** 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