guide to adult programs winter pring update 2017 c …

Adult Programs Classes & Retreats — Winter/Spring Update 2017

FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH 1011 SW 12TH AVE., PORTLAND, OR 97205

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g Update

“Breakage” by Mary Oliver

C O N T I N U I N G S P I R I T U A L G R O W T H F O R A D U L T S

C lasses & Retreats GUIDE TO ADULT PROGRAMS W INTER/SPRING UPDATE 2017

I go down to the edge of the sea. How everything shines in the morning light!

The cusp of the whelk, the broken cupboard of the clam,

the opened, blue mussels... ...dropped by the gulls onto the gray rocks

and all the moisture gone. It's like a schoolhouse of little words,

thousands of words. First you figure out

what each one means by itself, the jingle, the periwinkle, the scallop

full of moonlight. Then you begin, slowly,

to read the whole story.

Living Our Liberal Faith Register at: http://tinyurl.com/1stCh-Registration Established 1866

3 / 16 / 17

http://tinyurl.com/1stCh-Registration

2 Adult Programs Classes & Retreats — Winter/Spring Update 2017

FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH ADULT PROGRAMS Classes & Retreats WINTER/SPRING 2017

1034 S.W. 13th Avenue

Portland, Oregon 97205 503-228-6389 www.firstunitarianportland.org

Rev. Bill Sinkford Senior Minister

Thomas Disrud Associate Minister

T.J. FitzGerald Intern Minister

Katie Radditz Director of Adult Programs

503-228-6389, ext. 172 [email protected]

Cassandra Scheffman Associate Director of Adult Programs

503-228-6389, ext. 215 [email protected]

The Mission Statement of First Unitarian Church

to create a welcoming community of diverse individuals; to promote love, reason,

and freedom in religion; to foster life-long spiritual growth; and to act for social justice.

How to Register Sign up on line> http://tinyurl.com/1stCh-Registration Sign up at the Adult Programs Table Sunday after

Services. Complete the registration form on the back cover, and

mail to the church office with a check or credit card # Call the office at 503-228-6389, ext. 172.

Class Stewards Each adult class has a Steward who welcomes and registers participants, introduces the facilitator and ensures that the facilitator has what she or he needs. Fees are waived for Stewards. If you would like to steward a class, speak with an Adult Programs Committee member at the Program Fair.

Class Fees Classes are open to anyone at the Non-pledging fee. First Church congregants who have made an operating fund pledge this church year may pay the Pledging fee.

Refunds for classes will be given if: Class is cancelled Registrant notifies the office before the first date of

class. Refunds for retreats are given one week prior to retreat, less $25 non-refundable deposit. We strive for all classes to start and end on time. Please arrive 10 minutes early to your first class if you need to complete registration. For the safety of our children and the church, do not leave children unattended in any of our buildings.

Welcome to Adult Programs for

Winter and Spring 2017!

We offer these programs so that you might find inspiration and depth in a spiritual practice through the arts, through movement, in meditation or prayer, through religious and philosophical studies, and in shared stories through writing and reading together. This year we are focusing on the tales we tell, the stories that have shaped our lives, and the interrupting stories that make us grow in consciousness and inspire us to change and take new paths. You will find small group opportunities for making connections with others as well as with good works in the greater community. These classes are offered to help us fulfill the Unitarian Universalist principles of kindness, respect, freedom of religion, honoring each voice with peace as our goal. We especially hope that you will enjoy your time participating in First Unitarian Church programs.

Love, peace, and joy,

Katie Radditz Director of Adult Programs

Cassandra Scheffman Associate Director of Adult Programs

REGISTRATION — http://tinyurl.com/1stCh-Registration



Parking

As a downtown church, we compete with many other activities for on-street parking. We encourage congregants to use Portland’s transit system (the streetcar stops one block from the church), carpool (a great way to build community), or ride your bike (it’s good for your heart).

