Adult Spiritual Growth & Development - UUAA Spiritual Growth & Development Courses & Events Fall 2015 First Unitarian Universalist ongregation of Ann Arbor 4001 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd

Adult Spiritual Growth & Development

Courses & Events Fall 2015

First Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Ann Arbor

4001 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd.

Ann Arbor, Michigan 48103

Phone: 734-665-6158

www.uuaa.org

Conversations that matter

The First Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Ann Arbor

Guided by Section 1.1 of our Governing Policies, the Adult Education Advisory Team plans to engage the minds, hearts, and whole selves of adult learners in our community. With the understanding that the Unitarian Universalist (UU) journey is one of an ongoing quest for truth and meaning, we will provide adult participants with opportunities to:

Develop an integrated sense of their own UU and UUAA identity;

Find resources for negotiating the various stages of their life journey;

Be empowered to live their beliefs through their actions;

Cultivate spiritual deepening and develop spiritual practices;

Enrich their understanding of the world around us;

Build connections with others.

Members: Charley Burleigh, Bruce Gibb, Bett Weston, Bev Black, Carol Acitelli, Sandy Eyl Design: Angelina Zaytsev

About the Adult Education Advisory Team

Adult Spiritual Growth & Development 2

HOW TO REGISTER FOR COURSES Registration opens at 10:30 am on Sunday, September 13th, us-ing one of the following two options:

by email to the address provided in the course/ event de-scription (mention course by name),

by paper form at the Adult Spiritual Growth & Development table during Social Hour on September 13th or 20th.

Registration is not required for a given course or event if there is no email registration instruction provided with its description. Registration by email continues for each respective course or event until the day prior to that course or event.

“Mind is a flexible mirror;

adjust it, to see a better world.”

- Amit Ray

The First Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Ann Arbor

Course/Event Title Page No.

Offered by UUAA Programs

As We Age, a Conversation 4

Uprooting Racism: Congregational Fall Common Read 4

Building Your Own Theology 5

Make a Difference Events 6

Reading Classes, Author’s Book Talk and Q&A 7

Making Meaning of Disability 8

Immigration: Both Sides 9

Adult SGD Video Nights 11

Reflection & Learning Project on the Israel-Palestine Conflict 11

UUAA Community of Writers 12

Offered by Adult SGD

Post-Sermon Conversations 12

Laugh Class 13

Leadership Skills Workshop 14

Heart Sutra Practice 14

Dialogue Practice 15

Polarity Management: Path to Jung’s Individuation 15

“While Still There Is Light” Book Discussion 16

Aging Well 17

The Art of Storytelling 18

Cakes for the Queen of Heaven 18

Facebook 102 19

Dream Group 19

Fall 2015 Course Catalog 3

As We Age, a Conversation

Come join Terry Madden for a discussion (3 sessions) of Atul

Gawande’s provocative book, Being Mortal, (Chapters 1 – 5 only), which

addresses our progression as we age from the independent self, to be-

ing dependent, to living with assistance. We will discuss what we might

want and need at these various stages of life.

Offered by Well-Being Education

Facilitator: Terry Madden

Register by email & questions: <[email protected]>

Details: Wednesdays, October 14, 21 and 28, 1:30-3:00

Location: October 14 - Fahs Chapel; October 21 - Jackson Chapel; Octo-

ber 28 - Fahs Chapel

Max # of participants: 10 Min #: 5

Uprooting Racism: Congregational Fall Common

Read

Uprooting Racism offers a framework

for understanding institutional racism. It

provides practical suggestions, tools, ex-

amples, and advice on how white people

can intervene in interpersonal and or-

ganizational situations to work as allies

for racial justice. Completely revised and

updated, this expanded third edition di-

rectly engages the reader through ques-

tions, exercises, and suggestions for ac-

tion, and takes a detailed look at current


Course & Event Descriptions

mailto:[email protected]

issues such as affirmative action, immigration, and health care.

Join us for conversations on Uprooting Racism: How White People Can

Work for Racial Justice by Paul Kivel, 3rd Ed. For each session, please

bring a personal observation or experience, a citation from the book, a

paragraph from an article, or some other specific reference to the pres-

ence of racism in our society which can be presented to the group. Ob-

serving Chalice Circle Guidelines, we will facilitate deep listening and

interactive discussion.

