East Shore Unitarian Church
Adult Programs Guide
Spring 2013 New Programs

The Vein of Gold

Access your creativity in a deeper, more meaningful way? Journey with Julia Cameron through The Vein of Gold - A Journey to Your Creative Heart. Expanding upon Cameron's seminal work, The Artist's Way, Vein of Gold delves deeper into the heart and soul of the creative process by guiding readers through seven kingdoms of senses/sensibilities and more than 100 creative tasks! Discuss readings, explore exercises, showcase your creative projects and share your experiences in this intimate circle.

Carolyn Adams & Danna Schmidt
Thursday, April 4th at 7:00 p.m. (informational meeting/orientation)
Class Dates: Thursdays April 18th, April 25th, May 2nd, 16th, 30th, June 13th, 27th, July 11th, 6:15 - 8:30 p.m. (8 sessions, plus orientation)
Suggested Donation: $40
Participants will need to have access to a copy of The Vein of Gold–A Journey to Your Creative Heart, by Julia Cameron.

Carolyn Adams is an architect, artist and writer seeking a greater connection to the creative muse. Danna Schmidt, a writer, mixed media artist and celebrant-in-training, is jazzed to be back facilitating The Artist’s Way journey at East Shore after a five-year hiatus, and more importantly, contributing to creative growth, renewal and healing in her community. 

The Evolution of Spirituality: Transcending Christian Myth & Baggage

The Christian faith tradition can be exclusive, prescribed and restrictive.  It can suppress its own rich mystic tradition, and all too often causes pain and alienation. Discover a far different approach to Christianity—an approach that is expansive, adaptive, inclusive, and sees spiritual growth and development as intrinsic to faithfulness.

The Rev. Bev Spears
Mondays, April 8th to 29th, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. (4 sessions)
Suggested Donation: $15

The Rev. Bev Spears is an East Shore member and an Ordained American Baptist Minister.

 Big History Part 3 – The History of World Civilizations

Bill Gates says this is the best DVD course he has ever watched!  It takes the broadest view of history.  In Part 3 we’ll follow the big trends in the history of world civilizations.  Watch and discuss two excellent half-hour lectures at each meeting.  Don’t worry if you missed Parts 1 and 2. We will catch you up. This is one of the Great Courses from the Teaching Company and is described further here.

John Thompson
Wednesdays, April 10th to May 29th, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. (8 sessions)
Suggested Donation:  $25

John Thompson is a church member and has led other DVD classes, such as The Making of the New Testament and Discoveries of Modern Science.  He also leads the Humanist Books Group.

Masters of Persian Poetry:  In YOUR OWN Translation

Create your own translations of the Persian masters: Hafez, Rumi, and others.  Grapple with Persian poetry from the original Persian into our own translations.  An experimental course. From sexuality to spirituality and beyond under the guidance of East Shore member Prof. Walter Andrews.  No expertise necessary, except a willingness to write your own poetry and to explore something completely different in a different way.  Registration deadline is April 7th.

Walter Andrews
Thursdays, April 11th & 25th, May 2nd & 16th, and June 6th, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.(5 sessions)
Suggested Donation:  $20

Walter Andrews (when he was not teaching children and youth at East Shore) has been teaching Near Eastern Literature at the University of Washington since 1968.  He is a well-known expert in Ottoman Turkish poetry and has had a long interest in Persian and Persian poetry as well.  For more information, see:  http://faculty.washington.edu/walter.

 

Yamuna Body Rolling (YBR)

Yamuna Body Rolling (YBR) involves a series of movements while rolling one’s body on a soft ball.  YBR follows specific sequenced routines that re-educate the muscles and stimulate bone. Rolling with intended orientation along the muscle dislodges tension and discomfort, increases blood flow, and promotes healing and flexibility. YBR is safe for all ages, shapes, sizes, and fitness levels; there are routines for everyone!  Once learned, the routines can be done at home, at work, even while seated.  Bring YBR balls, if you have them, and a yoga mat.  YBR balls will be available for classroom use.

