FCUCC Forum Reminder

 This Sunday, August 21, at 9 – Situational Depression -- Carolyn George and Nancy Keswani -  Have you ever experienced a stressful life change such as a death, divorce, illness or relocation? Even joyful happenings such as a marriage or retirement can cause stress. Sometimes, our reaction to such life changes is a short-term form of depression called "situational  depression."                

            Join session facilitators Carolyn George and Nancy Keswani of FCUCC's Mental Health Work Group as we explore the signs of situational depression,  coping strategies, treatment options and how to support a loved one, and share our personal stories. 

FCUCC Forum Reminder

This Sunday at 9 - August 14 – The Center for Spiritual Wisdom:  Spiritual Practices and Human Transformations -- Rob Field -  Until a few months ago, Reverend Rob Field was senior minster of the Episcopal Church in Brevard where he had served for 18 years. Now he is Director of the Center for Spiritual Wisdom, a non-profit organization he recently founded. The Center offers spiritual practices that promote human transformation through workshops, classes, conferences, spiritual practice groups and retreats. The Center's vision statement includes the following:

           *The Center will serve all seekers. Though rooted in Christian teachings, it will be intentionally ecumenical.

           *The Center's offerings will promote compassionate action and transformative growth in relation to God, neighbor, self, creation and cosmos through the integration of             practice, learning, engagement, and reflection.

           *The Center's work will include spiritual disciplines such as lectio divina and contemplative prayer, personal learning tools such as the Enneagram and contemporary approachessuch as social justice engagement, eco-spirituality and sustainable agriculture.

FCUCC Forum Reminder

This Sunday, August 7 at 9 – Every Single Other, Every Single Christ  -- Larry Anderson - Whenever Robin Meyers, one of this year's distinguished lecturers, blesses the congregation of his Oklahoma church at the end of services, he ends with "And love one another," Then the congregation says, "Every single other". Larry Anderson will lead a discussion on this phrase. …Larry, a retired minister and psychologist, is our most active Forum speaker. 

FCUCC Adult Forum

  July 31 – MATTER OF HEART – Part Two.   "Matter of Heart", a compelling portrait of Carl Gustav Jung, is a film that will be shown and discussed in two parts on these Sunday Forums. Jung's genius and humanity reached far beyond the realm of psychiatry into redefining the essential nature of who we are. More than a linear biography, the film presents a fuller perspective on this humanist, healer, friend and mentor through the skillful interweaving of rare home movies, valuable archival footage, and a wealth of interviews with such notables as Sir Laurens van der Post and Marie-Louise von Franz.

FCUCC Forum Reminder

This Sunday, July 24 at 9:00 – MATTER OF HEART: THE EXTRAORDINARY JOURNEY OF C.G. JUNG INTO THE  SOUL OF MAN- Part One of "Matter of Heart", a compelling portrait of Carl Gustav Jung, is a film that will be shown and discussed in two parts on these Sunday Forums. Jung's genius and humanity reached far beyond the realm of psychiatry into redefining the essential nature of who we are. More than a linear biography, the film presents a fuller perspective on this humanist, healer, friend and mentor through the skillful interweaving of rare home movies, valuable archival footage, and a wealth of interviews with such notables as Sir Laurens van der Post and Marie-Louise von Franz..

July 31 – MATTER OF HEART – Part Two.   

FCUCC Forum Reminder

This Sunday, July 17 at 9 - PLANNING FOR DEATH AND BURIAL WITH THE EARTH IN MIND – Michele Skeele. We often find it hard to have conversations about death, ours or a loved one's. But as we find ourselves in the midst of shifts of consciousness, we have an opportunity to be change-agents for our culture. Sustainability, a practice which has become crucial for our planet, is not usually considered when we die. But we can plan for burial with the Earth in mind. Many green choices are available if we know where to look, but families in the midst of grief often don't know where to begin.

Contemplating a "good death" can be an important aspect of living fully and we can empower ourselves to create end-of-life experiences that enrich our families and communities. Our options to create meaning as we leave our bodies are as varied and rich as we are. We can reclaim death-care as part of the circle of life for our families and communities. Michele Skeele is a Death Doula and a Guide on Call with the Center of Life Transitions in Asheville, NC. She is trained as a Therapeutic Music Practitioner to play Native American flutes at the bedside of the dying. Michele is also on the board of the WNC chapter of the Funeral Consumers Alliance, a national advocacy organization. She is passionate about bringing death back into the circle of life. 

