Adult Religious Education Program
Offerings in this area support the church’s mission of helping our members discover deeper spiritual meaning and fulfill the Ends Statement of being a joyful, dynamic community of people who care about and are connected to each other.
Adult Religious Education includes speaker series and covenant groups. Speakers come from within the congregation or from outside to address questions of religious or cultural interest. Covenant groups are a handful of church members who commit to regular meetings and exploration of an agreed-upon theme. They are open to new members at any time and allow their own evolving interests to shape the group’s focus.
On Sundays...
Sunday Morning Meditation
Sunday Mornings, 8:00 a.m., Sybil Bernstein Chapel
This meditation group draws from many spiritual practices and approaches. Each week the 20 to 30 minute meditation is led by a volunteer from the group. The meetings include a simple shared breakfast.
Contacts:
Rich Vreeland 704-290-8620, rvreeland@gmail.com
Debbie George 704-525-3252, yogamom14@aol.com
Beginning Spanish: Connecting With Another Culture
Sunday afternoon 12:45 - 2:15 p.m.
The goal of this class is to provide students with a solid foundation in the Spanish language, as spoken in Mexico and Latin America. As part of learning the language, students will acquire a better understanding and appreciation for Mexican and Latin American cultures, and how they are similar and distinct from U.S. Culture.
This will be a very hands-on experience for the participants. Emphasis will be placed on "learning through doing" versus a lecture and textbook approach. The classes will include information speaking and light-hearted "role playing" in front of the group, as well as audio and/or videotaping, as part of our learning process. Participants will need to spend and hour a week working outside class on assignments and exercises geared toward the next class. The class is open ended and will continue as long as students have a desire to continue learning. Class size is limited to eight participants. Register at the ARESD table in Freeman Hall or by email at aresd@uuccharlotte.org
Contact:
Michael Lovett, 803-628-8487
michaelveloz@gmail.com
The Bible Workbench
Every Sunday, 5 minutes after the first service ends, Library
The Bible Workbench is a small-group approach to biblical texts that is particularly well suited for Unitarian Universalists. Each meeting begins with the reading of a biblical text, usually a paragraph or two. We begin our exploration with a discussion of what is happening in the text, sometimes with some historical background. Our focus then shifts as we discuss how this story is happening in the world around us. Finally, the questions turn towards how this story is our story. Using The Bible Workbench, we look inward to find answers to the timeless questions raised by the text rather than to doctrine or religious authority.
Discussions are often lively as people with diverse religious backgrounds (UU, Jewish, Protestant, Catholic, Buddhist, Pagan…) and theological outlooks (atheist, agnostic, deist, theist, pagan…) discuss the text. Our goal is a thoughtful respectful group discussion, not the right answer, consensus or agreement.
Visitors are always welcome.
Read more about our weekly topics and other items of interest on our blog. We gather in the Library every Sunday five minutes after the first service ends, about 10:20.
Contact: George Weir, 704-708-4211, gweir@carolina.rr.com
2nd Sunday Topic Discussion, with Jay Leach
Second Sunday of the Month, 10:30, Sybil Bernstein Chapel
This will be an opportunity to meet with the Minister to share your thoughts, ask questions, and hear others views relative to the sermon topic for that day. Moderated by Brad Smith, ARESD Team Co-Chair, this meeting will begin promptly at 10:30 in the Bernstein Chapel. March Topic: Vocation
This I Believe – This I Practice
4th Sunday of the Month, 10:30 a.m., Sybil Bernstein Chapel
In these thirty minute sessions the presenter speaks about their personal religious/spiritual beliefs or/and their regular religious/spiritual practices. Alternately, the speaker may present a spoken/written essay (NPR style) about something in which they have a strong belief (politics excluded). The general format will be 15 minutes presentation and 15 minutes of Q&A. Speakers are selected and scheduled in advance from members of UUCC who volunteer to present. March Presenter: Karen Parker-Thompson
Contact: Richard Kushmaul, 704-608-9702, aresd@uuccharlotte.org
Handwork
Second Sunday of the Month, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Office work room
For those 12 years and older who would like to become acquainted and more skilled with bead work, knitting, crocheting, primitive weaving, basketry, and other kinds of handwork. We share, teach, and learn from each other. We also contribute our skills to making gifts for people moving out of homelessness to new homes. This items include afghans, quilts, wall hangings, and beaded artwork and textiles. There will be some discussion about how handwork has affected human social history and culture through the eons. Light snacks will be provided. Please bring your handwork, wishes, and writing materials.
