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.
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
On Sundays...
Sunday Morning Meditation
Sunday Mornings, 8:30 Schweitzer Room
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. .
Contacts:
Rich Vreeland 704-290-8620, rvreeland@gmail.com
Debbie George 704-525-3252, yogamom14@aol.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
This I Believe – This I Practice
Fourth Sunday of the Month, 10:30 a.m., Bernstein Chapel
September 26 Speaker - Scott Oppenheimer
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.
A note from Laura Hamilton . . . In Sybil's Footsteps: "It was SRO, until a folding chair was opened for this late arrival. We had crowded into the Sybil Bernstein Chapel eagerly awaiting another T.I.B. T.I.P. gathering, a very special interlude between the more formal Sunday morning services. We, seekers all, wanted to gain insights from another who had puzzled over and wrestled with the mysteries of this life. Someone who has given, not lip-service, but real service in light of what she or he believed . . .very much like Sybil: Regarding our church community as her family, she did so much. Many others have taken her example to heart and to action:
- One had seen injustice writ large, knew it was terribly wrong, and brought the images to the public arena.
- Another had expressed a heartfelt compassion for others less fortunate, and helped to build a house.
- Someone else had realized that to value this life isn't enough, and taught that appreciation by example in the classroom.
Do you practice what you preach? Share your insights with us some Sunday soon!"
Contact: Richard Kushmaul, 704-366-8623 x 229, aresd@uuccharlotte.org
Science Fiction Sunday with Bob Gorman and Dick Kistler
Second Sundays of the month, 2:00 p.m. Sybil Bernstein Chapel
September 12 (Religious Belief and Medical Ethics) An alien couple comes to a space station in the future seeking medical assistance for their critically ill son. When the space station doctor tells them that a simple operation can save their son, the couple refuses on religious grounds. Are there limits to religious belief and practice when life and death issues are involved?
October 10 (To be Human) What makes us human? Is out ability to love, our sense of compassion, our use of reason? Is there such a thing a s "soul' that distinguishes us from the other life forms" The two episodes presented will help us to explore these questions.
November 14 (How do we respond to our creator?) A parable about one man's search for the messiah (and his belief of where religion is found) and a story of a spaceman who accidently crashes on the home planet of the creator of the universe will be shown to explore this theme.
December 12 (What is the Meaning of Existence?) What is the meaning of our existence, and does all life have inherent worth and dignity? The episode presented will examine that question and provide opportunity for discussion.
Handwork Group
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
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. Tuesday September 14 discussion "desire"
Contact: Carol Smith, 704-953-4146, bncsmith@carolina.rr.com.
On Wednesdays...
Kripalu yoga
Wednesdays 8:00 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.
On Thursdays...
World Culture Book Club
Thursday August 12, 7:00 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.
Contact:
Vivian Brenner 804-841-1624
SockLady@aol.com
Aging: The Golden Years
Thursdays September 9, 16, 23, 30 with Charles Lee. . . . 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Library
This will be an opportunity to hear and learn important information and share life’s aging and retirement experiences. Subjects to be covered will include.
Joys, fears, angst, and concerns of the “golden years”.
Fiscal and legal issues of retirement: wills, power of attorney, investments, insurance, downsizing
Health: sustaining a vibrant live, dementia, caregivers roles, resources, home location
Memorial Service planning: for oneself or a loved one
A notebook if information will be provided for each attendee. The sessions will kept light with participants encouraged to bring a joke or humorous anecdote about aging to the class and share their experiences with travel, continuing education, volunteering, etc., those things that enrich our life. Each week a guest facilitator will be invited to provide expert input. Come and join us!
About the facilitator: Charles Lee has a Master’s in Public Health Administration. He and Lois are retired and have personally dealt with parents with terminal illnesses and Alzheimer’s. Charles has served on the state board of the Friends of Residents in Long Term Care and served as President of the Board of Charlotte Community Health Clinic.
Register with name and phone number at aresd@uuccharlotte.org or at the ARESD Table in Freeman Hall on Sundays.
On Fridays...
Documentary Film Series
"Young At Heart" (2007)
Time revises every taste and loses every gap. To observe the Young at Heart Chorus, a fluctuating group of two dozen singers whose average age is 80, perform "Stayin' Alive" by the Bee Gees in Steven Walker's documentary is to be uplifted if slightly unsettled. Sung by people approaching the end of their lives, the song is no longer about strutting through the urban jungle with your elbows out; it is a blunt survival anthem. These singers, most of them well-rehearsed amateurs, refuse to go gently into that good night. For them music is oxygen.
Since its beginnings as a collective arts project in 1982 at a center for the elderly in Northampton, Mass., the chorus has developed into a popular local ensemble with an international reputation. It has made 12 tours of Australia, Europe, and Canada, and serenaded Norwegian royalty. Accompanying the singers is a solid core of professional rock musicians who help ground their sometimes wavering voices.
The movie concentrates on the rigorous two-month preparations for a 2006 concert at the Academy Theater in Northampton. Guided by the chorus's demanding longtime director, Bob Cilman, the members are learning new material, including "Yes We Can Can," the Allan Toussaint hit for the Pointer Sisters, whose lyrics repeat "can" 71 times in intricate, staccato patters; Sonic Youth's enigmatic, equally demanding "Schizophrenia"; and the Coldplay ballad "Fix You".
The fact that the chorus's members are willing to tackle such daunting material attests to the spirit of adventure that is a crucial spur to their shared bonhomie. More than one member admits that his or her favorite music is classical, opera, or show tunes. These rock songs are unfamiliar to the singers. Instead of comfortable walks around the block, rehearsals (there are three a week) are demanding hikes over a hilly terrain. The challenge only makes it more exciting. ...... Stephen Holden, New York Times (2007).
Contacts:
Elaine Kushmaul 704-554-0866
ekushmaul@carolina.rr.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.
August 27 "Faith" Still grieving the loss of their son, Johnny and Sarah and their two young daughters come to America in search of a better life. Due to a lack of money, though, they are forced to move into a slum building. There they befriend Mateo, an African painter, a relationship which will restore their faith in the healing power of love. Rated PG-13 for some sexuality, drug references, brief violence and language.
September 24 "Doubt Set in 18th century Brazil, a mercenary sent to conquer the rain forest Indians. Instead, he lays down his sword to become one with the native population. When Spain and Portugal threaten to destroy his new family, he is forced to choose between peace or war. Rated PG.
October 22 "Peace" Set during WWI, an Army Colonel refuses to continue an attack he knows will result in the slaughter of his men. French military authorities, attempting to cover up their blunder in ordering the attack, decide to make an example out of him. Not Rated.
4th Friday Pot Luck Luncheon
Next luncheon: TBA
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.
Contacts:
Becky Whittington 704-996-9228, becky@uuccharlotte.org
Richard Kushmaul 704-608-9702, richard@uuccharlotte.org