Programs for Adults
We have a variety of religious exploration and social programs for adults including:
- Classes and Seminars
- Retreats
- Groups and Activities
- Dinners
- Choirs – Please see the Music page for more information on how you get involved in the wonderful music programs at UCC!
For more information, please contact our Adult Programs Committee, and we will direct your question to the appropriate contact person.
Classes and Seminars
Building Your Own Theology (Part 1) – Wednesday evenings starting January 25
Kathryn Burwash and Ev Dewar will lead this popular course, “Building Your Own Theology” with guest appearances by the Rev. Debra Faulk. It was offered last year and will be offered again starting in January 2012 for eight weeks. This course enables individuals to better understand and define their own beliefs. As a non-dogmatic community of faith, Unitarians are responsible for defining their own beliefs “in a free and responsible search for truth and meaning” (our fourth principle). This can be both liberating and overwhelming. Come, share your journey and organize your beliefs in a supportive, non-judgmental group. The course consists of 8 weeks of structured presentation with interactive group exercises, followed by an hour of homework (reading and personal reflection) in your own time. By the end of the course participants will better understand how various aspects of “theology” and life experience have created their own Credo (a statement of personal belief). The cost is $22.00 for the course workbook. If cost is a problem, arrangements can be made to borrow the book. A minimum of 8 people is needed to hold the course.
Time: 7:00 – 9:30 pm Wednesdays: January 25, February 1, 15, 22, 29, March 7 and 14, 2012
Sign up: on the Church Activities Board or email the Adult Programs Committee.
Building Your Own Theology (Part 2) – Tuesday evenings starting March 20
Part 2 of the popular course “Building Your Own Theology” will be offered Tuesday evenings. The dates are March 20, 27, April 3, 10, 17, 24, May 1, 8, 15. Save the dates if you are interested in participating.
Dying With Dignity Seminars – Saturday, February 4, 2012
Wanda Morris, Executive Director of Dying with Dignity will present two seminars: “Straight Talk on Dying: Know Your Options” from 10:00 – 11:30 am and “Why Choice in Dying? Let’s Look at the Facts” from 1:00 – 2:30 pm. Lunch will be served between the seminars. For more information view their website at www.dyingwithdignity.ca in the resources tab, events section.
Contact person: Rev. Debra Faulk
Green Sanctuary Film Nights – monthly on Fridays – 6:00 pm pizza, 7:00 pm film
During the winter months a pizza/film night is proposed monthly to bring earth-friendly films to the attention of members and guests. The themes chosen for these events are: plants and the human psyche, the health and erosion of soil, global warming awareness, and the bicycle culture. The plan is to offer pizza and snacks for a contribution before the film presentation, which is at 7:00 pm. Afterwards during coffee and dessert a knowledgeable speaker will lead off a short discussion.
Please see the Events page for dates of the next film night.
Introduction to Unitarian Universalism
The Membership Committee and our Minister, Debra Faulk, offer this course in fall, winter and spring during the year. The course focus is to explore the historical roots of our faith and the history of this particular Unitarian Church. There is also ample time for questions and reflections on what you are looking for in a church community. The purpose of the course is to help you make a choice as to whether or not our church community is a place where you feel at home and a place where you can freely pursue your own spiritual path. We ask that you register in advance if you are interested in taking the course. We do offer child care for the course if you let us know in advance.
The course is planned for January 22 and again on March 10, 2012.
Contact: Membership Committee
Rise Up and Call Her Name – Part 2
Continue the journey that we began a year ago in April 2011 when we “travelled” to meet the goddesses from religious
traditions in Africa and Asia! We welcome new participants, along with returning participants. If we have new people
joining us, the first session will review Part 1 before continuing on the journey to the Pacific Islands and the Americas.
For those of you unfamiliar with Rise Up and Call Her Name, this program explores ethical principles that are central to a variety of Earth- and women-honouring traditions around the world. We consider how goddesses from multicultural traditions can inspire us in our daily lives. A wide range of activities, including music, art, dance, poetry, dialogue, and ritual provide diverse opportunities to develop fresh perspectives on fearlessness, compassion, nurturing, and numerous other aspects of personal spirituality. Please note, people of all genders and all sexual orientations are welcome to participate in this program.
Dates: Wednesday evenings on April 18 & 25, May 2, 9, 16, and 23
Time: 6:45 - 9:15 pm
Registration is ongoing until April 11.
Contact: Lynn Nugent, Maidie Couvillon, or Diane Pask or email Adult Programs
Retreats
Annual Spiritual Retreat – February 17-19, 2012, Kamp Kiwanis
This retreat is offered annually and is a great opportunity to get to know people in our congregation better, connect with self, and enjoy time in nature. This year’s theme is “Spirituality in Everyday Life.” There are a variety of workshops offered and time for both quiet reflection and fun. Newcomers are welcome.
