Adult Religious Education / Spiritual Development
The classes and events offered by the Adult Religious Education / Spiritual Development program at UUCC support the development of our Hearts , Minds, Bodies, and Spirit . By taking advantage of these rich and varied opportunities, we can thrive as a nourished and compassionate congregation - one that contributes to our faith and community, seeks higher levels of understanding, explores the mystery of life, and connects to the natural world.
The Heart Sphere includes our emotional connection to the world that influences our choices and path through life, our compassion for ourselves and others, and our commitment for making a difference in our faith and community.
The Mind Sphere includes our logical interpretation of the world and our thirst for knowledge and experience that leads us to higher levels of understanding, connection, and commitment.
The Body Sphere pertains to the temple of our being and how it is maintained, nourished, and developed to serve in partnership with the Heart and Mind to be forever evolving as a whole, productive, and nourishing human beings.
The Spirit Sphere includes our exploration, understanding, and relationship with the Mystery of life, connection to the natural world, and our essence, and compassion for our own souls and that of others.
Adult Religious Education / Spiritual Development at UUCC includes classes, speaker series, and discussion groups are facilitated by members or UUCC professional staff. Except for occasional cost of materials for a class, these programs are offered as a benefit of membership without charge. Non-members are invited to participate on a space available basis, also at no cost. Content will include available Unitarian Universalist curriculum selections as well as that developed by the individual facilitators for a particular topic.
For more information or to register for a specific event, visit the ARESD Table in Freeman Hall after services on Sundays or email: aresd@uuccharlotte.org
What's New . . .
BYOT: Building Your Own Theology
Beginning May 6...
with Rev. Eric Hausman…
BYOT: Building Your Own Theology. If the idea of working through your personal belief-system in a small group setting sounds appealing, this 6-week course is for you! Based on Richard Gilbert's BYOT Introduction, we will discuss Ultimate Reality and Ethics while writing a personal statement of belief. Meeting dates are Monday Evenings at 7:00pm, beginning May 6. Please plan on attending all sessions, with approximately 3 hours of additional work between gatherings. After the course, we will have a group dinner to celebrate and share our personal statements. Limited to 15 participants. To register, please sign-up in Freeman Hall or email Richard Kushmaul at rkushmaul@carolina.rr.
The workbook can be purchased at :
http://www.uuabookstore.org/productdetails.cfm?PC=678
What is Religion?
May 9 and 16...
with Rev. Jay Leach…
What is religion? We are offered an incredible array of contradictory definitions of “religion” from evangelicals to evangelical atheists. This two night exploration of this important question offers an opportunity to hear a liberal religionist’s take on religion, what it is and what it is not. The first session is a fast-paced, wide-ranging presentation, the second focuses on group discussion. Commitment to attend both is essential. Limited to 20 participants. To register, please sign-up in Freeman Hall or email Richard Kushmaul at rkushmaul@carolina.rr.
"Discover Groups"
Now Under Way
Discover Groups are a new form of Small Group Ministry. In a series of monthly gatherings, participants make deep connections with other members, while at the same time going further in their own spiritual journeys. This new program has been launched and most spots in the groups have been filled. Questions and comments about availability can be directed to DiscoverGroup Registration Coordinator at cbgay@bellsouth.net.
On Sundays...
Lotus Path
Sunday Mornings, 8:00 Schweitzer Room
These sessions include study of various eastern religious beliefs / philosophies / practices with discussion and consideration of their applicability in today's times. The sessions will be based on selections offered by the facilitator and the group. The class is scheduled so that attendees can continue with Sunday Morning Meditation if they choose.
Sunday Morning Meditation
Sunday Mornings, 8:30 Schweitzer Room
This meditation group draws from many spiritual practices and approaches. Each week a 25 minute meditation is led by Debbie George.
Contact: Debbie George 704-525-3252, yogamom14@aol.com
The Bible Workbench
Every Sunday, 5 minutes after the first service ends, Conference Room
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
This I Believe – This I Practice
Fourth Sunday of the Month, 10:30 a.m. Bernstein Room
As the first youth in recent years to speak at "This I Believe, This I Practice, I hope to provide everyone who attends a chance to remember their days as idealistic, naive dreamers. Though I do not consider myself the owner of a very organized spiritual logic, I am so excited to use this opportunity to focus in on my beliefs and to turn them into a (somewhat) coherent rhetoric--both for myself and for all whom I will meet in the future. Come, and we'll explore the development of those beliefs together! February 24 Speaker: TBA
UU History: Our Rich, Colorful, Spiritual Heritage
With Loyd Dillon, 10:30 Bernstein Room
A look at famous (our should-be-famous) Unitarians, Universalists, and “Para” UUs who have shaped our faith and the world. Next presentation: March 31, 2013
Second Sunday Topic Discussion
with Rev. Jay Leach, Sr. Minister, UU Church of Charlotte
Next Session Sunday, February 17, 10:30 Bernstein Room -
Topic: Sacrifice
This is an opportunity to meet with the Minister to share your thoughts, ask questions, and hear other's views relative to the sermon topic for that day. The meeting will begin promptly at 10:30 in the Bernstein Room.
On Mondays....
