Adult RE Programs

chalice

REGISTRATION

Unless otherwise noted, please register for classes by signing up in Room 100, emailing us at Office @muuf.org or by contacting the MUF Office at (973) 540-1177. Be sure to include your phone number and email address.

CHILDCARE

Childcare is available for any session at no charge if you notify us at least two weeks in advance. Please contact the MUF Office at (973) 540-1177 for reservations.

Printable Version of Lifespan LearningPrograms

Current Programs July/ August 2010

MUF Members: For further information on any program, please contact the program's coordinator. Click here for full program listings that include each coordinator's name, phone number, and email address.

LIFESPAN LEARNING PROGRAMS

Learning has a new name this year at the Morristown Unitarian Fellowship! Our Lifespan Learning Programreflects a more comprehensive approach to children’s religious education and adult enrichment activities, seeing them both as parts of a life-long continuum of growth for all ages. We at MUF are committed to building a multigenerational community through worship, religious education, social justice activities, and fun community-building events.

Children and Youth Programming

Four elements define the growth and learning of the Fellowship’s religious education program, all guided by the philosophy of the 7 th Principle of Unitarian Universalism: We are part of the interdependent web of all existence.

We believe in a beloved community that fosters friendships and fun. We guide our adults, children, and youth in right relationship by providing safe space and deep listening.
We believe UU Identity is formed by lifespan education through core stories of our faith. We listen and learn from other faith traditions, appreciating and accepting the diversity of beliefs.
We believe spiritual growth is a life-long journey of questioning and self-discovery. Through creative arts and spiritual practices, we build our own theology.
We believe social action is putting our UU principles and values into motion by stepping out of our individualism and into a collective community in the spirit of love.

Our children’s covenant is: “We are Unitarian Universalists. We are the Fellowship of the open mind, loving heart, and helping hands. Together we care for the Earth and work to bring peace and justice into the world.”

Our curriculum on Sunday mornings is as follows:

Nursery: Open for children through three years of age from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon .
Preschool — for three-year-olds: Chalice Children is designed to help young children learn about their congregation. Concrete experiences with people and places will give your children a sense of belonging.
Preschool/Kindergarten — for four- and five-year-olds: Stories About God offer children a variety of experiences with that which people call God. Children learn to develop a language with which they can speak of what Unitarian Universalists call the Spirit of Life, and they learn a variety of stories about the divine from many sources.

Grades 1 through 6 : Building Blocks are based on a two-year rotation model. This year we are offering three units: Unitarian Universalist Identity and Heritage (for eight weeks); World Religions (nine weeks); and The Interdependent Web of Life (nine weeks) — an ecology-based unit that helps our children understand how important it is to keep all life safe from harm.
Junior High Coming of Age : Our 7 th and 8 th grade youth are encouraged to ask the big questions that will help them write a Belief Statement. A youth mentoring program is ongoing throughout the year. Their time together culminates in a trip to Boston .
Senior High Program — for grades 9 through 12: Our Senior High youth meet from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on most Sundays to talk about a range of topics and experience a wide variety of activities in a safe and trusting environment. Our Senior High Youth Group builds a home with Habitat for Humanity every summer and works on a series of social justice projects throughout the year.

For further information about children and youth programming, please contact Karen Brown, MUF’s Director of Religious Education, at (973) 540-1177 ext. 205 or uudre@optimum.net.

Adult and Multigenerational Programs

MUF’s Lifespan Learning Committee (formerly called the Adult Programs Committee) encourages and coordinates a diverse range of activities that provide opportunities for religious exploration, personal growth, meaningful interaction with one another, and education and action about issues that affect our world.

Our vision is to provide a constant stream of adult and multigenerational enrichment programs that nurture, inform, challenge, and strengthen the MUF community. Our goal is to make these activities such a strong, successful, and vital part of our community that it is impossible to imagine the Fellowship without them.

With the help of many dedicated MUF members and friends, we are pleased to offer the listing of programs that follow in this brochure. We hope that you’ll attend many of this year’s activities.

