To the Kemetic Orthodox, Wep Ronpet is one of our most important celebrations. So important that it is during this time of year when we choose to plan our annual retreat. The faithful gather in Chicago, where the House of Netjer is located, and spend four days together attending workshops, telling stories, and building friendships.

Please note: The retreat is for Shemsu and Remetj of the House of Netjer only. If you are a member of the congregation and would like to attend, please contact the Seshet at seshet@kemet.org.

THURSDAY AUGUST 3 (BIRTHDAY OF ASET)
	6:00 PM	Arrival/Check in at Conference Center
	8:00 PM	Welcome, introductions, etc.
	Before Bed	Priest Presentation: Imakhu Inibmutes
	Note: __________	NO Shemsu or Remetj are to check into the Conference Center before 6pm at the request of the Nisut (AUS); before that time priests (NOT counting those who will become priests in training over the weekend) will need to be on site to do setup, room arrangements, etc. [Special arrangements can be made for people with nowhere to go before 6; however, you WILL be put to work if you come early, so you may wish to spend the day in Chicago instead, or drop off your things and come back at 6.]
FRIDAY AUGUST 4 (BIRTHDAY OF NEBT-HET)
	8:00 AM	Group Senut hosted by Imakhu Niankhsekhmet
	9:00 AM	Breakfast Break
	10:00 AM	Aromatherapy workshop with Imakhu meryBast.
	11:00 AM to 7:00 PM __________	Open Time Some Shemsu and Remetj will have scheduled divination times with the Nisut (AUS) during this time; Imy-Ra groups may wish to meet, go out to lunch, go visiting things in Chicago. As it is a day of the Akhu it is appropriate to visit Kemetic Akhu in Chicago at the Field Museum of Natural History (Lake Shore Drive at Roosevelt Road, an easy bus or taxi from the center) or the Oriental Institute Museum (1155 E. 58th street; requires a car, expensive ($20-$25) taxi, or trains). "Pharaohs of the Sun: Akhenaten, Nefertiti, Tutankhamen" is showing at the Art Institute of Chicago (Michigan Avenue and Adams Street), also an easy bus or taxi from the center; however, tickets must be purchased in advance for this show.
	7:00 PM	Dinner Break
	8:00 PM	Nisut (AUS) and Priests: Coronation Ritual Shemsu and Remetj: "Red Dwarf Night"/Fellowship Upon completion of the Coronation the Nisut (AUS) will be presented to the faithful as the New Year festivities begin. Early to bed as New Year starts at sunrise!
	Before Bed	Priest Presentation with kai-Imakhu Antybast and Imakhu meryBast
SATURDAY AUGUST 5 (WEP RONPET, NEW YEAR)
	5:00 AM	Kissing the Face of Ra (sunrise procession and service)
	6:00 AM	Offering to Sekhmet Against the Dangers of the Year (ritual)
	7:00 AM	Breakfast Break
	8:00 AM __________	Naming Ceremony for Shemsu: Ordeal/Initiation (All Shemsu, even those who already have names, are welcome to join) Naming of Shemsu Naming and Rededication of Priests; elevation of Imakhu meryBast to kai-Imakhu Dedication of Priests in Training (Remetj will have time on their own during Ordeal; they may be present at Naming and Dedications.)
	Noon	Lunch Break
	1:30 PM	The "God's Dances": Drumming and Dancing
	3:00 PM	"Ask an Imakhu" Panel Discussion with all priests
	5:00 PM	Kha (ritual Appearance) of the Nisut (AUS)
	6:00 PM	Dinner Feast with the Nisut (AUS); more God's Dances
	Before Bed	Priest Presentation: Kai-Imakhu Nakht
SUNDAY AUGUST 6
	8:00 AM	Breakfast
	9:00 AM	Kha (ritual Appearance) of the Nisut (AUS) final remarks, fellowship, group photos, etc.
	12:00 PM	Check out

What to Bring....

• Comfortable, CASUAL clothing (you do not need to dress up for any part of the weekend). Air conditioning is provided but August in Chicago is usually quite warm and humid. Short-sleeved clothing, jeans and khaki pants are probably most comfortable; skirts are not necessary.
   
• Materials for performing Group Senut (water, natron and incense will be supplied).
   
• Shemsu undergoing Ordeal: Senut clothing or other plain white comfortable (loose) clothing and a cushion (pillow, towel, etc.) to sit on. You may also wear this clothing to rituals on Saturday.
   
• Percussion instruments for the God's Dances (drums, rattles, sistra, etc).
   
• Items of personal interest that you would like the Nisut (AUS) to bless.
   
• New Year's gifts if you are giving them to anyone.
   
• A container to store Nile water (if you would like some for your home shrine).
   
• Spending money for meals (all meals are on your own this year and we are located in an area with much more choice in terms of restaurants), bus/taxi fare, shopping. Dinner Feast with the Nisut (AUS) will be at a restaurant TBA; we will keep the costs to under $20/person for that dinner. Chicago is a moderately priced city; you should be able to eat and enjoy yourself on $30-$40 per day (not counting expensive shopping trips). Please alert Imakhu Inibmutes (Seshet@kemet.org) if you are vegetarian or have special dietary needs so we can be sure the Dinner Feast restaurant can accommodate you.
   

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