Adult Religious Education 2011-2012

Adult Religious Education at First Unitarian Church is a community endeavor where staff, the Adult Religious Education Ministry Team, and other Ministry Teams develop programs to enliven and inspire. Activities include:

Orientation (UU & You)
Classes/Forums
Regional Conferences
Ongoing Groups
Archives

For more information, click the link above or continue to scroll down to find more details.

Annual Report: Fall 2011 - Spring 2012

Adult Religious Education at First Unitarian Church is a community endeavor where staff, the Adult Religious Education Ministry Team, and other Ministry Teams develop programs to enliven and inspire. This report presents the fruit of our collaborative efforts and notes the achievements and understandings we’ve made this past year.

An Adult RE Ministry Team was formed this year with Scott Youmans (chair), Amy Nothelfer, and Dan Johnson. Their first-year goals were to provide structure for soliciting adult programming from the community, help produce adult programming materials, revise the evaluation form and create a process for reviewing evaluations, and provide support for lay facilitators. The staff revised the online registration form, handled payments, and did the actual work of brochure creation. The team intends to further clarify its role in order to work smoothly with the community. This year we learned that fall programming shouldn’t start until late September in order to allow enough time for community members to review the ARE brochure and plan ahead for classes. Alternatively, the ARE brochure could come out in early August so that members can plan on attending early to mid-September classes. The ARE MT will meet in May to plan out the coming year and further clarify our role.

We are grateful to everyone who submitted a proposal, offered an idea, facilitated a class or attended a program. Your participation and creativity is appreciated and celebrated––it’s what makes First Unitarian a home for personal and spiritual growth for so many! Here is a list of most, if not all, of the programs offered in the 2011-2012 church year: Programs Offered by Ministry Teams and Staff

• A World of Health: Connecting People, Place and Planet offered by Nicole Haines (cancelled due to low enrollment­)
• An Adventure In Belief: Crafting Your Credo (link) offered by Scott Youmans (approximate attendees: 8)
• Book Talk: Whose God Rules? offered in lieu of a worship service by Rev. Nate Walker & Ed Greenlee
• Book Talk: Memories and Portraits: Exploration in American Thought (link) offered by Dr. Howard Callaway
• Charting Compassion offered by Rev. Nate Walker (cancelled due to low enrollment)
• Dance as Mind Body Medicine Workshop (link) offered twice by Carol Penn
• Date with Nate: Human Evolution Exhibit (link) offered by Rev. Nate Walker (6 registered)
• Early Christian Heresies and the Survival of the Orthodox Church offered by Gerry Parchman (cancelled due to low enrollment)
• Exploring Your Chakras offered by Kelly LoGiudice
• Film Showing: Cut - Slicing Through the Myths of Circumcision (link) offered by Rev. Nate Walker (30 in attendance)
• Film Showing: Forks over Knives offered by Rev. Nate Walker (9 in attendance)
• Film Showing: Vegucated (link) offered by Rev. Nate Walker (9 in attendance)
• Film Showing: Crash (link) offered by the Multicultural Ministry Team (12 in attendance)
• Film Showing: Journey of Man (link) offered by Rev. Nate Walker, Amanda Owings, and the Moonstone Arts Center
• Having Your Voice to the End of Your Life (link) offered twice by Dr. Mark Peterson (18 in attendance)
• Health Reform 101 offered by Dr. Katherine Schneider (18 in attendance)
• Immanuel: Henry O. Tanner Paints ‘God With Us’ (link) offered by Jeff Rihmond-Moll, a fellow at PAFA. and Rev. Addae Ama Kraba
• Million Hearts Afternoon Tea and Lecture (link) offered by Rev. Addae Ama Kraba
• Miracle of Mindfulness (link) offered by Rev Nate Walker (30 in attendance)
• Mindful Movements (link) offered by Curt Woolford
• Our Whole Lives for Young Adults offered by Director of Religious Education, Erick DuPree
• PA School Voucher Win or Lose: Town Hall Meeting offered by Rev. Nate Walker (42 in attendance)
• Ralph Waldo Emerson, The Conduct of Life (link) offered by Dr. Howard Callaway (6 in attendance)
• Religious Freedom Forum (link) offered by Rev. Nate Walker and the Delaware Valley Chapter of Americans United for Separation of Church & State (15 in attendance).

Ongoing Programs for Adults

These programs are independent, ongoing groups for the community.

• Meditation Group
• Women’s Reading Group
• Singing as Spiritual Practice
• Depression Support Group

Respectfully submitted by Scott Youmans, ARE MT Chair



January 2011 Brochure:
As an intentionally diverse congregation, we cultivate and nurture a welcoming spiritual community. We do so, in part, by offering the following programs, which are designed to help enrich, inspire, and encourage moral and spiritual growth. Unless indicated as a “free” event, all workshops are $20 each or $5 for additional courses. Scholarships available. Unless otherwise noted, all courses will be held at the church located at 2125 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103.

Register: click here to confirm your participation.

