The First Thursdays at Fourth U adult RE series explores spirituality and spiritual practices from a UU perspective. On Thursday, March 6, from 6:00-8:00 PM, Amy Strano Bennett, Fourth U’s former intern minister, will lead this highly interactive workshop on prayer, based on the book Simply Pray: A Modern Spiritual Practice to Deepen Your Life by Erik Walker Wikstrom. Amy is a recent graduate of Union Theological Seminary who will be ordained to the Unitarian Universalist ministry on April 13, 2008. 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.
“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.
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.
The Men’s Group at Fourth U has been created to build community among members and to explore issues of spiritual and personal growth. If you are interested in joining, contact Bob McNatt at robert1954@earthlink.net.
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!
Next month’s New Moon Sister Circle (for women only) is convening on Monday, January 7 ,at 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.
On Monday, December 10, Fourth U will offer an opportunity to take a quiet break from the pace of the upcoming holiday season. For the entire day (11:00 AM until 8:00 PM) there will be a labyrinth available in our sanctuary for peaceful walking and contemplation. This ancient, multi-cultural meditative practice is undergoing a renaissance in our time. Fourth U member George Kuhn will be facilitating the event through brief presentations and by answering questions throughout the day.