Sunday Parking U-Park — S.W. 12th between Main and Salmon:

No charge Sundays, 8 a.m.—4 p.m. City Center — S.W. 11th and Main:

No charge Sundays, 8 a.m.—2 p.m. Lawyer’s Lot — S.W. Main between 12th & 13th:

No charge Sundays, 8 a.m.—2 p.m. This lot is never available weekday evenings.

Monday—Thursday Evenings U-Park — S.W. 12th and Main: No charge 5:30–10:30 p.m. with a parking permit. Permits are $30 per each half church year (Sept.–Jan. and Feb.–Jun.) and may be obtained from the church office (Mon.–Thurs), 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Questions? 503-228-6389, ext. 212. Please be respectful of these parking arrangements, or we risk losing them. Thank you.

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Eliot

Walk the Labyrinth—Every First Sunday

The Labyrinth will be available in the Buchan Reception Room the first Sunday of the month, between 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Friends of the Labyrinth will be there to welcome newcomers who may have questions. Handouts will be provided that relate

to the Church theme of the month.

Winter/Spring Spiritual Themes

Each month during the program year (September through May), we focus our attention on a different spiritual theme. In addition to being incorporated into sermons, discussions, and reflection, we build many of our adult offerings around them.

March: Devotion April: Resurrection May: Peace

Book and Media Sale

in the Buchan Reception Room

Friday, Mar. 17, 3–7 p.m. Open for First Church congregants only. Get first pick of books, CDs and DVDs.

Saturday, Mar. 18, 10 a.m.—4 p.m.

Sunday, Mar. 19, 10 a.m.—2 p.m.

Proceeds from the sale go toward scholarships for classes and retreats and a portion goes toward purchasing books for the Church libraries.

This year’s leftover books will go to:

First Unitarian Beacon Bookstore (used book section) Home Free Family Shelter Coffee Creek Women's Prison Columbia Correctional Institution Two Rivers Prison Children's Book Bank Salvation Army Reynolds School District Bingo Books


CLASSES & RETREATS AT A GLANCE — REGISTER ONLINE: http://tinyurl.com/1stCh-Registration

* indicates day time class

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Bring Me Back to What is Holy (C7) Nature and Arts Retreat (R2) Gentle Yoga: Spring (C27) Walt Whitman’s “Song of Myself” (C20) Personal Rituals for Transition (C4) Our Church Story through Visual Art (C15) The Quality of Mercy (C31) Turning Point (C3) Lifting the Stone (C18) Ethics Without God (C10) Everyday Sacred (C12) Men’s Retreat (R3) Enneagram (C11) Birding in Our Backyard (C23) Diving for Pearls: Spring (C14) Heritage Trees Bicycle Tour (C22) Our Transcendental Roots (C29) Day of Mindfulness (R4) Portland Murals by Bicycle (C21) Downtown UU History Tour (C2) Ashland Spring Retreat (R5) Women’s Retreat (R1)

Tuesdays Fri.—Sun. Mondays Wednesdays Thursdays* Sunday* Tuesday Thursdays Mondays Tuesdays Tuesdays Fri.—Sun. Thursdays Saturday* Wednesdays Sunday* Mondays* Friday* Saturday* Sunday* Thurs.—Sat. Fri.—Sat.

Mar. 21 Mar. 31—Apr. 2 Apr. 3 Apr. 5 Apr. 6 Apr. 9 Apr. 11 Apr. 13 Apr. 17 Apr. 18 Apr. 18 Apr. 21—23 Apr. 27 Apr. 29 May 3 May 7 May 8 May 12 May 13 May 21 June 1—3 July 14—15

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An Evening of Pie & Poetry Reading

Thursday, June 8 6:30—8:30 p.m.

Margaret Fuller Hall

Come enjoy an end-of-year celebration featuring delicious words and lyrical pies. Listen to First Church

poets read from the best of their year’s work while you have a slice of homemade pie!

Please bring $5 or a book of poetry as a donation to the church libraries. We will serve pie, coffee, tea, and poems.



