RE News Archive
Challenge for Change: Envisioning Vital, Empowering Programs for Children and Youth - A Fresh Direction for RE
Last spring, UUSM launched an outreach and visioning effort to preface the arrival of our new director of Religious Exploration and our 2019–20 Religious Exploration programs for children and youth (CYRE). As a foundation, a Lifespan Religious Exploration Task Force conducted a survey to current and former registered CYRE families; receiving 20+ responses. This was followed by an impassioned, extended workshop attended by members of the LRE Task Force; members of the UUSM Board of Directors; active CYRE parents; and many members of the congregation who have taught CYRE in the past.
The survey covered families’ motivations for joining RE (as well as barriers to attendance) and asked respondents to call out specific programs to make recommendations. The overarching reason parents gave for why they wanted to bring their children to LRE was to experience shared values. The UU seven Principles bring us together to be part of something bigger than ourselves and our extended family, a community that encourages personal growth and social responsibility.
Some parents requested less classwork on Sundays and increased social justice activities (e.g., field trips to the food bank and animal shelter); overall a more experiential program. Several respondents called out the Our Whole Lives (OWL) lifespan sexuality education program, which enjoys enthusiastic support throughout the church and a strong volunteer team.
We know from weekly headcounts that CYRE attendance has steadily declined since the change in ministers in 2016. The parents surveyed confirmed that sparse attendance breeds further decline. Some envisioned the CYRE program as a space where kids and teens build community amongst themselves
UUA-facilitated workshop
On June 2, Sarah Gibb Millspaugh, from the UUA Pacific Western Region Congregational Life Staff, facilitated the 6-hour CYRE workshop. Thanks go to the entire LRE Task Force for organizing the survey and the workshop (including lunch!): Beth Brownlie, Kelly Hatfield, Nick Henning, Teri Lucas, Eileen McCormack, Erik Paesel, and JoAn Peters.
About 45 congregants came together to collaborate on a new vision of what our RE program could mean for children and youth. But most of the discussion centered on where we are currently, and what our strengths and needs are now. The group spent a lot of time sharing gratitudes and disappointments for what the program has been over the past 3 years.
At the end of the workshop, shared priorities emerged along with terrific ideas for what the CYRE program could look like. These goals will shape the program under Director of Religious Exploration Cleo Anderson, and inform the leadership of our incoming developmental minister, the Rev. Jeremiah Kalendae.
What is our story?
Our role in relating the seven Principles forms the basis of the CYRE program and activities. The workshop explored UUSM’s current assets and needs, initiating an outpouring of gratitude and clear expressions of where needs have not been met.
The OWL program and the strong corps of RE teachers and volunteers who love our children well were named two of the greatest assets of the CYRE program. Our exemplary and well-maintained campus, space for kids with different abilities and needs, and the congregation’s financial support were also highlighted.
Social justice activities that welcome children were highly valued, as was exploration of different faiths. But the latter brought out a pain point: some attendees felt that lessons on appreciating a diversity of religious views aren’t always practiced by the congregation. Some youth have had negative experiences at church; the church has a strong and vocal cohort of aging members; and the current collapse in CYRE attendance – these are all barriers to a successful and enjoyable program.
A clear need was expressed for more children and youth, and more-committed children and youth. The workshop group envisioned a program rich enough to draw in and retain kids. Specific suggestions included a higher level of evangelism along with marketing and outreach; more inclusion of children and families at services, particularly at the beginning of services; and helping kids to feel empowered where social justice issues are concerned.
Fortunately, UUSM does have dedicated families who remain excited about and committed to CYRE, as well as a small pool of congregational families whose children do not currently attend regularly (potential attendees). The congregation as a whole does see the need for relevance in the lives of the next generation.
Lift every voice and sing!
After taking stock, the group was asked to envision the future of our CYRE program. Numerous images coalesced into seven.
What would a wildly successful Religious Exploration program for children and youth look like?
Kids are excited to participate; enthusiasm.
Kids are leaders in our community.
Kids are practicing the seven Principles outside of church.
Kids are inspired to find meaning in life and live lives of meaning.
Kids are connected to each other.
Kids have tools for dealing with conflict and difference.
UUSM has a whole-congregation commitment to children and youth.
In implementing the CYRE program and living the life, what are our most heartfelt priorities? The group consensed strongly on kindness.
What values are important to our CYRE program?
Community
Inclusion
Kindness; compassion; empathy
Respect; openness; listening
Respect for diversity and diverse beliefs
New directions?
This final part of the workshop explored individual and group commitments and strategized some next moves. There was such a wealth of suggestions, the remaining participants were invited to write down specific ideas.
The LRE Task Force will work with volunteers and staff to plan active, engaging programs, now and throughout 2019–20. The new DRE and minister will be encouraged to experiment with Sunday services to engage children and youth. We will seek to support parents and teens, as their need is as great now as it has ever been. The congregation will be asked to engage, as much as possible, in multigenerational programs.
UUSM leaders and RE volunteers are inspired to seize opportunity from crisis, and they seek to communicate strategies and shared priorities to the congregation at large. Beyond the congregation, they plan to continue outreach and to emphasize opportunities for families in the upcoming website redesign. Finally, UUSM’s new DRE and new minister bring the enthusiasm of youth, and will add fresh perspectives to our “challenge for change.”
– Eileen McCormack and Erik Paesel
with thanks to the entire LRE Task Force
Personal and Spiritual Exploration for Adults, September 2019
Learning and exploration are about the transformation of the individual, our community and the larger society. Participation helps us grow in wisdom, compassion, and ethical living. See our upcoming activities, programs, and workshops for adults.
To contact the facilitator in regards to any offering, you may email AdultRE@UUSM.org with the title of the group in the subject line. Your email will be forwarded.
New Offering:
Preparing Your Own Advance Directive for Healthcare Saturday, September 7
Your Advance Directive is a legal document that can speak for you when you cannot speak for yourself. It empowers an agent that you select to make medical decisions for you and act as your advocate in difficult times. In this workshop we’ll explore materials that can help you make the choices to mark on your directive. Bring your questions, maybe a previous directive or “living will” document, and join us for homemade muffins Saturday morning, from 9:30 am to noon in the Warren Mathews Conference Room. This is the first of a two part workshop. Contact: Joyce Holmen. One time materials cost: $5.00.
Community Building Through Personal Development:
Gentle Yoga Monday, September 9
We will explore traditional yoga poses in a safe, compassionate, non-competitive environment that is welcoming to all who are able to get up and down from a yoga mat. We will be working on traditional yoga poses with a focus on creating a safe, effective, compassionate, non-competitive environment that is welcoming to all. We will work on strength, flexibility, restorative poses and deep relaxation. Some equipment is required, including a yoga mat, 2 blankets, and a strap, and several other suggestions – see the calendar page linked above. Mary Lee Olsen has a 500 hour certificate as a yoga teacher. She will be offering the final class on September 9, from 6:00-7:00 pm in Forbes Hall. Preregistration is necessary. For more information or to register, drop by the Adult RE table on Sunday or email Mary Lee through AdultRE@UUSM.org.
Collage Group with Stan Bemis Saturday, September 14
Do you wish to express yourself creatively in art, and yet may feel inadequate or untrained? Do you yearn to make an artistic statement, yet not sure how? Do you have too many catalogs, magazines, and advertisements, and haven’t a clue what to do with them? We welcome you to create your own collages with Stan Bemis! Stan works to bring joy and peace into people’s lives through creating art. He has taught many who didn’t realize they had creative talent, from all across the world – from California to Palestine/Israel. He welcomes any age, from youths to older adults. The goal of this group is to help foster personal worth and empowerment, entering that holy place within and having sacred fun. The objectives are: 1. to create works of art; and 2. to possibly create cards for events or celebrations. We encourage you to bring your old magazines to work with as well. We will meet from 10:00-12:00 pm in the NE Cottage. Contacts: Stan Bemis or Sarah Robson.
Exploration of Ideas:
Science Non-Fiction Book Discussion Tuesday, September 17
We will discuss “The Innovators: How a Group of Hackers, Geniuses, and Geeks Created the Digital Revolution,” by Walter Isaacson and Dennis Boutsikaris. The author of “Steve Jobs” looks more broadly at the people who created the computer and the internet. All are welcome. We meet at 7:30 pm in Forbes Hall. Contact: Rebecca Crawford.
AAHS Freethinker Forum Sunday, September 22
In place of our September Freethinker Forum, we invite you to join us in Los Angeles at the 4th annual Interfaith Solidarity March #InterfaithMarchLA. This is an important event for everyone who cares about religious freedom and the repudiation of violence and discrimination based on faith.
AAHS (Atheists, Agnostics, Humanists, and Secularists) is an open group that meets for lively and engaging discussion on topics of politics, science, religion, and philosophy. We also host occasional guest speakers, films, and outings. We are a home base for non-believers and questioners, but everyone is welcome. For many, atheism/agnosticism is a first step; Humanism is the thousand steps that come after.
Contact: James Witker.
Interest Groups:
Discussion and Support for Persons with Disabilities Sunday, September 29, at 11:45 am [not September 22 at noon]
The Disability Support Group is promoting a dialogue on a selected topic at each of its meetings throughout this church year. The next meeting has been changed to Sunday, September 29, and the topic will be “Money Management, Finances, and ABLE accounts.” Join us in the NE Cottage at 11:45 am (we’re adjusting to the Sunday Service schedule change). All church members interested in the topic are invited to attend. Contact: Michael Young.
October’s meeting will be on Sunday, October 27, when the topic will be, “Personal Boundaries.” This will be at 11:45 am also.
UU Men’s Group Thursdays, September 5, 19
This group offers a special opportunity to the men of the congregation and other like-minded men to join our welcoming group in provocative and stimulating discussion and to get to know others with UU perspectives in a more meaningful way. We meet the first and third Thursdays of the month at 7:30 PM in the NE room of the Cottage. The topic for Sept. 5 is: What has been your biggest life blunder, if you had one, or something close, and how did it turn out? The topic for Sept. 19 is: What single event or experience during your childhood do you believe had the biggest effect on how your life has turned out? For more information contact Richard Mathias.
Meditations:
An Enjoyable Dive into Who and What We Are Mondays, September 2, 16
This ongoing class helps participants master specific meditation skills. We endeavor to answer the questions Who am I? (attitudes and beliefs) and What am I? (essence or true nature). This class will include meditations that explore participants’ spiritual goals. The monthly group meetings also focus on insights gained throughout the month. It is expected that participants will develop and enjoy a regular meditation practice. This group meets on the first and third Mondays from 7:30-9:00 pm in Forbes Classroom 3. Contact: Bill Blake.
Open Meditation Mondays, September 9, 23, 30
We gather twice a month to sit together quietly for 20 minutes, to walk with gentle awareness for seven minutes, and to explore the integration of meditation with ordinary life through reading and sharing. Anyone who senses they would benefit from 20 minutes of silent, non-guided sitting is welcome to join us. We have found that this time of quiet meditation and shared exploration can be deeply nourishing – a time of simply “being” amidst all the “doing” of our lives. We meet on the second, fourth, and fifth Mondays from 7:30-9:15 pm in Forbes. Contacts: Bev Shoenberger or Carol Ring.
Highlights of additional interest groups meeting in September:
Knitters and Friends On hiatus until September 22, 2019, when we return to two services. Contact: Linda Van Ligten.
Body-Mind Tune Up for Seniors This group is for seniors, superseniors, and people with physical difficulties. Now on a new day of the week! Each Saturday from 11:45 am to 12:45 pm in Forbes Hall. Contact: Bruno Lacombe. Note: Free for church members, $10 suggested donation for nonmembers.
Personal and Spiritual Exploration for Adults, August 2019
Learning and exploration are about the transformation of the individual, our community, and the larger society. Participation helps us grow in wisdom, compassion, and ethical living. See our upcoming activities, programs, and workshops for adults.
To contact the facilitator in regards to any offering, you may email AdultRE@UUSM.org with the title of the group in the subject line. Your email will be forwarded.
