Adult Programs at First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington, MA

NB This description is for a course this fall. New sessions will be announced as they are planned -- inquire at the address below if you are interested. This class is recommended for newcomers who want to learn about First Parish and the UU faith and all those considering joining the church. SPACE IS LIMITED SO YOU MUST PRE-REGISTER. Topics covered will be the sharing of religious paths, UU faith, and participation in the community. To register or inquire about upcoming sessions, please send an e-mail to membership@firstparish.info or call Cindy Kiburz.

The purpose of STAR Programs is to support and enrich spiritual growth in the First Parish community.

Pre-registering helps our planners and facilitators, so please sign up for programs you intend to attend. To register, contact the church office at churchoffice@firstparish.info or 648-3799 x. 10. Some programs have a fee. If this fee (or any other detail) presents an obstacle, please talk with Marta (marta@firstparish.info). STAR programs are open to all, and we want to know about anything that makes attending difficult.

Other questions? A program you would like to propose? Please contact Bonnie Zimmer, the coordinator of the Adult Programming Working Group, at bonnie.zimmer@gmail.com.

The STAR offerings differ from year to year. Just for your interest, we'll keep a log of previous offerings. Check it out.

Winter Programs 2012

Understanding Islam: The Changing Meanings of Islam
We will discuss Leila Ahmed’s memoir, A Border Passage: From Cairo to America – A Woman’s Journey. Ahmed grew up in Egypt in the 1940s and is now a professor at the Harvard Divinity School. (Please spend at least two hours with the book before joining this program.)
Monday, January 30 7:00-9:00 pm

Chaos, Wonder and the Art of Spiritual Parenting
co-sponsored by RE Committee and STAR Programs.
Facilitated by Tina Schultz, Jen Davis-Kay and Dawn Albright.
Together we will discuss the book “Chaos, Wonder and the Spiritual Adventure of Parenting” by Sarah Conover. Please read one or all of the following authors represented in this edited volume:

Barry Lopez (winner of the National Book Award for 'Arctic Dreams')
Nancy Mairs (award winning poet and essayist) and
Jess Walter (Edgar Allan Poe Award winner for 'Citizen Vance')

Copies of essays can be found on the RE bulletin board, in Tina’s office, and at coffee hour starting in February. Books available through UUA Bookstore. Yummy snacks will be provided.
Monday, Feb 27th at 7:00 -8:30 pm

Understanding Islam: Islamism
What is Islamism? Where did the Islamic Brotherhood come from? What sorts of people are Islamists in the United States now? Why do more women wear a veil now than fifty years ago? This book talk will summarize the answers to these questions that Leila Ahmed offers in her most recent scholarly work, A Quiet Revolution: The Veil’s Resurgence from the Middle East to America.
Tuesday, February 28 7:00-9:00 p.m.

Spring Programs 2012

Passover: Love Eat Pray The Jewish Way
with Rabbi Melissa Starr Wenig

As a festival of freedom and in its ritual preparation for internal and personal transformation, the message of Passover is universal. Please join us as we explore these themes through the Jewish lens of love, food and prayer. Learn together on three Wednesday evenings as we anticipate this widely practiced annual celebration of Freedom!
Wednesdays: March 14, 21, 28 -- 7:30-9:00 p.m.

Spirituality on the Stage Series

Next to Normal
Music by Tom Kitt Book and Lyrics by Brian Yorkey Directed by Paul Daigneault
Featuring a compelling pop rock score, Next to Normal shatters through the façade of a suburban family dealing with the effects of mental illness. See page 8 for more details on the Stage Series.
Sunday, March 25, 3:00 p.m.
Reservations & deposits due to church office by Sunday March 4

Fast During A Most Holy Week led by Rev. Marta Flanagan

We are all hungry people, Usually we fill our hungers with food, with drink, with distractions like television, with busyness. But these do not ultimately satisfy us. Fasting is a time honored spiritual discipline that brings us in touch with the deeper hungers within us.

