FUSN Adult Religious Education Opportunities: January-June 2016
This catalog includes descriptions of all Adult Education events at FUSN, from January 2016 to
June 2016. Check activity schedules, posted daily, inside the back door and the Washington
Street entrance.
Registration
To register for those activities where registration is suggested, please contact Fran Clancy, our
FUSN Administrator (617-527-3203/e-mail office@fusn.org). If you have any additional
questions, contact Adult Education chair, Jacqui James (jacquiajames@gmail.com) or Acting
Lifespan RE Director, Rowan van Ness (617- 332-3438 /e-mail dlre@fusn.org), or any member
of the Adult Education Committee listed on the last page of this catalog.
Curriculum
In keeping with our tradition of openness, we welcome change and embrace diversity. Our
curriculum varies from year to year responding to shifting needs in our community, in our
denomination, and in the world at large. Our offerings fall into five distinct, yet overlapping,
categories that capture/reflect our mission here at FUSN.
• Liberal Religious Traditions
These courses help congregants gain a deeper understanding of liberal religious traditions as
manifested in our history and in our shared religious practice. These courses and activities help
us answer questions of identity – Who are we? How have we come to be who we are? What is
our story? What do we stand for?
• Faith and Doubt: Theology and World Religions
These courses and activities help us better understand other faiths - their histories and evolutions,
their tenets and texts, their practices and rituals. The crucial questions in this area are about our
neighbors and our shared history – Who are our neighbors? What can we learn from them? How
can we remain connected to them? Who are we? What is our history? Our future?
• Faith and Practice: Social Justice and Social Action
These activities help us understand how change and healing can happen and how we can be their
agents. They address the questions – How can I help? How can I alleviate pain and suffering?
How can I make the world a safer and more just place? How can I advocate for systemic
change, for change that transforms the world? How must I change my life?
• Spiritual Practice and the Inner Life
These are introductions to our supports for forms of spiritual practice – prayer, meditation,
reflection, compassion, peacefulness, charity, mindfulness, and the disciplines of the arts (music,
movement, poetry, etc). These practices help us answer questions like: How can I be in the
world? How do I experience the world? How can I worship? How must I listen? How can I
best express my experience of the world?
• Multicultural Ministry Initiative
These activities are designed to support us in living out our vision of becoming effective
members of a just and loving multicultural society. They address: Do I understand the nature of
systemic racism? Who do I stand with? Do I stand for racial justice and the end of
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discrimination? How can I become an effective ally with people of color? Do I stand with people
of color and white allies in the struggle to uproot racism?
The Structures of Adult Education at FUSN
Times
Weekday evenings and Sunday mornings (before and after the worship service) have been the
times of choice for most of our activities. Times and dates for each event are listed in the
description of the event. We offer occasional daytime activities, as well as some day long
workshops (usually on Saturdays).
Size
Workshops vary in size depending on content, format, and the specifications of our teachers or
Facilitators. Most run from 5 to 15 people. Some have size limits; others have none.
Format of Offerings
• Traditional multi-session courses meet for 3 – 8 sessions and involve a consistent group of
participants. Registration is essential.
• The drop-in experience occurs monthly or every other week. Come to one session, a few, or to
all. Generally registration is not required.
• One-time experiences generally do not require registration (excepting some daytime
workshops, which have size limits and/or fees).
• The master calendar at the end of the catalog helps us keep track of everything. It can also help
you to track a course over time to see where there may be conflicts.
Costs
Except for some workshops presented by guest leaders, all activities are free. There are materials
costs for some workshops.
FUSN Lending Library
Do you know that we have a Lending Library? Four years ago, we began to set up a library,
acquiring books and DVDs, reflecting a wide breadth of topics and interests, which we could
lend out. We have stocked our small lending library with materials ranging from class, climate
change, economics, food, ecology, peace, race, spirituality, and Universalism and Universalism
- to name some of our categories. Most Sundays you will find us in the parish hall during coffee
hour. Stop by the Adult RE table to explore our collection.