FCUCC Forum Reminder

This Sunday, July 10 at 9 – WRITERS' FORUM- Four times a year, we conduct the FCUCC Writers' Forum to honor the art of writing and encourage our church's many excellent writers. If you love to write, church member or not, and would like to read from your work (any genre), you are invited to register in advance with coordinator Rand Bishop (697-0090 or randsemail@yahoo.com.) All are invited to attend. Support our creativity!

FCUCC Forum Reminder

This Sunday, July 3 at 9 - REVIEWING DR. ROBIN MEYERS' LECTURES – Larry Anderson- We'll discuss the message of Dr. Meyers, this year's distinguished lecturer who was here the weekend of June 17-19. Bring your insights and questions. Larry Anderson is a retired minister and psychologist and frequent Forum presenter.

FCUCC Forum Reminder

This Sunday at 9, June 26 - LISTENING: I know you believe you understand what you think I said. by Joan Kahn-Schneider.

"If I were to put the cure to all of the world's ills in one simple sentence, I would say, 'People don't listen to each other'. It has always been thus, and doesn't seem to be getting any better. Listening is a skill that can be learned, an art that can be mastered. Discover the tools and techniques to hear what you have been missing. Learn the ways people take in information, what affects our ability to listen and why we don't listen. Let's talk about it. Better yet, let's listen to one another."

Joan Kahn-Schneider is a retired Unitarian-Universalist minister who has served congregations in Michigan, Ohio and New York. For two years she was Director for Ministerial Education in the UU Association. She has degrees from Antioch College, United Theological Seminary and Antioch New England Graduate School. Before ministry, Joan raised four children, was a family therapist and owned and operated a neighborhood bookstore. Active in retirement, she has spoken and consulted internationally, facilitated conflict resolution and organizational health. Recently back in Hendersonville, Joan says she will never leave again because she loves it here.

FCUCC Adult Forum Reminder

Don't forget the lectures, which begin tomorrow night at 7.

This Sunday, June 19 at 9:00  – THE UNDERGROUND CHURCH: Reclaiming the Subversive Way of Jesus - Rev. Dr. Robin Meyers

This Forum will be held in the Sanctuary. It is part of the lecture series of Dr. Meyers, this summer's Distinguished Ashley Lecturer.

 For over 20 years, Robin Meyers has been pastor of an "unapologetically Christian, unapologetically liberal" Congregational church in Oklahoma. He is professor of philosophy at Oklahoma City University, a syndicated columnist, and an award-winning commentator for National Public Radio. He has appeared on Dateline NBC, the NPR NewsHourand ABC World News. He writes regularly for the The Christian Century. He has also written Saving Jesus From the Church: How to Stop Worshiping Christ and Start Following Jesus and Spiritual Defiance: Building a Beloved Community of Resistance.

FCUCC Adult Forum Reminder

This Sunday June 12, at 9 – PREPARING FOR REV. DR. ROBIN MEYERS - Rev. Larry Anderson. We'll talk about Robin Meyers, this year's distinguished Ashley lecturer, who will be here June 17-19 (Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday, including Forum and regular service). Robin speaks, teaches and listens in the middle of his home state, Oklahoma, where he notices most of his neighbors are big on correct beliefs and short on compassionate behavior. Larry Anderson is a retired minister and psychologist.

Remember next week's Forum will be in the Sanctuary with Dr. Meyers speaking about "The Underground Church: Reclaiming the Subversive Way of Jesus."

FCUCC Forum Reminder

This Sunday, June 5 at 9:00 the topic will be "Shopping with Jesus: Spending to reflect our values!" Presenters Diane Rhoades and John Parris are excited to have a conversation with you about how our choices in regard to clothing, food, vacations, investments might be better tailored to reflect our values.

 

Does this retailer treat their employees as they would be treated? Is the food grown in ways that support and protect God's creation? John and Diane will share information about companies and practices, provide sources and give examples of to inspire change to a more sustainable, just and healthy life for all Life. 

 

Diane, earthworm rancher, has presented about composting to grow your own vitamins and minerals at our Adult Forums.  She is an advocate for shopping locally, and sourcing sustainable, ethically produced food. John comes from a family with a strong sense of social justice and has long been a proponent of 'putting your money where your mouth is.'  He has been very much influenced by his sister, a passionate opponent of human trafficking and slavery.  John has been involved with several successful campaigns to encourage changes in the policies and procedures of corporations.

