Online signup is temporarily unavailable. Please contact the church office at 860-646-8765 or uuse153@sbcglobal.net to sign up or for times and dates.
- Film/Discussion: Raw Faith
- Drumming and Spirituality with Matt Meyer
- Spoken Word Performance with Uni Q. Mical
- Theology in a Secular Age
- Online discussion: Chaos, Wonder and the Spiritual Adventure of Parenting
- Mama’s Boy, Preacher’s Son: A Memoir
- How Baby Boomers Are Changing Aging In America
Film/Discussion: Raw Faith
“Raw Faith,” which premiered at the 2011 Nashville Film Festival, is a compelling and provocative independent film about the life and late-career struggles of Unitarian Universalist minister, the Rev. Marilyn Sewell. Journey with Rev. Sewell as she attempts to hear a new call in her life, as she struggles with her decision to retire from the church after years of distinguished service, and as she finds new love. This movie speaks to our January and February ministry themes of vocation and restlessness. It addresses matters of theology in clear and concise language. It addresses the purposes of the church and ministry and how we care for one another. The soundtrack features an original song by Sheryl Crow, “Love Will Remain.” Rev. Josh will lead a discussion following the film.
Two complete showings in the meeting room: Tuesday, January 31, 7:00 p.m. and Thursday, February 2, 3:00 p.m.
Drumming and Spirituality with Matt Meyer
This workshop is a chance for people of all skill levels to participate in hands on rhythm-making. We will experience the spirituality of community music-making through different activities, stories, games and discussion as well as look at how rhythm and music intersect with Unitarian Universalist values. Bring your own drum if you have one–for those who don’t, enough will be provided. Children ages 12 and up are welcome.
Sunday, February 5, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Spoken Word Performance with Uni Q. Mical
The Unitarian Universalist Society: East and Hartford’s Charter Oak Cultural Center are proud to present spoken word artist Uni Q. Mical., a self-described Black queer wryter/excyter who aims to keep it hyper. Come hear her words which attempt to slash through the silences that we all (un)comfortably live with, place a mirror to our societies so that we speak to each other, build dialogue, and love a lot. Youth and mature middle-schoolers are encouraged to attend. Rev. Josh will facilitate a post-performance dialogue.
$5.00 admission (with sliding scale).
Saturday, February 18, 7:00 p.m. at the Charter Oak Cultural Center, 21 Charter Oak Ave., Hartford, CT
Theology in a Secular Age
Rev. Josh Pawelek will lead this course using a series of lectures by the Rev. Galen Guengerich, senior minister of All Souls Unitarian Church of New York City. Guengerich says that “in a secular age, people have options—to believe or not to believe, to be part of a community of faith or not.” Often the spiritual options seem thin and shrill, wrapped up in politics and bent on conversion to the “right way”. The goal of this course is to sketch a path between competing fundamentalisms of the left and right; to suggest how we might begin to think about faith and religion, as well as religious community and ethical conduct, in a different way.
8 Thursdays beginning March 1, 3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
Online discussion: Chaos, Wonder and the Spiritual Adventure of Parenting
Rev. Josh will conduct an online discussion of the newly published Chaos, Wonder and the Spiritual Adventure of Parenting: An Anthology, edited by Sarah Conover and Tracy Springberry. This book features a host of exceptional writers reflecting on spirituality and parenting. Great for parents of all ages! And great for anyone who’s ever been a child! It is available at the Unitarian Universalist Association Bookstore and a variety of other online retailers.
Beginning in March
Mama’s Boy, Preacher’s Son: A Memoir
Kevin Jennings, founder and CEO of the Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network (GLSEN), has written a powerful and moving account of his journey from a hardscrabble Southern Baptist upbringing to his emergence as a leader in the movement to ensure safe schools for all students. David Garnes will lead a discussion of this award-winning Beacon Press memoir.
Monday, April 16, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
How Baby Boomers Are Changing Aging In America
This interactive talk will be led by Dr. Judy Robbins, psychologist and former member of UUSE. Judy is intrigued that Boomers are boldly creating a new developmental stage. She will lead discussions on these and other topics: what defines a Boomer; the changing paradigm of aging; Boomer’s role as change agents; how Boomers are changing the way we die; and what’s ahead for Boomers?
Monday, April 30, 7 to 9 p.m. Possible follow-up discussion sessions on May 7, 14, and 21