Nature and Arts Retreat:

Gifts of the Wild

“Close witness of the world...is the beginning of art.” —Kim Stafford

Artists and poets turn to nature for their muse, images, and ideas that correspond to their internal landscapes and needs. We also walk in nature to dream and meditate. Join fellow UU’s for a retreat on the edge of the Pacific, where we will commune in the invigorating outer landscape that fills our inner being. There will be time for sketching and hiking in this area of protected beach at the foot of Cascade Head. In the comfort of the Westwind Learning Center we will delve into concentration as a practice that comes from paying close attention. We will express what we find in visual and written expression as well as conversation. Facilitators: Katie Radditz is the Director of Adult Programs and former Creative Writing teacher at Pacific Northwest College of Art. Gina Wilson has shown her work at the (Laura) Russo Lee Gallery for over 30 years. She has taught painting at Marylhurst College and Oregon College of Arts & Crafts, drawing and color theory at Portland State University. Details: Friday, Mar. 31; 3 p.m.— Sunday, Apr. 2; 12 p.m. Camp Westwind near Neskowin Fee: $185; includes lodging and meals Reference#: R2WS17

Men’s Retreat: A Fitting End

Who doesn’t love a story with a perfect ending? We will pause in this springtime weekend amid awakening new life to reflect on the trajectory of our own lives. In particular, we will reflect on some of the deeply held feelings many of us share about the endings of the stories that our lives tell in the world. Come experience guided exercises that will help us to draw focus upon our lives in surprising and joyful ways. Of course, no retreat would be complete without campfire time, some diversions on the water, and other ways of enjoying the beautiful surroundings. Join the Men’s Community for this enriching weekend. Facilitator: T. J. FitzGerald, First Unitarian Church intern minister, completed divinity school in the fall. He has served a number of churches in various capacities and believes in the profound ability of communities to play essential roles in the lives of their members. Details: Friday, Apr. 21, 6 p.m. —Sunday, Apr. 23, noon Camp Magruder, Rockaway Beach Fee: $148; includes lodging and meals Reference#: R3WS17 Day of Mindfulness: Practicing Peace

“When we are mindful, deeply in touch with the present moment, our understanding of what is going on deepens, and we begin to be filled with acceptance, joy, peace and love.”

—Thich Nhat Hanh A Day of Mindfulness gives us the chance to practice the art of awareness and slowing down. The five mindfulness trainings provide the basis for touching joy, developing compassion, and practicing peace. We will read and discuss how these precepts guide or elude us in our daily lives. Enjoying extended times of silence, we will walk in the woods around the pond, eat a quiet meal together, and experience a guided meditation for total relaxation. Facilitator: Katie Radditz is Adult Programs Director and a student of Thich Nhat Hanh. Rev. Bob Schaibly, UU Minister and Buddhist teacher ordained by Thich Nhat Hanh, will be present and will lead our altar creation. Details: Friday, May 12, 9:30 a.m. —3:30 p.m. Mountaindale West Camp near North Plains Fee: $35; includes lunch. Reference #: R4WS17

Sign up online: http://tinyurl.com/1stCh-Registration

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Ashland Spring Retreat

Enjoy three plays, engaging conversation with fellow UU’s, and Ashland in Springtime. Participants will see the following plays: August Wilson’s poetry in UniSon Thursday, June 1, 8 p.m. This music-filled theatrical experience explores the poetry of August Wilson. UNIVERSES—one of the nation’s leading ensembles of color—fuses poetry, theatre, dance and music in this world premiere that explores the reconstruction of collective memory, interweaving Wilson’s words with stories for a new generation. Shakespeare in Love, Friday, June 2, 1:30 p.m. For the love of William Shakespeare, Romeo, and Juliet, OSF brings us this adaptation of the Academy Award–winning screenplay, a witty, romantic feast with music. Henry IV, Part One, Friday, June 2, 8 p.m. Who is about to rule the country? Falstaff—larger than life, debauched and allergic to all authority—has been the great influence in prince Hal’s life and he is about to step into the position of power.

