Upcoming Events
Sunday Discussion Circle
Sundays, 12:15 p.m., Room 302
Discussion leaders provide a safe and energizing environment for the discussion of a variety of relevant topics.
September 5: How do we get beyond abortion, have an authentic conversation about sexuality in America, and decrease unplanned or unintentional pregnancies? Facilitators: Jon Naylor and Peter Durkin.
September 12: The rising tide of violence: what is the appropriate response from a religious community that asserts the inherent worth and dignity of every person? Facilitator: Eric Botts
September 19: If empathy is not sympathy, then how do we define “empathy” and how can it be used as a tool to reduce anger and violence in ourselves and our society? Facilitator: Pam Perry
September 26: How do you prioritize your life? Facilitators: Michelle & Stan
Facilitator Training
Sunday, September 5 or 12, 1:15 to 2:45 p.m., Fireside Room
Light lunch provided, Facilitator: Natalie Browne
For current facilitators and church members who would like to brush up on their skills, this short program will provide basics of good group facilitation. Choose one date or the other. Sign-up is necessary for lunch plans to be made. Childcare will be provided if reservations are made at least one week in advance. Email names and ages to childcare@firstuu.org.
Second Friday Movie and Potluck
Friday, September 10, 6:30 p.m., Fireside Room
The potluck will be at 6:30 p.m. and the movie starts at 7:00 p.m. A children's movie will be scheduled if we receive requests by September 3: email names and ages to childcare@firstuu.org).
Dirty Pretty Things — Undocumented immigrants Okwe and Senay work at a posh London hotel and live in constant fear of deportation. One night, Okwe stumbles across evidence of a bizarre murder, setting off a series of events that could lead to disaster — or freedom. This gritty, complex thriller from director Stephen Frears received an Oscar nod for its screenplay.
From Jesus to Christ: The First Christians
Sundays, September 12 through October 3, Noon to 1:30 pm, Room 304
Facilitators: Janice Porter and Robert Barnett
This historical documentary series produced by Frontline tells the epic story of the rise of Christianity. The four hours explore the life and death of Jesus, and the men and women whose belief, conviction, and martyrdom created the religion we now know as Christianity. Drawing upon historical evidence, the series challenges familiar assumptions and conventional notions about Christian origins. Archaeological finds have yielded new understandings of Jesus' class and social status; fresh interpretations have transformed earlier ideas about the identity of the early Christians and their communities. Each hour of video will be followed by a discussion. Sign up at the information table or call the office, (713) 526-5200.
Great Ideas
Tuesday, September 14 and 28, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., Room 304
Facilitators: Wendy Rodewald and Eric Botts
September 14: "Travels in Space and Time" from the Carl Sagan series Cosmos.
September 28: An open-ended discussion of climate change issues facilitated by Tim Mock. We’ll begin by exploring what attendees know and what they are curious about, concluding with new information not generally available in the popular media.
Harvest the Power: Developing Lay Leadership
Mondays, September 20, and 27, and October 4 and 11*, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., Fireside Room
Facilitators: Steve Braun, Sheila Whitford and Liz Gilbert
This program is designed for young adult through elders who currently hold positions of congregational leadership or are considering a congregational leadership position. It was created not only to strengthen the skills and the confidence of individuals who have accepted a leadership role in our congregation, but also to provide the intentional faith development of integrated leaders who model healthy personal, spiritual and leadership practices. The 12 workshops are structured in three units of four workshops each: identity, purpose, and path. Participants explore their own leadership and religious journeys, the meanings of power and authority, and turning points and change opportunities in their lives and congregations. You are encouraged to take all three modules, but may also sign up for just one or two. For more information and to sign-up, visit the information table or call the office. A minimum of ten participants are required for each module.
*Module 2: Nov. 8, 15, 22, and 29 and Module 3: Jan. 10, 17, 24, and 31.
Celebrate Autumn Equinox at First Church
with friends, food and song
Tuesday, September 21, 6:30 to about 8:30 or 9:00 p.m.,
Fireside Room
On September 21, the day will be as long as the night. Join us as we reflect on the turning of the year and our connection to the earth.
- Bring a potluck dish to share ... we encourage local & seasonal foods
- Enjoy round singing & words of reflection
- Explore the meaning of the Equinox
- End the evening with conversation and ice cream ... to help us last until the cool weather finally comes
For more information, contact Carol (carol.burrus@gmail.com) OR Paul (havlak@gmail.com). If you know you're coming, send us an e-mail so we'll have some idea of how many to expect. And if you'd be willing to help with the potluck & such, let us know. Thanks!
Parents Group
September 26, 12:15 to 1:45 p.m., Room 207
Looking for thoughtful parents who share your values and concerns? Newcomers are always welcome! We are currently discussing Debra Hafner’s book, What Every 21st-Century Parent Needs to Know: Facing Today's Challenges with Wisdom and Heart. Infants are welcome in our group. If you need childcare, please email names and ages to childcare@firstuu.org by Sunday, September 19. For more information, contact Sue, steinhardts@earthlink.net.
Dharma Talk
Tuesday, September 28, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., Sanctuary
First Church, in collaboration with the Jungto Society, is honored to present the Venerable Pomnyun Sunim, Buddhist monk and Zen master.
The Venerable Pomnyun Sunim’s clear, and insightful advice, based on Buddha’s teachings, shows us how to be happy and free in our daily life. He advocates a new paradigm for civilization in which happiness is achieved through the practice of a simple life style, the active participation in social movements, and the protection of the Earth, mother of all living things.