Programs for Adults and Families Winter Spring 2016 Programs, Classes and Events for Spiritual Growth and Community Fellowship UNITARIAN SOCIETY OF HARTFORD Hartford, Connecticut 06105 January 18, 2016
TABLE OF CONTENTS Cover Table of Contents Mission Statement Registration Information Authentic Connection and Communication - NVC Practice Group Ballroom Dance Building Your Own Theology Community Events Drum Circle Emei Quigong Practice Group Friday Night Pizza and Movie Great Decisions Lunch Bunch Meditation and Dharma Gathering Meeting House Sing-a-Long Performing Arts 2015-2016 Saturday Morning Salon: What Moves Us Small Group Ministry Tai Chi The Guru and You USH Book Club UU, USH and You Women s Alliance Sunday Programs for All
MISSION The Adult Programs Sub-Council strives to provide lectures, classes, workshops and other offerings for continued spiritual growth, religious learning and community fellowship. Programs are intended to be of broad appeal while meeting the needs of particular groups where practical and appropriate. The sponsors of these classes, programs and events affirm the Society s antidiscriminatory position by offering them at a range of times and in accessible locations, accommodating special needs as a standard practice and welcoming individuals and families of all kinds. Unitarian Society of Hartford 50 Bloomfield Avenue Hartford, CT 06105 Email: firstunitarian@ushartford.com Phone: 860-233-9897
Registration Information 1. Registration - Fill out completely the Program Registration Form. Forms may be obtained on the Unitarian Society of Hartford website (http://www.ushartford.com/) or at the Programs For Families and Adults Table at Fellowship Hour. Please include all contact information requested, the name of the program, and the start date. For Tai Chi registrants, be sure to sign the liability release section of the form for these activities. Attach check (payable to Unitarian Society of Hartford, or USH, with program title on the memo line), or cash, or include your charge card number and expiration date (Master Card, Visa, Discover or American Express) in the space provided. Then: bring your form(s) with attached payment to the Programs For Families and Adults Table in Fellowship Hall during Fellowship Hour on Sundays; OR call Janice Newton at 860-677-1121; OR email at janicecnewton(at sign)gmail.com; OR mail your completed registration form(s) and check made out to USH, with the course(s) name on the Memo line (no cash) to: Janice Newton 3 Deborah Lane Farmington, CT 06032 You may also register for programs by phone with a charge card (American Express, Discover, Master Card or Visa); call the Office at 860-233-9897 before 3 PM. Except for paying using a charge card, please do not call the Office to register. Thank you!!
2. Fees There is a $5 registration fee for all offerings. If there are costs for materials, food or a facilitator, there will be additional fees. 3. Cancellation - In case of the cancellation of an individual class due to inclement weather or for any other reason, every effort will be made to contact you. Please be sure to provide day and evening contact information on your registration form. Call the office on weekdays before 3:00 PM or the contact person for the latest information. Programs are occasionally cancelled due to insufficient enrollment. In such cases you will be notified, and your fee refunded. Please assume that all classes will be held as scheduled unless you are otherwise notified. 4. Scholarship Fund - Consider including a donation to the scholarship fund with your class fee payment. This donation helps pay for programs for those who need assistance. If you are unable to pay the full fee for a program but would like to participate, please contact someone at the Programs Table or the minister to discuss the availability of scholarship assistance. 5. Accessibility - All programs are accessible for those with disabilities. If you would like to discuss any special needs you may have, please indicate that on the registration form by checking the appropriate box. Someone will be in contact with you. 6. Questions and Comments - You may contact Janice Newton by phone (860-677-1121) or email (janicecnewton(at sign)gmail.com), if no contact name is specified for a program you are interested in. We welcome your questions as well as any comments you may have about our programs. Please offer your ideas for future programs. 7. Other programs at USH - USH offers other programs and activities that may not be included in this catalog. If you are interested in Religious Education for Children, please contact the Director of Religious Education directly (dre@ushartford.com). Other sub-councils and groups e.g. the Council on Social Justice, the Unitarian Alliance Ministry to Women, etc. sponsor programs and activities. Additional programs may be developed and announced at a later date. For information on all of these other programs and activities, watch for announcements in the weekly USh-Enews, inquire at the Programs For Families and Adults Table in Fellowship Hall during Fellowship Hour, or look on the bulletin board in the lower lobby of the Meeting House. 8. Locations - All programs are held at the Meeting House unless otherwise noted.
