WINTER | SPRING 2018
ADULT PROGRAM COMMITTEE OFFERINGS
Celebrating Worth and Dignity For All Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock
ADULT PROGRAM OFFERINGS WINTER | SPRING 2018 MINISTERS Reverend Jennifer L. Brower, Minister for Pastoral Care 516.472.2917;
[email protected] Reverend Natalie M. Fenimore, Minister of Lifespan Religious Education 516.472.2918;
[email protected] Reverend Ned Wight, Interim Senior Minister 516.472.2916;
[email protected] Nancy Reid-McKee, Ministerial Intern 516.472.2955;
[email protected] STAFF Jeanne Nametz, Religious Education Coordinator 516.472.2914;
[email protected] Carson Jones, RE Administrative Assistant, Adult Programs Liaison 516.472.2915;
[email protected]
ADULT PROGRAMS COMMITTEE Heidi Warm, Chair Marcelo Da Silva Sandra Frank Jean Judd Rita Kaikow Robert Nuxoll Nina Weber Roslyn Weit Victor Weit Latifa Woodhouse
2
Adult Programs
Welcome to another season of Adult Program Offerings at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock
Inherent Worth and Dignity of Every Person
Throughout the year, a variety of Adult Program Offerings are offered to • enhance spiritual growth and deepen our Unitarian Universalist faith, • deepen our interconnection with our congregational community and other faith communities, • engage in intellectual discussions and • be introduced to new learning opportunities and experiences of fellowship. The Adult Programs Committee encourages anyone who may be interested in bringing a program to the congregation to reach out to our committee members. Also, if you are interested in learning more about the work of the Adult Programs committee or in serving on the committee, please feel free to come to one of our monthly meetings. (Always check UUCSR calendar for meeting times.) Our ministry theme for this year is the “Inherent Worth and Dignity of Every Person.” We will reflect on the ways that we are called, as Unitarian Universalists, to support the inherent worth and dignity of every person through word and deed – and how we can act in ways that best enable us to live our first Principle. We will also consider ways to come back together when we fall short of this intention and how to speak our truths in loving and respectful ways. May we all kindle the flame of love, insight and tolerance in each other and in the world-at-large! Rev. Natalie M. Fenimore Minister of Lifespan Religious Education
Winter | Spring 2018
3
UU Identity and History
Articulating Your UU Faith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Common Read: Centering: Navigating Race, Authenticity, and Power in Ministry. . . . 5
Emerson and Thoreau: Two Aspects of Transcendentalism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Learning About Black Unitarian Universalist History. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Spiritual Exploration and Practice
Death Café. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Inisfada Sitting Zen Meditation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Kundalini Yoga. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Medical Qigong for Senior Health. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Small Group Ministry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Soulful Small Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Tai Chi and Qigong . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
The Flame: Storytelling Workshop. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Yoga . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Personal Growth and Learning
A Different Kind of Chinese Cooking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Dramatic Readings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Great Books Discussion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
4
Adult Programs
UU Identity and History Articulating Your UU Faith This is a four-week session to learn more about what it means to be a Unitarian Universalist, and to learn how to talk about our faith with others. This will be a chance to explore what you believe and find ways to articulate that more clearly. The class will offer practice sessions as well as reflective time. Led by by Nancy Reid-McKee, Ministerial Intern.
and Power in Ministry highlights the stories, analysis, and insights of a number of Unitarian Universalist leaders of color as they explore how racial identity is made both visible and invisible in Unitarian Universalist communities. (1 session) Facilitated discussion with Rev. Natalie Fenimore. Monday, February 5, 7:00 PM, Art Gallery. RSVP recommended. Please contact Carson Jones at
[email protected].
Emerson and Thoreau: Two Aspects of Transcendentalism
Mondays, 7:00 - 8:00 PM, RE Room 4 – March 12, 19, April 9, 16 (note: there is a two-week gap due to school vacation times). Registration advised. Please contact Carson Jones at
[email protected].
