Fourth Universalist Society in the City of New York

Tuesday, June 3, 6:30 PM: Our circles provide a safe and sacred space each month to honor our connection to the Earth, to the cycles of the Moon, to our deepest selves and to each other. Call Deborah Roth at 212-665-9660 or email dsrothny@aol.com for the theme and more information.

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!

“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.

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.

There will be a congregational meeting after the service on February 27 to vote on the ordination of Beth Putnam as a UU minister.

The congregation will also be asked to vote on which Congregational Study Action Issues should appear on the agenda this year at General Assembly. Two proposals have been accepted by the UUA Commission on Social Witness (CSW), which are being presented to the congregations for polling. They are:

1. Ethical Eating: Food and Environmental Justice
2. Nuclear Disarmament

If you are a member of 4th U, please make sure you are at the meeting on Sunday! Thank you.