LIFESPAN RELIGIOUS EDUCTION - Adult RE Offerings

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ONGOING CLASSES
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“Monday Yoga Classes”
March 5-May 28  12:00-1:00         UUC Sanctuary $5 per class
Taught by Helaine Minkus
This will be a gentle yoga class which will aid in building strength, gaining flexibility, improving posture and becoming more comfortable in one's body. No previous yoga experience necessary. Bring a mat & wear comfortable clothes.

“Thursday Meditation Group”
Facilitated by Rev. Virginia Wolf, Minister Emerita
The weekly meditation group will begin meeting again on Thursday, March 15, noon-1 pm in the Seekers Room.  The class will be held every Thursday until May 31st.  No experience needed, beginners welcome

“Poetry Circle”
Fourth Thursdays March 22; April 26; May 24
7-8:30 pm Seekers Room (Facilitator:  Jan Carroll)
This will be a time to read and talk about a handful of poems, learning a little about poetics along the way but mainly simply enjoying the poems and fellowshipping around them. We may sometimes have a guest poet come to discuss his or her poems with us. If you have any questions or if you’d like to receive a copy of the poems before the meeting each month, email Jan at jpcarroll@charter.net.  You do not have to read them ahead, however. Drop-ins welcome. This will not be a critique group and there will be no homework, unless you want to read the poems ahead of time.

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MAY
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“Song Lyrics and 7 Principles”    Facilitator:  Tom Clark
Sunday, May 6 & 13     9-9:45 am  Buddha Room      9-9:45            
We have lyrics from the 50s, 60s, 70s and the 2000s.  Lets examine each decade for content and meaning as they relate to our 7 principles
April 15: Week 1  50s-60s
May 6: Week 2  70s-80s
May 13:  Week 3  2000 +

“UU Meet and Greet” hosted by the Membership Committee
Sunday, May 6, 9-9;45 am  Seekers Room     
Visitors and new members who would like to learn more about UUC are invited to attend.  Long-time members are also encouraged to attend so they can share their experiences and meet some of our newcomers.

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APRIL
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Emotional Scarring & Loss/Crafting Prayer Shawls
Saturday, April 28, 10:00-2:00 pm
Workshop with Dr. Ann Futterman Collier assisted by Rev. Julianne Lepp
Class cost $5 (for lunch)  —  Max. 12 participants
This workshop requires no experience in crafting, simply a willingness to explore your emotions and be open to a healing experience. You will craft a shawl, experience caring community and hopefully explore personal healing. Used this way, the making of the shawl can metaphorically transform the image of the scar into one of healing.

“Access to Justice”                                   Facilitator:  Gregg Moore
Sunday, April 22:  Seekers Room    9-9:45 am
We will focus on the issue of access to the civil justice system for low-income individuals. (Gregg serves as President of the Wisconsin Access to Justice Commission, which was established by the Wisconsin Supreme Court "to develop and encourage means of expanding access to the civil justice system for unrepresented low income Wisconsin residents.")

“Meeting Jesus Again For the First Time”
Facilitated by Rev. Julianne Lepp
Tuesday, April 17, April 24, May 1   7:00-9:00 pm
Social Hall
This Adult RE Class will meet in 3 sessions.  Participants will read 2 chapters of Marcus Borg’s Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time ahead of each class. Borg looks at the major findings of modern Jesus scholarship from the perspective of faith, bringing alive the many levels of Jesus' character: spirit person, teacher of alternative wisdom, social prophet, and movement founder. He also reexamines the major stories of the Old Testament vital to an authentic understanding of Jesus, showing how an enriched understanding of these stories can uncover new truths.  Books can be ordered online from Amazon.

“Song Lyrics and 7 Principles”
Sunday, April 15, 9-9:45 am  Buddha Room                           Facilitator:  Tom Clark
We have lyrics from the 50s, 60s, 70s and the 2000s.  Lets examine each decade for content and meaning as they relate to our 7 principles
April 15: Week 1  50s-60s
May 6: Week 2  70s-80s
May 13:  Week 3  2000 +

“Principle 7”
Sunday, April 8, 9-9:45 am  Seekers Room        
What Unitarian Universalists Believe: Living Principles for a Living Faith- Principle 7:  “Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.” This Adult RE Series explores the Seven Principles.  We will use the UUA curriculum What Unitarian Universalists Believe: Living Principles for a Living Faith.

“UU Meet and Greet” Hosted by the Membership Committee
Sunday, April 1, 9-9:45 am  Seekers Room    
Visitors and new members who would like to learn more about UUC are invited to attend.  Long-time members are also encouraged to attend so they can share their experiences and meet some of our newcomers.

