Fourth Universalist Society in the City of New York

July 27: Led by Rev. Beth Putnam

July 20: Led by Rev. Jill Bowden

July 13: Led by Rev. Beth Putnam

July 6: All welcome

4th U members and friends will carry our banner in the NYC Pride March 2008 on Sunday, June 29 after church. We line up at 1:30 PM on 53rd Street, between 5th and Madison Avenues (see the NYC Pride web site for more details). We are Section 14-9, marching with other Religious/Spiritual Groups in Section 14.

Learning from Philosophy and Psychology about Relationships: Friday, June 20, 7:00 - 9:30 PM

This will be a discussion about philosophies of life that lead to happier and more satisfying relationships. It is only in our time that psychological discoveries were made that help us understand the underlying causes of happiness or suffering.

We will look at thinkers like Laura Huxley, Baruch Spinoza, Eric Berne, Albert Ellis, and others. Most people think that age, education and social status guarantee fulfilling lives.
Many consider looks, perfect health, or the ability to manipulate others the most important attributes of a person. While there is a grain of truth in all these attitudes, many of those who already possess them know that they are secondary.

The facilitator of this meeting, Reverend Joseph Ben-David, Humanist Counselor, will introduce the topic and moderate the meeting. There is no fee, but voluntary contributions are welcome.
Sponsored by the Church of Humanism.
Information: 212-877-5662
Web: www.humanistfoundation.org
On Youtube search for “Ben-David humanist”

The Cosmic Mass will be coming to New York on Friday, September 19, with its Creator, noted theologian Matthew Fox.

The One Spirit lnterfaith Community will present New York City’s first-ever Cosmic Mass, a worship service for the 21st century, at 7:00 PM at the Fourth Universalist Society, 160 Central Park West, at 76th Street. Doors open at 6:30 PM.

Acclaimed Creation Spirituality theologian, educator, and author Matthew Fox, whose vision gave birth to this postmodern phenomenon, will be among the chief celebrants.

What’s a Cosmic Mass?
It’s a ritual that unites community across religions, cultures, and generations. Sacred wisdom from western, eastern, and global indigenous traditions is blended with ecstatic music, poetry, dancing, and multimedia imagery. Artists and musicians collaborate with spiritual leaders to reinvent and revitalize worship. The inclusive environment empowers participants of every age, race, and persuasion, to come together to share prayer and celebration. Since the first one in California in 1996, the Cosmic Mass has steadily gained worldwide attention. Its debut in New York was initiated by Rev. George Kuhn, a seminary graduate of One Spirit Learning Alliance (onespiritinterfaith.org), Manhattan-based world leader in interfaith/integral spiritual education. Inspired by his studies, he took part in a Cosmic Mass facilitator training, given by Friends of Creation Spirituality, in Oakland, CA. With Rev. Fox’s blessing, Kuhn then invited the seminarians and ministers of the One Spirit community to join him in making it happen locally.

The theme, “One Radiant Peace - The Marriage of Compassion and Strength,” will be featured throughout the worship space in artwork, altars, and projected images of the Divine Feminine, the Sacred Masculine, and the honoring of peace, as seen through the prism of many faith traditions. The landmark venue is courtesy of Fourth Universalist Society’s Board of Trustees. In addition to Dr. Fox and Rev. Rosemary Bray McNatt, pastor of Fourth Universalist Society (and a former New York Times Book Review editor), presenters include many multi-talented interfaith ministers and seminarians: Drummer Zenobia Conkerite (an original cast member of “Hair”); gospel singer Rhetta Morgan; liturgical dancers, led by Samuel Lipton; poetlsinger Erin Bailey; a Native American flute performance by Joelle Danant, Bob Demetrician, and Kathryn Twinfeathers; Manda Stretch on “hang” drum; “Circle of Soul,” a collective of female singers, dancers, and artists whose creativity honors the earth; and DJ Shaman Rev. Bobby D, spinning trancelelectronica. The evening is among several “Weekend of Peace” events being held in New York in observance of the United Nations’ International Day of Peace. With capacity limited to 500 attendees, the Cosmic Mass is expected to sell out in advance. Tickets: $30 through July 31; $40 thereafter; $20 for students, ages 15-17; available at cosmicmassnyc.org. For more information, please contact Rev. Susan Turchin at revsusan@onespiritinterfaith.org, 212-931-6840, ext. 24.

One Spirit Learning Alliance. 330 West 38Ih Street. Suite 1500. New York, NY 10018 . www.onespiritinterfaith.org

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, and 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. Interweave will meet on the first Sunday of each month, right after coffee hour.

For more information about Interweave, please contact Ashley Burczack at aburczak@gmail.com