Facilitator: Katie Radditz is the Director of Adult Programs for First Unitarian Church. Details: Thursday, June 1 —Saturday, June 3 Ashland, Oregon Fee: $395; includes tickets for three plays, two nights lodging with breakfast at the Bard’s Inn, and a discussion of August Wilson’s work with an actor and Eric Terrell as facilitator. Reference #: R5WS17

NEW DATES!

Women’s Retreat: My Story, My Life

“there was a new voice, which you slowly recognized as your own, that kept you company as you strode deeper and deeper into the world, determined to do the only thing you could do—determined to save the only life you could save.” —from “The Journey,” by Mary Oliver

We all have a defining story—a way of interpreting our life experience that tells us who we are and marks the parameters of possibility for us. Sometimes these stories are “written” early in life and never challenged. What is the dominant theme of your life story? Explore your personal narrative in this retreat, in a safe and supportive environment. Come prepared to go deep and to leave more awake.

Facilitator: Rev. Marilyn Sewell is the Minister Emerita of the First Unitarian Church. She writes for Huffington Post and is on the adjunct faculty of Maitripa, a Buddhist college in Portland. Details: Friday, July 14; 9:30 a.m. — Saturday, July 15; 3 p.m. Menucha Retreat Center, Columbia Gorge Fee: $165; includes lodging and meals Reference#: R1WS17

Downtown UU History Tour

Portland’s Unitarian history is rich in the early development of our culture in the establishment of our library, the human society, and Reed College. This walking tour will cover First Church history from our pioneer beginning in 1866 to the present. We begin in and around our church buildings, stroll through the Park Blocks and into Downtown to visit sites important to our church story. You will learn about our early leaders and important milestones in our long history here in Portland. This tour is wheelchair accessible and is held rain or shine. Facilitator: Kate Brickey is a First Unitarian Church member and a volunteer with Urban Tour Group. Details: Sunday, May 21; 12:45—2 p.m. Meet at the Adult Programs table in Fuller Hall. Fee: $10 per person / $15 per family Reference #: C2WS17 Path to Engagement

This informal class, led by one of our ministers, is offered frequently and includes a tour of our campus. If you're new to our faith, this is a good place to begin your journey. If you are a long-time Unitarian Universalist, this is a chance to get to know more about this particular congregation, its history, and what it means to be a member. This is a chance to meet other newcomers and learn more. Be sure to bring your questions. Facilitator: First Unitarian Church Minister Details: Choose one: Sunday, April 2, 12:45—2 p.m. Sunday, May 21, 11:15—12:30 p.m. Fee: None; Register at the Newcomer’s Table in Fuller Hall on Sundays or drop-in.

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NEW DATES!

Turning Point:

Imagining a New Unitarian Universalism

Come explore what it means to be a Unitarian Universalist today; bring your stories of experience or your fresh eyes as a newcomer. Using the book Turning Point: Essays on a New Unitarian Universalism, the class will examine UUism of the past and present to understand the perils and promises of our faith today and how it serves us and the world … or doesn’t. We will imagine new ways to deepen our faith and speculate on how it can serve future generations. Class meets two weeks apart to allow time for reading between meetings. For the first class, please read the Forward, Introduction, first essay and one more essay of your choice from the first section, “On the Trinity of Errors.” Facilitators: Kathy Birch is a First Unitarian member. She has been on a pilgrimage to Hungary with our Partner Church and was a delegate to General Assembly in 2016. Rev. Katherine Jesch is a community minister affiliated with First Unitarian Church, focusing on social and environmental justice. She serves on the Social Justice Council, the Immigration Justice Action Group and the Community for Earth. Details: Three Thursdays: Apr. 13, 27 and May 11 (every other week); 7—8:30 p.m. Fee: Pledging $10 / Non-pledging $20 Turning Point book is available in our church Beacon Bookstore. Reference #: C3WS17

Personal Rituals for

Times of Transition

“Rituals are cairns marking the path behind us and ahead of us. Without them we lose our way.” —Robert Fulghum In this interactive class, through a combination of inspiring examples, group discussion, personal exercises, and a labyrinth walk, each participant will design a ritual to help mark the way through a time of personal or community transition. People going through transitions of all types are welcome. Participants will receive feedback from the facilitator and the support of the group as they consider what best serves their transition.

