Weekly Wednesday Wellspring: 7/08/09
Happy 7-8-9!
And, just under the wire....
Welcome to your once-a-week listing of goings-on of interest to Unitarian Universalists—current and potential. The Wellspring lists service topics for every UU church within 25 miles of Baltimore City, and is growing to include other church events or related activities. Please send suggestions for events you would like to see highlighted in future editions. The synopses below, where not written by me, are taken from the website of each church or organization listed.
This week: Darwin, homelessness, spirituality and more! Unitarian Universalists will explore these topics in word and deed over the next seven days. Stop by your local UU congregation and join in! Don’t underestimate the power of ideas…or sharing ideas with others in community. Dogma be gone! The free mind lives here.
Please note carefully any changes in time or location for Sunday Worship, and special lay-led services.
7/08/09 thru 7/15/09
Thursday, July 09, 2009
- Mindfulness Practice Group at UU Church of Annapolis, Annapolis MD, 7PM | Meditation and dharma or T'ai Chi discussions (if new to meditation, it is recommended you attend the introductory sessions on Sunday). Contact: mpg@uuca-md.org for more information.
Friday, July 10, 2009
- Deadline to apply for Church Administrator position at First Unitarian Church of Baltimore.
- Full Moon Women’s Circle at UU Church of Annapolis, Annapolis MD, 7PM | Monthly earth-based ritual celebrating the full moon. Focused on women's spirituality and open to all adult women. Held on or near the full moon every month from 7:00-9:00 pm
- Pagan Spirituality Group (AKA Turning Circle) @ UUCC, Columbia MD, 7:15PM | UUCC's Pagan Interest Group, meets the 2nd Friday of each month at 7:30 pm at [Columbia’s Owen Brown Interfaith Center]. Bring food or drink to share after circle. For information, contact Alex Cauthen-Zach Zach.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
- Drum for Peace with UUs of Fallston at 7PM. | All ages are welcome to the drumming circle and extra drums and other instruments are usually available for general use. [Ed. note: Lots of fun and spiritually rewarding!]
Sunday, July 12, 2009
- "Celebrating Charles Darwin" — First Unitarian Church of Baltimore, Baltimore MD, 10AM | Rev. Lyn Oglesby will lead a celebration of the life and contributions of Charles Darwin. Darwin was a fascinating person, a model of purposefulness, curiosity, and method. Join us for Darwin stories and to honor his contributions to science and religion. Contact: minister@firstunitarian.net
- "Homeless in Baltimore—and Hopeful” — Towson Unitarian Universalist Church, Lutherville MD, 10:30AM | Baltimore's homeless population is on the rise, up 12 percent from two years ago, and nearly 28 percent since the census began in 2003. Baltimore’s Mayor Sheila Dixon is proposing to spend millions on year-round emergency shelters and on the construction of a new permanent facility. Who are the homeless? How do we view this “fringe” group of people? Is there hope for them? Who is responsible? Priscilla Lippincott, TUUC member and a therapist/case manager and Adam Schneider, an advocate for the homeless will address these questions. They are employed by Health Care for the Homeless, whose mission is to “provide health-related services, education and advocacy to reduce the incidence and burdens of homelessness in Maryland.”
- “Charles Darwin in the 21st Century” — UU Congregation of Columbia, Columbia MD, 10AM | Carolyn Mateer, speaker. Charles Darwin’s “Dangerous Idea” changed the world, yet the impact is still strongly debated as religion and science continue to collide.
- "Essential Spirituality" — Channing Memorial Church, Ellicott City MD, 10AM | Yearning for teachings that were spiritual, yet not "religious," I found a treasure, Essential Spirituality: The Seven Central Practices to Awaken Heart and Mind, by Dr. Roger Walsh. From 20 years of research, he pulls together seven common practices from influential world religions: Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, [Buddhism], Taoism, Confucianism, and [Islam]. From unearthing our "cravings," to reducing anger and fear, to truly understanding and experiencing joy, peace, and wisdom, Walsh’s discourse and exercises enlighten minds and lift spirits. This service will stir your "soul" and uplift! Led by Elizabeth McNeilly. Summer services [began] at Bethany Lane on June 21st. These small, lay-led summer services have a loyal following, an intimate, welcoming atmosphere and are a good way to continue your spiritual journey in a small, conversational setting. Keep your eye on the church website, the church e-group, and the summer newsletters for more details.
- “Transcending Limits of the Everyday” — UUs of Fallston, Fallston MD, 11AM | Several people will discuss writing, painting, music, and running.
- Cedarhurst UUs, Finksburg MD, 9:30AM
- “Edges”— UU Church of Annapolis, Annapolis MD, 10AM | We constantly come to edges in our lives. Changes are part of life – some we choose to make, some just happen. Each moment we stand between what has been and what may be; our memories and anticipations can be distracting. Each moment has its own reality to be appreciated. Bryant Brown, Summer Minister. Also, at 8:45AM, Intro. to Mindfulness Meditation: Beginner friendly session open to all every Sunday for those who want to learn the basics of meditation and those who just want another opportunity to practice with a group. The annual cycle is in process working with the "Five Hindrances” to starting [a] meditative practice.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
- Public Forum on the Death Penalty — Baltimore MD, 7PM | The Case of Troy Davis in Georgia and the Status of the Death Penalty in Maryland, Enoch Pratt Parish Hall, 514 N. Charles St. (Corner of Charles & Hamilton) Baltimore, MD 21201. Open to the Public. Troy Davis has been on the death row in Georgia for 15 years. Initially there were 9 eyewitnesses to the crime. Subsequently, 7 have admitted to lying. Of the remaining 2, one is a suspect to the slaying. Troy's sister has been invited to be one of the speakers. Others include: Cindy Boerfman and Vernon Evans. Ms. Boerfman will review the status of the death penalty in Maryland. Vernon Evans is on death row in Maryland and will speak "Live From Death Row" by telephone hook up. Contact: rlhumphrey205@aol.com
- UUCC Meditation Group, Columbia MD, 7:30PM | Meditation Group meets every Tuesday night at 7:30 for 40-50 minutes of meditation to music or in silence. Bring your tapes or CDs to share with the group.
- First Unitarian’s Mindfulness Meditation, Baltimore MD, 7:30PM | Enoch Pratt Parish Hall. Adult RE program. This group is open to all; beginners and experienced meditators, church members and friends from the wider community can come and develop meditation practice. At each session we meditate, have some tea, and discuss meditation practices as they condition our experiences. Meets the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month. Contact: Michael Preston, meditation@firstunitarian.net
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