Books circulate for three weeks and DVDs for one week, with no renewals. If you need a book
for a longer period, we ask that you get a copy from the public library or purchase your own
copy. Our aim is to circulate these materials widely within the congregation. Since we have a
limited budget and storage space, we can provide only one or two copies of a given title.
Watch for our new books, including: What If I Say the Wrong Thing?: 25 Habits for Culturally
Effective People, Destiny Disrupted: A History of the World through Islamic Eyes, What If: Short
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Stories to Spark Diversity Dialogue, An Indigenous People’s History of the United States and Just
Mercy. Alice Wood, our Lending Library Coordinator, welcomes your suggestions for additional
books and DVDs.
Teachers and Facilitators
Teachers include staff members and guests who have some special expertise. But the majority of
our facilitators and teachers are volunteer members of FUSN. Their expertise, knowledge,
talents, and gracious labor are a great gift, a blessing to all of us.
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To find the journey’s end
in every step of the road
…is wisdom.
Liberal Religious Traditions
THE NEW UU
Saturday, April
Facilitators: Erin Splaine and Ash Engel
Do you want to know more about FUSN? More about the UUA? More about our history, and our
purposes, principles, and shared traditions? Then, as a new member, or an inquirer, or even an
old hand, you will want to join others for this session of The New UU. It provides an introduction
to our faith, our origins, and FUSN itself.
Faith and Doubt: Theology and World Religions
HOLY CURIOSITY
First and third Monday evenings: 3/8, 3/22, 4/4, 4/18, 5/2, 5/16. 6/6; 7:00 to 8:30 pm
Facilitator: Jacqui James
Holy Curiosity will resume in March, when we move to understanding how Islam has evolved in
the modern world. We plan to continue a fascinating exploration of a faith that changed and
continues to change the world. Join us as we continue our exploration of this major world
religion. New members are welcome to join us.
INTRODUCTION TO ISLAM
Date to be determined
Facilitator: Bahar Bastiani
Prof. Bahar Bastiani is an Iranian-American professor at St. Louis University as well as a poet
who has a strong interest in promoting bridges and mutual understanding with Islam. He has
presented the "Introduction to Islam" in a number of churches, and also been instrumental in
organizing several St. Louis community services, including:
• A Youth Dialogue" of Muslim and Jewish Youth
• A Day of Service" on Christmas Day in which Muslim and Jewish Community members
participate in 23 different Community Projects
• Salam Clinics where Muslim Physicians see patients at 2 churches with the help of
Christian Nurses and Mormon Dentists.
Dr. Bastiani’s experience in the community service aspects may be helpful in fostering
discussion about how FUSN might explore becoming active in local interfaith community
service.
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READING THE KORAN
Every other Tuesday morning: 1/12, 1/19, 2/2, 2/16, 3/1, 3/15, 4/5, 4/19, 5/3, 5/17 and 6/7; 8:00-9:00 am
Facilitator: Ellen Porter Honnet (617-876-0674; dr.ellenporterhonnet@earthlink.net)
We are part way through reading The Essential Koran, translated by Thomas Clearly, HarperOne
publisher@ 1993 (it is significantly abridged). We read out loud, stop and discuss. Sometimes
we look at other translations and other resources. All are welcome and it is not too late to join
with us in the spirit of inquiry and curiosity. We are the Bible study group plus some new folks
who wanted to read the Koran. We hope to see you there.
No registration required.
Faith and Practice: Social Justice and Social Concerns
CAUGHT: The Prison State and the Lockdown of American Politics
Six Tuesdays: 1/12, 1/26, 2/9, 2/23, 3/8 and 3/22; 2:00 – 4:00 pm.
