The Adult Religious Education program provides an ongoing core curriculum of classes, forums, discussion groups, and experiential learning opportunities that strengthen UU spiritual and ethical identity, increase understanding of world religions, educate about the environment and other social justice issues, strengthen family life and individual mental and physical health and well being, and train UU leaders for the church and the community.

Introduction to UUism
facilitated by
Rev. Samuel Schaal, Membership Committee

When the next class is scheduled, information will be posted here.

Curious About Unitarian Universalism? Want to explore our history and practice? Want to get to know others who are also exploring our faith? In the Newcomer's Introduction to UUism class, we'll trace the development of Unitarianism in Europe and America, read excerpts from some of the leading ministers and authors who helped define Unitarian Universalism, and discuss the 175-year history of our congregation.

If you're thinking about membership, this is a good orientation.

If you wish further information, contact the office at . Please sign up in advance in Fellowship Hall or contact the church office. Child care is available if requested.

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ONGOING SUNDAY MORNING CLASSES

"Sunday Morning Bible Study Class"
led by
Margaret Kirby

Weekly sessions: Sunday mornings, 11:30 a.m.
September 20 through May
Sessions meet in Classroom C1

Our Bible study focuses on our Judeo-Christian roots. On September 20, we will begin reading the New Testament and discuss the text from a UU perspective. Our goal is to gain an understanding of the text by using relevant external sources and group discussion. Everybody who is interested can participate. No prior study or Bible knowledge is necessary. No advance sign-up is necessary.

For more information, contact Margaret at .

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"Emerson, Thoreau and the
Transcendentalist Movement"
led by
Rev. Samuel Schaal

Weekly sessions: Sunday mornings, 9:00 a.m.
24 sessions, beginning September 20
Sessions meet in the Clark Room

Few movements in American history have been as influential as the cluster of ideas we call Transcendentalism, and it was largely a movement of Unitarians. Their ideas remain contemporary for modern spiritual seekers. In this 24-session series we'll explore the richness of their legacy, from Emerson to Walt Whitman, with time spent with William Ellery Channing and Theodore Parker, notable Unitarian ministers of the era.

Each class features a 30-minute DVD lecture by Professor Ashton Nichols of Dickinson College, followed by discussion led by Rev. Samuel Schaal.

Even if you can't make all 24 sessions, you'll find these of interest as we discover how part of our tradition's legacy has had so much influence in our culture.

For more information, contact the church office at .

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ONGOING CLASSES DURING THE WEEK

Free Speakers
(formerly Toastmasters)
led by
Stan Veyhl

Twice-monthly meetings
First and third Sunday evenings, 7:00 p.m.

All are welcome. For more information, contact Stan at .

Great Books Discussion Group
"Love and Marriage"

Monthly sessions: Third Sundays, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
September 2009 through April 2010 (except December)
Sessions meet in the book room at the Coffee Cartel (at Maryland and Euclid, near the church)

Our Great Books Discussion Group continues in its sixth year with the theme "Love and Marriage." The goal of the discussion is to explore and appreciate as a group multiple interpretations of one text, not defend one's personal interpretation against other's views.

We will explore readings from Isaace Bashevis Singer, Soren Kierkegaard, Josef Skvorecky, Flora Annie Steel, Yukio Mishima, Plato, William Shakespeare, Sylvia Plath, Gregory Corso, and Gwendolyn Brooks.

The discussion focuses solely on the text and demands participants listen to one another. We focus on questions that have more than one answer, and answers that are open to doubt. If you are open to the challenge of considering others' views and questioning your own, then the Great Books is for you.

If you have questions or would like additional information, contact Richard through .

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SPECIAL TOPICS:
CLASSES AND PROGRAMS

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Please contact with any questions and comments about our Adult Education classes and programs.