“Principle 6”
Sunday, April 1, 9-9:45 am  Buddha Room        
What Unitarian Universalists Believe: Living Principles for a Living Faith- Principle 6:  “The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all.” This Adult RE Series explores the Seven Principles.  We will use the UUA curriculum What Unitarian Universalists Believe: Living Principles for a Living Faith.

“Beyond the Mountain -A Multigenerational Religious Education Program on Haiti”
Sundays in April (1, 8, 15, 22, 29)   12-2 pm in the Buddha Room
Facilitators:  Don Mowry & Pam Maher
Please join us as we learn more about Haiti and the recovery work being done there by the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC). Beyond the Mountain introduces congregants to the history, culture, and people of Haiti, highlighting UUSCs response to the devastating earthquake in January of 2010.

The name given to this curriculum comes from an old Haitian Proverb, “Dye mon, gen mon,” meaning beyond the mountains, more mountains—which symbolizes the many and daunting challenges facing the people of Haiti, both before and after the earthquake.
For more information visit
www.uusc.org/beyondthemountain

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MARCH
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“Principle 5”
Sunday, March 25, 9-9:45 am    Seekers Room                                 
Facilitator: Brian Larson
What Unitarian Universalists Believe: Living Principles for a Living Faith- Principle 5: “The rights of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large.” This Adult RE Series explores the Seven Principles.  We will use the UUA curriculum What Unitarian Universalists Believe: Living Principles for a Living Faith.

“Principle 4” 
Sunday, March 11, 9-9:45 am  Seekers Room 
Facilitator:  Angie Zabrowski
What Unitarian Universalists Believe: Living Principles for a Living Faith- Principle 4:  “A Free and Responsible Search for Truth and Meaning” This Adult RE Series explores the Seven Principles.  We will use the UUA curriculum What Unitarian Universalists Believe: Living Principles for a Living Faith.

“Writing Your Own Memorial”
Tuesday, March 6, 7-9 pm (Seekers Room)
Facilitator: Rev. Julianne Lepp
Do you have ideas of what you'd like to include at your memorial? Whether you are 25 or 85, it is a good idea to create a memorial plan. This allows your last celebration of life to truly reflect who you are and express your love and values to those you care about. Be prepared, it is a wonderful gift to your loved ones and for your own peace of mind.

“Principle 3”
Sunday, March 4, 9-9:45 am Buddha Room              
Facilitator: Sarah Harder
What Unitarian Universalists Believe: Living Principles for a Living Faith – Principle 3: “Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations”

“UU Meet and Greet” Hosted by the Membership Committee
Sunday, March 4, 9-9:45 am  Seekers Room 
Visitors and new members who would like to learn more about UUC are invited to attend.  Long-time members are also encouraged to attend so they can share their experiences and meet some of our newcomers.

“Pysanka Egg Decorating Class”
Saturday, March 3, 2012
1:30pm – 3pm  UUC Social Hall
Materials Fee: $25 (checks to “UUC”)
Class host:  Amanda Luebeck      
Pysanka, or a Ukrainian Easter egg, is an art form that predates written history in the part of the world that is now known as Eastern Europe and western Russia. Each color and symbol holds a message unique for the recipient of a Pysanka.

The Pysanky eggs could be given to celebrate a blessed event, to mark a solemn occasion and as talismans of protection. No home would be considered complete without the blessings from loved ones physically present in the form of beautiful Pysanky eggs.

The one and a half hour lesson will include an egg, symbols and colors key, a materials kit, an egg blowing tool and instruction for making a 2-color egg. Your egg will be completed during the lesson. The Pysanky kit will dye dozens of eggs and last for 12 months or more.

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FEBRUARY
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“Principle 2”
Sunday, February 26,   9-9:45 am
Seekers Room (Drop Ins Welcome)
Facilitator: Angie Zabrowski
What Unitarian Universalists Believe: Living Principles for a Living Faith – Principle 2: “Justice, equity, and compassion in human relations”
Social Hall: Spirituality and Crafting (those already registered for any rug class can drop in) Facilitator:  Jayne Redman

Book Presentation
Tuesday, February 21, 2012        7:00-8:30 pm
Dr. Ann Futterman Collier
Free and open to the pubic
Intended for mental health professionals, fiber artists, and anyone who loves textiles, Ann Futterman Collier’s newly published book Using Textile Arts and Handcrafts in Therapy with Women: Weaving Lives Back Together is a guide to the psychology, practice, and application of textile arts as a therapeutic tool. Collier, an Eau Claire native, teaches courses in abnormal psychology, counseling techniques, and art therapy theory at the University of Wisconsin, and her book provides insight into why her research shows that women in particular are able to use “the metaphors naturally embedded in the fiber mediums” as a coping mechanism to promote their mental well-being. Her innovative book highlights this original and natural method of self-expression, its role in the lives of modern women, and its legitimacy as a therapeutic tool.