Authentic Connection and Communication - an NVC Practice Group This NVC Practice group welcomes anyone who has taken an introduction class, or read the book, Nonviolent Communication, A Language of Life, by Marshall Rosenberg (or equivalent book introducing the elements of NVC). The Practice group meets weekly from 7:15-9:00 PM, to enhance the understanding and usage of the Nonviolent Communication components. By practicing with each other using such activities as readings, exercises, humor, and sharing personal experiences, our intention is to work together to improve our authentic communication skills. Contact person: Jan Bennett. Interested in joining this group? Please notify the contact person prior to attending. Dates: Wednesdays Time: 7:15-9:00 PM - Fee: None Contact: Jan Bennett, 860-817-4900 or email, chair2clinic(at sign)juno.com
BALLROOM DANCE Ballroom Dance instruction will be held on Thursday nights. Instruction in Foxtrot, Waltz, Rumba, Swing and Tango as well as Latin club dances like Salsa and Cha Cha will be taught by Wendy Nielsen, from Arthur Murray Dance Studios. Classes will be held on Thursday evenings from 6 to 8 PM. Fee for the classes is $45 per month. For more information stop by the Adult Programs table in Fellowship Hall on Sundays, or contact Ron Friedman at rsfriedman41(at sign)gmail.com or 860-523-1105.
Building Your Own Theology Unitarian Universalism differs from other denominations because the religion does not provide a ready-made theology. Instead, each person has a right and an obligation to determine the truth for him / herself. It can be a daunting task. Building Your Own Theology (BYOT) is an intensive 12-week program that uses readings, written reflections, discussion and fellowship to help participants travel down the road of spiritual discovery. So, join us in March for a very deliberate look at who we are, what we believe, and who we, individually and collectively, can become. Participants must sign up for the program and are expected to try to attend every session. There is a small amount of weekly homework in the form of reading and reflection. The program culminates in the development of a personal spiritual manifesto. Dates: Tuesdays - SEE SCHEDULE BELOW Time: 7:30 9:00 PM Where: Servetus USH Meeting House Class Size: Limited to 10 participants Fee: $5 Contact: Tom Gervais at: tom.j.gervais(at sign)gmail.com 860/558-3000 BYOT Part 1 3/1/2016 3/15/2016 3/29/2016 4/12/2016 4/26/2016 5/10/2016 In Septemb er Novemb er. - Summer break - BYOT Part 2 9/6/2016 9/20/2016 10/4/2016 10/18/2016 11/1/2016 11/15/2016
COMMUNITY EVENTS Watch here and in the USH enews for additional information!
DRUM CIRCLE ALL AGES, ALL (OR NO) ABILITIES 3 RD TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH BEGINNING JANUARY 19, 2016 6:45 7:45 PM FELLOWSHIP HALL, UNITARIAN SOCIETY OF HARTFORD 50 BLOOMFIELD AVENUE, HARTFORD CT What is a Drum Circle? According to Mickey Hart: The Drum Circle is a huge jam session. The ultimate goal is not precise rhythmic articulation or perfection of patterned structure, but the ability to reach a group groove. It is built on cooperation and is in a state of constant evolution. Join Tom Gervais, Margaret Leicach and the 13 others who came to our first circle on November 10 th and advocated for it to be ongoing. No experience necessary, no fee. Tom has been a drummer for many years and facilitates this all-ages activity. Bring your own drums and percussion instruments or use those that will be available. For more information, contact: Margaret 860-214-3974 or Tom 860-558-3000
Emei Qigong Practice Group Emei Qigong is a comprehensive system of Chan (Zen) Qigong that generates vital energy and leads to the attainment of ever-higher levels of awareness. The study and practice of Emei Qigong promotes strong physical health, emotional balance and spiritual development. Tuesday evenings: 6:30 PM: Emei Qigong Cultivation; 7:15 PM: Emei Qigong Deeper Learning and Understanding. Contact Diana Heymann (860-461-0908). Wednesday evenings, 5:00 PM: Emei Qigong Internal Cultivation). Contact Diana Heymann (860-461-0908). Contact Diana Heymann (860-461-0908).