Community Building Through Personal Development:
Collage Group with Stan Bemis Saturday, August 10
Do you wish to express yourself creatively in art, and yet may feel inadequate or untrained? Do you yearn to make an artistic statement, yet not sure how? Do you have too many catalogs, magazines, and advertisements, and haven’t a clue what to do with them? We welcome you to create your own collages with Stan Bemis! Stan works to bring joy and peace into people’s lives through creating art. He has taught many who didn’t realize they had creative talent, from all across the world – from California to Palestine/Israel. He welcomes any age, from youths to older adults. The goal of this group is to help foster personal worth and empowerment, entering that holy place within and having sacred fun. The objectives are: 1. to create works of art; and 2. to possibly create cards for events or celebrations. We encourage you to bring your old magazines to work with as well. We will meet from 10:00-12:00 pm in the NE Cottage. Contacts: Stan Bemis or Sarah Robson.
Conversations and Connections
NO MEETING FOR AUGUST. The next meeting is scheduled for September 21. Information about the September meeting will be available prior to that date.
NO MEETING FOR AUGUST. The next meeting is scheduled for September 21. Information about the September meeting will be available prior to that date.
Our guiding intention is to provide structure and opportunities for meaningful connections between individuals in our congregation. We will break into groups of 2, offering an opportunity for one-to-one conversations with 3 different people during our time together. It isn’t necessary to have attended previous Conversations and Connections gatherings. All are invited. Contacts: Sue Stoyanoff or Bettye Barclay.
Gentle Yoga Mondays August 5, 12, 19, 26
We will explore traditional yoga poses in a safe, compassionate, non-competitive environment that is welcoming to all who are able to get up and down from a yoga mat. We will be working on traditional yoga poses with a focus on creating a safe, effective, compassionate, non-competitive environment that is welcoming to all. We will work on strength, flexibility, restorative poses and deep relaxation. Some equipment is required, including a yoga mat, 2 blankets, and a strap, and several other suggestions – see the calendar page linked above. Mary Lee Olsen has a 500 hour certificate as a yoga teacher. She will be offering this weekly yoga class beginning Monday, August 5 and continuing through Monday, September 9, from 6:00-7:00 pm in Forbes Hall, except for Labor Day. Preregistration is necessary. For more information or to register, drop by the Adult RE table on Sunday or email Mary Lee through AdultRE@UUSM.org.
Exploration of Ideas:
“The Hate U Give” Book Discussion, August 14
Please join us to discuss Angie Thomas’ award-winning debut novel The Hate U Give, which depicts the efforts of 16-year old Starr Carter to cope with personal and societal upheaval in the aftermath of the police shooting of a friend. Issues of identity, including race, class and age, and the values of community, loyalty and integrity, are all implicated in this 2019 selection for Santa Monica Public Library’s Santa Monica Reads. While this offering is directed to adult participants, it is equally appropriate for mature teenagers, who are very welcome. Learning objectives include: Enjoy reading a good book, have fun together in a relaxed, inter-generational setting, voice our own perspectives and actively listen to differing opinions, grow community, appreciate the American experience through the lens of a Black teenaged girl, enhance our awareness of systemic oppression, and consider our obligations as UU’s in the struggle for justice. The class, facilitated by Melinda Ewen and Audrey Lyness, will meet in Forbes Hall on Wednesday, August 14, from 7:00-9:00 pm. Books are available for sale at the R.E. Table in Forbes Hall, and please sign up there to attend. For more information, please contact us at adultre@uusm.org, including the book title in the subject line.
AAHS Freethinker Forum Sunday, August 25
AAHS (Atheists, Agnostics, Humanists, and Secularists) is an open group that meets for lively and engaging discussion on topics of politics, science, religion, and philosophy. We also host occasional guest speakers, films, and outings. We are a home base for non-believers and questioners, but everyone is welcome. For many, atheism/agnosticism is a first step; Humanism is the thousand steps that come after. We’ll meet 12:00-1:00 pm in the Warren Matthews Conference Room Contact: James Witker.
Science Non-Fiction Book Discussion Tuesday, August 20
Science Non-Fiction Book Group: We will discuss Half-Earth: Our Planet’s Fight for Life, by E. O. Wilson. In order to save biodiversity and the human species, Wilson proposes setting aside half the Earth. Is that doable? A preeminent biologist and naturalist, Wilson makes the case for trying. All are welcome. We will meet from 7:30–9:00 pm in Forbes. Contact: Rebecca Crawford.
Interest Groups:
Discussion and Support for Persons with Disabilities Sunday, August 25
The Disability Support Group will be promoting a dialogue on a selected topic at each of its meetings throughout this church year. All church members interested in the topic are invited to attend. For August, the topic of discussion is “Money Management and Budgeting.” We meet on the fourth Sunday of each month from 11:30–1:00 pm in the NE Cottage. Contact: Michael Young.
UU Men’s Group Thursdays, August 1, August 15
The Men’s Group offers a special opportunity to the men of the congregation and other like minded men to join our welcoming group in provocative and stimulating discussion and to get to know others with UU perspectives in a more meaningful way. We meet the first and third Thursdays of the month. The topic for August 1 is: We are told that accumulating material things is not the route to happiness. Do you agree? Should happiness be the goal in life? The topic for August 15 is: “Atoms are not… things,” Werner Heisenberg. Is that true, and if so, what is everything else, including us, based upon that fundamental basis of all chemical structure? 7:30 PM in the NE room of the Cottage. Contact: Richard Mathias.
Meditations:
An Enjoyable Dive into Who and What We Are Mondays, August 5, August 19
This ongoing class helps participants master specific meditation skills. We endeavor to answer the questions Who am I? (attitudes and beliefs) and What am I? (essence or true nature). This class will include meditations that explore participants’ spiritual goals. The monthly group meetings also focus on insights gained throughout the month. It is expected that participants will develop and enjoy a regular meditation practice. This group meets on the first and third Mondays from 7:30-9:00 pm in Forbes Classroom 3. Contact: Bill Blake.
Open Meditation Mondays, August 12, August 26
We gather twice a month to sit together quietly for 20 minutes, to walk with gentle awareness for seven minutes, and to explore the integration of meditation with ordinary life through reading and sharing. Anyone who senses they would benefit from 20 minutes of silent, non-guided sitting is welcome to join us. We have found that this time of quiet meditation and shared exploration can be deeply nourishing – a time of simply “being” amidst all the “doing” of our lives. We meet on the second, fourth, and fifth Mondays from 7:30-9:15 pm in Forbes. Contacts: Bev Shoenberger or Carol Ring.
Highlights of additional interest groups meeting in August:
Knitters and Friends On hiatus until September 22, 2019, when we return to two services. Contact: Linda Van Ligten.
Body-Mind Tune Up for Seniors This group is for seniors, superseniors, and people with physical difficulties. Now on a new day of the week! Each Saturday from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm in Forbes Hall. Contact: Bruno Lacombe. Note: Free for church members, $10 suggested donation for nonmembers.
The Intersections of Social and Personal Identities in “The Hate U Give”
BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 7-9 PM, FORBES HALL
Please join us to discuss Angie Thomas’ award-winning debut novel, The Hate U Give, which depicts the efforts of 16-year old Starr Carter to cope with personal and societal upheaval in the aftermath of the police shooting of a friend. Issues of identity, including race, class and age, and the values of community, loyalty and integrity, are all implicated in this 2019 selection for Santa Monica Public Library’s Santa Monica Reads.
While this offering is directed to adult participants, it is equally appropriate for mature teenagers, who are very welcome. Learning objectives include: Enjoy reading a good book, have fun together in a relaxed, inter-generational setting, voice our own perspectives and actively listen to differing opinions, grow community, appreciate the American experience through the lens of a Black teenage girl, enhance our awareness of systemic oppression, and consider our obligations as UUs in the struggle for justice.
The class, facilitated by Melinda Ewen and Audrey Lyness, will meet in Forbes Hall on Wednesday, August 14, from 7-9pm. Books are available for sale for $11.00 at the R.E. Table in Forbes Hall, and please sign up there to attend.
For more information, please contact adultre@uusm.org, including the book title in the subject line.
-- Sheila Cummins Personal and Spiritual Exploration for Adults
Personal and Spiritual Exploration for Adults, July 2019
Learning and exploration are about the transformation of the individual, our community, and the larger society. Participation helps us grow in wisdom, compassion, and ethical living. See our upcoming activities, programs, and workshops for adults.
To contact the facilitator in regards to any offering, you may email AdultRE@UUSM.org. Your email will be forwarded.
Community Building Through Personal Development:
Collage Group with Stan Bemis Saturday, July 13
Do you wish to express yourself creatively in art, and yet may feel inadequate or untrained? Do you yearn to make an artistic statement, yet not sure how? Do you have too many catalogs, magazines, and advertisements, and haven’t a clue what to do with them? We welcome you to create your own collages with Stan Bemis! Stan works to bring joy and peace into people’s lives through creating art. He has taught many who didn’t realize they had creative talent, from all across the world – from California to Palestine/Israel. He welcomes any age, from youths to older adults. The goal of this group is to help foster personal worth and empowerment, entering that holy place within and having sacred fun. The objectives are: 1. to create works of art; and 2. to possibly create cards for events or celebrations. We encourage you to bring your old magazines to work with as well. We will meet from 10:00-12:00 pm in the NE Cottage. Contacts: Stan Bemis or Sarah Robson.
Conversations and Connections Saturday, July 20
Our guiding intention is to provide structure and opportunities for meaningful connections between individuals in our congregation. We will break into groups of 2, offering an opportunity for one-to-one conversations with 3 different people during our time together. It isn’t necessary to have attended previous Conversations and Connections gatherings. All are invited. We will meet in Forbes Hall from 10:00am-12:00pm. Contacts: Sue Stoyanoff or Bettye Barclay.
Exploration of Ideas:
AAHS Freethinker Forum Sunday, July 28
AAHS (Atheists, Agnostics, Humanists, and Secularists) is an open group that meets for lively and engaging discussion on topics of politics, science, religion, and philosophy. We also host occasional guest speakers, films, and outings. We are a home base for non-believers and questioners, but everyone is welcome. For many, atheism/agnosticism is a first step; Humanism is the thousand steps that come after. We’ll meet 12:00-1:00 pm in the Warren Matthews Conference Room Contact: James Witker.
Humanist Voices Sunday, July 14 and Monday, July 15
This month, we will read and discuss the essays, “The Marketing of Liberal Religion” and “The Unfulfilled Dream” by renowned UU minister and seminary professor David Bumbaugh which provocatively argues that the Universalist quest for a defining theology in modern times was lost in the 1961 merger with the Unitarians. “By refusing to define itself, Liberal Religion surrenders its ability to stand in judgment on the idolatries of our time,” he writes. “If we are to serve our people, and the world in which we find ourselves, it is critical that we now take up the unfinished project. It is time for Liberal Religion to declare clearly the faith we hold.” We will meet on Sunday, July 14th 3-5 pm and Monday, July 15th 7-9 pm in Forbes. Contact: James Witker.
Science Non-Fiction Book Discussion Tuesday, July 16
We will discuss “The Fifth Risk,” by Michael Lewis. The fifth risk is the one we least imagine. For Lewis it is “project management.” In the Trump administration, it is what can happen in various Cabinet Departments, when they are headed by people unfamiliar with and/or uninterested in their inner workings. The reader gets a flavor for hidden ways by which government funding helps some of the people who are most skeptical of big government. All are welcome. We will meet from 7:30–9:00 pm in Forbes. Contact: Rebecca Crawford.
Interest Groups:
Discussion and Support for Persons with Disabilities Sunday, July 28
The Disability Support Group will be promoting a dialogue on a selected topic at each of its meetings throughout this church year. All church members interested in the topic are invited to attend. For July, the topic of discussion is “Summer Recreational Activities.” We meet on the fourth Sunday of each month from 12:30–2:00 pm in the NE Cottage. Contact: Michael Young.
