ADULT ENRICHMENT FALL 2008 COURSES
Welcome from the Minister of Religious Education and Congregational Life
Join us in deeper exploration, inspiration, reflection, and fun. Members of our congregation and the community offer opportunities to engage in religion, spirituality, social justice, personal growth, health and well-being. Discover more about yourself and meet new people. Course fees are payable directly to the course convener on the first night of class. 25% of the class fee goes to RRUUC. Register for classes here, or pick up a registration form at RRUUC. ~Rev. Ginger Luke
Tai Chi
Convener: Marc Kaplan has practiced Tai Chi for six years under masters in the DC area and throughout the country.
Tai Chi, often described as “meditation in motion,” focuses on breathing and flowing gestures. Tai Chi movements are intended to balance the flow of qi, which concept is at its heart, in mind as well as body. Slow movements use the whole body, with concentration on breathing and inner stillness. Wear comfortable clothing.
Dates/Times: Tuesdays, 9/02, 9/9, 9/16, 9/23, 10/7, 10/21 10/28, 11/04, 11/18 and 11/25 for a total of ten sessions from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Beginner: 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.; Intermediate: 8:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Cost: No fees. Mr. Kaplan encourages donations to RRUUC in lieu of compensation.
Exploring Your Spirituality (WILL BE RESCHEDULED FOR WINTER/SPRING)
Convener: Bruce Marshall is an Affiliate Minister at RRUUC and a trained, experienced spiritual director.
Spirituality is concerned with the personal side of faith. It brings us to consider what is ultimate and what that says about how we approach our spiritual lives. Spirituality may also involve a sense of connection to something greater than ourselves in which we “live and move and have our being.”
This class is an introduction to spiritual development within a Unitarian Universalist context. We start with where we are, considering our own lives and where we may find a sense of the spirit. We will also learn about - and try out - some basic methods of developing one’s spiritual life.
Dates/Times: WATCH FOR WINTER/SPRING DATE
Cost: $25, payable to convener.
Research-Proven Weight Loss for New and Prior Participants
Convener: Paul Seder, Ph.D., health educator and former NIH research psychologist, has conducted more than 75 lively workshops for Bethesda Naval Hospital, River Road and Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Congregations, and NIH.
“I have not seen a better weight management program.” Karl Moe, Ph.D., chief health psychologist, Bethesda Naval Hospital. Use the methods that NIH scientific studies found work best. Make small lifestyle changes to achieve lifelong weight control and improve health. Learn research-proven eating and activity management techniques customized to fit your individual needs. Enjoy eating, yet reduce hunger and control temptations. Burn more calories 24/7. Explore how spiritual/emotional health affects weight.
Dates/Times: Tuesdays, October 7, 14, 21, and 28; 7:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Cost: $60, payable to convener.
Work as Spiritual Practice
Convener: Rev. Scott Alexander, Senior Minister, River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation, salexander(at)rruuc.org.
Most of us spend about a third of our time at work and some even spend a far greater portion of their time working. If we are to be healthy and happy persons, our work life must be rewarding, meaningful, fulfilling, and yes, even fun. The purpose of this three-evening course, is to help participants reflect on the current state of their work lives, and see if there are some positive life strategies and techniques they can adopt to make this crucial aspect of their lives more rewarding. Participants are encouraged to read Work as a Spiritual Practice: A Practical Buddhist Approach to Inner Growth and Satisfaction on the Job by Lewis Richmond. The RRUUC Bookstore will have copies by mid-September.
Dates/Times: Thursdays, October 9, 16, and 23; 8:00 – 9:45 p.m.
Cost: no fees
Films that Make You Think
Conveners: Dale and Jon Hill have been RRUUC members for ten years and frequently attended the similar offering previously convened by Gary and Louise Gallun.
In this class, the Hills show four pre-screened films followed by a discussion. Each will have a different theme: a) one film posing a moral dilemma; b) one film giving an inspiring story on a value consistent with UU values; c) one thoughtful comedy; and d) one documentary. Good quality, but lesser known films are shown, increasing the likelihood that participants have not yet seen them. Many are independent films; a few are foreign films.
Dates/Times: Friday, January 9, 16, 23, and 30; 7:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Cost: no fees
The New UU: An Introduction to Unitarian Universalism at River Road
The New UU is a half-day session designed to introduce newcomers to the congregation in a small group setting. Meet some of our members and ministers, learn about our history and beliefs, and get an overview of our many activities from social action to family worship. It’s an excellent opportunity to find out more about our denomination and congregation. Morning coffee, lunch, and childcare are provided. (Register in advance for childcare.)
Conveners: Sheri Blanchette, Director of Communications and Outreach, sblanchette@rruuc.org, 301/229-0400 ; Scott Sherman, author, photographer, presenter and active RRUUC member; Nancy Nelson, long-time member and volunteer leader, and Rev. Scott Alexander, Senior Minister.
Dates/Times offered this Fall: Saturdays, 10/25; 11/15; 2/7/09; and 4/25/09 from 8:45a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Cost: no fee
The Art of Spiritual Storytelling
Background/Convener: River Road’s Lay-Led Worship Group, which is responsible for organizing an annual series of lay-led services, is sponsoring a new workshop on The Art of Spiritual Storytelling. All are welcome, experienced and novice storytellers alike. The purpose of the workshop is to experiment with the weaving of autobiographical stories with universal spiritual themes. In so doing, the Lay-Led Worship Group aims to develop the brainstorming, writing, performance and collaborative skills of any congregants who either have been or aspire to be involved in lay-led services; and to cultivate a deeper sense of community among these congregants. The workshop will be taught by Kimberly Schraf, who has been an actor and teacher in Washington’s professional theater community for 25 years.
Dates/Times: Saturdays, 10/25/08 (4-6 pm), 11/22/08 (4-6 pm), 1/24/09 (10 am – 12 pm), 2/28/09 (10 am – 12 pm), 4/4/09 (10 am – 12 pm), and 5/16/09 (10 am – 12 pm)
Cost: $200, payable to David Yang (Co-Chair of Lay-Led Worship Group) at first session.