Healing Threads: A Prayer Shawl Ministry
2nd Mondays of the month
If you love to knit or crochet or have always wanted to do so, join us in the spiritual practice of creating prayer shawls. Shawls comfort, hug, warm, and surround the receiver with the artist's healing love, thoughts, and prayers. This open gathering of knitters and crocheters will meet monthly to work together contemplatively and intentionally on individual shawls. We will establish a time for creative activity and spiritual practice as we keep others in our thoughts and prayers. During the month, participants will work on their individual shawls. Completed shawls will be offered to two groups: 1) UUCC members who have suffered a significant loss or who are experiencing a challenging physical or medical situation (for example, loss of a partner or child, terminal or chronic illness) and 2) the Levine Dickson Hospice House where there is a need for prayer shawls from a liberal religious group.
THIS IS A JOINT PROJECT OF THE UUCC CONGREGATIONAL CARE AND ARESD PROGRAMS. THE CONGREGATIONAL CARE TEAM WILL RECOMMEND RECIPIENTS FOR THE UUCC ALLOCATION OF THE SHAWLS.
About the Facilitators: Kathleen Moloney-Tarr and Joy Bruce are longtime UUCC members who have offered other creative gatherings such as "In The Company of Women." Kathleen has facilitated "spirit In Practice, Writing Your Spiritual Journey, Soul Book, and This I Believe. Joy has facilitated "Cakes For The Queen of Heaven"
Contact: aresd@uuccharlotte.org or sign up at ARESD table in Fellowship Hall.
On Tuesdays...
Mystics and Metaphysics Group
3rd Tuesdays 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Bernstein Room
The word "metaphysics: comes from the ancient Greek meta meaning "beyond" and physika meaning "matter or the physical" - beyond the physica. Metaphysics is a branch of philosophy that deals with the Nature of Being. The "speculative" philosophy, metaphysics does not attempt to solve all questions materially or logically. It accepts that which happens obviously, even when no scientific explanation can account for it.
The purpose of this group is to come together to explore topics of a metaphysical nature. Whether you are skeptical, just curious, intrigued or a believer, sign up to be part of a freewheeling discussion regarding what you have heard, read, or actually experienced.
Topics are chosen by the participants and potentially include: Spiritualism, Transphysical Science, Life after death / Reincarnation, intuition and Extrasensory Perception, Psychics and Mediums, Transcendentalism, Quantum Consciousness.
Next Meeting: February 19
Contact: Judy Reynolds 704-554-7011, jlcreynolds@bellsouth.net; Carol Smith, 704-953-4146 smithcarolc@gmail.com.
On Wednesdays...
Kripalu Yoga
Wednesdays 7:30 p.m., Thoreau Room
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
Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m. in Schweitzer room
This group 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.
Women's Moon Circle
Monday, February 25, 7:00 p.m. in the Bernstein Room
The UUCC Women's Moon Circle is an open gathering of women who come together every full moon in celebration of our connection to the moon, each other, and all of creation. The moon, which represents the feminine aspect in many cultures, passes through cycles like the tides, as women do, and reflects who we are both spiritually and physically. From new moon to full moon, darkness to light, inception to fulfillment, our life moves in cycles, in circles, in spirals... ever changing and always wondrous. Moon Circle is a time to come together and share our stories. It is a time to offer prayers for loved ones, ancestors, the Earth, and ourselves. We create sacred space and a time for reflection and listening without judging. We honor earth-centered traditions and find inspiration for our journeys from the cycles of the stars, the seasons, and the ancient goddesses from around the world. Each circle is led by a different person who decides the format and content. Past programs include: chanting and drumming, creative expression, guided meditations, divination (Runes, Tarot, etc.), healing rituals, shamanism, spirit guides, seasonal celebrations and Goddess-inspired topics. We meet on the full moon each month at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Charlotte.
Contacts: cindythomson@att.net
On Thursdays...
Exploring Humanism
First Thursdays of the Month, 7:00 p.m. Bernstein Room
The Humanist movement has long been part of the Unitarian Universalist tradition. We will explore Humanism at a monthly meeting where the group will share the responsibility of preparing the topic on a rotating basis. If you are interested in exploring the ideas of Humanism, please sign up to be a charter member of this open group.
What is modern Humanism? This is how the IHEU defines itself: Humanism is a democratic and ethical life stance, which affirms that human beings have the right and responsibility to give meaning and shape to their own lives. It stands for the building of a more humane society through an ethic based on human and other natural values in the spirit of reason and free inquiry through human capabilities. It is not theistic, and does not accept supernatural views of reality.
Sign up at the ARESD table in Freeman Hall or contact: aresd@uuccharlotte.org
Power of Myth
Thursday, February 21 at 7:00 p.m. in the Bernstein Room
with Richard Kushmaul
This course will be based on the acclaimed PBS video documentary series “The Power of Myth with Joseph Campbell and Bill Moyers”. At each meeting a segment of a series video will be shown with discussion following. Topics to be discussed will be taken from selections from episodes: “The Hero’s Adventure”, “The Message of the Myth”, “The First Story Tellers”, “Sacrifice and Bliss”, “Love and the Goddesses”, and “Masks of Eternity.”
On Fridays...
UUCC Film Series
February 8 - Conceiving Family (Sacrifice) "Conceiving Family" follows (Director/Producer) Amy Bohigian and her partner, Jane Byers, as they adopt biracial 15 month-old twins, Franny and Theo. Their journey to become a family, like the other four same-sex couples, is laden with challenges, including confronting the Christian fundamentalist foster parents who express fear that the children they have cared for since birth will now "grow up to be gay". with parents who are "going to hell for their sins." Required to live together for two weeks during the kids' transition they confront their differences in the most surprising ways. Combining personal interviews, intimate footage, and family photos, "Conceiving Family" tells the collective story of what it takes to become an "intentional family." (2011 - 50 minutes).