This fast is technically a juice fast. You may drink orange, grape, grapefruit, apple, prune or pineapple juice. Cranberry juice, tomato and V-8 juice are not to be drunk as they have corn syrup and salt added to them. Neither are you to drink caffeine. Herbal teas are okay. Monday night, April 2 ceremony at 7:00 p.m begins fast. Thursday, April 5 gathering at 7:00 p.m. ends our fast. Monday, April 2 - Thursday, April 5

Starting Over After the Breakup
facilitated by Alberta Sills

A four-week group for men and women ending a marriage or other intimate relationship. Meet other people going through this transition. Confront the myths, learn from others, develop new ideas for your future. In the support of one another’s company you will be supported to: Share your story! Support one another! Grieve and let go! Rebuild your life! Sundays April 22& 29, May 6 &13
12 noon-2:00 pm

Understanding Islam: What Does the Qur’an Say about Women, Gender, and Sexuality?

Do you know that the Qur’an never suggests stoning as a punishment for adultery? That comes from Deuteronomy. You may be surprised by other things the Qur’an does and does not say about women, gender, and sexuality. This talk will explore specific verses from the Qur’an, put them in the context of biblical passages and Arabic culture of the time, and briefly explain how these teachings have been interpreted over the intervening fourteen centuries.
Friday, April 27 7:00-9:00 p.m. in the Parlor

All Day Contemplative Retreat with Rev. Marta Flanagan
“Choose Life”

The spring retreat will consider what it is to heed the ancient edict to choose life. What are you being called to choose? Join us back at Rolling Ridge Retreat Center where you can enjoy the serenity of the lake, the happy sounds of spring birds, the rocky outdoor labyrinth and the warm indoor fireplace. Great food for breakfast and lunch too! Please register before April 29th
Saturday, May 12 Rolling Ridge Retreat Center

Understanding Islam: Revolutionary and Post-Revolutionary Iran

We will discuss Shirin Ebadi’s memoir, Iran Awakening: One Woman's Journey to Reclaim Her Life and Her Country (2006). Ebadi was a young judge in Iran until the 1979 revolution and she received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2003 for her work on behalf of people oppressed by the current regime. (Please spend at least two hours with the book before joining this program.)
Monday, May 14 7-9:00 p.m

Ongoing Adult Programs

Thursdays, 8-9 AM: Lectio Divina: A Spiritual Practice

Are you interested in experiencing a new spiritual practice? Are you looking for a way to hear the Holy, to receive nudges and comforts? Are you seeking a deeper spiritual companionship of others at First Parish? If so, Rev. Marta Flanagan invites you to join her and other First Parish members in engaging in a weekly practice of prayer and biblical reflection from 8-9 AM every Thursday morning.

Lectio divina is a method of prayer and scriptural reading intended to promote communion with the Holy and to provide spiritual insights. Lectio Divina is not about literalism but about using the text as jumping off point to hear where you be being lead or what you are being offered at this time in your life. The principles of lectio divina have been practiced in monastic communicates for nearly 2,000 years. We use biblical readings to go deeper in our spiritual lives. If you are interested please email Marta at minister@firstparish.info.

What Can We Do About Climate Change?

Do you want to learn more about global warming, a major crisis of the 21st century? Join this STAR program offered by the Green Sanctuary Group.

At coffee hour we sell the books we will discuss, charging the discounted tax-free cost we pay at The Book Rack in Arlington Center. Of course you may get the book to read any way you like. Please register at our table at coffee hour or through the church office (churchoffice).

Compassionate Communication Groups

The Compassionate Communication groups conduct empathetic conversations in pursuit of stronger and more robust relationships in personal, family, church, and professional life. These groups are neither therapy groups nor covenant groups. They are study groups that offer the opportunity to learn and practice compassionate communication skills. We are currently reading Marshall Rosenberg's "Non-Violent Communication," and we discuss examples from our everyday experience.