Common Read - Centering: Navigating Race, Authenticity, and Power in Ministry Edited by Mitra Rahnema, (Skinner House, 2017) Centering: Navigating Race, Authenticity, Winter | Spring 2018
Emerson and Thoreau, for most people, are the mainstays of Transcendentalism. Both extolled Nature as the road to intuitive appreciation 5
of the unseen universe, although in strikingly different ways: Emerson is more lofty, abstract and optimistic; Thoreau more particular and curmudgeonly. Both are not systematic philosophers, but use wonderful, imaginative language to draw us into their worlds. This course will celebrate and compare how they did this. Led by Arthur Rifkin, MD, a member of UUCSR and semi-retired psychiatrist with a private practice. His career has been in clinical work, research and serving as a faculty member in several universities and schools of medicine. Registration recommended. Please contact Carson Jones at
[email protected]. Wednesdays, 7:30 - 9:30 PM, Veatch Library – January 17, February 21, March 21, April 18, May 16
Learning About Black Unitarian Universalist History As Unitarian Universalists seek to understand the role of race, racism and privilege in our world and in our denomination, learning more about the history of African Americans in Unitarianism, Universalism, and Unitarian Universalism can shed light on our current situation. Might there a different understanding of the role of Black Unitarian Universalists if we had information and resources which provided more context and examples of the involvement of African Americans in our denomination? Join the Rev. Natalie Fenimore for a discussion and to explore some new curriculum materials. Monday, March 5, 7:00 - 8:30 PM, Art Gallery RSVP recommended. Please contact Carson Jones at
[email protected]. 6
Spiritual Exploration and Practice Death Café LIFE IS SHORT… ENJOY THE TIME YOU HAVE! At Death Café, people discuss death while sipping tea and eating cake. A Death Café is a groupdirected, casual discussion of death without an agenda or objective in an accessible, respectful, and confidential space. It is a discussion group, rather than a grief support or counseling session, to increase awareness of death to help people make the most of their finite lives. Admission is free, but you must register with Cindy Wilson, Temporary Assistant to the Ministers at
[email protected] or 516.472.2941. Facilitated by Betty Gold and Diana Wolfson. For more information about Death Cafés, please go to deathcafe.com. Sundays, 1:00 PM, February 4 (Veatch Ballroom), April 8 (Veatch Ballroom).
Inisfada Sitting Zen Meditation The practice of Zen sitting meditation as a spiritual universal focus is a technique for opening our minds and spirits to universal insights and awareness that we are all One. This is achieved by sitting together in silence and quieting our minds to the present moment and to each other. Zen meditation sessions include: silent sitting and walking meditative periods, readings of the Zen masters, and listening to guest speakers. Participants enjoy peace and serenity by quieting the mind in today’s busy and hectic world. The Adult Programs
group becomes a healing community. Led by Joanne Miller/Vicki Spielman. Please note: newcomers are welcome at 7:15 PM for preliminary instructions. Doors close at 7:30 PM. Doors re-open for latecomers again at 7:50 PM. Every Wednesday, 7:30 – 9:00 PM in Veatch Ballroom and Terrace Room.
Kundalini Yoga Kundalini Yoga (The Yoga of Awareness) is a technology that supports moving and awakening dormant energy from the base of your spine to the top of your head. Benefits of yoga include: enhancing your capacity for mental clarity, physical agility/flexibility, and a sense of wellbeing. Specifically, Kundalini benefits the nervous and glandular systems. It is oh so subtle as you gradually ease and shift into the joy of awakening the answers that lie within you...recalibrating your body, mind and spirit. We will deepen in our sense of community with an offering of chai and sharing of reflections at the end of class! “In Kundalini yoga, the most important thing is your experience. It goes right to your heart, no words can replace your experience, your mind may accept the words or it may not, but your conscience will not accept just words.” - Yogi Bajhan (who brought Kundalini from India to the west). Led by Beth Fedirko and Paula Jennings, certified yoga instructors. Cost: UUCSR Members $9 per class payable to the instructors. Non-Members $12 per class payable to the instructors.
No registration required. Questions? Please contact Carson Jones at
[email protected]. Classes, ongoing Mondays, 7:00 PM, Veatch Ballroom beginning January 8 (no classes January 15, February 19 and May 28)
Medical Qigong for Senior Health In these classes, we will explore some of the “Seven Static” breathing exercises, as well as a few dynamic movements to cultivate your center, improve balance and alignment, protect against falling, and build confidence in your body. Using the basic principles of Chinese Medicine theory, we will explore how to direct your Qi into a more balanced state to maintain quality of life as you age. Specific concerns, such as hypertension, stroke, arthritis, or weak joints, will be addressed as needed. Private guidance and supplementary treatment, such as Qi Massage, may also be applied to support the process upon request. Cost: $12 per class. Please contact Carson Jones at 516.472. 2915 or
[email protected] to register and reserve a space in class. Led by Ashley Baldwin, a Port Washington native who studied and taught yoga therapeutically over a span of 6 years. Wishing to extend her capacity to provide sustained holistic health, Ashley traveled to Thailand and met Qi Gong master and Chinese medicine doctor Ajarn Toh, creator of the Thai Qi Holistics system, with whom she has studied daily since February 2016. Wednesdays, December 20 - January 17, 11:00 AM at Hadley House
