Spiritual Development Groups
Adult Education & Enrichment
The Gospel of John [Winter 2012]
Contact: Marge Forth
mforth@rochester.rr.com
Tuesdays, January 24 - February 7, 7-9pm
This three week class is an examination of the Fourth Gospel, the Gospel of John - historically, one of the most popular and beloved books of the Bible. From the earliest stages of Christian history, interpreters recognized that the Gospel of John or the "spiritual" gospel, differs significantly from the other canonical Gospels. Over the course of three weeks, we will explore John's particular portrait of Jesus, his emphasis on the importance of truth and knowledge in Jesus' preaching, and the complicated religious and historical situation that provided the occasion for writing the Gospel. Dr. Anne Merideth, Assistant Professor of Religion, Department of Religion and Classics at the University of Rochester, will lead these lecture/discussion classes. Anne has a Ph.D. and an M.A. from Princeton and an M.T.S. from Harvard. Her specialties are the New Testament and History and Literature of Early Christianity. Registration fee: $15.
Currents Discussion Group [2011-12]
Facilitator: Reverend Scott Tayler
271-9070; scott@rochesterunitarian.org
2nd Tuesdays, 11:30am - 1pm; drop-ins welcome
This monthly group discusses magazine articles about cultural and political "currents" and hot topics. Articles are selected by Parish Co-Minister, Rev. Scott Tayler, who leads the discussions. This is a drop-in group, so come to as many or as few meetings as you like. No pre-registration is required; feel free to just "show up." To receive the articles prior to the meeting, please email Rev. Scott Tayler (scott@rochesterunitarian.org). (scott@rochesterunitarian.org).
Immigration as a Moral Issue [Winter 2012]
Leader: MJ Curry, PhD
mjcurry@warner.rochester.edu
A six-week course, Thursdays, January 19 - March 1, 7-9pm
This course will explore the many facets of immigration, beginning with its causes, history, and economics, then moving to examine the relationship of immigration to our national borders in terms of security and enforcement as well as the focal issue of human rights. The course concludes by exploring who benefits from the current system of immigration and what solutions might be possible as we strive to improve our immigration policies and practices. The study guide is available for free download from the UUA at http://www.uua.org/justice/issuesprocess/currentissues/immigration/studyguide/index.shtml. Additional materials will be provided by the course leader.
Introduction to the Deaf Community [2011-12]
Leader: Rupert Dubler
onenonlyrup@gmail.com
A four-week course, Saturdays, 6-7:30pm, October 8, 15, 22, 29
As we focus our attention on becoming a more inclusive and welcoming congregation for the Deaf community, we invite you to join us for a fun and informative class where we will learn some very basic ASL (American Sign Language), as well as a brief introduction to Deaf culture and community life. Together, we'll have fun as we learn and as we open more fully to life's gifts. All are welcome.
LAVA Book Discussion Group [2011-12]
Facilitator: Bill Fugate
381-5393; wrfugate@frontiernet.net
1st Fridays, 7pm - 8:30pm
LAVA (Literature And Visual Arts) reads and discusses nine books per year. Our selections include fiction and non-fiction, with an emphasis on literary fiction. We visit a coffee shop after each meeting and enjoy occasional outings. Our schedule is at www.frontiernet.net/~wrfugate/lava.
Morning Book Discussion Group [2011-12]
Facilitator: Erwin Loewen
442-7285; eloewen@aol.com
2nd Wednesday: Coffee & Socializing at 10:30am;
Discussion, 11am - 12 noon
Members discuss fiction and nonfiction books chosen by volunteer presenters. A great source of community and intellectual stimulation. You are also invited to bring a lunch and eat together afterwards.
UUnAMOR Animal Ministries Book Club [2011-12]
Coordinators: Lois Baum (MacBaum@aol.com) and Emily Osgood (dogberry4@frontiernet.net)
3rd Tuesdays, 7pm
A new facilitator leads each meeting, choosing a book which promotes discussion around animal advocacy. Among the books we have read: The Bond - Our Kinship with Animals, Our Call to Defend Them by Wayne Pacelle; The Dreaded Comparison - Human and Animal Slavery by Marjorie Spiegel; The Souls of Animals by Gary Kowalski. All are welcome. Contact Lois or Emily to find out what book we are reading this month.
UUs Reading Non-fiction [2011-12]
Facilitator: Audrey Perry
244-4013; auperry066@gmail.com
Last Monday of the month, 7pm - 8:30pm
If you enjoy reading non-fiction, this book group is for you! Books are suggested and voted on by the group. The facilitator's role is shared among the membership on a volunteer basis. Drop-ins are welcome.
December 20 2011