Facilitator: Nancy Wrenn
Massachusetts holds over 11 thousand prisoners in 18 correctional facilities. In her recent book,
"Caught, the Prison State and the Lockdown of American Politics," Marie Gottschalk, examines
why the United States has had a huge prison buildup over the past four decades. She focuses on
the shortcomings of the dominant penal reform strategies: racial disparities and race-neutral
solutions centered on reentry, justice reinvestment and reducing recidivism. We will develop
questions and answers related to our Massachusetts experience and prepare for public hearings
which will come in the next few months. The public is cordially invited.
COMMON READ 2015-2016 -- Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption
A series of meetings to be held between April and December; dates to be announced
Bryan Stevenson is the founder of the Equal Justice Initiative; he has dedicated his legal career to
defending those who are trapped by an often capricious, political, and willfully unjust criminal
justice system - poor people, people of color, children, and others over whom the system has run
roughshod. It is a powerful true story about the potential for mercy to redeem us, and a clarion
call to fix our broken system of justice-from one of the most brilliant and influential lawyers of
our time. It speaks to justice, mercy, and compassion, themes of concern to us as Unitarian
Universalists and as human beings.
What is a Common Read? Imagine all of FUSN reading the same book this year. Actually,
imagine all UU congregations reading the same book this year. That is the vision behind the
common read.
This book is available in paperback from the UUA Bookstore, Amazon.com, and other sources.
Additionally the Adult RE Lending Library will have several copies available for loan.
Discussions about this book will be scheduled between April and December. Watch for
announcements and plan to join us!
CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM IN MASSACHUSETTS
Tuesdays, Dates to be determined; 7:00 to 9:00 pm
Facilitator: Nancy Wrenn
Criminal Justice Reform sessions will be on hiatus until sometime in April. Continuing with the
subject of criminal justice reform in Massachusetts from the past year, all interested persons
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from the FUSN community and the larger metropolitan are invited to come to one or any of these
Tuesday evening talks, followed by discussion. We are particularly focused on advocacy for
relevant legislation.
FUSN FORUM
Thursday, March 29 and Tuesday, April 19; 7:30
Facilitators: Duane (Jim) Matthiesen and Tim Wells
These events will provide information along with discussion of current or historical issues of
high interest to both the FUSN community and beyond. The topics may be specific for UUs,
although, in many cases, the topics will be of a wide general interest, such as national or
international affairs and societal developments. Knowledgeable speakers will be recruited, from
both inside FUSN, if available, or outside. The FUSN Community is encouraged to submit topic
and speaker ideas/recommendations. Discussion at the end of the presentations will be highly
encouraged.
SAFE CONSUMER PRODUCTS FOR FAMILIES: A Hands-On Workshop
Sunday, April 10 8:30- 10 am
Sponsored by the Green Sanctuary Committee
Concerned about the health effects of the consumer products you are using? During FUSN's
community breakfast time, chemistry professor Doris Lewis will be happy to decode the labels
on products you bring in. Or just stop by the Alliance room to ask questions or to try for yourself
some safe alternatives, many of which are already in your own kitchen! Kids are welcome as
everyone is invited to dip into the products to see which is right for you.
Spiritual Practice: the Inner Life
(THE) EVENTS OF OUR LIVES
Four Thursdays: 2/25, 3/10, 3/17, 3/24; 7:15 to 9:15 pm
Facilitator: Erin Splaine
What made you, you? What experiences, places you have lived, decade in which you were born
jobs you have held — how did all of that and so much more shape who you are today? Erin will
facilitate this four-evening conversation so that we might delve a little deeper into who and how
we are.
The group of 5-10 participants will meet on those four Thursdays in Erin’s office from 7:159:15. If there is more interest another group may be added with night of the week and dates for
that group TBA.
Please register with Fran Clancy by February 20.
HARD CONVERSATIONS ABOUT BEING MORTAL
Two Sessions: Wednesdays: 3/31 and Thursday, April 7; 7:30 pm
Three Facilitators:
Holly Zalenger, from Compassion and Choices and Final Exit Network
Arza Goldstein, a hospice nurse hoping to change end-of-life discussions one conversation at
a time, and Kate Mason, retired hospice nurse and Death with Dignity advocate
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In Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End bestselling author Atul Gawande tackles
the hardest challenge of his profession: how medicine can not only improve life but also the
process of its ending. Join a discussion about preparing yourself and loved-ones for the final
chapter. Reading Being Mortal isn’t required, but interest in considering how you want to spend
your final days is required.