We encourage you to contact members of the Lifespan Learning Committee to offer your feedback and suggestions for future programs. Please talk with one of the current members if you’d like to join the committee or present your ideas:

Elizabeth Bain, Chair Noelle Jensen
Dee Dasara Nina Nemeth
Pat de la Fuente Danelle Simonelli
Bob Evans Karen Brown, Director of Religious Education

MUF Lifespan Learning Programs
for July-August 2010

pre-registration with the office is required for Most programs!
(unless otherwise noted in the program’s description)
Space is limited, so don’t be left out! Programs may be cancelled if not enough people register.
To Register: E-mail office@muuf.org or call (973) 540-1177 ext. 203
or sign up on the bulletin board in Room 100.
Free child care for children age 10 and younger will be provided for all programs,
but MUST be requested at least TWO weeks ahead.
For additional information about any course, please contact the facilitator.

Men’s Consciousness Raising Group

Every Thursday Evening in July and August — time to be announced

This ongoing Men’s Group will be holding open sessions during the months of July and August for prospective new members to try out. We share personal joys and issues in a non-judgmental setting where it is safe to express feelings in an accepting and confidential space. “Open” meetings mean that no commitment is necessary during these two months and all men are welcome to see if they would be interested in continuing to attend, After the summer, participants are asked to make a ten-week commitment to show up each week (except for sickness or business) and the sessions will be closed. Please call Don or Victor for more details.

For more information & to register : Contact Don Price or Victor Sperber.

Compassionate Communication Practice Group #1

One Thursday of Every Month — July & August dates to be announced

“Peace begins within.” Formed in 2006, this group uses Marshall Rosenberg’s Nonviolent Communication (NVC) techniques in a variety of ways to facilitate personal growth and cultivate openness, honesty, empathy, and connection with others. This group welcomes participants who have experience with and want to further explore the practice of NVC. No registration required.

For more information & next meeting date : Contact Genie Bane at geniebane@optonline.net .

Compassionate Communication Practice Group #2

Two Wednesdays of Every Month, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. — July & August dates to be announced

This group uses the classic book Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life , by Marshall B. Rosenberg, Ph.D., and the skill-sharpening exercises in the companion workbook. Learn how to listen empathically and communicate your feelings and needs. Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is a powerful tool for peace and partnership. No registration required. Although this group is currently at capacity and therefore closed to new members, please let Brenda or Jo know if you’d like additional information on NVC and/or if you’re interested in forming a new group.

For more information & next meeting date : Contact Brenda Forte at bgforte@verizon.net or Jo Sippie-Gora at josippie@optonline.net .

Taichi Light Monthly Practice

First Saturday of Every Month, 9:30 a.m. — including July 3, August 7, & September 4

Coordinated by Al Chu & Laurie MacGeorge

MUF member Al Chu, the creator of Taichi Light, will lead us in practicing this ancient energy work together. It’s a great way to get in shape, get healthy, and also learn to relax. We will practice for about 45 minutes doing Taichi movements, breath work, and Qigong exercises. Those who have taken Al's Taichi Light classes know what this entails; however, much more will be included in each session. Those who have not taken his classes are also welcome. Taichi Light is a simplified version of the traditional Chinese Taichi (Tai Chi) and Qigong exercises that is easier to learn, memorize, and practice by people of all ages, especially those of advanced age or reduced physical agility. No equipment is needed, only a small, 10-by-10-foot area. Taichi Light consists of 18 simple movements, each done six times, accompanied by uninterrupted deep breathing and mental imagery. Practiced consistently for 15–20 minutes once or twice a day, Taichi Light can help you increase your body flexibility and your sense of balance, set your mind at peace, and stimulate your physical and mental vitality. No registration required.

For more information : Contact Al Chu at alchu888@gmail.com or Laurie MacGeorge at dlmacg10@aol.com.

Show More Drama

Four Wednesdays, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. — including July 7 & 21, August 4 & 18

Coordinated by Pratik Mamtora

Join MUF’s theater club for all ages, from 7 years old on up. The workshops will include acting, singing, dancing, role play, improvisation, scenario-based workshops, script reading, memorizing lines, wardrobe, costume, make-up — and possibly putting on a production! Participation in the group is free, but donations to cover supplies will not be turned down. No registration required.

For more information : Contact Pratik Mamtora at pratikmamtora@yahoo.co.uk.

