Adult R.E. Classes

Click here to register on-line!

Click on a class title to see more information.

The Corruption of Our Democracy Workshop Series
Sundays, September 18 – October 16, 12:15 – 1:30 pm

In June, at the UUA General Assembly, the “Corruption of Our Democracy” was voted as our Congregational Study/Action Issue (CSAI), which lasts for four years. At the end of four years, UUs make a Statement of Conscience (SOC), summing up what we’ve learned and our moral stand on the issue. With the general election going on, this is an important time to look at our democracy. Terry Lowman will facilitate 5 workshops on this CSAI, which will include videos and discussion.

Workshop 1: Understanding the Problem
Workshop 2: Gears of Democracy
Workshop 3: What Goes Into the Workings of Democracy?
Workshop 4: How Corruption of Democracy Impairs All Justice
Workshop 5: Some Solutions to Corruption of Democracy

Facilitator: Terry Lowman

Pathways Class for Visitors
Sundays, September 18 – October 23, 9 – 10:30 am

This 6-week class explores who we are and what we believe, and provides an opportunity for those considering joining First Unitarian to learn more about the UU faith tradition and this church in particular. Led by volunteer facilitators from the congregation with visits by leaders and staff of the church, it gives newcomers a chance to examine their own personal stories in light of our Unitarian Universalist tradition and heritage. While this class is not required to become a member, it is encouraged. It is a great platform for forming connections and developing your understanding of Unitarian Universalism, First Unitarian, and your place in this community we create together.
Registration requested – Special registration form at ucdsm.org/classes-for-visitors
Facilitator: Shelly Kaldenberg and Ellen Taylor

The Spiritual Psychology of Carl Jung
1st & 3rd Sundays, beginning September 18, 11 am

This class will discuss the book Jung: A Journey of Transformation, by VIvianne Crowley. The class will read chapters of the book outside of class and discuss its meaning and share personal experiences during class time.

Facilitator: Shirley Willard

Register today!

Restored to Sanity Book Discussion
4th Sundays, through December, 1 pm (exceptions: November & December will meet on the 3rd Sundays)
Now meeting at church in Room 107

This Skinner House book features essays by UU writers who are working 12-Step recovery programs. The particular issue of integrating the Steps – and their 1930s God concepts and language – with one’s personal UU theology will be discussed. Note: This is not a recovery group. No 12th Tradition anonymity is in effect. Membership in a 12-Step fellowship is not required. Purchase book online, through the UUA Bookstore: http://www.uuabookstore.org

Facilitator: Bill Paxson

Register today!

Pagan Liturgy and Ritual: Paganism 101
Mondays, August 29 – October 31; (no class 9/5), 6:30 – 8 pm
Room 114

A 10-week course to develop and create a public ritual experience for up to 50 people during the Samhain Sabbat. We will use a new book by Nels and Judy Linde titled Taking Sacred Back. Cost for the book is about $15. Book is required for class, and Kindle copies are acceptable. Couples can share a book. I will have 3 copies available for purchase at the start of class. We will be building props and creating costumes as part of the ritual team.

Facilitator: Andrea LeMeuse

Register today!

Circles Practice Group
2nd & 4th Mondays, September 12 – December 12, 6 – 8:30 pm
Room 103

The Circle Practice Group is a seven-session course offered to those who have attended a training in Peace Circles. The group will use Circle Forward: Building A Restorative School Community, by Carolyn Boyes-Watson & Kay Pranis as its focus.

We will use our seven sessions together to become deeply familiar with this rich and extensive manual. The outcomes we are aiming for are: to gain confidence in leading circles in a variety of situations and circumstances; through experiencing circles, to become articulate about circles and their profound potential to heal, bring us to wholeness, and elevate our relational skills with one another; and, to inspire ways to employ circles in our church.

Individuals will take turns studying a module from the manual, preparing a circle in that format, and leading it within the group, followed by debriefing. Manuals will be made available: $48 for purchase, or on loan. Commitment to attend all sessions is requested. Group size: 8 minimum, 12 maximum (a larger number can be worked with if needed).

Facilitators: Linda Bacon and Harvey Harrison

The Generosity Path Book Discussion
3rd Tuesdays, September 20 – June 20, 6 – 8 pm
Minister’s Office

The discussion will center around an engaging book written by Mark Ewert, UUA consultant. Rev. Dr. Rebecca Parker, president and professor of theology at Starr King School for Ministry says of this book “Inspiring, sensitive, and encouraging, The Generosity Path invites the reader, gently and clearly, into a deeper practice of giving. This wonderful book should be read by anyone who cares about living their life with meaning and purpose and who wants to contribute to more justice and love in the world.” Join us on this exploration! Books are available from the Adult RE library for borrowing or purchase.

Facilitators: Kathy Jorgensen and Heidi Lackmann

Register today!

Anti Racist Collaborative (ARC) of Justice Book Club
2nd Wednesdays, beginning September 14, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Peace Conference Room

From September through December, the group will be reading and discussing Everyday White People Confront Racial and Social Injustice, Edited by Eddie Moore, Jr.. From January through June, the group will be reading and discussing The Half Has Never Been Told – Slavery and the Making of American Capitalism, by Edward E. Baptist.

Facilitators: Krys Lange, Linda Lemons and Linda Bacon

Food Still Matters: Exploring Different Ways of Thinking About Food Through Film & Discussion
1st Thursdays, September – May, 6 – 9 pm

The Food Still Matters series provides an important opportunity to follow our ends statements to ‘grow spiritually, emotionally, socially and ethically.’ Few things are more fundamental to our very existence than the food we choose to sustain ourselves with; yet, most of us do not take the time to intentionally reflect on how our food choices directly impact ourselves and the world around us. Join us for the entire evening or just a portion: we will have a plant based potluck at 6 pm followed by a film or speaker presentation on a food related topic at 7 pm (go to www.foodstillmatters.com   for full listing). Informal discussion will follow each film and/or speaker presentation. Free childcare available upon request – click here to request.

Facilitator: Ben Spadt