Calendar for June 2008

June 1 - Paul Lyons - "Moral Relativism - A Dilemma for Liberals".

Conservative thinking asserts the "moral high ground" and has had significant impact and control over our country in recent times. As progressive, liberal thinking Unitarian Universalists, we are challenged to make a strong counterpoint in the coming elections, but, at what price? Do we individually view that our ethical truths are higher, just because we own them and we know we are right? Bring an open mind and a clean slate for a self-reflection conversation about our reactions and responses to our world, as we explore an on-going dilemma that faces UUs.

Paul Lyons has been a UU for over 25 years. He is author of "Enhancing Self-Esteem in Your Child - a Parenting Kit." He has been a consultant helping organizations grow in healthy ways. He is currently a sustainability consultant focused on creating the new energy economy. Paul and Helen's son Joseph Santos-Lyons was recently ordained a
Unitarian Universalist minister.

June 8 - Rev. Sue Ayer - "Play - and Repair Your Spirits!"

When so many wrongs need righting, when so much tragedy afflicts others, do we dare to take time off for play? Sue recommends playing as self-care of the soul. "Everyone does it, and everyone needs it," says Sue. We're delighted to welcome Sue back to PUUF!

June 15 - Marcia Stanard - "Can You Hear Me Now?"

Marcia is a seminary student at Meadville Lombard and a candidate for the UU ministry. She's been the Director of Religious Education at Wy'east UU Congregation and has been a youth advisor, OWL teacher and RE teacher for six years.

June 22 - Rev. Patti Pomerantz - "Breathing"

Breathing provides the rhythm for our lives; it is the primary tool of many spiritual practices. I'll reflect on what it has been teaching me recently, including the costs of not paying attention, and what we can learn from it as we approach the end of another 'church year'.

June 29 - Annie Scott - "What do Our Children Need?

Annie Scott is currently the Director of Religious Education at Atkinson UU Church in Oregon City. She has been a UU religious educator for sixteen years, serving four congregations across the U.S. Over those years she has been challenged to find ways to make our abstract principles and faith meaningful to children. Annie will speak about
what she thinks our UU children need and how we adults need to stretch our religious ideas and leadership to make Unitarian Universalism relevant for the younger among us.