On Wednesday, November 19, we continue our new monthly worship series of music and meditation modeled on a style of ecumenical prayer begun in Taizé, France almost 70 years ago. At Fourth U, the evening will consist of song, spoken verse, and quiet reflection by candlelight. Please gather with us in the sanctuary from 7:00 to 7:45 pm.
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?
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.
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.
Fourth Universalist Society in the City of New York
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