Faith Development Prospectus 2015 2016 - …...Faith Beyond Belief Chalice Circle In Faith Beyond...

Faith Development Prospectus

2015-2016

Unitarian Universalist

Community of the Mountains

To seek; to savor; to serve

To seek; to savor; to serve

Dear Members and Friends of UUCM,

This Prospectus outlines the various classes, courses and other opportunities being offered at UUCM. The

purpose of all of these programs is to encourage and help you to a more informed understanding and deeper

appreciation of whatever it is which sustains, inspires and makes sense to you as you ponder the mysteries of

life. None of them is designed to persuade you of a particular view of the world, but all are offered with the

hope that you will want to deepen your self in the company of others.

Some of the programs invite you to commit to every session because an essential element is the building of trusting relationships amongst the participants. Some

are more casual in their expectations of attendance. Some require reading or other

“homework” between sessions, and others don’t. Some have identified leaders or facilitators and others are

more spontaneously informal.

The programs and classes offered in this Prospectus have been compiled with thanks to those who agreed to

lead them, but they are not intended to be exhaustive. If you are interested in the possibility of

leading a class or forming another group, please speak to me and we will see how it can fit into the schedule.

One of the assumptions about being a Unitarian Universalist is that it is a life-long journey of learning and growing. I warmly invite you to look through this

prospectus to find something which suits your interests and availability.

Sincerely,

Rev. David Usher

Interim Minister

(530) 274 1661

[email protected]

Chalice Circles

Chalice Circles are great ways for people to further the UUCM

mission - to seek; to savor; to serve. They are groups of

between six and ten people who gather to seek meaningful

connection with others while exploring a shared interest; to

savor the fulfilment that deeper connection brings; and to serve

UUCM, the wider community and each other.

There is a recognized facilitator and preferably a co-facilitator

for each group, and each Circle forms with explicit

understandings and commitments

1. Maximum size is ten.

2. Meetings are at least once a month.

3. Meetings follow an established format, with worshipful

rituals and check-in at the start and end of each meeting.

4. The facilitators are part of the Leaders’ Circle.

5. There is an empty chair, symbolizing the group’s

openness to welcoming new people. If the group

exceeds ten it will birth another group.

6. Each Circle agrees its own covenant, but agrees

collectively to do something of benefit to UUCM at

least once a year, and twice a year to the wider

community.

Leaders’ Chalice Circle

For those facilitating a Chalice Circle, this Circle will meet to

deepen and enrich the leaders’ experience as leaders.

Facilitators:

David Usher (274-1661, [email protected])

Phil Hart (272-6870, [email protected])

Dates & Location: To be agreed by those joining the group

NUUBies

A Chalice Circle for those new to UUCM, wanting to share in

more depth the religious journeys which have brought them to this

community.

Facilitator:

Phil Hart (272-6870, [email protected])

Suzannah Hart (272-6870, [email protected])

Dates & Location: To be agreed by those joining the group

Faith Beyond Belief Chalice Circle

In Faith Beyond Belief: Stories of Good People Who Left Their

Church Behind, author Margaret Placentra Johnston takes the

stages of spiritual growth out of the realm of theory to a rubber-

meet-the-road discussion of the very real difficulties, and their

joys, experienced by former believers as they navigate critical

turning points on the path to spiritual authenticity. It is based on

the work of 14 spiritual development theorists, including the

postmodern philosopher Ken Wilber and feminist developmental

psychologist Jane Loevinger. Johnston's book shows how moving

through the stages of spiritual growth must, by its very nature,

include a turning away from the dogmas and creeds of organized

religion to something much more experiential, inclusive and

liberating. Johnston's warm, conversational, and sometimes

confrontational book shares her vision for the future of religion and

gives even those who do not have a background in theology or

philosophy a way to locate their place on the spiritual path and set

their sights on a new kind of faith.

This UUCM group: “Empowering Spiritual Seeking and Growth”

will use the book, Faith Beyond Belief, reading monthly portions,

as a springboard to exploring our own individual life journeys.

meeting on the Third Wednesday between 10:30-12:30 A.M.,

beginning September 16th and concluding April 20th, 2016.

Facilitators:

Judith O’Neill (908-6776, [email protected])

Pete Sabey (908-6776, [email protected])

Dates: Third Wednesdays, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm

September 16, October 21, November 18, December 16,

January 20, February 17, March 16, April 20

Location: Channing Room at UUCM

Worship That Works Chalice Circle

Using the book, Worship That Works, by Unitarian

Universalist co-ministers Wayne Arnason and Kathleen

Rolenz, this group will explore what makes for good worship,

using UUCM as its own case study. Members of the group

will work with the minister to improve the quality and variety

of worship at UUCM, and develop their own expertise in the

preparation and presentation of worship. Please note: this is

not a Worship Committee, but a class about what worship is

and how successfully to create it. Worship That Works is

available at the UUA Bookstore (http://

www.uuabookstore.org/Worship-That-Works-P16976.aspx)

for $16.00. Register by October 5.

