Adult Education
The Adult Education Program of the OUUC seeks to foster life-long learning and spiritual growth through a variety of classes, workshops, and events. Some specific purposes are to expand and deepen understanding of Unitarian Universalism, to facilitate the search for truth and meaning in all spheres of human knowledge, to explore the many sources of spirituality, and to promote sharing ideas and experiences among the participants.
Registration for classes, workshops, and events is open to anyone interested, including members and friends of OUUC, and members of the larger community. Child care is available if requested on the registration form. A single registration fee of $10 covers as many classes as you may wish to enroll in. Exceptions to this fee are noted in the class descriptions. The fee will be waived if it creates a hardship for you. If you need a ride to a class, please call Carol Allen (home: 360-866-0174; cell: 360-628-7333) ; we will try to arrange a ride for you.
Unless otherwise noted, all class leaders are members of the OUUC community . They have put a lot of work into developing their course material (for free!) Please make every effort to attend all sessions of each class for which you have signed up or let the class leader know ahead of time if you can't attend.
The Adult Education Program is assembled and coordinated by the OUUC Adult Education Committee, whose current members are: Carol Allen, Nancy Brickell, Michele Hendrickson, Tom Joldersma (Chair), Sara Lewis, Roger Nielsen, Luci Phillips, Bernie Steckler, Billie Williams, and Jo Ann Young. The committee invites proposals and suggestions for future classes. Please direct proposals or inquiries to the Adult Education Committee, c/o the OUUC Office, or contact a committee member directly.
Download Fall Program Guide (printable PDF file)
Download Fall Class List and Registration Form (printable PDF file)
If you would like a paper copy of this brochure mailed to you, please call the church office at 360-786-6383.
ADDICTIONS MINISTRIES
Dates: Tuesdays (5 sessions) October 19, November 2, 16, 30, December 7
Time: 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Place: OUUC
Leader: The Reverend Arthur Vaeni
This class will provide a foundation for those in our congregation who wish to explore the possibilities of establishing an Addiction Ministry Team (AMT). We know that addictions affect the lives of our members and friends in Olympia, as they do in any human community, whether we personally experience the addiction or whether we have a family member or friend with an addiction. While the AMT is not intended to substitute for AA, NA or Al-Anon, it will serve by educating our congregation about addictions as well as by providing resources and support for people with addictions and also for family or friends whose lives have been affected by a loved one’s addiction.
We will use the Reverend Denis Meacham’s manual, The Addiction Ministry Handbook, to guide our study and conversation. Three copies are available for loan; it’s also for sale through the UUA Bookstore and other sources. For session one please read pages 1-16. The fifth session will go until 9:00 P.M., and in the last half hour those who wish to continue will begin the formation of an AMT.
The Reverend Arthur Vaeni is Minister of the OUUC.
ART - ENCOUNTERS WITH MEANING
Dates: Wednesdays (3 sessions) – October 6, 13, 20
Time: 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Place: OUUC
Leaders: Ron Hinson and June Kerseg-Hinson
This study will examine how we may determine content in works of visual art by viewing, in reproduction, a wide range of visual art. Various approaches will be applied to discerning what meanings may be embodied in the artworks, including phenomenological, cultural context, historical setting, aesthetic principles, and other epistemologies. The study is intended to raise issues that challenge how the viewer may comprehend what a work of art is about, whether one is a seasoned viewer or new to the experience.
Ron Hinson is a member of the OUUC and is a studio artist. He has taught studio art, the history of art, and humanities on the college level for many years. He has led several studies in visual art for the Adult Education program at the OUUC. June Kerseg-Hinson is a friend of the OUUC after many years as a member, contributing to the OUUC in a variety of capacities. As a visual artist she has worked in virtually every medium, most recently using contemporary materials and 3k techniques in "basketry" forms. Currently, she has extended her artwork to include garden and landscape consultation.
BOOK GROUP
Dates: (3rd Thursday of month) – September 16, October 21, November 18, December 16
Time: 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Place: OUUC
Coordinator: Mary Anne Trause
Costs: Registration is free and not required. Purchase or borrow the books on your own.
Enjoy lively discussions and get to know other members and friends of the OUUC by reading and discussing books together. Beginning its seventh year in September 2010, the OUUC Book Group has read a mixture of fiction and nonfiction works, mostly contemporary, usually chosen from the participants' recommendations . A list of the many books included so far is available upon request. This year we will have a slightly different format wherein the members of the group will volunteer to lead discussion for a particular book.
