Adult Classes - Spring 2012

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.

Unitarian Universalism & You

Free Brunch, 12:30 pm, Parish Room

Jan 8, Feb 5, 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

The Miracle of Mindfulness

Friday, January 27, 2012 at 6:00 pm, free

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 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. 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

Thursdays at 6:30 pm from February 9 - March 1, 2012, $20

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

Sunday, February 19, 2012 at 1:00 pm, $10

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:

An Adventure in Belief: Crafting Your Credo

Tuesdays at 7:00 pm from 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.

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.

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.

Regional Conferences

Building Healthy Congregations

A series of four workshops for teams from congregations

January 14, February 11, March 10 and April 21, 2012

Main Line Unitarian Church, Devon, PA

These four workshops are designed precisely for a time of rapid changes in congregations. They are based in an understanding of the congregation functioning as an emotional system of interrelated parts. It is a new way of thinking about both the congregation and its leadership. You will view the congregation as a whole, as an organism, as a system. Instead of seeing separate parts, you will see interrelated parts and their interactions. No one part promotes health or illness in a system. Everything contributes for good or ill. The congregation is seen as a whole unit in need of care by the leadership. Therefore, these workshops center around the stewardship of the congregation: how leaders care for, respond to, and oversee the congregation’s life together. Congregational leaders are the chief stewards. They are in a position to promote the well-being of the congregation. They set a mood and tone for the congregation. They are accountable for setting a direction, taking stands, staying connected to others, encouraging participation, and attending to the ongoing interplay of many conditions and forces. These workshops enable participants to: Gain a renewed sense of purpose and mission; Cultivate strong leadership capacities to challenge the congregation; Learn how to develop healthy patterns of living together in community; Learn to focus on strength, resources, and options for the future; Boost confidence in responding to challenges and opportunities; Learn how to lead with calm and thoughtfulness; Reflect theologically about relationships; Move the congregation toward healthy functioning. Both professional and lay leaders can benefit from attending these workshops. For the information to become embedded in the system, a team approach is used. The team can build up the health in the system by relying upon one another. It doesn’t matter what size the congregation is since the concept addresses the whole system and not individual parts. Teams of four or five people are required to attend. All team members are expected to be present for all sessions. An individual from a team may miss one session with a valid excuse. Cost is $700 for a team of five which includes all workbooks, meals, and handouts. Additional team members can be accommodated for $140 per additional member. A congregation under 100 members may send a team of four for $560. Additional scholarship help may be available, check with the District Office. Registration deadline is Friday, January 6, 2012 at www.jpduua.org.

Joseph Priestley District Assembly

April 13-15, 2012 Key Bridge Marriott, Arlington, VA 

Keynote Speaker: Rev. Peter Morales, President of the UUA 

We will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Joseph Priestley District on Friday night.  On Saturday we will explore the present with a vast assortment of workshops and a special conversation with the Gathered Here process.  Gathered Here will give shape to a shared vision for the future of our faith and the ways in which we, as religious leaders, will advance our faith on local and national levels. Based on Appreciative Inquiry, an approach to organizational change that builds on what’s working rather than trying to fix what’s not, the process will engage you and other UUs, congregations, and groups in conversations that forge new relationships and create new possibilities for the future of Unitarian Universalism.  We will finish out the District Assembly on Sunday with President Peter Morales speaking to our future and helping us set our course for the next fifty years in the Middle Atlantic region.   We will also feature great worship, fellowship, and exhibits as we gather for this special weekend.  Plan now to attend.  Space will be limited and we expect a full house.  To register visit www.jpduua.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, vhbeier@hep.upenn.edu.

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.