FCUCC Adult Forum Reminder

This Sunday at 9:00 May 29: Discovering Joshua's Altar: A Biblical Archeology Adventure – Jim Smelker, a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church, will present a lecture/slide show of his 1985 experience on an archeological "Dig" in the West Bank of Israel. Besides being part of this dig, he has traveled to the Holy Land several other times; he has also visited 30 other countries.

There is little archaeological evidence of Israelite tribes returning to their "Promised Land" after 40 years of wandering in the wilderness east of the Jordan River under the leadership of Moses. After Moses died, leadership turned to young Joshua, who "fought his way" in Canaan. Archeologist Adam Zertal of Haifa University has made a career of identifying Iron Age Israeli remains from 2500 BC in the arid mountain area west of the Jordan. He claims that the site of an altar in Mount Ebal was that ordered by Moses where the reading of 'the Curses' took place (Deuteronomy 27). Zertal has argued for over 30 years that this site is the best historical evidence that links the Bible to Israel's claim it has a God-given right to the Holy Land, which the Palestinians say is theirs. Jim will tell the story of how he volunteered for this dig. "It was a fabulous experience and I look forward to sharing it with you."

FCUCC Forum Reminder

No matter what the Times-News says, this Sunday May 22 at 9:00 is Can You Be the Voice For a Child?: Guardian Ad Litem  with Linda Sue Barnes- The Guardian ad Litem (or GAL) program of the North Carolina Court System, established by statute in 1983, requires the appointment by a judge of a citizen volunteer and an attorney advocate for each child alleged by the Department of Social Services (DSS) to have been abused, neglected or abandoned. This Forum will address how the program works to help children and what GAL volunteers do. 

Ms. Barnes has been a GAL in Henderson County for five years and has dealt with about 15 children, some of them for as long as three years. After 13 years as a bureaucrat with municipal and federal agencies and 43 years running her own consulting firm, Linda Sue's faith journey found her recruited for the GAL program. 

She says of that experience, "I have worked with children, parents, foster parents, teachers, counselors, and social workers in both the best and worst situations. This Guardian ad Litem experience has been one of the most frustrating, satisfying, and ultimately spiritual activities I have ever undertaken. I look forward to sharing some of this with you." 

FCUCC Forum & Pentecost Reminder

Remember to wear red for Pentecost, the church's birthday.

This Sunday, May 15 at 9:00: On Being an Atheist – Dr. Don Emon who has presented at our Forum several times in the recent past, has been an atheist all of his adult life. He will describe the things that have happened to him that has led him to the conclusion that there is, in fact, no loving, caring, all-powerful God. He has written a poem titled God of Love? And will share it with us. Don often feels like he is in the minority and that it requires some amount of courage to speak up when religion is discussed. An important part of his talk is to listen to, and respond to, comments from the audience. Don has been retired from the U.S. Department of Energy since 1991. Extremely active in the community, he has been President of Compassion and Choices of the Western Carolinas for 15 years. Very active in area speaking circles, he often serves as discussion leader for various Unitarian – Universalist churches. He has over 10 years volunteer experience as an intake worker for IAM, Interfaith Assistance Ministry…. Don has a Ph.D. in Nuclear Science and English and two Master's degrees.

FCUCC Forum Reminder

This Sunday, May 8 at 9:00 (no matter what time the Times-News says): Changing the World, One Man At a Time: The Mankind Project – Bruce S. Noll -The Mankind Project (MKP) is a vibrant, world-wide movement of some 60,000 men whose purpose is to foster a redefined role of males in modern society. The 33 year old, non-profit organization has as its mission the creation and fostering of authentic, honest, openhearted men who acknowledge and accept the combination of masculine and feminine energies at work within both genders.  The signature training program of the Mankind Project is called the New Warrior Training Adventure Weekend. Many men find it a transformational workshop. It is one of the few male rituals of initiation that is not sponsored by the military or gang-related. Bruce Noll, a longtime trainer and facilitator of men's groups in our area, is one of two coordinators for the Mankind Project's Greater Asheville Community. He will also introduce several guests who will talk about the training experience, available locally, and what it has meant to them. 

FCUCC Forum & Immigrant Rights Sunday Reminder

This Sunday, May 1 at 9:00- "The Name of God Is Mercy", the First Book of Pope Francis - Larry Anderson  Retired minister and psychologist Larry, will lead a discussion around the theology and politics of such a claim. 

Then at the 10:30 worship service through scripture, prayers, speakers and music, we'll lift up immigrants; to learn about their concerns, honor their contributions to our country and communities, hear their pain, pray for their well-being, and listen to hear where God is leading us regarding issues of immigration. 