Contacts:
Kat Weisz 704-321-9067 knasiak1@msn.com
Vivian Brenner, 704-841-1624 SockLady@aol.com
Awakening the Dreamer, Changing the Dream Symposium
Sunday, March 21, 1:00 - 5:00 p.m., Bernstein Chapel
Can you imagine a world which is spiritually fulfilling, socially just, and environmentally sustainable? Are you losing hope that these things are even possible and would like to find your hope restored? Join with others interested in exploring these areas on Sunday March 21 at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Charlotte. From 1:30-5:00 p.m. the UU Church of Charlotte will host the Awakening the Dreamer Changing the Dream Symposium, an internationally acclaimed media and interactive presentation encouraging new visions for our planetary future and engaged action towards these visions.
Register with name and phone number at aresd@uuccharlotte.org or at the ARESD Table in Freeman Hall on Sundays.
Contacts:
Debbie George 704-525-3252
yogamom14@aol.com
Lynda Boozer 704-527-4700 buser4@carolina.rr.com
On Tuesdays...
Parabola
Second Tuesday of the Month, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m., Library
The group explores the quest for meaning as expressed in the world’s myths, symbols and religious traditions. Readings include a broad selection of essays, traditional stories and poetry. The class centers on readings from Parabola magazine. The group discusses articles and writings from the magazine that center on a single theme. The magazine is published by the non-profit Society for the Study of Myth and Tradition whose mission is to promote understanding and peace through its publication. Next meeting Mar 9th. The subject: LOVE
Contact: Carol Smith, 704-953-4146, bncsmith@carolina.rr.com.
On Wednesdays...
Kripalu yoga
Wednesdays 6:00 p.m., Sybil Bernstein Chapel
Nourish your body, mind and spirit with a 1½ hour Kripalu yoga session that includes relaxation and centering through breath work and meditation. Appropriate for all levels including beginners.
Economics, Government, and UU Principles
Beginning Wednesday March 10, 7:00 - 8:30 Priestly Room with Chuck Kelley Ph.d.
This course will provide each participant opportunities to express views on economic values and government, how they relate to the seven UU Principles, and what we as individual Unitarians can do to have an effect. The sessions will include introductions and statements by participants on their views about the economy and the major issues of the day. Dr. Kelly will present his views and will provide each participating person or couple a copy of his last two books: Class War In America, and Farewell Fantasyland. Also, Dr. Kelly will offer to lend books about different aspects of economics and government for optional reading between sessions.
About the facilitator: Chuck Kelly minored in economics as an undergraduate and received his Ph.d. in Industrial communication from Perdue. He taught at Syracuse University and Cal State Universities at San Diego and Long Beach. However, most of his understanding of our economy comes from thirty-five years of study about government and the economy as well as conservative financial publications including: The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Fortune, Barron's, and Business Week. These publications were the basis for his book Class War In America. Their philosophical views were balanced by liberal publications such as: The American Prospect, Public Citizen, The Progressive, Dollars and Sense, and The Nation.
Register at aresd@uuccharlotte.org or at the ARESD Table in Freeman Hall on Sundays.
Science Fiction and Religion Film Series (To Be Announced in Voices)
Beginning Wednesday June 2, 7:30 p.m. Sybil Bernstein Chapel
This six session course will explore the various ways that science fiction speaks to the issues of religion and faith. A variety of science fiction movies (The Day The Earth Stood Still, ; Signs), television shows (The Twilight Zone; Star Trek: Next Generation; Star Trek: Deep Space Nine), and literature (Reason; The Pop of the Chimps; The Nine Billion Names of God; excerpt from Contact) will be examined, all designed to present differing viewpoints and perspectives. Each session will include ample discussion time. Register with name and phone number at aresd@uuccharlotte.org or at the ARESD Table in Freeman Hall on Sundays.
On Thursdays...
Women and Aging: The Emotional and Spiritual Dimensions
Thursday March 18 - April 15, 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. Sybil Bernstein Chapel
Join UUCC member and Women's Studies professor Carol Gay on a journey for women to a more positive perspective on aging. Our society has many prejudices against aging, especially against aging women. In this course we will examine our own prejudices against women age 45 to 105 in our youth - obsessed world. And, we will figure out how to respond to these negative societal message, so we can more fully accept ourselves and others as we age.