Offered by Challenging Racism

Facilitator: Edie Croake

Register by email & questions: Lucia Heinold <[email protected]>

Details: Offered in 2 series:

Sundays, October 4, 11, 25 & November 8, 12:30-2:30

Tuesdays, October 6, 13, 27 & November 10, 7:00-9:00

Location: Brown Room

Max # of Participants: 20 Min #: 4

Building Your Own Theology

Building Your Own Theology is a course that offers the opportunity to

reflect more deeply than one would in the ordinary course of daily life

on the values and meanings that underlie, strengthen, challenge, and

enrich our life. It is intended to help participants develop, think

through, develop more fully, and write out their own theological per-

spective. The course proceeds through readings, discussion, brief lec-

tures, and regular writing. Topics include: religion, your religious histo-

ry, ultimate reality, human nature, ethics and the meaning of life.

Facilitator: Rev. Ken Phifer

Register by email: <[email protected]>





Details: Thursdays, October 8, 15, 27 & 29, November 5, 12 & 19, 6:00-

8:00

Location: Emerson Room


Make a Difference Events

Are you an active UUAA Congregant, a potential leader or participant in

one of our many groups? Thinking about stepping up your involve-

ment? Curious about how things work? The Leadership Development

Team and Social Justice Council, with the Board of Trustees, Staff repre-

sentatives and panelists from various groups at UUAA, will offer inspira-

tion, resources and practical information to help foster participation in

congregational activities.

Make a Difference Workshop

Facilitators: Carolyn Madden <[email protected]>, Mary Lynn

Stevens <[email protected]>

Register: http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/

a07ebbie626icghujrm/start or email Hannah Hotchkiss

<[email protected]>

Details: Saturday, October 10, breakfast at 8:45, workshop at 9:15-

1:00

Location: Fahs Chapel


Make a Difference at UUAA Involvement Fair

Questions: Hannah Hotchkiss <[email protected]>

Details: Sunday, October 11, following both Sunday services

Location: Social Hall





http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07ebbie626icghujrm/start

http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07ebbie626icghujrm/start



Reading Classes: Author’s Book Talk and Q&A

Barbara Jensen's book discusses how the

working class and middle class are shaped and

defined through the lens of our education sys-

tem from pre-school through college. Jensen

is uniquely qualified to write this story be-

cause she came from the working class and

then "crossed over" to the middle class to be-

come a psychologist. Her book is unique in

that she speaks from both sides of the class

divide.

Pat Herbst will moderate a session featuring

Barbara Jensen, author of Reading Classes: on

Culture and Classism in America (2012), who will present from her book

and offer a deeper understanding of the role of class in our lives and in

our community. Q and A will follow.

Offered by Social Justice Council and Challenging Racism

Facilitator: Pat Herbst

Register by email & questions: Carolyn Madden

<[email protected]>

Details: Sunday, October 4, 3:00-4:00






Making Meaning of Disability

The purpose of this inter-generational, interactive workshop is three-

fold:

1. To raise awareness of the meaning of disability,

2. To reflect on inclusion, and

3. To compare and contrast the medical, social, and the bio-psycho-

social models of disability.

We will approach this goal in three ways: First, we will share our person-

al experiences with “inclusion.” Next, we will listen to and discuss a per-

sonal story in small groups and explore how the models can be applied

to the story. Third, together we will develop a plan for action applicable

to our congregation. At completion of the workshop, the audience will

have gained an in-depth understanding of the meaning of disability.

Offered by the Accessibility Team and Well-Being Education

Facilitator: Terry Madden

Register by email & questions: Els Nieuwenhuijsen

<[email protected]>

Details: Sunday, November 1, 1:00-2:30






Immigration: Both Sides

The immigration Action Coalition presents a two-part discussion ad-

dressing dual opinions on immigration. A short documentary film ex-

plores what happens

when a minute-man goes

to live and work along-

side an undocumented

family for 30 days. The

experiment examines the

ways we think, the mor-

als we hold and the

truths we believe. Follow-

ing the film, a guided dis-

cussion will be held to further explore this complicated issue. Returning

in November, two guest speakers to be confirmed (the facilitator will

vouch for their demeanor and veracity) will aim to create awareness

surrounding immigration issues within our local communities. A guided

discussion will follow urging exploration of the beliefs that mold us both

individually and as a society.

