May will be an exciting month at UUCC, and that includes many new Adult Religious Education and Spiritual Development (ARESD) Classes. ARESD offers some things for the justice seeker, the deep thinker, the growing learner, and the spiritual being developer.
Here are the upcoming opportunities:
Stamped from the Beginning – Thursday, May 9, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., Freeman Hall
Movie watch party! This moving documentary is based on Ibram X. Kendi’s book of the same name and uses vivid animations that illuminate figures and moments both well-known and obscure, both historical and contemporary. Leaders of color guide viewers through a searing account of how racist ideas and imagery were developed and enshrined in American culture. We will watch the movie, and then have some time for discussion. Register here.
Escaping Nature – Sunday, May 19, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Bernstein
UUCC Authors book talk! Escaping Nature is a book written by Charles Pilkey and Fred Dobson (and others), and centers around surviving and mitigating global climate change. In the book, the authors offer concrete suggestions for how to respond to the threats posed by global climate change. They argue that while we wait for the world’s governments to get serious about mitigating climate change we can adapt to a hotter world through technological innovations, behavioral changes, nature-based solutions, political changes, and education. Charles and Fred will give a talk on the book, allow for questions, and offer the opportunity to purchase the book. Register here.
Simply Pray – Wednesdays, May 15, 22, 29 and June 5, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m., Bernstein and on Zoom
Prayer Concepts and Spiritual Practice! UU Minister Rev. Erik Walker Wikstrom’s book Simply Pray offers fresh answers to the age-old question, “Why pray?” The practice of prayer appeals to something deep within many of us, especially those of us who grew up reciting Catholic prayers on a rosary, or those of us fascinated by the mala beads carried by Buddhist practitioners. But what if our journey has taken a path different from the traditional religions and the often-moving rituals they provide? In Simply Pray, Rev. Erik Walker Wikstrom reveals the universal qualities of prayer and offers a way to incorporate this spiritual practice into your personal journey. This is not a book study, but rather an experiential class. You may purchase the book if you would like but do not need to. Register here.
What About All These Words? – Two Options: Thursdays, May 30 and June 6, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m., Zoom; OR Saturday, June 1, 9 a.m. – 12.
Did you miss the chance when we had this class before? Or do you newly want to join this class? Do you find yourself cringing at the mention of certain words? Or maybe you just hear someone using one and are curious what they really mean? This is a great class for you! Join Paula Gribble for a look at the etymology (word origins), history, and culture of religious words including faith, religion, grace, spirituality, prayer, worship, and more. We will seek to dispel the fear around these words, and honor the wounds they have caused in some people’s lives. This is a wonderful opportunity to process and think about how we’ve interacted with certain language, honor the feelings around them, and potentially come to new understanding.
This class has two options for attending:
Option 1: Thursdays, May 30 and June 6, 6:30-8:00 p.m., two sessions, on Zoom – Register here.
Option 2: Saturday, June 1, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., one session only, in person, Bernstein – Register here.