Registration: Roberta Clair
Turn of the Wheel Spiritual Retreats – Quarterly on Saturdays, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Now in its fifth year, we offer a half-day spiritual retreat the Saturday prior to the change of each season (solstice or equinox). Join us for the quarterly “Turn of the Wheel Spiritual Retreat” marking this transition. We will take time to reflect individually on the four areas of our lives: physical, emotional, mental, spiritual. We will spend time on each aspect, looking back over the past season and consider how we are doing in that area, and then make concrete plans on what we plan to do in the next season. Most of the time will be spent in individual reflection. This time is a gift to yourself. Sign-up on the Church Activities board in Wickenden Hall or contact the facilitators, Marie Collins and Ev Dewar.
Dates: March 17, 2012
Time: 9:30 AM – 12:30 pm
Contact persons: Marie Collins & Ev Dewar
Mindfulness Days (Wild Rose Sangha)
The Sangha holds regular Mindfulness Days throughout the year. This an opportunity to experience silent meditation, walking meditation and other Buddhist practices from the Vietnamese tradition. Everyone is welcome, though some experience of meditation is helpful. For more information please visit the Wild Rose Sangha website or attend one of the Monday night sittings.
Dates: Throughout the year
Contact persons: Sarah Knowling or Al Black, http://wildrosesangha.ca
Location: TBA
A Life of Mindfulness – Buddhist Retreat (Wild Rose Sangha)
For the 4th year, the Sangha offers a 3-day retreat, including silent meditation, walking meditation and Dharma talks lead by Eileen Kiera, at the Alpine Club of Canada Clubhouse in Canmore. Everyone is welcome, though some experience of meditation is helpful. For more information please visit the Wild Rose Sangha website.
Dates: TBA
Contact persons: Sarah Knowling or Al Black, http://wildrosesangha.ca
Location: Alpine Club of Canada Clubhouse, Canmore
Groups and Activities
Adult Sunday Morning Study Group – second and fourth Sundays, 9:00 am
The Sunday Morning Study Group meets on the second and fourth Sundays of the month at 9:00 am in the Board Room. More than just a discussion group, the intent is to set and explore specific topics.
Contact: Bruce Godwin
Bob MacPherson Library
The Bob MacPherson Library is located in the north-west corner of Wickenden Hall (our social hall). There are now around 300 titles of books and DVDs shelved in the categories of interest. New additions have been largely donated by Church members from their own collections. Some culling has taken place since the aim is for an active lending library of current interest, not a reference library.
Contact: Bob MacPherson
Book Discussions – Sundays, 7:30- 9:00 pm
The group meets during the fall and winter at the church in the Barker Room. A 30 minute presentation on a book of interest is given, followed by an hour of friendly discussion over coffee and tea. Participants do not need to read the evening’s book in advance, but many will want to do so afterward! The new book discussion semester will include both fiction and non-fiction books throughout the season. We are still looking for more offers to read and introduce a book and to lead a discussion about the book. A sign-up sheet is on the Wickenden bulletin board . For details about upcoming discussion, please see the Events page.
Dates: Sundays during the fall and winter
Time: 7:30 – 9:00 pm
Contact: Bruce Godwin
Buddhist Meditation Group (Wild Rose Sangha) – Mondays, 7:30 – 9:00pm
In the Vietnamese tradition of Zen monk Thich Nhat Hanh, we sit for 25 minutes of silent meditation, practice tea meditation, chant briefly and discuss Buddhist philosophy and practice. Please bring a pillow or bench – chairs are also available. There is no cost and no experience required. Everyone is welcome!
Dates: Monday evenings
Time: 7:30 – 9:00 pm, or come early for soup at 6:30 pm
The group also organizes an annual meditation retreat in Canmore and bi-monthly days of mindfulness. For more information please visit the Wild Rose Sangha website.
Contact persons: Sarah Knowling or Al Black
Chalice Circles – twice monthly, various times
A Chalice Circle is made up of (ideally) 6 to 10 persons who meet regularly (usually twice a month) for two hours in each other’s homes or in the church to share feelings, thoughts and life experiences through attentive listening, engaged conversation and respectful practices that create open-hearted and open-minded engagement. Groups will have set topics of discussion which will provide the opportunity for participants to discuss issues of social and spiritual concern in depth, allowing for friends and members of the church to develop deeper connections. Topics will be provided, with each Chalice Circle discussing the same topics. This will allow discussion to flow from individual groups into the church community at large. Members of each Chalice Circle agree upon and perform a service to the wider community or for the church as part of its covenantal practice of right relationship.
Contact: Chalice Circles
Forums – monthly, after the Sunday service
Once a month, usually at noon on the third Sunday of the month, a guest speaker brings his or her knowledge or viewpoints on an important issue or topic of the day, e.g. social matters or current affairs. For a donation, lunch is provided.
Time: 12:00 noon
Contact person: Maya Fishkis
Please see the Events page for details of the next scheduled session.