Offered by Immigration Action Coalition

Facilitator: Kathryn Doud


Details: Sundays, October 18 & November 22, 12:30-2:30






Adult SGD Video Nights

Come join us to take in an engaging video (approx. 20 min.) of current

interest and some (hopefully related) conversation. Plus relaxation and

refreshments.

Offered by Adult Spiritual Growth & Development

The Danger of a Single Story

Our lives and our cultures are composed of many overlapping sto-

ries. Novelist Chimamanda Adichie tells the story of how, by paying

attention to stories, she found her authentic cultural voice — and

warns that if we hear only a single story about another person or

country, we risk critical misunderstanding. Filmed July 2009 at

TEDGlobal 2009

Facilitator: Charley Burleigh <[email protected]>

Details: Friday, October 23, 7:00-9:00



The Game That Can Give You 10 Extra Years of Life

Video game designer Jane McGonigal created a game to bring her

back from the brink of suicide after a severe concussion left her dis-

connected, unable to work, read, or write. She dove into scientific

research and created the healing game, SuperBetter. Find out about

the game that can give you extra years of life. Filmed June 2012 at

TEDGlobal 2012

Facilitator: Sandy Eyl <[email protected]>

Details: Friday, December 18, 7:00 - 9:00







Reflection & Learning Project on the Israel-

Palestine Conflict

UUAA Justice in the Middle East (JME) is offering a program designed to

foster a respectful discussion among Unitarian Universalists on the fun-

damental issues driving the Israel-Palestine conflict. The goal is for UUs

to become engaged in the struggle for a genuine and lasting peace in

the Middle East. The program has two parts:

Part 1 – Historical Context

October 17: The Zionist Enterprise – History Before 1948

October 24: A Jewish State – History After 1948

In Part 1 we will examine the historical origins and current realities

of the conflict with a focus on anti-Semitism and the Jewish nation-

alist movement known as Zionism. The ethical, moral and political

implications of a solution to end the persecution of one group that

resulted in the dispossession of another group will be discussed.

Part 2 – Religion and U.S. Policy

November 7: Christian Theology and U.S. Middle East Policy

November 14: Voices of Faith for Justice in the Middle East

In Part 2 we further explore the role religious institutions play in ei-

ther advancing ideologies of discrimination, domination, and separa-

tion or promoting freedom, justice and reconciliation between peo-

ples.

Facilitators: Mark Jagner, Anne Garcia


Details: Saturdays, October 17 & 24, November 7 & 14, 9:30 -11:30






UUAA Community of Writers

Writers (beginning, advanced, potential) interested in joining an open,

supportive community to foster self-awareness, spiritual growth, crea-

tive expression, and social witness through the writing arts are invited to

attend monthly meetings of the UUAA Community of Writers. The

group's shared leadership design means that any of its members may

lead an individual session or series of sessions focused on a particular

theme, form of writing (including poetry, drama, fiction, nonfiction,

memoir, journaling and blogging), or purpose for writing. Come with

your ideas for activities and events that you would be interested in

attending and/or leading.

Facilitator: Becca Manery and writers in the community


Details: Sundays, September 20, October 4, November 1, December 6,

12:30-3:00



Post-Sermon Conversations

Enjoy discussions with fellow UUs about select UUAA Sunday sermons

while the memory is still fresh. Facilitators will be present in the Young

Room at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm for drop-in same-day conversations

about designated sermons, using guidelines developed from the Chalice

Circle format. Our model is the post-sermon discussion about Rev. Mark

Morrison-Reed’s sermon this spring on the Selma Awakening. Our ‘pilot’

discussions will occur after both services on Sunday, September 20,

2015. Subsequent discussions will be advertised in the Bulletin.

Facilitators: Experienced Adult Education and Chalice Circle Facilitators

Guidelines available by email: Charley Burleigh <[email protected]>





Details: Drop-in 60-minute discussions, starting at 11:00 am and 1:00

pm on the Sunday of the sermon to be discussed. Initial “pilot” discus-

sions are on September 20. Watch the Weekly Bulletin for notice of ad-

ditional discussions.

