Spiritual Exploration for Adults (SEA)
About SEA -- Spiritual Exploration for Adults
(SEA) provides opportunities for adults in the church to deepen and explore their faith. SEA provides high quality programs on primarily Thursday evenings (but also at other times) which focus on spiritual development in three areas: theology, spiritual practice and ethics. Programs are compelling, high quality, of general interest and engage participants in personal spiritual development. Programs also serve to integrate participants into deeper relationship in the church community. The Spiritual Exploration for Adults Ministry is responsible for the SEA program with staff support from the Director of Lifespan Religious Education. Our work is not just a committee but truly a ministry at our church.
Through our programming we hope to help our members: Develop sustainable, fulfilling spiritual practices, Deepen our spirituality, Strengthen and build relationships with each other, Build knowledge about different religions, Transform how people see the world.
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Register for Fall 2022 SEA Courses
Email Marion Hirsch at hirsch.marion @ gmail.com. Or you can sign up on-line at links below.
Fall 2022 Courses
Search Discussion Group with Rev. Thom
Thursdays, September 22 and 29, 7:00-8:30 pm.
Earlier this year, there was a critically-acclaimed novel published about a Unitarian Universalist church's search for their next minister. Search by Michelle Huneven follows eight members of a search committee as they consider candidates for the next minister of the Arroyo Unitarian Universalist Church. Part comedy and part tragedy, Search is a fictionalized account of UU congregational life. Come discuss your reactions to the novel with Rev. Thom.
REGISTER HERE.
Theology Cafe with Rev. Thom
Thursdays, October 6, 13, 20, and 27 from 12:00 to 1:30pm
Join Rev. Thom at the church for a lunchtime gathering discussing the evolving theology of Unitarian Universalism.
October 6: Unitarian and Universalist Christianity
October 13: Transcendentalism
October 20: Humanism
October 27: Postmodernism
REGISTER HERE.
Our Spirituality Through the Seasons
3rd Thursdays at 7, on Zoom
Led by Rev. Alison Eskildsen
Meeting once a month on 3rd Thursdays, at 7 pm, by Zoom, participants will consider their spiritual connection to Earth’s seasonal activity. We’ll reflect on and share our responses to Earth’s changing weather, temperature, length of daylight, plant and animal patterns, and how Earth-centered holy days highlight this annual cycle. Some brief readings and personal outdoor activity will be included. Rev. Alison Eskildsen leads this class from September thru December 2022. (A follow-up session may be offered from January thru May 2023.). FULL
Historical Jesus Part 1
Thursdays, 9/15-10/20
2-4 pm on Zoom and/or 7-9 pm at Church (depending on enrollment, and on participants' wishes in the event of more difficulties with Covid).Led by Mike Goodyear
Bart D. Ehrman, professor of religious studies here at UNC CH, has recorded a series of 24 lectures, at about the freshman level, on what is known about Jesus as an actual, historical person. He explains historians’ techniques for differentiating stories that probably really happened from those that probably didn’t. Participants will watch two half-hour lectures each session, with discussion after each. The discussion will be facilitated by Mike Goodyear, who says, “The lectures confirm many things I had already heard or figured out, of course, but I also learned many new things. I have found plenty of food for thought all the way through, and I look forward to hearing others’ take on all of it.” Part 2 which will include the second half of the 24 lectures will start in January.
REGISTER HERE.
Tai Chi
Led by Joe Swain
Thursdays, 7:00-8:00 PM,September 29 thru December 15
Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese system that has been called "meditation in motion." Whether you have years of practice, or no previous experience, join us on Thursdays for a peaceful interlude in the week. Masks are optional. The leader will not be masked.
REGISTER HERE.
Wellspring 1
Twice a month, September-May, Time to be determined based on participant schedule.
Led by Marion Hirsch
The program invites participants to deepen their individual spiritual callings through an intentional program of daily spiritual practice, spiritual mentoring, focused study and reflection, and small group meetings guided by the principle of deep listening. Wellspring participants make a commitment to a ten-month program of bi-weekly meetings as well as to developing a daily spiritual practice. The bi-weekly meetings allow Wellspring members to check in and to offer mutual support to each other on their evolving spiritual journeys. The meetings are often structured around a particular theme or Unitarian Universalist source.
For more information see the Wellspring website and information about the Sources program.
FULL
Circle Singing
Mondays in the Courtyard at 7:00 PM , 9/12, 10/24, 11/7
Led by Eric Bannan
This modern spiritual practice was developed by Bobby McFerrin and his cadre of singers. It draws on traditions of chant, jazz, gospel, meditation and mindfulness to create one-of-a-kind choral improvisations. It's a mistake-free zone, accessible to beginning singers, but also challenges those with experience. We will be outdoors and socially distanced in the Courtyard, doing our best to provide everyone with a safe and comfortable experience.
Contact Eric Bannan.
Walk the Walk: Stagville Plantation Tour
Saturday, October 8, 10-12 NoonIn 2022-2023 our racial justice learning will be local and in person. This year, we will be visiting sites together and learning about racial justice and injustice here at home. Our first visit this fall is a guided tour of the Stagville Plantation Historic Site in Durham. Walk the Walk is cosponsored by Spiritual Exploration for Adults (SEA), Side with Love, and Living Our Covenant with Intention.
REGISTER HERE.
Here is information about past programs.
For more general information contact:
Marion Hirsch, Director of Lifespan Religious Education
dre @ c3huu.org