Jeannie Price
Tuesdays, April 2nd to June 25th, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Suggested Donation: $30 for five sessions or $10 drop-in.

Jeannie Price has been a member of ESUC for a number of years. She has been doing YBR for 2 years and is a certified Yamuna instructor.

 

Green Talks – Three Movies to Encourage Holistic Sustainability

Let’s save the planet! Join East Shore’s Green Team for a monthly discussion and spring movie series around topics of sustainability, green living, climate change, and earth justice.  This spring we are repeating films which you may have missed or may want to experience again. Monthly topics listed below.         

Sonia Hoglander
Suggested Donation: $5 per class or all three for $10

Film: Why In The World Are They Spraying?

This film is the follow-up to the groundbreaking documentary, What in the World are They Spraying?, which woke up millions to the damaging effects of chemtrails and other geo-engineering programs.  This investigative documentary reveals the hidden agendas associated with chemtrail/geo-engineering programs.

Monday, April 8th, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Film: Genetic Roulette

When the U.S. government ignored repeated warnings by its own scientists and allowed untested genetically modified (GM) crops into our environment and food supply, it was a gamble of unprecedented proportions.  This seminal documentary provides compelling evidence to help explain the deteriorating health of Americans and offers a recipe for protecting ourselves and our future.

Monday, May 13th, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Film: Safe by Todd Haynes

Actress Julianne Moore portrays Carol White, a mousy housewife living the affluent life in the San Fernando Valley, who develops debilitating sensitivities to her environment.  No one in her life, neither family nor medical professional, understands or credits her condition.  Carol eventually discovers others who suffer from similar environmental illnesses and checks into a desert spa that caters to those in her predicament.

Monday, June 10th, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Sonia Hoglander is an electrical engineer and owns a company that offers healthy home consulting dealing with holistic sustainability of our society and the environment.  She has been a member of ESUC for four years and has been the chairwoman of East Shore’s Green Team.
 

The Historical Jesus: Part 2

The real Jesus behind the legends! What was his main message, and how did later writers make him into a god? A leading New Testament scholar, Dr. Bart Ehrman, will bring us up to date on what historians have learned about Jesus and his followers. Watch and discuss two excellent half-hour lectures at each meeting. If you missed Part 1, no problem, we’ll catch you up. This is one of the Great Courses from the Teaching Company and is described further here.

John Thompson
Tuesdays, April 16th to May 28th (skip May 14th), 7:00-9:00 p.m. (6 sessions)
Suggested Donation: $20

John Thompson is a church member and has led other DVD classes, such as The Making of the New Testament and Discoveries of Modern Science.  He also leads the Humanist Books Group.

 

Clearing the Clutter for What Matters

Carrie Koehnline, our featured presenter, will respectfully guide us into this rich and surprising territory with gentleness, compassion, humor and creativity.  Confronting your clutter brings more clarity about the treasures that are worth keeping. Clearing the excess baggage, you make room for what is most sacred to you. Minimum attendance of 12 must be reached by April 17th.

Carrie Koehnline
Saturday, April 20th, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Suggested Donation: $20

Carolyn “Carrie” Koehnline is a licensed mental health counselor practicing in Bellingham for twenty years.  She was the presenter at Women’s Perspective Retreat in 2010 and has been a presenter at the Eliot Institute.  Personally and professionally she is drawn to combining practical methods with creativity and psychological insight.  Carrie has written a collection of essays and exercises called Confronting Your Clutter.
 

Becoming Peacemakers: Understanding the Israeli-Palestinian Problem

Steadfast Hope, a production of the Episcopal Peace Fellowship (EPF), provides the basis for discussion on the many struggles between Israel and Palestine. The EPF urges the adoption of a more peaceful stance on issues and promotes peace in the broader Middle East and other troubled regions. It offers Active Nonviolence Training, takes part in peace demonstrations, helps organize action groups and awards peace prizes to individuals who strive for peace around the world.  Guest speakers explain their perspectives.