Location: Young Room


Laugh Class

Come learn to laugh for no reason except it feels so good. Learn to re-

lease your happiness by laughing with a certified facilitator of the Ameri-

can School of Laughter Yoga. The class occurs in a seated circle – no

standing. Room is limited, so be sure to reserve your chair.

Facilitator: Barb Gales

Register by email: <[email protected]> or call (734)-443-3011

Details: Monday, October 12, 1:00-2:00






Leadership Skills Workshop

The purpose of these workshops is to develop current and future lead-

ers of UUAA with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to improve the

functioning of the various ministries of the Congregation. Participants

for the first four sessions of the program will be those currently in posi-

tions of leadership and people they select. The skill-building sessions to

be presented in 2016 will be open to anyone in the Congregation.

Facilitators: Tim Richards, Bruce Gibb


Details: Third Mondays, October 19, November 16, December 21, Janu-

ary 18, 7:00-9:00

Location: David Room


Heart Sutra Practice

Standard instructions for beginning meditators are to create some sort

of sanctuary in a particular place in one’s home. This is doubtless a good

plan for acquiring a new habit. But when one’s practice starts to take

root, such a plan can become a fetter which limits one’s practice to a

particular time and place – and a particular experiential environment.

Heart Sutra practice addresses the whole body-mind, the whole envi-

ronment, and it can be effectively carried beyond the limits of sanctu-

ary. Find out how.

Facilitator: Charley Burleigh


Details: Thursdays, October 29 and November 5, 12 & 19, 7:00-9:00






Dialogue Practice

How shall we speak with one another? This big, important subject is

often approached through dialogue training programs – programs of

planned interpersonal exercises and study that may last days or months,

but are designed to reach a point at which desired skills are permanent.

This pair of mutually complimenting workshops suggests instead that we

initiate life-long practices (one of which has a UUAA history) that in-

creasingly support skillful speech and interaction as we go along. A

modest commitment to daily meditation plays a part. Two two-hour

workshops, each requiring 3 – 4 pages of advance reading.

Facilitator: Charley Burleigh


Details: Tuesdays, September 22 & 29, 7:00-9:00



Polarity Management: Path to Jung’s Individua-

tion

C. G. Jung coined the word ‘individuation’ to describe what he consid-

ered an individual’s paramount life endeavor, to become oneself, to be-

come all that is possible. He considered the great challenge in individua-

tion to be the reconciliation of opposites. This 4-session facilitation will

focus on Polarity Management® as a model and toolset to better recon-

cile the opposites we face in life. Jung’s Typology (using the Myers-

Briggs Type Indicator®) will be explored in its context as essential sets of

life’s opposites (as: introversion and extroversion, sensing and intuition)

among other essential polarities.




To learn more about this facilitation (and in preparation for the first

class) visit http://www.polaritypartnerships.com/ and attend the front

page slide show and two videos on Polarity Management. Knowledge of

the MBTI® is also helpful – Google for lots of information.

Facilitator: Roger Marshall


Details: Thursdays, October 1, 8, 15 & 22, 7:00-9:00

Location: Young Room


“While Still There Is Light” Book Discussion

“When I read Rev. Nancy Shaffer’s book a couple of years ago, I ached to

discuss it with other UUAA members. I think there is local history to be

processed, and the gifts of a lovely poet, as well as a wonderful book to

discuss grief and loss.

