Adult Religious Education Classes
The purpose of adult religious education at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Lancaster is to foster a keener awareness of spiritual and religious identity.
— Mission Statement adopted by Adult Religious Education Committee May 1, 2007
This year adult religious education classes aim to focus on the areas of spiritual, intellectual, religious, and individual growth. Classes will be offered in the fall and spring; in the winter we are focusing on a video series to accommodate inclement weather. All adults and high school students are invited to partake in these classes to enrich the mind, soul, and church community. We hope you will find one or more courses that calls to you.
Choose a time of year below, or simply scroll down through all the offerings.
Year Round
Around the World Travel Series
Take a mental vacation to far away places in Founders Hall at 12:30 on the following Sundays. No registration or fee is needed.
Hawaii, January 27—Imagine being in a warm climate this January as you sit and listen to Heather Kohl’s presentation on this tropical paradise. You’ll have a chance to learn about Hawaii’s culture and natural beauty.
Tibet, February 24—Explore the “roof of the world” with its Tibetan monks, prayer wheels, and snowy Himalayan peaks. Join Kate Prisby as she shares stories from living with a Tibetan refugee family in India to visiting monasteries in Tibet.
India, March 30—India is a country of numerous religious beliefs, colorful culture, and spicy food. Join Anne Mason as she presents tales and observations from her trip to India in January of 2008.
Saudi Arabia, April 27—The birthplace of Islam’s Prophet Muhammad, the home of Mecca, and the land of many sands are all a part of Saudi Arabia. Having spent time living and teaching in this dessert land, Susannah Benson will share stories about this Middle Eastern county.
Covenant Groups
Be a part of a small group that meets regularly, usually twice a month or more, to deepen relationships with one another and to grow spiritually; be a part of a covenant group. At each gathering, members share what is going on in their lives and discuss a topic of spiritual or personal importance chosen for that evening. Initially, covenant groups have 5 to 6 members and increase in size as new members join the group. Once the group reaches 10 to 12 people, the group will “birth” a new group.
If you are interested in joining a covenant group, please complete the Covenant Group Sign Up Form. Dates for covenant groups will be set later. No fee is needed for this group.
Enquiring Minds
If you have questions about Unitarian Universalism or about the history and mission of this congregation, or if you would like to get to know some of the folks who are new to the UUCL, Enquiring Minds is the program for you. Topics in this interactive, discussion-based class include the meaning of membership in Unitarian Universalism, Unitarian Universalist beliefs and history, and the role that our individual “religious odysseys” play in the evolving life of this faith community.
Newcomers to the UUCL are especially welcome, but this class also is ideal for those who have been attending for some time and have questions about our tradition. Enquiring Minds includes four sessions: February 3, 10, 17, and 24 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. (The entire series also will be offered in April 2008.) Sessions will be facilitated by Rev. Tricia Hart, Rev. Peter Newport, and members of the Membership Council. Registration is required for this course; no registration fee is needed.
Lancaster Labyrinth
A labyrinth is a pattern in the form of a large circle that has one path, beginning at the outer edge and leading in a circuitous way into the center. They have a history of thousands of years and have been located in all places and cultures worldwide and used in many ways. This year the Labyrinth Committee will host a series of workshops. Registration is required for one, two, three, or ALL dates you wish to attend two weeks before the workshop date. No registration fee is needed. For more information on each walk please contact Linda Dobbins at 299-0466. Workshops are hosted by the Labyrinth Committee.
December 2, 1:00-4:00 p.m., The Artress’ Way—Based on Lauren Artress’ newest book, this workshop is a review of the numerous techniques for personal reflection and transformation while walking any labyrinth. The Winter Garden Spiral will be used. Workshop led by Linda Dobbins and Sandy Yeager.
December 31, 9:00-11:00 p.m., New Year’s Eve Walk—Enjoy the experience of journeying in sacred space on the eve of 2008! You can help start a new tradition on New Year’s Eve with the first ever New Year’s labyrinth walk. The walk will feature the most-complex eleven circuit Chartes labyrinth design. Workshop led by the Labyrinth Committee.
April 20 (Rain Date April 27), 1:00-4:00 p.m., Tour of City Labyrinths—In the city of Lancaster there are several existing labyrinths. They are all very different in setting and design, yet each is walk-able and unique. This afternoon’s ramble will take you to view and walk some of these beauties both indoors and outdoors! Register early for this spring outing. Carpooling to be arranged. Workshop led by the Labyrinth Committee.
Café Theo/Philo
How can different world religions co-exist? What is the meaning of life? How can the existence of God be proven or disproved? These are the sorts of topics that can be explored in Café Theo/Philo, an inclusive discussion group that meets over coffee. Explore theological and philosophical issues with others that share an open mind and sense of curiosity. Discussions are open to all, and coming to a consensus is not the goal of the discussion. Group members determine upcoming topics.
