“New UU” Workshop

A "New UU" orientation is generally held every two months, with the next one to be scheduled in October or November, 2010. The class is designed for anyone who'd like to know more about Unitarian Universalism and our congregation. It is especially recommended for those considering membership in CUUC. Even long-time UUs transferring from other congregations can benefit by attending the final hour of the program.

Attendees, along with a few church members, will first have a chance to talk about their personal beliefs and spiritual backgrounds. Our top Spiritual Leader will be available to explain the minister’s role and answer questions. Next will be a segment on the histories of Unitarianism, Universalism and the combined denomination, as well as the 33-year history of our congregation. Participants will also explore the Seven Principles of UU and their significance in our lives. Over lunch, some church leaders and active members will discuss the variety of programs and activities available at CUUC. The process of becoming a member or a "friend" of the congregation will also be explained.

The workshop is free, including lunch and child care. If you'd like to attend, please sign up at the Visitors desk in the church foyer or contact Tye Alexander at membcom@communityuuchurch.org

Finding the Voice Within: Learn the Native American Flute

Cornell Kinderknecht will lead a four-session course on learning the Native American Flute. Classes will be Thursdays from 7:00-9:00pm September 9 - September 30, 2010 at the church. Find the music and the joy within yourself through the Native American flute. Go from the basics to creating your own music in this interactive class. The sessions will cover:

• Basic scale patterns and techniques
• Special effects and extended skills
• Creating your own music
• History and culture of the Native flute

• Previous experience is NOT required.
• Class fee is $95.
  
• A high-quality Native American flute will be available for purchase for $50. If you have an A-minor pentatonic Native American flute, you may use that.
  
• Advance registration is requested by September 3.
• View informational flier for more information and registration instructions.
  

What Went Wrong in the Middle East

Nancy Barlow will lead a six-session course on the history of US foreign policy toward and involvement in the Middle East titled "What Went Wrong in the Middle East". Classes will be Wednesdays from 7:00-9:00pm starting September 1, 2010 at the church. Professor Nancy Barlow currently teaches Literature and History at Brookhaven College. View the flier for more information.

Inner Journeys

Clyde Grauke will lead an "Introduction to Inner Journeys" class, designed to help participants take their own inner journeys. Those who would find this course of most benefit are those with views that allow for the existence of transcendent, non-material realities, and/or who would like to contact and dialogue with their inner guides, totem animals, gods, goddesses, spiritual essence, Higher Power, or Higher Self. However conceptualized, the objective and intent is for participants to get in touch with positive, higher, more subtle, intuitive elements available to them to achieve personal and spiritual growth.

This course is offered on the first and third Wednesday of each month beginning  on September 1st. Classes will meet from 7 to 9pm in classroom G (in the Annex). View the flier for more information.

Minds, Machines, and the 20th Century

Philosophy Buffs - Here is your class! The course starts with the logical atomism of Alfred North Whitehead and Bertrand Russell, considers logical positivism, and contrasts the views of the earlier and the later Wittgenstein. The second part if the course is focused on issues involving minds, brains, and machines, including the sense in which machines night have free will and a capacity for thought.

A church member at Community UU Church, Professor Jay Dowling studied music and psychology at Northwestern and Harvard Universities, and has taught at UCLA, Cal State LA, and UTD.