“In that many members knew Nancy, I felt her loss was something that

should be contemplated in our congregation. It was a sudden event, and

I always felt some processing would be healthy. I was honored that Nan-

cy shared her feelings so openly. I feel this deserves our attention. I

think it has special meaning to our congregation.” – Barb Cherem

Facilitator: Barb Cherem


Details: Wednesdays, October 21 & 28, 3:00-5:00





http://www.polaritypartnerships.com/



Aging Well

The 75-year longitudinal study on Adult Development, the “Grant

Study,” researched the adult lives of hundreds of men who were sopho-

mores at Harvard from the 1930s and ‘40s. Bill Bradley and JFK were

among these men who disclosed their own participation in the study. A

2012 book written on the study’s findings, Triumphs of Experience, is

authored by one of the more recent directors of the study, George Vail-

lant. Two Atlantic articles summarize the book’s findings and, like the

book, use amalgams of men’s stories to personalize and relate key

points learned about patterns of successful (and not so successful) liv-

ing.

George Vaillant: “Positive aging must reflect vital reaction

to change, to disease and to environmental imbalance.”

There will be two summary articles sent to participants ahead of the

first class meeting. These are from The Atlantic Monthly and summarize

the findings from the Grant Study, the longest in American history.

Anyone is welcome to purchase the book, but the discussion will chiefly

pull from the two articles over our three sessions.

Facilitator: Barb Cherem


Details: Wednesdays, September 23 & 30, and October 7, 3:00-5:00






The Art of Storytelling

Telling and listening to stories is a way for people to enjoy and cherish

one another’s company. Storytelling is also an effective way to teach, to

inspire, to heal, and to delight. Whether you want to hone your story-

telling skills to use in front of an audience or around a fire with friends,

this class is for you. Have fun while learning to relax in front of other

people and let your creativity blossom. This interactive course will help

you shape ideas, and gain experience in the effectiveness of body and

vocal techniques. Beginners are welcome as well as those with more

experience.

Facilitator: Bev Black


Details: Fridays, October 16, 23 & 30, November 6, 7:00-9:00



Cakes for the Queen of Heaven

"Cakes for the Queen of Heaven” is a woman honoring adult RE curricu-

lum by Rev. Shirley Ranck. It examines pre-Judeo Christian cultures that

may have worshiped the female as divine. The concepts of equality and

reverence for the female in a religious setting are eye-opening to many

participants.

More than Goddess 101, this workshop series examines important ele-

ments of today’s women’s lives; personal, interpersonal and societal. It

examines how our culture has been influenced by Judeo Christian val-

ues. The primary question raised is: How would your life have been

different if, when growing up, the divine had been imaged as female?

Participants are encouraged to share their own experiences and beliefs,




creating trust and strong bonds of friendship.

Please join the circle of women only for this 11 week program. There

will be time for getting to know each other, tea and learning.

Facilitators: Bett Weston, Carol Acitelli and Royla Furniss

Register by email: Carol Acitelli <[email protected]>

Details: Fridays, September 18 & 25, October 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30, Novem-

ber 6, 13 & 20 and December 4, 7:00-8:45



Facebook 102

Now that you have set up your Facebook profile and connected to your

friends and family, how can you use it to organize for social justice, to

stay involved in your community, and more? (If you haven’t taken Intro-

duction to Facebook, and still need to set up your profile, come first to

the Tech Coffee House to be offered by 20s and 30s on Friday, Septem-

ber 25 at 7:00 pm.)

Facilitator: Sandy Eyl


Details: Saturday, October 3, 10:00 am-12:00

Location: Jackson Chapel






Dream Group

Bring your dreams and sense of adventure to these monthly play groups

as we explore new landscapes, tap into sources of creativity and find

guidance through the Lightening Dream Work process. With dream the-

ater our dreams will come alive and through shamanic journeying we'll

re-enter dreams and learn to bring back information for healing and

transformation. Come find out how dream play can be a source of fun

and healing. Everyone welcome at any class.

Facilitator: Julie Tumbarello


Details: Second Sundays, September 13, October 11, November 8, De-

cember 13, January 10, February 14, March 13, April 10, 3:00-5:00

Location: Young Room on September 13, Brown Room all other days


“Your vision will become clear only when you look

into your heart. Who looks outside, dreams. Who

looks inside, awakens.”

~ Carl Jung

Adult Spiritual Growth & Development - Fall 2015 Course Catalog



Documents

Adult Spiritual Growth & Development - UUAA Spiritual Growth & Development Courses & Events Fall 2015 First Unitarian Universalist ongregation of Ann Arbor 4001 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd