The Faith in Action committee invites you to join us for a workshop on February 20, on “Living a Joyful and Progressive Productive Life: How NOT to Burn Out.” To be held at 7:00 PM in the sanctuary, this workshop will center on the building blocks of a happy and productive life: mission management (to figure out your authentic goals and path); time management (so you can develop a schedule that helps you focus on your goals); and fear management (so you can get past procrastination, perfectionism and blocks to success). These topics are discussed in the context of progressivism, with examples from several progressive movements, and referencing George Lakoff’s “nurturant parent” model of progressivism and his dictum that it is the duty of all progressives to live happy lives themselves, along with helping others be happy. Participants will be encouraged to share their own experiences and insights on these topics, and the workshop leader will share concrete and actionable advice and strategies, so that participants leave feeling inspired and empowered.
The workshop leader, Hillary Rettig, is a native New Yorker, current Boston resident, and an activist, coach and author of The Lifelong Activist: How to Change the World Without Losing Your Way (Lantern Books, 2006). She is also author of the free e-book, The Little Guide To Beating Procrastination, Perfectionism and Blocks: a Manual for Artists, Activists, Entrepreneurs, Academics and Other Ambitious Dreamers. You can download the e-book and learn more about Hillary’s life and work at http://www.lifelongactivist.com
Matt Gilbert, Fourth U Board Member, will lead a provocative and thought-provoking experiential workshop on humanist alternatives for spiritual practice. The program, scheduled for Thursday, February 7 from 6:00-8:00 PM, is the latest in the “First Thursdays at Fourth U” adult RE series, which explores spirituality and spiritual practices from a UU perspective. Light dinner will be served and childcare provided. Please contact Jennifer at jenncjack@mac.com or 718.783.8757 for more information and to RSVP for childcare.
February 10: “Journalism and Democracy” – led by Tom Stites.
Tom Stites has been a reporter, columnist, critic, national correspondent, and an editor at major newspapers including The Kansas City Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Chicago Tribune, and The New York Times. He retired in June, 2007, after a decade as the editor/publisher of UU World, the national magazine of Unitarian Universalism, and after a hiatus as a resident fellow at Harvard Divinity School, is a consulting editor to the Center for Public Integrity in Washington.
February 3: “Living Out Loud: A Service in Song” – Olympia’s Daughters
Olympia’s Daughters is a women’s a cappella choir that builds bridges between communities and cultures. Join us for a heartwarming service featuring the nationally recognized singing group as, through song, they challenge attitudes, foster healing, and share their hearts, spirits, and joyful love of music. They take their name from Olympia Brown, the first female who was ordained by a national denomination – the Universalists — who was also a leading suffragist, a mother, and a business woman. They perform at events such as cultural festivals, domestic violence vigils, and church services. For more information about Olympia’s Daughters, visit http://www.olympiasdaughters.com.
There will be a congregational meeting after the service on February 27 to vote on the ordination of Beth Putnam as a UU minister.
The congregation will also be asked to vote on which Congregational Study Action Issues should appear on the agenda this year at General Assembly. Two proposals have been accepted by the UUA Commission on Social Witness (CSW), which are being presented to the congregations for polling. They are:
- Ethical Eating: Food and Environmental Justice
- Nuclear Disarmament
If you are a member of 4th U, please make sure you are at the meeting on Sunday! Thank you.
January 27: “Thresholds” – led by Rev. Nicole Kirk, Princeton Theological Seminary
Nicole Kirk served East Shore Unitarian Universalist Church in Kirtland, Ohio for eight years, and is now studying for a Ph.D. at Princeton Theological Seminary in American Religious History.