Spirituality and Crafting (those already registered for any rug class can drop in) Facilitator:  Sunday, February 19, 9-9:45 am
Jayne Redman Social Hall

“Principle 1”
Sunday, February 12, 9-9:45 am
Seekers Room (Drop Ins Welcome)     
What Unitarian Universalists Believe: Living Principles for a Living Faith – Principle 1: “The inherent worth and dignity of every person” This Adult RE Series explores the Seven Principles.  We will use the UUA curriculum What Unitarian Universalists Believe: Living Principles for a Living Faith.
Social Hall: Spirituality and Crafting (those already registered for any rug class can drop in) Facilitator:  Jayne Redman

“UU Meet and Greet” hosted by the Membership Committee
Sunday, February 5,  9-9:45 am
Seekers Room (Drop Ins Welcome)     
Visitors and new members who would like to learn more about UUC are invited to attend.  Long-time members are also encouraged to attend so they can share their experiences and meet some of our newcomers.
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JANUARY
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“Building Your Own Theology”
Facilitators:  Karen & Ted Peters (Buddha Room)
Tuesday evenings 7-9 pm: 
January 3, 10, 17, 24, 31,12 and Feb. 7
This adult religious education class will encourage you to clarify and verbalize your answers to the big questions, such as what is the nature of the ultimate reality (God), what is the nature of human beings, and what is your basis for ethical behavior.  Explore these and other issues with the goal of formulating your own belief system.

“Spirituality and Crafting”
January 8, 15, 22 
Sundays, 9:00 am – 9:45 am, Buddha room                   Facilitator:  Jayne Redman
DESCRIPTION:  Whether crafting for recycling, connecting, meditating, or service is your ilk, you will find it in creating a “toothbrush” rug. This is a very easy technique and the result is similar to a braided rug (but lighter and washable). In this workshop we will make a 36” oval  rug. Supplies to bring: 9-10 yards print or plain woven quilters cotton type  fabrics (can include recycled clothing), prewashed and $3.50 for tool.

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FALL 2011

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What Moves Us: Unitarian Universalist Theology
Sundays 9-9:45:  September 18 & 25; October 2, 9, 16 & 23
Facilitator:  Brian Larson
Buddha Room
This class explores the life experiences of both historic and contemporary Unitarian Universalist theologians, highlighting that which caused in them a change of heart, a new direction, new hope, and a deeper understanding of their own liberal faith. These workshops offer participants a chance to engage with and bring their personal experiences to bear on the very questions explored by each theologian in turn. The program offers a pathway for developing not only one's own personal theology but also one's deep understanding of the threads of our Unitarian, Universalist, and Unitarian Universalist theological heritage.

Spirit In Practice
Sundays 9-9:45 am:  September 18 & 25 October 2, 9, 16 & 23
Facilitators: Barb Gosch, and Carole Johnson
Seekers Room
Spirit in Practice was created to help Unitarian Universalists develop regular disciplines, or practices, of the spirit—practices that help them connect with the sacred. Whether participants follow a path they identify as Humanist, Jewish, Christian, Pagan, Theist, Atheist, Agnostic, Mystic, and/or any of the other paths we follow in our diverse congregations, the Spirit in Practice workshops offer a forum for learning, sharing, and growth that can enrich their faith journeys.

Meditation Group
Facilitator:  Rev. Wolf
Seekers Room
Thursdays 12-1, October 6- January 12 &  March 14 - May 31
This will be a weekly meditation and reflection class. Beginners are welcome!

Spirituality and Crafting
Sundays, 9:00 am – 9:45 am:  November 6, 13 & 20
Facilitator:  Jayne Redman
Buddha room
Supply fee $3.50
Whether crafting for recycling, connecting, meditating, or service is your ilk, you will find it in creating a “toothbrush” rug. This is a very easy technique and the result is similar to a braided rug (but lighter and washable). In this workshop we will make a 36” oval  rug. Supplies to bring: 9-10 yards print or plain woven quilters cotton type  fabrics (can include recycled clothing), prewashed and $3.50 for tool.

