Adult Education Program
First Unitarian Society in Newton
Activities for September 2014 - January 2015
This catalog includes descriptions of all Adult Education events at FUSN, from September 2014 to
January 2015. Locations will be listed on the event sign boards inside the back door and the Washington
Street door; check these to find room assignments.
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 co-chairs, Jacqui James (jacquiajames@bitu.com) or Alice Wood
(alicewood@verizon.net 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 four 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?
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How to Use this Catalog
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Many of our previous activities repeat again, including Bible Study Group, New UU, Poetry by
Heart, Spiritual Parenting, and The Miracle of Mindfulness.
We have some very special new offerings for this session, including, The Bible in Context, The
Glories of African American Music, and Writers’ Support Group
As usual, we have some special activities and presentations that are single evening or single day
workshops or presentations: Ethical Travel, Endocrine Disruptors, and Fundraising for
Nonprofits.
In addition, this fall we begin a congregational Multiculturalism Initiative.
The Structures of Adult Education at FUSN
Times
Weekday evenings have been the times of choice. Times for each event are listed in the description of
the event. We offer some daytime activities, some Sunday activities (before and after the worship
service) and 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.
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, October 4; 8:30 am -- 1:00 pm
Facilitators: Erin Splaine, Meghan Cefalu
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.
Please Register by Tuesday, September 30.
Faith and Doubt: Theology and World Religions
THE BEGINNINGS OF CHRISTIANITY
Every other Tuesday evening: 9/16, 9/30, 10/14; 7:00 -- 8:30 pm;
Self-facilitated
Using the book, How Jesus Became God, by Bart D. Ehrman, we will explore how Jesus moved from
being a lower-class preacher/prophet to become exalted to divine status. How did this transformation
occur? Ehrman explores how Jesus’ divinity became dogma in the first few centuries of the Christian
faith. In mid-October we will begin the fall pilot offering from the Massachusetts Bible Society (see
separate listing for The Bible in Context).
No registration required.
BIBLE STUDY
Every other Tuesday morning: 9/16, 9/30, 10/14, 10/28, 11/11, 11/25, 12/9; 8:00-9:00 am
Self-facilitated
Interested in the Bible? Our informal study continues. In the early fall come join a lively group who
meet every other Tuesday at 8:00 am to read the Bible for an hour. It is informal – there is no
homework and we decide as a group what we want to read. We will take a break during the fall pilot
offering from the Massachusetts Bible Society (see separate listing for The Bible in Context). For more
information contact Ellen Porter Honnet at 617-876-0674.
No registration required.
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New!
THE BIBLE IN CONTEXT
Tuesday mornings and Tuesday evenings; Dates TBA.
Even more interested in the Bible? Come join us for the final Massachusetts Bible Society’s six week
course described as “The Bible in Context.” A look at the culture and historical events surrounding the
various times of the biblical narrative. Looking into biblical professions, economies, and politics as well
as the ways that events, invasions, science, and culture in other parts of the world have had an impact on
the biblical texts. We will hold two set of meetings, one on Tuesday mornings (8:00 – 9:30 am),
facilitated by Ellen Porter Honnet, and the other on Tuesday evenings (7:00 – 8:30 pm), facilitated by
Jacqui James. This will most likely start in mid-October as soon as the course is available. For more
information contact Jacqui James, jacquiajames@gmail.com.
Faith and Practice: Social Justice and Social Concerns
New!
BAG IT: IS YOUR LIFE TOO PLASTIC?
Thursday, November 6; 7:30 – 9:00 pm
Facilitator: Carrrie van der Laan
What do plastics do to us, to our children, to our environment? Jeb Berrier’s light touch helps us learn
and even chuckle as he unravels the effects of plastics on people as well as marine animals, including
birds. When his partner becomes pregnant, Berrier’s search becomes very specific and personal. The
documentary Bag It offers ways we can reduce our exposure. The film concludes with a review of
recycling labels and ways that average citizens and consumers can minimize the harmful effects of
plastic. Following the movie there will be sample of alternatives to plastics, handouts, and a chemist’s
summary of the best and worst plastics for food. Updates on local actions will also be available.
Sponsored by the Green Sanctuary Committee.
No registration required.
New!
ENDOCRINE DISRUPTORS: CAN WE AVOID THESE HORMONE-LIKE CHEMICALS?
