Monday Night at the Church

PRECEEDED BY SUPPER

What is Monday Night at the Church?
Simply put, it's where we get together in an informal setting to think and talk about a wide range of interesting issues. Held on Monday nights at 7:15 p.m., these evenings are where you can come just to listen, to join in, or even lead a discussion of your own--it's up to you!

Here is the list of topics schedule:

Fall 2002 - coming soon

Hope you didn't miss previous topics in 2002:

1/14 - Revs. Barbara & Tom will lead a discussion on the cross and the star as related to the new layout in our restored sanctuary.

1/21 - Jeff Bailey will lead a discussion on the topic of perennial philosophy.

1/28 - Joseph Baratta will give a slide presentation on the youth and education of Jesus under the influence of his father, Joseph.

2/4 - Inger Gilbert will lead a poetry discussion focusing on the works of William Wordsworth.

2/11 - Mr. Tourane Tran from the Foundation for World Awakening, will discuss the works of Sri Kalki Bhagavan who founded this spiritual institution. It was created with the one objective of helping Humanity to discover and experience the truths of the ancient principles and live in harmony with the Universe. Mr. Tran lives in California but is dedicated to the Foundation's work throughout the United States and Canada.

2/18 - 3/18 - Five-part Lenten series lead by Rev. Merritt & Schade. Dante's Divine Comedy: Bring any translation; we'll begin in hell and take you to Paradise. The series will use a humanistic and spiritual approach to one of the greatest works of religious literature. February 18th and 25th will focus on the Inferno. March 4th and 11th will bring us into Purgatory. And at the final session on March 18th, we'll discuss Paradise. Dante chooses Virgil (reason) and Beatrice (love) to be his companions on the journey. We ask you to do the same. You are welcome to join us for all or any of the discussions.

3/25 - Paul Ropp will talk about his recently published book, BANISHED IMMORTAL: SEARCHING FOR SHUANGQING, CHINA'S PEASANT WOMAN POET. He'll show a few slides, read a few excerpts from his book, and tell us about his decade of research on this peasant woman's poetry, her (possibly fictional)
18th-century life, and her place in modern Chinese culture.

4/8 - Brooke Beverly will give a presentation on the Barton Center for Diabetes Education and Clara Barton Camp for Girls with Diabetes. Ms. Beverly is currently the resident Camp Director but was once a camper there herself. She will talk about this wonderful adventure camp for girls in North Oxford and its history since 1932.

rest of the season, tbd

Previous programs in 2001 (to give a flavor of the variety of topics):

Oct. 1 - Many of you may have noticed the beautiful array of mandalas that
have been displayed in our Chapel. These have been printed and hung by
Joseph Baratta, who will lead a discussion about he history and meaning of
these wonderful designs.

Oct. 8 - Zero Population Growth: Congregation members Kim McCoy and
Henry Keyes will lead this discussion on Population Growth and its wide impact
on social and environmental issues.

Oct. 15 - Worcester Interfaith is still working diligently to make the
neighborhood agenda a priority in our community. Frank Kartheiser and
Angela Quitidamo will join us to discuss their latest 'Get Out the Vote'
initiative and to review the recent successes in their organization.

Oct. 22 - The Best and Worst of the Christian Experience. A discussion of
the history of Christianity, for better or for worse. Led by Rev. Barbara Merritt
and Rev. Tom Schade.

Oct. 29 - Discussion of Howard Thurman. Led by Rev. Barbara Merrit and
Rev. Tom Schade.

Nov. 5 - Mihoko Wakabayashi (wife of member, Nat Needle) will be
doing a presentation on Saori hand-weaving. Mihoko is a certified Saori
teacher and she will discuss the history of Saori and how it can be a way
of therapy, rehabilitation, meditation, social recreation or inward discovery.
She will be bringing her looms and doing hands-on demonstrations. This
is a family event so bring your children (ages 8 and up suggested).

Nov. 12 - Rev. Sirai Riveri of the Christian Community Church on Austin St.
in Worcester will join us to discuss the recent movement in Hispanic Protestant
churches. She will also discuss her co-ministry which she shares with her
husband, Rev. Jose Encarnacion at the same church.

Nov. 19 - Are spiritual experiences the inevitable outcome of the way our
brains are designed? Has the human brain been genetically "wired" to encourage
religious beliefs? Or, is this just another attempt by science to "explain" God?
These questions are raised by a new field of study called "neuro-theology," which will be discussed by Jay Lavelle

Nov. 26 - Our Advent series begins. Discussions led by Rev. Barbara Merritt
and Rev. Tom Schade.

Dec. 3 - Advent discussion #2. Led by Rev. Barbara Merritt and
Rev. Tom Schade.

Dec. 10 - Advent discussion #3. Led by Rev. Barbara Merritt and
Rev. Tom Schade.

Dec. 17 - Final Advent discussion. Led by Rev. Barbara Merritt and
Rev. Tom Schade.

Dec. 24 - Christmas Eve. There will be no Monday Night presentation or supper. -- join the Service at Mechanics Hall

Dec. 31 - New Year's Eve. There will be no Monday Night presentation.

Jan. 7 - Planning Session to schedule topics for spring 2002.

For questions or comments regarding Monday Night at the Church, please contact Rev. Tom Schade.

First Unitarian Church
90 Main Street
Worcester, Massachusetts USA
508.757.2708

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