Every spring and fall we offer a fresh slate of adult classes. Anyone age 16+ is welcome, unless otherwise noted. No fees are required unless otherwise noted. For more information, contact Adult Programs Committee Chair Elise Cutler.
Links
- Register for classes – Several ways to register:
- See the course descriptions below under Class Offerings and click the registration link.
- Email Education Assistant Melissa Campos-Poehnert.
- Sign up in the Commons after Sunday services.
- Fall 2019 UUCF Adult Programs Catalog
- UUCF Small Groups
- Propose a new class – submit your proposal to lead or teach a class
- UU Wellspring spirituality deepening course
- Online World Religions class (developed by UUCF members)
- Online learning
Class Offerings
Body & Brain Yoga
Mondays, Sep. 23, Sep. 30, Oct. 7, Oct. 14, Oct. 21, Oct. 28 & Nov. 4, 10-11 a.m., Chapel
Led by Janice Martin and Pat Beck
Register here
This workout connects mind and body for increased strength, flexibility and centeredness. Each class offers a variety of exercises and poses, helping keep the practice fun and dynamic while consistently covering the basics. Through signature breathing postures, participants will increase their energy levels, strengthen their cores and leave feeling recharged, relaxed and refreshed. Appropriate for all levels; beginners are welcome. Please bring a yoga mat.
Spiritual Practices for the Earth
Wednesdays, Sep. 25, Oct. 9, Oct. 16, Oct. 23 & Oct. 30, 7-9 p.m., Prog. Bldg.
Led by Emily Kohler
Register here
At a time of many global crises, it’s crucial to nurture connections to each other and the earth. This class series is designed to help build a regular spiritual practice, and hopefully a small group ministry, around earth-based spirituality. Participants will move through different practices that affirm their humanity and connection to the earth: altars, attuning to the directions, chanting, movement, meditation, visualization and sharpening the imagination. Participants will explore different practices and share their experiences. Short readings will be assigned between classes. Open to everyone, pagan curious or not. Doubts and reservations are welcome. Emily Kohler has been a UUCF member since 2015 and a practicing pagan for 20 years, in a coven and as a solitary.
Self-Mastery & Mindfulness
Thursdays, Sep. 26, Oct. 10, Oct. 17, Nov. 7, Nov. 21, Dec. 5 & Dec. 19, 7-9 p.m., Prog. Bldg.
Led by Dr. Millie Rivera
Register here
This course focuses on developing skills to notice our biases, judgments and projections and how they can influence the way we perceive others and ourselves. Through self-reflection, one-on-one interactions and group sharing, participants learn to become comfortable with vulnerability and engage in honest reflection on issues such as perceptual biases, the power of our mind talk, forgiveness, etc. Dr. Millie Rivera is director of Faculty Diversity, Inclusion and Well-Being at George Mason University.
Modern Parenting
Tuesdays, Oct. 8, Oct. 22, Nov. 5, Nov. 19 & Dec. 3, 7-8:30 p.m., Social Hall
Led by MistyAnn Harris
Register here
Parenting is a rewarding and sometimes challenging job. The goal of this workshop is to provide parents with simple, everyday strategies to build relationships with their children and tackle more complex situations like lying and using disrespectful language. The way to take the crazy out of the everyday, as your children grow and evolve, is to have a close relationship with them and a consistent plan. Child care is available for this class. Please RSVP to childcare@uucf.org by the previous Saturday to reserve a child care spot for each class session.
Applying Critical Thinking to Contemporary Controversies
Tuesdays, Oct. 15, Oct. 29, Nov. 12 & Nov. 26, 7-9 p.m., Prog. Bldg. (Oct. 29 class meets in the Library)
Led by Terry Steichen
Register here
Explore how to apply critical thinking skills to complicated societal issues – abortion, climate change, gun violence, globalization, LGBTQ+ rights, health care, etc. Examine the specific issues within each controversy and apply a critical thinking strategy to objectively examine the pros and cons. The focus will be on “dialing back” your own preconceptions (and perhaps prejudices) to view the choices as objectively as possible, which will help identify areas where people agree and narrow down areas where people disagree.
Cooking Vegan With Kids
Sat., Oct. 19, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Sanctuary Kitchen & Commons
Led by Diana Tycer
Register here
Would you like to serve more plant-based meals to your family, but think they might revolt? Parents and children age 8 and up are invited to this hands-on opportunity to learn more about plant-based diets and create some tasty plant-based entrées together. Materials fee of $20 per family covers ingredients. Families dine together.
The Jesus of History
Wednesdays, Oct. 23, Oct. 30, Nov. 6 & Nov. 13, 7-8:30 p.m., Prog. Bldg.
Led by Jack Dalby
Course fee: $20
Register here
New Testament scholar John Dominic Crossan once said, “It is impossible to avoid the suspicion that historical Jesus research is a very safe place to do theology and call it history, to do autobiography and call it biography.” So just who was the Jesus of history? Over the past 2,000 years, many have tried to write the history of the carpenter’s son from Nazareth. In this academically based course, participants will attempt to reconstruct the Jesus of history by examining what modern historians have to say about this enigmatic 1st Century Palestinian Jew. Discussion topics will include the sources for the historical Jesus and the critical methods historians use to evaluate these sources. How has human memory affected the stories told about Jesus? What kind of claims did Jesus make about himself? Did he found a new religion? Participants will also discuss what historians have written about the major chapters in the life of Jesus. Ample time available for questions.
Nuts & Bolts: How Things Work at UUCF
Wed., Oct. 23, 7-8:30 p.m., Prog. Bldg.
Led by Craig & Susan Bennett and Rev. David A. Miller
Register here
Have you ever found yourself wondering “How do I …?” This course is intended to provide leaders, potential leaders and curious non-leaders an overview of UUCF mechanics. How is the congregation organized and governed? Who does what and why? What are the responsibilities of the staff? How do I … coordinate a special event? Advertise an activity? Get reimbursed? Learn the resources and processes available to help you get things done at UUCF. Bring your questions.
UU 101 History & Theology
Thu., Oct. 24, 7-9 p.m., Prog. Bldg.
Led by Rev. David A. Miller
Register here
2,000 years of UU history in 2 hours.
Card Making & Paper Crafts
Sundays, Oct. 27, Nov. 24, Dec. 22, Jan. 26, Feb. 23, Mar. 22, Apr. 26 & May 24, 1:30-3 p.m., Prog. Bldg.
Led by Kim Condas
Register here
Make cards for UUCF’s Caring Committee and at least one of your own. Kim will bring supplies, or bring your own craft project of any kind and craft in community with us. $5 materials fee if you choose to make cards. Registration preferred.
Beyond White Fragility: Courage for Racial Justice, Courage for Collective Liberation
Sat., Nov. 9, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Sanctuary
Led by Chris Crass
Cost: $10 for lunch, payable with registration or at the door
Register here
All are invited to this interactive workshop with social justice educator, author and organizer Chris Crass, a leading voice in the country calling for and supporting white people to work for racial justice. Whether you’ve been active for decades or a few days, this is an opportunity to develop a stronger culture of inspiration, resilience and courage for racial justice. While one of the focuses for the workshop is on white people working for racial justice, the overall focus of the workshop is on how we can build stronger racial justice values and action in our congregations and communities. The workshop is for all who want to do this work.
