Covenant Groups
Our Covenant Group program continues to evolve. We welcome members and friends of our
congregation. For information about the program, or if you have an idea for a new group, call Mary Tiebout at the church, ext. 13. The first group listed below is a brand new group, the second is an existing group with a new focus. Join us!
FAMILY SPIRITUAL PRACTICES
How can our family lives better reflect our UU principles? Are there simple spiritual practices that we can integrate into family life? Do your children struggle to understand what our principles mean in real life? This group, designed for families who wish to explore spirituality by learning from each other, will have intergenerational discussions and fun activities as we seek to discover what it means to have a family spiritual focus and how we can help each other grow in spirit. Meetings on the 4th Wednesday, 6:30 to 8:00 pm., will include a simple dinner. All ages, sizes and shapes of families are welcome. Contact Lianne Schoenwiesner at 973 746-1311 or slianne@comcast.net for more information. Our first meeting will be on Sept. 22.
TRUE SELF AND CONNECTEDNESS
Everyone has, either unconsciously or consciously, an idea or definition of self. By examining our definitions we find that we have been correct or mistaken. The daily state of mind that most people experience is not what they would like. Our group will now focus on finding the deepest part of ourselves that is connected to the reality that we consciously or unconsciously seek. Through discussion we will examine our daily activities to become more conscious of how we are living our lives and see if we are truly going in the direction that brings us closer to that reality. Our next meeting is Sept 15, 7:30 pm at Molly Monahan's house. Her phone is 973-783-3876. Group leader, Stephen Bryant, returns in October.
LIVING SIMPLY
Creating a life that is inwardly more rich, and outwardly more simple in a fast-paced, consumer-oriented society. Practical solutions for our families, the environment, and our spirits. Monday evening. Laura Wilson 973-338- 5761.
RAISING FEMINIST SONS
We focus on the task of raising boys that are strong, full human beings with a relational orientation who possess the strength necessary to thrive in our society. Boys are welcome to attend! Meetings in Maplewood, Friday at 7:30 p.m. Shirley Matthews, day: 973-761-9500, evening: 973-378-8348.
SHORT FICTION READING GROUP
Reading mostly works of short fiction by a variety of authors whose stories don't always give up their secrets on the first reading. Our discussions enlighten us all. Fourth Tuesday. Contact Michael McTigue (973-744-2250) or Ed Haenlin (973-857-2384).
BYTES AND GENES, WHAT IT ALL MEANS
We explore where modern technology appears to be taking civilization and how that “progress” relates to Unitarian Universalist values and principles. We seek not to generate answers so much as a healthier sense of awe. Sunday evening. Barnaby Feder 973-233-1184.
THE LIVING DIVERSITY GROUP
Our congregation and our families are rich in diversity in a variety of ways. How do we endure, celebrate and grow from this multiplexity of personal experience in our homes and in our communities? Sunday evening. Mary Kennedy 973-746- 9362.
LIVING YOUR VALUES AT WORK—SUNDAY GROUP
In unhealthy work environments, it’s often hard to advance strong workplace values without jeopardizing relationships and careers. In inspiring and practical ways, we call on spiritual and personal ethics to promote a sense of integrity and respect in our places of work. Jenny McTigue 973-744-2250.
LIVING YOUR VALUES AT WORK—WEDNESDAY GROUP
Exploring how our values are fulfilled, challenged and sometimes not met in our work lives. Topics have included loyalty, trust, friendships at work, following your bliss, being ambitious vs. examining goals, integrity, bringing your religious values to work, and others. Jane Gaertner 973-893-1263.
JAZZ APPRECIATION
A diverse group of jazz enthusiasts exploring all varieties of jazz. We listen to selections, talk about the artists’ histories, styles, instrumentation, our personal live jazz experiences, and at times go to a live performance. Newcomers to the jazz world are welcome. Fourth Sunday. Ed Specht 973-857-0954.
MAKERS AND SEEKERS
Engagement in the creative process can be a spiritual journey. We’re writers, dancers, poets, visual artists, and musicians (professional and passionate hobbyists) pausing to consider the depth of meaning and spiritual element in the creative process. Wed. evening. Karen Fried 973-783-7586.
UU MEDITATION SATSANG
In a relaxed setting, our UU satsang (“reality group”) practices meditation for 30 minutes and explores our meditation experience, with the help of selected readings. People new to meditation are most welcome. Sunday, late afternoon. Claudia Sanders 973-731-8443.
THE VOCAL SPIRIT
If you enjoy singing, or wish you enjoyed singing, come share your voice. We warm up the voice, listen for harmonies, sing favorite songs, and work on improvisation in a friendly environment. Vocal experience not necessary. Next meeting is Sept.16, 7:30 pm. Call Mary WanderPolo 973-509-1526.
A YEAR TO LIVE
Exploring the amazingly intertwined nature of life and death. This group will end its work in December. Ask Silke Springorum, the leader, 973-744-1518, for information about the group if you’d like to learn more about their experience this year.
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