A Day at Grounds for Sculpture

Wednesday, July 14, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (rain date Wednesday, July 21)

Coordinated by Danelle Simonelli

Spend the day with Fellowship friends at Grounds for Sculpture, a 35-acre outdoor sculpture park in Hamilton, New Jersey. This innovative facility contains more than 240 works of contemporary art, creatively arranged across a landscape of paths, plants, and water features. There’s a surprise at every turn, from interactive sculptures to 3-D recreations of famous paintings, not to mention the wandering peacocks. All ages are welcome — this is a fun place to bring the whole family. We will meet at MUF at 9:00 a.m. and form car pools for the 50-mile ride. Lunch can be had at either of the two restaurants within the park: the informal Peacock Café or the more upscale Rat’s Restaurant. (Sorry, no outside food can be brought into the park.) Cost: $12.00 plus lunch for adults; $10.00 plus lunch for students age 13 and older and for seniors age 65 and older; $8.00 plus lunch for children age 6-12; free admission for children age 5 and under. Please pre-register by contacting Danelle no later than Monday, July 12.

For more information & to register : Contact Danelle Simonelli at dksimonelli@hotmail.com.

Practices to Transform Your Life, Your Work, and Your World

Ten Tuesday and Thursday Evenings, 7:00 p.m. — including July 15 & 29,

August 12 & 24, September 9 & 21, October 7 & 21, November 4 & 18

Facilitated by Karen Brown , Director of Religious Education

Join us twice a month in a Wisdom Circle (Small Group Ministry) as we look at spiritual practices using the book The Spiritual Activist by Claudia Horwitz. “The intention of The Spiritual Activist is the idea that as we develop spiritual and reflective practices within the context of our personal lives and the pursuit of social change, we create a more solid and secure foundation for a new world.” Eleven circles will define our time together – Practice, Mindfulness, Words, Healing, Relationships, Ritual, Stories, Images, Circles, Celebration, and Place. Purchasing the book isn’t required, but it will be a helpful resource. Participation is limited to 10 people. Please pre-register by contacting Karen no later than Monday, July 12.

For more information & to register : Contact Karen Brown at uudre@optimum.net or karen@muuf.org .

Jazz & Dancin’ on the Terrace

Sunday, July 18, 3:00 p.m.

Back by popular demand, the 16-piece big band Jazz Players Anonymous will perform their high-energy renditions of swing, blues, and bebop. Come early, bring a picnic, a blanket, and the whole family to enjoy the beautiful grounds of the Fellowship. For the second half of the program, those who like will be invited to dance along to the music. Swing dance coaches will be available for those who wish to improve their dancing skills . Tickets are $15.00 in advance at the MUF Box Office on Sunday mornings, $20.00 at the door, and $5.00 for youth age 18 and under.

For more information : Contact Dr. Jim Blanton at music@muuf.org.

Cordial Conversation and Chow

Fourth Wednesday of Every Month, 10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. — including July 28 & August 25

Coordinated by Gloria Dyer

Please join us this summer for two conversations. On July 28, ,Karen Brown will lead a discussion based on the book Turning to One Another by Margaret Wheatley. The author is a writer and management consultant. Reading the book is not a prerequisite; check out the author’s website, if you wish, at margaretwheatley.com. On August 25, we will hold a discussion of Emily Dickinson’s poetry. Bring in a few of your favorite Dickinson poems. If you are not a poetry buff, and want to learn to be, this is the conversation for you. Please bring a bag lunch to each session and, if desired, a dessert to share. Please pre-register by Tuesday, July 27 for the July session and by Tuesday, August 24 for August.

For more information & to register : Contact Gloria Dyer at gloria.dyer@verizon.net .

Parlez-vous Français?

Fourth Wednesday of Every Month, 7:00 p.m. — including July 28 & August 25

If you can read the title of this program, you are invited to a MUF Cercle Français to hang out and speak French. Acquiring another language is good for thought process, creativity, and communication skills. Both beginners and experts are welcome. We will circulate beforehand a petite story (current event or cultural) or a poem in French and English so we will have some talking points for our conversation. Please bring some French-like goodies to share and to munch on. RSVP (that’s French, too!) so we can send written materials — by Wednesday, July 21 for the July session and by Wednesday, August 18 for August.

For more information & to register : Contact Laurent Comes at laurent@comes.us or Geri Silk at gerisilk@yahoo.com .

The XYZ’s of Addiction

Sunday, August 1, 12:00 noon – 1:30 p.m.