UU Men’s Group Thursdays, July 11 and July 25
The Men’s Group offers a special opportunity to the men of the congregation and other like minded men to join our welcoming group in provocative and stimulating discussion and to get to know others with UU perspectives in a more meaningful way. We normally meet the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month but due to the 4th of July this month we will meet on the 2nd and 4th Thursday at 7:30 PM in the NE room of the Cottage. The topic for July 11 is: What beliefs and perspectives that you held in youth have you changed and at what period or circumstance did these changes happen. The topic for July 25 is: What interests or avocations have you done that you no longer do and do you regret not still doing them? Contact Richard Mathias.
Meditations:
An Enjoyable Dive into Who and What We Are Mondays, July 1, July 15
This ongoing class helps participants master specific meditation skills. We endeavor to answer the questions Who am I? (attitudes and beliefs) and What am I? (essence or true nature). This class will include meditations that explore participants’ spiritual goals. The monthly group meetings also focus on insights gained throughout the month. It is expected that participants will develop and enjoy a regular meditation practice. This group meets on the first and third Mondays from 7:30-9:00 pm in Forbes Classroom 3. Contact: Bill Blake.
Open Meditation Mondays, July 8, July 22, and July 29
We gather twice a month to sit together quietly for 20 minutes, to walk with gentle awareness for seven minutes, and to explore the integration of meditation with ordinary life through reading and sharing. Anyone who senses they would benefit from 20 minutes of silent, non-guided sitting is welcome to join us. We have found that this time of quiet meditation and shared exploration can be deeply nourishing – a time of simply “being” amidst all the “doing” of our lives. We meet on the second, fourth, and fifth Mondays from 7:30-9:00 pm in Forbes Classroom 3. Contacts: Bev Shoenberger or Carol Ring.
Highlights of additional interest groups meeting in July:
Knitters and Friends
On hiatus until September 22, 2019, when we return to two services. Contact: Linda Van Ligten.
On hiatus until September 22, 2019, when we return to two services. Contact: Linda Van Ligten.
Body-Mind Tune Up for Seniors This group is for seniors, superseniors, and people with physical difficulties. All Fridays 10:30–11:30 am in Forbes Hall. Contact: Bruno Lacombe. Note: Free for church members, $10 suggested donation for nonmembers.
UUSM Welcomes Skilled Educator, Organizer, and “General Rabble-Rouser” as New DRE
Out of 28 applications, eight preliminary interviews, and three final interviews with highly qualified candidates, we are excited to introduce you to our unanimous choice, Cleo Anderson (she/her/hers). Cleo will join our staff beginning August 18, 2019, as our new Director of Religious Exploration and leader of our Lifetime Religious Exploration program.
Cleo spent the 2018-19 year serving as the DRE at Emerson Unitarian Universalist Church in nearby Canoga Park. UUSM DRE Kathleen Hogue has been serving as her mentor for the past year, as Cleo prepares for credentialing as a professional religious educator with the Liberal Religious Educators Association (LREDA). Cleo also accompanied Saunder Choi at the Finding Our Way Home annual retreat for UU Religious Professionals of Color in Miami this past year.
She has spent the last few years working with queer youth and young adults offering racial justice programming and cultural sensitivity training and helping marginalized communities discover pride in their own – and others – acceptance and inherent worth and dignity.
The search team was very impressed with both her general intelligence (she is a member of MENSA) as well as her emotional-social intelligence and decision-making process in hypothetical scenarios.
Cleo describes herself as a “glitter loving, queer woman of color, teaching artist, feminist, poet, and general rabble-rouser.” Cleo’s varied teaching adventures include teaching applied theater to middle and high school students, leading workshops for groups ranging in age from 4-year-olds to 70-year-olds, and teaching adaptive swim lessons to kids with special needs.
Cleo first attended a UU church as a teenager and started attending services regularly as a young adult at UUSM. When she traveled for college debate competitions, she would often visit the local UU church. Cleo has a profound appreciation for the openness and love of UU-ism. She takes personal inspiration from Gertrude Stein, Angela Davis, Faith Lehane, Audre Lorde, and bell hooks. She is excited to be starting this journey with us in August!
-- UUSM President Jacki Weber and The Director of Religious Exploration Search Team
(UUSM LRE Assistant Teri Lucas, JoAn Peters, Maria Scremin, and UUSM Developmental Minister Rev. Greg Ward )
(UUSM LRE Assistant Teri Lucas, JoAn Peters, Maria Scremin, and UUSM Developmental Minister Rev. Greg Ward )
A New Vision for Our Lifespan Religious Education - UUSM COMMUNITY WORKSHOP JUNE 2
What does a successful LRE program look like for UUSM?
Sunday, June 2 – 11:30-5:30 pm
Sanctuary and Forbes Hall
Lunch provided. Parking in the structure provided.
Lets create a new vision of our Lifespan Religious Exploration Program together! Let our collective voices be heard with heart, spirit and compassion.
Join the LRE Program Task Force, the Board of Directors, and our UUA Regional Staff, Sarah Gibb Millspaugh, to collaborate on our new vision of what our LRE Program could be.
We will ask the great questions:
What does a successful Lifespan Religious Education program look like for UU Santa Monica?
How can we encourage more families and youth to be part of our Community?
How can we do more exciting and fun faith formation out in the community doing cool FIA projects?
— LRE Task Force:
Beth Brownlie (Board VP, Current RE parent)
Eileen McCormack (Board)
JoAn Peters (LRE-Children & Youth Committee & Current RE Parent)
Teri Lucas (LRE-Adult Programs Committee Representative)
Erik Paesel, Nick Henning, Kelly Hatfield (Current RE parents)
Proposed Changes to Adult RE
WITH DEEP THANKS TO KATHLEEN
First, we want to express heartfelt gratitude to Kathleen Hogue for being a vital asset to our work and supporting our growth, as individuals and as a committee, during her tenure at UUSM. We, along with many of you, will miss her wisdom and advice, her sense of humor, and her breadth of experience as a UU religious educator. We wish her well in her future endeavors!
Adult RE plans to begin to operate autonomously and streamline our process for creating new programs. This will allow our volunteers more efficient in their new, increased responsibilities. It also has the advantage of giving the new DRE the opportunity to focus their time and energy exclusively on the Children and Youth program, and simplifies the job description for prospective candidates.
To that end, we will continue our commitment to bringing you interesting, provocative, and inspiring opportunities for personal and spiritual growth. As always, we welcome your ideas and input!
We do need some help in moving forward. We are looking for two new committee members to participate in making Adult Programs as responsive as possible to the needs of our congregation and larger community. You don’t need to have a background in education, just a passion for adult learning and approximately 6 to 8 hours/month to donate to our mission. Just email any one of us below, and we’ll be happy to send you our Charter and our objectives for this year. You are also invited to attend one of our meetings and see what it feels like to be part of UUSM’s Adult Programs for Personal and Spiritual Exploration.
We welcome you to support Adult RE in the coming months through participation in current and future programs, proposing new ideas to us, or joining our committee. We look forward to hearing from you!
— Adult Programs for Personal & Spiritual Exploration (Adult RE): Mark Berlin, Sarah Robson, Beverly Shoenberger (Chair), James Witker, with Teri Lucas (RE Assistant)
Personal and Spiritual Exploration for Adults, June 2019
Learning and exploration are about the transformation of the individual, our community, and the larger society. Participation helps us grow in wisdom, compassion, and ethical living. See our upcoming activities, programs, and workshops for adults.
Community Building:
Collage Group with Stan Bemis Saturday, June 8
Do you wish to express yourself creatively in art, and yet may feel inadequate or untrained? Do you yearn to make an artistic statement, yet not sure how? Do you have too many catalogs, magazines, and advertisements, and haven’t a clue what to do with them? We welcome you to create your own collages with Stan Bemis! Stan works to bring joy and peace into people’s lives through creating art. He has taught many who didn’t realize they had creative talent, from all across the world – from California to Palestine/Israel. He welcomes any age, from youths to older adults. The goal of this group is to help foster personal worth and empowerment, entering that holy place within and having sacred fun. The objectives are: 1. to create works of art; and 2. to possibly create cards for events or celebrations. We encourage you to bring your old magazines to work with as well. We meet from 10:00-12:00 pm in the NE Cottage. Contacts: Stan Bemis or Sarah Robson.
Exploration of Ideas:
AAHS Freethinker Forum Sunday, June 23
AAHS (Atheists, Agnostics, Humanists, and Secularists) is an open group that meets for lively and engaging discussion on topics of politics, science, religion, and philosophy. We also host occasional guest speakers, films, and outings. We are a home base for non-believers and questioners, but everyone is welcome. For many, atheism/agnosticism is a first step; Humanism is the thousand steps that come after. We’ll meet 12:00- 1:00 pm in the Warren Matthews Conference Room Contact: James Witker, aahs@uusm.org.
Interest Groups:
Discussion and Support for Persons with Disabilities Sunday, June 23
The Disability Support Group will be promoting a dialogue on a selected topic at each of its meetings throughout this church year. There is a different theme for each month. All church members interested in the topic are invited to attend. For May, we will be discussing Self-Empowerment. We meet the fourth Sunday of each month from 12:30–2:00 pm in the NE Cottage. Contact: Michael Young.
UU Men’s Group Thursday, June 6, 20
The Men’s Group offers a special opportunity to the men of the congregation and other like-minded men to join our welcoming group in provocative and stimulating discussion and to get to know others with UU perspectives in a more meaningful way. The topic for June 6 is: Decorating our homes with pictures and other objects is something we generally do for reasons other than artistic merit. What do you have on the wall or on shelves in your home, other than family photographs, that has special meaning for you? The topic for June 20 is: Even the best of relationships typically have some never-resolved subjects of conflict, disagreement, or not being in sync. What is one of yours and how do you deal with it? We meet the first and third Thursdays of the month from 7:30-9:00 pm in the NE Cottage. Contact: Richard Mathias.
Meditations:
An Enjoyable Dive into Who and What We Are Monday, June 3, 17
This ongoing class helps participants master specific meditation skills. We endeavor to answer the questions Who am I? (attitudes and beliefs) and What am I? (essence or true nature). This class will include meditations that explore participants’ spiritual goals. The monthly group meetings also focus on insights gained throughout the month. It is expected that participants will develop and enjoy a regular meditation practice. This group meets on the first and third Mondays from 7:30-9:00 pm in Forbes Classroom 3. Contact: Bill Blake.
Open Meditation Monday, June 10, 24
We gather twice a month to sit together quietly for 20 minutes, to walk with gentle awareness for seven minutes, and to explore the integration of meditation with ordinary life through reading and sharing. Anyone who senses they would benefit from 20 minutes of silent, non-guided sitting is welcome to join us. We have found that this time of quiet meditation and shared exploration can be deeply nourishing – a time of simply “being” amidst all the “doing” of our lives. We meet on the second, fourth, (and fifth) Mondays from 7:30-9:00 pm in Forbes Classroom 3. Contacts: Bev Shoenberger or Carol Ring.
Personal Development:
Conversations and Connections Saturday, June 15
All are invited. It isn’t necessary to have attended previous Conversations and Connections gatherings.
Our guiding intention is to provide structure and opportunities for meaningful connections between individuals in our congregation. We will break into groups of 2, offering an opportunity for one-to-one conversations with 3 different people during our time together. We meet in Forbes Hall from 10:00am-12:00pm. Contact Sue Stoyanoff or Bettye Barclay for more information.
Highlights of additional interest groups meeting in June:
Knitters and Friends On hiatus during from May 12 until September 22, 2019, when we return to two services. Contact: Linda Van Ligten.
Body-Mind Tune Up for Seniors This group is for seniors, superseniors, and people with physical difficulties. All Fridays 10:00–11:00 am in Forbes Hall. Contact: Bruno Lacombe. Note: Free for church members, $10 suggested donation for nonmembers.
Fiction Reading Book Club We will be reading Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward (245 pages). This book explores the effects of racism and injustice on a Mississippi family and the ways its members punish themselves for how they’ve chosen to cope. We will meet Monday, June 17, from 7:00- 8:30 pm. Contact Lucy Hahn or Melinda Ewen.
