Spiritual Enrichment Opportunities
CURRENT OFFERINGS:
CREATIVE AGING: Rethinking Retirement
As you anticipate, approach or are struggling with retirement are you wondering who you are when you are no longer defined by your career? This 4 session group explores the spiritual dimensions of retirement and aging, especially issues to address as you move into this generative period of life.
Rev. Marion Visel, Associate Minister, will facilitate this series based on the book, “Creative Aging: Rethinking Retirement” by Marjory Zoet Bankson (Skylight Paths Publishing, 2010). The group is open to those beginning their exploration as well as those who participated in last years group who wish to continue their process.
WHEN: Monday evenings: 4/1, 4/8, 4/15, 4/22, 7pm – 9pm
SIGN-UP: Sign-up sheet posted on the Joys & Sorrows bulletin board in the Social Hall, or contact marion.visel@gmail.com 203/288-1807 ext. 207. GROUP WILL BE LIMITED TO 14 PARTICIPANTS!
Participants will: read the book, attend all 4 sessions (except for emergency absences), engage in personal reflection, sharing and daily/spiritual practices.
WHERE CAN I GET THE BOOK?
[*READ PGS 1-40 BEFORE 1ST SESSION ON APRIL 1ST]
- USNH Book Cart MAY have copies of the book
- amazon.com has new, used and Kindle ebook
- Hamden Public Library has a copy.
A QUIET HOUR
Rev. Marion Visel and USNH member, Joan Ciano, an Interfaith Minister, will facilitate, “A Quiet Hour.” A monthly (beginning January 23rd) an open gathering for sharing Joys & Sorrows, prayer, guided meditation, and reflecting on our spiritual/daily practices. If there is enough interest this will become an on-going opportunity.
Meetings: Jan. 23, Feb. 27, March 27, April 24th. 7PM – 8:30pm in the USNH Sanctuary.
No need to sign up, just show up for any sessions you can attend.
THOREAU AS SPIRITUAL GUIDE
Rev. Marion Visel will facilitate a series of 6 conversations this summer focusing on Thoreau’s spiritual classic “Walden.” Considered by many to be the first book of modern American prose, we will read it as a do-it-yourself guide to simple living as we wrestle with the questions it raises for us personally.
The expectation is that you will attend at least 4 of the conversations and will have read the chapters beforehand. The book, “Walden” is available at any used bookstore or on-line. The conversations will be offered on consecutive Wednesday evenings July 24 – August 28 from 7:00-8:30pm (location to be announced). Sign up sheet posted on the bulletin board in the Social Hall by the Joys & Sorrows cards, or email marion.visel@gmail.com or leave message 203/288-1807 ext. 207.
Conversation 1. July 24
Introduction to conversation series on “Walden,” Thoreau
Unitarian & Transcendentalists, and Transcendentalist
influence on society.
Discussion: How Do We Spend Our Lives?
*come to conversation having read chapter “Economy”
Conversation 2. July 31
Discussion: How Do We Wake Up?
*chapter “Where I Lived and What I Lived For”
Conversation 3. August 7
Discussion: How Do We Grow?
*chapters “Reading” and “Sounds”
Conversation 4. August 14
Discussion: Society & Solitude
*chapters “Solitude” and “Visitors”
Conversation 5. August 21
Discussion: The Spiritual Life
*chapter “Higher Laws”
Conversation 6. August 28
Discussion: How Then Do We Live?”
*chapter “Conclusion”
MEDITATION GROUP (ongoing)
Thursdays, 7pm, Room 209, USNH
The mindfulness meditation sitting group is a weekly, drop-in sitting group (beginners welcome!). The format usually includes a 30 minute period of breathing meditation followed by a reading (usually from contemporary Buddhist teacher) with facilitated discussion to relate the reading to one’s own life and meditation practice. For more information contact Kathy Russell at 203/234-9506 or Gail Donahue at 203/230-0852.
FUTURE OFFERINGS:
