Lifespan Education
August - September, 2008
Lifespan Education Programs of the UU Congregation of Venice provide a learning environment through courses that value religious freedom, encourages open dialogue on questions of faith, and offers encouragement, assistance, guidance, and support to each individual in his/her search for a personal philosophy/theology to live by. All interested persons are welcome.
Welcome! to our new Lifespan Religious Education Director, Diane Kreutzer, Ed.D
Click here to read her message The Weight of Words.
Multicultural Film Festival
aka "Summer Popcorn Night"
This film festival is intended to entertain, but also to be thought provoking. Bring your own drink; the popcorn will be provided! Join fellow UUCOVers in the Sanctuary on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 on the following dates: July 9, 16, 23, 30 and August 6.
August 6 is the date for the last “Summer Popcorn Night.” The featured DVD will be “The DaVinci Code.” Now is your chance to join fellow members of UUCOV to view (and discuss?) this exciting film.
“The DaVinci Code” brings alive Dan Brown’s international bestseller in this film directed by Ron Howard. Join symbologist Robert Langdon (Academy Award Winner Tom Hanks) and cryptologist Sophie Neven (Audrey Tautou) in their heart-racing quest to solve a bizarre murder mystery that will take them from France to England – and behind the veil of a mysterious ancient society, where they discover a secret protected since the time of Christ. With first-rate performances by Sir Ian McKellen, Alfred Molina and Jean Reno, critics called this movie “involving,” “intriguing,” “a first rate thriller.”
What’s Ahead for Adult Growth and Learning?
As the chair of UUCOV’s Adult Growth and Learning Committee for the past year, I have sought to follow the pattern set here at UUCOV by the very competent previous committee chair, Barbara Smith. Her wise counsel and hard work created an exemplary program for members, whether new-comers or those with more UU experience.
In the past year, I have also gone online to search out the types of programs that are offered at other UU congregations and fellowships. I have talked with others who are responsible for the program at their location. And, of course, in attending GA last month my primary mission was to attend every workshop related to adult learning and to learn as much as possible about what has been working elsewhere. My purpose? To build on what UUCOV has had and, if possible, make it even better.
One interesting thing that I learned is that the committee name, “Adult Growth and Learning” is now passé. The preferred term appears to be “Lifespan Education,” although I personally prefer something more interesting, such as “Learning Challenges” or simply, “Learning Opportunities,” but I could live with “Adult Explorations.”
Our Sunday Morning Forums are an excellent way to keep people informed; we will continue these, although perhaps we will play a little with the topics or the focus on any specific Sunday. Spanish for Non-Spanish Speakers, taught so well by Victor Kater, has proven popular and of great service for UUCOV and for the community; Spanish will continue, beginning in November. We have spent some time learning about other religious faiths (Buddhism, Islam) and, via the expertise of Barbara Walker about the influence of earlier goddesses; we have had a full program. What direction(s) should we go?
The success of Socrates Café this past spring identifies one possibility. Many who attended commented that they welcomed the small group environment that led to more intensive discussion. We will continue Socrates Café with those attending identifying the topic of discussion for each session.
Two additional areas sound especially appealing to supplement what we have enjoyed. One is an exploration of UU as it exists today, 2008, and what may lie ahead. There are some relatively new books on the market that offer interesting perspectives on UU and should provide fertile ground for exploration of our chosen faith. Look for the announcement of a Book Group beginning in October that will enable those interested to pursue this topic.
The second area is exploring our own spirituality. While many of us participate in Spirituality Groups, there does seem to be more that could prove beneficial in the way of discussion and exploration. Watch for announcements for small group discussions to focus on “Exploring Our Spirituality.”
Are there other areas you would like to add? If so, send your comments to
<bevmorrison(at)comcast.net> (replace (at) with @ in the address) or give her a call at 941.497.6337.
Bev Morrison, Chair, Adult Explorations
UUCOV'S Lifespan Educaion Committee
Serena Cannarelli, Don Hughes, Nancy Ryder, Barbara Smith, Barbara Walker, Mimi Welch, Reverend Nazian, Ex-Officio, Beverly Morrison, Chair
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Venice