The selection for September is The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barberry. Billie Williams will lead the discussion. The October book will be Bold Spirit by Linda Lawrence Hunt with the discussion facilitated by Mary Anne Trause. We will try to pick the rest of the year's books in September so individuals have ample time to obtain copies, read, think and plan a discussion, when appropriate. Some members come for every session while others just attend when a particular title captures their attention. All are welcome.
Mary Anne Trause is a psychologist with a private practice in Olympia. She is a member of OUUC.
COMPASSIONATE COMMUNICATION
Dates: Thursdays (4 sessions) –October 14, 21, 28, November 4
Time: 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Place: OUUC
Facilitators: Samara Joldersma and Margaret Knudson
Create your life, your relationships, and your world in harmony with your values. Most of us have been educated from birth to compete, judge, demand, diagnose – to think in terms of what is “right” and “wrong” – responding from our head. At best communicating this way can create misunderstanding and frustration, at worse it can lead to anger, depression, and even emotional and physical violence. The goal of this class is to help us connect in a way that makes possible “natural giving”, which is giving authentically from the heart.
This four-week class will be based on the world-renowned four-part communication process called Nonviolent Communication by Marshall B. Rosenbeg, Ph.D. We will view a DVD of a workshop he gave, use examples and worksheets from the NVC workbook, stories, role plays and our own real life examples to learn to transform the communication patterns that keep us from the enriching relationships we desire. Please join Samara and Margaret on this journey as we practice together and learn NVC.
Samara and Margaret are both members of OUUC and both have a long term interest in developing better communication skills.
COOKIE'S TEXAS TRAIL DRIVE CHILI:with Pinto Beans and Cornbread
Dates: Tuesday (1 session) September 21
Time: 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Place: OUUC
Leaders: Roger LaPrell, Cynde LaPrelle
Class size: Limited to 10 persons
Roger and Cynde LaPrelle take you on a tour of good old time Texas cookin' with this class on chili, pinto beans and cornbread. Enjoy the flavors of the southwest and learn the techniques that make this style of cooking so popular.
Cynde grew up in Dallas, Texas and Rienzi, Mississippi and learned her cooking skills from her tiny but feisty grandmother, her mother, and the many recipes, cookbooks and TV cooking shows that they shared together. This pinto bean and cornbread recipe has been in the making for over 80 years.
Roger grew up in Fort Worth, Texas, and learned cooking from his mother, his grandmother, and his Uncle Doc. Chili was a staple, along with cornbread and pinto beans. He researched old time chilis and came up with this recipe for “Texas Red,” which he calls “Cookie's Texas Trail Drive Chili.”
CPR - CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION
Date: Saturday, October 23
Time: 9:00 - noon
Place: OUUC
Leader: Provided by Medic I (Minimum class size - 8)
This offering is a basic CPR course aimed at aiding adults and children. Everyone should acquire the knowledge and skills taught in order to give help to family members when needed and assist others in emergency situations. Medic I welcomes children mature enough to understand and apply the principles and techniques offered.
Arangements for this course were made by Steve Tilley, a member of OUUC's newly formed Disaster Preparation Committee.
EARTH CHARTER
Dates: Thursday (4 sessions) October 7, 14, 21, 28
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Place: OUUC
Leader: Sister Mimi Maloney
The Earth Charter is a declaration of the fundamental principles that are going to be needed for building a just, sustainable and peaceful global society in the 21st century. It offers a compelling vision, and states the guidelines, principles and values needed in order to live together as one planetary community. See www.earthcharter.org
“We stand at a critical moment in earth’s history, a time when humanity must choose its future. As the world becomes increasingly interdependent and fragile, the future at once holds great peril and great promise. To move forward we must recognize that in the midst of a magnificent diversity of cultures and life forms we are one human family and one Earth community with a common destiny. We must join together to bring forth a sustainable global society founded on respect for nature, universal human rights, economic justice, and a culture of peace.” (Prologue – Earth Charter)
Sister Mimi Maloney is a member of the Sisters of the Holy Names and holds Masters degrees in education and spirituality.
