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:
The Artist’s Way Workshop Thursdays, October 7, 14, 21, 28
Join us for a fresh perspective on art, creativity, and the meaning of life (Really) with Judith Martin-Straw. She will facilitate this 10-week class using the popular workbook The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. The class runs from September 23 – December 4 (no class November 25). We meet from 7:00 – 9:00 pm. Contact AdultRE@uusm.org for the Zoom link
Nature Journaling: “Bats” – Sunday, October 31
Spend some of Halloween Day contemplating bats. Bats are fascinating animals that tend to both intrigue and repel people. We will spend some time learning about some of the many species of bats and then spend some time drawing them from photographs. We may recall some encounters or associations that we have had with bats. We will definitely go into Halloween evening more familiar with these amazing animals. This session will be facilitated by Dorothy Steinicke, who has more than twenty years experience encouraging people to a love for the natural world. To receive the Zoom link for this program contact Dorothy Steinicke, through Adult RE Committee email (AdultRE@UUSM.org)
Exploration of Ideas:
Green Committee Meeting Sunday, October 3
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. We meet from 11:30 am – 1:00 pm.
Science Non-Fiction Book Discussion Tuesday, October 19
We will discuss Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World, by David Epstein. We sometimes think that all sports greats follow a path like Tiger Woods, but, in fact, most have explored several sports before settling on their passion. Groups with wide ranges of knowledge are much better at problem solving. Epstein explores the data. All are welcome. We meet from 7:30 – 9:00 pm. Contact: Rebecca Crawford, sci-nonfiction@uusm.org.
AAHS (Agnostics, Atheists, Humanists, Secularists) Freethinkers Forum Sunday, October 24
AAHS (Atheists, Agnostics, Humanists, and Secularists) is an open group that meets for a lively and engaging discussion on topics of politics, science, religion, and philosophy. 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 from 12:00-1:30 pm. For up-to-date information and Zoom information, please contact: James Witker at aahs@uusm.org
UU Men’s Group Saturday, October 9, Thursday October 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 generally meet on the first and third Thursday of the month. However, in October, we will hold our first meeting on Saturday, October 9 at an outdoor location to be announced and our second meeting via Zoom on Thursday, October 21 at 7:30 PM.
The topic for October 9 is: What was the single greatest challenge you have faced so far in your life? How did you fare and what did you learn from it? The topic for October 21 is: “Fiction is the lie through which we tell the truth.”— Albert Camus. Do you have a favorite novel or movie? How old were you when you first read or saw it? Why do you think it resonated with you? Was there a “truth” that ran through the story or that was revealed by the ending? For more information, contact Jim Rheinwald or Richard Mathias through the Adult RE Committee email (AdultRE@UUSM.org)
Meditation:
Open Meditation Mondays, October 11, 25
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)
