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| | | Religious
Education adult education **
Adult Religious Education Discussion
Group The Adult Religious Education
Group is doing a curriculum on world religions beginnin again in September 2008.
You are truly welcome to join us! World Religions
- The World Religions curriculum will meet at 7:30 PM in the living room on the
1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month, starting
in October (10/7, 10/21, 11/4, 11/18, 12/2 and 12/16). On 10/7, we will
start our discussion of Christianity. Please read
Chapter 8 in World Religions by Huston Smith, 1991. We will start by watching
a video of a Bill Moyers interview of Huston Smith on Christianity. All are welcome.
Diane Bofinger **
Owning Your Spiritual or Religious Past There are folks The curriculum
will involve 6 sessions. The first session was profoundly interesting and we will
schedule the program again. So call soon! Diane Bofinger **Spiritual
Cinema Circle Last year ( came across a website that piqued my interest
and decided we'd start up a new church group. . Here is how it works:
Each month, a DVD is sent with one or two feature films along with two or more
short films, and/or documentaries. The
DVD is accompanied by liner notes that provide brief summaries of each film along
with reflection questions for us. According to the Spiritual Cinema Circle
co-founder, Stephen Simon, films must meet several criteria to be considered circle
worthy. Simon explains,"We look for movies that ask who we are and why we're
here, and leave you feeling at least a little bit better about being a human being
after you're finished watching it. By those criteria, Whale Rider, The Matrix,
and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind are examples of major releases
that would qualify. American Beauty most definitely would not. Neither
would The Passion of the Christ, which would be too dogmatic and too violent
according to the circles standards." We provide the relaxing place to
enjoy and watch the movies along with the popcorn
.. and then the fun part
.spend
some time discussing the films afterwards, discussing the reflection questions.
It was noted on the website that most movies are appropriate for children (although
I am assuming that most will not hold the attention of very little children).
Families certainly are welcome though, as our children will certainly be running
around the house! When: Last Friday of the month (September-May)
Time: We will start the movie promptly at 7:15pm Where:
Ulrich house, Williamsville What to Bring: your own beverages and any
other snacks besides popcorn Cost: About $3 per adult RSVP:
Scott or Tammy Ulrich If you would like to learn more about the specific
movies go to www. spiritualcinemacircle.com. For this month's offerings, check
our newsletter. Join us! **
The New U.U. (Unitarian Universalist)
This is a two-session orientation program for newcomers and any one else
who might be interested. The purpose of the program is to help new people become
part of our church community, intellectually, socially and personally.
New UU addresses this purpose in three ways. Participants will: Create
a time line of religious turning points in their lives and share these narratives
with others in the New UU group. This is a great way to begin new friendships
and see how much we have in common in our religious journeys. Explore
Unitarian Universalism by looking at the local church and the larger movement.
Identify and talk about important issues such as theological position,
approach to tradition, the tension between intellect and feeling, and the importance
of money, involvement and volunteering. The program is held periodically,
generally Sunday evenings from 7-9pm. *** The next program will begin on Sunday,
Nov. 9, from 7 to 9 pm in the Emerson Room in the church building.
The second session will be Sunday, Nov. 16, also from 7 to 9. Please
call the church office, 634-3010, the Minister's study, 741-8388, or contact Joann
Shafer to sign up. Tim Ashton, Minister; Joann Shafer, New Member Development
Committee ** Adult
Programs & Potluck Each month
the committee presents
a special presentation on topics of interest. This year we are hearing about such
diverse topics as Photo Composition, health problems of plastics, Seriously Fun
Theraplay and more. Early arrivals are welcome to bring a dish to pass at
6:30pm, program at 7:30pm. Please check our monthly
calendar or the newsletter
for upcoming programs to be held in the fall. **UUA:
Another interesting place for adults to learn more about Unitarian Universalism
is at the website www.uua.org. There you will
find a wide variety of general information on all aspects of Unitarian churches.
** Summer
Preaching by Parishioners is open to our congregants. This two-month
program happens each spring. It is a hands-on workshop on creating and delivering
an inspiring church service during the summer months. For more information, please
go to Summer Preaching by Parishioners.
Chris & Marlana Barry **On
the Horizon: One of the ideas proposed at the New Member Dinner in
June was to add a sermon discussion group after the service. The Membership
Committee is looking for people who would be interested in facilitating these
discussions one Sunday a month. The
qualifications are that you enjoy people, like hearing and sharing ideas about
the sermon and have an interest in being of service. If you would like more information,
contact one of the people on the Membership Committee. If your decision is made,
sign up on the to lead a discussion group on the sheet on the Guest Desk in the
entrance foyer. Karen Kuhn ** The Campus
Ministry Committee is looking for committed members to become adult allies
and assist with campus ministry in our area. If you are a current or former staff
or faculty member of any of the local colleges or an alumnus, we would ask if
you would consider helping us out. Please join us! - Scott Harrigan **
Church of the Larger Fellowship is a UU congregation by mail & cyberspace,
providing helpful online resources. This provides a UU connection 24/7 for those
interested in further exploration. For online classes and email discussions, go
to clfuu.org (click on Resources), or
call 617-948-6166. For more info, check out our monthly
newsletter. The newsletter has been divided into two parts for quicker viewing.
Part 1 will contain all
church faith-related activities, including sermons, messages from the minister
and religious instruction. Part
2 will contain all other activities of church life. Email:
uuamherst@roadrunner.com | | | | |