There are three Compassionate Communication groups. All groups meet from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm in the Pierce room.

Covenant Groups/Small Group Ministry

Covenant Groups are small groups that provide adults in our faith community the opportunity to share their spiritual journeys on a deep level. Groups meet in members' homes and have a regular format for personal sharing. If you are interested in joining a group or knowing more about the program, look for the Covenant Group brochure on the information table in the main front entryway to the church, fill out the card inside the brochure, and leave the card in the designated box, or email smallgroupmin@firstparish.info.

Earth Based Celebrations Group.

First Parish Meditation Group.

By focusing on mind/body sensations in meditation, it is possible to become more mindful in daily life. We hold drop-in groups Mondays, gather at 6:00pm and start at 6:15 (in the Damon room) and Sundays, gather at 9:00am and start at 9:10 (next door at the Senior Center at Maple and Academy St) We sit for 35 minutes in the style of Vipassana (Insight) Buddhist meditation, and beginners are welcome. ALSO - 2 ongoing discussion groups meet one Sunday night each month. A waiting list is now forming to join a group. For more information, contact Lynn Rosenbaum via email to meditation@firstparish.info

First Wednesday, 7:15-8:30 pm: SOUL - Sharing Our Unique Lives
Women's Ritual and Discussion Group - Registration required

Are you interested in women's ritual and feminist spirituality? A group of women meets monthly to create women-centered ritual and discuss our spiritual lives from a feminist perspective. The group meets at the church on the first Wednesday of each month from 7:15-8:30 pm. Although this is not a drop-in group, we welcome new members! We hope that new members will make a 6-month commitment. For more information and/or to arrange a visit to try us out, please contact Nan Owens.

Women's Book Group

This book group meets on the third Sunday of the month, 7:15pm, in the Damon Room. Participants decide jointly on readings.

September 18: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks (nonfiction) by Rebecca Skloot
From a single, abbreviated life grew a seemingly immortal line of cells that made some of the most crucial innovations in modern science possible.

Arlington Workers in Transition

Arlington Workers in Transition is a group for anyone interested in help with networking and coaching through your job search activities. We meet Tuesdays, 10-12am, in the 4th floor conference room at Robbins Library next door to the church. Questions? Contact Stewart Jester or Ginny LaCrow.

Spire Writers' Group

The Spire Writers' Group is a gathering at First Parish of people interested in developing their writing. We usually meet at 12:30 p.m. on the second Sunday of each month, in the Damon Room in the Religious Education wing.

Come join us if you like to write or would even like to explore the possibility. All are welcome, no matter what your writing style or experience - from beginners to published authors, whether you write poetry
or prose, whether or not you are a member of First Parish.

Bring writings to share (if you like), or just come and join in. We do short writing exercises, engage in lively discussions about the craft of writing, offer a listening ear, provide constructive feedback for those who want it, and pass along information about writing resources we hear about. We have a mailing list to facilitate communications between meetings.


