ADULT ENRICHMENT
Welcome from the Minister of Religious Education and Congregational Life
Members of River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation and the wider community are offering you the opportunity to learn more about yourself, spirituality, and the society in which we live. I encourage you to explore, meet new people, engage in new insights, find yourself challenged, and enjoy!
Rev. Ginger Luke
Minister of Religious Education and
Congregational Life
If instructors are charging a fee, please pay them directly at your first session.
Childcare will be offered during class sessions if requested when you register.
Tai Chi and Qigong
Tai Chi, often described as "meditation in motion," focuses on breathing and flowing gestures. Tai Chi and Qigong movements and postures are intended to balance the flow of qi which helps to quiet the mind and give balance to one's life. The slow movements use the whole body, with a deep meditative concentration on breathing and inner stillness. Wear comfortable clothing and flat shoes.
Convener: Marc Kaplan has been instructing students in the art of Tai Chi and Qigong in the DC area for over six years.
Dates & Times: ten sessions, 7:00-9:00 p.m. Tuesdays, September 7, 14, 21, 28, October 5, 12, 19, 26, November 2, 9
Cost: Donations to RRUUC in lieu of compensation.
Gentle Yoga
The word yoga is derived from the Sanskrit root yuj, which means to join, attach or yoke. The practice of yoga falls into several parts: the asanas, or postures (which is what most people think of when yoga is mentioned). Beyond these poses are other limbs of yoga, including breathing (pranayama) and meditation, or quieting of the mind (dhyana). We will open ourselves to the quiet and explore poses which will assist us in stretching, breathing, balancing and the quieting of the mind. Please bring yoga mat, and dress in loose clothing.
Convener: Deb Peck, a certified yoga instructor, has been practicing yoga for fourteen years, and has been teaching yoga for two years.
Dates & Times: eight classes, 7:30-8:45 p.m. Mondays, September 13, 20, 27, October 4, 11, 18 and November 8, 15.
Cost: $104.00; 33% of proceeds go to RRUUC (minimum 5 participants)
First Cakes for the Queen of Heaven in Ancient Times
Part I introduces participants to ancient religious goddess myths and symbols where female images and experiences (including female erotic zest) were central. We'll explore, as women of today, the psychological and social importance of reclaiming matristic history. The themes of the sessions are: “The Sacred Female”, “In the Name of the Mother and the Daughter”, “Womanpower”, “The First Turning – From Goddess to God”, and “Reclaiming Women’s Heritage of Peace.”
Convener: Helen Popenoe is the WOMUUNWEB newsletter editor for the UU Women and Religion movement which commissioned and published this curriculum.
Dates & Times: Five sessions, Sundays, September 26, October 3, 10, 17, 24, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Open Labyrinth Walk
Labyrinths have been used for thousands of years as non-denominational tools for meditation, relaxation, healing, enlightenment and more. Anyone can experience benefits simply by walking the labyrinth's path. Walk this ancient path to reflect, relax and find your center. Instructions available for those new to labyrinths. For questions, please contact joy(at)seeking-peace.com.
Convener: Joyce Rains
Dates & Times: Thurs., Oct. 7, Fireside Room. Come anytime between 7:30-8:30. Labyrinth will be available until 9:00 p.m.
Cost: Donations accepted. 25% of proceeds go to RRUUC.
UU History: Our Proud Heritage
Using original sources, the class will review the divergent concepts as Christianity was founded and from there study the gradual development of UUism, especially as it was initiated in the 16th century. We'll study the movement’s growth and expansion from Transylvania to Poland, England and the US as well as identify important UU thinkers and activists, including their contributions to US political and social history.
Convener: Dwight Cramer
Dates & Times: Three sessions, Tuesdays, October 12, 19, 26, 7:30 p.m.
Cost: Donations to RRUUC, in lieu of compensation.
Exploring a Multicultural Tapestry of Faith
Join us to explore a multicultural tapestry of faith. This monthly nine-session interactive class will widen the lens through which we view race and ethnicity to create a more inclusive and welcoming community. This new UU adult curriculum, called Building the World We Dream About, was field tested in 45 UU congregations, is available to be downloaded and viewed at http://www.uua.org under religious education curricula. The titles for the first three workshops are:
- Oct 17: Telling Our Story–Multiple Truths and Multiple Realities Part One
- Nov 21: Telling Our Story–Multiple Truths and Multiple Realities, Part Two
- Dec 19: You Are How You've Lived–Exploring Individual and Group Identity
- Jan 16: Exploring Your Multiple Identities
- Feb 20: Problems and Promises of Unearned Privilege
- Mar 20: Navigating the Landscapes of Power – Unearned Privilege
- Apr 17: Discerning Race/Discerning Power
- May 15: Power at Work in Your Congregation
- Jun 19: Ignorance of White Identity
Conveners: Nancy Henningsen, Rita Parks, and Sheri Blanchette
Dates & Times: Nine sessions, third Sunday each month: Oct. 17, Nov. 21, Dec. 19, Jan. 16, Feb. 20, Mar. 20, Apr. 17, May 22, June 19, 11:15 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.
Cost: Free
How Can I Help? Responding to People in Need
Each of us sometimes encounters a person in need. We might wonder: How can I be of service? What can I do that might ease the hurt? How can I help? In this one-session seminar, Rev. Bruce Marshall will offer guidelines for responding effectively to those in need. He’ll share some stories of times when people have been of help to others—and when people have been of help to him. There will also be opportunities for participants to share their own experiences. What most of us want most deeply from others isn’t very much, and it does not take specialized training. We’ll consider what it does take.
Covener: Bruce Marshall, RRUUC Affiliate Minister
Dates & Times: One workshop, Monday, October 18, 7:30-9:00 p.m.
Cost: $10.00 per participant
The New UU
This half-day seminar introduces newcomers to our congregation in a small-group setting. You’ll meet some of our members and ministers, get a lesson in the history and beliefs of Unitarian Universalism, and get an overview of our many activities, from social action to family worship. This is also an excellent opportunity for you to consider what you’re looking for in a religious community and to get answers to questions you may have about the denomination or this congregation. Morning coffee and lunch are provided, as is childcare as long as you register in advance. Please contact Sheri Blanchette, sblanchette(at)rruuc.org or 301-229-0400, ext. 102, with questions or to request childcare.
Conveners: Sheri Blanchette, Director of Communications & Outreach; Scott Sherman; Rev. Dr. Maureen Killoran, Interim Senior Minister; and RRUUC Leaders
Dates & Times: Sat., Nov.13, 8:45am – 2pm
Cost: Free