Continuing
Religious
Education

Winter/Spring Classes 2008

January | February | March | April

January

Tradition of Christian Spirituality through Poetry
Wednesdays, January 16 through February 13 • 5:30 to 7 p.m. • Brwyn Harris

We will investigate the work of poets William Blake, John Donne, and Gerard Manley Hopkins to see how their spiritual nature affected their poetry. We will also write, discuss, and share poetry based on our own spiritual discoveries and experiences. This class welcomes persons of any religious background or belief.

Faith without Certainty: Liberal Theology in the 21st Century
Wednesdays, January 23 to February 13 • 7 to 9 p.m. • Peter Morales, Senior Minister

This course is based upon a recent book by UU theologian Paul Rasor. We will look at what theology means for religious liberals and the prospects for liberal theology in the coming decades.

Reclaiming: Elements of Magic
Saturdays, January 26 to February 9 • 9 am to 4 p.m. • Kath Higgins of Reclaiming Spirit Colorado, sponsored by Joy Phelan in partnership with Covenant of UU PaganS (CUUPS)

Elements of Magic is the first of the core class in the Reclaiming tradition of Witchcraft. Explore our personal relationship with the elements of Air, Fire, Water, Earth and Spirit using reathwork, song, visualization, sensing and raising energy,
trance work, movement, spellcrafting, and creating sacred space. Material Fee: $3 to $7 per class. Prerequisite: First six chapters of The Spiral Dance by Starhawk.

Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Compassion
Wednesdays, January 30 through April 2 (except Feb. 13 and March 12), 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. • David Shindoll

Learn about and learn how to apply nonviolent communication consciousness and skills that lead to compassionate connection. These sessions will introduce the model developed by Marshall Rosenberg, helping us engage in difficult conversations that promote authenticity, understanding and compassion instead of conflict and disconnection, using a "power
with" style of communication that strengthens self connection and connection with others, and creating a way of life and relationship in harmony with our values. This class will follow an explorations! session on nonviolent communication on January 20, and the possibility of an ongoing group will be explored. Materials fee may apply.

February       [back to top]

Principles for Peace: A Simulated Mid-East Peace Conference
Saturday, February 2 • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Sandra Hardcastle

If you have a passion for peace and an adventuresome spirit, come join this role-playing experience with participants choosing to play the political leaders, business persons or grandparents from Israel, Palestine and the U.S. Communication is the key to peace and this is a communications workshop for practicing the peace principles for getting to solutions: slowing down, listening, validating and "being heard"--important steps on spiritual journeys for both individuals and communities. You don't need great knowledge about the Mid-East situation for this class. Please bring a picture of an important family member plus a sack lunch for the on-site break.

Enneagram for Personal Growth
Thursdays, February 7 to 28 • 7 to 9 p.m. • Nadine Swahnberg, Community Minister

The enneagram is an advanced spiritual growth tool that allows people to grapple more deeply with their strengths and weakness in “relating” and “leadership/collaboration skills” and other tools. It is good for communities and helps people see their shadow. We will explore the history and meaning of this tool and learn our enneagram type and how to use it for personal growth.

Being a UU Parent
Tuesdays, February 12, 26, March 4, 18, April 1 • Bob Brayden

Being a UU Parent by Makanah Morriss and David Hicks MacPherson is perfect for families who agree that Sunday school classes are not enough for understanding what it means to be a Unitarian Universalist. Helps parents clarify their own religious beliefs, increase their understanding of UUism and put their UU values into practice at home. Participants find that
this program not only provides information but also acts as a parent support group. Explores topics such as family life, holidays and celebrations, religious terms such as "Prayer" and "Sin", and UU resources.

Reclaiming: The Iron Pentacle
Mondays, February 18 through March 24 • 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. • Kath Higgins of Reclaiming Spirit of Colorado,
sponsored by Joy Phelan in partnership with Covenant of UU PaganS (CUUPS)

Reclaim the qualities of Sex, Pride, Self, Power and Passion. Call them back to you and claim them as your birthrights. Our culture has twisted these words: we know that we can use these words, they are sacred. They are the building blocks to becoming more human. Using our magical skills, moving and shaping energy, transforming ourselves through trance to
explore the five points of our inner pentacle: Sex (primal energy), Self, Passion, Pride (self-steem), and Power (effectiveness in the worlds). Material Fee: Sliding Scale - $3 to $7 per class. Prerequisite: Reclaiming Elements of Magic or equivalent.