FRIDAY NIGHT PIZZA AND MOVIE DINNER & MOVIES SERIES January 8, 5:30 PM Beautifully scripted and perfectly cast,.. uncommon charm and insight"** OK, the title is grim, but many many of you voted for it to be included in our film series. Earning a standing ovation, it won the 2015 Sundance Grand Jury Prize and got epic publicity. It was adapted by its author from a New York Times bestselling novel; music scored by Brian Eno. So, "Me and Earl and the Dying Girl" is the Friday, January 8, DInner & Movie feature. Plot: When a quirky high school kid get shamed by his mother into reaching out to with a classmate with cancer, he is angry, but gives it a try. The ensuing relationship is funny/weird/silly/difficult/awkward, but heart-wrenching, and, yes, "uplifting". I think you will smile and laugh, as well as feel for them, in this untraditional coming-of-age film. And Earl is an engaging side-kick. This PG-13 movie will be shown with sub-titles. You can watch a trailer here: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2qfmallbyc8. We will gather on Fri, Jan 8, for popcorn and drinks at 5:30 PM, with pizza and salad meal at 6, movie at 7, with optional discussion following. Remember, you can invite non-ush folks to attend with you. To reserve ($10 each), please call Janice at 860-677-1121 by Wednesday, Jan 6. Leave a message on the answering machine, being sure to specify number of reservations, as well as pizza topping choices (meat or veg). Then you can pay with cash or check on night of the movie. There will be a Programs Table on Jan 3. If on Fri, Jan 8, you find you cannot attend, please call my cell phone (860-380- 7062) before noon and leave a message so the pizza order can be adjusted. *from DVD box cover **from Rotten Tomatoes website
FRIDAY PIZZA/MOVIE FEBRUARY 12, 2016 5:30 PM REGISTER BY NOON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10 The second feature from director Michel Gondry (Human Nature) finds the filmmaker reteaming with screenwriter Charlie Kaufman for this off-the-wall romantic comedy. Jim Carrey stars as Joel Barish, a man who is informed that his ex-girlfriend Clementine (Kate Winslet) has had her memories of their relationship erased from her brain via an experimental procedure performed by Dr. Mierzwiak (Tom Wilkinson). Not to be outdone, Joel decides to have the same procedure done to himself. As Mierzwiak's bumbling underlings Stan (Mark Ruffalo) and Patrick (Elijah Wood) perform the operation on Joel -- over the course of an evening, in his apartment -- Joel struggles in his own mind to save the memories of Clementine from being deleted. Kirsten Dunst, David Cross, and Jane Adams also star. ~ Matthew Tobey, Rovi http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/eternal_sunshine_of_the_spotless_mind/?sear ch=eternal%20sunshine%20of%20a%20spotless%20mind
GREAT DECISIONS 2016 Great Decisions usually meets at 9:00 AM in Servetus on the 1 st and 3 rd Sundays of the month though June. For more information contact: Edward Savage ESavage15(at sign)att.net GREAT DECISIONS 2016 Meetings TOPICS We're pleased to announce the topics for Great Decisions 2016 discussions, an eight-meeting series continuing each Spring at the Unitarian Meeting House for more than 25 years. We will meet in Servetus from 9:00 am to around 10:00. Registration for the meetings and briefing books is $25. and folks are welcome to drop in for a session, although at least glancing at on-line resources from the FPA is recommended as preparation. Feb 7 - The United Nations Development Goals and Realities Feb 14 (tentative) Cuba and the U.S.Middle East Alliances The following topics will be scheduled for subsequent meetings; you can get more information at www.fpa.org/great_decisions/ or from Ed Savage, Richard Groothuis and other members of the group. The Rise of ISIS The Future of Kurdistan Migration The Koreas Climate Change Middle East Alliances - Briefing by Augustus Richard Norton From a proxy war in Yemen to an ongoing civil war in Syria, a number of ongoing conflicts have shaken the traditional alliances in the Middle East to their core. As alliances between state and non-state actors in the region are constantly shifting, the U.S. has found itself between a rock and a hard place. In a series of conflicts
