Practicing a UU Religious Life-Winter 2013
The Mind Quadrant - Engaging Your Mind
Friday Morning Book Group
Five Friday mornings, beginning January 11, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Our next book is Barbara Kingsolver's latest bestseller, Flight Behavior. NPR Books summarizes it as follows: "Tired of living on a failing farm and suffering oppressive poverty, bored housewife Dellarobia Turnbow, on the way to meet a potential lover, is detoured by a miraculous event on the Appalachian mountainside. It ignites a media and religious firestorm that changes her life forever." This is a very popular book, and is on waiting lists at local libraries, so it would be wise to place requests as soon as possible. It can also be purchased at bookstores or online. The book group continues through early June before taking a summer vacation. Upcoming books will be announced as they are chosen by the group.
Morning Forum
Sundays as announced, 10:30 a.m.
Morning Forum features guest speakers and church members considering topics of religious, social, literary, and political interest to Unitarian Universalists at least monthly. Watch the church media for announcements of dates. Vicki Lewis, Coordinator.
Socrates Café
Second and Fourth Sundays of each month, 7:30 - 9:00 p.m.
Second and Fourth Thursdays of each month, 12:00 - 1:30 p.m.
Our Socrates Café groups are part of a worldwide network of more than 600 groups that gather regularly for open and free-wheeling discussions on philosophy and life, based on the Socratic method of dialogue and Christopher Phillips' book Socrates Café. You don't have to consider yourself a philosopher or intellectual to enjoy our groups—just be willing to ask lots of questions and have an inquiring mind. People who attend the Thursday group are welcome to bring lunch. The groups are led by a planning committee and a large number of facilitators.
UU Bookworms
Second Monday of the month, 7:30 p.m. (*Meets the first Monday of the month)
Led by Don Mayer
January 7* - The Portrait by Iain Pears
February 11 - Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel
March 4* - Blithe Spirit by Noel Coward
Friday, March 8 or Saturday, March 9 - Blithe Spirit Theater Party
April 8 - Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
You’re a “What?” Explaining Unitarian Universalism to family and friends who worry you're part of a cult.
Saturday, February 16, 9:30 a.m. to Noon
Led by Rev. Kathleen Rolenz
Everyone has a hard time explaining what Unitarian Universalists believe—not because UUs believe anything they want or because we believe in nothing—but because we're a faith that doesn't rely on creeds or one sentence slogans. However, that doesn't mean that you can't have a simple, three sentence description that you know by heart when people ask you that question. This workshop will not give you the answer, but help you to create the answer for yourself. Signing up for this class is mandatory. Rev. Kathleen wants to communicate with the participants to prepare them for the class. Please sign up online by clicking on the link on the home page of the website.
The Body Quadrant - Using Your Body
Introduction to Reiki
Tuesday, January 15, 2013; 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Led by Mary Ann Reiger
Learn about Reiki, an eastern energy healing arts as well as information about its history, worldwide growth, scientific studies, and application. Participants may also be interested in attending the free Reiki Share, held at West Shore, on the third Monday of each month. Mary Ann Reiger is a Reiki Master and host of the monthly Reiki Share at West Shore.
Tai Chi
Eight Consecutive Saturdays, beginning January 19, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Led by Soren Hansen
Experience the interplay between yin and yang as the foundation of creation. Learn the gentle practice called the Eight Section of Brocade, as well as the so-called “first circle,” of three, of the Tai Chi Wu style. At-home practice of this new skill is an expectation.
Food Bank Volunteers
Second Thursday & Fourth Wednesday of the month
9:25 a.m. from the WSUUC parking lot
This quadrant invites you to put your body into “serving needs greater than your own,” by volunteering at the Cleveland Foodbank. Since 2000, West Shore members go each month to help pack and sort food. Volunteers work from 10:00 a.m. to noon each day. Announcements about sign-ups are in the church newsletter and the West Shore Weekly. For more information, please contact coordinator Betsy Hutcheson at 440-331-3027.
The Heart Quadrant -Tending Your Heart
Soul Collage
Saturday, January 26, 10:00 a.m. to noon
Monday, January 28, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Led by Bernadette McClain
The classes are identical; however, participants may choose to attend one or both classes. SoulCollage© is a gentle, playful and joyful way of exploring your life and your deep self. Using images from magazines, individuals create their own unique deck of cards, where each card represents a different aspect of themselves. There is a deeper level of knowing that is accessed through images. The process combines image, words, intuition and synchronicity into a unique creative and artistic process anyone can do. It requires no special skills, but can often produce images and insights that are surprising and full of depth and meaning. Bernadette M. McClain is an art education major who has taught Visual Art/Art History to all age levels, for the past 30 years. Materials fee: $5.00 please bring to class.
Elite: Uncovering Classism in Unitarian Universalism
Wednesday, March 13, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Led by Rev. Kathleen Rolenz
This one time, two hour class will explore the themes found in Mark Harris’ book: “Uncovering Classism.” Participants must register and read the book in advance of the class. We’ll also prepare ourselves for the upcoming Poverty Simulation to be held at West Shore on Saturday, May 11.
The Spirit Quadrant - Nurturing Your Spirit
Starting Point: The Winter Series
Wednesday, January 16 & 23; 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Led by Rev. Kathleen Rolenz
Three times a year one of the ministers offers this opportunity to learn more about the church, one another and West Shore’s leaders. Most people who join the church, or are considering joining, are encouraged to come to Starting Point. Experienced members seeing to renew their involvement also attend. Led by Rev. Kathleen Rolenz. Registration is required for this course and you must be able to attend both sessions.
Relationships: Starting Afresh or Moving On?
Mondays, February 4 - March 18, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Led by Annita Keane, Certified Life and Relationship Coach
Have you ever had the feeling that it might be easier to be on a trapeze than to navigate personal relationships? And as for spouses, partners and families...well, they often represent the Relationship Olympics! This workshop is for anyone going through a transition, who feels stuck, or who needs support to take step to a new place; and it’s for those who fear stepping into the new or who may be struggling with stepping out of the past. Whatever your situation in life, this experiential course can offer you new tools for “starting afresh—or moving on…”
Guaranteed you will never see relationships in the same way again! You must pre-register for this class.
Winter: Building Your Own Theology
Wednesdays, January 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30; February 6; 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
This adult religious education class is offered every year and is open to newcomers to Unitarian Universalism, as well as long-time members. BYOT focuses on helping you articulate the values, beliefs and practices that create your UU theology. Never be tongue-tied again when asked, “What do Unitarian Universalists believe?” Expect to be challenged with reading, writing and discussion! Led by Kathy Strawser, Director of Lifespan Faith Development
Spiritual Maturity
Wednesdays, January 9, 16, 23, & 30; February 6, 13 & 20; March 6 & 13; 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Led by Rev. Wayne Arnason
What does it mean to grow spiritually? What are the practices and qualities of a spiritually mature person? This intimate small group class with one of the ministers is open to church members with at least two years of active involvement at West Shore or other UU churches, who have taken at least one of the other classes in the Path to Spiritual Maturity; either Building Your Own Theology or Spiritual Autobiography. Weekly spiritual practice assignments are part of this course. Please note that there are no classes on January 30 or February 27, 2013.