Marilyn Mayers and Cathy Barich
Sundays, April 21st, May 12th, and June 9th, 12:30 - 2:00 p.m.
Cost: $10 for all three or $5 per session (book and materials included)

Marilyn Mayers is an active and involved East Shore member. She has a PhD in Modern Near Eastern Studies and has lived in Egypt and studied Arabic in Tunisia and Israel.  She last visited the region January 2012.Cathy Barich became interested in this issue after taking a class on the topic. She traveled to Israel/Palestine in 2012, spending four days on the West Bank.  She is currently a convener for the Israeli/Palestinian Peace and Justice Issue Group in the Northwest UU Justice Network and is working on forming a Puget Sound Chapter of UU’s for Justice in the Middle East. Cathy is a long-time member of East Shore.
 

 

ZEN Tarot Cards 101

Tarot is the window into the Soul. Discern the secrets hidden in the symbols. Numbers? Colors?  Upright vs. right side up?  Major Arcana verus Minor Arcana?  Review and discuss the evolution of Tarot readings and people. Discover the difference between the Rider-Waite and the OSHA Zen Tarot Cards. Whether you are an accomplished reader or just beginning, this class can help you expand your understanding.

Sonia Hoglander
Monday, April 22nd, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Suggested Donation: $5

Sonia Hoglander is the chairwoman of East Shore’s Green. She has been reading Tarot since 1979 and has recently evolved to using the Zen Tarot deck.

DOGMA – The Movie

A quirky, thoughtful, funny, clever, painful, imaginative, story challenges accepted ideas about God, angels and heaven; though perhaps this film is really about how we use and abuse religion. Alan Rickman, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, George Carlin, Alanis Morissette, Salma Hayek.  It’s an all-star cast!    We’ll watch the movie together and dig deep into some big theological questions.  What is the role of anger in spirituality?  Where do we find racism and sexism in the church?  Does God enjoy turning cartwheels?WARNING: This film (rated R) contains very challenging, possibly offensive ideas, violence, and very, very naughty language.

Gary Hill & the Rev. Joan Montagnes
Mondays, May 6th, 6:30-9:00 p.m.; and May 13th, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Gary Hill is a member of East Shore Unitarian Church who is making use of all media available – especially his lifetime love of cinema - on his spiritual and theological journey.  The Rev. Joan Montagnes is East Shore’s Associate Minister.

Build Your Own Unitarian Universalist Prayer Beads

Contemplation is the thread that runs through all forms of spirituality.  Prayer beads are found in traditions throughout the world as tools to focus heart and mind on the Transcendent.  Survey a myriad of different kinds of prayer beads. Learn bead lore.  Invite your spirit into playful creativity.  Build your own personal set of prayer beads. Delight in the beauty.  Beads are provided, but bring your own to use and/or share if you wish.

Rhonda Brown and The Rev. Joan Montagnes
Wednesdays, May 8th and 15th, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. (2 sessions)
Suggested Donation:   $10

Rhonda Brown is an East Shore member and describes herself as a create-aholic. She is an avid beader, jewelry maker, gardener and sewer.  She has taught beading 101 classes and loves to share her skills.  The Rev.Joan Montagnes is East Shore’s associate minister.

 

East Shore and You: A Membership Class

Learn what membership means at East Shore Unitarian Church, how you can get involved, and get answers to your questions.  You will also have a chance to meet other newcomers.  A light lunch will be provided.  Complimentary childcare is available with advance reservation.

The Rev. Peter J. Luton
Sunday, May 19th, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. (1 session)
Suggested Donation:  Free

The Rev. Peter Luton is East Shore’s Senior Minister.