Facilitator: Holly Pruett is a Life-Cycle Celebrant who works with individuals, families, and organizations to create personalized ceremonies from cradle to grave. A community leader and organizer, she is founder of PDX Death Café and the Death Talk Project. Details: Three Thursdays: Apr. 6, 13, and 20 12—1:30 p.m. Fee: Pledging $25 / Non-pledging $35 Reference #: C4WS17

Bring Me Back to What is Holy

"I want to live in a place where you and I are closer together. Imagine what a beautiful thing that would be. I want to go there. I want to grow old there, and, above all, I want to love there." —Author Unknown This is an opportunity as a community to explore and share stories of resilience, faith, commitment and action. We find ourselves deluged with stressful news of devastation, negative politics, tragedy. How can we unplug, unwind and find a more peaceful life? How can we let go of fear and reacquaint ourselves with that which nourishes us? This class will utilize a variety of approaches to finding joy and balance in a world where there is so much to be done. This is an interactive class where everyone can contribute and participate. Facilitator: Susan Cunningham is a long-time member of First Unitarian Church where she has facilitated classes on Spiritual Practice. Details: Four Tuesdays: Mar. 21, 28, Apr. 4, and 11 7—8:30 p.m. Fee: Pledging $30 / Non-pledging $40

Reference #: C7WS17

SPIRITUALITY AND PHILOSOPHY

IN TRANSITION



Ethics without God

Since the very beginning of the Western Tradition, philosophers have asked: To what extent are ethical truths knowable independently of religious revelation? This course will explore several attempts to answer that question, starting with Socrates’ argument in The Euthyphro that appealing to the will of the gods is not helpful in distinguishing right from wrong. We will discuss the work of Immanuel Kant, who, though religious himself, argued that ethics can and must be derived from Reason. John Stuart Mill’s Utilitarianism, published in 1861, is his attempt to offer a scientific approach to Ethics. We will conclude by exploring the demanding ethical theory put forward by the atheistic Existentialist philosopher, Jean Paul Sartre. This course is part of Andy Simon’s series on The Roots of Humanism. Facilitator: Andy Simon is a First Church member and a retired professor of western philosophy and ethics. Details: Four Tuesdays: Apr. 18, 25, May 2, and 9 7—9 p.m. Fee: Pledging $30 / Non-pledging $40 Reference #: C10WS17

Enneagram:

Understanding Nine Languages

of Love, Work and Spirituality A powerful resource for self-understanding, the Enneagram’s Nine Worldviews are used worldwide as an effective tool in psychology, spirituality and interpersonal communication. The Enneagram reveals that all people relate with nine major personality types, each addressing unique challenges and developing specific strengths. Discovering the “lens” through which we view the world is the first step in comprehending how others may experience the world differently. This fun and educational program lays the foundation for us to understand our own personality’s gifts and challenges, to identify paths for positive connection in relationships, to develop our best work capacities, and to find spiritual paths that support our growth and development. This can be a positively transformational experience. Facilitator: Dale Rhodes is a spiritual director in private practice, and the facilitator of the local Enneagram Portland community. He is a frequent speaker and teacher in UU congregations, has led the

Eliot Institute’s summer weeklong conference as well as the First Unitarian Soul Retreat and Men’s Retreat. Details: Three Thursdays: Apr. 27, May 4, and 11 6:30—9 p.m. Fee: Pledging $35 / Non-pledging $50 Reference #: C11WS17

