Learning and exploration are about the transformation of the individual, our community, and the larger society. Participation helps us grow in wisdom, compassion, and ethical living. See our upcoming activities, programs, and workshops for adults.
Writing a Memoir: A Journey to UU Sunday, March 3:
UUSM member and former Secretary of the Board of Directors Leonard Cachola leads a lecture and discussion of his self-published memoir about his journey to UUSM. From 1:00-2:30 pm in Forbes Classroom 3. Contact: Leonard Cachola.
Exploring the Sermon on the Mount Monday, March 4 and March 11:
The Sermon on the Mount is a core source of wisdom and knowledge, forming the basis of many of the values in Western literature and culture, from Hamlet to Harry Potter. Come explore this important part of our heritage with Abby Arnold and Laura Matthews in three weekly 2-hour sessions starting Monday, February 25. We’ll discuss how the ideas speak to us (if at all), what the ideas might mean in practical application, and how they are or are not useful today. Register with Abby or Laura to receive the Sermon to print out and read ahead of time. Our hope is that the discussion will be uplifting, positive, and practical, with all of us learning from the perspective of others to bring a fresh awareness to these ancient words. We meet from 7:00-9:00 pm in the Warren Matthews Community Room. Contacts: Abby Arnold and Laura Matthews.
An Enjoyable Dive into Who and What We Are Monday, March 4 and March 18:
This ongoing, twice-a-month class helps participants master specific meditation skills. We endeavor to answer the questions Who am I? (attitudes and beliefs) and What am I? (essence or true nature). This class will include meditations that explore participants’ spiritual goals. The monthly group meetings also focus on insights gained throughout the month. It is expected that participants will develop and enjoy a regular meditation practice. This group meets on the first and third Mondays from 7:30-9:00 pm in Classroom 3. Contact: Bill Blake.
UU Men’s Group Thursday, March 7 and March 21:
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 from 7:309:00 pm in the NE Cottage. Contact: Richard Mathias.
Collage Group with Stan Bemis Saturday, March 9 and March 23:
Do you wish to express yourself creatively in art, and yet may feel inadequate or untrained? Do you yearn to make an artistic statement, yet not sure how? Do you have too many catalogs, magazines, and advertisements, and haven’t a clue what to do with them? We welcome you to create your own collages with Stan Bemis! Stan works to bring joy and peace into people’s lives through creating art. He has taught many who didn’t realize they had creative talent, from all across the world – from California to Palestine/Israel. He welcomes any age, from youths to older adults. The goal of this group is to help foster personal worth and empowerment, entering that holy place within and having sacred fun. The objectives are: 1) to create works of art; and 2) to possibly create cards for events or celebrations. We encourage you to bring your old magazines to work with as well. We meet from 10:00-12:00 pm in the NE Cottage. Contacts: Stan Bemis or Sarah Robson.
Open Meditation Monday, March 11 and March 25:
We sit quietly for 20 minutes, walk with gentle awareness for 7 minutes, and explore the integration of meditation with ordinary life through journaling, readings, and sharing. Anyone who senses they would benefit from 20 minutes of silent, non-guided sitting is welcome to join us. We meet on the second, fourth, (and fifth) Mondays from 7:30-9:00 pm in Classroom 3. Contacts: Bev Shoenberger or Carol Ring.
Conversations and Connections Saturday, March 16:
Come join Sue Stoyanoff and Bettye Barclay for Conversations and Connections. Each person attending sits 1 to 1 with several different people during the time we are together. In these dyads there is time to talk, to listen and to dialogue about the questions presented each time. It is our intention that these times will be relaxing, enjoyable and an opportunity for people in our congregation to create a growing web of connections. Meeting from 10:00-12:00 pm in the Warren Matthews Conf. Room. Contacts: Sue Stoyanoff or Bettye Barclay.
Come Dance with Us! Saturday, March 23:
Learn international folk dancing with instructors Sandy Helperin and Teri Hoffman. Folk dancing is for anyone who loves to move to traditional music. No partners needed! New dancers are welcome. We meet from 7:00-8:30 pm in Forbes Hall. Contact: Ellen Levy.
AAHS Freethinker Forum Sunday, March 24:
AAHS (Atheists, Agnostics, Humanists, and Secularists) is an open group that meets for lively and engaging discussion on topics of politics, science, religion and philosophy. We also host occasional guest speakers, films, and outings. We are a home base for non-believers and questioners, but everyone is welcome. For many, atheism/agnosticism is a first step; Humanism is the thousand steps that come after. We meet 1:00-3:00 pm in the Warren Matthews Conference Room. Contact: James Witker.
The Disability Support Group Sunday March 24:
The Disability Support Group will be promoting a dialogue on a selected topic at each of its meetings throughout this church year. There is a different theme for each month. All church members interested in the topic are invited to attend. For March, we will be discussing “Seeking Enployment.” We meet the fourth Sunday of each month from 12:30-2:00 pm in the NE Cottage. Contact: Michael Young.
Highlights of additional interest groups coming in March:
- Knitters and Friends Please join us for fellowship in between services on Sundays. You are welcome to bring any project. All Sundays 10:00-11:00 am in West Forbes Hall. Contact: Linda Van Ligten.
- Body-Mind Tune Up for Seniors This group is for seniors, superseniors, and people with physical difficulties for UUSM members. All Fridays 10:00-11:00 am in Forbes Hall. Contact: Bruno Lacombe. Note: Free for church members, $10 suggested donation for non-members.
- Fiction Reading Book Club We will be reading “An American Marriage” by Tayari Jones (308 pages).A profoundly insightful look into the hearts and minds of three people who are at once bound and separated by forces beyond their control. Monday, March 18, 7:00-8:30 pm.
- Science Non-Fiction Book Group We will discuss “How to Clone a Mammoth: The Science of De-extinction,” by Beth Shapiro. How would one decide what species to bring back from extinction? What likelihood is there that we could bring a long-dead species? What effect would it have on the environment? All are welcome. Tuesday, March 19, 7:30 pm, Forbes Hall. Contact: Rebecca Crawford.
So appreciate the Newsletter….
Thanks for all the love and work….
Jo An