MINDFUL PARENTING OF ADULT CHILDREN
Dates to be determined
Facilitator; Lynne Bail
Have your children grownup, become adults? If so, you are part of a community of people who
face very particular parenting issues: letting go, renegotiating relationships, accepting
differences, forgiving past wounds. Some see this transition as an opportunity to feed their souls,
others as a challenge to be more mindful in their practice of parenting. Still others are baffled or
confused. If you want to talk with and list to other parents of adult children, join Mindful
Parenting.
THE MIRACLE OF EVERYDAY MINDFULNESS
Every Monday; beginning January 4; 7:15 – 8:30 pm
Facilitator: Luanne Baker
“When we are mindful, deeply in touch with the present moment, our understanding of what is
going on deepens, and we begin to be filled with acceptance, joy, peace and love.”
~ Thich Nhat Hanh
This group meets on the first Monday of every month, and the group rotates facilitators. We will
practice sitting, walking, wise speech, and deep listening. Together we will learn to generate the
mindfulness energy of calm and peace, concentration, and insight - allowing us to meet life’s
demands with more ease and freedom.
Luanne Baker is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, who has used and practiced meditation and
mindfulness for over 20 years, in her practice. Newcomers and experienced practitioners are all
welcome.
No registration required.
POETRY BY HEART
Fourth Tuesdays: 1/26, 2/23, 3/22, 4/26, 5/24; 7:30 – 9:00 pm
Facilitators: Barbara Deck and Jonathan Lillienfeld
When we memorize a poem, we attend to each word and sound until it becomes an intimate part
of us. In this seminar we all memorize one poem each month. We recite it individually to the
group and then discuss it. In sharing interpretations, we deepen the meaning of the poem and our
connections with each other as readers. You may think this is something you can’t do, but you
can memorize, using your own approach. We also bring favorite poems to read aloud. No prior
experience with poetry, reading aloud, or memorizing is required. Just Come!
SERVING WITH GRACE: Volunteering to serve can be a spiritual practice
Two sessions: Thursday February 4 and Wednesday February 10; 6:00 – 7:30 pm
Facilitator: Karen Edwards
In this course we will examine and shape our volunteer contributions so they enhance our
spiritual lives. Some people work so hard at FUSN that they burn out or are depleted by the
experience; others observe or fear that experience and stay clear of volunteering. We will learn
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ways to feel spiritually enhanced by those experiences instead. We want to live out our
principles in community and this community can help us do that mindfully. Let us come together
for a few early evenings and learn how to lead or participate with greater grace and more
fulfillment.
Multicultural Ministry Initiative
BECOMING EFFECTIVE ALLIES
Four sessions: Dates to be determined
MMI facilitators
Paul Kivel has written “Becoming an ally is not an identity, it is a practice. An ally is someone
who not only shows up, but one who stays around for the long term.” In this series we will not
only discuss how to become an effective ally, we will share ideas, skills, and experiences. And
we will practice strategies and guidelines to help us in this work.
MOTHER'S DAY WALK FOR PEACE INFORMATION SESSION
One Sunday after service in March or April: actual date to be determined
Contact Josie Greene josieg49@gmail.com or 617 513-2814 for more information
Every year, thousands of walkers from over 300 communities around Boston come together for
the annual Mother's Day Walk for Peace. The Walk is organized by the Louis D. Brown
Peace Institute, a Dorchester based center for healing, teaching and learning for families and
communities impacted by murder, trauma, grief and loss. Because this year's Walk, scheduled
for Sunday, May 8, does not conflict with FUSN's Coming of Age graduation, there is an
opportunity to draw an even larger number of people interested in participating on our FUSN
team. This Walk, now in its 20th year is a powerful, family-friendly event which can serve as a
spring board for conversations about community, systemic racism and what it means to be a
white ally.
