Filed under: Adult Enrichment and Group Meetings, Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, Comparative Religion, Religious Studies: History, Trends in Religion, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views | Tags: Adult Enrichment, Adult RE, atheism and spirituality, build your own theology, classism in Unitarian Universalism, depth, open heart, open mind, personal belief statements, UU discussions
I don’t have to attend Pacific School of Religion in January’s “intercession,” and the next semester (“winter,” they call it!), so I might be able to offer to co-lead or lead an Adult Enrichment class.
Here are my ideas. In the comments section, I’d appreciate hearing any interest from potential participants (and you can answer the poll). Also in the comments section I’d like to hear from colleagues who have done something similar. Deadline November 10 (for my newsletter article).
Uncovering Classism in Unitarian Universalist History–This new course is based on a UUA discussion guide for the Rev. Mark W. Harris’s new book, “Elite: Uncovering Classism in UU History.” Bring your experiences from here or from earlier in your life, and bring an open mind and heart. 3 sessions.
The 5 Big Questions: Personal Theology–This is my revision of Charlie Kast’s slimmed-down version of Dick Gilbert’s “Building Your Own Theology.” We ask, and give our personal reflections on the answer, these questions: Who am I? How do I know what I know–or what believe to be true? Who or what is the Divine? What is the purpose of my life? What does my death mean? This class requires advance writing (max. 1 page typed) so you are prepared to read your responses in a small group at the class. There will be a bit of lecture and discussion. Room for all theologies, commitments, and spiritual outlooks. No prior knowledge of cosmology, philosophy, theological anthropology, or cake-baking is required. 4 sessions.
Beyond Anti-Religion Polemics: Spirituality of Nonbelievers–This is a course suggested by a lay leader who (I hope) could co-lead with me. We won’t be talking too much about the big bad atheist books that go after “religious faith” (like Harris, Dawkins, Hitchens, et al.). I am more interested in looking together at the values, ethics and spiritualities of atheists, agnostics, and Religious Humanists. 3 or 4 sessions.
Filed under: Family Ministry | Tags: Adult RE, covenant group, parenting, parents
Spiritual Parenting: A Ministry Circle
“You can’t get to Roundtop on your lunch hour,” as the Rev. Doug Kraft said in his Aug. 24 sermon “Spiritual Experience: Deep Connection.” Spiritual health and growth takes time, intention and support. UUSS member and parent Karen Bare invites members and friends who are actively parenting to give and receive support to one another in a new Ministry Circle. We will focus on our role as parents and spiritual guides for our children. Topics will be guided, but we’ll learn from each other’s ideas, successes and (perhaps most importantly) our failures.
In this circle we will ask ourselves:
What is my definition of spiritual parenting?
What do I really mean when I say I want my child(ren) to be happy?
What kind of example am I setting?
What is spiritual practice, and how do I fit it into our busy lives?
How can I listen more deeply, speak more wisely?
How is my physical & spiritual health interconnected?
How can I become more aware of my own spiritual experiences,
and how do I help my family find theirs?
How can we help bring healing to the world together?
The first session will run for 8 consecutive weeks from 6:45pm-8:45pm in Citrus Heights. It will begin as soon as there are at least 6 people committed to being there. If enough people want to continue meeting, the future of the group will be more like a spiritual parenting support group wherein we’ll encourage each other in the application of concepts introduced in the first session. The second session would probably meet less often–no more than twice a month. If childcare is a concern, or if you have any questions regarding, please feel free to contact Karen Bare or the UU Society of Sacramento. Flyers are available at the RE Table and pamphlet rack in the Main Hall. (Note: After church Sept. 21 there were a lot of signups for this, so it may be full by now, but I thought it was worth it to promote the concept and plans for it. Let us know if you have ideas or interest for similar family-support activities.)
Ironicschmoozer's Weblog 