May 11: 30 MILLION ENSLAVED TODAY!

May 11: 30 MILLION ENSLAVED TODAY!

The trafficking of human beings for labor or sex is modern-day slavery!  It is a huge and serious worldwide problem, especially victimizing young children.  It is a 35 billion dollar industry, second only to drug trafficking.

We now have an opportunity to learn more about this from folks who have direct experience and involvement.  FCC welcomes back Bob and Fran German who have traveled to over 65 countries and will present first-hand stories, facts and insights on this chilling illegal crime that occurs everywhere.  Also, we will discuss actions we all can take to help abolish today’s slave trade.

This promises to be an eye-opening and meaningful program that we encourage you to attend.

BUDDHISM 101

May 4:  BUDDHISM 101  by Bob and Fran German. Here’s a wonderful opportunity to learn about another of the world’s great religions, Buddhism. Our presenters have been practicing Buddhists for many years and have taught at Buddhist University in Chiang Mai, Thailand for six years.  Bob and Fran will share in an easy-to-understand way what the Buddha taught and how we all can benefit from his teachings.  This promises to be a very enjoyable and enlightening experience and we hope you attend.

Spirits in Nature Revealed in Photography

April 27:  Spirits in Nature Revealed in Photography

            Alan
Ostmann, our presenter says, “As most of us are aware, the universe is a
complex multidimensional place.  Within
these many dimensions are a variety of seen and unseen beings.  My love of photography has blended with my
spiritual path and love of nature to reveal the faces of many of these
spirits. 

Anything that we respect and love unconditionally will reveal its true
self.  I know that living this philosophy
is why I am able to capture the spirits in nature as I do.

            My
love of photography began in the age of the Kodak Brownie.  My professional career took the path of a CPA
and today I continue to work with over 120 clients.  The evolution of digital photography became a
perfect blend of my computer knowledge and my eye for capturing nature in
photos.  Please note that all my photos
are pure and unedited.  There is no
enhancement or editing in my work.  The
earth is a complex living entity that deserves our respect and unconditional
love.  Let us all commit to living a
greener life.” 

Death Café

This Sunday, April 13 the topic is  Death Café - Encouraged by her friend, Jan Cooper, our presenter, Sandra Kremer, began the Hendersonville Death Café a few months ago.  At a Death Café people drink tea/coffee, eat special treats and discuss death.  Not a class nor a grief group, the Café promotes open discussion about the end of life.  It is an experience rich in sharing, listening and wondering.  Sandra will discuss the history and guidelines of this international movement.

            A graduate of Oberlin College, our presenter received her MSW at the University of Houston in Clinical Social Work.

Also remember, next Sunday,April 20, EASTER, there is No Forum.

Hospice Care and Advance Care Planning

On March 30 in Hospice Care and Advance Care Planning, Debi Moran, MSW, LCSW, ACHP-SW, will give an overview of Hospice and Palliative Care services provided by Four Seasons Compassion for Life, concentrating on the area of Advance Care Planning. Understanding the public’s discomfort with the topic of dying has led to a passion for open discussion of emotions and wishes about end of life issues, and moved the necessary preparation of legal forms beyond simple completion to empowerment and comfort regarding personal choice.

 Debi has been with Four Seasons Compassion for Life for over 14 years and employed in Palliative Care since its inception. Personal experiences with chronic illness in her own family helped her develop a passion for finding ways to support those struggling with independence issues and conflicting health care advice. “My areas of expertise are in advocacy, counseling, and Advance Care Planning, but bringing a new perspective and humor where appropriate is what is most rewarding in my interactions with clients.”

The Balance of Light and Dark: Vernal Equinox

March 16 – The Balance of Light and Dark: Vernal
Equinox

            Dr. Laurel Reinhardt will read a short passage from her latest book,
The Girl Who Kept Her Magic and then invite forum participants to
reflect on how balance (or lack thereof) is expressed in their own lives at
this time. The symbol for the Taoist concept of balance is often called yin-yang.
It represents “how seemingly opposite or contrary forces are interconnected and
interdependent…interacting to form a dynamic system in which the whole is
greater than the parts.” (Wikipedia)

            Note: Forum goers are invited to bring a small symbolic
object representing the balance of light and dark in their lives.

Presenter:
Laurel Reinhardt, Ph.D., describes
herself as a recovering psychologist turned life/dream/joy coach, author and
fiber artist. Raised in a Christian Science/Congregational household, she spent
15 years celebrating the turning seasons with a pagan women’s group, and now considers
herself a Sufi/Taoist. See her website for more information - www.innerlandscaping.com.

Is There Room for Mystery in Your Life?

Remember to set your clocks AHEAD Saturday night

 and be ready at 9:15 for Is There Room for Mystery in Your Life?, a conversation with Larry Anderson with a glance at the writings of mystics from Thomas Aquinas to Thomas Berry.

            Larry, a longtime member of this First Congregational Church, is a retired psychologist and former minister. He has often been a leading light in these forums and is involved in coordinating the Walter E. Ashley Memorial Lecture Series. He is also known for sharing his guitar talents before and during our Sunday services.