Saturday, May 31 - 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM at Fourth U. There are proven principles of prosperity that if followed will grant each of us the abundance we want in our lives. This full day workshop outlines what those principles are and gives practical steps on how to get from the scarce world we live in to the abundant universe awaiting us. Previous participants have said, “The workshop was excellent…” “We got so much out of it … and we’ve certainly made strides in our lives that have shown it.” Don’t miss it! Led by Liz Wolfe. To enroll, or for more information, contact her at lwolfe@wintecgroup.com or 646-334-9427.
Announcing a New Program - Interactive Dialogues
Friday, May 16, 2008: 7:00 - 9:30 P.M. You are invited to the first in a series of interactive dialogues. The initial session, on May 16, will focus on the challenge of establishing and maintaining satisfying and loving relationships. This program was inspired by the ideas of Martin Buber, Erich Fromm, Karen Horney, Carl Rogers, Abraham Maslow, Will Schutz, and other great minds in their fields. It explores ideas, insights, and enhances positive relationships. The programs will be intellectually engaging and include social games and practical opportunities to explore personally and socially meaningful issues. The moderator, Reverend Joseph Ben-David, recently returned from the Czech Republic, where he led interactive dialogues for gatherings sponsored by the distinguished Martin Buber Fund. They were received with great enthusiasm. There is no fee. Voluntary contributions are welcome.
Sponsored by the Church of Humanism.
Information: 212-877-5662, www.humanistfoundation.org
On Youtube search for <Ben-David humanist>
Practicing Earth-Centered Spirituality in the Age of Bigger/Better/Faster:
The 1st Thursdays at 4th U Adult RE series explores spirituality and spiritual practices from a UU perspective. On Thursday, May 1 (May Day) from 6 - 8 PM, Deborah Roth, a longtime member of 4th U and facilitator of the New Moon Circles for the past 12 years, will lead this experiential, educational overview of Earth-Centered Spirituality. Come with an intention for a project, new habit, or goal you’d like to manifest over the next few months and be ready to create magic together! This event is sponsored by the Worship Arts Committee. 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 child care. We look forward to seeing you!
The First Thursdays at 4th U adult RE series explores spirituality and spiritual practices from a UU perspective. On Thursday, April 3, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM, Aisha Hauser, 4th U’s Director of Religious Exploration, will lead a workshop exploring what it means to make peace with and reclaim what is worthwhile from those faith traditions we have rejected. We will also explore the ritual of fasting, which she reclaimed from her own Muslim heritage.Sponsored by the Worship Arts Committee. 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 child care. We look forward to seeing you!
As I look back at the time since I arrived here at the Fourth Universalist Society, I have realized that one of the items I would like to make a cornerstone of my ministry is creating a safe space for adults, youth and children to come together and have an open dialogue of their beliefs about religion, parenting, God, spirituality and social justice. Having an open dialogue in a faith with no creed and a set of principles that we agree to affirm means that inevitably people will have differing points of view. That is okay and healthy for a growing community.
Unitarian Universalism is a place where refugees from other, more conservative religions have come to meet at the higher ground of acceptance. They rely on the notion that the free and open exchange of ideas that come from freedom of speech and freedom of expression will lead to a universal truth. As Unitarian Universalists, we must be especially careful not to turn the underlying principle of Unitarian Universalism on its head by trying to change the opinion of people who have a different, sometimes, completely opposite point of view from our own. If we make this mistake, we run the risk of subverting the very principles that attracted us to this accepting religion, and causing others to feel the same way that our native, conservative religions caused us to feel when we fled them. One of the many reasons that I fled the religion of my childhood for Unitarian Universalism was the very fact that I would not be accepted if I was too open about what I believed about God and religion. Now I am free from those pre-judgments and restraints, and there is a spirituality to be found in that freedom. Let’s try not to mistake specific differences of opinion with the more important principle of freedom of speech/expression.
If we look hard enough, we can always find something that would be offensive to someone in our denomination. Our common goal as Unitarian Universalists should be to accept the fact that each of our beliefs is not always held in agreement with everyone else’s. One of the joys of being part of this faith is that we have the opportunity to model tolerance and acceptance by being in community even when we disagree.
Aisha Hauser, DRE
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
The “First Thursdays at Fourth U” adult RE series continues to explore spirituality and spiritual practices from a UU perspective. On Thursday, January 3 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, Gary Jacinto, D.Min. will lead a workshop on exploring mindfulness in everyday life. Gary is a member of The Community Church of New York UU. He has been a guest student at the Zen Mountain Monastery at Tassajara, Big Sur, California; has participated in various Buddhist groups in New York City, and had private teachings with His Holiness the Dalai Lama in India. This event is sponsored by the Worship Arts Committee. 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. We look forward to seeing you!
A video of a highly dramatic one-person play, with Joseph Ben-David in five different roles, will be screened at Fourth U on Friday, January 18, 2008, from 7:00 - 9:30 PM. The play, which was performed for four months in New York, presents Jesus as a humanistic personality who challenges ancient and contemporary myths about his life and aspirations. At a time when millions of people await the second coming of Jesus, and prophecies warn of wars, famine, pestilence, and other calamities that will afflict humanity at his return, this show asks: What would people really do if Jesus returned today? The play speaks out freely on some of the most critical issues of society, against the tyrannical designs of fundamentalism and the threat of the Orwellian nightmare. Followed by discussion. All are welcome.