	First Parish Unitarian Universalist of Arlington, Massachusetts

Home Page About Us Happenings Weekly Announcements Calendar About Services Service Audios Annual Events Adult Programs UU News Stories Helping Out Religious Education Music Photos Login for Members		Adult Programs New UUs Course (Old UUs welcome, too!) NB This description is for a course this fall. New sessions will be announced as they are planned -- inquire at the address below if you are interested. This class is recommended for newcomers who want to learn about First Parish and the UU faith and all those considering joining the church. SPACE IS LIMITED SO YOU MUST PRE-REGISTER. Topics covered will be the sharing of religious paths, UU faith, and participation in the community. To register or inquire about upcoming sessions, please send an e-mail to membership@firstparish.info or call Cindy Kiburz. Upcoming STAR Programs: Spirit, Transformation, Adventure, Reflection The purpose of STAR Programs is to support and enrich spiritual growth in the First Parish community. Pre-registering helps our planners and facilitators, so please sign up for programs you intend to attend. To register, contact the church office at churchoffice@firstparish.info or 648-3799 x. 10. Some programs have a fee. If this fee (or any other detail) presents an obstacle, please talk with Marta (marta@firstparish.info). STAR programs are open to all, and we want to know about anything that makes attending difficult. Other questions? A program you would like to propose? Please contact Bonnie Zimmer, the coordinator of the Adult Programming Working Group, at bonnie.zimmer@gmail.com. The STAR offerings differ from year to year. Just for your interest, we'll keep a log of previous offerings. Check it out. Winter Programs 2012 Understanding Islam: The Changing Meanings of Islam We will discuss Leila Ahmed’s memoir, A Border Passage: From Cairo to America – A Woman’s Journey. Ahmed grew up in Egypt in the 1940s and is now a professor at the Harvard Divinity School. (Please spend at least two hours with the book before joining this program.) Monday, January 30 7:00-9:00 pm Chaos, Wonder and the Art of Spiritual Parenting co-sponsored by RE Committee and STAR Programs. Facilitated by Tina Schultz, Jen Davis-Kay and Dawn Albright. Together we will discuss the book “Chaos, Wonder and the Spiritual Adventure of Parenting” by Sarah Conover. Please read one or all of the following authors represented in this edited volume: Barry Lopez (winner of the National Book Award for 'Arctic Dreams') Nancy Mairs (award winning poet and essayist) and Jess Walter (Edgar Allan Poe Award winner for 'Citizen Vance') Copies of essays can be found on the RE bulletin board, in Tina’s office, and at coffee hour starting in February. Books available through UUA Bookstore. Yummy snacks will be provided. Monday, Feb 27th at 7:00 -8:30 pm Understanding Islam: Islamism What is Islamism? Where did the Islamic Brotherhood come from? What sorts of people are Islamists in the United States now? Why do more women wear a veil now than fifty years ago? This book talk will summarize the answers to these questions that Leila Ahmed offers in her most recent scholarly work, A Quiet Revolution: The Veil’s Resurgence from the Middle East to America. Tuesday, February 28 7:00-9:00 p.m. Spring Programs 2012 Passover: Love Eat Pray The Jewish Way with Rabbi Melissa Starr Wenig As a festival of freedom and in its ritual preparation for internal and personal transformation, the message of Passover is universal. Please join us as we explore these themes through the Jewish lens of love, food and prayer. Learn together on three Wednesday evenings as we anticipate this widely practiced annual celebration of Freedom! Wednesdays: March 14, 21, 28 -- 7:30-9:00 p.m. Spirituality on the Stage Series Next to Normal Music by Tom Kitt Book and Lyrics by Brian Yorkey Directed by Paul Daigneault Featuring a compelling pop rock score, Next to Normal shatters through the façade of a suburban family dealing with the effects of mental illness. See page 8 for more details on the Stage Series. Sunday, March 25, 3:00 p.m. Reservations & deposits due to church office by Sunday March 4 Fast During A Most Holy Week led by Rev. Marta Flanagan We are all hungry people, Usually we fill our hungers with food, with drink, with distractions like television, with busyness. But these do not ultimately satisfy us. Fasting is a time honored spiritual discipline that brings us in touch with the deeper hungers within us. This fast is technically a juice fast. You may drink orange, grape, grapefruit, apple, prune or pineapple juice. Cranberry juice, tomato and V-8 juice are not to be drunk as they have corn syrup and salt added to them. Neither are you to drink caffeine. Herbal teas are okay. Monday night, April 2 ceremony at 7:00 p.m begins fast. Thursday, April 5 gathering