that are far from being black-and-white, what can the U.S. do to secure its interests in the region without causing further damage and disruption? The Rise of ISIS - Briefing by Gregory Johnsen Born out of an umbrella organization of Al-Qaeda in Iraq, the so-called Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) burst onto the international stage after it seized Fallujah in December 2013. Since then, the group has seized control of a number of critical strongholds in the country and declared itself a caliphate, known as the Islamic State. Still, the question remains: What is ISIS, and what danger does it pose to U.S. interests? The Future of Kurdistan Briefing by Jenna Krajeski Kurdistan, a mountainous area made up of parts of Turkey, Iraq, Iran, and Syria, is home to one of the largest ethnic groups in region: the Kurds. Now, most in the West know them for their small, oil-rich autonomous region in northern Iraq called Iraqi Kurdistan one of the U.S. closer allies in the Middle East and a bulwark against the expansion of the so-called Islamic State. What does the success of Iraqi Kurdistan mean for Kurds in the surrounding region? Migration Briefing by Joseph Chamie As a record number of migrants cross the Mediterranean Sea to find refuge in Europe, the continent is struggling to come up with an adequate response. Although Europe s refugees are largely fleeing conflicts in Syria, Iraq and parts of Africa, their struggle is hardly unique. Today, with the number of displaced people at an all-time high, a number of world powers find themselves facing a difficult question: how can they balance border security with humanitarian concerns? More importantly, what can they do to resolve these crises so as to limit the number of displaced persons? The Koreas Briefing by Scott Snyder At the end of World War II, Korea was divided in two. The northern half of the Korean peninsula was occupied by the Soviet Union, the southern by the United States. Today, North and South Korea couldn t be further apart. The North is underdeveloped, impoverished and ruled by a corrupt, authoritarian government, while the South advanced rapidly to become one of the most developed countries in the world. With such a wide gap, some are asking if unification is possible, even desirable, anymore? The United Nations Briefing by Stephen Browne and Thomas Weiss On the eve of the international organization s 70th birthday, the United Nations stands at a crossroads. This year marks a halfway point in the organization s global effort to eradicate poverty, hunger and discrimination, as well as ensure justice and dignity for all peoples. But as the UN s 193 member states look back at the success of the millennium development goals, they also must assess their needs for its sustainable development goals a new series of benchmarks,
which are set to expire in 2030. With the appointment of the ninth secretarygeneral in the near future as well, the next UN leader is bound to have quite a lot on his or her plate going into office. Climate change Briefing by William Sweet In the past few years, the American public has become more aware of the damage wrought by climate change. From droughts in the west to extreme weather in the wast, a rapidly changing climate has already made its footprint in the United States. Now, it s expected that the presidential election in 2016 will be one of the first ever to place an emphasis on these environmental changes. What can the next president do to stymie this environmental crisis? And is it too late for these efforts to be effective? Cuba and the U.S. Briefing by Michael Shifter and Ben Raderstorf The U.S. announced in December 2014 that, after decades of isolation, it has begun taking major steps to normalize relations with Cuba. The announcement marks a dramatic shift away from a policy that has its roots in one of the darkest moments of the Cold War the Cuban missile crisis. Although the U.S. trade embargo is unlikely to end any time soon, American and Cuban leaders today are trying to bring a relationship, once defined by antithetical ideologies, into the 21 st century. For more information contact: Edward Savage ESavage15(at sign)att.net FEE: $25 includes book $5 without the book
LUNCH BUNCH For the 2015-16 year, the Lunch Bunch will meet at La Trattoria in Canton at 12 noon. LaTrattoria is on Route 44. In addition to lunch, there will be a speaker. We will continue our series Who Am I? You will be able to order off the menu. Separate checks will be provided. There is convenient parking. We will meet on the third Tuesday of the month through June 1/19, 2/16, 3/15, 4/19, 5/17, 6/21. There will probably be a potluck picnic scheduled at the Meeting House in July or August. Reservations are necessary! If you wish to attend you must see, call (860/677-1121) or email (janicecnewton(at sign)gmail.com) Janice Newton by the second Wednesday of the month.
