Fourth Universalist Society in the City of New York

February 17: “Considering Forgiveness” - led by Rev. Deb Morra
Deb Morra is a Unitarian Universalist Community Minister affiliated with the Community Unitarian Church in White Plains, a Welcoming Congregation. Involved in the struggle for equal marriage rights for over a year, Rev. Morra is known throughout the region as a leading advocate for equality in marriage and sexual orientation/gender identity civil rights.

Fourth U conducts a worship service for the residents of the Kateri nursing home on the first and third Saturday of every month. If you are interested in helping out, please contact Robert at 212.580.7782. Kateri is located at 151 Riverside Dr. (at 87th St.).

“Falling in love” is easy and highly pleasurable.  This kind of love is not only attractive and common, but it’s also transient and dangerous, and can lead to tragic consequences.  Humanistic psychologists clearly distinguish between such obsessive infatuation and “standing in love.”   Real love–which really means being a loving person–motivates our will and produces a consistently positive and creative desire and aspiration. The benefits of such love, whether they are personal, interpersonal, or social, are great, but unfortunately, there is no cheap grace:  such love takes courage. At this meeting we will explore how we can enhance our joyous activeness in spite of risks and skepticism. The discussion leader is the Reverend Joseph Ben-David, Senior Minister of the Church of Humanism, and professional member of the Association for Humanistic Psychology. Sponsored by the Church of Humanism. Friday, February 15, 7:00 - 9:30 PM at Fourth U.  For more information, phone 212.877.5662.

Interweave is a group of LGBTQ people and straight allies working to end oppression based on sexual orientation and gender identity, with the recognition that we will not be free until all oppression is a thing of the past. UU principles guide our work. We value and affirm the lives and experience of queer people of faith, regardless of their age, race, ethnicity, income level, or ability. By providing and supporting leadership and working in collaboration with other organizations of similar vision, we strive to connect and nurture all queer individuals, communities, and groups and their allies.

On Sunday, February 10, at 12:45 PM, the Auction Committee will be hosting a meeting to review the 2007 auction and begin planning for the 2008 auction. We are looking for feedback from all volunteers or attendees about our last auction so we can make next year’s better than ever. Please come to contribute your ideas and opinions, and to let us know your interest in participating. The meeting will take place near the front of the sanctuary. For information, please email Alison Davy at divadavy2003@yahoo.com.

Join us on Sunday, February 3, at 12:45 PM for a Canvass 2008 planning meeting. Be a part of the excitement as we develop a plan for a successful pledge season this spring. We’ll be forming a steering committee, but all levels of participation in this important effort are welcome, so come on by even if you just have some ideas! The location of the meeting will be upstairs in Rosemary’s office. For more information, please contact Liz Wolfe, Finance Committee Chair, at lwolfe@wintecgroup.com or 646.334.9427.

The Faith in Action committee invites you to join us for a workshop on February 20, on “Living a Joyful and Progressive Productive Life: How NOT to Burn Out.” To be held at 7:00 PM in the sanctuary, this workshop will center on the building blocks of a happy and productive life: mission management (to figure out your authentic goals and path); time management (so you can develop a schedule that helps you focus on your goals); and fear management (so you can get past procrastination, perfectionism and blocks to success). These topics are discussed in the context of progressivism, with examples from several progressive movements, and referencing George Lakoff’s “nurturant parent” model of progressivism and his dictum that it is the duty of all progressives to live happy lives themselves, along with helping others be happy. Participants will be encouraged to share their own experiences and insights on these topics, and the workshop leader will share concrete and actionable advice and strategies, so that participants leave feeling inspired and empowered.
The workshop leader, Hillary Rettig, is a native New Yorker, current Boston resident, and an activist, coach and author of The Lifelong Activist: How to Change the World Without Losing Your Way (Lantern Books, 2006). She is also author of the free e-book, The Little Guide To Beating Procrastination, Perfectionism and Blocks: a Manual for Artists, Activists, Entrepreneurs, Academics and Other Ambitious Dreamers. You can download the e-book and learn more about Hillary’s life and work at http://www.lifelongactivist.com

Matt Gilbert, Fourth U Board Member, will lead a provocative and thought-provoking experiential workshop on humanist alternatives for spiritual practice. The program, scheduled for Thursday, February 7 from 6:00-8:00 PM, is the latest in the “First Thursdays at Fourth U” adult RE series, which explores spirituality and spiritual practices from a UU perspective. Light dinner will be served and childcare provided. Please contact Jennifer at jenncjack@mac.com or 718.783.8757 for more information and to RSVP for childcare.