Sunday, September 28; 11:45 am – 2:30 pm
Sponsored by the Green Sanctuary Committee
Endocrine disruptors are chemicals found in household products including soup can linings, shampoos,
cosmetics, flame retardants, and pesticides. They interact with receptors in the body meant for
hormones like estrogens, androgens, and thyroid regulators. Hence they have been demonstrated to
interfere with the endocrine system and produce adverse developmental, reproductive, neurological, and
immune effects in both humans and wildlife, even when present in small amounts. They are linked to
breast cancer, prostate cancer, and other hormonal cancers. Research shows that endocrine disruptors
may post the greatest risk during prenatal and early postnatal development when organ and neural
systems are forming, and exposure of children and adults is cause for concern. Our expert panel will
include:
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Julie Brody, PhD, Executive Director of Silent Spring Institute.
Doris Lewis, PhD, Professor Emerita, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Suffolk
University,
 Laura Hake, PhD, Associate Professor of Biology, Boston College
They will present some facts and answer your questions about endocrine disruptors. Parents, parents-tobe, and other adults will learn valuable information about what to avoid and how to make healthy
decisions. Child care and lunch will be provided.
Register with Fran Clancy by Thursday, September 25.
New!
HOW TO BE AN ETHICAL TRAVELER
Thursday, October 9; 7:30 – 9:00 pm
Facilitator: Judy Zacek
Do you love to travel? When you make your travel plans, do you think not just about where you want to
go, but the impact you will have on the culture, economy, society, and environment of the destinations
you will visit? What does it mean to be an ethical traveler, and is it even possible to be one? What are
some things you can do before, during, and after your travels to have a positive impact on the people and
places you’ve always dreamed of seeing?
Judy Zacek is a world traveler who has been to more than 70 countries on every major continent. She’ll
share her own thoughts on this timely topic and will also encourage discussion. One thing this class is
NOT, is a guilt trip.
No registration required.
New!
INTRODUCTION TO FUNDRAISING
Saturday, September 13, 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Facilitator: Edith Moricz, M.B.A., RFC
Non-profits are defined by their mission, but they are sustained by fundraising. Success in fundraising
will make or break a non-profit. A large proportion of non-profit organizations that fail do so mainly
due to lack of a fundraising strategy, and especially a plan for a diversified revenue stream. In this
workshop, attendees will learn the key fundraising methods that can generate money their organization
needs to succeed and even thrive in challenging economic times. Attendees will learn how to develop a
fundraising plan appropriate to an organization’s capabilities, cultivate and engage prospects for planned
gifts, use social media to convey an organization’s mission, organize special events, enlist corporate
sponsors as well as build an organization’s brand and board. Topics will include donor relations,
prospect management, new lead generation, special event planning, major gifts, e-newsletters, social
media marketing, holiday appeals, planned giving corporate sponsorship, and much more.
Edith Moricz is a professional fundraiser who has raised over $7 million over ten years for local and
national charitable causes. She is Founder and Editor of BeyondSuccessOnline.com, and is Adjunct
Professor of Marketing, Business Planning, Budgeting and Non-Profit Management, and Fundraising at
Bay State College.
Register with Fran Clancy by Wednesday, September 10.
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New!
FUSN FORUM
Monday, October 20 and Thursday, November 20; 7:30 – 9:00 pm
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 ideas and speaker
ideas/recommendations. Discussion at the end of the presentations will be highly encouraged.
Potential topics include Voting Rights in the USA; Horace Mann – His Legacy in Public Education and
to the First Unitarian Society in Newton; Hydraulic Fracturing or “Fracking” – How It Works, What
Damage It Causes, How It Can Be Controlled; Recent Venezuelan history – Hugo Chavez and his
legacy; The Roots of Morality - what does it mean, where does it come from, what makes it right?;
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Pollution Effects and how to control them in the Future; and Unitarian
Universalists in the USA and Beyond – Current Developments and Emphases.
No registration required.
New!
MULTICULTURAL MINISTRY
Becoming a Welcoming, Diverse, Inclusive Community
As members of our faith community we are each connected to and accountable to all of us. The
goal of our multicultural initiative is that we will continue more intentionally on the path to
becoming a truly multicultural multi generational community. It is a journey we will travel
together — one built on creating, learning, and telling our own stories and hearing the stories of
others.
Our journey together begins this fall with two opportunities for learning and sharing. The first is
a three-part documentary, Race: The Power of An Illusion, the second a common read of Waking
Up White, and an afternoon with Debby Irving, the author of that book.
New!
RACE: THE POWER OF AN ILLUSION
Three Thursdays: 10/16, 10/30, and 11/13; 7:30 – 9:00 pm
Facilitator: Erin Splaine
This three-part series, produced by California Newsreel investigates race in society, science, and history.
It scrutinizes the implications of looking at race not as a biological reality, but as a social invention.
Episode 1- The Difference Between Us examines the contemporary science - including genetics - that
challenges our common sense assumptions that human beings can be bundled into three or four
fundamentally different groups according to their physical traits.
