Adult RE Programs

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REGISTRATION

Unless otherwise noted, please register for classes by signing up in Room 100, emailing us at Chris@muuf.org or by contacting the MUF Office at (973) 540-1177. Be sure to include your phone number and email address.

CHILDCARE

Childcare is available for any session at no charge if you notify us at least two weeks in advance. Please contact the MUF Office at (973) 540-1177 for reservations.

ADULT PROGRAMS

The mission of the Adult Programs Committee of the Morristown Unitarian Fellowship is to provide our community with rich and plentiful opportunities for religious exploration, personal growth, meaningful interaction with one another, and lifetime learning about issues that affect our lives and our world.

Our vision is to provide a constant stream of adult enrichment opportunities that nurture, educate, challenge, and strengthen the MUF community. Our goal is to make MUF’s Adult Programs such a strong, successful, and vital part of our community that it is impossible to imagine the Fellowship without them.

Printable Version of Adult Programs

Current Course Offerings

March- April 2008

MARCH - APRIL 2008

Pre-registration with the office is required for all programs! (unless otherwise noted in the program’s description) Space is limited, so don’t be left out! Programs may be cancelled if not enough people register.

To Register: E-mail chris@muuf.org or call (973) 540-1177 or sign up on the bulletin board in Room 100.

Free child care for children age 10 and younger will be provided for all programs, but MUST be requested at least TWO weeks ahead.

For additional information about any course, please contact the facilitator.
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Crafting Bees

Saturday, March 1, 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. ● Friday, March 14, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.

All members and friends of MUF — men, women, and teens — are invited to the 2 nd Annual MUF Crafting Bees with a purpose! Get to know new friends while you enjoy relaxing, fabulous craft workshops. You keep one item that you create and you make two or three more to donate for sale on two Sundays, April 13 and 20, with all proceeds going to benefit our MUF Senior High Habitat Build this summer in Sumter , South Carolina . On March 1, you will have enjoyable, expert instruction in jewelry-making by Diane Koslow and Tina Mottie, wreath crafts by Katrina Pietraszek, and decoupage by Nina Nemeth. On March 14, Barbara Pecca and Tina Mottie will teach jewelry-making, while Karen Burns and Donna Becker will lead you in textile/fabric crafts. You can move among the crafts each day and do as many as possible — and our Senior High youth will benefit from your “craftiness” when we sell our treasures. We want to raise $2,500.00 and have lots of fun doing it! Cost: $15.00 for each Crafting Bee — includes all materials plus lunch or dessert. Please sign up as soon as possible either at the Box Office on Sundays or through the MUF office.

For more information : Contact Donna Becker at writeme79@juno.com or Karen Burns at karenburns@casaessex.org.

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“Peace Soup” Luncheon Series

Five Sundays at 12:15 p.m . — including March 2, March 9, & April 27

Sponsored by the MUF Social Justice Peace Team

This luncheon series is designed to examine the Unitarian Universalist Association’s current Study/Action Issue, which focuses on the work of peacemaking in every aspect of our lives — personal, interpersonal, congregational, local, national, and international. The goal of the Social Justice Peace Team, which represents various sectors of the Fellowship, is to prepare for congregational affirmation, comment, or amendment to the UUA’s statement on peacemaking. At the March 2 luncheon Bob Moore, Executive Director of the Coalition for Peace Action for NJ and Minister of the East Brunswick Congregational Church, will discuss “Peace Through the Lens of National and International Interests” — examining how U.S. interests might fare in a political environment spanning the continuum from pacifism to “just war” theory, and looking at what the UUA has proposed as our faith’s position. On March 9, MUF member/UU minister/professional facilitator Allen Wells will lead an experiential workshop called “Peace Is Not the Absence of Conflict” that will help us gain an understanding of conflict resolution through role-playing and reflective meditation, by offering a bridge between making peace and being a peace-maker. On April 27 we will craft our MUF “talk-back” suggestions to the UUA, as well as taking a peace survey among those present and placing ourselves on the continuum from pacifism to “just wars.” Suggested donation $3.00.No registration required.

For more information : Contact Eleanor Mason at eleanormason@att.net.

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Getting to Know UU

Three Sundays at 1:00 p.m. — including March 2, 16, & 30

Track 1 for adults led by Rev. Alison Miller

Track 2 for children led by Kim Mason , Interim Director of Religious Education

Are you a newcomer or new member at the Fellowship? Join us for this opportunity to learn more about Unitarian Universalism and our religious heritage, find out about our congregation’s activities, share some highlights from MUF’s history, and get to know others who are interested in membership or who have recently joined.

For more information : Contact Rev. Alison Miller at (973) 540-1177 ext. 204 or amiller@muuf.org.

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Caregivers’ Time-Out

Sundays, March 2 & April 13, 2:00–3:30 p.m.

Coordinated by Jill Dippman

Caregivers, do you need a break? These monthly meetings are informal get-togethers for caregivers to share coffee, snacks, and conversation, and to exchange information about resources.

For more information : Contact Jill Dippman at jidippman@optonline.net (say “Caregivers” in the subject line) or call the MUF office at (973) 540-1177.

