October 4: Dr. Tina Castanares will speak to us about “moral/ethical issues around global migration.”
October 11: “Finding Our Inner Light.” Shannon Perry of the Mountain View Worship Group in The Dalles will join us to speak about Quaker beliefs and practices.
October 18: “Get Out the Map.” Rev. Judy Zimmerman will speak on the nature of the spiritual journey. Our annual animal blessing occurs after the service.
October 25: “Haunted Heretic” Rev. Judy Zimmerman on Michael Servetus, a 16th century religious ancestor who was martyred for his criticism of the doctrine of the trinity and opposition to infant baptism.
October 11: “Finding Our Inner Light.” Shannon Perry of the Mountain View Worship Group in The Dalles will join us to speak about Quaker beliefs and practices.
October 18: “Get Out the Map.” Rev. Judy Zimmerman will speak on the nature of the spiritual journey. Our annual animal blessing occurs after the service.
October 25: “Haunted Heretic” Rev. Judy Zimmerman on Michael Servetus, a 16th century religious ancestor who was martyred for his criticism of the doctrine of the trinity and opposition to infant baptism.
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From the 2014 Annual Report and the Monthly Newsletter:
Adult Religious Education Book Discussion Group The Religious Education Book Discussion Group continues to meet at Eric's home every other Wednesday morning from 10 to noon. We continue to read and sometimes passionately discuss an eclectic list of books, the most recent being Joseph Campbell’s Power of Myth.. The group is still going strong into its sixth year of existence. There is currently limited room for new membership. ODES on a Theme Discussions This has been a great year for the ODES on a Theme adult RE discussion program. Launched in January 2013, ODES provides the community an “Opportunity to Discuss, Explore and Share our beliefs and opinions. Specific information is provided at the beginning of each program, as an introduction, followed by discussions that are designed to be experiential; promoting personal and emotional expression at least as much as intellectual growth. Many feel that the discussions provide a spiritual experience not available from a typical service. No advance reading, preparation, or commitment to attend is required. The ODES program helps to fulfill many of the most important objectives expressed in the 2013 Community Survey. In response to the question ranking Sunday worship service objectives, the top-ranked answer, with over 90% of respondents ranking it extremely important or very important, was: “Provide a support environment for developing and sharing individual feelings and beliefs.” Most ODES participants have expressed their appreciation that the program also helps them to strengthen ties to their community and better understand their own beliefs. Both of these results also were among the highest-ranked objectives in the Survey. Discussions initially proceeded monthly at the Hood River Library, on a weekday evening, with occasional programs integrated into Sunday services at the Rockford Grange. Due to its success, the ODES program was officially incorporated into the worship schedule, and the location was switched to the Rockford Grange. Programs will continue monthly in 2014, following Sunday services, and will often be designed as a continuation of the theme of the service. In addition, one ODES program will be incorporated into a Sunday service each quarter, with a community-wide discussion in lieu of a sermon. For December 2013 and March 2014, the quarterly ODES program included a multi-media service with music and video images, including sing-alongs and an animated, musical children’s story. This format was well-received and will be repeated. These services were digitally recorded for archival and other potential purposes—yet to be determined—which may include posting on the MCUUF website. Evensong Evensong is an eight-week series of gatherings in which participants explore individual life journeys through sharing thoughts, experiences, doubts, and beliefs about traditional religious concepts. Listening is at the core of Evensong. It offers people the opportunity to listen, speak of what matters to them, and be with one another in respectful ways. Listening solidifies relationships and is a foundation for community. Sharing our stories in small groups is certainly an effective way to connect with others. Community is built on connections. The better we get to know one another the more important our community becomes. The program is facilitated by Rev. Ken Jones with the assistance of Trish H. The first session was Feb. 2. The last three sessions will be on Sundays, May 4, 18, and June 1. Participants bring a sack lunch and meet at the Grange from noon to 2 p.m., after Sunday services. Childcare is provided on request. Participants are free to join us at any point in the series. So far eleven people have participated in at least one gathering, seven of whom have attended regularly. Keeping the invitation open has made it easier to include people with busy personal schedules. The Board is considering providing a series like this at least once a year. New Member Classes Classes are offered throughout the year for people interested in learning about Unitarian Universalism or who are considering joining our Fellowship. For information about classes, email: [email protected] Ongoing and Upcoming Events Specific details about Religious Education programs and all other scheduled events are found in the Monthly Newsletter and Weekly Updates. |
