Fourth Universalist Society in the City of New York

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.

The Cosmic Mass will be coming to New York on Friday, September 19, with its Creator, noted theologian Matthew Fox.

The One Spirit lnterfaith Community will present New York City’s first-ever Cosmic Mass, a worship service for the 21st century, at 7:00 PM at the Fourth Universalist Society, 160 Central Park West, at 76th Street. Doors open at 6:30 PM.

Acclaimed Creation Spirituality theologian, educator, and author Matthew Fox, whose vision gave birth to this postmodern phenomenon, will be among the chief celebrants.

What’s a Cosmic Mass?
It’s a ritual that unites community across religions, cultures, and generations. Sacred wisdom from western, eastern, and global indigenous traditions is blended with ecstatic music, poetry, dancing, and multimedia imagery. Artists and musicians collaborate with spiritual leaders to reinvent and revitalize worship. The inclusive environment empowers participants of every age, race, and persuasion, to come together to share prayer and celebration. Since the first one in California in 1996, the Cosmic Mass has steadily gained worldwide attention. Its debut in New York was initiated by Rev. George Kuhn, a seminary graduate of One Spirit Learning Alliance (onespiritinterfaith.org), Manhattan-based world leader in interfaith/integral spiritual education. Inspired by his studies, he took part in a Cosmic Mass facilitator training, given by Friends of Creation Spirituality, in Oakland, CA. With Rev. Fox’s blessing, Kuhn then invited the seminarians and ministers of the One Spirit community to join him in making it happen locally.

The theme, “One Radiant Peace – The Marriage of Compassion and Strength,” will be featured throughout the worship space in artwork, altars, and projected images of the Divine Feminine, the Sacred Masculine, and the honoring of peace, as seen through the prism of many faith traditions. The landmark venue is courtesy of Fourth Universalist Society’s Board of Trustees. In addition to Dr. Fox and Rev. Rosemary Bray McNatt, pastor of Fourth Universalist Society (and a former New York Times Book Review editor), presenters include many multi-talented interfaith ministers and seminarians: Drummer Zenobia Conkerite (an original cast member of “Hair”); gospel singer Rhetta Morgan; liturgical dancers, led by Samuel Lipton; poetlsinger Erin Bailey; a Native American flute performance by Joelle Danant, Bob Demetrician, and Kathryn Twinfeathers; Manda Stretch on “hang” drum; “Circle of Soul,” a collective of female singers, dancers, and artists whose creativity honors the earth; and DJ Shaman Rev. Bobby D, spinning trancelelectronica. The evening is among several “Weekend of Peace” events being held in New York in observance of the United Nations’ International Day of Peace. With capacity limited to 500 attendees, the Cosmic Mass is expected to sell out in advance. Tickets: $30 through July 31; $40 thereafter; $20 for students, ages 15-17; available at cosmicmassnyc.org. For more information, please contact Rev. Susan Turchin at revsusan@onespiritinterfaith.org, 212-931-6840, ext. 24.

One Spirit Learning Alliance. 330 West 38Ih Street. Suite 1500. New York, NY 10018 . www.onespiritinterfaith.org

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/ 

Tuesday, June 3, 6:30 PM: Our circles provide a safe and sacred space each month to honor our connection to the Earth, to the cycles of the Moon, to our deepest selves and to each other. Call Deborah Roth at 212-665-9660 or email dsrothny@aol.com for the theme and more information.

Saturday, May 31 – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM at Fourth U. There are proven principles of prosperity that if followed will grant each of us the abundance we want in our lives. This full day workshop outlines what those principles are and gives practical steps on how to get from the scarce world we live in to the abundant universe awaiting us. Previous participants have said, “The workshop was excellent…” “We got so much out of it … and we’ve certainly made strides in our lives that have shown it.” Don’t miss it! Led by Liz Wolfe. To enroll, or for more information, contact her at lwolfe@wintecgroup.com or 646-334-9427.

Practicing Earth-Centered Spirituality in the Age of Bigger/Better/Faster:
The 1st Thursdays at 4th U Adult RE series explores spirituality and spiritual practices from a UU perspective. On Thursday, May 1 (May Day) from 6 – 8 PM, Deborah Roth, a longtime member of 4th U and facilitator of the New Moon Circles for the past 12 years, will lead this experiential, educational overview of Earth-Centered Spirituality. Come with an intention for a project, new habit, or goal you’d like to manifest over the next few months and be ready to create magic together! This event is sponsored by the Worship Arts Committee. 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 child care. We look forward to seeing you!