Facilitated by Rev. Linda Goonewardene , MUF Summer Minister

Based on our Summer Minister’s training and eight years of working in substance abuse treatment with adolescents and adults, this workshop will cover prevention, treatment, and recovery from addiction. It is designed for anyone who loves someone who may have a problem with alcohol or drugs. It is also for parents who want assistance with preventing substance abuse in their children. Anyone with an interest in learning about addiction is also welcome. Please pre-register by contacting Linda no later than Friday, July 30.

For more information & to register : Contact Linda Goonewardene at teapot13@comcast.net.

A Day at Storm King Art Center

Wednesday, August 11, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

(rain date Wednesday, August 18)

Coordinated by Danelle Simonelli

Spend the day with Fellowship friends at Storm King Art Center, a 500-acre outdoor sculpture park in Mountainville, New York. More than 125 works of contemporary art are spread across rolling hills, fields, and woodland trails and inside a Normandy-style museum in the Hudson River highlands. All ages are welcome. We will meet at MUF at 9:00 a.m. and form car pools for the 60-mile ride. You can either bring a picnic lunch or buy it at the Storm King Café. Cost: $12.00 admission for adults; $10.00 for seniors age 65 and older; $8.00 for college students with ID and children in grades K–12; free admission for children under age 5. Please pre-register by contacting Danelle no later than Monday, August 9.

For more information & to register : Contact Danelle Simonelli at dksimonelli@hotmail.com.

The ABC’s of Loss and Grief

Sunday, August 29, 12:00 noon – 1:30 p.m.

Facilitated by Rev. Linda Goonewardene, MUF Summer Minister

Dealing with loss — whether it is death, abandonment, a significant life change, or trauma — can lead to grief. What is grief, why does it happen, and how can we survive and thrive through major losses in our life? This workshop will answer these questions and assist you on your journey or as you support others on their journeys. Please pre-register by contacting Linda no later than Friday, August 27.

For more information & to register : Contact Linda Goonewardene at teapot13@comcast.net.

Become a MUF Musicmaker!

Join one of the Fellowship’s many performing music ensembles. We have groups

designed for many ages and levels of performance. Get involved in the one that fits you!

• MUF Adult Choir

• MUF Youth Choir (grades 6 and above — new this season!)

• MUF Children’s Choir (grades 1-5)

• Morris Consort (an advanced-level chamber choir)

• MUF Chamber Ensemble (instrumental — new this season!)

For more information: Contact Dr. Jim Blanton at music@muuf.org .

pre-registration is required for certain programs!
Please refer to each program’s description for details on how to register.
Space is limited, so don’t be left out! Programs may be cancelled if not enough people register.
To Register through the office : E-mail maggie@muuf.org or call (973) 540-1177
or sign up on the bulletin board in Room 100.
Free child care for children age 10 and younger will be provided for all programs, but MUST be requested through the office at least TWO weeks ahead.

ONGOING PROGRAMS

You are always welcome -- no registration required

Monday Night Book Group

Second Monday of Most Months, 7:00 p.m. — including July 12 (no session in August)
Coordinated by Nancy Lee McLure

The group enjoys reading and discussing a different book each month. We include a great variety of books to interest a wide spectrum of readers. Come join us for a great discussion and bring suggestions for future books. In July, we will talk about John Steinbeck, so please choose one of his books to read for sharing and discussion. New members and visitors are always welcome. No registration required.

For more information : Contact Nancy Lee McLure at nlmclure@msn.com.

Womanspace — Women’s Spirituality Circle

Third Sunday of Every Month, at 11:30 a.m. during summer — including July 18 & August 15
Coordinated by Gloria Jackson

Womanspace meets each month for an informal circle gathering that includes ritual, discussion, and sharing of personal experiences. Open to all women, both adults and teens. Guests and visitors are welcome. No registration required.

For more information : Contact Gloria Jackson at gloriajcksn@aol.com.

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Are You Planning a Program at MUF?

Please remember to submit a description of your activity to the Fellowship’s newsletter and to the Adult Programs Committee, so that your event can be properly publicized. Send your announcements by the 15 th of each month to:

● Pat Baxter, Newsletter Editor, at melodylingers@verizon.net

● Danelle Simonelli, Lifespan Learning Committee, at dksimonelli@hotmail.com