Please join us for an information session to learn more about this annual Walk and hear from
members of the FUSN community (adults and youth) who have participated in previous Walks.
NOW IS NOT THE TIME TO BE SILENT: White People’s Role in Dismantling Racism
Tuesday, April 5; 7:00 pm
A conversation with Shay Stewart-Bouley, Executive Director of Community Change, Inc.
A Chicago native born on the crossroads of working-class, Black, and female, Shay StewartBouley's career since 1997 has focused on weaving these intersections into her daily life and
professional work. In the early 2000s, Shay moved from Chicago to Maine and, as a Black
woman living in one of the least racially diverse places in the United States, found herself
writing regularly about race relations, social justice, and white supremacy. She is a prolific
blogger; in her award-winning blog Black Girl in Maine, where race is a major theme as well as
her daily life as a Black, middle-aged woman in a world where these identities frequently are not
valued. Last year, Shay became the first African-American Executive Director of Community
Change, Inc. (CCI) in Boston. Since 1968, CCI has served as a community for white people and
their multiracial allies to come together to learn about systemic racism and to fight against it. In
recent years, as talk of white privilege and institutionalized racism has become increasingly
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mainstream, CCI has shifted its role to engage with a new generation of anti-racist activists,
especially in the era of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Please join us for Shay’s talk followed by Q&A and discussion.
TALKING ABOUT RACE DIALOGUE SERIES
First Mondays: 3/7, 4/4, 5/2, and 6/6; 7:00-9:00 pm
MMI facilitators
Continuing with the subject of dismantling racism and of becoming a more welcoming,
diverse congregation, we invite all interested persons to attend one or more of this
Dialogue/Discussion series. Topics will vary and include occasional speakers and opportunities
for both small & large group discussion. Potential topics include: The Role of White People to
Dismantle Racism, Racial Micro-aggressions in Everyday Life, Janet Helm's Stages/Phases of
Racial Identity Development for Whites and People of Color, and identifying additional action
steps as we work toward creating an inclusive, multicultural congregation. Each meeting will
include an introduction the Visions Multicultural Guidelines which we will practice during our
discussions. For more information, contact Josie Greene josieg49@gmail.com or 617 513-2814
WAKING UP WHITE AND UPROOTING RACISM DISCUSSION GROUPS
Due to continuing interest, we are again offering people an opportunity to attend Waking up
White and Uprooting Racism discussion groups. Dates for these sessions are yet to be
determined, but we hope to begin in March. If you are interested in participating in either of
these groups, please contact Jacqui James (jacquiajames@gmail.com) letting her know which
group you’re interested in attending as well as days/dates that might work for you. We’re hoping
that having this information will help us schedule groups to accommodate more people’s
schedules. We’re also wondering if there is any interest in a weekday/ daytime group.
• Four Session Waking Up White Discussion Groups
The process of becoming a truly welcoming, diverse, and inclusive community can be fostered
by sharing and reflecting on our own personal stories. This group will give participants an
opportunity to begin to unpack the meaning and significance of “White Privilege” and share how
their personal experiences of race, ethnicity, and culture have shaped their lives and
beliefs. Participants will also learn and practice multicultural communication skills. We ask that
all participants read Debby Irving’s book, Waking up White, and commit to attending all four
sessions

Six Session Uprooting Racism Discussion Groups
Many of you who attended a Waking up White discussion group have asked “Where do we go
from here?” Paul Kivel’s book: Uprooting Racism: How White People Can Work for Racial
Justice is our answer. This group will provide suggestions, tools, examples and advice to help us
take that next step to work together for equal opportunity, democracy and justice. The new
expanded third edition of this book directly engages the reader through questions, exercises and
suggestions for action, and takes a detailed look at current issues such as affirmative action,
immigration and healthcare. It also includes a wealth of information about specific cultural
groups such as Muslims, people with mixed-heritage, Native-Americans, Jews, African
Americans, Asian Americans, Latino/as, and recent immigrants. We ask that participants read
Paul Kivel’s book, Uprooting Racism and commit to attending all six sessions. Please note that
participation in a Waking up White group is not a prerequisite for attending this group. All are
welcome to sign up.