Membership Journey
Sundays 9-9:45 am October 2, 16 & 23
Gathering Room
Visitors and new members who would like to learn more about UUC are invited to attend.  Long-time members are also encouraged to attend so they can share their experiences and meet some of our newcomers.
 Session #1 – The Faith Journey
Sunday, October 2
In this session you will have a chance to talk about the diversity of beliefs among Unitarian Universalists and share with others a little about the exploration that has brought you to our congregation at this time.
Session #2 – Unitarian History –
Sunday, October 16
Learn about the historical origins of our religious group as well as some stories about our own Eau Claire congregation.
Session #3 – Opportunities of Members –
Sunday, October 23  
Our congregation is blessed with a large number of fun things to do such as Book Group, Potlucks, Tea & Empathy, and the Harvest Auction. We also have Religious Education classes for children and adults and ongoing Chalice Circles. There is a hope that each member will participate on a committee, help support the congregation financially and also do some volunteer work for the larger community. This is your opportunity to learn about all these things and make a truly informed decision about whether or not you’d like to be a member.

Writing Poetry as a Spiritual Practice
Thursdays 7 PM to 8:30 pm:  September 22 & 29; October 6, 13, 20 & 27;
November 3 & 10
Facilitator: Jan Carroll
Buddha Room
We will explore ways that writing poetry can be a spiritual practice, write poems based on readings and concepts we discuss, and share them with each other as insights gained in the process. Each participant will also compose an ars poetica, a poem that not only reflects his or her view of poetry but also of the spiritual life.

Building Your Own Theology
Sundays 9-9:45 am:  January 8, 15, & 29 February 5 & 12
Seekers Rm
Facilitators:  Karen & Ted Peters
This adult religious education class will encourage you to clarify and verbalize your answers to the big questions, such as what is the nature of the ultimate reality (God), what is the nature of human beings, and what is your basis for ethical behavior.  Explore these and other issues with the goal of formulating your own belief system.

Unplugging the Christmas Machine
Wednesday, 7:00-8:30 pm: November 16
Social Hall
Facilitator: Rev. Julianne Lepp
This time-tested program of short reflective  exercises and meditations is designed to help the busy parent, grandparent, or anyone in our commercialized culture, get in touch with what she or he finds most essential in the holiday season, what can be left behind and what brings the most meaning into the holidays.  It is hoped this evening of conversation and reflection can help you see ahead and enjoy the December holidays in ways that are authentic for you and your family.

Atheism
Sunday 9:00-9:45, November 6
Seeker's Room
Facilitator:  Wilma Clark

Hindu, Buddhist, and Taoist beliefs are not based on the concept of a deity. They are essentially atheistic. Dan Kennedy in an article in UU World, “Are You with the Atheists?” state that 46% of UUs in 1997 identified themselves as humanists—a category that includes atheists and agnostics, and according to a 2001 report 18% of UUs polled in Ohio, West Virginia, and western Pennsylvania considered themselves to be atheists. The following month’s issue of UU World contained a letter to the editor which stated: “When liberal theologians use the word “God” to mean precisely what the general population means by “not God,” atheists see his not as a matter of semantics, but rather as a matter of dishonesty. Do you believe in God, or do you merely believe in the word ‘God’?” Another letter asked “Can we find any evidence for the supernatural gods, devils, saviors, miracles, etc. If we cannot, how can we voice the honest conclusion?
1. Can you find any evidence for the supernatural?
2. Are you an atheist? If so, why? If not, why not?
3. If you are an atheist, have you felt welcome in our congregation?

Living and Dying
Sunday, November 20,  9:00-9:45
Seeker's Room
Facilitator:  Sarah Harder
John Buehrens, the past UUA president, writes: "Religion is our human response to the dual reality of being alive and having to die." The knowledge of our own death is an enormous shaper of human behavior. How does this knowledge shape your life? What sorrow does it bring? What will you miss most? And how can the foreknowledge of our own death enrich our days?

December Holidays
Sunday, December 4: 9:00-9:45
Seeker's Room
December Holidays--we all bring memories to the December holiday season, of Hanukkah observances or of Christmases past, and we bring high hopes and expectations as well. What are some of our stories? What expectations do we hold that have, perhaps, brought disappointment in the past? What expectation or intention can we bring to this year's festivities which may bring happiness into the world for ourselves and for those we love?

Jesus
Sunday, December 11: 9:00-9:45
Seeker's Room
Jesus of Galilee joins with the Buddha, Mohammed, and Confucius as one of the figures of history whose life and words have influenced hundreds of millions of lives across centuries. Called Prophet, Son of God, Savior, Teacher, Redeemer, Friend, the Christ, a historical figure, the Perfect Man: no one who lives in our culture, believer or no, is untouched by this legacy. The writer of the book of Matthew has Jesus ask again and again, “Who do men say that I am?” Do you remember when you first heard about Jesus? Who do you say Jesus is?