Just the FAQs

Here are some answers to a few of the "frequently asked questions" we anticipate you may also have. Got another question we haven't yet answered? Click here to send us a message.

It's CEF's 40th anniversary! What will you do to celebrate that?

CEF will celebrate its 40th anniversary during our event! A number of special events are planned in recognition of our shared history, including a birthday party, a 40-day e-devotional, and a historical display.

Additional details will be listed here as they become available. If you'd like to help with these anniversary celebrations, please send us an email.

How and when do I register for workshops?

First, register for the conference (preferably online) and any pre-conference workshops you wish to take.

Then, later this Spring (target date: June 6), when our workshops are finalized, we'll be sure to inform you that you can download or see online a list of all the workshops, presenters, descriptions, and schedules. You'll be able to register for workshops at that time--and you can even change your choices later on, as long as a workshop has not been filled to capacity.

Will scholarships be available?

Need help with the registration and other costs? You may be able to receive assistance from such sources as:

• Ethnic-minority and small church scholarships
• UM Annual Conferences
• Local CEF chapters
• Local churches
• Your local UMW chapter
• District office

CEF has limited funds to assist those in ethnic-minority and small membership churches. Some additional information about these and other options is available on the CEF website. This is a continuing education opportunity that people can proudly help you attend!

When you register, you will also find an opportunity to contribute to scholarships.

What should I bring with me? How should I dress?

Here is a partial list of some things we recommend you bring along:
  • notepad and pens
  • BYOB - Bring your own bag for carrying notes, handouts, purchases, etc. (and a bag or two to give away to someone else on our sharing table)
  • Bible
  • dollar bills for tips (e.g. the shuttle service)
  • sunglasses or a hat
  • camera (Albuquerque is rated one of the most photogenic cities in the US!)
  • your business card
  • If you have trouble viewing or reading projected hymns, feel free to bring your own hymnals (e.g. UM Hymnal, The Faith We Sing, Songs of Zion). Do be aware, though, that not all worship songs will come from these hymnals, and lighting will vary.
How do you suggest I dress?

It's up to you! Feel free to come dressed casually or in your typical "work" clothes (pastors - leave that robe behind, though!) - just be sure to be comfortable. Layers are always a good idea. You'll also definitely want to bring a light jacket for the cool Fall evenings.

What about my laptop?

Many conference participants love to bring their laptops with them for note taking, reading email, and so on. You may certainly do so. Wireless access is not free within the hotel; T-Mobile is the service provider. There is free wireless access in a few locations near the hotel, such as in a few restaurants, the Convention Center, and the public library.

What is the weather like in Albuquerque? What's the altitude?

Ask someone who has relocated to Albuquerque, New Mexico why they decided to move there, and you'll hear the response: "The weather." Many visitors cannot believe how many completely beautiful days Albuquerque enjoys year round. Residents bask in 310 days of sunshine, blessed with a mild, dry climate and four distinctly beautiful seasons.

Be aware that low humidity and lots of sunshine means visitors need to stay hydrated by drinking lots of water as well as using lotion and sunblock for protection.

The average high/low for October is 71/44 (22/7), with a 43% average humidity and a 69% average chance of sunshine. (If you take the trip to Acoma, the weather will be a bit cooler there.)

Also, note that the altitude of Albuquerque is 1 mile above sea level.

Click here for more additional weather details.

How do I get to the hotel from the airport?

We recommend you arrange transportation before you arrive with Sunport Shuttle, as CEF/PFC will not offer a shuttle service. The cost is currently $18 round trip.

Online:  www.sunportshuttle.com or toll free: 866-505-4966

Customer service representatives are available 24 hours a day to answer any questions you may have and to make advance reservations.

Late arrivals: Please note that the shuttle service is only available from 4 AM - 10 PM to hotels or from 6:30 AM - 10 PM to private residences. The airport counter is open from 8 AM - 11 PM. (Most flights into Abq are in by 11:00 PM. However, should your flight be delayed past that time AND you have a prepaid reservation, there will be a sign at the counter indicating the phone number to call and a cab will be dispatched to pick you up. Sunport's sister company, Albuquerque Cab Company, is available to help out in this situation. If a reservation has been made and prepaid, they guarantee the transportation!

The Sunport Shuttle check-in counter is conveniently located inside the airport on the Baggage Claim Level across from Southwest's Baggage Carousel No. 3.

Taxi service is also available from the airport.

Is child care available?

Currently, we are still exploring possible options for child care. To help us determine what might be needed, please send us an email and let us know what your child care needs would be.

What does the logo mean? Can we use it in our publicity?

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The rich colors of the official CEF 2008 logo evoke the beautiful colors of the southwest. Concentric circles remind us of the Native American tradition to consider the next seven generations when making decisions. The cross at the center is both a reminder of our Christian faith and a symbol of the four directions from which we will come together. The wind-like thread which runs through the middle is a reminder of the Spirit which gathers us together. We invite you to discover other symbols and connect with the many meanings in the logo when you join us in Albuquerque!

You are free to use the logo in your own publicity, as long as you do not alter it. Several versions of the logo--black and white, color, with and without the words--are available for download here.

Please note that other logos used on this site--such as the Albuquerque logo, CEF leaf logo, and GBOD logos, have their own copyrights and are not to be used without permission from their copyright holders.

Our logo was created by a gifted artist and digital theologian named Cortney Haley, a recent graduate of the Masters of Arts in Religious Communications program at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. You can read more about her here.

I'm taking a pre-conference course. How should I prepare?

Some of the pre-conference events may have some recommended reading, but currently we don't have the final details. Check back for details later.

Where is the Preaching from the Center homework?

How can I volunteer to help before or during the conference?

We are in need of many volunteers, especially during the conference. Some examples of volunteer needs include:
  • Stuffing packets
  • Driving a shuttle (e.g. 15-passenger van)
  • Providing child care
  • Being a host for workshop leaders
  • Caring for one of the "self-directed learning" options
  • Running errands
  • Hanging signs
  • Ushers/greeters
If you would like to offer your volunteer service, please email Pam Monteith.

How can I get more information sent to me?

If you're a member of CEF, watch your inbox for special updates in a new, updated, colorful format. If you're not, but you want to make sure you receive these emails, click here to send us your email address.

Another easy way to get our most recent updates is to subscribe to our RSS feed. Click on the RSS button in the Blessing Blog to add the feed to your blog reader.

Finally, if you would like extra copies of mailings to distribute to colleagues, click here to send the CEF office a request.

Red or green?

Sorry, we can't help you answer the official New Mexico state question. You'll have to try both for yourself!

Here are some links to recipes:

Enchiladas with Red or Green (Verde) Sauce (Gluten Free!)

The Red or Green Cookbook

Chili (the vegetable, not the stew-like dish) recipes