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ALPHABETICAL LIST OF ACTIVITIES
Title
Facilitator/s
Page
Becoming Effective Allies
MMI facilitators
8
Being Mortal
H. Zallenger, A. Goldstein, K. Mason
7
Caught
Nancy Wrenn
5
Common Read
Jacqui James and Alice Wood
5
Criminal Justice Reform in Massachusetts
Nancy Wrenn
5
(The) Events of Our Lives
Erin Splaine
7
FUSN Forum
Duane (Jim) Matthiesen and Tim Wells
6
Holy Curiosity
Jacqui James
4
Introduction to Islam
Bahar Bastani
4
Mindful Parenting of Adult Children
Lynne Bail
7
Miracle of Mindfulness
Luanne Baker
7
Mother's Day Walk for Peace Info. Session Josie Greene
8
New to UU
Erin Splaine
4
Now is not the Time to be Silent
Shay Stewart-Bouley
8
Poetry by Heart
Barbara Deck and Jonathan Lillienfeld
7
Reading the Koran
Ellen Porter Honnet
5
Safe Consumer Products
Doris Lewis
6
Serving with Grace
Karen Edwards
7
Talking About Race Dialogue Series
MMI facilitators
9
Uprooting Racism (fall series cont.)
Barbara Deck and Bill Holland
9
Waking Up White (fall series cont.)
Meg Holland and Jennifer Wells
9
10
CALENDAR
JANUARY
3
4
11
12
18
19
24
25
26
24
28
29
31
Waking Up White
Miracle of Mindfulness
Mindful of Mindfulness
Reading the Koran
Caught
Miracle of Mindfulness
Reading the Koran
Uprooting Racism
Waking Up White
Miracle of Mindfulness
Caught
Poetry by Heart
Poetry by Heart
Events of Our Lives
Miracle of Mindfulness
FUSN Forum
Being Mortal
APRIL
4
Holy Curiosity
Miracle of Mindfulness
Talking About Race
5
Reading the Koran
Now is Not the Time to be Silent
7
Being Mortal
10
Safe Consumer Products for Families
11
Miracle of Mindfulness
18
Miracle of Mindfulness
Holy Curiosity
19
Reading the Koran
FUSN forum
25
Miracle of Mindfulness
26
Poetry by Heart
FEBRUARY
1
Miracle of Mindfulness
2
Reading the Koran
4
Serving with Grace
8
Miracle of Mindfulness
9
Caught
10
Serving with Grace
14
Uprooting Racism
15
Miracle of Mindfulness
16
Reading the Koran
22
Miracle of Mindfulness
23
Caught
Poetry by Heart
25
Events of our Lives
28
Uprooting Racism
29
Miracle of Mindfulness
MAY
2
3
9
12
16
MARCH
1
Reading the Koran
8
Holy Curiosity
Miracle of Mindfulness
Talking About Race
8
Caught
10
Events of Our Lives
14
Miracle of Mindfulness
15
Reading the Koran
17
Events of our Lives
21
Miracle of Mindfulness
Holy Curiosity
22
Caught
23
24
30
JUNE
6
7
13
20
11
Holy Curiosity
Miracle of Mindfulness
Talking About Race
Reading the Koran
Miracle of Mindfulness
Reading the Koran
Holy Curiosity
Miracle of Mindfulness
Reading the Koran
Miracle of Mindfulness
Poetry by Heart
Miracle of Mindfulness
Holy Curiosity
Miracle of Mindfulness
Talking About Race
Reading the Koran
Miracle of Mindfulness
Miracle of Mindfulness