Episode 2- The Story We Tell uncovers the roots of the race concept in North America, the 19th
century science that legitimated it, and how it came to be held so fiercely in the western imagination.
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The episode is an eye-opening tale of how race served to rationalize, even justify, American social
inequalities as "natural."
Episode 3- The House We Live In asks, if race is not biology, what is it? This episode uncovers how
race resides not in nature but in politics, economics and culture. It reveals how our social institutions
"make" race by disproportionately channeling resources, power, status and wealth to white people.
By asking, What is this thing called 'race'?, a question so basic it is rarely asked, Race: The Power of an
Illusion helps set the terms that any further discussion of race must first take into account.
No registration required.
New!
WAKING UP WHITE—AN AFTERNOON WITH THE AUTHOR
Saturday, November 1; 4:30 – 7:30 pm
Waking Up White, by Debby Irving is an honest, unflinching exploration of race and personal identity
told with honesty and humility. The author shares her own story of transformation – opening herself up
to the realities of racism and the unintended consequences of white privilege. As she confronts her own
fears and mistakes, she gleans many useful lessons and tips that can help others move from confusion
and avoidance to constructive engagement, and courageous action. Her story is both engaging and
challenging. Copies of her book will be available for purchase on this afternoon, as well as at Coffee
Hours before the beginning of November.
Schedule for this event:
4:30 Author presentation
6:00 Pizza dinner and conversation
7:00 Closing Thoughts
Please bring either a salad or dessert offering. A $5.00 donation per person for pizza gladly accepted.
Register with Fran Clancy by Wednesday, October 29.
Spiritual Practice: the Inner Life
New!
THE GLORIES OF AFRICAN-AMERICAN JAZZ, SOUL, BLUES, FUNK, AND GOSPEL
Thursdays, October 16, 23, 30, November 6; 7:30 – 8:45 pm
Facilitator: Bill Saunders
This music appreciation course draws on the facilitator’s fifty years of avid listening to African
American music to share with class member some of the highlights and discuss those with them. The
cream of Armstrong, Ellington, Davis, Mingus, Coltrane, The Soul Stirrers, The Swan Silvertones, Otis
Redding, Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Howlin’ Wolf, Sonnyboy Williamson, and so on! Having a
musical ear and experience with/love of this kind of music is a requirement.
There is a limit of 7 participants for this course.
Register with Fran Clancy by Monday. October 13.
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THE MIRACLE OF EVERYDAY MINDFULNESS
Every Monday; 7:15 – 8:30 pm
Facilitators: Yenkuei Chuang and 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 formed after Yenkuei’s meditation classes ended last spring, and it has continued to meet on
a regular basis. This year Yenkuei will guide and teach the group on the first Monday of every month,
and the group will rotate facilitators on the other Mondays. 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.
Yenkuei Chuang, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist with a private practice in Newton Highlands and an
ordained member of Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh's Order of Interbeing. 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.
PARENTING AS A SPIRITUAL PRACTICE
Meets in the Alliance Room from 9-10 am on Community Breakfast Sunday mornings 9/7, 10/5, 11/9,
12/14, 1/11
Facilitator: Tom Yee
Whether you’re the parent or guardian of an infant or adult child, been to FUSN for a long or short time,
feel free to drop in for breakfast and some engaging conversation. The topics we cover throughout the
year include:
 transitions such as births, deaths, and general additions or losses to our families
 stress and managing time and priorities
 the holidays
 family and extended family relationships
 health and wellness
 love
 finances
 community
 God
Child care is provided at a special table in the Parish Hall with adult and teenage helpers, so plan on
having your child eat with other children at the designated community breakfast table. Please get some
breakfast for yourselves and your children, settle them down at the table, then have your meal with us in
the Alliance Room (anyone can point you in the right direction). Infants, toddlers, and those just shy are
welcome to join us in the Alliance Room as well! Contact Tom (father of Solace and Truman) with
questions at 617-820-4157.
No registration required.
POETRY BY HEART
Third Tuesdays, 9/16, 10/21, 11/19, 12/10; 7:30 – 9:00 pm
Facilitators: Barbara Deck and Jonathan Lillienfeld
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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!
No registration required.
VESPERS AT FUSN
Second Sundays, 9/ 14, 10/5, 11/9, 12/14, 1/11; 7:30 -8:00 pm
Director: Amelia LeClair
This is the fourth year for Vespers at FUSN. If you haven’t found it yet, we encourage you to come
discover this hidden treasure. Developed by Amy LeClair, the Vespers service is modeled after the
ancient service of Vespers in the Christian tradition, itself descended from Jewish traditions of singing
Psalms on a regular basis. The music is sung by Vermillion, a quartet, two men and two women, often
singing a capella, but sometimes accompanied by harp, piano, or flute. The music draws on chant
(Mozarabic, Ambrosian, Roman, or Greek) and polyphony (Renaissance or modern settings of sacred
texts from a variety of traditions). This music forms the liturgy of the service. The readings are poems,
chosen and read by a committee from FUSN. These poems are often drawn from contemporary sources,
but can include poems from Donne or Shakespeare and even ancient sources.