Facilitator:


Dates: Second Mondays, 7:00 – 9:00 pm

October 12, November 9, December 14, January 11,

February 8, March 14, April 11, May 9


Social Justice Book Study Chalice Circles

As part of our self-education on the two areas identified by the

congregation for our collective action, Economic Justice and

Environmental Justice, two books for shared reading and

conversation.

Behind the Kitchen Door by Saru Jayaraman

This book reveals how restaurant workers live on some of the

lowest wages in America and how poor working conditions –

discriminatory working practices, exploitation, and unsanitary

kitchens – affect the meals that arrive at our restaurant tables. The

author, who launched a national restaurant workers organization

after 9/11, tells the stories of ten restaurant workers in cities across

the United States as she explores the political, economic, and

moral implications of eating out: What is at stake when we choose

a restaurant is not only our own health or “foodie” experience but

also the health and well-being of the second largest private sector

workforce – 10 million people, many immigrants, many people of

color - who bring passion, tenacity and insight into the American

dining experience.

Behind the Kitchen Door invites us intentionally to consider our

practices in restaurant dining. It makes visible the lives of people

who are subject to discrimination and oppression based on

economic status, race, ethnicity, gender, and/or immigration

status. Are you willing to step behind the kitchen door to explore

the issues of just working conditions and ethical eating? Copies of

Behind the Kitchen Door are available at the UUA book store for

$21.95. Register by October 6.

Facilitator: Janet Dunstan (205-8154, [email protected])

Dates: Tuesday afternoons, 4:00 – 5:30 pm

October 13, 27, November 3 & 17


Social Justice Book Study Chalice Circles (cont’d)

This Changes Everything by Naomi Klein

Forget everything you think you know about global warming. The

really inconvenient truth is that it’s not about carbon — it’s about

capitalism. The convenient truth is that we can seize this existential

crisis to transform our failed economic system and build something

radically better.

In her most provocative book yet, Naomi Klein, author of the

global bestsellers The Shock Doctrine and No Logo, tackles the

most profound threat humanity has ever faced: the war our

economic model is waging against life on earth.

Klein exposes the myths that are clouding the climate debate. We

have been told the market will save us, when in fact the addiction

to profit and growth is digging us in deeper every day. We have

been told it’s impossible to get off fossil fuels when in fact we

know exactly how to do it—it just requires breaking every rule in

the “free-market” playbook: reining in corporate power, rebuilding

local economies, and reclaiming our democracies.

We have also been told that humanity is too greedy and selfish to

rise to this challenge. In fact, all around the world, the fight for the

next economy and against reckless extraction is already succeeding

in ways both surprising and inspiring.

Climate change, Klein argues, is a civilizational wake-up call, a

powerful message delivered in the language of fires, floods,

storms, and droughts. Confronting it is no longer about changing

the light bulbs. It’s about changing the world—before the world

changes so drastically that no one is safe. Either we leap — or we

sink.

Facilitator: To be announced in 2016

Dates: To be announced in 2016

Paganism Chalice Circle

This group will be to explore the connections and overlap between

modern Paganism and the Seven Principles of Unitarian

Universalism. Emphasis will be on learning about the wheel of the

year and the eight sabbats or holidays that occur evenly spaced

throughout the year. Most likely we will read at least one book on

Paganism (exact title to be determined by the group) and work

together to create a celebration for one sabbat (also to be

determined). Register by October 15.

Facilitators:

Jo Waters (265-6903, [email protected])

Beth Karow (432-3228, [email protected])

Dates: Fourth Thursdays (except Nov, Dec, March), 7:00 – 9:00 pm

October 22, November 19, December 17, January 28,

February 25, March 17, April 28, May 26


Life Spirit Chalice Circle

Using David Usher’s book, Life Spirit: for groups and individuals

exploring deep questions. Register by November 16. Books

available for sale in the office for $15.

Facilitator:


Dates: First & Third Thursdays, 7:00 – 9:00 pm

December 3 & 17, January 7 & 21, February 4 & 18,

March 3 & 17, April 7 & 21, May 5 & 19

Location: Anthony Room at UUCM

Adult OWL Chalice Circle

OWL (Our Whole Lives) is one of the most important and

successful programs offered to our teenagers, but sexuality is

for a life-time. This OWL program offers ways for adults to

understand and experience their sexuality throughout their

lives. Topics include:

Sexuality and Values

Sexuality and Communication

Sexuality and Spirituality

Discovering the Sexual Self

Experiencing the Sexual Other

Sexual Diversity

Sexuality and Aging

Register by December 20.