Media, Politics and Democracy
Thursdays, February 21 to March 6 • 7 to 9 p.m. • Henry Kroll

Transforming the American media landscape is imperative to invigorating our democratic society with enhanced civic discourse and engagement. Understanding America's unique communication, history and policy making framework is the first task of media education. We will look at the vast consolidation of media outlets in the last 25 years, the current transformation of "old media" in the Digital Age and learn the principles of media reform: Accountability, Alternatives and Action. Guest speakers from Colorado public media outlets will be arranged. Material Cost: $5

Introduction to Northwest Institute Environmental Classes
Sunday, February 24 • 6 to 7 p.m. • Judy Douglass in partnership with the Green Task Force

The Green Task Force will present an overview of six environmental courses from the Northwest Earth Institute and the Green Team course. From this overview we will ask attendees to commit to taking a class of their choice.

March       [back to top]

Principles of Chinese Reflexology and Accupressure
Thursdays, March 13 & March 20 • 7 to 9 p.m. • Don Hughes

This course is an overview and introduction to Five-Element Theory and the principles of Chinese accupressure and reflexology, including how it applies to illnesses such as joint pain, migraines, hypertension and other conditions, led by an experienced, credentialed provider of accupressure and reflexology.

Peace Corps 101: Promote World Peace and Friendship at Any Age
Saturday, March 15 • 9 to 11 a.m. • Nancy Curren

Today's Peace Corps is more vital than ever, working in emerging and essential areas such as health, education, environment, agriculture, information technology, youth programs, business development, and AIDS Relief. Peace Corps volunteers continue to help countless individuals who want to build a better life for themselves, their children, and their communities. Learn how you can make a difference at any age as a Peace Corps volunteer.

Drum-Making and Rattle-Making Workshop
Saturday, March 29 • 12 noon to 4 p.m. • Lois Kaness and Bill Orr

This day-long workshop supports the new Spiritual Drum Circle on 4th Fridays. Have you thought about participating but need a drum or rattle? This workshop will give you the opportunity to make your own. Due to materials and ordering of supplies, registration is limited to 15 and payment must be made prior to class. Please contact Lois for the options available from Orr’s and make payment arrangements through her. Registration deadline: Friday, February 15.

April       [back to top]

Building Your Own Theology
Wednesdays, April 2 through June 4, 7 to 9 p.m. • Nathan Woodliff-Stanley, Minister of Social Responsibility

Come explore, examine and share with others your personal theological history and your response to a range of theological topics, leading up to building a personal theology by the end of the class. This is a wonderful opportunity to explore your personal beliefs as a Unitarian Universalist, and to get to know other members of JUC. Limited enrollment.

Introduction to Archetypes: A Psychological Journey to the Self
Saturdays, April 5 through May 10 • 3 to 5 p.m. • Kalin Baker

Using Tarot, Jungian psychology and metaphysical explanations to view and improve our lives. Class size limited to 12.

Leadership School: JUC Style!
Saturdays, April 5 & 12 • 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Jon Hassinger and Jodi King

Join fellow explorers in life for an insightful journey into leadership. These classes are designed to encourage interaction and practice of communication and facilitation skills that can be used in all facets of your work and committee involvement. We will use the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator as a lens into nderstanding our own personal preferences and begin to appreciate the differences and strengths of others’ preferences. Come away with the confidence that you have some tools to work with that really do help groups move forward AND that you can be a catalyst for helping a group reach its potential.

Reclaiming: The Pearl Pentacle
Mondays, April 14 through May 19 • 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. • Kath Higgins of Reclaiming Spirit of Colorado, sponsored by Joy Phelan in partnership with Covenant of UU PaganS (CUUPS)

Reclaim the qualities of Love, Law, Knowledge, Liberty and Wisdom. Our culture desperately needs these words to heal its heart and to begin to create new ways of being based on power-with, instead of power-over. We will learn to connect them with the qualities of Iron, and feel how they resonate together. Material Fee: Sliding Scale - $3 to $7 per class. Prerequisite: Reclaiming Iron Pentacle or equivalent.

The Power of Myth
Tuesdays, April 22 to May 27 • 7 to 9 p.m. • Joy Phelan

The Power of Myth is a book as well as a six-part television documentary first broadcast on PBS in 1988. The documentary consists six one-hour conversations between mythologist Joseph Campbell and journalist Bill Moyers. Filmed at George Lucas's Skywalker Ranch during the final two summers of Campbell's life, the series was broadcast a year after his death. In these discussions, Campbell presents his ideas about comparative mythology and the ongoing role of myth in human society.