Adult Religious Education

Seeking the Spirit

September-November 2014

Welcome. We hope you will join a group or class this month!

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.  For general questions about Adult Religious Education programming, contact Reverend Emily Manvel Leite, mre@uubloomington.org or 812-332-3695, ext 203.

Intergenerational Fiber Arts Group

with Paul and Jenae McElwain

Fridays, 4-5:30 p.m., Rooms 208 and 210 

Adults and/or children are invited to come learn to weave or enjoy weaving and possibly other fiber arts in this intergenerational fiber arts group. Take advantage of the knowledge and resources available to weavers and future weavers in the congregation--we have a loom waiting for you! Come for one week or several.

Instructor: Brian Flaherty, creektivity@gmail.com  with Hayden Bangert
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. 

Spiritual Crafting Sundays

with Reverend Mary Ann Macklin, Reverend Emily Manvel Leite, and Wendy Bethel

September 28, 4-6PM: Spiritual Journaling with 

Reverend Macklin

October 26, 4-6PM: Personal Altars with Reverend Leite and Wendy Bethel

Register individually for each month.  

Maximum: 15 participants

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. 

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.

The Yoga Philosophy and Practice group

Wednesdays, October 1 and 14, 7-8:30 PM, Library.

Meetings on first and third Wednesdays of each month include presentations, group discussion, and guided practice, with emphasis on traditional yogic meditation, breathing, and lifestyle (rather than postures) and supporting philosophy. Newcomers are always welcome. For further information contact Chris Haynes (qualified Datta Kriya Yoga instructor) at chaynes@indiana.edu or 812-360-0296.

Spirit Play for Grown-Ups: 

Exploring Inheritance

Monday, October 13, 6:30-8:30 pm, Fwp Hall

with Reverend Emily Manvel Leite mre@uubloomington.org  

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.

This year the Aging and Spirituality class has changed its focus to exploring the aging process (with one pathway being spirituality) and so has a new title: Experiencing Aging.  Believe it or not, everyone is aging!   Join us on the third Tuesday of every month from 10 a.m. to noon in the church library. We look at poetry on topic during the first hour and answer a question in the second hour. (email Penny Fisher (pfisher@indiana.edu) and get on our email list for details).

Creating a Permanent Culture

Presenter: Rhonda Baird shelteringhills@gmail.com

Tuesdays, October 21 and November 11, 

6:20-8:00PM, Room 212

What are the patterns of hope and possibility?  This two-session workshop will introduce you to permaculture design as a tool for landscape and cultural transformation and to permaculture as a network.  Rhonda Baird will draw on her near decade of permaculture design, teaching, and organizing to share insights and speak to the possibilities of our common future. 

Exploring in Visual Arts

Presenter:  Betty Wagoner, wagoner.betty@gmail.com

4 Wednesdays, October 22, October 29, 

November 5, and November 12, 1-3PM, Room 210

We will explore expression in the visual arts.  We will explore mainly drawing and painting mediums: pastels, color pencils, watercolor pencils, and watercolors.

Upcoming in November

Weekly and monthly classes continue.

You may sign up anytime: office@uubloomington.org

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

Stewards of Children: sexual abuse prevention

with Allison Creekmore of Susie's Place
Saturday, November 15th, 9:30AM-12PM

Spiritual Crafting Sunday: Spirit Figures with Wendy Bethel.  November 30, 4-6PM