ACPE's weekly digest to keep you connected, better informed, and well-resourced for the week ahead.
December 19, 2016
monday briefing header
Trace Informal
ACPE's Monday Briefing is a weekly digest from ACPE Executive Director Trace Haythorn. 
 
Each week you will receive related articles and updates on ACPE transitions. Also included are helpful links to keep you connected, better informed, and well-resourced for the week ahead.
Seasons Greetings!
Since this is the last briefing prior to Christmas and the first day of Hannukah, merry and happy, and all the rest to all who celebrate these joyous days!
Did you know?
Invoices for annual fees were sent this past week to all Centers. For the first time, regional fees are included, so don't be surprised when you see a bump in the cost. If you didn't receive one or if you have questions, please contact Tammy Davis or Zizi Krasteva.
Did you also know?
Registration for the ACPE 2017 National Conference, "What We Need is Here," is live!  With an amazing line up of keynote speakers - Parker Palmer, Carrie Newcomer, Greg Ellison and Matthew Sanford - and a wonderful celebration of our 50th anniversary, it is sure to be an amazing time together! 

Join us May 3-5, 2017 at the Minneapolis Marriott City Center, Minneapolis, MN. In addition to our outstanding educational opportunities, we will also have a chance to attend a "The Bluest Eye" at the historic Guthrie Theater followed by a panel discussion on Friday. Please check out the website for details, and register soon!
New Reports for Supervisors to Find their Students
The new student unit database is just over a year old. We continue to listen to your feedback so we can make improvements and increase its user-friendliness.
 
This week we launched two new reports for Supervisors to view their student's units. You can now view a list of all your students dating back to the year 2000. Or you can run another search for all of the students at your current Center/System regardless of the Supervisor-of-Record.
 
Sign-in to the ACPE website. Find "My ACPE" on the website's blue navigation bar, then go to "For Supervisors" on the drop-down menu, and select "Look-up My Students" to view the new reports. Send your feedback to webmaster@acpe.edu.
Important International Student Update
The Department of State is more strictly enforcing their rule that a trainee can participate in program for a maximum of 18 months. ACPE will not request any extensions beyond the 18-month maximum allowed on the J1-Visa. Contact Kimberly Yates in the national office for questions regarding student visas.
A Poem for Reflection
I don't know how things are where you are, but it suddenly got cold in our little town. It seems we went from shirt-sleeves to clinched jaws overnight. To warm you hearts regardless of your climate, a little poem this week:
"Winter"by Billy Collins
A little heat in the iron radiator,
the dog breathing at the foot of the bed,
 
and the windows shut tight,
encrusted with hexagons of frost.
 
I can barely hear the geese
complaining in the vast sky,
 
flying over the living and the dead,
schools and prisons, and the whitened fields.
Amazon Smile Holiday
Just for fun
Many of us have long thought the original version of "Baby, It's Cold Outside" was more than a little creepy. I offer the following "new revised version" as a delightful alternative: Lydia Liza and Josiah Lemanski - Baby It's Cold Outside.
Reminder
The National Office will be closed from Dec. 23-Jan. 2. We will checks phones and email in case of an emergency.
This Week on the Calendar
Wednesday, December 21 winter solstice
*Winter Feast - Native American spirituality
A time when Native Americans of the Woodland tribes share food with the spirits of winter. 
 
*Yaldā - Zoroastrianism
The "night of birth" which marks the longest night of the year, after which days begin getting longer-thus symbolizing the victory of light and goodness over dark and evil. This festival is celebrated with storytelling, poetic readings, family reunions, and feasting.
 
*Yule - Wicca
A celebration symbolizing the rebirth of the sun by the Goddess. A present-day Wicca event that ritually marks the shedding of the dross of the past year and contemplating one's future spiritual development.
 
*Tohji-Taisai [Grand Ceremony of the Winter Solstice] - Shintō 
This day marks the end of the sun's decline (the yin period) and the beginning of its growth (the yang period). In Japanese spirituality, the sun is expressive of Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess and guiding spirit of the Japanese people. 
 
Friday, December 23
*Birthday of the Prophet Joseph Smith - Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 
Commemorating the birth of Joseph Smith, Jr., in 1805 C.E. in Vermont. He translated what became known as the Book of Mormon and became the first president of the LDS Church when it was founded in 1830 in Fayette, New York.
 
Saturday, December 24
*Chanukah [Hanukkah] begins (through January 1) - Judaism 
The Jewish Festival of Lights commemorates the Maccabean victory over Syrian-Greek oppressors and the recapture and re-dedication of the Jerusalem Temple in 165 B.C.E. Special readings and praise songs focus on liberty and freedom. The eight-candle Menorah is lit at sundown, and gifts are given.
 
* Christmas Eve - Christianity (Western and Eastern churches)
Celebration of the arrival of Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem for the birth of Jesus. It is observed with worship, carols, candle lighting, manger scenes and festive meals. 
 
Sunday, December 25
*Christmas Day/Feast of the Nativity - Christianity (Western and Eastern churches)
Celebration of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, observed by prayers, exchanging of gifts, and family parties.
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