Adult Enrichment Opportunities Fall,2006
Adult classes for the fall include:
"The Life and Thought of Howard Thurman" A symposium offered by Rev. Jack Taylor
October 12th through November 16th, time TBA
"Howard Thurman, unquestionably the leading African-American theologian of the 20th century, student of the Quaker philosopher Rufus Jones, Dean of the Chapel at both Howard and Boston Universities, founder of San Francisco's Church for the Fellowship of All Peoples," friend of Unitarian Universalists and close friend of Dana McLean Greeley, first President of the Unitarian Universalist Association, and noted author, will be the subject of this six session symposium.
Julian Bond called Thurman, "The quiet voice behind the Civil Rights Movement," and Martin Luther King, Jr. was known to have carried Thurman's book 'Jesus and the Disinherited' with him throughout his leadership of the movement. His greatest contribution, however, was to guide and encourage understandings among all people. His efforts have only just begun.
Jack Taylor is Minister Emeritus of the First Unitarian Church of Ithaca, New York, and Chaplain Emeritus at Cornell University. He was Thurman's assistant for his final two years at graduate school and resident minister of the Church for the Fellowship of All Peoples before moving to Ithaca in 1971. He and his wife, Barbara, have been residents of Foxdale Village for the past decade.
Participants will be encouraged to purchase the book, "Jesus and the Disinherited" by Howard Thurman for the symposium. The book is not essential but will be considered in one session, and the leader recommends it as a permanent addition to everyone's family library. A discount may be available through a group purchase that will be announced at the first session.
PLEASE SIGN UP FOR THIS CLASS ON THE BULLETIN BOARD IN THE FRONT LOBBY AT UUFCC OR CONTACT THE UUFCC OFFICE TO RESERVE A SPACE!
"Building Your Own Theology" offered by Rev. Mark Hayes and Jean Wiant, DLRE
Tuesday evenings, October 17th and 24th, November 21st and 28th, December 19th, and January 16th, 23rd, and 30th. 7:00 PM.
Class size will be limited to 15 participants.
"Building Your Own Theology" was born in 1978 at the First Unitarian Church of Rochester. It was initially inspired by Angus MacLean's provocative words in his pamphlet "Freedom is Still the Issue": "It has been said that liberal religion is a 'do it yourself kit.' But there is a danger that we would make it a kit not only without blueprint but without tools and material." The purpose of this program was and continues to be to provide some tools for building a theology based on the materials of individual life experiences.
The curriculum has three parts: an introduction to our seven UU Principles and six Sources of our UU faith, discussion of various theological questions and an in depth look at key issues in religious inquiry, moral decision making and development of personal credos: the fundamental religious beliefs, values and convictions that inform and direct the living of our lives.
"Building Your Own Theology" was written by Richard S. Gilbert, parish minister of the First Unitarian Church of Rochester, NY until June, 2005. He also served as assistant minister at the First Unitarian Church of Cleveland, Ohio, and minister of the First Unitarian Church of Ithaca, NY. He also taught at Colgate Rochester Divinity School, Starr King School for the Ministry, and Meadville Lombard Theological School. Gilbert is the author of "The Prophetic Imperative: Social Gospel in Theory and Practice", and "How Much Do We Deserve? An Inquiry into Distributive Justice".
PLEASE SIGN UP FOR THIS CLASS ON THE BULLETIN BOARD IN THE FRONT LOBBY AT UUFCC OR CONTACT THE UUFCC OFFICE TO RESERVE A SPACE!
"Evensong" (volume 2) offered by Rev. Mark Hayes and Jean Wiant, DLRE
Wonderful Soulful Wednesdays, beginning at 7:00pm from September through May.
Class size will be limited to 15 participants.
Evensong is offered with the belief that these words of the Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hahn are true: "When we offer others the gift of our presence, they open up the truths of their lives to us, and in return we also may speak our own truth". This spirit of mutuality and reciprocity nurtures respect, safety, trust, and mutual regard. Evensong offers participants the chance to share their life experiences, emotions, and doubts with other members of the congregation in an atmosphere of attentive listening without judgment.
Listening is at the heart of Evensong. Listening is a way to show respect and grow in love. Evensong invites people to speak to the depth and essence of their response to questions rather than listing quick responses.
Communing is the main event of each meeting. The group responds to each person without comment but with deep listening. It is not a time for discussion, or feedback, debating, questioning, advising, or solving. It is a time for sharing something that is important.
Each session follows an order of service. Evensong is shared worship. Everyone has a part in shaping the worth of the gathering. Each gathering will include an opening song, sharing of joys and sorrows, holding each other in silent support, readings, sitting in stillness and remembering, communing, singing and giving thanks, and closing.
Evensong is a time for personal spiritual development, for a growing willingness to share, and for the gift of listening presence with one another. Honest, loving speaking and respectful, open listening make community.
Evensong was written by Barbara Hamilton-Holway, co-minister of the UU Church of Berkeley, CA.
PLEASE SIGN UP FOR THIS CLASS ON THE BULLETIN BOARD IN THE FRONT LOBBY AT UUFCC OR CONTACT THE UUFCC OFFICE TO RESERVE A SPACE!
You will find complete descriptions of these offerings with the sign up sheets on the Adult RE Board in the Lobby next to the cloak room.
Questions? See Jean or Betty Walker Adult RE chair