Everyday Sacred: Telling Our Stories

“For everyone who has never told their story.” —Rachel Naomi Remen Some stories we keep to ourselves because they seem either too personal, too mundane, or sometimes too overwhelming and we can’t imagine where to begin to tell another person. This class will help us give voice to our stories, to share our wisdom and to help us move ahead with our creative lives. Speaking from our own experiences and observations, we create the stories of our individual and cultural times. We will draw on the guidance and philosophy of Dr. Rachel Naomi Remen, using excerpts from her book, Kitchen Table Wisdom. Remen believes that the purpose of life is to become whole, grow in wisdom and learn to love better. And that telling our stories can help that process. Facilitators: Don Liedel has been a member of First Unitarian Church since 1992. He discovered Remen’s work when his first grandchild was born, and soon after he attended a workshop led by Remen entitled Living on Purpose: The Personal Discovery of Meaning, Calling and Connection. Katie Radditz has taught creative writing at Pacific Northwest College of Art and is the Director of Adult Programs at First Unitarian Church. Details: Four Tuesdays: Apr. 18, 25, May 2, and 9 7—8:30 p.m. Fee: Pledging $25 / Non-pledging $35 Reference #: C12WS17


SPIRITUAL PRACTICE AND THE ARTS

Diving for Pearls:

Writing as Spiritual Practice

“I believe there is a part of writing that’s divine, that connects us with something greater than ourselves. And that, certainly, is something we’re all born with.” —Hal Zina Bennett, Write from the Heart We will build a supportive community to encourage our shy souls to emerge on the page and in the group. Through writing exercises and prompts we will engage in different types of writing, share in pairs and with the whole group, and in the process uncover more about our own inner spirit and spiritual journey. This writing is for us—for our own search and transformation. New or experienced writers all welcome. Come with an open heart and a desire to go deeply with others. In the Winter session, we will touch on the church themes of Joy and Devotion; Spring session on the themes of New Beginnings and Peace. Facilitator: Patty Clement co-facilitates the Contemplative Practice Group and is a member of the Adult Programs Committee at First Unitarian Church. She is an author, poet and Spiritual Director. Details: Spring Session—Four Wednesdays: May 3, 10, 17, and 24; 6:30—8:30 p.m. Fee: Pledging $30 / Non-Pledging $40; per session Reference #: Spring Session C14WS17

Lifting the Stone:

Telling the Stories that Heal Us From personal stories to traditional myths and tales, the stories we tell can heal, reframe and restore our sense of vision and well being. Join Portland’s favorite storyteller for this interactive storytelling class. Facilitator: Will Hornyak is a storyteller and advocate for storytelling as a change agent in personal and collective life. He teaches storytelling in professional communication at Marylhurst University and performs throughout the United States. Details: Three Mondays: Apr. 17, 24, and May 1 7—9 p.m. Fee: Pledging $40 / Non-pledging $55

Reference #: C18WS17

Our Church Story through Visual Art The iconic art pieces found throughout our church tell stories about events and people in our church history. Come learn about their significance in the past and today. Examples include the God is Everywhere children’s mosaic, Tree of Life tapestry, Phoenix Rising from the Ashes, and the Atrium mobile. Bring a lunch and sit together for a short program highlighting our past and current art and architecture followed by a tour to discover the art. This is an intergenerational program. Facilitators: Leslie Pohl-Kosbau has been a member of First Unitarian Church for 66 years where she is a former trustee. Ruth Lewellen-Dix is a former Director of Religious Education at First Unitarian Church. Victoria Meier grew up in First Unitarian Church. All three facilitators are members of the church’s Mosaic Committee. Details: Sunday, Apr. 9; 1—2:30 p.m. Fee: None (Advanced registration preferred.) Reference #: C15WS17

A Special Storytelling Event with Will Hornyak

Beyond Doom:

The Legend of Tuan Mac Cairill

Saturday, April 15, 7 p.m.

Buchan Reception Room

Storyteller Will Hornyak shares the oldest of Irish myths, poems and lore of death, rebirth and renewal.