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Film & Discussion on Pakistan : “Point of Attack”

Saturday, March 8, 7:30 p.m.

Location: First Unitarian Universalist Church of Essex County ,

35 Cleveland Street , Orange , NJ

Sponsored by MUF Seeds of Peace & by the Social Action Committee of the

First UU Church of Essex County

If Pakistan is a long-time ally of the United States , then why are Pakistani communities in the U.S. under attack? Why was former Pakistani Prime Minister Bhutto assassinated? Why is Pakistan a key link in the Middle East ? How do deportations of Pakistanis after 9/11 affect us all? How have Unitarian Universalists been involved on such issues? These and other questions will be discussed after seeing the 45-minute film “Point of Attack.” Hear three committed speakers give firsthand accounts. Learn about current events in Pakistan today and plans for the future of Pakistanis here.

For more information : Contact Jo Sippie-Gora at jo@josippie.com.

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Positive Discipline

Eight Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. — April 16 through May 28

Led by Teresa LaSala , Certified Positive Discipline Associate

Learn successful and creative parenting skills through positive discipline. This workshop will help you discover how disciplining children can be done with respect, firmness, and love. Learn how to teach your children, not boss them; learn the reasons behind the behavior and the differences between consequences and punishment. Cost: $145.00 includes the book and weekly handouts. Registration and payment in advance is required by March 5. Sign up now — class size is limited!

For more information : Contact Kim Mason at (973) 540-1177 ext. 205 or kim@muuf.org.

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Creation Series: A Painting Course

Six three-hour sessions — begins on Sunday, March 16 with a short scheduling meeting

immediately following the first service in the MUF library

Facilitated by Elizabeth Bain

This course in painting is designed to reveal in a nonverbal way the deep creative place that is in your soul. Whether or not you have ever painted, this series will be a rich experience, delving into areas that may never before have been expressed. You will need to buy a masonite board measuring 23” x 26” . All other materials will be provided. Materials fee: $20.00 for the entire course. Maximum of eight participants.

For more information : Contact Elizabeth Bain at elizabethbain@hotmail.com

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West African Drum and Dance — for All Levels

Three Wednesdays — March 19, April 16, & May 21

Drum at 6:30 p.m. ● Dance at 7:45 p.m.

Presented by Marafanyi Percussion, featuring Lara Gonzalez & Yael Shacham

With the focus on joyful exploration, Marafanyi Percussion has a holistic approach to drum and dance that is fun, encouraging, and accessible. Connecting mind, body, and spirit, students learn to express themselves through a powerful and lyrical vocabulary of rhythm and dance in a facilitated, supportive environment. Using Africa as a backdrop, we will explore traditional music and movement that is hundreds and thousands of years old. Yael and Lara have been studying and teaching West African drum, dance, and song for more than a decade and they travel frequently to Guinea to study and collaborate with master artists in the region. They are delighted to share the magic of this culture with you. All skill levels are welcome, from teens to seniors. Dress comfortably for movement. $15.00 per drum or dance class, $25.00 combo price for both. $5.00 drum rentals available with pre-registration only.

For more information : Visit the Marafanyi Percussion website at http://www.MySpace.com/MarafanyiPercussion.

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Peace Within / Peace Without

Third Wednesday of Every Month, 7:00 p.m . — including March 19 & April 16

Facilitated by Paul Snellgrove

This book and discussion group is continuing to study how conflict and violence play out in our personal, interpersonal, community, and international relations. Through thoughtful and chal-lenging discussion of great books by great leaders in the field, we will be learning how to bring peace to each of these components in our lives. All are welcome, even if you have not had the opportunity yet to read the book, which is only the stimulus for the important thoughts and dis-cussions we need to have about peace. The March session will focus on The Great Turning, by David Korten — a book that offers an overview of what has led to the societal and environmental violence underlying many of our social problems, and what needs to be done to move toward a peaceful, just, and sustainable global community. In April we will discuss The Arbinger Institute’s book The Anatomy of Peace — which makes us look at how conflicts at home, at work, and in the world are caused by how we systematically misunderstand the root causes, and then how we unwittingly perpetuate the very problems we think we are trying to solve. No registration required.

For more information : Contact Paul Snellgrove paulsnellgrove@gmail.com.

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Taichi First series : Wednesday, April 9, 8:00 p.m. & Saturday, April 12, 1:00 p.m.
Second series : Thursday, April 17 & Monday, April 21, 8:00 p.m.

Led by Al Chu

“Taichi Light” (aka Body-Mind Exercise) is an abbreviated version of the traditional Taichi Qigong exercise. As such it is easier to learn and to practice than the traditional form. A consistent daily practice of 15 minutes of Taichi Light will help strengthen your sense of balance, muscle flexibility, and general vitality. As a moving meditation, it will also calm your mind and sharpen your concentration. While this exercise is beneficial to people of all ages, it is particularly helpful to the elderly and those with mild arthritis. These two introductory sessions, each lasting an hour and a half, will acquaint you with all the movements of the exercise and the deep breathing process. If you decide to practice Taichi Light, a self-teaching DVD is available at the MUF bookstore. Please be prepared to attend both sessions of the series you choose.