Science Non-Fiction Book Group We will discuss “I Contain Multitudes: The Microbes Within Us and a Grander View of Life” by Ed Yong. Every animal or plant is home to thousands of different bacteria and other microbes. Recent discoveries in this realm prompt us to look at life as the interconnected, interdependent web of all existence of principle seven. All are welcome. We meet Tuesday, June 18, from 7:30–9:00 pm in Forbes. Contact: Rebecca Crawford.
From Our DRE:
Thank you: A FAREWELL MESSAGE
Curiosity. A strong desire to know or to learn something, an unusual or interesting object or fact – Oxford Dictionary
Curiosity. Something that kills cats – Urban Dictionary
As my final days at UUSM approach, I want to say thank you. Thank you all for sharing your lives with me. Thank you for sharing your children and families with me. Thank you for welcoming and nurturing me as your Director of Lifespan Religious Exploration. Writing my letter of resignation was difficult. It is never easy to say goodbye. It is never easy to face the unknown and the what ifs. The best way we can do this is with a spirit of curiosity and wonder. So after all the feelings, whatever they may be, it is my hope that you will all come together to a place of wholeness through curiosity and wonder to continue the work of the church.
You may be curious or wonder:
- What will RE look like going forward?
- What does this mean for my family?
- What does this mean for the work I do here?
- What can I do to help?
UUSM Board of Directors President Jacki Weber wrote, “The board voted last week to put together a task force of concerned board members, RE leaders and parents and youth. Thanks to Board VP Beth Brownlie for leading that effort. The task force will be responsible for conducting an evaluation, reporting back on what is working well in RE and what needs attention, and recommending how to make the most of our resources. We’re also interested in broadening into a shared ownership of the ministry for our children. We all need to understand that we need to grow young, not old.” If you are curious or wondering what is going to happen, if you wonder what you can do to help, please contact Jacki or Beth.
Keep working toward our mission. The mission of UUSM is to build a congregational home that supports our vision, that provides opportunities for spiritual and personal growth in an interactive and intergenerational community, that is welcoming and inclusive and that assumes an active responsibility for our community and world.
This community has grown stronger through our shared work and love for one another. It is my deepest hope that this congregation continues to work together to create more love, more justice, and more hope in the world. I am here to help until the time of my departure with whatever I can do to support you.
I leave you with the following lyrics from a song found in our hymnal. It is a sung expression of the Buddhist prayer known as the metta sutta. Metta means loving kindness, and the prayer is an expression, a visualization, and an openness to loving kindness toward ourselves, toward another, and toward us all.
“May you be filled with loving kindness.
May you be well.
May you be peaceful and at ease.
May you be whole.”
Personal and Spiritual Exploration for Adults, May 2019
Learning and exploration are about the transformation of the individual, our community, and the larger society. Participation helps us grow in wisdom, compassion, and ethical living. See our upcoming activities, programs, and workshops for adults.
Community Building:
Collage Group with Stan Bemis Saturday, May 11
Do you wish to express yourself creatively in art, and yet may feel inadequate or untrained? Do you yearn to make an artistic statement, yet not sure how? Do you have too many catalogs, magazines, and advertisements, and haven’t a clue what to do with them? We welcome you to create your own collages with Stan Bemis! Stan works to bring joy and peace into people’s lives through creating art. He has taught many who didn’t realize they had creative talent, from all across the world – from California to Palestine/Israel. He welcomes any age, from youths to older adults. The goal of this group is to help foster personal worth and empowerment, entering that holy place within and having sacred fun. The objectives are: 1. to create works of art; and 2. to possibly create cards for events or celebrations. We encourage you to bring your old magazines to work with as well. We meet from 10:00-12:00 pm in the NE Cottage. Contacts: Stan Bemis or Sarah Robson.
Come Dance with Us – on indefinite hold.
Please contact Ellen Levy for information, support, and updates.
Exploration of Ideas:
AAHS Freethinker Forum Sunday, May 26
AAHS (Atheists, Agnostics, Humanists, and Secularists) is an open group that meets for lively and engaging discussion on topics of politics, science, religion, and philosophy. We also host occasional guest speakers, films, and outings. We are a home base for non-believers and questioners, but everyone is welcome. For many, atheism/agnosticism is a first step; Humanism is the thousand steps that come after. We’ll meet 1:00–2:30 pm in the sanctuary. Contact: aahs@uusm.org.
How to be Less Stupid about Race Monday, May 13, 20
From the UUA website: “How to Be Less Stupid About Race” is your essential guide to breaking through the half-truths and ridiculous misconceptions that have thoroughly corrupted the way race is represented in the classroom, pop culture, media, and politics. Combining no-holds-barred social critique, humorous personal anecdotes, and analysis of the latest interdisciplinary scholarship on systemic racism, sociologist Crystal M. Fleming provides a fresh, accessible, and irreverent take on everything that’s wrong with our national conversation about race.” We’ll discuss how the ideas speak to us (if at all), what the ideas might mean in practical application, and how they are or are not useful in our fight against racism. Everyone is welcome to audit the discussion; if you’d like to participate, please be sure to have read the Introduction and the first two chapters for the first session. Copies of the book will be available at cost for those who are interested; please reserve a copy by May 1 with Audrey or Laura. Our hope is that the discussion will be informative, positive, and practical, with all of us learning from the book and from the perspective of others. Come explore this important new book with Audrey Lyness and Laura Matthews in three weekly 2-hour sessions at 7:00pm, in Forbes Classroom 4, The Mural Room.
Interest Groups:
Discussion and Support for Persons with Disabilities Sunday, May 26
The Disability Support Group will be promoting a dialogue on a selected topic at each of its meetings throughout this church year. There is a different theme for each month. All church members interested in the topic are invited to attend. For May, we will be discussing Self-Empowerment. We meet the fourth Sunday of each month from 12:30–2:00 pm in the NE Cottage. Contact: Michael Young.
UU Men’s Group Thursday, May 2, 16
The Men’s Group offers a special opportunity to the men of the congregation and other like-minded men to join our welcoming group in provocative and stimulating discussion and to get to know others with UU perspectives in a more meaningful way. The topic for May 2 is: Many of us benefit from having a skill or hobby that is very different from their work. What is yours, if you have one, or if not, what have you wished that you had the time or skill to pursue? The topic for May 16 is: What 1 or 2 person or persons whom you have lost touch with (due to time, geography, death or other) do you most wish you could be in touch with now? We meet the first and third Thursdays of the month. We meet from 7:30-9:00 pm in the NE Cottage. Contact: Richard Mathias.
Meditations:
An Enjoyable Dive into Who and What We Are Monday, May 6, 20
This ongoing class helps participants master specific meditation skills. We endeavor to answer the questions Who am I? (attitudes and beliefs) and What am I? (essence or true nature). This class will include meditations that explore participants’ spiritual goals. The monthly group meetings also focus on insights gained throughout the month. It is expected that participants will develop and enjoy a regular meditation practice. This group meets on the first and third Mondays from 7:30-9:00 pm in Classroom 3. Contact: Bill Blake.
Open Meditation Monday, May 13, 27
We sit quietly for 20 minutes, walk with gentle awareness for 7 minutes, and explore the integration of meditation with ordinary life through journaling, readings, and sharing. Anyone who senses they would benefit from 20 minutes of silent, non-guided sitting is welcome to join us. We meet on the second, fourth, (and fifth) Mondays from 7:30-9:00 pm in Classroom 3. Contacts: Bev Shoenberger or Carol Ring.
Personal Development:
Conversations and Connections – on hiatus for May
Contact Sue Stoyanoff or Bettye Barclay for information and updates.
Highlights of additional interest groups meeting in May:
- Knitters and Friends On hiatus after May 12 until September 22, 2019 when we return to two services. Contact: Linda Van Ligten.
- Body-Mind Tune Up for Seniors This group is for seniors, superseniors, and people with physical difficulties. All Fridays 10:00–11:00 am in Forbes Hall. Contact: Bruno Lacombe. Note: Free for church members, $10 suggested donation for nonmembers.
- Fiction Reading Book Club We shall read Exit West, a story embedded in the refugee crisis, by Mohsin Hamidmeet. Monday, May 20, 7:00–8:30 pm in Classroom 1. Contact: Lucy Hahn or Melinda Ewen.
- Science Non-Fiction Book Group We will discuss “What It’s Like to Be a Dog: And Other Adventures in Animal Neuroscience,” by Gregory Berns. You can learn a lot about a dog if you can train him/her to sit quietly in an MRI. If you have a pet, you know they have emotions. With modern methods we can learn about what they are thinking. All are welcome. We meet Tuesday May 21, from 7:30–9:00 pm in Forbes. Contact: Rebecca Crawford.
From the Director of RE
Our Whole Lives (OWL) Sexuality Education for Adults of all Ages and Stages – ages 18 – 98
Join with other adults to fully consider this vital aspect of being a whole person.
O.W.L. is fun and engaging too… we promise! When: Four Saturday sessions: April 6 & 27, May 11, June 1 (Forbes Hall), Followed by five sessions in the fall. Sign up at the RE Table or email uusmdre@gmail.com.
Our Whole Lives is a human sexuality class focused on developing positive relationships and respect for others across the spectrum of gender identity and sexual expression. Honest, accurate information about sexuality changes lives. It dismantles stereotypes and assumptions, builds self-acceptance and self-esteem, fosters healthy relationships, improves decision making, and has the potential to save lives. For these reasons and more, we are proud to offer Our Whole Lives (OWL), a comprehensive, lifespan sexuality education curricula for use in both secular settings and faith communities.
Using values, communication skills, and spirituality as starting points, this program explores sexuality issues for adults of all ages. With it, we will build on the understanding of healthy sexual relationships, affirm diversity and help participants accept and affirm their own sexuality throughout their lives.
Please consider if you will be able to commit to regular attendance. Space is limited so register early!
Camp de Benneville Pines 2019 UU Family Summer Camp Circle of Life -2019 UU Family Summer Camp will be from Sunday, July 28 to Saturday, August 3, 2019
Family camp provides families a place to enjoy one another—to share and care. It also provides an atmosphere of warmth and friendship—to share and care about others outside of one’s immediate family. Together, and in the community, explore Unitarian Universalist values, worship together, play together and commune. This summer sing and dance and generally just have a blast. Through creative workshops, arts and crafts, groovy tie-dye, capture the flag, games, a walk to the fairy forest, archery and so much more, families will celebrate together the circle of life! Go to: https://www.uucamp.org/ to register
Schedule a Conversation and Tea with the DRE- Come tell me how your family is doing. What is going on in your lives? What is your vision for the church and the RE Program? What can I do for you?
Contact me to set up a time to meet after church. (Bring the kids!) uusmdre@gmail.com Director of RE, Kathleen Hogue
Personal and Spiritual Exploration for Adults, April 2019 - YOU ARE INVITED
March 27, 2019 Adult Programs Events, Personal and Spiritual Exploration for Adults
Learning and exploration are about the transformation of the individual, our community, and the larger society. Participation helps us grow in wisdom, compassion, and ethical living. See our upcoming activities, programs, and workshops for adults.
Special Event:
Passover Seder Saturday, April 20
passover sederA special intern rabbi will lead the Passover Seder and service, which will include a reading of the Haggadah. Traditional Passover food and wine will be served. A donation of $15 per person or $30 per family is requested. Please also bring a side dish, such as a vegetable, salad, or dessert (macaroons, honey cake) to share. No one will be turned away for their inability to pay. Attendance is limited to 40 people to preserve an intimate family setting, so please sign up at the Adult RE table in Forbes or send an email to the facilitators, Resa Foreman or Teri Lucas. If you are interested in volunteering to help with organizing, set-up, and clean-up for the event, please contact the facilitators. The event itself will take place from 5:00-9:00 pm in Forbes.
