March 2008

UUFSM's 15th anniversary

Lighting the Chalice

Shawl Ministry

When: Sundays from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., from June 15 to August 24, with a picnic on August 31

Where: Senior Lounge in the Loffler Senior Center at Chancellor's Run Regional Park

21095 Chancellor's Run Rd in Great Mills, St. Mary's County

Everyone is welcome!

Dress is casual, and all are invited to bring along snacks and drinks to enjoy during and after our Services. Please consider bringing along a few extra items to share, as there will be no Coffee Service during the summer sessions. Our Sunday School and Nursery open again in September.

June 15: Our Unitarian Universalist Principles: Do They All Apply?

Group discussion led by Steve Nystrom

A free-ranging discussion that asks questions about some of the Seven Principles.

June 22: The Old Man and The Sea: An Animated Short by Aleksandr Petrov

Video and group discussion led by Luke Seubert

Many regard Santiago, the old man from Ernest Hemingway's novel, as a Christ figure. Through Petrov's unique and beautiful wet oil on glass animation technique and our own group discussion, we'll explore the theme of the suffering Christ. (Meet in the front room, close to the entrance)

June 29: Kabbalah, Judaism, and Eastern Mysticism

Talk and group discussion led by Nancy Gould.

Many people are aware of the connection between Judaism and Christianity. But how many people are aware that there is also a connection between Judaism and Hinduism/Buddhism? This talk will explore the Jewish mystical tradition of Kabbalah and its connection to other mystical paths, including the Tarot and Eastern Mysticism.

July 6: The Names of God, and Sundering Church from State

Book readings* from "The Gifts of the Jews" and group discussion led by Luke Seubert

YHWH: The "to be" verb form in Hebrew with multiple meanings and implications. Also, did the ancient Jews break the bond between religious and political power?

July 13: Childhood Memory and Knowing

"Evensong" group discussion led by Liz Crosby

Please bring an object or photograph that reminds you of a truth you knew as a child that has served you well through life, and for which you are grateful.

July 20: Our Sense of Time

From Cyclical to Linear, and From Polytheism to Monotheism

Book readings* from "The Gifts of the Jews" and group discussion led by Luke Seubert

Our human perception of time in the modern world is linear, but once it was cyclical and circular. What have we gained and what have we lost in this transition? Further, is monotheism required for a unified, cohesive, and scientific view of the Universe?

July 27: Scripture and Story

"Evensong" group discussion led by Liz Crosby

What story (myth, legend, fairy tale, Bible story, scripture from world religions) has really stayed with you? What draws you to it? How does it connect with your life?

August 3: Alphabet and Sabbath

The Democratization of Knowledge, and The Sacredness of All Human Life?

Book readings* from "The Gifts of the Jews" and group discussion led by Luke Seubert

Did a quickly learned phonetic alphabet bring literacy and knowledge to the many, and not just the elite? Additionally, the Torah holds that all human lives are equally sacred, but what about genocides demanded by God?

August 10: Generosity

"Evensong" group discussion led by Liz Crosby

What has been freely, generously given to you? What, and from whom, have you learned about giving?

August 17: Social Justice of the Prophets,

and The Coming of the Single, Individual Spirit

Book reading* from "The Gifts of the Jews" and group discussion led by Luke Seubert

The prophets of Israel defend the poor and forgotten against injustice and exploitation. Is this a first? Also, does a growing sense of the individual spirit lead to individual, not collective, responsibility and guilt?

August 24: Prayer and Spiritual Practice

"Evensong" group discussion led by Liz Crosby

What activities or rituals do you regularly and intentionally engage in that deepen your spiritual life? We will also explore ideas from other people and sources.

August 31: Labor Day Potluck Picnic

Greenwell State Park beginning at Noon