IMMIGRATION
Dates: Tuesdays (4 sessions) October 12, 19, 26, November 2
Time: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Place: OUUC
Facilitators: Frances Tanaka & Shelley Spalding
This course will explore the history of immigration in the United States, current US immigration policy and how this policy is affecting individuals. Through sharing immigration stories, interacting with guest lecturers, watching and discussing videos, playing a unique board game and going on supplemental field trips, participants can experience first hand the effects US immigration policy has on many of our neighbors and their families.
Frances Tanaka is a retired English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher who coordinated and taught in the ESL program at Centralia College for 23 years. She has worked with immigrants and refugees from 35 different countries and has been privileged to hear hundreds of personal immigration stories over the years.
Shelley Spalding is a retired fish biologist who has been involved in immigration support and rights since the 1980’s. She is co-chair of the OUUC Social Justice Committee and finds the Unitarian principles complement her commitment to a humanitarian immigration law.
THE JOY OF OPERA
Dates: Second Sunday of each month, beginning September 12
Time: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Place: This class will meet in homes of participants
Coordinator: Tom Joldersma
Class size: Limited to 10 persons
This class will be a time for sharing our favorite arias, duets, and scenes with fellow lovers of opera. We will enjoy audio and video recordings in the comfort of our homes. Personal stories regarding your experiences with opera will be encouraged (as will coffee and wine). Please sign up for this class only if you are willing to contribute a few of your favorite operatic moments to each session or larger amounts for one or two sessions (depending on how we organize our time.) Your turn to be host (or co-host) for the evening could be taken in the OUUC sanctuary, with a friend in her or his home, or in your own home.
Tom Joldersma is a long time lover of opera.
KNITTING AT THE UU
Dates: Thursdays (7 sessions) September 16, 30, October 14, 28, November 11, December 2, 16
Time: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Place: OUUC
Leader: Anita McIntosh
This is a continuation of the knitting class that has been meeting since 2008. It is for anyone wanting to learn the art of knitting and it's also for experienced knitters who want to share their talents and stories of learning to knit with others. This year we'd like to consider knitting projects collectively or individually that could be donated to community organizations and/or individuals who may be in need of the comfort of a shawl, scarf, gloves, slippers, etc. If anyone wishes to learn the skill of crocheting, that can also be explored by interested attendees.
Anita McIntosh has been knitting for 8 years and considers it another form of meditation that calms the mind and soothes the spirit.
A LANGUAGE OF REVERENCE
Dates: Tuesdays (3 sessions) September 28, October 5, 12
Time: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Place: OUUC
Leader: Reverend Carol McKinley
What language do you use to describe your feelings of reverence? How do we as Unitarian Universalists talk about religious experience? We will engage in conversation about the language we use when we talk about religion and how we interact with traditional religious language.
As a discussion resource the class will use The Language of Reverence, an anthology edited by Dean Grodzins which is available through the UUA bookstore, www.uuabookstore.org . This anthology includes provocative essays by former UUA president Rev. Dr. William Sinkford, UU theologian Rev. Dr. Thandeka and UU historian Rev. David Baumbaugh.
Rev. Carol McKinley is an affiliated community minister with OUUC.
LOW CARBON DIET DISCUSSION GROUP
Dates: Wednesdays (4 sessions) September 8, 15, 22, 29
Time: 7:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Place: OUUC
Leaders: Jo Ann and Mike Young
This class is designed to help save money, save energy and help save the planet by providing answers and ideas on how to be a more effective part of the global warming solution. Each of the four sessions will explore and discuss simple actions which can be made every day to reduce carbon output by at least 15% at home and in the workplace, local school and community. Using David Gershon's easy-to-follow guide book Low Carbon Diet, participants will learn the step-by-step ways to make effective changes in just one month's time. Included in each of the four sessions will be lively discussion of suggested readings from Gershon's book, new ideas and planning for personal changes to accomplish the goal of CO2 reduction. Copies of Low Carbon Diet are available from the group leaders at $10.00 each.
Jo Ann and Mike Young are members of the OUUC congregation.
MEDITATION - ENDING YOUR WEEK IN STILLNESS
Dates: Every Friday beginning Sep 17
Time: 6:00 – 7:15 p.m.
Place: OUUC
Leaders: The Reverend Arthur Vaeni and others
Cost: No registration fees
Meditation sessions will be held at the church every Friday evening. You are invited to participate whenever you are able to do so. During the first 15 minutes a reading will be shared. This will be followed by 20 minutes of sitting meditation, 15 minutes of walking meditation, and another 25 minutes of sitting meditation, ending by 7:15 P.M.