Meditation and Dharma Gathering Join us on any Wednesday night to participate in sitting meditation, walking meditation and contemplation of Buddhist teachings (Dharma) presented by various well known teachers such as Pema Chodron, Jack Kornfield, Thich Nhat Hahn, Sharon Saltzberg and Joseph Goldstein, among others. This is an opportunity to sit together as a community (Sangha) in silent or guided meditation, softening our hearts and minds as we listen together to the audio presentations. The ongoing framework for this gathering encourages you to drop in when your schedule can allow for it and join us in this exploration. from this practice.we become part of a lineage of people who, against enormous odds, have stayed open to great difficulties and painful situations and transformed them into the path of awakening the lineage of gentle warriorship. ~ Pema Chodron, from Start Where You Are Dates: Wednesdays, ongoing - Cancelled only if the Meeting House is closed because of challenging weather. Time: 5:45-7:00 PM Contact: Jan Bennett 860-817-4900 chair2clinic(at sign)juno.com
MEETING HOUSE SING-A-LONG What is a Meetinghouse Sing-Along? - Maggie Green, Fred Louis and Ed Savage are offering an opportunity to USH and Greater Hartford families, singers, song-writers and audience members to join in song once a month, from two to five PM. This is a drop in and do your thing kind of event. We'll put some chairs in a circle and take turns singing or playing, with those who know the tune or words joining in as they wish. Ukuleles are encouraged! You can come early or come late, whatever fits your family schedule. Let's just have some musical fun! For information, contact: Maggie Greene turtlepoem(at sign)yahoo.com or Ed Savage - esavage15(at sign)att.net Second Saturdays of the month 2:00-5:00 PM
Performing Arts Series Announced! We are excited to present a full slate of seven events for the next church year, which include music, drama, and dance. Something for everyone! This is a tremendous way to support USH. All profits go to the General Fund, and since nearly all of these events are benefits, most of what we take in is profit. And every dollar is matched by our generous anonymous donor! Note that this is the last year in which such a matching grant is available. 2015-2016 USH Performing Arts All events will take place on Saturday nights at 7:30 unless otherwise noted. March 6 Concert Pro Femina Inspired by the 15 th year of the Hartford Women Composers Festival, this concert brings a dazzling array of classical music written by women, featuring chamber groups, solo voices, and choral works. Sunday, March 20 Classical and Broadway Vocal Concert Immediately after the service Come hear some great vocal music including, we hope, some performed by our choral scholars and our new accompanist. The program isn t finalized, but we guarantee it will be both entertaining and varied. April 2 or April 16 Jacques Lamarre Play Reading Premiere Don t miss another new play premiere penned by USH friend and supporter Jacques Lamarre. He gets more successful every year, and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to present him again. Tickets at the door will be $15 Standard, $30 Premium, and $10 for students with ID. USH children under 18 free, always. Please whisper something to us (we won t tell) if money would keep you from coming to any of these events. We want you there, even if you don t have the cash to spare! Plenty of seats. All profits go directly to the USH General Fund, to be matched by our amazing anonymous donor. This is the final year for that generous matching grant. Please do your part to help fund the bottom line by subscribing to the Performing Arts series. We make the most money for the Meeting House when members subscribe in advance. And best of all, it s great fun! Please join us. For more information, contact: Patrice Fitzgerald, for the Performing Arts Sub-Council
Saturday Morning Salon: What Moves Us - Join with Rev. Heather in a powerful small group class about transformative experiences in our lives. We will use the What Moves Us curriculum as our guide. What Moves Us is a program that explores the life experiences of both historic and contemporary Unitarian Universalist theologians, highlighting that which caused in them a change of heart, a new direction, new hope, and a deeper understanding of their own liberal faith. These workshops offer participants a chance to engage with and bring your personal experiences to bear on the very questions explored by each theologian in turn. The program offers a pathway for developing not only one's own personal theology but also one's deep understanding of the threads of our Unitarian, Universalist, and Unitarian Universalist theological heritage. You are welcome to attend one, two, or all ten sessions that will offered monthly, on Saturday mornings, over the course of 2015-2016. Please RSVP to Rev. Heather (at revheather@ushartford.com) by the Tuesday prior to each session so that the appropriate number of copies can be made. Saturday mornings 10am-noon, dropping in for one session is welcome, you don t need to come to all of them (but you can!) Dates and times for the first four sessions: Saturday, January 23, 10am-12noon Saturday, February 13, 10am-12noon Saturday, March 26, 10am-12noon Saturday, April 23, 10am-12noon Saturday, May 14, 10am-12noon Saturday, June 11, 10am-12noon Location: Servetus and the Memorial Garden (at the Meeting House) Fee: $5 for one or all the sessions Please RSVP to Rev. Heather (at revheather@ushartford.com) by the Tuesday prior to each session so that the appropriate number of copies can be made.