Orientation

Unitarian Universalism & You

Free Brunch, 12:30 pm, Parish Room

March 4, April 1, May 6, June 3 Are you interested in learning more about Unitarian Universalism and would like to know how to become a member of the congregation? If so, drop-in for a free brunch and orientation held on the first Sunday of each month (except in Jan when it’s on the 2nd Sunday). Participants will gather to learn more about the history of the Unitarian Universalist movement, our shared values and beliefs, and the membership process. For those who are interested in joining, we hold New Member Ceremonies on the third Sundays of each month.

Classes & Forums

Keep your eyes peeled for new Adult Religious Education classes in the fall of 2012. Most of our Adult Religious Education classes are winding down for the summer. If you'd like to take a look at what we've offered, pleas feel free to see the class list below, from  the spring of 2012:

Having Your Voice to the End of Your Life

Mondays at 7:00 pm from April 2 - 23, 2012, $20 Only 10% to 25% of adults in the U.S. have end-of-life legal documentation. Many "Advanced Medical Directives", "Living Wills", or "Medical Proxy" forms are vague and can be countermanded by regulations or grieving relatives who wish for "all measures to be taken" to keep the patient alive whether he or she wants that action taken. When this occurs, it is often fruitless, costly (in some cases bankrupting survivors), and does not achieve the desired end. Instead it can be painful and extend and decrease the quality of life. Thinking about end of life is not easy for anyone. This Seminar will help you to address these issues and to express in detail on provided forms what your wishes are for your medical care at the end of your life should you be unable to make your own decisions. In effect, you will improve your capacity to make difficult decisions both for yourself and for any person for whom you hold a proxy.  This is accomplished by being exposed to many real cases which reveal what happens if you do not have a medical proxy and/or have not provided clear instructions on how you want your life to conclude. Explanations about Palliative Care and Hospice and other issues  will be included. You will also have a chance to develop a plan for presenting your wishes to your family.  Couples who do or will hold proxies for each other are strongly encouraged to attend. At the end of the Seminar, you will have completed instructions which can be witnessed and provided to your doctor, your attorney, and your family which express in your voice, what you want at the end of your life. Mark B. Peterson, ED.D. is a retired psychologist, consultant, and educator with many years of experience. He has helped individuals, couples, and families make complex decisions. Disclaimer:  Medical and legal advice will not be provided. The seminar leader will only provide consultation to those wishing to find their voice to express their wishes for the end of their life.

The Miracle of Mindfulness

Friday, April 20, 2012 from 6:30 - 8:30 pm

Young adults and those young at heart will gather for an evening of mindfulness. Beginning with meditation and an introduction to mindful eating, participants will explore the mindful movements of qigong as well as the Five Mindfulness Trainings as articulated by Thich Nhat Hahn, a Zen Buddhist. Those trainings include (1) reverence for life; (2) true happiness; (3) true love; (4) loving speech and deep listening; and (5) nourishment and healing. Please come with a vegetarian dish to share, a pillow and or blanket for meditation, and a journal.

This workshop will be led by Curt Woolford, MA, E-RYT. Curt began his personal meditation practice over 20 years ago and has been teaching yoga, qigong, and meditation for 15 years. He is a certified Kripalu Yoga instructor and an experienced Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance. With degrees in Philosophy and Educational Psychology, Curt brings a deep awareness of the learning process to his teaching. To confirm your participation please sign-in to the church website and RSVP at http://www.philauu.org/events/mindfulness

Ralph Waldo Emerson, The Conduct of Life

February 9 - March 1, 2012

The aim of this course is to discover and explore Emerson's mature philosophical and theological thought and to see it in relation to his development and his substantial place and influence in American and Unitarian thought. The course will be based on a reading and discussion of Emerson's late book of essays, The Conduct of Life, which creates a moral and intellectual context for Emerson's treatments of themes such as human freedom and fate, our power to act, creativity and culture, unity and duality, wealth, worship and our capture by illusions. The book is available in many editions, including electronic editions free over the internet. Recommended is Dr. Callaway's edition, R.W. Emerson, The Conduct of Life, A Philosophical Reading (Lanham, MD: University Press of America), 2006, a fully annotated and indexed edition which contains its own Introduction by the editor. Dr. Callaway has taught philosophy for many years, at home and abroad, on 3 continents; he has so far published 9 books in his field, including two editions of Emerson essays.

Film Showing: Vegucated

February 19, 2012

Join Rev. Nate in watching the acclaimed film, Vegucated, where three people spend six weeks taking one challenge. After all, Albert Einstein said, “Nothing will benefit human health and increase the chances for survival of life on earth as much as the evolution to a vegetarian diet.” View the trailer:

Health Reform 101

Sunday, March 4, 2012 at 12:30 pm, free

The Affordable Care Act of 2010 (a.k.a. "Obamacare") has been described as possibly the most game-changing piece of legislation passed during most of our lifetimes, yet its complexity (2000+ pages) has made it difficult for all but the most nerdy policy-wonks to digest and discuss intelligently, let alone capture in a sound bite.   In the first part of this workshop you will learn through  the nonpartisan "facts" - how this landmark legislation attempted to address the undisputed severe challenges facing our country and our families/communities regarding access to care and health outcomes. We will discuss not only those components that have become political lightning rods in the media, but also those that have progressed in the background with no public controversy or awareness, and how these affect you as a consumer of health care.   In the second part of the evening we will discuss within our UU principles framework the societal challenge of balancing healthcare as a human right with sustainability and personal responsibility. Dr. Katherine Schneider is a family physician and somewhat nerdy health policy wonk with expertise in population health management and deep involvement in transformation of healthcare.  She is a senior vice president at a regional health system and member of the First UU Ministry Leadership Team.  She also serves on the National Advisory Council for the federal Agency on Healthcare Research and Quality, and is a nationally recognized speaker.

