Religious Explorations Programme
Would you welcome the chance to explore a variety of religious and spiritual themes, in a creative way, in an environment where your own thoughts, feelings and values are respected and honoured?
If you would, then consider joining one of the courses, ongoing groups or one-off events we offer as part of the Religious Explorations Programme.
If you come to one of these events you will have an opportunity to engage with others and explore themes such as:
- » our place in the natural world;
- » Unitarianism;
- » the meaning of poetry for our lives;
- » the Bible;
- » discerning your own spiritual path;
- » creativity and spirituality;
- » and a variety of other topics.
Courses are open to the public as well as to members and friends of the church. All are welcome to attend. Typically, there is no charge for the courses.
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WEDNESDAY 21 JULY 1PM (GROUP 2)
THURSDAY 29 JULY 7.30PM (GROUP 1)
Living By Heart: An Exploration of Spiritual Practices
This course was developed over 20 years by Unitarian Universalist minister Laurel Hallman and explores a variety of spiritual practices.
Starting in October 2009 and meeting monthly over the course of a year, we have 2 groups working together to understand the ways that we can deepen our relationship with the Mystery, ourselves and our lives.
Participants are asked to commit to attending most of the monthly meetings.
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THURSDAYS 15 JULY & 19 AUGUST
Poetry for the Soul
This group meets from 7.30-9pm, usually on the third Thursday of the month. Join with Linda to read and reflect upon poetry from a wide range of sources.
Each evening has a theme and includes a selection of accessible and engaging poetry. You are also welcome to bring your own favourite poetry or poetry you have written yourself if you'd like to.
After reading together and time for quiet reflection, we take some time to talk and explore together the meaning of what we've heard.
Previous evenings have included poems from: Joy Harjo, Mary Oliver, Rilke, Rumi and Denise Levertov and others.
The theme for July is Awareness and for August it's Belonging.
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FRIDAY 16 JULY
Artist's Way Group
1pm to 2.30pm
"When you become an everyday creative person you instinctively solve problems more easily, see the world as a richer place, and enjoy life more. You get to use capabilities and skills that may be hidden under a barrel right now. . . Whatever you do, creativity helps you do it better; whatever the details of your life, you feel more alive. Creativity . . . enriches your life in general."
From "The Creativity Book" by Eric Maisel.
Growing out of working with the book, "The Artist's Way", this is an ongoing group in which we encourage each other's creativity. It is a safe and supportive environment for exploring our own inner artist.
The July meeting will include time to explore the future of this group and plan for what our next steps will be. All are welcome to take part.
This group usually meets on the third Friday of the month.
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MORE DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON
LifeSpirit
LifeSpirit is a course developed Rev David Usher, our District Minister, with the help of a grant from the Hibbert Trust. It includes a series of reflective videos that raise fundamental questions and are designed to prompt exploration and conversation among participants about their own ideas and beliefs.
Examples of some of the questions covered:
- what is the nature of spirituality?
- what does it mean to make moral choices?
- how do we face death?
Two sessions were run in June and more are anticipated to follow soon.
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QUARTERLY
Storyteller's Circle
A quarterly gathering for all who wish to learn stories, and share ideas and techniques.
The circle gathers to provide an opportunity for those who use stories in worship and other settings to swap stories, share resources and for new storytellers to have the opportunity to learn from other storytellers. Time is set aside for both telling stories and discussion of tips and techniques.
Check back for the date of the next gathering.