SMALL GROUP MINISTRY The first time that I came to USH was the summer of 2008. For personal reasons, I had left the faith community where I had been an active member for 35 years. I was grieving the loss of the community that had been an important part of my life for all those years. That Fall, I signed up for my first SGM (that s Small Group Ministry). I wasn t entirely sure what to expect but now, six years and many SGMs later, I can safely say that I was not disappointed. Many of you have been a part of an SGM, so you know of what I speak. Some of you might be new to USH and are wondering exactly what I am talking about. SGM is: A small group of people who meet on a weekly or bi-weekly basis to consider a selected reading and some thought-provoking questions related to it At times, your response can be quite personal and might even cause you to reflect and remember things that you hadn t thought about in a while It is NOT a discussion group, meaning that no one replies back to what you said the group just listens. Listens hard and deeply. Maybe it should be called SLGM Small Listening Group Ministry. So, you can feel safe to share deep and meaningful thoughts. What if you don t feel like responding to a particular question? You can pass. Each member of the group is bound by a covenant, which states that what is shared in the group, stays in the group. In Small Group Ministry, you get to know others in a very personal and meaningful way. You might even get to know yourself better. There are many ways to be involved in the USH community. Being a part of an SGM is, in my opinion, one of the most meaningful ways to connect with others. Below are the details of three groups starting soon. There is a family-friendly group, an evening and a daytime group. Be engaged. Be involved. Be an SGMer! Ginny Allen
Farmington Small Group Ministry Tuesday evenings beginning February 23. 8 sessions This Small Group Ministry will explore a variety of topics and readings. There is a $5 registration fee. The group will be facilitated by David Newton and hosted by Janice Newton at the Newton home in Farmington. Register at the Programs Table or by contacting Janice Newton (860-677-1121 or janicecnewton(at sign)gmail.com) For additional information contact: Facilitator or Esther McKone estmckone(at sign)aol.com or Bill Shoemaker - wshoemaker17(at sign)comcast.net FILLED: Waiting List
Transitions - A New Small Group Ministry Saturday mornings 9:00 11:00 AM beginning April 2 8 sessions Are you at a turning point in your life? A place where the old way is not working but you re not sure what would be better? Do you feel restless? Stuck? Confused? Trapped? On eight consecutive Saturday mornings starting April 2, Judy Robbins will lead a Small Group Ministry for people who feel they are in transition. We will inspire and learn from each other while at the same time paying special attention to our own inner guidance. Sessions will be held at the Meeting House in [TBD] room from April 2-May 21; 9:00-11:00AM. $5 REGISTRATION FEE The group is limited to ten participants. A commitment to all sessions is strongly encouraged. We expect this group to fill quickly so sign up soon at the Programs Table in Fellowship Hall after Sunday service or call Janice Newton at 860-677-1121 or email her at janicecnewton(at sign)gmail.com. Judy Robbins PsyD, is a psychologist, nationally certified life coach and long-time UU. She and her husband Rick Tsukada live in Glastonbury and are members of USH.
PEACE MAKING SMALL GROUP MINISTRY FACILITATOR, GINNY ALLEN LOCATION, DATES AND TIME TO BE DECIDED (FOR MORE INFORMATION WATCH HERE, AT THE PROGRAMS TABLE AND IN THE USH ENEWS)
TAI CHI We are pleased that the long history of Tai Chi instruction at the USH Meeting House continues. Tai Chi is a martial art based on the flow of Chi (Life Force). It is often described as moving meditation that promotes physical wellness, balance and self-discipline. It consists of a series of several postures that, when joined together, make up a form that enhances the flow of Chi throughout the mind and body. USH is offering classes in Tai Chi under the instruction of Master Steve Luckingham on Wed. evenings starting at 5:30 PM. Participants are welcome for all or any part of the 1.5 hours their schedules allow. To realize the full benefit of the instruction students are encouraged to participate in all classes for the duration of the class. Classes will be scheduled as follows: *Tai Chi - All Levels- Beginners Welcome Warm-Ups- Postures-Forms 5:30-7:00 PM *The emphasis in each class may vary depending on students needs at the discretion of Master Luckingham. Classes are held in 8-week sessions. Fee is $80.00 per 8-week session. For questions please contact Ginny Hedrick at 860-677-9272.