For more information : Contact Al Chu at a.chu3@verizon.net.

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Ghanaian Drumming with Kofi

Sunday, April 6 — with additional dates to be announced

1:00 p.m. Introduction for beginners or to brush up

1:30–3:30 p.m. Workshop for all levels

Presented by Maxwell Kofi Donkor, Ghanaian Master Drummer

Experience the joy and healing of African drumming! Kofi will be back at MUF, teaching the traditional multi-part rhythms and songs of his native land. Born and raised in Ghana and steeped in its culture, he first learned the skills essential to a drummer at his grandfather’s knee and as a youth performed with the Ghanaian Folklore Ensemble. His songs and rhythms are truly indigenous, passed on from generation to generation in an unwritten form; Kofi grew up with them and they have become part of him. He has been drumming and performing for more than 30 years, and since residing in the U.S. has been instrumental in forming drum circles throughout New York , New Jersey , and Pennsylvania . All levels are welcome, and all will benefit from his gentle teaching style. Drums are available to borrow at no cost — reserve them when you register. If you have your own djembe, please bring it. Costs: $5.00 for the introduction, $20.00 for the main workshop — make your check payable to Maxwell Kofi Donkor. Pre-payment is strongly encouraged by mailing your check to MUF or leaving it at the Box Office on Sundays. A $5.00 donation to MUF will also be asked of non-pledgers when you arrive.

For more information : Visit Kofi’s website at www.bak2roots.com or contact Miriam Congdon at miriamcongdon@att.net.

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Desire and the Quest for the Beloved: A Weekend Workshop

Friday, April 11, 7:30–9:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 12, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, April 13, 1:00–5:00 p.m. (after second service)

Facilitator: Trebbe Johnson , a member of the UU Congregation of Binghamton , NY ;

author of The World Is a Waiting Lover: Desire and the Quest for the Beloved

We all long to be in love, not just with another person, but with life itself. The universal image of the alluring, elusive Beloved is the personification of our longing for passion and connectedness in life. This powerful force is always present in us, guiding us to the people, places, and projects that fascinate us. This three-day experiential workshop will help you explore your passions and open to the dynamic inner force that holds meaning and possibility for you. You will learn how to contact the source of your passion and healthy self-love; discover how loves in your past were vital to your life’s heroic journey; recognize the inner voice that calls you into what you long to be, and the protective voice that holds you back; return home with a plan to “court the Beloved” by turning fascination into action; and fall in love with your self and your own unique path in life. Cost: $130.00 (scholarship funds available). Pre-registration is a must for this workshop.

For more information : Contact Bob Evans at BobEv1@aol.com . Visit Trebbe Johnson’s website at www.visionarrow.com .

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MUF Passover Seder

Sunday, April 20

3:30 p.m. Meet & greet ● 4:00–7:30 p.m. Seder ritual & meal

Please join us for our interfaith, family-friendly Seder! The Seder is a ritual retelling of the Passover story — a remembrance of the Exodus of the Hebrew slaves from Egypt and a celebration of the struggle for freedom then and now. Our Seder will include special foods, customs, songs, and a scavenger hunt for the children. Since we are planning a cooperative meal, we’ll ask you to bring a specific food contribution and to help set up, serve, or clean up. We’ll provide recipes in advance that are free of bread and leavened goods. If you prefer not to bring food, we’ll welcome an additional donation . All are invited, with guests and visitors welcome. Cost: $5.00 for ages 13 through adult, $2.00 for ages 6-12, free for ages 5 and under.Reservations are required, preferably by purchasing tickets at the Box Office on Sunday mornings, or contact Gloria Jackson to reserve your seat.

For more information : Contact Gloria Jackson at gloriajcksn@aol.com.

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ONGOING PROGRAMS

You are always welcome -- no registration required

First Monday Book Group

First Monday of Every Month, 7:00 p.m.

Coordinated by Nancy Lee McLure

The group enjoys reading and discussing a different book each month. We have room for more members, so come join us for a great discussion!

For more information: Contact Nancy Lee McLure at nlmclure@msn.com

Womanspace — Women’s Gathering

Third Sunday of Every Month, 10:30 a.m.

Coordinated by Gloria Jackson

Womanspace meets each month for an informal circle gathering that includes ritual, discussion, and sharing of personal experiences. Open to all women, both adults and teens. Guests and visitors are welcome. No registration required.

For more information: Contact Gloria Jackson at gloriajcksn@aol.com

Unitarian Universalists for Jewish Awareness (UUJA)

First Friday of Every Month

Conversation/relaxation at 7:00 p.m., Meeting at 7:30 p.m.

Coordinated by Gloria Jackson

We start our gathering by lighting the Shabbat candles and blessing the wine and challah. Then we talk about a topic that the group selected. We focus many of our meetings on the major Jewish holidays as they relate to our current beliefs. We also discuss books and share music, poetry, and personal life stories. You do not need to be Jewish to come; the meeting is open to all adults. Guests and visitors are welcome. No registration required.

For more information: Contact Gloria Jackson at gloriajcksn@aol.com

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