Fourth Universalist Society in the City of New York

Three opportunities for spiritual reflection are available this fall at Fourth U, in workshops led by our senior and affiliated ministers that will begin in October.  The one-time fee for each series is $15, and preregistration is encouraged; just phone our office and speak to Alex at ext. 21 to let him know which series you plan to attend. Sign up sheets will also be available in the back of the Church during services; alternatively, email office@4thu.org to reserve space.

1)  On Sunday afternoons each week, beginning at 1 p.m. on Oct. 5, The Rev. Jennifer Pader will offer an all-new participatory adult workshop adapted for UUs from The Virtues Project In weekly workshops, participants will use sharing circles to talk about and do exercises based on such virtues as idealism, joyfulness, kindness, integrity, trustworthiness and others. A variety of faith traditions will be used to inform our own growth as UUs.

2)  On the second Thursday of each month beginning at 6:30 p.m., on Oct. 9, The Rev. Rosemary Bray McNatt will offer a monthly series of readings on “The Spirituality of Leadership.” In this cumulative series on spiritual growth, we will explore what it means to be a Unitarian Universalist leader. The goal is to provide a welcoming and thoughtful place for congregational leaders to develop their awareness of themselves as spiritual people who hold the privilege of leadership. These monthly gatherings are limited to committee chairs, MAC members, and members of the Board of Trustees.

3)  On the third Thursday of each month beginning at 6:30 p.m., on Oct. 16, The Rev. Jill Bowden will offer a time of readings and reflections on “The Leadership of Spirituality.” In this cumulative series on spiritual growth, we will explore what it means to be a Unitarian Universalist every day. The social issues of our time, and the conscious commitment toward change challenge us all to live our truth, to stand together in faith and in love. But our faith is hollow if we fail to live our beliefs. The group will explore the question: What can one person do?

Please join Rev. Rosemary Bray McNatt of Fourth Universalist Society, Rev. Cheryl M. Walker of the Unitarian Church of All Souls, Ibrahim Raney of the Muslim American Society and other Unitarian Universalist and Muslim leaders, on Sunday, September 21, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, in a Muslim – Unitarian Universalist dialogue here at Fourth U.

Sponsored in part by the UU Service Committee, this dialogue is one of five taking place across the United States to facilitate understanding and begin cooperation between our two religious communities. We’re especially pleased to be part of this historic event during the holy month of Ramadan; we hope to listen and to learn with open hearts and minds—and we hope you’ll join us.

Refreshments will be served. This event will take place in the Gymnasium, so please use the 76th Street entrance.

On Saturday, September 20, from 1:00 to 5:30 PM, as part of the United Nations International Day of Peace, the Coalition for One Voice along with One Spirit Learning Alliance are sponsoring the World Shift to Peace Festival here in our landmark Fourth U edifice (home of the Peace Tower of New York City.)

Along with keynote speaker theologian/author Matthew Fox, there will be many exciting workshops and presentations throughout the day. For further information and to purchase tickets for this event go to http://www.CoalitionForOneVoice.org/ and click on the “Upcoming Events” link on the right side of the screen.

Spiritual Intimacy in Humanistic Relationships
On Friday, July 18, 7:00 – 9:30PM, we will discuss and experiment in order to recognize how people can relate without playing games and without reducing anyone to an object. This is particularly relevant in a society where exploitation and phoniness are significant parts of the culture.  Suggested contribution $5, including light refreshments.

http://www.humanistfoundation.org/ 

Interweave is a group of LGBTQ people and straight allies working to end oppression based on sexual orientation and gender identity, with the recognition that we will not be free until all oppression is a thing of the past. UU principles guide our work.

We value and affirm the lives and experience of Queer people of faith, regardless of their age, race, ethnicity, income level, and ability. By providing and supporting leadership and working in collaboration with other organizations of similar vision, we strive to connect and nurture all Queer individuals, communities, and groups and their allies. Interweave will meet on the first Sunday of each month, right after coffee hour.

For more information about Interweave, please contact Ashley Burczack at aburczak@gmail.com

The World Peace Diet: A Lecture-Presentation by Will Tuttle, Ph.D.
Tuesday, June 10, 7:00-8:30 PM, at 4th U.

The World Peace Diet has been called one of the most important books of the 21st Century: the foundation of a new society based on the truth of the interconnectedness of all life. It is the first book to make explicit the invisible connections between our meals and our broad range of problems–psychological, social, and spiritual, as well as health and environmental. It offers powerful ways we can all experience healing and peace and contribute to a positive transformation of human consciousness.

Dr. Will Tuttle, acclaimed educator, author, pianist and composer, has lectured and performed widely throughout North America and Europe. He is the recipient of The Peace Abbey’s Courage of Conscience Award  and is a Dharma Master in the Zen tradition.

“Use The World Peace Diet as a guide to empower yourselves and others in making dietary choices that are powerful beyond what you can possibly imagine.” — Julia Butterfly Hill, environmental activist

“The World Peace Diet is one of the most provocative books I’ve ever read. This is a deep book, aglow with insights that penetrate and expose the complacency of a culture that has strayed painfully far from compassion.” — John Robbins, noted author

“I am grateful for this powerful and cogent book. It has stretched my thinking (and heart) about animals, compassion, and our society.” — John Mackey, founder, Whole Foods, Inc.

Sponsored by the Fourth Universalist Society’s chapter of UFETA and Kind Green Planet
$10 suggested donation.
Light refreshments provided.
Email marisamiller@verizon.net for questions and RSVPs.