Program Title: The Guru In You ~ Experiencing the Transcendent Self Description: Transpersonal Psychology acknowledges the spiritual and transcendent in human experience and integrates these into modern psychological practice. It presents us with a model for living as fully mature body-mindspirit beings. Our culture emphasizes the body-mind and has sorely neglected the innate spirited part of us that we are calling the inner guru. In this 5-session class, we will investigate the nature and usefulness of the inner guru, the part of us that taps into universal peace, wisdom, love and joy. Using lecture, discussion, and lots of participatory exercises, we will have some fun exploring the guru, the source of our inspiration and inner guidance. Class is limited to 10 and we strongly encourage attendance at all sessions. How this fulfills USH mission: The first of the Unitarian Universalist Six Sources of Wisdom is direct experience of the transcending mystery. (The summer 2016 programs will be based on the six sources.) Intellectual stimulation Creative exercises Interactive group building Spiritual growth Self-help Facilitators: Judy Robbins is a psychologist whose doctorate is in Transpersonal Psychology, the field that integrates the spiritual aspects of human experience within the framework of modern psychology. Rick Tsukada is a clinical social worker who has worked as a psychotherapist and workshop leader for decades. Rick and Judy, both long-time UUs, are married and members of USH. Schedule: Five two-hour sessions. A commitment to attend all 5 is strongly encouraged. Wednesday evenings beginning March 30-6:00 8:00 PM in Servetus Suggested Donation: $25 Participant Limit: Because of the experiential nature of this group, the class is limited to ten (10) participants.
2015-2016 USH Book Club The goals of the Book Club are: (1) to foster communication and community, as do our other small church groups. Visitors to the Meeting House as well as Members are welcome to participate in the USH Book Club. (2) to read fiction and non-fiction that raise issues of interest to Unitarian Universalists (recognizing that any and all issues are generally interesting to UUs!). Membership: As with any continuing organization, consistent participation from a core of members is essential to the success of the group; i.e. regular members of the Book Club should attend meetings, read the book selected, recommend books for general reading or for a future meeting and notify the host of the next meeting if they are unable to attend. We welcome individuals who want to try out our sessions or are attracted by a particular book. Meetings: Meetings are generally held between 5:30 PM and 7:30 PM on the first Thursday of each month in David s Den at the Church. Format: At the beginning of each session, it has been our custom to share and discuss poetry of interest to a participant. In our discussions we employ the rules for small group meetings as much as possible with the goal being to patiently hear everyone who wishes to share thoughts and to have as many participate as possible. Members select the books to be read at the beginning of each year, but changes during the year are always possible. We seek to read fiction and non-fiction books that are generally available -- usually books that have been issued in paperback and therefore can be easily found in libraries. Generally, the proposer of a book selected serves as facilitator to pose questions/provide background. Please feel free to try out the Book Club and see if it will meet your needs. Please talk to Richard Groothuis if you have any questions. 860-678-1030; rgroopofus(at sign)comcast.net
Books selected and schedule: Feb 4: Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End- Atul Gawade Mar 3: The Last Death of Jack Harbin- Terry Shames Apr 7: The Shell Collectors: Stories- Anthony Doerr May 5: The Little Friend- Donna Tartt June 2: Spring Chicken: Stay Young Forever (or Die Trying) - Bill Gifford
USH Book Club: February 4 Atul Gawande s Being Mortal ALL ARE WELCOME!! One reader noted: The subject is end-of-life. But this isn t a book you suggest for your friends or family members that are exclusively experiencing the difficult decisions that come with end-of-life care. The book is appropriate for all adults young, middle, or elderly. Gawande sheds light on the deeper meaning of life by example of how we treat patients in America at the end of their lives. Although the topic is end-of-life, it manages to spark an internal discussion within you about starting to live life. And in that respect, the book speaks to us all. What fears do I have about aging? How should I handle my gradual loss of autonomy as I age? What makes life worth living? And how do I keep it worth living in old age? What should guide my end-of-life decisions? How can these questions and answers better the health care system? These are questions we should be discussing now and in 10 years and always for our friends, for our family, and for ourselves. Please talk to Richard Groothuis if you have any questions. 860-678-1030; rgroopofus(at sign)comcast.net
UU, USH AND YOU
WOMEN S ALLIANCE PROGRAMS FOR ALL Watch here and at the Programs for Adults and Families Table during Fellowship Hour for Program Details.