This group meets Saturday afternoons from 2:00-3:30 p.m. on the second floor of the church. No registration or fee is needed; simply show up for the discussion. Questions should be directed to Don Zook at 717-517-8005.
UU Outings
Take a hike with fellow UUs and enjoy the spirituality of the woods. Kayak and admire river and bay scenery. Explore the roots of Joseph Priestley, a prominent, historic UU, by visiting the Joseph Priestley House in Northumberland. Join UUs from across the country for the annual meeting, General Assembly. Participate in a book discussion group that meets periodically.
Throughout the year there will be UU trips planned and book discussion topics that take place to meet the interests of congregants. If participating in one of these activities interests you, make note of it on the registration form. Then when such an event takes place, you’ll be notified.
UU Adult Boston Pilgrimage—Join church adults on a historic tour of UU landmarks in the Boston area from October 3 to Sunday, October 5, 2008. Visit the UUA offices, stroll through Boston, see the Emerson and Alcott houses in Concord, center yourself at Walden Pond, wander around Cambridge/Harvard Yard for dinner and shopping, worship at a local UU congregation, and be bewitched in Salem!
Cost is expected to be about $225/person and would cover motor coach transportation, two (2) nights in the Home Suites Inn in Waltham (double occupancy), and a hot breakfast buffet. You would be responsible for lunches, dinners, admission to the Emerson and/or Alcott houses, other attractions, and spending money.
We are gauging interest to see if the trip is feasible.
If there is enough appeal, a $50/person NON-REFUNDABLE deposit will be due February 1, 2008. Balances will be due May 1, 2008. A final cost per person will be determined once deposits are received. More people will lower the cost. If there is not enough interest, deposits will be returned.
If this is a trip you are interested in, or if you have any questions, please contact Ray Bradley at uuclboston2008[at]yahoo.com by December 31, or call him at 717-369-7768 after 4:00 p.m., please.
Spring
Conversations with the Bible: Spiritual Growth for Religious Liberals
Adapted from Walter Wink’s interactive method of Bible study, Conversations with the Bible is an opportunity to explore Hebrew and Christian scriptures from a liberal religious perspective. Participants read selected texts and explore biblical scripture through discussion, dialogue, guided meditation, small-group work, and creative exercises. This program is ideal for those who have had negative or limiting experiences with the Bible, as well as those who wish to enhance their knowledge of biblical scripture in the context of a supportive group.
Offered by Rev. Peter Newport, this class will meet on Thursdays from 7:00-9:00 p.m. Meeting dates are: February 7, 14, 21, 28, March 6, 13, 27, April 3, 10, 17, and 24. Registration is due no later than Thursday, January 24.
Evensong
Designed as a small worship session of about ten to fifteen people, Evensong gives group participants a sacred space to explore faith development. Group time consists of readings, shared discussion, sharing of religious beliefs, and singing.
Class will meet on Monday evenings at 7:00 p.m. on March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, and April 7, 14, and 21. Registration is due by Monday, February 4. No registration fee is required. The classes will be led by Rev. Patricia Hart and Kate Prisby.
Power of Myth Video Series
A popular PBS series, this DVD series looks at how to make the most of your life, how ancient myths can be updated to fit today’s religions, and offers diverse ways to look at God through world faiths.
The class will meet on Saturday mornings from 10:00-12:00 noon for the video, discussion, and donuts. Meeting dates are April 5, 12, 19, and 26, and May 3 and 10. No registration or fee is required for this course. Facilitators to be determined.
Book Discussions
Join us for discussions on the following books. No fee or registration is needed, but you will need to read the book ahead of time to join in the conversation.
Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin on March 12 at 6:30 p.m. This book was the topic of Tricia’s January 13 sermon. An accomplished mountain climber, Mortenson decides to give back to the children of the counties he climbed in. By providing schools to children in Afghanistan and Pakistan he grants the children in rural areas access to education they would not have otherwise received. Hailed as one of the best stories combining adventure, hope for peace, and true compassion this is a book to add to your reading list. Discussion led by Kate Prisby and Rev. Tricia Hart.
Here if You Need Me by Kate Braestrup on May 12 at 6:30. One day, a day that started off as usual, Kate Braestrup received a call that her husband, a state trooper and hopeful UU minister, had been killed in a car crash. Struck with grief, she decides to keep alive his dream of becoming a minister herself. This is beautiful story of growth and ministry, and a picture of Unitarian Universalist spirituality lived out. Join Rev. Tricia Hart for this discussion.