at 7:00 p.m. ends our fast. Monday, April 2 - Thursday, April 5 Starting Over After the Breakup facilitated by Alberta Sills A four-week group for men and women ending a marriage or other intimate relationship. Meet other people going through this transition. Confront the myths, learn from others, develop new ideas for your future. In the support of one another’s company you will be supported to: Share your story! Support one another! Grieve and let go! Rebuild your life! Sundays April 22& 29, May 6 &13 12 noon-2:00 pm Understanding Islam: What Does the Qur’an Say about Women, Gender, and Sexuality? Do you know that the Qur’an never suggests stoning as a punishment for adultery? That comes from Deuteronomy. You may be surprised by other things the Qur’an does and does not say about women, gender, and sexuality. This talk will explore specific verses from the Qur’an, put them in the context of biblical passages and Arabic culture of the time, and briefly explain how these teachings have been interpreted over the intervening fourteen centuries. Friday, April 27 7:00-9:00 p.m. in the Parlor All Day Contemplative Retreat with Rev. Marta Flanagan “Choose Life” The spring retreat will consider what it is to heed the ancient edict to choose life. What are you being called to choose? Join us back at Rolling Ridge Retreat Center where you can enjoy the serenity of the lake, the happy sounds of spring birds, the rocky outdoor labyrinth and the warm indoor fireplace. Great food for breakfast and lunch too! Please register before April 29th Saturday, May 12 Rolling Ridge Retreat Center Understanding Islam: Revolutionary and Post-Revolutionary Iran We will discuss Shirin Ebadi’s memoir, Iran Awakening: One Woman's Journey to Reclaim Her Life and Her Country (2006). Ebadi was a young judge in Iran until the 1979 revolution and she received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2003 for her work on behalf of people oppressed by the current regime. (Please spend at least two hours with the book before joining this program.) Monday, May 14 7-9:00 p.m Ongoing Adult Programs Thursdays, 8-9 AM: Lectio Divina: A Spiritual Practice Are you interested in experiencing a new spiritual practice? Are you looking for a way to hear the Holy, to receive nudges and comforts? Are you seeking a deeper spiritual companionship of others at First Parish? If so, Rev. Marta Flanagan invites you to join her and other First Parish members in engaging in a weekly practice of prayer and biblical reflection from 8-9 AM every Thursday morning. Lectio divina is a method of prayer and scriptural reading intended to promote communion with the Holy and to provide spiritual insights. Lectio Divina is not about literalism but about using the text as jumping off point to hear where you be being lead or what you are being offered at this time in your life. The principles of lectio divina have been practiced in monastic communicates for nearly 2,000 years. We use biblical readings to go deeper in our spiritual lives. If you are interested please email Marta at minister@firstparish.info. What Can We Do About Climate Change? A Quarterly Book Discussion Group Facilitated by David Landskov & Ricky Carter Do you want to learn more about global warming, a major crisis of the 21st century? Join this STAR program offered by the Green Sanctuary Group. At coffee hour we sell the books we will discuss, charging the discounted tax-free cost we pay at The Book Rack in Arlington Center. Of course you may get the book to read any way you like. Please register at our table at coffee hour or through the church office (churchoffice). Compassionate Communication Groups The Compassionate Communication groups conduct empathetic conversations in pursuit of stronger and more robust relationships in personal, family, church, and professional life. These groups are neither therapy groups nor covenant groups. They are study groups that offer the opportunity to learn and practice compassionate communication skills. We are currently reading Marshall Rosenberg's "Non-Violent Communication," and we discuss examples from our everyday experience. There are three Compassionate Communication groups. All groups meet from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm in the Pierce room. Group I (the Blue Whales) meets on the first and third Mondays of each month. Group II (the Giraffes) meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month. Group III (the Meerkats) is a new group geared toward people who are new to compassionate communication. We will begin with a five-session read of Bonnie Fraser's book, "Connection: A Self-Care Approach to Conflict Management" (3rd Edition), which presents basic concepts of compassionate communication and offers numerous exercises to practice these concepts. For more information or to join a group, contact coordinator Carolyn Stevens via