FCUCC Forum Reminder

This Sunday, April 24 at 9: The Spiritual Voice of Women Composers  - PAMELA BLEVINS- Women have been composing music for centuries, some with great success.  But only in recent years have their voices begun to be heard again.  Women have composed in all forms from piano works and songs to symphonies, concertos, operas and large-scale sacred and secular choral works. From the 12^th century German abbess Hildegard de Bingen to the 20^th century American composer Elinor Remick Warren, women have created a body of music reflecting the spiritual nature of humanity.  This Forum  briefly explores the early history of women's contributions to sacred music and then focuses on three composers whose works have stood the test of time: Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel, the elder sister of Felix Mendelssohn; Elfrida Andree, a Swedish organist and composer; and Elinor Remick Warren.  The talk is illustrated with photographs and recorded music. 

            Brevard resident Pamela Blevins is a music historian and former journalist.  In 1977 she developed a series of pioneering lectures on women composers titled "Silent Destiny" at a time when the voice of woman composers was indeed silent.  She is co-founder and editor of "Signature: Women in Music", an online magazine about women in classical music.  Blevins is the author of the critically acclaimed dual biography of English composer-poet Ivor Gurney and English musicologist, critic and writer Marion Scott, "Ivor Gurney and Marion Scott: Song of Pain and Beauty" (Boydell, 2008).

FCUCC Seder and Lecture Series Reminder

This Friday, April 22 at 6:45 pm - The community Passover Seder which Jim and Judith Nourse will lead here is a continuation of the lecture series theme of freeing ourselves from bondage to limiting beliefs, the lecture series which continues on 

All are invited to come celebrate Passover Seder  on Friday, April 22 at 6:45 pm. This will be a lovely evening that recounts the history of the Hebrew children fleeing Egypt, breaking the bondage of slavery and embarking on a new chapter of history as a people.  The ritual "meal" (not dinner) will take us through the biblical account with tastes of specific foods as well as song and blessings that represent aspects of this ancient deliverance.

The theme of Seder, observed by Jesus in The Last Supper, is freedom from bondage. Throughout the service, we will relate to a deeper level of our own state of being and consciousness, discovering within ourselves our own inner bondage and the path to our own new chapters of life. 

 Dr. James and Judith Nourse will be our facilitators.

Jim, a clinical psychologist and licensed acupuncturist, is also the  author of two books, Simple Spirituality: Finding Your Own Way and Opening the Aloha Mind: Healing the World with Ho'oponopono. Judith is an RN and a practitioner of Reflexology, Therapeutic Touch and Feng Shui. 

Reservations are required to attend this sit-down event, for which participants are asked to arrive by 6:45 and bring a small pillow or chair cushion for themselves. Click fcchendersonville.org or call 828-692-8630 for more information.            

            

Saturdays- April 23 & 30: From Bondage to Freedom – Parts Two and Three – JUDITH AND JAMES NOURSE. Judith writes: "We are prisoners of our habits and beliefs and have no idea that we are imprisoned in their limitations." This Forum will introduce various concepts and practices -  including Shamanism, Buddhism, Kabbala, Hawaiian Ho'oponopono, and the teachings of Jesus - that have led the Nourses on their journey from bondage to our common birthright: oneness with our Creator.  

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FCUCC Forum Reminder

This Sunday, April 17 at 9:00- From Bondage to Freedom – Part One – JUDITH AND JAMES NOURSE. Judith writes: "We are prisoners of our habits and beliefs and have no idea that we are imprisoned in their limitations." This Forum will introduce various concepts and practices -  including Shamanism, Buddhism, Kabbala, Hawaiian Ho'oponopono, and the teachings of Jesus - that have led the Nourses on their journey from bondage to our common birthright: oneness with our Creator.  

(This is part of a 3 lecture series; part 2 and 3 will be held on Saturdays, April 23 and 30 at 11:00 am here in Fellowship Hall.  All are invited.) 

April 22 at 7:00pm - The community Passover Seder which Jim and Judith will lead here is a continuation of this theme of freeing ourselves from bondage to limiting beliefs. Come at 6:45 and bring a cushion          

            Jim, a clinical psychologist and licensed acupuncturist, is also the  author of two books, Simple Spirituality: Finding Your Own Way and Opening the Aloha Mind: Healing the World with Ho'oponopono.Judith is an RN and a practitioner of Reflexology, Therapeutic Touch and Feng Shui.