Bring your own yoga mat. Winter | Spring 2018
7
Small Group Ministry A great way to “work” on your spiritual life that isn’t work! Small Group Ministry is a gathering of no more than 12 people who meet at the same time each month to discuss topics that are often not discussed – wonder, fear, faith and more. This ministry allows participants the opportunity to explore their personal beliefs while getting to know one another – it’s that simple. There are no other agendas, no homework, nothing to do but show up and give yourself the gift of two hours each month. Small Group Ministry facilitators are all Shelter Rock members who receive specialized training for this ministry. There are daytime as well as evening meetings. Pre-registration is required. Childcare is available if requested two weeks in advance. If you have questions or are interested in registering for Small Group Ministry, please contact Lea Titza, at 516.472.2975 or
[email protected]. Registration is also available online at uucsr.org. Groups begin in early October. First Sunday of the Month, 1:00 - 3:00 PM, Bride’s Room– January 7, February 4, March 4, April 1, May 6 and June 3, 2018
Third Sunday of the Month, 1:00 - 3:00 PM, Brides Room– *January 28, February 18, March 18, April 15, May 20, and June 17, 2018 Facilitators: Cello Da Silva and Patti Paris *Please NOTE some meetings rescheduled due to Congregational meetings* Fourth Tuesday of the Month, 7:30 - 9:30 PM, Veatch Terrace Room– January 23, February 27, March 27, April 24, May 22 and June 26, 2018. Facilitators: Sandra Frank and Rhonda Kessler NOTE: **Additional, OFF-SIGHT SGM meetings – these two Meetings take place at Hadley House: Second Wednesday of the Month (Afternoon), 1:00 - 3:00 PM, Hadley House– January 10, February 14, March 14, April 11, May 9, and June 13, 2018. Facilitator: Alan Gold Third Friday of the Month (Afternoon), 1:00 - 3:00 PM, Hadley House– January 19, February 16, March 16, April 20, May 18, and June 15, 2018. Facilitator: Herb Waldren
Facilitators: Jean Judd and Carla Drezner Second Sunday of the Month (Early AM), 8:30 10:30 AM, Office Conference Room– January 14, February 11, March 11, April 8, May 13 and June 10, 2018 Facilitators: Lynn Smith & Robin Finnan-Jones Second Wednesday of the Month, 7:30 - 9:30 PM, RE Room 19– January 10, February 14, March 14, April 11, May 9, and June 13, 2018. Facilitators: Betty Gold and Diana Wolfson
8
Soulful Small Group Soulful Small Group brings together the music of Soulful Sundown and elements of Small Group Ministry. We’ll explore the spiritual relevance and personal meaning found in a song chosen for each month’s reflection and discussion. The music and lyrics will provide a jumping off point for us to share our thoughts and stories in a safe and relaxed setting so that we may deepen our spiritual lives and connect us with Unitarian Universalism and people at UUCSR. Adult Programs
Facilitators are Alice Giordano and Steve Marston.
members $140.
Participants, especially newcomers, should be familiar with the Soulful Small Group Format and Covenant which will be supplied when you inquire or register with Lea Titza at
[email protected] or 516.472.2975.
Please call or email Carson Jones, RE assistant at
[email protected] or 516.472.2915 to register and call Fern, 516.621.0316 to discuss your hopes for the course and answer any questions.
Third Friday of every month, 7:00 – 8:30 PM in Room 14– January 19, February 16, March 16, April 20, May 18 and June 15, 2018.
The Flame: Storytelling Workshop with Nancy Reid McKee
Tai Chi and Qigong Discover how the practice of Tai Chi and Qigong promote a sense of well-being by awakening the body’s natural healing ability. Tai Chi is a practice of graceful, centering movements that strengthen the body, sharpen the brain, calm the mind and lift the spirit. This particular form of Tai-Chi is beneficial in reducing the inflammation of arthritis; being gentle on the body and designed to improve balance and coordination. We will warm-up with Qigong exercises, combining graceful slow movements with stress reducing breathing and meditative practices. These classes are appropriate for people of all fitness levels as the moves are gentle and easily adaptable. Instructor Fern Cameron has been a chiropractor for the past twenty-five years and enjoys sharing the ancient and Empowering healing practices of Tai Chi and Qigong. Fern is certified as a Tai Chi Easy Practice Leader and specializes in Tai Chi for arthritis. Fridays, 10:15 - 11:30 AM in the Art Gallery (unless otherwise noted). January 5 and 12, 2018. New series will begin mid-March. Cost For 10 classes: UUCSR members $80, nonWinter | Spring 2018
This is an intense 4-week course that will take you through the process of how to identify and talk about meaningful events in your life in a way that is engaging and inspiring to an audience. You will learn the skills of storytelling focusing on: what is a story, how to craft your story, delivering your story, and practicing your story. Participants who have written stories during the Storytelling Workshop will present their stories, woven with some music and meditations for a full evening of creative worship. Please join us as we create something new together! Led by Nancy Reid-McKee, Ministerial Intern. Tuesdays, January 23, 30 (Room 15) Wednesdays, February 7 (Room 15) and February 14 (Chapel). The Flame evening of worship will be Friday, February 23, 2017 at 7:30 PM, in the Chapel. Participants will be invited to attend the Moth Storytelling performance in NYC!