Using Social Media for Compassionate Care

Learn about various social media tools that allow us to keep our community informed in times of illness and crisis, but still maintain our privacy.  Explore non-profit social media sites like Caring Bridge and Care Pages, online tools we can use in times of need.  We will help you set up your own site during the evening.  Bring your laptop computer if it has a wireless connection, and an email list of individuals you want to invite to follow your site.  Bring digital photos to post.  Computers will be available on site for your use.

Becky Davie
Tuesday, June 11th, 6:30-8:00 p.m. (1 session)
Suggested Donation: $5

Becky Davie is leading the Awakening Joy program at East Shore for the third year.

 

If you see a class you want to attend made sure to register.   Why?

• Some classes have limited room.

• Instructors need to know how many people to prepare for.

• If there is a change in the class, we need to be able to contact you.

• If we do not meet the minimum, the class may be cancelled.

 

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Here’s how to Register!

• Online:  Go to East Shore’s website, http://eastshoreunitarian.org/.  Click on Calendar – Monthly View, locate the class and click on it.

• Sundays:  Register any Sunday morning in the North Room after service.

• By Phone:  Call the East Shore during business hours, 425-747-3780.

Questions: Contact Dianne Upton, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ,  if you need help or have questions.

 

EAST SHORE UNITARIAN CHURCH
ONGOING PROGRAMS GUIDE
FALL / WINTER, 2012 / 2013

4TH WEDNESDAY BOOK GROUP

Join our amiable group as we meet each month.  The thoughtful, reflective quality of our interchanges and the good humor, along with the accumulated wit and wisdom of the group all make for interesting discussions of our eclectic selections. We run the gamut from popular recent fiction and nonfiction to selections from decades past, indeed at times we have chosen titles written and published more than a century ago!  The book list for the year is available in the church office and the East Shore Book Store within a week or so of our annual planning party on the fourth Wednesday in August. All are welcome.

Contact: Zee Straight-Weiss
When: The 4th Wednesday of the month from September through June, 7:30-9:00 p.m. (except November & December when we have a single meeting on the first Wednesday in December)
Suggested Donation: None

AWAKENING JOY

Our group of 20+ people is participating in a 5-month long, Awakening Joy class through Spirit Rock Buddhist Meditation Center in Berkeley, California (www.awakeningjoy.info). “Happiness” or well being (whatever works for you) really is a set of skills that can be learned!  In conjuction with the online video and audio lessons, we meet twice a month. Practices include Intention, Mindfulness, Gratitude, Loving Oneself, Loving Kindness meditation, Guided Meditation, and others. The course also covers the neuroscience behind happiness and well being.  We meet the 2nd and 4th Friday evenings of the month, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Dates for 2013 are February 8 & 22, March 8 & 22, April 12 & 26, May 10 & 24, and June 7 & 21. Please contact Becky Davie for more information.

Practices include intention, mindfulness, gratitude, loving oneself, loving kindness meditation, guided meditation, and others. The course also covers the neuroscience behind happiness and well being. There are amazing and uplifting well-respected speakers, including positive- psychology and well-being authors every month such as MJ Ryan, Rick Hansen, Rick Foster, Phillip Moffitt, Marci Shimoff, Christine Carter and Dacher Keltner (from the Center for Greater Good at UC Berkeley), Joanna Macy, Nina Wise, and Julia Butterfly Hill. The guided meditations are led by Patricia Ellsberg (wife of Daniel Ellsberg, aka The Pentagon Papers).

Contact: Becky Davie
Upcoming Meeting Dates:  Contact Becky Davie for schedule
Meeting Time:  6:30-8:15 p.m. (An optional guided meditation period begins at 6:00 p.m.)
Suggested Donation:  No fee to attend the monthly sessions at East Shore. If you wish, you may to register for the online class, and there is a suggested donation fee of $250, but you may pay what you feel is fair or what you can, even nothing, as they want people to take the class.  The Awakening Joy website is WWW.AWAKENINGJOY.INFO.   This is a gift to yourself and everyone around you!  Please contact Becky with questions on how to sign up.