Community Building:
Collage Group with Stan Bemis Saturday, April 13
Do you wish to express yourself creatively in art, and yet may feel inadequate or untrained? Do you yearn to make an artistic statement, yet not sure how? Do you have too many catalogs, magazines, and advertisements, and haven’t a clue what to do with them? We welcome you to create your own collages with Stan Bemis! Stan works to bring joy and peace into people’s lives through creating art. He has taught many who didn’t realize they had creative talent, from all across the world – from California to Palestine/Israel. He welcomes any age, from youths to older adults. The goal of this group is to help foster personal worth and empowerment, entering that holy place within and having sacred fun. The objectives are: 1. to create works of art; and 2. to possibly create cards for events or celebrations. We encourage you to bring your old magazines to work with as well. We meet from 10:00-12:00 pm in the NE Cottage. Contacts: Stan Bemis or Sarah Robson.
Come Dance with Us! Saturday, April 27
They say that dancing is combining fun with exercise and friends! Learn international folk dancing with instructors Sandy Helperin and Teri Hoffman. Folk dancing is for anyone who loves to move to traditional music. New dancers are welcome – there are no partners required. Donations accepted. We meet from 7:00–8:30 pm in Forbes Hall. Contact: Ellen Levy.
Exploration of Ideas:
UUA Common Read: Justice on Earth Sunday, April 7 and 14
Justice on Earth bookcoverJoin us for the 2018-2019 UUA Common Read, Justice on Earth: People of Faith Working at the Intersections of Race, Class, and Environment, edited by Manish Mishra-Marzetti and Jennifer Nordstrom (Skinner House Books, 2018). As we kick off Climate Justice Month (World Water Day to Earth Day), Alison Kendall and James Witker will facilitate a three-part discussion on the intersectional challenges of combating today’s environmental crisis and its many interconnected ills. Together, we will read and respond to this engaging anthology of essays from diverse authors within our greater UU movement. We will also consider recent developments like the proposed Green New Deal, Los Angeles’ decision to shutter natural gas power plants, and the latest international climate news. We are meeting from 3:00–5:00 pm in Forbes. Contacts: James Witker or Alison Kendall.
AAHS Freethinker Forum Sunday, April 28
AAHS (Atheists, Agnostics, Humanists, and Secularists) is an open group that meets for lively and engaging discussion on topics of politics, science, religion, and philosophy. We also host occasional guest speakers, films, and outings. We are a home base for non-believers and questioners, but everyone is welcome. For many, atheism/agnosticism is a first step; Humanism is the thousand steps that come after. For April, we’ll return to the fascinating topic of emergence and complex systems. New explorations in science and philosophy are working to understand why, and how, the universe can be an engine of explosive (if unguided) creativity under the right conditions, wherein new systems of organization arise from simpler structure and reality comprises of more than merely the sum of its parts. We meet 1:00–3:00 pm in the Warren Matthews Conference Room. Contact: James Witker.
Interest Groups:
The Disability Support Group Sunday, April 28
The Disability Support Group will be promoting a dialogue on a selected topic at each of its meetings throughout this church year. There is a different theme for each month. All church members interested in the topic are invited to attend. For April, we will be discussing Interactions with Local, State, and Federal Government. We meet the fourth Sunday of each month from 12:30–2:00 pm in the NE Cottage. Contact: Michael Young.
UU Men’s Group Thursday, April 4, 18
The Men’s Group offers a special opportunity to the men of the congregation and other like-minded men to join our welcoming group in provocative and stimulating discussion and to get to know others with UU perspectives in a more meaningful way. We meet the first and third Thursdays of the month. The topic for April 4 is: Getting away from our regular life by going on a trip is restorative to a person and especially to a relationship. What trip and hotel or campground stay was your most memorable and why? The topic for April 18 is: What person in your life do you wish you had spent more time with? What questions would you have asked of this person? We meet from 7:30-9:00 pm in the NE Cottage. Contact: Richard Mathias.
Meditations:
An Enjoyable Dive into Who and What We Are Monday, April 1, 15
This ongoing class helps participants master specific meditation skills. We endeavor to answer the questions Who am I? (attitudes and beliefs) and What am I? (essence or true nature). This class will include meditations that explore participants’ spiritual goals. The monthly group meetings also focus on insights gained throughout the month. It is expected that participants will develop and enjoy a regular meditation practice. This group meets on the first and third Mondays from 7:30-9:00 pm in Classroom 3. Contact: Bill Blake.
Open Meditation Monday, April 8, 22, 29
We sit quietly for 20 minutes, walk with gentle awareness for 7 minutes, and explore the integration of meditation with ordinary life through journaling, readings, and sharing. Anyone who senses they would benefit from 20 minutes of silent, non-guided sitting is welcome to join us. We meet on the second, fourth, (and fifth) Mondays from 7:30-9:00 pm in Classroom 3. Contacts: Bev Shoenberger or Carol Ring.
Personal Development:
Adult OWL (Our Whole Lives) Saturday, April 27
Our Whole Lives is a human sexuality class focused on developing positive relationships and respect for others across the spectrum of gender identity and sexual expression. Honest, accurate information about sexuality changes lives. It dismantles stereotypes and assumptions, builds self-acceptance and self-esteem, fosters healthy relationships, improves decision making, and has the potential to save lives. For these reasons and more, we are proud to offer Our Whole Lives (OWL), a comprehensive, lifespan sexuality education curricula for use in both secular settings and faith communities. Using values, communication skills, and spirituality as starting points, this program explores sexuality issues for adults of all ages. With it we will build on the understanding of healthy sexual relationships, affirm diversity, and help participants accept and affirm their own sexuality throughout their lives. Classes for adults will be held in the spring of 2019 at UUSM. Four Saturday sessions – April 6 and 27, May 11, and June 1 – followed by five sessions in the fall. Sign up at the RE Table after services or email uusmdre@gmail.com Please consider if you will be able to commit to regular attendance. We will be meeting on April 6 8:00 am–4:00 pm in Forbes Hall, and then on April 27 12:00–6:00 pm in Forbes Classroom 4.
Awakening the Sage Within: a Free Workshop with Connie Zweig, PhD, Saturday, April 27, and Sunday, April 28
Today, for the first time in history, most people approaching their elder years can expect to live for another two or three decades. But how do you want to live those years? Research now shows that people with positive self-perceptions as they age will live longer, healthier lives. We will gather for two 3-hour workshops to explore Sage-ing or conscious aging, a model for late life that can help us to live with more awareness, joy, and purpose. This inner work of aging opens the opportunity for seniors to become Elders – Awakening the Sage Within. We will introduce aging as a spiritual journey, our images/fears of aging, harvesting wisdom from our life review, forgiveness to release the past, and facing our mortality. Free! Preregistration is required; no walk-ins. Recommended reading: “From Age-ing to Sage-ing” by Rabbi Zalman Schacter-Shalomi We will meet Saturday, April 27, 2:00–5:00 pm and Sunday, April 28, 2:00-5:00 pm in Forbes Hall. Contact: DRE Kathleen Hogue for registration.
Conversations and Connections Saturday, April 20
Come join Sue Stoyanoff and Bettye Barclay for Conversations and Connections. Each person attending sits one to one with several different people during the time we are together. In these dyads there is time to talk, to listen, and to dialogue about the questions presented each time. It is our intention that these times will be relaxing, enjoyable, and an opportunity for people in our congregation to create a growing web of connections. We meet 10:00 am–12:00 pm in Forbes Hall. Contacts: Sue Stoyanoff or Bettye Barclay.
Highlights of additional interest groups meeting in April:
Knitters and Friends - Please join us for fellowship in between services on Sundays. You are welcome to bring any project. All Sundays 10:00–11:00 am in West Forbes Hall. Contact: Linda Van Ligten.
Body-Mind Tune Up for Seniors This group is for seniors, superseniors, and people with physical difficulties for UUSM members. All Fridays 10:00–11:00 am in Forbes Hall. Contact: Bruno Lacombe. Note: Free for church members, $10 suggested donation for nonmembers.
Fiction Reading Book Club - We will be reading Anything is Possible by Elizabeth Strout (272 pages). Nine linked tales about overcoming miserable childhoods, severe losses, disheartening marriages, and war trauma to experience moments of amazing grace, resulting in comfort and reassurance. We meet Monday, April 15, 7:00–8:30 pm in Classroom 1. Contact: Lucy Hahn.
Science Non-Fiction Book Group - We will discuss Black Hole Blues and Other Songs from Outer Space, by Janna Levin (256 pages). The story behind the discovery of gravity waves and other esoteric physical phenomena, from a theoretical astrophysicist with a reputation for lyricism. All are welcome. We meet Tuesday, April 16 from 7:30–9:00 pm in Forbes. Contact: Rebecca Crawford.
Journey of the Universe: An Earth Sunday Screening
Join us on Sunday, April 28 at 1 pm for a special Earth Sunday screening of Journey of the Universe, a unique odyssey of cosmic, biological, and cultural evolution that offers insight and inspiration for our present ecological challenges. In a single 60-minute narrative, writer and host Brian Swimme guides us through a scientific and spiritual Great Story, from the birth of the universe to the emergence of complex structures, from the dawn of life as we know it to the conscious present moment. The whole experience is framed by a single day on the Greek island of Samos, a crossroads of history and discovery.
Different from purely scientific approaches, Journey is the first film to integrate arts and humanities into the cosmic big picture. Drawing on the work of the late Fr. Thomas Berry, a cosmologist, historian, and eco-theologian, Journey won an Emmy Award for Best Documentary in 2012 and has birthed an online video series and podcast, as well as a sequence of online courses through the Yale Forum on Religion and Ecology.
Learn more and see the trailer at the official website: https://www.journeyoftheuniverse.org/
(This event is sponsored by AAHS.)
More information from the filmmakers:
Journey of the Universe narrates the 14 billion−year story of the universe’s development, from the great flaring forth at the universe’s inception to the emergence of simple molecules and atoms to the evolution of galaxies, stars, solar systems, and planetary life of greater complexity and consciousness. This is a story that inspires wonder as we begin to understand such complexity through science and appreciate such beauty through poetry, art, history, philosophy, and religion. It also awakens us to the dynamic processes of evolution that are chaotic and destructive, as well as creative and life-generating.
Journey of the Universe is a cosmology, although not just in the scientific sense of the study of the early universe. Rather, it is a cosmology in the sense of being an integrated story that explains where both humans and life forms have come from. All cultures have had such stories. We now have the capacity to tell a comprehensive story drawing on astronomy and physics to explain the emergence of galaxies and stars, geology and chemistry to understand the formation of Earth, biology and botany to envision life’s evolution, and anthropology and the humanities to trace the rise of humans. Journey draws on all these disciplines to narrate a story of universe, Earth, and human evolution that is widely accessible.
Journey weaves science and humanities in a new way that allows for a comprehensive sense of mystery and awe to arise. Such an approach expands the human perspective beyond an anthropocentric worldview to one that values life’s complexity and sees the role of humans as critical to the further flourishing of the Earth community.
Praise The Journey
FROM OUR DRE, MARCH 2019
journey: an act of traveling from one place to another.
This definition of journey is not complete. It suggests that a journey is a physical act of movement. For me a journey can also be of the mind or of the spirit, as the hymn “Sing out Praises for the Journey” suggests.
“Sing out praises for the journey, pilgrims, we, who carry on,
searchers in the soul’s deep yearnings, like our forebears in their time.
We seek out the spirit’s wholeness in the endless human quest.” – STLT #295
Literally speaking, the longest journey I have ever taken was from Cleveland Ohio to Tucson Arizona, back in January of 1994. It took four days to drive 2007 miles with two kids in a moving truck. Add bad weather, and being four months pregnant, and it seemed like a really long journey. My family embarked on this incredible journey because of my health. We were seeking a warmer, drier climate for my lungs, and we were hoping not to lose the baby I was carrying, after having lost two already. My husband and I had a 37 year age difference, so we were also seeking a new life where we were accepted and not judged for that or for my son’s disability. We left behind all the people and family we knew. We left a home and work with steady income for something completely unknown.
“Stand we now upon the threshold, facing futures yet unknown.
Hearth behind us, wayside hostel built by those who knew wild roads.