Yoga The main part of class is a breathing practice, it is the most important thing we do. Besides sustaining our life, it can calm the nervous system which can heal our body and mind. Posture is second; good posture is critical for 9
a healthy life and poor alignment of the spine will create pain and weaken our bones. The practice combines breath and movement to create a moving meditation and an inner calm (private sanctuary). The extra benefit is exercise that builds strength, balance, coordination and mobility. Led by Mike Mancini, Certified Yoga Instructor.
how everyday simple blending of fresh herbs and common ingredients can contribute to the holistic well-being of individuals. Cooking with Nancy Baldwin. Food supplies fee: $20 person or $30 per couple. This will cover 6 courses and beverage (wine and Chinese beer). Friday, January 26, 6:30 - 10:00 PM, Main Kitchen, UUCSR.
Dramatic Readings Saturday classes are 11:00 AM Thursday classes are 9:30 AM All classes are ongoing and located in the Art Gallery. (For occasional location changes, please check the Happenings newsletter, visit uucsr.org or sign up for email alerts with Carson Jones at
[email protected].) No registration required. Cost: $5 per class for members and $7 for non-members payable to instructor.
Personal Growth and Learning A Different Kind of Chinese Cooking Come and join a different kind of Chinese cooking. It will be a fusion of traditional and contemporary style. We will learn about food that is associated with Chinese culture, and 10
Join us in our continuing venture in reading plays: some old, some new, comedy, drama, farce. Copies are distributed and parts are chosen by participants at the event so no need for preparation. After the reading we discuss the play, the author, relevance and interpretation. If you don’t want to be an actor, come anyway to share in the discussion. Play titles are announced in Happenings and the Quest. Suggested donation is $10 per person per session, and that includes a pot luck dinner and beverages. If you bring food to share, suggested donation is $5. Registration is required so we can provide the right number of copies of the play for the evening. Maximum number of participants is 20. For questions or RSVPs please contact Carson Jones at
[email protected] or call 516.472.2915. Saturdays, 5:00-10:00 PM, Art Gallery – January 20, February 17, March 17, April 21, May 19, 2018.
Great Books Discussion All reading selections will be from the Great Books Foundation’s “Short Story Omnibus” Adult Programs
until the end of January. The new book is “Even Deadlier: A Sequel to the 7 Deadly Sins” by Al Gini. Organized by Bob Nuxoll, the group will rotate turns leading discussions with members volunteering to lead when the readings reflect their area of expertise, interest, or passion. *If for any reason a meeting is canceled, that reading will be postponed until after this schedule is completed. Sunday Mornings at 9:00 AM in RE Room 4 For questions or RSVPs please contact Carson Jones at
[email protected] or call 516.472.2915. THE REMAINING READINGS FROM “SHORT STORY OMNIBUS” ARE GRAPHIC STORIES ONE PER SESSION January 7 - Chapter One of “Palestine” by Joe Sacco, January 14 - MARTIN LUTHER KING’S DAY WEEKEND - NO MEETING January 21 - “A Happy Death” by Alison Bechdel “EVEN DEADLIER: A SEQUEL TO THE 7 DEADLY SINS” BEGINS*** ***available for sale for $20 from Carson Jones,
[email protected] January 28 - “La Grande Bretèche” by Honoré de Balzac February 4 - “The Old Gentleman” by Frances Hwang
March 4 - “Torch Song” by John Cheever March 11 - “My First Two Women” by Nadine Gordimer March 18 - “Babylon Revisited” by F. Scott Fitzgerald March 25 - “The Custard Heart” by Dorothy Parker April 1 - EASTER WEEKEND April 8 - “A Woman of Fifty” by W. Somerset Maugham April 15 - “My Wife is a White Russian” by Rose Tremain April 22 - “Theft in a Pastry Shop” by Italo Calvino April 29 - “Fat People” by Alison Lurie May 6 - “Nuns at Luncheon” by Aldous Huxley May 13 - “Cowboys Are My Weakness” by Pam Houston May 20 - MAKE-UP SESSION FOR ANY SKIPPED STORIES For questions or RSVPs please contact Carson Jones at
[email protected] or call 516.472.2915. We will not meet on January 14 (Martin Luther King’s Day weekend), February 18 (President’s Day weekend), and April 1 (Easter weekend).
February 11 - “Krakatau” by Jim Shepard February 18 - PRESIDENTS DAY WEEKEND February 25 - “Weekend” by Fay Weldon Winter | Spring 2018
11
Unitarian Universalist
Congregation at Shelter Rock
Human. Kind. 48 Shelter Rock Rd, Manhasset, NY 11030 uucsr.org | 516.627.6560 | 2018-01-03
