Adult Religious Education -
Current Courses

The Science Behind Climate Change

Physicist David Simons will present the complexities of the science of this issue, based on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report for 2001. He will include graphics and materials from scientific literature but will avoid mathematical equations. David expects to leave some time in each session for discussion; however, this will be a class for learning and not an opportunity to discuss political issues. Sessions will cover:

1. Greenhouse Effect and the Earth's energy budget; The cyclic progression of the Ice Ages and the underlying physics including astrophysical drivers;
2. An exploration of the carbon cycle and discussion of paleoclimate proxy chemistry;
3. The effects of water vapor, clouds and aerosols;
4. Past climate variability;
5. The role of Global Circulation Models, the sources of uncertainty in the predictive modeling, and the importance of scenario building to understand future outcomes.

Understanding Iran

Ursula Salamone was married to an Iranian and lived in Tehran from 1974 to 1979, working for a US company in partnership with the Iranian government. She will share her unique, up-close knowledge of this exotic and important country.

UU World Group

The group meets the third Thursday of each month to discuss the leading articles in the UU World magazine. At times we vary our approach by discussing other articles offered by participants or by viewing and discussing relevant DVD's.

Classical Theatre

Join Margaret and Dave Waterman for DVD presentations of classic theater performances:

A Visit to Germany

Gene Conrotto spent three weeks in East Germany last summer as guests of his exchange student, Sebastian Mensch and his family. His power point presentation will show you Sebastian's hometown, Dresden, Leipsig, Ferropolis, Bad Duben, Worlitzer Gardens, Potsdam and Berlin. In addition we will explore Nazi eugenics, architecture, and paganism.

Vein of Gold - A Creative Workshop

Inviting India

In the 42 years since arriving in India as a Peace Corps volunteer, Jerry Jackman has been attentive to the dramatic rise of this nation. During six trips, Jerry has traveled to every region in India and even a trip to Sri Lanka. Digital images will reveal the nature of this dynamic country.

History Mystery Book Club

Learn about history through six different mysteries. We will go "asleuthing" through centuries and locations to discover "whodunit?". We begin in 700 AD and end up in 3000 AD. As a group, we will discover how these CSI's nab their perps using the tools of their times. Join us for one book or as many as you can.

The Amazing China

Jerry has traveled extensively in China on three solo journeys. Digital images will demonstrate the world power that this Asian giant has become. This class and the preceding class on India will illustrate the distinctively different natures of the two countries which comprise more than a third of the world's population.

Great Decisions

The UU Great Decisions group meets to discuss articles such as Iraq: End-Game; European Union at 50; Talking to Our Enemies; US Defense and Security Policy; Latin America: Shift to the Left?; US - China Trade Policy; and Private Philanthropy.

Tantalizing Thailand

John and Elaine Arnold will present an informative evening about their nearly four years in Thailand while they served in the Peace Corps in the early 1970's. Come to learn a little about a fascinating culture. See slides, taste a yummy dessert, and perhaps even learn to sing and dance a little in the Thai style.

Exotic Ethiopia

Bob St. John was a Peace Corps volunteer in Ethiopia for 2 1/2 years. That was over thirty years ago, but since there probably aren't many who have been there, his talk will be very interesting. The stone churches of Lalibela are, no doubt, the same as they were when they were carved all in one piece out of, or into, huge stone mountains, about 900 years ago. The culture of Ethiopia is like no other in the world. Their religion, food and language are unique. Bob still speaks fairly fluent Amharic.

Music as a Healing Art

April Hejka-Ekins continues her series of workshops with Guided Imagery as a way to empower ones innate feeling capabilities. These capabilities will be explained and explored in this workshop. Learn how to tap into your own internal resources and use the power of your mind for relaxation and more.

This workshop will be led by Montserrat Gimeno, who is a Board Certified Music Therapist and credentialed in the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery Music. At the present, she is conducting a research study involving the role of the mind and healing in cancer patients for completion of her doctorate in Counseling Psychology.

We'll have a vegetarian potluck beforehand, so please bring a dish to share.

The Poem's the Thing

In this poetry workshop we will explore writing tools such as creative imitation and the use of ambiguity. Bring finger foods to share, beverages provided.

Moslem Malaysia

Kathryn Swain and Bob St. John spent four weeks in Southeast Asia in November, 2003. While Thailand was fascinating, the 90% Moslem country of Malaysia was the most enlightening. They talked to many Moslems and enjoyed tea in one family's home. They had a delightful eco-bicycle tour through palm oil and rubber trees, watching the wild monkeys in the tree tops, but were glad that the huge cobra by the side of the path was dead!

Spring's Arrival

Sacred Ground, the UUFSC earth-based worship group, invites you to gather with us shortly after the Vernal Equinox to celebrate Spring's arrival. Join us for music, song, drama and movement as we create a sacred circle and honor the Maiden Goddess's return from the underworld. We will invite the energies of the cardinal directions and the elements to join us along with the God and Goddesses. Dress in bright spring colors and flowers, bring a special candle and other items for the altar. Bring a potluck dish to share as part of the ritual. Adults and children are welcome.

Religion and the Modern Mind

Can modern people live in the world of rational, discriminating scientific thought and also live in the world experienced as "eternal?" This course will examine the rise of modern science and its consequences for religion, morals, and philosophy. We will discuss the problems of religious truth, morals and mysticism.

Great Religions

In this series leaders of various local religious organizations will teach us about their varied and interesting faiths. These classes are intended for education and not for political discussion Bring a brown-bag lunch for a post-talk discussion.

Additional dates are being scheduled - check the newsletter and Sunday Announcements for updates.

Idyllic Italy

Join Gene Conrotto and friend as they present a Power Point presentation of their time spent in Italy touring the beautiful country and learning about Gene's ancestral roots.