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. 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 to 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
Community Building Through Personal Development:
Nature Journaling: Pumpkins, Gourds, Squashes, and Melons – Sunday, November 21
Embrace the season of the harvest by spending some time learning about and journaling on pumpkins, squash, gourds, and melons. These are some of the oldest known domesticated plants and they also have fascinating shapes. Please come to our Zoom journaling session with paper, pencil and bring a member of this plant family. While we normally meet on the final Sunday of the month, this month we will meet on November 21 so as not to intrude into the Thanksgiving weekend. This group is facilitated by Dorothy Steinicke, who has more than twenty years experience encouraging people to deepen their love for the natural world. It will be held from 2:30-4:00 PM on the Sunday. To receive the Zoom link for this program contact Dorothy Steinicke, through the Adult RE Committee email (AdultRE@UUSM.org)
Exploration of Ideas:
A History of God, Book Discussion Saturdays November 6, 20
How and why have concepts of God changed over time and across cultures, yet remained resonant and important? How have the three great monotheistic religions — Judaism, Christianity and Islam — shaped the image of God in their own ways? How have these faith traditions influenced each other? Join us for a theological and historical exploration of monotheism in its myriad forms and possibilities, guided by Karen Armstrong’s classic, “A History of God.” This group is facilitated by both Sarah Robson and James Witker, and will be held from 9:30-11:30AM on the Saturdays. Contact: AdultRE@uusm.org for the zoom link.
Science Non-Fiction Book Group Tuesday, November 16
We will discuss “The Crash Detectives: Investigating the World’s Most Mysterious Air Disasters,” by Christine Negroni. The author explores common themes in air disasters and how what is learned is used to make planes safer. All are welcome. We meet from 7:30 – 9:00 PM. Contact: Rebecca Crawford at sci-nonfiction@uusm.org.
UU Men’s Group Saturday, November 6, Thursday November 18
The Men’s Discussion Group provides a special opportunity to the men of the congregation and other like-minded men to join in thoughtful and stimulating discussion and meet others with UU perspectives. We will hold the first meeting of November on Saturday the 6th at 1:30 PM at an outdoor location to be announced and our second meeting via Zoom on Thursday the 18th at 7:30 PM. For November 6th, we will ask: In what form do you think the president’s proposed $3.5T bill ultimately will be passed by Congress? What compromises should be made to gain the support necessary to pass the Senate? How will the success or failure of this initiative affect the results of the 2022 midterm and 2024 presidential elections? For November 18th, we will ask, Do you have a “bucket list”? If so, what are the top two things on it? To request more information or to join us, please ask the church office for information about how to contact Jim Rheinwald or Richard Mathias through the Adult RE Committee email, (AdultRE@UUSM.org)
Meditation:
Open Meditation Mondays, November 8, 22, 29
We gather and listen to brief readings, sit together quietly for twenty minutes, journal and share with each other what’s on our hearts. We explore the integration of meditation with ordinary life through reading and sharing. This is a non-guided, quiet meditation that may be deeply nourishing. A time to simply “be” amidst all the “doing,” calling off the struggle to become other than we are. We meet every 2nd, 4th, and if possible 5th Monday evenings, from 7:30 to 9:00 PM. Contact Bev Shoenberger or Carol Ring through the Adult RE Committee email (AdultRE@UUSM.org)
Open Meditation: Wellsprings All Wednesdays and Fridays
Taking 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 trust each of you will use this group in the way that fits your needs. We listen to brief readings, sit together quietly for twenty minutes, journal, and share with each other what’s on our hearts. We simply sit together in our shared humanity. We call off the struggle to become other than we are. These are drop-in groups. You are welcome to join us when it feels right to you. If you come in late or need to leave early, just do so quietly. We meet every Wednesday and Friday afternoon from 12:00 noon – 1:00 PM online. Contact Bev Shoenberger through the Adult RE Committee email (AdultRE@UUSM.org)