Laughter Club – twice monthly on Mondays, 7:30 pm
Sheila Ward and The Travelling Laughter Club will be resuming bi-monthly laughter yoga sessions this winter and spring. Laughter yoga is a program of gentle exercises, silliness, and laughter along with yogic breathing and some meditation (no special gear is needed). The physical and mental benefits of hearty laughter are well documented and participants have lots of fun too. The club is open to anyone who wants to join us on a regular or drop in basis.
Time: 7:30-8:30 pm in Room 1
Dates: January 30, February 13 and 27, March 12, April 2, 16, 30
Admission is free
For information see www.travellinglaughterclub.ca
Contact person: Sheila Ward
Music Listening
Why not relax with an evening of music listening? The music listening group gathers at people’s homes and the host or hostess shares his or her musical tastes. Everyone is welcome. Watch the Quest newsletter, e-mails, and Sunday’s Orders of Service for time and location and name of host. Space is limited so do let the host know you wish to come.
Contact person: Barry Wilkinson
Parent Connections Group – monthly after the service
Come share with us your joys and concerns of raising children aged 0 through 12 years in a liberal religious environment. Child-care is provided for younger children and an art/drama class will be available for ages 6-12 if numbers warrant. Bring a bag lunch for the whole family.
Dates: approximately monthly on a Sunday, Room 4. Please check the Events page for date of the next meeting.
Time: 12:00 – 1:45 pm
Contact person: Sandy Cooper
Tea with the Minister – Thursdays, 3:00- 4:00 pm
This offers a casual opportunity to meet with our minister, the Rev. Debra Faulk in her study. Everyone is welcome to drop in. The conversation will be determined by the participants.
Women’s Needlecraft and Chat – Tuesdays, 10:00 am and 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 7:00 pm
Needlework Circle for quilters, sewers, knitters, and others. Drop in at Wickenden Hall twice a month – bring a handiwork project (quilting, sewing, knitting, etc.) that you would like to complete in the company of others. Bring whatever supplies and equipment you need, task lighting, extension cords, and any kind of handwork that’s relatively easy to transport. This is on a drop-in basis, so those who wish to attend a particular session should ensure that someone with a key will be in attendance.
Dates: Tuesdays (subject to cancellation in case of outside hall booking)
Time: 10:00 am
Additional sessions: 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 7:00 pm
Contact person: Loretta Biasutti
Young Adult Group
The Young Adults aged 20 – 40 meet to share conversation, watch films, and explore issues of liberal religious faith. Soulful Sundown are often held on the second Sunday of each month following the Second Sunday suppers. There are ad hoc events during the year and newcomers are welcome.
Contact person: Mike Greening
Dinners
Collective Kitchen – third and fourth Sundays
Do you like to cook? Do you like to eat? You are welcome to join the Unitarian Collective Kitchen. The group meets twice a month, usually on the third and fourth Thursdays. The first meeting each month is the planning meeting. It runs from 6:45 – 7:30 pm. We decide what we will cook, and we divide up the shopping list so that each person brings two or three ingredients. A week later, at the cooking meeting, we bring our ingredients and receipts, and of course we cook up a storm. This meeting runs from 4:30 – 7:30 pm. We always cook more than we will eat, and we take home about half of the food in plastic containers. We divide up and redistribute the cost of ingredients. It usually costs about $2 to $8 per portion. Per portion means per complete meal lovingly prepared and served by human hands.
Dates: Usually the third and fourth Thursdays
Time: 6:45 – 7:30 pm on the third Thursday, 4:30 – 7:30 pm on the fourth Thursday.
Contact person: Kichiji Kabayama
Dinners for Eight – November, March, and May
Dinners for Eight are a lovely way to get to know other adults in the congregation. Everyone brings a dish to share and we enjoy conversation and company. Dinners will be organized for three times a year: November, March, and May. If you are interested in hosting or attending a dinner, please contact Bob Willson.
Contact: Bob Willson
Dinners for Six
“All Ages Dinner for Six” are coming soon. We are also looking for people to host dinners for 6; host spaces will need to include a place where children can play after dinner.
Contact: Judy Negrey
Festival Dinners
Alone during the holidays? Do you enjoy sharing festivals with friends? Have potluck dinner with your Unitarian friends at the church on Thanksgiving Monday, Christmas Day, and other special occasions through the year. Information and sign up details are advertised in the Quest newsletter, inserts in the Orders of Service, and on e-news.
Second Sunday Suppers – monthly, 5:00 pm
Come share a meal and lively conversation on the second Sunday of each month. Doors are open at 4:00 pm and supper is served at 5:00 pm. Children are welcome! Supper is provided and donations welcomed to cover food costs. Hosted by the Caring Team. You can register by the sign up sheet in Wickenden Hall or email the Caring Team.
Please see the Events page for date of the next supper.