Some of the topics to be discussed:
Ageism - The negative cultural messages about aging women we have internalized and how to overcome those prejudices.
Body image - how we regard (and sometimes despise) our aging bodies and ho to be more accepting of our bodies.
Spirituality - What the spiritual challenges and blessings of aging are.
Our Unexpressed Gifts - What creativity and generativity (gifts to future generations) we may wish to manifest before we die.
This is a 5-week class series for women age 45 and beyond. Register at the ARESD table in Freeman Hall or by email at aresd@uuccharlotte.org.
For more information contact Carol Gay 704-921-36967 cbgay@bellsouth.net.
Rev. Mark Morrison-Reed
Thursday, March 25th, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m., Sanctuary
The Rev. Mark Morrison-Reed, nationally known Unitarian Minister-Emeritus
and author, will speak at the UU Church of Charlotte Mar 25, 7:00 p.m.
Mark Morrison-Reed was ordained as a Unitarian Universalist minister in
1979. For 26 years, he and his wife, Donna, served as co-ministers - first in
Rochester, NY, then in Toronto then Ontario, Canada. Morrison-Reed's graduate
thesis, Black Pioneers in a White Denomination, was published in 1984 and
is still in print. He is also co-editor, with Jacqui James, of Been in the
Storm So Long. He will talk about his and other's experiences as black
pioneers during the era of the civil rights movement and how those experiences
have influenced his publications. Register with name and phone number at aresd@uuccharlotte.org or at the ARESD Table in Freeman Hall on Sundays.
Contacts:
Vivian Brenner 804-841-1624 SockLady@aol.com
World Culture Book Club (To be announced in Voices)
Beginning May 12, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Books-A-Million, Cotswold Shopping Center
This reading-discussion group will study many different aspects of history, philosophy, and human culture, with a variety of topics including: food, textiles, religion, taboos, biographies, cultural studies, farm implements, beads, philosophy, plus other areas. The focus will be on eclectic and unusual topics that lead to a better understanding of the world around us on a more intimate level than wide sweeping histories that can be impersonal. The Facilitators will have prepared questions to help group discussion. The first title to be read and discussed will be Salt, A World History. Register with name and phone number at aresd@uuccharlotte.org or at the ARESD Table in Freeman Hall on Sundays.
Contacts:
Vivian Brenner 804-841-1624
SockLady@aol.com
On Fridays...
Documentary Film Series
Begins March 12, Sybil Bernstein Chapel 7:30 p.m.
For this series, films will be chosen to mesh with the 2nd Sunday Sermon topic with the purpose being to education, inspire thought, and enhance conversation on the topic. Each film will be preceded by a short introduction from the facilitator. After the showing there will be time for comments and quests. Occasionally a topic expert may be invited to participate in answering questions or responding to commentary. Register with name and phone number at aresd@uuccharlotte.org or at the ARESD Table in Freeman Hall on Sundays.
Contacts:
Elaine Kushmaul 704-554-0866
ekushmaul@carolina.rr.com
Melissa Mummert 704-849-0906 mummertville@yahoo.com
Fourth Friday Film Series
Fourth Friday of the Month, 7:30 p.m., Sanctuary
A film series which reflects UUCC's worship cycle. In 2010, the issues addressed include "Hope", "Sacrifice", "Stewardship of the Earth", "Beacon/Witness", "Faith", "Doubt", and "Peace". Movies that portray these concepts will be shown, then discussed to show how the movie dealt with the theme. Free of charge.
4th Friday Pot Luck Luncheon
Next luncheon: Friday March 26. 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. Program: Brown Bag Lunch and tour of Lib Jones / Tom Nunnencamp Gardens. For more information and directions email aresd@uuccharlotte.org.
Come join with other UUCC members and guests for a monthly noontime Pot Luck Luncheon in Freeman Hall. Easy to prepare favorite food dishes will be brought and served by those attending. The luncheon will feature an educational or entertainment program. Sign up at the ARESD table in Freeman Hall or email your registration to aresd@uuccharlotte.org. This unique venue is co-sponsored by the Congregational Care and ARESD teams.
Contacts:
Becky Whittington 704-996-9228, becky@uuccharlotte.org
Richard Kushmaul 704-608-9702, richard@uuccharlotte.org