The service is only a half an hour long, a way to set aside the noise and stress of daily life: to spend
some time in stillness and mystery. We hope you will join us. Please note that because of the Columbus
Day weekend, October’s Vespers are on the first Sunday.
No registration required.
New!
WRITERS’ SUPPORT GROUP
Fourth Tuesdays, 9/23, 10/28, 11/25, 12/23; 7:30 – 9:00 pm
Facilitator: Barbara Deck
Is there something that you want to write but can’t get started? Or finished? A book about your life
work? Your memoirs? Do you want support while you write? Some structured doable projects? We
will do at least some of the following: Share successful writing experiences; share what projects you’d
like to take on; use writing prompts; practice getting down quick life stories which can be dismantled
into other pieces; writing a table of contents of your book-to-be; having “writer’s dates” with ourselves –
or with each other. We may encourage daily pages (Artist’s Way). We may figure out specific doable
projects such as writing an article for a specific interest group or journal or a “memoir letter” to a family
member. Come try some fiction. Write something that doesn’t sound like you at all! We will probably
get close, have fun, encourage each other, and share reading out loud in each group meeting.
No registration required.
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ALPHABETICAL LIST OF ACTIVITIES
Bag It
Carrie Van der Laan
Beginnings of Christianity
Jacqui James
Bible Group
Ellen Porter Honnet
Endocrine Disruptors
Green Sanctuary Committee
Ethical Travel
Judy Zacek
Fundraising
Edith Moricz
FUSN Forum
Duane (Jim) Matthiesen and Tim Wells
Miracle of Mindfulness
Yenkuei Chuang and Luanne Baker
New to UU
Erin Splaine and Meghan Cefalu
Poetry by Heart
Barbara Deck and Jonathan Lillienfeld
Race: The Power of An Illusion
Erin Splaine
Spiritual Parenting
Tom Yee
The Bible in Context
Ellen Porter Honnet and Jacqui James
The Glories of Music
Bill Saunders
Vespers
Amelia LeClair
Waking Up White
Debby Irving
Writers’ Support Group
Barbara Deck
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CALENDAR
SEPTEMBER
7
8
9
14
15
16
22
23
28
29
30
NOVEMBER
Spiritual Parenting
Miracle of Mindfulness
Introduction to Fundraising
Vespers
Miracle of Mindfulness
Bible Study
Beginnings of Christianity
Poetry by Heart
Miracle of Mindfulness
Writers’ Support Group
Endocrine Disruptors
Miracle of Mindfulness
Bible Study
Beginnings of Christianity
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3
6
9
10
11
13
17
19
20
24
25
OCTOBER
4
5
6
9
13
14
16
20
21
23
27
28
30
Waking Up White
Miracle of Mindfulness
African American Music
Spiritual Parenting
Vespers
Miracle of Mindfulness
Bible Study
Race: The Power of An Illusion
Miracle of Mindfulness
Poetry by Heart
Forum and Discussion
Miracle of Mindfulness
Bible Study
Writers’ Support Group
DECEMBER
The New UU
Spiritual Parenting
Vespers
Miracle of Mindfulness
How to be an Ethical Traveler
Miracle of Mindfulness
Bible Study
Beginnings of Christianity
African American Music
Race: The Power of An Illusion
Forum and Discussion
Miracle of Mindfulness
Poetry by Heart
African American Music
Miracle of Mindfulness
Bible Study
Writers’ Support Group
African American Music
1
8
9
14
11
15
16
22
23
29
Miracle of Mindfulness
Miracle of Mindfulness
Bible Study
Spiritual Parenting
Vespers
Miracle of Mindfulness
Poetry by Heart
Miracle of Mindfulness
Writers’ Support Group
Miracle of Mindfulness
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11
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JANUARY
Miracle of Mindfulness
Spiritual Parenting
Miracle of Mindfulness
ADULT RELIGIOUS EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Alan Cody
Aurelie Goodwin
Ellen Porter Honnet
Jacqui James, Co-Chair
Deborah Lawson
Carolyn Mapes
Duane J. (Jim) Matthiesen
Rowan van Ness, Acting Director of Lifespan Religious Education
Alice Wood, Co-Chair
First Unitarian Society in Newton
1326 Washington Street
West Newton, MA 02465
Office Phone: 617-527-3203
Fax: 617-964-5409
RE Office Phone: 617-332-3438
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