Winter/Spring 2012 Wed. Night Classes & Groups
Sign-up sheets for the following classes are available on the counter in the Social Hall, or you may also e-mail Michelle Iwig-Harmon at miwigharmon@sunflower.com. Drop-ins are also welcome! Classes begin at 7:00 and childcare is provided from 6:30-8:30.
Reading the Bible: Mark, John and Job:
Second Wed. of the month, starting Jan. 11 with a discussion on the book of Job. Facilitated by Ellen Reid Gold. A startling topic for Unitarians: reading specific books of the Bible. Last year I joined a group which read a few books and then disintegrated. However, the books themselves were fascinating as were the secondary materials. Although I knew that we were a christian culture [that’s with a small ‘c”—which spell correct does NOT like], I had not realized how deeply embedded Christianity was.
I spent a month over the summer in Spain looking at paintings of the resurrection, birth, raising of dead, flayings, etc. which emphasized again to me the tentacles of the Biblical corpus. And literature is suffused with allusions.
Few Unitarians have actually read the original text. So, let’s do it! Each month we’ll read one book-- King James or Revised. I will begin with a 10-15 minute contextual summary and continue with discussion and reactions from everyone.
I hardly need add that I do not intend to promote ‘belief’ in the Bible, although I do believe that the Bible is a vitally important book for folks to be acquainted with.
Faith Like a River: A History of Unitarian-Universalism:
Approximately every other week starting Jan. 18. Facilitated by Ted Wilson. The UUA's new online curriculum for adults, "Faith Like a River," explores the dynamic course of Unitarian, Universalist, and Unitarian Universalist (UU) history: the people, ideas, and movements that have shaped our faith heritage. It invites participants to locate themselves in UU history and to consider its legacies. The historian, Thucydides, wrote in the 5th century B.C.E. that history is philosophy taught by examples. If this is true, then we would do well to study the examples the stories from our own history to shape a philosophy for living our own faith. This program of study provides such an opportunity. This course presents the sweep of Unitarian Universalist history and heritage through the stories of its people and events. Engaging our history and heritage does more than celebrate our Unitarian Universalist identity. It grounds our faith, our Principles, and our spiritual growth in a wider tradition.
Twilight Zone for Youth (Grades 6 and up):
Starting on January 11 after our meal, the youth are invited to join Sherry Warren in the Mary Wollstonecraft Room for The Twilight Zone! No vampires here - just classic Twilight Zone episodes from writer Rod Serling, a Unitarian who wanted to address social problems through the blossoming medium of television. We will meet from 6:45ISH to 8:00 pm MOST Wednesdays, having a short discussion after the show.
Ideas Worth “Discussing”:
Every other week beginning Jan. 18. Facilitated by Susan Cooper. TED is a nonprofit organization devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. It started out (in 1984) as a conference bringing together people from three worlds: Technology, Entertainment, and Design. Since then its scope has become ever broader. The goal of this class is to consider and discuss, in light of UU principles and the UFL's practices, some of the ideas shared via lectures posted on TED.com. During each class, the group will view a selected video. The videos are generally no more than 20 minutes long. Over the course of 8 class meetings a variety of topics will be considered. Drop-ins are welcome.
Exploring Membership:
Four weeks, March 7, 14, 28, and Apr. 4; 7:00-8:30 p.m. This four week course is designed for individuals new to Unitarian Universalism (UU), those considering membership, or new members. It will acquaint you with the Fellowship community and answer your questions about UU. Contact Shannon Vanlandingham at shannyvan@gmail.com with any questions.