Suggested donation $15; registration suggested. Contact: [email protected]




Walt Whitman's "Song of Myself"

"The smallest sprout shows there is really no death, And if ever there was it led forward life..." —Walt Whitman Harold Bloom writes, "No Western poet, in the past century and a half overshadows Walt Whitman or Emily Dickinson." Johnny Stallings writes, "I have been reading and re-reading 'Song of Myself' for the past 45 years. Just as China has the Tao Te Ching and India has the Bhagavad Gita, America has 'Song of Myself.' I believe it to be our greatest spiritual as well as our greatest literary masterpiece. There is no work of literature from which I have learned more. It may be the only one which I am certain has profoundly changed my life." In class we will read the poem aloud and explore together its images and ideas. This class is part of our literature series, Why Not Read the Classics?. Facilitator: Johnny Stallings is a director and an actor who has performed solo versions of King Lear, Hamlet, and ‘Song of Myself.’ Details: Four Wednesdays: Apr. 5, 12, 19 and 26 7—8:30 p.m. Fee: Pledgers $30/Non-pledgers $40


Portland Murals by Bicycle:

Activism and the Arts

On this Spring Saturday, we will tour the city on bicycles via safe routes, to view various types of Portland's Murals—specifically Art Murals, Neighborhood Murals, and Graffiti. Part of the focus will be on the projects of a local non-profit that specializes in community education through street art. We will discuss as a group what we are exploring. Bring the whole family for this environmentally friendly art tour. Bring a bottle of water; we will also stop for a refreshment along the route. Bring your bike or pick up a Biketown bike.

Facilitator: Michael Wade is a long time member of First Unitarian Church member who likes to ride his 1977 Vintage Peugeot around the city, easily distracted by the riches of public art installations. Last year for the church auction, Michael led a mural ride to explore some of the Forest For the Trees mural installations. Details: Saturday: May 13; 1—4 p.m. Meet on steps of Eliot Chapel. Fee: Pledging $15 / Non-pledging $25


Heritage Trees Bicycle Tour

in Goose Hollow

Portland’s urban forest is rooted in the city’s history. Bring your bike and join historian David-Paul B. Hedberg on a 2-mile tour using historic photographs, archival collections, and living trees to explore Portland’s oldest living artifacts—our Heritage Trees. Not only will you learn about Portland’s past but also the many ways to see and interpret both history and nature in the Portland landscape, including our own First Unitarian Church. Bring the whole family. Facilitator: Historian Dave Hedberg is the author of the award-winning publication From Stumptown to Treetown: A Field Guide for Interpreting Portland’s History Through its Heritage Trees, produced in partnership with Portland Parks & Rec. and Oregon Historical Society. Details: Sunday, May 7; 1—3 p.m. Meet at 12th Ave. bike racks outside church. Fee: Individual $10 / Family $15 Reference #: C22WS17

Walt Whitman’s Song of Myself

performed by Johnny Stallings

Sunday, April 2, 7:00 p.m.

Buchan Reception Room

Suggested donation $10 or free for those registered for “Song of Myself” class with Johnny.

INTERCONNECTED WEB


BODY AND SOUL

ACTING FOR JUSTICE

Birding in Our Backyard

Come enjoy a spring day with the birds! In cities, parks, and wild nature, birds are all around us. Deepen your connection with our feathered kin by learning more about their great diversity and identifying various species that share our home in the Pacific Northwest. After an introduction about bird families, field marks and anatomy, using binoculars and guidebooks, we’ll take a walk in the beautiful riparian area of Smith and Bybee Lakes, one of the largest urban wetlands in the country and an important stopover for migrating birds in springtime. For some, birding is about checklists, but it can also be a rich and rewarding way to connect with nature. Please bring binoculars and a bird identification guide if possible. All ages welcome! Facilitator: Cassandra Scheffman is Associate Director of Adult Programs at First Unitarian Church. She has studied field ornithology and has been birding since the age of 8 when she got her first field guide. Details: Saturday, Apr. 29; 9—11:30 a.m. Meet at Smith Bybee Wetlands Natural Area