COVENANT CIRCLES

ESUC’s mission is to be a caring, religious community. Covenant Circles are an avenue to fully enter the life of the church. Each circle meets two needs: first, it structures and nurtures caring relationships in a voluntary small-group setting with trained leaders; second, it provides ongoing opportunities for personal growth through exploring life issues in a liberal religious context.

Contact: Lori Coe, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
When: Dates and times vary.
Suggested Donation: None

DORTHEA DIX SUPPORT GROUP

If you have a family member who is dealing with mental illness, a developmental disability, or any other mental health issue, you are invited to join us for interesting, relevant conversation, as well as friendship and support.  We respect the confidentiality of all who attend and we welcome newcomers.

Contacts: Carol (Zumbrunnen) Tauscheck or Karen McManus
When: Fourth Sunday of the month, 12:30 p.m.
Suggested Donation: None

EARTH AND SPIRITUALITY DISCUSSION GROUP

Come together monthly to celebrate our connection and reverence of planet Earth and the natural world with poetry readings, book discussions, nature walks, and spiritual practices that connect us all to the Earth and nature. Join this all age inclusive discussion group and share how our planet and nature play a part in all of our lives and in each individual’s spiritual life. Bring your children and their grandparents for this family-friendly experience.

Contact:  Leanne Struble
When:  Third Wednesday of the month, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Suggested Donation: None

EAST SHORE UNITARIAN CHURCH CHOIR

We are always interested in new members. No audition is required. Just show up in the Sanctuary on Thursday nights and start singing!

Contact: Bob Kechley
When: Thursdays, 7:30 p.m.
Suggested Donation: None

THE EAST SHORE MEN’S SUPPORT GROUP

We provide a place for men to explore their feelings, deal with some of the problems that life always manages to throw our way, get support from peers for any issues that we are struggling with, and form strong friendships with other men. New members are welcomed the first Sunday of each month and are requested to get an information package on the group format/purpose from either the Church office or by contacting Joe Germano.

Contact: Joe Germano
When: Sundays, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Suggested Donation: None

EAST SHORE WOMEN’S PERSPECTIVE

We encourage all women to join together for mutual support, personal growth and spiritual enrichment in order to use our combined vision and strengths to promote human dignity, environmental balance and world peace. Monthly meetings and a yearly retreat provide a variety of opportunities to connect, learn and take. Please see Women’s Perspective brochures, available in the church foyer for program details.

Contact:  Co-Chairs - Nancy Barnes and Ryam Hill
Suggested Donation: $30 annual membership dues (50% of your donation goes to the Unitarian Universalist Women’s Federation)

f/5.6 PHOTOGRAPHY GROUP

If you are interested in taking, printing, or appreciating photographs as an art form, please join us. All skill levels are welcome. If you enjoy photographs, visit our gallery in the foyer of the church building. We meet in the North Room.

Contact: Ron Hammond
When: Last Wednesday of the month, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Suggested Donation: None

HUMANIST BOOKS GROUP

Welcome to another year of the Humanist Books Group!  We’re a small, friendly support group of agnostics and atheists, and we read and discuss only half of a book each month.  We welcome you to join us in our quest for an ethical life free from religious dogma. The book list is in the East Shore Bookstore.

Contact: John Thompson
When: 2nd Tuesday of the month at the church, 7:30-9:00 p.m.
Suggested Donation: None

MEN’S BREAKFAST GROUP

In the Men’s Breakfast Group there are no CEO’s, CFO’s, officers, corporate attorneys, or accountants. There are no dues and no big shots. We just gather every two weeks at members’ homes to enjoy their selected cuisine. Our goal is good conversation, sharing, and camaraderie. We look forward to seeing you.