An Adventure in Belief: Crafting Your Credo

 Currently: February 28 - March 27, 2012, $20

Have you heard that Unitarian Universalism is a faith of deeds not creeds? It's true that as a faith tradition we have no problem getting into the "doing" but what about the believing? As a Unitarian-Universalist, is it okay to believe whatever we want? Do UU’s all believe the same thing? What about heaven and hell? Good vs evil? Do these concepts even have a place in the collective understanding of the mysteries of the transcendent? An Adventure in Belief is an opportunity to come together and journey into articulating and crafting your own personal statements of faith––that's right your own credo. Your answers to the tough questions about religion and Unitarian Universalism may surprise you. This is the perfect class for the new member but also the life long UU, as together we will learn what it means to be seekers of faith in community. Scott Youmans is chair of the Ministry Leadership Team and is in awe at the constant evolution of his own spirituality and beliefs. A welcoming facilitator, Scott has been a UU for a decade with interests in world religion, mythology, psychology and the use of writing for transformation.

Regional Conferences

Welcoming Congregation Leadership Summit
April 28, 2012, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Princeton,
Fahs Theater/Founders Room, 9 AM – 4 PM, Suggested Donation: $20

On April 28, 2012, UUCP will sponsor a Welcoming Congregation Leadership Summit in celebration of the 10^th Anniversary of our recognition as a Welcoming Congregation.   Being recognized as a Welcoming Congregation is a commitment to the ever-ongoing work of being welcoming.  On this day, we will renew our pledge.   Area UU congregations are invited to join us for this special and important occasion.

This is the first of a series of Welcoming Congregation events and activities.  The long term goal is the creation of a multi-district endeavor by Metro and Joseph Priestly District congregations to unite and merge our experiences, skills and abilities with the goal of enhancing our outreach and response to at-risk minority populations: the “Others” within our community.   The Welcoming Congregation is about all minority concerns and being welcoming in our congregations.

The Welcoming Congregation Leadership Summit will include education and presentations on Gender Identity as an illustration tool to help congregants learn more about how we can best welcome people of minority and sub-minority groups to our congregations. If you plan to attend, please contact Teresa Stevens stevensteresa50@verizon.net.

Universalist Convocation

May 18- May 20, 2012, Murray Grove Retreat Center, Lanoka Harbor, NJ
Keynote Speaker: Rev. Richard Gilbert, Social Justice Coordinator for the St. Lawrence UU District

Explore and draw from the heritage of Universalist experience and faith to inform Unitarian Universalism today and help light its way toward the future. Presentations by Christian Universalist Rev. Kalen Fristad, United Methodist minister for more than 35 years and Rev. Rosemary Bray McNatt, Senior Minister of The Fourth Universalist Society on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Enjoy fellowship, music, meals and workshops. All are welcome, but space is limited! More information and registration forms will be available at murraygrove.org. For more information e-mail murraygrove@murraygrove.org.

Ongoing Groups

The following groups meet throughout the church year. The mediation group meets each Sunday morning, the Women’s Book Club gathers on the First Mondays of each month, and the choir rehearses every Thursday night.

Meditation Group

Sundays, 10:15 -10:45 am, Chapel, Free

Breathing in, we breathe in peace.  Breathing out we breathe out love.  Center yourself before the main service by gathering in the chapel Sunday mornings through June 17th, 2011. There will be no Meditation Group on Sunday, December 25, 2011.

Women’s Reading Group

First Mondays of every month, offsite, Free

 The Women’s Reading Group meets monthly in members’ homes. Books are chosen by participants in the group. A small collection is taken at each meeting, and donated to a charity chosen by the group. Book titles and meeting places are listed in the Beacon and in the worship announcement sheet. For information on the next book and meeting place, please call program contact Ginny Beier, 215-545-7831,

Singing as Spiritual Practice

Thursdays, 7:30 pm, Parish Room, Free

 The choir is open to all who love to sing and who have found singing for church services a significant part of their worship experience. Rehearsals are on Thursday evenings from 7:30 to 9:00 pm in the Parish Room, and on Sunday mornings from 10-10:45 am. We are a multi-generational group of singers who enjoy each others’ company and enjoy making “a joyful noise.” Singers must be able to read music. For more information contact our Music Director, Jen Hayman at jen@philauu.org.

Archives

2011-2012