The Reverend Arthur Vaeni is Minister of the OUUC.
MENU FOR THE FUTURE
Dates: Mondays (7 sessions) September 13, 27, October 11, 25, November 8, 22, December 13
Time: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Place: OUUC
Course Leaders: Jean Phillips & Janet Pearson.
This is a 7-session discussion course exploring the connections between food and sustainability. The final session is an organic foods potluck, which allows participants to get hands-on experience in shopping for local and organic foods, exploring resources, reading labels, and putting the knowledge and awareness gained through the course into action. Participants are asked to share their recipes and report to the group on what they have brought. This course is ideal for those just beginning to learn about the issues surrounding food, health, and the environment. We will use Menu For The Future, a structured curriculum workbook that includes all the readings and discussion questions for the entire course, which was developed by the Northwest Earth Institute. The cost of the materials is $20.00 plus $6.00 shipping and handling, which could be slightly less if we order as a group. The course materials are also available as a downloadable PDF ordered on-line for $20.00 from NWEI at www.nwei.org
Jean is a graduate of the Washington State University Extension Master Gardener program and a convert to eating organically. Janet’s special interest is organic farming. She has taught organic gardening methods in the Horticulture Program at South Puget Sound Community College, where she developed the idea for a Certificate in Sustainable Horticulture that SPSCC now offers. She received the first one they issued. Both are graduates of this course and members of the OUUC Ethical Eating Work Group.
NATURE & HUMAN NATURE:
A Dialogue with the More-Than-Human World
Dates: Wednesdays (4 sessions) October 27, November 3, 10, 17
Time: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Place: OUUC
Leader: Denis Langhans
The polar icecaps are melting and the sea levels are rising at an alarming pace. The human population and its consumptive patterns are increasing at unsustainable rates. Something, we sense, is terribly wrong with the relationship between the human and the more-than-human elements of the earth. Is the problem simply one that calls for scientific or technological solutions? Or is there something else amiss – something beyond just a scientific fix?
Over four sessions we will probe the underlying relationship between nature and human nature. Our questions will include: What is the human worldview behind the obvious alteration of the ecology? How conscious are we of our attitudes toward the non-human segments? Are these “others” simply “natural resources” for our use, or do they have autonomous rights of dignity and co-existence?
To help frame our dialogue and discussion, we will view video presentations of lectures from a conference on Nature and Human Nature:
“Partnership with Nature” –Carolyn Merchant
“Animal Passions and Beastly Virtues” – Mark Bekoff
“Between the Body and the Breathing Earth” – David Abram
“Approaching the Moral Challenge of Our Age: An Archetypal Perspective”- Richard Tarnas
Denis Langhans is a retired business executive. After retirement, he earned a PhD in Mythological Studies/Depth Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute.
OUR AMERICAN ROOTS:
Unitarian Universalism in North America
Dates: Mondays (6 sessions) October 4, 11, 18, 25; Nov 1 and 8
Time: 7:00 – 9:00
Place: OUUC
Facilitators : Harmon and Lorrie Eaton
The roots of Unitarian Universalism in America go back to the 18 th Century. By the early 19 th both Unitarian and Universalist churches were thriving, especially in New England. Many of us are familiar with names from that period like John Murray and Hosea Ballou, but do we really know why they were important and what roles they played in our faith tradition? Who were the Transcendentalists, and how do we connect to them? And what was so special about Theodore Parker that he was able to create the first mega-church in America?
If you are one of those who would like to learn more about how Unitarian Universalism came to be, who our founders and early leaders were and what they thought, this course may be for you. Over a 6-week period we will view ten 5 minute film clips collectively titled “Our American Roots” and then spend time in lively discussion about the topics and personalities each segment introduces. No book required; some advance materials provided.
Harmon and Lorrie Eaton made a presentation of Our American Roots in 2007 that was very well received; they are repeating it upon request.
OUUC — THE PATH TO MEMBERSHIP
Introduction to OUUC
Dates: 3rd Sunday each month,. Sep 19, Oct 17, Nov 21, Dec 19
Time: 10:45 a.m.
Place: OUUC
Leaders: Diana Finch & Sara Lewis
Learn more about Unitarian Universalism and about this congregation. Each session lasts about an hour with opportunity for questions and answers. Childcare is available.
