice-cream not included in the ticket price)
Click below to read more about our speakers!
Natasha HelferNatasha Helfer is an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist, speaker, writer, podcaster and supervisor with 20 years of experience treating individuals, couples and family systems.
Stassi D. Cramm serves as a member of the First Presidency of Community of Christ and counselor to the president of the church. She also serves as the presiding bishop of the Presiding Bishopric, the highest financial council of the church.
Stassi received a bachelor of science in general engineering from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, and a master of arts in organizational management from the University of Phoenix. She received a master of arts in religion from Graceland University and a PhD in organization and management from Capella University. Previous to full-time ministry for Community of Christ, Stassi was employed as a flight test engineer for the United States Air Force.
Their material is gritty, honest and entertaining as they speak to fantastic guests across the Mormon spectrum to discuss about what it’s like to be a member of a global church today.
Sunstone will see them streaming live to their U.K and international audience discussing the current ‘U.K Mormon moment’.
Peter Bleakley – The Loyal Opposition
This is your orientation briefing:-Find out the current state of play at the Battles Front
-The many brilliant ideas in Mormonism that are worth fighting to defend and restore
-How exactly we could make the reconstruction happen in time before defeat becomes inevitable Nemo the Mormon
Hi everyone Nemo here! I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. However, I’m also aware that there are times when the church and its leaders are not honest with the members and employ apologists and slick media to try and cover over these issues.
My goal is to call out the lies, acknowledge the truth and create a more informed membership. I hope you’ll join me!
They meet regularly to sing pop songs, hear poetry, listen to fascinating speaker’s and then have tea and cake.
Live Better, Help Often and Wonder More
Emma and Roy Hann are husband and wife and parents to 14 children. They were married and sealed in Frankfurt Temple and have lived in both Scotland and the U.S. Their ever-growing family has earned them the honour of celebrity status, with 3 documentaries and a nomination for best CBBC doc for ‘my life, my big family wedding’ which was filmed at church and at the temple. Over many years of church service, Emma and Roy have journeyed out of the church and will discuss the many things they have learnt along the way to tackle ‘post-Mormon parenting’
Richard Barrington
Richard Barrington is a seventy in Community of Christ with a grandad who was a fierce dissenter in the church fellowship when he felt things were not right.
Andrew and Jewell Bolton
Andrew and Jewell Bolton in their courting days were inspired by the Israeli Kibbutz movement and have sought practical expressions of Zion all their married life. As a family they lived in the Bruderhof for a year in East Sussex. This is a Christian community of 300 people living all things in common, and inspired by the Sermon on the Mount and Acts 2. For twenty years they lived in Harvest Hills in Independence, Missouri, an experimental Zionic community of 60 homes that began in 1972. Now living back in Leicester, England they are community organizing in the neighbourhood around the Leicester Community of Christ congregation. Andrew has written published essays on Zion and in 2018 helped lead a 11 day bus tour on communalism in the USA.
Vicky and Bobby Smart
They had their names removed from the LDS church records officially 3 yrs ago and are the happiest and most content they have ever been but the road to get there has been a spectrum of emotions and experiences. Priesthood Dispatches
The Priesthood Dispatches blog was originally created to allow the author, PD, to tell humorous stories from his time growing up and serving within the church. PD served in many calling throughout his church life, serving a mission in the UK and as a Bishop and Stake High Councillor.
The blog now stands as vehicle for all members, regardless of where they are on their journey from TBM to Exmo, to share their ‘stranger than fiction’ stories from the frontlines of religious service. Reliving the past doesn’t need to be painful, it can be funny too.See more at www.priesthooddispatches.com Ryan Commins
Ryan Comins (teacher of Philosophy and Religion) Ryan was raised in the LDS Church but left the Church, together with his wife Georgia, in the autumn of 2016. After studying for a Bachelor’s degree in Theological and Religious Studies at the University of Cambridge, Ryan completed a PGCE in Religious Studies at the Cambridge Faculty of Education. He now lives in Wimbledon, London and teaches Philosophy and Religion at Reed’s School, Surrey.
Barrie Robinson (Mormonmad)
To say I was upset when I found out that my whole life was a lie is a bit of an understatement. I was fuming. So I did what every angry person does. I drew silly pictures of old white men and made them say rude things on Instagram. Just me? Oh, okay then. Well, it made me laugh. And laughing felt better than crying. So, there. That’s why I’m @MormonMad.