Fee: Individual $10 / Family $15


Gentle Yoga

This early evening class is for all body types with a restorative emphasis on spine and neck health, increasing range of motion, stress relief and energy renewal. Please bring your mat (a few mats will be available) and wear comfortable clothing. Facilitator: A member of First Unitarian Church, Elizabeth Domike teaches studio and private yoga classes as well as well as for First Unitarian Church. Elizabeth’s expertise is with those dealing with the long term effects of stress. Details: Spring Session—Eight Mondays: Apr. 3, 10, 17, 24, May 1, 8, 15, and 22; 5:30—6:30 p.m. Now meeting at ÉYÈM Studio at 1034 SW Taylor St. at 11th Ave. Fee: Pledging $40 / Non-Pledging $60, per session (or $10/drop-in class) Reference #: Spring Session C27WS17

Our Transcendental Roots:

Gifts of Peaceful Protest Did Thoreau write "Civil Disobedience" before or after he spent time in jail for not paying his taxes? To get a broader view of his own peaceful protest, we will read literature which explores Thoreau's and Emerson's lives in Concord during that turbulent time. We will also examine the lives and writings of Elizabeth Peabody and Margaret Fuller, both powerful advocates for women’s rights in the nineteenth century. Facilitator: Victoria Wheeler is a member of First Unitarian Church. She is a life-long teacher and author who has taught a variety of classes on Creative Writing and the Transcendentalists. Details: Three Mondays: May 8, 15, and 22 1—3 p.m. Fee: Pledging $25 / Non-pledging $35 Reference #: C29WS17

The Quality of Mercy:

Transformation and Redemption Stories Inspired by the rewards of bringing Dialogue Circles and Creative Arts through theater and music to women and men serving time in Oregon prisons, three board members of Open Hearts Open Minds will share their stories and would like to hear yours. This class was spawned after seeing the film and reading the book Just Mercy, where Bryan Stevenson gives, “a stirring testament to the salvation that fighting for the vulnerable sometimes yields”— New York Review of Books. Facilitators: Carla Grant, theater director at Coffee Creek prion and President of Open Hearts Open Minds; Johnny Stallings, theater director at Two Rivers prison and Executive Director of OHOM; Claire Stock, past President of OHOM. Open Hearts Open Minds is a nonprofit organization which nurtures inner transformation through dialogue, silence, education and the arts, in order to promote peace, love and understanding. Details: Tuesday, Apr. 11; 7—9 p.m. Fee: None (Advanced registration preferred.) The book Just Mercy is available in the church Beacon Bookstore or at the library but is not required reading for participation. Reference #: C31WS17


PERSONAL AND LIFE SKILLS



Adult Class Registration Form Payment must accompany your registration in order for us to reserve your space. Mail payment with form to: First Unitarian Church Office – 1034 S.W. 13th Avenue, Portland, OR 97205

Name _____ _________ _______________________________Date Registered _______________

Email _____________________________________________ Phone _______________________

Address ___________________________________________________ Zip_________________

Class/Retreat ____________________________________ Ref. # __________________Fee $___________



Total $ ___________ Check enclosed. Make check payable to First Unitarian Church. Include class reference # on check.

VISA MC Card # ______________________________________ Exp. Date _________________

Signature _________________________________________________________________

Keep this for your records or post it on the fridge as a reminder! Questions? Call 228-6389, ext. 172 or 215

Date you registered: ___________________ Paid Cash Charge Check #_______________

Class: __________________________________ Date of first class ____________ Reference # ___________



GUIDE TO ADULT

CLASSES & RETREATS

Spring Update 2017

Church Office Hours 9 a.m.—4 p.m.

Monday through Thursday

Visit us at:

www.firstunitarianportland.org

Register online at:


1034 S.W. 13th Avenue Portland, OR 97205 503-228-6389

FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH


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