Guard we e’er their sacred embers carried in our minds and hearts.” – STLT #295
We spent the first three weeks in a hotel, and nearly ran out of money. But the journey to Tucson ended up being a good choice. Eventually we found work, a place to live, services for my son and we had a healthy baby. We formed friendships and found the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tucson. I cannot imagine what life would have been like had we not chosen this road. Then, I took another journey; not too far geographically, but definitely a journey of the spirit, when I moved here to be your DRE.
Here at UUSM we have chosen to journey together in love and fellowship, knowing that we have come from many different paths and knowing also that we may take many different paths from here. But for now, we journey together having found a common purpose: to seek truth, to be of service, to work for peace, justice and freedom.
“Look inside, your soul’s the kindling of the hearth fire pilgrims knew.
Find the spirit, always restless, find it in each mind and heart.
Touch and hold that ancient yearning, kindling for a newfound truth.” – STLT #295
We journey our whole lives. From birth, childhood, and school, to work, relationships and even death, our journeys are truly lifespan. And the whole trip is a learning opportunity- always a chance for new experiences and growth. In the next couple of months I invite you to come explore with us. Here are just some of the opportunities:
Writing a Memoir: A Journey to UU with Leonard Cachola- Want to learn how to write and publish you religious journey? Come to this presentation by an accomplished writer.
Our Whole Lives (OWL) Sexuality Education for Adults of all Ages and Stages – ages 18 – 98 Join with other adults to fully consider this vital aspect of being a whole person. O.W.L. is fun and engaging too… we promise! When: Four Saturday sessions: April 6 & 27, May 11, June 1 (Forbes Hall), Followed by five sessions in the fall.
Awakening the Sage Within This workshop with Connie Zweig, PhD, will introduce aging as a spiritual journey, our images/fears of aging, harvesting wisdom from our life review, forgiveness to release the past, and facing our mortality.
“Come you accidental pilgrims, you who find yourself on a journey of surprise and wonder. Come you who emerge into this place as an act of liberation…
This path will ask much from us. Let us move forward with love. Let us move forward with appreciation for one another. Let us move forward knowing we are not alone. Whoever you are, whatever your gifts, you are welcome to join this journey.” – Lyn Cox
-- Kathleen Hogue
Personal and Spiritual Exploration for Adults, March 2019
YOU ARE INVITED
Learning and exploration are about the transformation of the individual, our community, and the larger society. Participation helps us grow in wisdom, compassion, and ethical living. See our upcoming activities, programs, and workshops for adults.
Writing a Memoir: A Journey to UU Sunday, March 3:
UUSM member and former Secretary of the Board of Directors Leonard Cachola leads a lecture and discussion of his self-published memoir about his journey to UUSM. From 1:00-2:30 pm in Forbes Classroom 3. Contact: Leonard Cachola.
Exploring the Sermon on the Mount Monday, March 4 and March 11:
The Sermon on the Mount is a core source of wisdom and knowledge, forming the basis of many of the values in Western literature and culture, from Hamlet to Harry Potter. Come explore this important part of our heritage with Abby Arnold and Laura Matthews in three weekly 2-hour sessions starting Monday, February 25. We’ll discuss how the ideas speak to us (if at all), what the ideas might mean in practical application, and how they are or are not useful today. Register with Abby or Laura to receive the Sermon to print out and read ahead of time. Our hope is that the discussion will be uplifting, positive, and practical, with all of us learning from the perspective of others to bring a fresh awareness to these ancient words. We meet from 7:00-9:00 pm in the Warren Matthews Community Room. Contacts: Abby Arnold and Laura Matthews.
An Enjoyable Dive into Who and What We Are Monday, March 4 and March 18:
This ongoing, twice-a-month class helps participants master specific meditation skills. We endeavor to answer the questions Who am I? (attitudes and beliefs) and What am I? (essence or true nature). This class will include meditations that explore participants’ spiritual goals. The monthly group meetings also focus on insights gained throughout the month. It is expected that participants will develop and enjoy a regular meditation practice. This group meets on the first and third Mondays from 7:30-9:00 pm in Classroom 3. Contact: Bill Blake.
UU Men’s Group Thursday, March 7 and March 21:
The Men’s Group offers a special opportunity to the men of the congregation and other like-minded men to join our welcoming group in provocative and stimulating discussion and to get to know others with UU perspectives in a more meaningful way. We meet from 7:309:00 pm in the NE Cottage. Contact: Richard Mathias.
Collage Group with Stan Bemis Saturday, March 9 and March 23:
Do you wish to express yourself creatively in art, and yet may feel inadequate or untrained? Do you yearn to make an artistic statement, yet not sure how? Do you have too many catalogs, magazines, and advertisements, and haven’t a clue what to do with them? We welcome you to create your own collages with Stan Bemis! Stan works to bring joy and peace into people’s lives through creating art. He has taught many who didn’t realize they had creative talent, from all across the world – from California to Palestine/Israel. He welcomes any age, from youths to older adults. The goal of this group is to help foster personal worth and empowerment, entering that holy place within and having sacred fun. The objectives are: 1) to create works of art; and 2) to possibly create cards for events or celebrations. We encourage you to bring your old magazines to work with as well. We meet from 10:00-12:00 pm in the NE Cottage. Contacts: Stan Bemis or Sarah Robson.
Open Meditation Monday, March 11 and March 25:
We sit quietly for 20 minutes, walk with gentle awareness for 7 minutes, and explore the integration of meditation with ordinary life through journaling, readings, and sharing. Anyone who senses they would benefit from 20 minutes of silent, non-guided sitting is welcome to join us. We meet on the second, fourth, (and fifth) Mondays from 7:30-9:00 pm in Classroom 3. Contacts: Bev Shoenberger or Carol Ring.
Conversations and Connections Saturday, March 16:
Come join Sue Stoyanoff and Bettye Barclay for Conversations and Connections. Each person attending sits 1 to 1 with several different people during the time we are together. In these dyads there is time to talk, to listen and to dialogue about the questions presented each time. It is our intention that these times will be relaxing, enjoyable and an opportunity for people in our congregation to create a growing web of connections. Meeting from 10:00-12:00 pm in the Warren Matthews Conf. Room. Contacts: Sue Stoyanoff or Bettye Barclay.
Come Dance with Us! Saturday, March 23:
Learn international folk dancing with instructors Sandy Helperin and Teri Hoffman. Folk dancing is for anyone who loves to move to traditional music. No partners needed! New dancers are welcome. We meet from 7:00-8:30 pm in Forbes Hall. Contact: Ellen Levy.
AAHS Freethinker Forum Sunday, March 24:
AAHS (Atheists, Agnostics, Humanists, and Secularists) is an open group that meets for lively and engaging discussion on topics of politics, science, religion and philosophy. We also host occasional guest speakers, films, and outings. We are a home base for non-believers and questioners, but everyone is welcome. For many, atheism/agnosticism is a first step; Humanism is the thousand steps that come after. We meet 1:00-3:00 pm in the Warren Matthews Conference Room. Contact: James Witker.
The Disability Support Group Sunday March 24:
The Disability Support Group will be promoting a dialogue on a selected topic at each of its meetings throughout this church year. There is a different theme for each month. All church members interested in the topic are invited to attend. For March, we will be discussing “Seeking Enployment.” We meet the fourth Sunday of each month from 12:30-2:00 pm in the NE Cottage. Contact: Michael Young.
Highlights of additional interest groups coming in March:
Knitters and Friends
Please join us for fellowship in between services on Sundays. You are welcome to bring any project. All Sundays 10:00-11:00 am in West Forbes Hall. Contact: Linda Van Ligten.
Please join us for fellowship in between services on Sundays. You are welcome to bring any project. All Sundays 10:00-11:00 am in West Forbes Hall. Contact: Linda Van Ligten.
Body-Mind Tune Up for Seniors
This group is for seniors, superseniors, and people with physical difficulties for UUSM members. All Fridays 10:00-11:00 am in Forbes Hall. Contact: Bruno Lacombe. Note: Free for church members, $10 suggested donation for non-members.
This group is for seniors, superseniors, and people with physical difficulties for UUSM members. All Fridays 10:00-11:00 am in Forbes Hall. Contact: Bruno Lacombe. Note: Free for church members, $10 suggested donation for non-members.
Fiction Reading Book Club
We will be reading “An American Marriage” by Tayari Jones (308 pages).A profoundly insightful look into the hearts and minds of three people who are at once bound and separated by forces beyond their control. Monday, March 18, 7:00-8:30 pm.
We will be reading “An American Marriage” by Tayari Jones (308 pages).A profoundly insightful look into the hearts and minds of three people who are at once bound and separated by forces beyond their control. Monday, March 18, 7:00-8:30 pm.
Science Non-Fiction Book Group
We will discuss “How to Clone a Mammoth: The Science of De-extinction,” by Beth Shapiro. How would one decide what species to bring back from extinction? What likelihood is there that we could bring a long-dead species? What effect would it have on the environment? All are welcome. Tuesday, March 19, 7:30 pm, Forbes Hall. Contact: Rebecca Crawford.
We will discuss “How to Clone a Mammoth: The Science of De-extinction,” by Beth Shapiro. How would one decide what species to bring back from extinction? What likelihood is there that we could bring a long-dead species? What effect would it have on the environment? All are welcome. Tuesday, March 19, 7:30 pm, Forbes Hall. Contact: Rebecca Crawford.
And More...
Our Whole Lives (OWL) Sexuality Education for Adults of all Ages and Stages – ages 18 – 98
Join with other adults to fully consider this vital aspect of being a whole person. O.W.L. is fun and engaging too… we promise! When: Four Saturday sessions: April 6 & 27, May 11, June 1 (Forbes Hall), Followed by five sessions in the fall. Sign up at the RE Table or email uusmdre@gmail.com.
Join with other adults to fully consider this vital aspect of being a whole person. O.W.L. is fun and engaging too… we promise! When: Four Saturday sessions: April 6 & 27, May 11, June 1 (Forbes Hall), Followed by five sessions in the fall. Sign up at the RE Table or email uusmdre@gmail.com.
Camp de Bonneville Pines 2019 UU Family Summer Camp Circle of Life -2019
UU Family Summer Camp will be from Sunday, July 28 to Saturday, August 3, 2019: Family camp provides families a place to enjoy one another—to share and care. It also provides an atmosphere of warmth and friendship—to share and care about others outside of one’s immediate family. Together, and in the community, explore Unitarian Universalist values, worship together, play together and commune. This summer sing and dance and generally just have a blast. Through creative workshops, arts and crafts, groovy tie-dye, capture the flag, games, a walk to the fairy forest, archery and so much more, families will celebrate together the circle of life! Go to: https://www.uucamp.org/ to register.
UU Family Summer Camp will be from Sunday, July 28 to Saturday, August 3, 2019: Family camp provides families a place to enjoy one another—to share and care. It also provides an atmosphere of warmth and friendship—to share and care about others outside of one’s immediate family. Together, and in the community, explore Unitarian Universalist values, worship together, play together and commune. This summer sing and dance and generally just have a blast. Through creative workshops, arts and crafts, groovy tie-dye, capture the flag, games, a walk to the fairy forest, archery and so much more, families will celebrate together the circle of life! Go to: https://www.uucamp.org/ to register.
Schedule a Conversation and Tea with the DRE
- Come tell me how your family is doing. What is going on in your lives? What is your vision for the church and the RE Program? What can I do for you? Contact me to set up a time to meet after church. (Bring the kids!) uusmdre@gmail.com.
- Come tell me how your family is doing. What is going on in your lives? What is your vision for the church and the RE Program? What can I do for you? Contact me to set up a time to meet after church. (Bring the kids!) uusmdre@gmail.com.
From Our DRE:
Building Relationships Based On Trust\
“Trust comes from the Norse traust, Proto-Germanic traustam, and Old English treowian. All these roots point to confidence, reliance, protection, solace, and support. They ask, where do you find your confidence? Where do you find solace?”
One of my favorite movies, “Liar Liar” with Jim Carrey, is about a lawyer who can’t lie for 24 hours. This is his son’s birthday wish, after he disappoints him for the last time. I love the movie because it teaches the dad a lesson about earning trust by being dependable and following through on commitments.