Contact: Dave Womeldorff
When: Alternating Saturdays, 8:30 a.m.
Suggested Donation: Occasional hosting

THE MILITARY HISTORY GROUP

“Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” —George Santayana   The Military History Group meets to discuss major battles that have affected world history.  Examine the political and strategic causes of particular battles. Understand tactical operations. Uncover turning points and outcomes. Anyone with an interest in Military History is welcome.

Contact: Bill Riddle
When: Second Thursday of each month, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Suggested Donation: None

SCIENCE READING GROUP

We are a small, friendly group that is interested in our knowledge of science. Join us as we discuss readings in science from books, magazine articles, and non-technical scientific papers. Most readings will be available online. Readings are proposed by group members, then selected by group consensus.

Contact: Alan Carter
When: Thursday evenings, 7:30 p.m.
Suggested Donation: None 

SCRAPBOOKING OUR STORIES

Are you a scrapbooker or crafter? Do you get excited about patterned paper, decorative punches, and specialty adhesives? So do we! We'll gather to share stories and friendship, and of course work on our album and craft projects! Beginners and non-scrapping crafters welcome! Please bring your own materials and tools; a list of recommended scrapbooking supplies is available on request for those new to scrapbooking. Light refreshments will be served; please feel free to bring a snack to share. .  Please RSVP so that Rachel knows how many to plan for. Crafty kids are welcome, too!

Contact: Rachel Gerberding
When: First Saturday of each month, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. in the North Room
Suggested Donation: $3.00 

SUNDAY MEDITATION

Ongoing, weekly group meditation which may include guided and/or silent meditation, according to the consensus of the group.  In format and philosophy the Sunday Meditation is the same as the Tuesday Night Meditation, and everyone is welcome to attend both or either session. The session is scheduled from 8:30 - 9:15am, ending in time for the early (9:30am) Sunday service for those who wish to attend.

Contact:  Kristi Adler
When:     Sunday mornings, 8:30 - 9:15 a.m.
Suggested Donation: None

SUNDAY MORNING FORUMS

Our forums engage people in topics of social justice, community, congregational life, and religious or spiritual inquiry through presentation and vigorous discussion in order to uncover deeper truths. Watch for announcements of topics and dates; we meet in M-108.

Contact: Dick Jacke
When: Sundays, 9:30-10:45 a.m.
Suggested Donation: None

THIRD SATURDAY BRIDGE CLUB

Come single or with a partner to enjoy an evening of bridge to have fun and exercise the mind. At least minimal bridge proficiency is necessary. Reservations appreciated; we meet in the North Room or Spring Hall.

Contacts: Laurie Wick & Suzanne Tessaro
When: Third Saturday of the month, 6:45 p.m.
Suggested Donation: $1 for snacks

THURSDAY NIGHT GUITAR JAM

Do you enjoy playing guitar? Would you like to play with others but don't get the chance very often? Are you looking to learn new songs, chords, or techniques? Or maybe you just enjoy singing in a relaxed setting? Then Guitar Jam is for you. We continue to meet twice a month to share songs and tunes, in any style from folk to blues to rock and even original material. You don't even have to be a guitar player. Other instruments welcome too. Come sing or play with us or just drop in and listen.

Contacts:  Paul Hutchinson & Chris Struble
When:  First and third Thursdays of the month, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Suggested Donation: None

TUESDAY MEDITATION GROUP

This group meets each Tuesday evening for about an hour to meditate together. All are invited to attend whenever possible. We do not have a leader but function by consensus of those in attendance.

Contact: Robert von Tobel or Laura Rivendell
When: Tuesdays, 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.  A weekly email reminder indicates meeting location and any changes in timing.
Suggested Donation: None.

YOGA

Practice this meditative and supple form of exercise with an ongoing group of sympathetic people. No prior experience needed. Bring a mat or towel for floor work. We meet in Spring Hall.

Contact: Joyce Turner
When: Mondays and Thursdays, 9:30-11:00 a.m.
Cost: $5 to be paid at class