My presentation, although related to MormonMad, is actually about how photography (creativity) helped me turn a midlife (faith) crisis into a midlife crescendo. If you’re into photography, this is for you. If you’re into being creative, this is for you. If you’re into enjoying life after being a TBM, this is for you. If you’re into listening to a short, fat Yorkshire man talking shit for a bit. This is definitely for you.
Sunstone UK Frequently Asked Questions
Are there and COVID precautions in place?We want everyone to arrive well and leave the Birmingham Sunstone event in good health. An early and ongoing Latter Day Saint value is communal responsibility for each other’s well-being. Therefore, in order to minimize Covid-19 risks at in-person gatherings/events, we highly recommend the following precautions:
- double vaccination
- Masks for the unvaccinated
- regular sanitation of hands
- lateral flow test the day before
Do not come if you have any COVID-19 symptoms.
At the venue we will have masks, hand sanitizer and will plan movement, scheduling and grouping to minimize risks – practices already used at other Sunstone events. We will be informed by the latest advice by Public Health England and Wales. Please read through this event’s prepared risk assessment for more information.
Where is Sunstone UK 2021 being held? The Greswolde Arms, 1657 High St, Knowle, Solihull, B93 0LL which is a 17 th century former coachingInn, transformed into a casual restaurant and cosy bar. The venue has 3 function rooms which we
will be using. When is Sunstone UK 2021? Officially Sunstone UK 2021 will begin at 08:15hrs on Saturday 18 th September, however this year we
have an extra keynote speaker, the fabulous Natasha Helfer Parker, kicking it all off on the evening
of Friday 17 th September with a live broadcast at 1800hrs. For those arriving on Friday evening, we
can get together at the venue for an informal gathering in the bar/restaurant area and live stream
our discussion with Natasha to kick the weekend off. Who’s gonna be there?
Owing to Covid restrictions, our international speakers are sadly not able to be with us in person, however Natasha Helfer Parker and Community of Christ first presidency member, Stassi Cramm will be dialing in as our keynote speakers. We will also be joined in person by home grown talent Peter Bleakley, Nemo the Mormon, Andrew Bolton, 21 st Century Saints, Priesthood Dispatches and Mormonmad who have U.K blogs, podcasts, Instagram pages and youtube channels that are viewed both nationally and internationally and have been gaining traction over the last 18 months. We have presentations on Mormon history, discussion on Post-Mormon parenting and relationships and a community room for people to engage in non-Mormon related fun while forging a new community support base. We have a hybrid Sunday service and a yoga and meditation session. There will be chances to sit quietly and create a new friendship over a board game and there are opportunities to show your hidden talent of hip-hop karaoke.
We can eat, drink and be merry together, but help us do it safely so we can do it again!
Why should I come to Sunstone UK?Sunstone is one of the only forums that accommodates Mormon thought and expression across the restoration and spectrum. This year is unique in that you can truly tailor your experience, whether you want to listen to church history (warts and all), engage in post Mormon conversation or detach from Mormonism altogether and learn a skill with those that have walked a similar path. Come in a group or on your own, you will leave having made more connections and gaining social support. Also unique to this year is that the venue is in the middle of the U.K which makes it slightly easier for everyone to get to. The correct question is why wouldn’t you come?
How much does it cost?Only your eternal soul! If however, you have already parted with this, the ‘in person’ event is very reasonably priced at £50 per person for the entire weekend (including a catered lunch!!). The presentations will be recorded and made available in digital form after the event at £15.
What does this include?12 presentations, 2 keynote speakers and a panel session, 8 community sessions including games, yoga and meditation, woodwork, a jamming session and a thoughtful hybrid ecumenical service between CofC and LDS members. The cost also covers tea/coffee/juice on both Saturday and Sunday breaks and a Saturday buffet lunch.
What is the theme?‘Reconstructing Zion’. If you are an active/semi active member but are treading nuance waters, you most likely already have your own ideas of how the church can improve and move towards a more progressive community. Conversely, if the word ‘Zion’ now makes you wince and break out in a PTSD sweat, try to imagine it as the new life you have now chosen and are navigating in a less prescribed way. Sunstone is all about there being More Than One Way to Mormon and is purposefully broad. Ex-Mormonism is the fastest growing Mormon expression in the UK at the moment and we also want to create a space for people who have left the church, but still want to connect.
