Adult Programs
Exploration is an important continuing part of our adult lives as Unitarian Universalists. By learning, discovering new perspectives, and working towards deeper understanding of ourselves, one another, and our world we become part of a greater whole working for peace and justice.
Each class represents one or more of our seven core exploration areas:
- Unitarian Universalism
- Jewish and Christian Heritage
- World Religions
- Personal and Spiritual Growth
- Spiritual Practice
- Peace and Justice
- The Interdependent Web
If you are interested in facilitating your own class or discussion group related to one or more of these core areas, please email uusmdre@gmail.com to get an application. Once filled out, the Adult Programs Subcommittee will review it and, if approved, work with you to schedule and promote your program
Wherever your interest leads you, we welcome you to a new year of personal and spiritual exploration at UU Santa Monica.
Adult RE Offerings for June 2018
Sacred Nature:
The Emerging Theology
of Religious Naturalism
Informed by new knowledge and inspired by ancient wisdom, Religious Naturalism weds scientific understanding of the universe with perceptions, values, and reverence usually reserved for more traditional religious positions. It counts among its forebears thinkers such as Lao-Tzu, Spinoza, and Einstein; modern proponents include Ursula Goodenough, Loyal Rue, Stuart Kauffman, Michael Dowd, and many Unitarian Universalists.
J. Ash Bowie writes: “Religious Naturalism is a spiritual and philosophical orientation arising from profound responses to the wonder and mystery of Nature and its emergent manifestations in human creativity and culture. Its views of Nature are embodied in the Epic of Evolution and informed by scientific inquiry, without reference to supernatural explanations. It emphasizes reverence and gratitude for Nature and a deep regard for all life; it recognizes the imperative of planetary sustainability. It supports efforts that honor ecological and cultural diversity, that promote social justice and free inquiry, and that create a more compassionate, rational world where humans and non-humans alike can thrive.”
Join James Witkerfor an introductory exploration of Religious Naturalism and its implications — for our movement and our world. What if we really did regard nature itself as sacred? How do concepts of god(s) and the divine fit into such a framework? Are scientific inquiry (the Universe revealing itself) and spiritual inspiration inextricably linked? We will meet for three Saturdays in June. Little reading outside of our sessions will be required, and material will be provided.
When and Locations: 4-6 pm Saturdays: June 2nd (in Forbes), 9th (Warren Mathews Conference Room), and June 16th (in Forbes).
“An Enjoyable Dive into Who and What We Are”
This on-going, twice a month class is presented to help participants master specific meditation skills. We endeavor to answer the questions Who am I? (attitudes and beliefs) and What am I? (Essence or True Nature). This class will include meditations which explore participants’ spiritual goals. The bi-monthly group meetings will also focus on insights gained throughout the month. It is expected that participants have a regular meditation practice.
Location: Classroom 4
Monday June 4, and Monday June 18
Time: 7:30pm – 9:00pm
Contact Facilitator: Bill Blake relaxnow9@verizon.net
“Open Meditation Group”
We gather twice a month to sit together quietly for 20 minutes, to walk with gentle awareness for seven minutes, and to explore the integration of meditation with ordinary life through reading and sharing. Anyone who senses they would benefit from 20 minutes of silent, non-guided sitting is welcome to join us. We have found that this time of quiet meditation and shared exploration can be deeply nourishing – a time of simply “being” amidst all the “doing” of our lives.
If you have questions, speak with either Beverly Shoenberger or Carol Ring at coffee hour, or contact Beverly at 424-235-9002, openmeadowcoaching@gmail.com or Carol at 310-310-2539, carol.ring.la@gmail.com
Come Dance with Us!”
Learn international folk dancing with instructors Sandy Helperin and Teri Hoffman. Folk dancing is for anyone who loves to move to traditional music. New dancers are welcome.
Saturday June 23rd
Time: 7:00pm-8:45pm
Location: Forbes Hall
Facilitator: Ellen Levy, contact her at elevy2@mac.com
ONGOING OFFERINGS
Heart to Heart Circles - Heart to Heart Circles offer an opportunity to connect with others in the church who wish to explore their values and their ideas of spirituality in an intimate setting and who wish to make a difference through service to the church and to the larger community. Sign-ups for Heart to Heart (Small Group Ministry) are going on now. Groups begin in January. Further questions? Please contact h2h@uusm.org
“Women over 60 Discussion Group”
Are you over 60 and want to enhance your life? Want more personal and spiritual growth? Want to be with other women who can relate to what you are going through? Women of this age group experience some unique challenges in relation to health, family, and life in general. Let’s share our stories and wisdom together.
On the 1st and 3rdTuesdays (June 5th, 19th)
Time: 10am-11:30am
Location: Forbes Hall
Facilitator: Sandra Beebe, contact: 424-238-5720, sbeebe2@roadrunner.com