Come, come, whoever you are!
Welcome to an exciting journey of questioning, challenging, and celebrating life’s mysteries and wonders. For generations, Adult Programs at UU Santa Monica has welcomed seekers, exiles, and interfaith families along with those who have grown up in our own Unitarian Universalist tradition. We are a congregation made up of people who believe in God or a higher power, people who do not, those who are content to live with the mystery, and those who are ever searching for answers to the big questions. But most of all, we are enriched by one another’s life journeys, diverse beliefs, shared progressive values and uniting UU Principles as we learn and explore together.
Our Purpose and Our Guide
At its core, the purpose of our educational ministry is to provide opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to deepen their spiritual lives, and live with compassion, integrity and joy as we nurture beloved community and work together for peace and justice in this world. Adult Programs offers classes, discussion groups, and special events on an array of topics relevant to the Six Sources and our congregation’s spiritual life. Some of these may include in-depth study of theology and spirituality, discussion of science writing or Humanist ideas, opportunities to explore music, arts and crafts, or chances to connect socially for fellowship and fun. Many programs are made possible through the time and talent of our members and friends.
An Invitation
Even as the new church year begins, we continue to hold our events online. Please check out the information and links below for the UUSM online programs that are taking place this month. We look forward to connecting with you!
UU Men’s Group – Thursday, September 2 and 16, 2021, 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm, Zoom Meeting. The Men’s Group offers a special opportunity to the men of the congregation and other like-minded men to join our welcoming group in provocative and stimulating discussion and to get to know others with UU perspectives in a more meaningful way. We meet on the first and third Thursday of the month at 7:30 PM via Zoom. To request more information or to join us, please ask the church office for information about how to contact Richard Mathias. Topic for the first Thursday: Which of your elementary school teachers was your favorite and why? Which teacher or professor in high school or later made the biggest impact on your future life and why? Topic for the second Thursday: At what time in your life, covering a period of a year or more, were you the happiest? What sparked the beginning of this period and how did it end?
Book Study – Gifts of Imperfection -Saturday, September 4, 2021, 8:30 am – 9:45 am, Zoom Meeting. Brene Brown’s doing a 6-week 10th anniversary deep dive into The Gifts of Imperfection and how we can transform the gifts of imperfection into a deeply fulfilling life. Everyone is welcome. Visit https://brenebrown.com/thegifts-hub/ for more info. Hosted by Jacki Weber and Beth Brownlie. This is the last class. Email uusmreassist@uusm.org for the Zoom link and registration.
Green Committee Meeting – Sunday, September 5, 2021, 11:30 am – 1:00 pm, Zoom meeting. Please email greenchair@uusm.org for Zoom link. The Green Committee informs others of the simple changes that can be made to decrease their carbon footprint and to implement social action to green our community.
Morning Meditation and Check-In 2-Week Drop-In Group, Monday, September 6, 2021 – Friday, September 10, 2021, 9:00 am – 9:30 am, Zoom Meeting. Join us for a short wisdom class, meditation, and check-in session to encourage connection and accountability around mindful presence and daily action. Please note this class runs for 10 sessions, Monday – Friday. Please email assistant@uusm.org for the Zoom link.
Science Non-fiction Book Group – Tuesday, September 21, 2021, 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm, Zoom Meeting. We will discuss “Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents,” by Isabel Wilkerson. The recent release of 2020 census data makes it clear that we are becoming more diverse as a society. By understanding the roots and pillars of caste, we may better see our common humanity. It is more important than ever. All are welcome. Contact Rebecca Crawford at sci-nonfiction@uusm.org for more information.
Open Meditation Wellsprings – every Wednesday and Friday, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm, Zoom Meeting. Please email Meditation@UUSM.org for the Zoom link and directions for using Zoom. We listen to brief readings, sit together quietly for twenty minutes, journal and share with each other what’s on our hearts. You are welcome to join us when it feels right for you. If you come in late or need to leave early, just do so quietly. These are exceptional times, and we trust each person to use the group in a way that fits their need. Taking this time for quiet meditation and sharing in the intimacy of having sat in silence together can help sustain and ground us during these difficult days. We meet every Wednesday and Friday.