email to communicationsgroup@firstparish.info. Covenant Groups/Small Group Ministry Covenant Groups are small groups that provide adults in our faith community the opportunity to share their spiritual journeys on a deep level. Groups meet in members' homes and have a regular format for personal sharing. If you are interested in joining a group or knowing more about the program, look for the Covenant Group brochure on the information table in the main front entryway to the church, fill out the card inside the brochure, and leave the card in the designated box, or email smallgroupmin@firstparish.info. Earth Based Celebrations Group. A number of celebrations are being planned each year. Learn more by email to Office Assistant at officeassistant@firstparish.info. or checking our online calendar for the specific dates. Mabon (Fall Equinox) Samheim (Halloween) Yule Imbolc (Groundhog's Day) Spring Equinox May 1, May Day—meet at sunrise at Weeks Bridge, Cambridge (Charles River, Harvard Square) Summer Solstice— Picnic at Robbins Farm, 6:30pm First Parish Meditation Group. By focusing on mind/body sensations in meditation, it is possible to become more mindful in daily life. We hold drop-in groups Mondays, gather at 6:00pm and start at 6:15 (in the Damon room) and Sundays, gather at 9:00am and start at 9:10 (next door at the Senior Center at Maple and Academy St) We sit for 35 minutes in the style of Vipassana (Insight) Buddhist meditation, and beginners are welcome. ALSO - 2 ongoing discussion groups meet one Sunday night each month. A waiting list is now forming to join a group. For more information, contact Lynn Rosenbaum via email to meditation@firstparish.info First Wednesday, 7:15-8:30 pm: SOUL - Sharing Our Unique Lives Women's Ritual and Discussion Group - Registration required Are you interested in women's ritual and feminist spirituality? A group of women meets monthly to create women-centered ritual and discuss our spiritual lives from a feminist perspective. The group meets at the church on the first Wednesday of each month from 7:15-8:30 pm. Although this is not a drop-in group, we welcome new members! We hope that new members will make a 6-month commitment. For more information and/or to arrange a visit to try us out, please contact Nan Owens. Women's Book Group This book group meets on the third Sunday of the month, 7:15pm, in the Damon Room. Participants decide jointly on readings. September 18: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks (nonfiction) by Rebecca Skloot From a single, abbreviated life grew a seemingly immortal line of cells that made some of the most crucial innovations in modern science possible. Sunday, October 16: To The End of the Land, by David Grossman. Written by an Israeli writer, To the End of the Land is an intense and moving story, and very current in terms of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. Sunday, November 20: Sea of Poppies by Amitav Ghosh. Sunday, December 18: The Yacoubian Building by Alaa al-Aswany Sunday, January 15 - In the Bleak Midwinter by Julia Spenser Fleming Sunday, Feb 17 - A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving See the list of readings since fall of 2001. Contact Jean Nagle with questions or email womensbookgroup@firstparish.info . Arlington Workers in Transition Arlington Workers in Transition is a group for anyone interested in help with networking and coaching through your job search activities. We meet Tuesdays, 10-12am, in the 4th floor conference room at Robbins Library next door to the church. Questions? Contact Stewart Jester or Ginny LaCrow. Spire Writers' Group The Spire Writers' Group is a gathering at First Parish of people interested in developing their writing. We usually meet at 12:30 p.m. on the second Sunday of each month, in the Damon Room in the Religious Education wing. Come join us if you like to write or would even like to explore the possibility. All are welcome, no matter what your writing style or experience - from beginners to published authors, whether you write poetry or prose, whether or not you are a member of First Parish. Bring writings to share (if you like), or just come and join in. We do short writing exercises, engage in lively discussions about the craft of writing, offer a listening ear, provide constructive feedback for those who want it, and pass along information about writing resources we hear about. We have a mailing list to facilitate communications between meetings. For more information, email spirewriters@firstparish.info. Are we missing a program you are working with? Please submit a description of your program to us for posting here. (Member Login required)
		630 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA 02476 \| 781-648-3799 \| Contact Us

First Parish Unitarian Universalist of Arlington, Massachusetts

Adult Programs

New UUs Course (Old UUs welcome, too!)