Facilitators:

Lin Jovanovic (209-484-0710, [email protected])

Peter Musser (916-212-5310, [email protected])

Dates: First & third Tuesdays, 6:00 – 8:00 pm

January 5, January 19, February 2, February 16,

March 1, March 15

Concluding session & potluck Saturday, March 26,

9:00 am — 1:00 pm


Integral Spiritual Meditation

Have you ever wondered what exactly is enlightenment,

spirituality, or waking up? Ever wonder why your minister,

priest, rabbi, teacher, shaman, guru, or local spiritual reader

can’t give you a straight answer? Come join us for a six week

class building on the work of many ancient and modern

mystics, in particular Ken Wilber, to discover a new

perspective on the topic. We will try to find the universal

principles common to all major religions and explain them in

plain English in a way that will provide you with “a unity of

thought”. Sorry, no supernatural rites will be employed.

The class will consist of occasional readings from mystics and

spiritualists around the world, class lecture and discussion. In

addition, there will some simple beginning meditation

practices developed. The class is open to all from a curious

beginner to the “wise old meditator” who wants to gain a new

insight. Late registrations accepted.

Facilitators:

Terry Holliman (878-1427, [email protected])

Carol Holliman (878-1427, [email protected])

Dates: First and third Mondays, 7:00 – 9:00 pm

September 21, October 5 & 19, November 2 & 16,

December 7


Classes and Workshops

Emotional/Mental Health Challenges

Developing Comfort & Comfort & Compassion

Monday, September 28, 7:00 - 9:00 pm in the Channing Room

Learn more about mental health challenges. We will look at

mental illness myths/realities and at language that helps or

hinders us when discussing these concerns. This class is for

those wanting to better understand the daily challenge of

living with mental illness, feel more comfortable discussing

sensitive mental health issues, and enlarge the welcome that

UUCM offers to all.

Stages of Emotional Response to Mental Health Challenges

Monday, October 26, 7:00 - 9:00 pm in the Channing Room

As with grief, there are normal, predictable stages of response

to the trauma of mental illness. In this class we will discuss

these and their relevance to both individuals and families. You

will learn what helps at each stage, and how to find a healthy

passage through the stages.

These two lively, interactive classes, designed for the general

congregation, are sponsored by the UUCM Mental Health

Initiative and presented by NAMI Nevada County. You may

attend either one or both.

Contacts:

Scottie Hart (530-272-5022, [email protected])

Gail Johnson Vaughan

(530-477-9501, [email protected])

Dates: September 28, October 26


General Assembly

These annual meetings bring together thousands of leading Unitarian

Universalists from throughout the country and overseas to five days of

stimulating worship, workshops, music, lectures and presentations.

More information in the Spring.

Dates: June 24—28, 2016

Location: Columbus, Ohio

Pacific Central District Assemblies

The Pacific Central District includes thirty seven congregations in

northern California, northern Nevada and Hawaii. Its meetings in the

Fall and Spring include worship and lively presentations, as well as

business in the Spring. Locations and programs to be announced.

Orientation to UUCM

These classes are open to all, but are particularly designed to

introduce people to UUCM and to others in the congregation. It is

a chance to tell your own story and to hear others’ stories, as well

as learn something about the history, theology and governance of

UUCM in particular and Unitarian Universalism generally.

Contact / Membership Chair:

Kathryn Young (478-1329, [email protected])

Dates: Saturdays, 9:00 am —1:00 pm

October 10, January 23, April 16

Location: Sanctuary at UUCM

Denominational Events

Classes & Workshops (cont’d)

Bright Lights

This monthly mid-week evening program is an opportunity

for those of all ages to share times of fellowship and learning

together. Each month will have a time for some simple

worship in the round, a meal (suggested donation $5 per adult,

$2 per child, $15 maximum per family) and a different

program. All are welcome without prior notice.

Contacts:


Claire Miller (205-5324, [email protected])

Dates: Fourth Wednesdays, 5:30 -7:30 pm

September 23, October 28, November 25, January 28,

February 24, March 23, April 27, May 25, June 22

Location: Downstairs at UUCM

Maundy Thursday Communion Meal

A simple meal of bread, cheese and fruit, with wine or non-

alcoholic alternative, shared in honor of the place Jesus has in

our personal spiritual and religious lives.

Contact:


Date: Thursday, March 24

Location: Downstairs at UUCM

Social Gatherings

Meditation

This informal self-led group is open to all, experienced and novice

meditators alike. It follows a simple formula of twenty minutes silent

seated meditation, ten minutes of silent walking meditation, followed by

another twenty minutes of seated meditation. Once a month, the group

repairs to a local coffee shop for conversation and refreshments.