Membership Class
Date: Saturday, October 16
Time: 9:00 am to 4:00 p.m.
Place: OUUC
Leaders: Diana Finch & Sara Lewis
Cost: None.
This class provides potential members a chance to learn about Unitarian Universalism, about the benefits and responsibilities of membership, and about the specifics of how OUUC is governed and operated. You will meet the minister, a board member and other leaders in this informational and interactive class. Get to know others considering membership and members of the congregation. All are welcome. There is no pressure to commit to joining, but attendance at this class is a prerequisite to membership. Those who were UUs elsewhere may meet with the minister in lieu of class participation to become a member. Lunch will be provided and childcare is available by arrangement.
Sara Lewis is Director of Religious Education for OUUC. Diana Finch is a member of the OUUC Membership Team.
REUSABLE HOLIDAY GIFT BAGS TO SEW
Dates: Tuesday (1 session) November 9
Time: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Place: OUUC
Leader: Melanie Ransom
Class size: Limited to 8 persons
Don’t you hate tossing all that gift wrap year after year? Sure, you can reuse it, and recycle it, but what if you could reuse it for decades? Learn how to make this very simple fabric gift bag in various sizes. How about a gift bag with the recipient’s photo on it? If you’re interested in doing a bag like this, send me your photo in advance and I’ll print it off on fabric for you . This is a simple sewing project that will bring success to rank amateurs. Imagine never buying holiday wrap ever again! I will provide pre-cut kits for participants. Make it and take it home finished that night.
Supply list will be sent to class participants in advance. Some sewing knowledge is helpful but not required.
Melanie Ransom has been a member of OUUC since 1998. She has been sewing since 1971 and is a member of the American Sewing Guild.
TWITTER, TEXTING & FACEBOOK:
Introduction to Online Social Networking
Dates: Saturday (1 session) September 25
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Place: OUUC
Leaders: Damien & Ben Joldersma
Social networking is taking the world by storm. Is it a bane or is it a blessing? Can online social networks actually add value to your life? What is tweeter or twatter or whatever these young uns call it? How do these websites make money? Do people do anything that is interesting on Facebook? Can they be used as tools for social justice? What are the new privacy concerns?
These questions and more will all be discussed (alas, no answers guaranteed) in this class by Damien and Ben Joldersma, two Internet pioneers (well, aren't we all?), who have spent the last 15 years trying to figure this stuff out. We'll talk about Facebook, MySpace, YouTube, Flickr, photo sharing, blogging, micro-blogging. Social ramifications, technical implemenations (well, to a degree...), and the evolving fate of intellectual property. Open source, creative commons, digital rights management, all this and more can be yours, so come to our class!
Most of these subjects will be demonstrated on a computer that is projected onto a screen. There will be plenty of time to discuss your questions and concerns.
Damien and Benjamin Joldersma have been developing applications for the internet for fun and profit for the past 15 years.
VOICE CLASS
Dates: Saturdays, beginning September 18
Time: 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Place: OUUC
Leader: Troy Arnold Fisher
Cost: No registration fee and registration is not required.
During our hour and fifteen minutes together we will work on posture, breathing and ear training, but that's not all. We will sing a variety of songs, ranging from high to low, ballad to scat. We sing together, braving to sing duets and solos! It's a chance to sing your heart out! Come and join the fun. All levels of talent are welcome.
Troy Arnold Fisher is OUUC Music Director. He also is also musical director of Capital Playhouse, Kids at Play and Kids in Koncert.
WHAT MOVES US
Dates: Wednesdays (5 sessions) November 17, 24, December 1, 8, 15
Time: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Place: OUUC
Leader: Sara Lewis
What Moves Us is a new UUA curriculum that engages participants in theological reflection, not as an intellectual exercise, but as a process of meaning-making that equips one for living in the world as a person of faith within the Unitarian Universalist tradition. This program explores the life experiences of both historic and contemporary Unitarian Universalist theologians, highlighting wthat which caused in them a change of heart, a new direction, new hope, and a deeper understanding of their own liberal faith. This fall will be Part One of this course, examining Hosea Ballou, William Ellery Channing, Margaret Fuller, George de Benneville, and Charles Chauncy. Five more theologians will be examined in Part Two of the course in the winter.
Sara Lewis is Director of Religious Education for OUUC.