Adult Religious Education

Seeking the Spirit

August and September 2014

Welcome. We hope you will be interested in joining a class this season!

To register, contact the church office at office@uubloomington.org  or 812-332-3695. Childcare is available if at least two families request it at least two weeks in advance of the first class meeting by contacting Adrienne Summerlot directly at dre@uubloomington.org.

All classes are free unless there are materials expenses. For details, please contact instructor or facilitator. 

Spiritual Crafting

with Reverend Mary Ann Macklin and 

Wendy Bethel

August 31, 4-6PM: Spirit Boats

September 28, 4-6PM: Spiritual Journaling

Register individually for each month.  Maximum: 15 participants

macklin@uubloomington.org

This group will meet and craft together to explore spirituality through various art projects.  No artistic expertise is expected-people ninth grade and older, of all levels of comfort with scissors and glue, are welcome.  Unleash your creative spirit through working with your hands and heart.  

Instructor: Brian Flaherty, creektivity@gmail.com  with Christy True
This class introduces the practice of the "Wu (Hao)" style of taijiquan including practice of standing exercises, forms, and "pushing hands." We will also have occasional philosophical discussion on topics relevant to the practice. Anyone is welcome, even those with no experience. Come once to try it out, come occasionally to fit your schedule, or come every time! Participants should wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothes and comfortable shoes, preferably flat- soled. 

Spirit Play for Grown-Ups: 

Exploring Deep Listening

with Eve Cusack & 

Reverend Emily Manvel Leite mre@uubloomington.org  
September 8, 6:30-8:30PM, Fellowship Hall

Do you find that you never find time to do something just for yourself? This group is for high school teens and adults in need of some spiritual playtime.   We will share a story, wonder about it together, then explore it through art and spiritual practices before sharing tea and fruit and final reflections.

This monthly class explores aging.  Members will participate and suggest topics.  Programs will vary, using literary and artistic sources, asking thoughtful questions, and sharing answers.  We will be looking at many different ways to live a full life as we age. 

National Alliance on Mental Illness 

Family-to-Family Education Program

with  Laura Jesseph, ljesseph@aol.com

12 Tuesdays, 7-9:30, beginning September 16, Library

Please note:  Pre-registration is required, with Laura directly.  Maximum of 20 participants.

This is a 12-week course for families and friends of individuals with serious and persistent mental illness.  The course provides the knowledge and skills needed when dealing with challenging situations and emphasizes the biological basis of the illnesses balancing skill-training with self-care, emotional support and empowerment.  The volunteer instructors for the professionally developed program are trained NAMI family members.

September 19, 10-noon, room 112 (and third Fridays thereafter)

The purpose of this monthly class is to read poems to each other with possible discussion. Each meeting participants bring two or three poems of interest to read aloud. Discussion of the poems may follow. Members will be provided with internet poetry resources and be exposed to different poets. Bring poems to share.

Be Response-Able!

with Edgar DeJean edgardejean@att.net

Wednesday, September 24, 7:00-8:30 p.m., Fellowship Hall

Edgar K. DeJean is the author of Response-Able to the Incomprehensible.  In this class he will talk about how he became a possibilitist, and invite reflection through candid and flexible discussion.  Dr. DeJean offers the thought that two essential human capabilities within the purpose for existence are underutilized by humanity:  compassion and spirituality.  He answers the traditional Christian faith/works dilemma with  the assertion:  Be Spiritual--Do Compassion!  Each participant will receive a copy of the presenter's book.

Random Violence and Quick Decisions

presented by  John Summerlot, jopsumme@iu.edu

One Monday, September 29, 7:00-9:00 p.m., Library

Unfortunately acts of random violence, particularly by armed gunmen, are becoming all too common in our society.  They often specifically target places where people feel the most secure, such as schools, churches, or shopping areas.  What would you do if you suddenly found yourself near an armed gunman actively attempting to kill people?  Should you try to run or hide?  How would you know which is your best option?  What will the police do when they show up?  We will briefly explore this cultural phenomenon and efforts to prevent such acts.  Then we will spend the bulk of our time talking about what actions you should take in the moment to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Upcoming in October and November

Ongoing weekly and monthly classes continue: newcomers are always welcome.

Creating a Permanent Culture: Permaculture

with Rhonda Baird shelteringhills@gmail.com

2 Tuesdays, October 21 and November 11, 6:15-8:00 p.m.

Exploring in Visual Arts

with  Betty Wagoner, wagoner.betty@gmail.com

4 Wednesdays, October 22, 29, November 5, and 12, 1:00

Philosophy vs. Theology:  Friends or Foes?

with  Dale C. Nelson cndada@comcast.net

4 Saturdays, November 1, 8, 15, and 22, 10:00a-12:00n