Most of my life before Unitarian Universalism (BUU) was a time when trust was in short supply. Disappointed so many times by adults in my early life, in the areas of basics such as food, shelter and safety; I learned to only count on myself, or to trust only that the adults in my life would let me down. “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who’ll decide where to go…” – Dr. Seuss, on trusting yourself
I carried this outlook further in life with most of my relationships. Author Christopher Pike says this, “Relationships are mysterious. We doubt the positive qualities in others, seldom the negative. You will say to your partner: do you really love me? Are you sure you love me? You will ask this a dozen times and drive the person nuts. But you never ask: are you really mad at me? Are you sure you’re angry? When someone is angry, you don’t doubt it for a moment. Yet the reverse should be true. We should doubt the negative in life, and have faith in the positive.” ―, Remember Me
That was all BUU. Now I look for the positive time and time again in all my relationships. Though I may be disappointed on occasion, I can see a pattern that demonstrates more positive than negative. I trust that for the most part, people have good intentions. I keep looking to our first principle of the inherent worth and dignity of every person. I remember that as Unitarian Universalists we are all working for the common good, to make the world a better place, one of peace, love and compassion.
Here at UUSM we are trying to build up relationships based on trust. We are doing this by having confidence in our board to make decisions that are in the best interest of the congregation. We are relying on our minister to take us places (where we may not want to go) but need to go in order to become a stronger and healthier congregation. We are having tough conversations about relationships, racial issues, and women in safe settings where we all can be heard. And most importantly, friendships are building!
“But it does not seem that I can trust anyone,” said Frodo.
Sam looked at him unhappily. “It all depends on what you want,” put in Merry. “You can trust us to stick with you through thick and thin–to the bitter end. And you can trust us to keep any secret of yours–closer than you keep it yourself. But you cannot trust us to let you face trouble alone, and go off without a word. We are your friends, Frodo.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring
Yes, we are going to be disappointed at times. People are going to let us down. We are going to be hurt but we must keep returning, because we cannot begin to make a change in our communities or in our world unless we start within. We must continue to build trust. “If we are willing to embrace the challenge of becoming whole, we cannot embrace it alone—at least, not for long: we need trustworthy relationships to sustain us, tenacious communities of support, to sustain the journey toward an undivided life.” – Parker Palmer
Kathleen Hogue
Exploring the Sermon on the Mount
The Sermon on the Mount is a core “source of wisdom and knowledge,” forming the basis of many of the values in Western literature and culture, from Hamlet to Harry Potter. Come explore this important part of our heritage with Abby Arnold and Laura Matthews in three weekly 2-hour sessions starting Monday, February 25, 7:00pm, in the Cottage. We’ll discuss how the ideas speak to us (if at all), what the ideas might mean in practical application, and how they are or are not useful today. Register with Abby or Laura to receive the Sermon to print out and read ahead of time. Our hope is that the discussion will be uplifting, positive, and practical, with all of us learning from the perspective of others to bring a fresh awareness to these ancient words.
Adult Personal and Spiritual Exploration for February 2019
Learning and exploration are about the transformation of the individual, our community, and the larger society. Participation helps us grow in wisdom, compassion, and ethical living. See our upcoming activities, programs, and workshops for adults.
Recognizing and Resisting Racist Responses Sunday, February 3:
Please join us to discuss anti-racist educator Robin DiAngelo’s new book, White Fragility. We will share our responses to the author’s perspectives on implicit bias and structural racism, and explore the unconscious strategies that white folks may engage in to defend against the notion that they are complicit. From author, academic and preacher Michael Eric Dyson: “A vital, necessary and beautiful book, a bracing call to white folk everywhere to see their whiteness for what it is and to seize the opportunity to make things better now.” Poet and playwright Claudia Rankine writes that the book “brings language to the emotional structures that make true discussions about racial attitudes difficult.” Books are available for purchase at the Lifespan RE table. 156 pp. We will be meeting from 1:00-4:15 pm in Warren Matthews Conference Room. Contacts: Roberta Frye or Audrey Lyness.
An Enjoyable Dive into Who and What We Are Monday, February 4 and February 18:
This ongoing, twice-a-month class helps participants master specific meditation skills. We endeavor to answer the questions Who am I? (attitudes and beliefs) and What am I? (essence or true nature). This class will include meditations that explore participants’ spiritual goals. The monthly group meetings also focus on insights gained throughout the month. It is expected that participants will develop and enjoy a regular meditation practice. This group meets on the first and third Mondays from 7:30-9:00 pm in Classroom 3. Contact: Bill Blake.
UU Men’s Group Thursday, February 7 and February 21:
The Men’s Group offers a special opportunity to the men of the congregation and other like-minded men to join our welcoming group in provocative and stimulating discussion and to get to know others with UU perspectives in a more meaningful way. The topic for February will be reporting on your favorite book. 4 Men will report on Feb. 7 and 4 more will report on Feb. 21. We meet from 7:30-9:00 pm in the NE Cottage. Contact: Richard Mathias.
Collage Group with Stan Bemis Saturday, February 9 and February 23:
Do you wish to express yourself creatively in art, and yet may feel inadequate or untrained? Do you yearn to make an artistic statement, yet not sure how? Do you have too many catalogs, magazines, and advertisements, and haven’t a clue what to do with them? We welcome you to create your own collages with Stan Bemis! Stan works to bring joy and peace into people’s lives through creating art. He has taught many who didn’t realize they had creative talent, from all across the world – from California to Palestine/Israel. He welcomes any age, from youths to older adults. The goal of this group is to help foster personal worth and empowerment, entering that holy place within and having sacred fun. The objectives are 1. to create works of art and 2. possibly create cards for events or celebrations. We encourage you to bring your old magazines to work with as well. We meet from 10:00-12:00 pm in the NE Cottage. Contacts: Stan Bemis or Sarah Robson.
Open Meditation Monday, February 11 and 25:
We sit quietly for 20 minutes, walk with gentle awareness for 7 minutes, and explore the integration of meditation with ordinary life through journaling, readings, and sharing. Anyone who senses they would benefit from 20 minutes of silent, non-guided sitting is welcome to join us. We meet on the second, fourth, (and fifth) Mondays from 7:30-9:00 pm in Classroom 3. Contacts: Bev Shoenberger or Carol Ring.
Conversations and Connections Saturday, February 16:
Each person attending sits 1 to 1 with several different people during the time we are together. In these dyads there is time to talk, to listen and to dialogue about the questions presented each time. It is our intention that these times will be relaxing, enjoyable and an opportunity for people in our congregation to create a growing web of connections. For information contact Sue Stoyanoff or Bettye Barclay. We meet from 10:00-12:00 pm in Forbes Hall. Contact: Bettye Barclay or Sue Stoyanoff.
Come Dance with Us! Saturday, February 23:
Learn international folk dancing with instructors Sandy Helperin and Teri Hoffman. Folk dancing is for anyone who loves to move to traditional music. No partners needed! New dancers are welcome. We meet from 7:00-8:30 pm in Forbes Hall. Contact: Ellen Levy.
AAHS Freethinker Forum (Agnostics, Atheists, Humanists and Secularists) Sunday, February 24:
AAHS is an open group that meets for lively and engaging discussion on topics of politics, science, religion and philosophy. We also host occasional guest speakers, films, and outings. We are a home base for non-believers and questioners, but everyone is welcome. For many, atheism/agnosticism is a first step; Humanism is the thousand steps that come after. We meet 1:00-3:00 pm in the Warren Matthews Conference Room. Contact: James Witker.
The Disability Support Group Sunday February 24:
The Disability Support Group will be promoting a dialogue on a selected topic at each of its meetings throughout this church year. There is a different theme for each month. All church members interested in the topic are invited to attend. For January, we will be discussing “Governmental Programs.” We meet the fourth Sunday of each month beginning at 12:30-2:00 pm in the NE Cottage. Contact: Michael Young.
Exploring the Sermon on the Mount Monday, February 25:
The Sermon on the Mount is a core source of wisdom and knowledge, forming the basis of many of the values in Western literature and culture, from Hamlet to Harry Potter. Come explore this important part of our heritage with Abby Arnold and Laura Matthews in three weekly 2-hour sessions starting Monday, February 25. We’ll discuss how the ideas speak to us (if at all), what the ideas might mean in practical application, and how they are or are not useful today. Register with Abby or Laura to receive the Sermon to print out and read ahead of time. Our hope is that the discussion will be uplifting, positive, and practical, with all of us learning from the perspective of others to bring a fresh awareness to these ancient words. We meet from 7:00-9:00 pm in the Warren Matthews Community Room. Contacts: Abby Arnold and Laura Matthews.
Humanist Voices: Is God a White Racist? Dates TBA
Humanist Voices continues to read and discuss the book, Is God a White Racist? by the late Rev. Dr. William R. Jones, an African American UU minister, theologian, professor, and mentor. In this provocative, powerful, emotional examination of liberation theology, Jones questions whether the belief in an omnibenevolent God who has dominion over human history can provide an adequate theological foundation to effectively dismantle the economic, social, and political framework of oppression. Seeing divine benevolence as part of oppression’s mechanism of disguise, Jones argues that black liberation theologians must adopt a new theism that is informed by humanism and its principle of the functional ultimacy of wo/man, where human choice and action determine whether our condition is slavery or freedom. UU religious educator and blogger Daniel Harper argues that Bill Jones is one of the most important UU theologians of the 20th Century. A short synopsis of the book’s ideas and arguments is also available. Contact: James Witker.
Highlights of additional interest groups coming in February:
Knitters and Friends Please join us for fellowship in between services on Sundays. You are welcome to bring any project. All Sundays 10-11 am in West Forbes Hall. Contact: Linda Van Ligten.
Body-Mind Tune Up for Seniors This group is for seniors, superseniors, and people with physical difficulties for UUSM members. All Fridays 10-11 am in Forbes Hall. Contact: Bruno Lacombe. Note: Free for church members, $10 suggested donation for non-members.
Fiction Reading Book Club Monday February 18, 7:00-8:30 pm. We will discuss “Warlight” by Michael Ondaatje (304 pages). A story set in the decade after World War II, seen through the lives of a small group of unexpected characters and two teenagers whose lives are indelibly shaped by their unwitting involvement.
Science Non-Fiction Book Group Tuesday February 19, 7:30 pm, Forbes Hall. Contact: Rebecca Crawford. We will discuss “The Rise and Fall of American Growth,” by Robert J. Gordon. An excellent explanation of the effect of the important inventions and modernizations on the “American century” and why new developments today seem to have less effect. All are welcome.
Our Whole Lives (OWL)
Saturdays, April 6 & 27, May 11, June 1, in Forbes Hall,
followed by five sessions in the fall
Sexuality Education for Adults of all Ages and Stages (ages 18 – 98+) Join with other adults to fully consider this vital aspect of being a whole person. O.W.L. is fun and engaging too… we promise!
Sexuality Exploration, including:
- accepting, understanding, and affirming personal sexuality
- opening dialogue/building communication
- sexual diversity, sexuality in adulthood, sexual health and relationships
- sexuality & spirituality
- society, media, and values
- your questions, concerns, opinions
How: To sign up, or with questions, go to the R.E. table in Forbes on Sundays or contact uusmdre@gmail.com.
Cookies needed!
Kathleen Hogue is seeking cookie/brownie donations for our Christmas Eve Services. Please bring in either home made or store bought holiday cookies no later than Sunday December 23rd. Let her know that you will be bringing them ahead of time by sending an email to uusmdre@gmail.com.
RE Events
December 22, 8:30 am, Forbes Hall, RE Pancake Breakfast for Parents, children and friends! Join us for pancakes and all the fixings along with a bouncy castle for the kids! Donations of $5 per person are requested to cover the costs and to go toward our Spirit Grant fund for the RE Assistant. No one will be turned away.