Who is Sunstone for?Anyone with either an interest in or history with Mormonism. We have tried to make Sunstone as inclusive as possible with space for everybody wherever they sit on the faith spectrum. If you feel that you are not represented at Sunstone, then get in touch with us and we will do our best to remedy that.
Sunstone sees attendees from all across the restoration spectrum, from never-Mormons, polygamous Mormons, active faithful Mormons, post-Mormons, and everyone in-between. Regardless where you fall, there’s a place for you at Sunstone!
What should I wear?Whatever you feel comfortable in as long as it’s legal. There is no formal dress code and comfort should be your guide. Sunstone is designed to bring you new ideas and introduce you to new people, and we want you to be comfortable so you have the best experience possible!
There is an ecumenical service available on Sunday for those who want to dress smart and also a yoga session if you have the gear and want to bring it.
We have heard a rumor that Peter Bleakley will be sporting a fabulous collection of avant-garde headwear, but don’t feel that you need to compete.
Will it be live-streamed or made available later online? Owing to the fact that Covid-19 is still an issue and some people might not feel comfortable attending an in-person event, we are looking to record as many sessions as possible to be made available at a later time. The two keynote speakers, Natasha Helfer Parker and Stassi Cramm fromCommunity of Christ will be live streamed through our facebook page.
Unique to this Sunstone is the heavy emphasis on community and much of the weekend will be best experienced in person, so if you’re able to and it’s safe for you to come, please do!
Where can I stay?The venue (The Greswolde Arms, Knowle) is a hotel, bar and restaurant, so there are rooms available at the venue itself.
Click here to book a room at the venue.
There are several other places to stay in Knowle and the venue is about a 10 minute drive from Solihull where there are many other options. The postcode for the venue is: B930LL
More affordable options are Premier Inn and Travel lodge in Solihull where those who want to dance Saturday night away will be able to walk a short distance home to their bed while singing ‘Abba’. For anyone hardcore and optimistically anticipating that long promised heatwave, there are lots of local caravan and camping venues within a couple of miles.
Will Peter Bleakley be there and if so, will he sign my chest in sharpie, like the rockstar he is? I think we need to remember that Peter is a real person, with real feelings and not a piece of meat tobe paraded around for our enjoyment – but if you ask him, he will probably say ‘hell yeah’! Can I bring children?
Only if they belong to you. If you do want to bring children please be aware that all of the presentations and activities are aimed at an adult audience, so they may well be bored stiff and subject to Nemo’s foul language (just kidding, he’s a gent!)
What should I bring?You don’t really need to bring anything. You may want to bring a pen and notebook for the presentations, you may want to bring a drink and some snacks. A buffet lunch will be provided on the Saturday and there will also be drinks available at breaks. We have a community room that is mostly for hanging out, making new friends and maybe learning a skill.
You may want to bring a towel or matt if you want to do the yoga/meditation session. Or if you play a portable instrument,bring it along and start a jamming session!
The best thing for you to bring would be your friends and an open mind.
Are there any rules?Sunstone has a Harassment Policy and Code of Conduct that we expect all attendees to follow. Please take a moment to read through these policies. Attendees violating these policies will be asked to leave the conference.
Submit Your Session Here!
SUBMISSIONS DUE BY TUESDAY, AUGUST 24TH.
The Sunstone UK Call for Papers is open here! Submit your session proposal below. Our UK planning committee will vote on submissions and send an acceptance/rejection notice by August 31st. Not sure what to submit? Watch our entire 2020 Summer Symposium here for an idea of the kind of sessions we’ve hosted in the past.
If you’re unsure that your session is a good fit for the conference, please submit it anyway! We’re also looking for suggestions for firesides and future conferences, as well. Questions? Email Sunstone’s Events manager Grace Pool at Grace@Sunstone.org
UK Donation
All donations on this page are specifically flagged to fund UK events and community. If you would like to leave a general donation for Sunstone, please visit Sunstone.org/donate
Please make check donations payable to Sunstone and mail to 343 North 300 West Salt Lake City, UT 84103