Dates: Tuesdays, 9:00 – 10:00 am


Women’s Circle

Contact Clarita Nolan or Kathryn Young to learn more or to join the

women’s group email list.

Contacts:

Clarita Nolan (575-2229, [email protected])

Kathryn Young (478-1329, [email protected])

Dates: Second Tuesdays, 6:00 — 8:00 pm

Location: Downstairs at UUCM or off-site

Choir

For many, singing is a primary expression of their personal connection

with the transcendent. The UUCM choir is open to those of all abilities

and experience. It usually sings in services one Sunday per month.

Contact / Music Director:

Jordan Thomas-Rose (274-1675, [email protected])

Dates: First, Second, & Third Wednesdays, 6:30 — 8:00 pm


Affinity Groups

Humanism Discussion Group

The Humanism Discussion Group is a gathering for both those who

identify as humanists and those who are interested in learning about this

philosophy. Discussions explore aspects of humanism, as well as

various topics and their connections to this belief system, with a focus on

how humanism relates to today’s world. Subjects for group discussion

are chosen by members, and optional readings on the subjects are made

available prior to the discussion.

Contacts:

David Briggs (274-9236, [email protected])

George Dunstan at (477-7635, [email protected])

Dates: First Wednesdays, 10:30 am —12:30 pm


Men’s Group

Men’s Groups are warm, comradely, welcoming, gatherings of UU

men. We talk about topics such as life experiences, world events, art,

science, religion or the lack of it. It is a group that is totally

nonjudgmental and thoroughly stimulating and interesting. We have no

leaders and no agenda. All men are welcome.

Dates: Wednesdays, 8:30—10:30 am in the Channing Room

Thursdays, 8:30—10:30 am at What’s Up Coffee

Men’s Book Group Dates:

First & Third Thursdays, 10:30 am at What’s Up Coffee

Writers’ Group

Whether novice or experienced, all are welcome.

Contact:

Ralph Hitchcock (530-272-4787)

Dates: Second & Fourth Thursdays, 10:30 am — 12:30 pm


Calendar

September

Mon 21 7:00pm Integral Spiritual Meditation Anthony Room

Tues 22 9:00am Meditation Sanctuary

Weds 23 8:30am Men’s Group Channing Room

5:30am Bright Lights Downstairs

Thurs 24 8:30am Men’s Group What’s Up Coffee

10:30am Writers’ Group Anthony Room

Mon 28 7:00pm Mental Health Challenges Channing Room


Thurs 30 8:30am Men’s Group Channing Room

October


10:30am Men’s Book Group What’s Up Coffee




10:30am Humanism Group Channing Room

6:30pm Choir Rehearsal Sanctuary



Sat 10 9:00 am New Member Orientation Sanctuary

Mon 12 7:00pm Worship That Works Channing Room


4:00pm Social Justice Book Study Channing Room

6:00pm Women’s Circle Downstairs



Calendar

October (cont’d)






10:30am Faith Beyond Belief Chalice Circle Channing Room




7:00pm Paganism Chalice Circle Channing Room

Mon 26 7:00pm Mental Health Challenges Channing Room




5:30pm Bright Lights Gathering Downstairs


November










Calendar

November (cont’d)







Sat 14 Pacific Central District Assembly Davis, CA








10:30am Men’s Book Club What’s Up Coffee







December





Calendar

December (cont’d)



7:00pm Life Spirit Chalice Circle Anthony Room
























Calendar

January


6:00pm Adult “Our Whole Lives” Channing Room




















10:30am Men’s Book Club What’s Up Coffee

7:00pm Life Spirit Anthony Room

Sat 23 9:00am New Member Orientation Sanctuary


Calendar

January (cont’d)






February















10:30am Writer’s Group Anthony Room






Calendar

February (cont’d)







Thurs 25 8:30am Men’s Group Channing Room


7:00pm Paganism Chalice Circles Channing Room

March

















Calendar

March (cont’d)

Tues 15 6:00pm Adult “Our Whole Lives” Channing Room













6:00pm Maundy Thursday Communion Downstairs

Sat 26 9:00am Adult “Our Whole Lives” Potluck Downstairs




April








Calendar

April (cont’d)








Sat 16 9:00am New Member Orientation Sanctuary








Fri 22 PCD Leadership Day

Fri 22 – Sun 24 PCD Annual Meeting Fremont, CA







May



Calendar

May (cont’d)

Weds 4 10:30am Humanism Group Channing Room


























Calendar

June























Fri 24 – Tues 28 UUA General Assembly, Columbus, Ohio




Faith Development Prospectus 2015 2016 - …...Faith Beyond Belief Chalice Circle In Faith Beyond...

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