Thursday, December 20 7:30 – 11 pm (7:30 – 9 pm “Kid Safe”) Join our staff and members for another community service opportunity: "Volunteer With One Voice" : 3021 Airport Avenue, Santa Monica Airport Santa Monica, CA 90405 (The Santa Monica Air Center) We will be sorting and packaging the food for needy families. This is the night that is most appropriate for children as well as adults. We continue long into the night, usually finishing around 11:00 PM. Please register online in advance and have a copy on your phone to show at the door when you arrive between 7:30-8:30 PM. REGISTER HERE: https://www.onevoice-la.org/volunteer-sign-up/
January Adult RE Offerings
Humanist Voices
“Is God a White Racist?” by Rev. William R. Jones. In this examination of the early liberation methodology, Jones questions whether the belief in an omnibenevolent God who has dominion over human history—can provide an adequate theological foundation to effectively dismantle the economic, social, and political framework of white oppression.
Date , time, location TBD. Contact: James Witker
Collage Group with Stan Bemis
Do you wish to express yourself creatively in art, and yet may feel inadequate or untrained? Do you yearn to make an artistic statement, yet not sure how? We welcome you to create your own collages with Stan Bemis!
Sat Jan 12 and Sat Jan 26, 10-12 pm; NE Cottage. Contact:Stan Bemis
Conversations and Connections
Our guiding intention is to provide structure and opportunities for meaningful connections between individuals in our congregation. As the number of one-to-one connections grows over time there will be an expanding web of connections in our community based on trust and acceptance.
Sat Jan 19, 10-12 pm. Contact: Bettye Barclay or Sue Stoyanoff
Come Dance with Us!
Learn international folk dancing with instructors Sandy Helperin and Teri Hoffman. Folk dancing is for anyone who loves to move to traditional music. No partners needed! New dancers are welcome.
Sat Jan 12, 7:00-8:30 pm; Forbes. Contact Ellen Levy
Monday Night is Meditation Night:
An Enjoyable Dive into Who and What We Are
We endeavor to answer the questions Who am I? (attitudes and beliefs) and What am I? (Essence or True Nature). This class will include meditations which explore participants’ spiritual goals.
Mon Jan 7 and Mon Jan 21, at 7:30-9:00 pm; Classroom 3. Contact: Bill Blake
Open Meditation Group
We sit quietly for 20 minutes, walk with gentle awareness for 7 minutes, and explore the integration of meditation with ordinary life through journaling, readings and sharing. Anyone who senses they would benefit from 20 minutes of silent, non-guided sitting is welcome to join us.
Mon Jan14 and Mon Jan 28 at 7:30-9:00 pm; Classroom 3. Contact: Beverly Shoenberger or Carol Ring
Women over 60 Group
Want to enhance your life? Want more personal and spiritual growth? Want to be with other women who can relate to what you are going through? Then this group is for you!
Tues, Jan 1 and Jan 15, from 10-11:30 am; Forbes. Contact: Sandra Beebe
Other Offerings in January
AAHS: Jan 27, 1-2:00 pm
Disability Support Group: Jan 27, 12:30-2pm NE Cottage “Sports Activities and Opportunities”
Body-Mind Tune-up for Seniors: All Fridays, 10-11am Forbes Hall
UU Men’s Group Jan 3 and 17, 7:30-9pm NE Cottage
Fiction Reading Book Club: Jan 21, 7-8:30pm Classroom 1 -- "Pachinko," by Min Jin Lee
From Our DRE:
I Love Where My Journey Has Led Me
African Proverb: “Se wo were fi na wosankofa a yenkyi,” which translates as: “It is not wrong to go back for that which you have forgotten.”
For my credentialing program I am taking an online course through the UUA called UU Identity. UU identity is formed as a process of development across the lifespan which unfolds through a combination of personal heritage, culture, and lived experiences. It also includes our principles, sources and our rich UU history.
My husband Albert used to love the quote from George Santayana… “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” He also loved everything history related, especially the wars. Ironically, he passed away of Alzheimer’s disease about six years ago. I am not a fan of the doom and gloom warning quote. I like to think of the past in a more positive light.
After only two sessions in my class I am already seeing how all the components that make up our identity are related, but in particular, history’s connection to who we are today. Soul Matters puts it this way: “Remembering those who have gone before and the guidance they have for us today helps you reclaim and remember many of your own stories and treasures long forgotten.” When we tell stories of “past heroes” we don’t just honor them, we increase our ability to act like them.”
Here are some important figures from our UU History that I would like to lift up:
James Luther Adams- (Nov. 12, 1901- July 26, 1994) was a Unitarian parish minister and a Meadville Lombard Theological Divinity School professor for more than 40 years. He is recognized as one of the preeminent Christian social ethicists and theologians of the 20th century. He emphasized personal and institutional behavior as the locus of meaning in religious belief. He was also a labor activist and civil rights advocate.
Francis David – (1520 – Nov. 15, 1579) was a Unitarian preacher from Transylvania, the founder of the Unitarian Church of Transylvania, and the leading figure of the Nontrinitarian movements during the Protestant Reformation. This year (2018) marks the 450th celebration of the Edict of Torda in Transylvania in which David convinced the king to allow the people to have freedom of religion, the beginning of our liberal religion! This month marks the anniversary of the death of David in prison.
Frances Ellen Watkins Harper- (September 24, 1825- February 22, 1911) An African American woman who challenged Unitarians and other Christians to practice a form of religion that reflected “a stronger sense of justice and a more Christlike humanity in behalf of those . . . homeless, ignorant, and poor.” She believed the struggles for black Americans and women of all races were connected. “Justice is not fulfilled so long as woman is unequal before the law. We are all bound up together in one great bundle of humanity, and society cannot trample on the weakest and feeblest of its members without receiving the curse in its own soul.” – Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
In my research of these three figures (and many more), I discovered that they became who they were through their life experiences. Many of the figures in UU history were exposed to racism, injustice and devastating losses. They were beaten, robbed of their freedoms and sometimes killed. They witnessed the mistreatment and misfortune of others. This is what made them our UU Heroes. It is what made them stand up and make a difference.
One of the exercises in the class was to create a timeline (which was called a river journey) of my life. It was called this to illustrate the flow and many turns in the formation of our identities. When I was finished with mine, I was actually embarrassed and somewhat ashamed to present it. This is because I am not proud of my abusive childhood or racist upbringing. I am not proud of my failed relationships. But I learned that all of the other students in my class had some similar experiences and some different experiences. Those are what formed our identities AND we are all UUs. We were all brought to this faith! I have always thought that if I could change some of the bad things in my life, that I wouldn’t because they are what made me who I am today. I mentioned I did not like Albert’s favorite quote. I like this one much better: “If memory had a voice, it wouldn’t sing remember me. It would call out, don’t forget who you are.” –soul matters
I love who I am. I love what I do. I love that my journey has led me to a place where I can make a difference in our world. I love how it has allowed me to foster a UU identity in children, youth and adults in the never ending quest to create lifelong UUs.
Adult Programs: Conversations and Connections
Please join us for “Conversations and Connections” on Saturday, November 17, from 10 am to noon in the cottage.
This program will provide our church community the opportunity to develop meaningful connections, two people at a time. Within the context of small group gatherings, we will break into two, encouraging conversation between us that deepen our connections. Each meeting will offer an opportunity for these one-to-one conversations with at least 3 people. We will meet once a month in three-month cycles. The third meeting of each cycle will be a potluck for those who have attended one or more of the Conversations and Connections meetings.
Our guiding intention is to provide structure and opportunities for meaningful connections between individuals in our congregation. We believe as the number of one-to-one connections grows over time there will be an expanding web of connections in our community based on trust and acceptance.
We hope you’ll join us. Please sign up at the RE Table in Forbes Hall after services.
If you have any questions you can contact us: Bettye Barclay or Sue Stoyanoff.
Adult RE Offerings for November 2018
Humanist Voices
Humanism is the progressive philosophy of life guided by reason and compassion that, without the supernatural and beyond questions of the divine, affirms our ability and responsibility to lead ethical lives of meaning and purpose that aspire to the greater good of humanity and our planet. Emphasizing “deeds before creeds,” it has been a vital part of Unitarian Universalism for over a hundred years.
Our group continues to explore and discuss thoughtful contributions to UU and Humanist thought with an emphasis on making deeper connections on our own spiritual or philosophical paths.
In October, we will read and discuss "The Church of What We Know,"; a thoughtful and provocative guest sermon by beloved UU songwriter Peter Mayer ("Blue Boat Home") which was delivered to a congregation in San Diego in 2017.
In November we will read and discuss the new book by Michael Werner, “What Can You Believe if You Don’t Believe in God?” Among other things, Werner believes in knowledge, shared human values, art, and meaning determined by living well and making a difference rather than a tortured or happy hereafter.
The October group will be offered two times: Monday, 22 nd and again on Tuesday, 30th, due to a large response to James' offerings in the past. The November meeting dates are TBA. Forbes Hall. Contact James Witker
Balanced Behaviors
Do your behaviors around eating, exercise and health need a tune up? Would you like to see personal changes that can move you closer to your health goals, but are not sure how to get there?
Through education, mindfulness and support, we will explore ways to make lasting changes that are compatible with your life and life style. Learn new practical skills such as environmental control and “calories as money” to make the behavioral changes you would like to see in your relationship to food and other aspects of your health.
Discover, design and experiment with small steps on your own path as you recalibrate and refresh your habits and choices. Learn how you can best support and encourage yourself as you move closer to realizing the optimum way you would like to live a healthy life. Know that you can realize your goals by changing behaviors that no longer serve you. All are welcome. Do you have some behaviors that work well? Please come and share your successful ideas and strategies with us.
Our group will meet every other Wednesday night, Nov. 14th and 28th, from 7:00-8:30pm
Contact: Teri Lucas, uusmreassist@uusm.org 347-684-4908
Conversations and Connections
Please join us for “Conversations and Connections” on Saturday, November 17, from 10am-12pm in the cottage.
This program will provide our church community the opportunity to develop meaningful connections, two people at a time. Within the context of small group gatherings, we will break into two, encouraging conversation between us that deepen our connections. Each meeting will offer an opportunity for these one-to-one conversations with at least 3 people. We will meet once a month in 3 month cycles. The third meeting of each cycle will be a potluck for those who have attended one or more of the Conversations and Connections meetings.
Our guiding intention is to provide structure and opportunities for meaningful connections between individuals in our congregation. We believe as the number of one-to-one connections grows over time there will be an expanding web of connections in our community based on trust and acceptance.
We hope you’ll join us. Please sign up at the RE Table in Forbes Hall after services.
If you have any questions you can contact us: Bettye Barclay or Sue Stoyanoff .
Come Dance with Us!
Learn international folk dancing with instructors Sandy Helperin and Teri Hoffman. Folk dancing is for anyone who loves to move to traditional music. No partners needed! New dancers are welcome.
Saturday November 3 rd 7:00-8:30 pm in Forbes
Save the future date: Dec. 8
Contact: Ellen Levy
Two Meditation Groups
An Enjoyable Dive into Who and What We Are
We endeavor to answer the questions Who am I? (attitudes and beliefs) and What am I? (Essence or True Nature). This class will include meditations which explore participants’ spiritual goals.
1st and 3rd Mondays, November 5th and 19th , 7:30-9:00 pm in Room 3
Contact: Bill Blake
Open Meditation
We sit quietly for 20 minutes, walk with gentle awareness for 7 minutes, and explore the integration of meditation with ordinary life through journaling, readings and sharing. Anyone who senses they would benefit from 20 minutes of silent, non-guided sitting is welcome to join us.
2nd, 4th (and 5th ) Mondays, November 12 th and 26 th at 7:30-9:00 pm in Room 3
Contact: Beverly Shoenberger or Carol Ring
Women Over 60 Discussion Group
Want to enhance your life? Want more personal and spiritual growth? Want to be with other women who can relate to what you are going through? Then this group is for you!
Usually 1st and 3rd Tuesdays - In November, we will only meet once due to Thanksgiving holiday,
November 6 th from 10-11:30 am in Forbes Hall
Contact: Sandra Beebe,