Current Adult Education Classes

January

BUILDING YOUR OWN THEOLOGY                                                                              

Three Tuesdays January 3, 10, 17 AND three Thursdays, January 26, February 2 & 9, 6:00 p.m.

Instructor: The Rev. Drew Kennedy

Cost: $25 Members, $40 Non-members

What do Unitarian Universalists believe?  This popular class, led by our Senior Minister, provides tools for building a personal theology based upon the material of one’s own life experience.  Its purpose is to help us understand, develop, and articulate our own spiritual values and meanings, and to place them within a larger context of religious, spiritual and philosophical thought.  This class is highly recommended for those new to Unitarian Universalism and those thinking about joining us, but it is also helpful to thoughtful people at various stages in their life journeys.  In fact, some have enjoyed taking it more than once over the years!  The class consists of presentations by Drew, small and large group discussions, assignments, and the writing of one’s “Credo” (“I believe” statement). Refreshments/social time after class.

HATHA YOGA:                                                                                                                  

Wednesday mornings- 9:00-10:30 a.m
• 8 classes March 28-May 16

Monday nights: 5:30-7:00 p.m.
• 6 classes March 26-April 30
• 6 classes May 7-June 18 (no class on Memorial Day, May 28)

Cost: 6 week class $60 Members, $72 Non-members

Balance; Restore; Align; Explore; Be Present! This class will offer systematic instruction, using props (such as blocks, belts, and blankets) allowing students to skillfully align the physical body. When the physical body is aligned, the nervous system becomes soothed and the mind becomes quieter. The use of props makes yoga accessible to everyone and allows students to work at their own level.

Morgan Engels was certified as a yoga instructor in 2001, and deepens her studies in the Iyengar tradition. This is her second year teaching classes at First Church.

Please bring a blanket (or large towel) and a yoga mat. A limited number of yoga straps and blocks will be available, but if you have these props, please bring them!

Class minimums: 9 participants on Monday nights; 6 participants on Wednesday mornings.

MARTIN LUTHER KING AND LEADERSHIP                                                          

Sunday, January 15, 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Presenter: Kevin Gibson

Cost: $10 Members, $15 Non-members

What kind of leader was Martin Luther King, and what can we learn from him about the nature of leadership for contemporary times?  In this class, we will examine several theories about leadership, including “Great Man” “Servant” “Situational” and “Transactional” ideas about what it takes to persuade others to bring about important and immediate change.  After a brief review of various approaches to leadership, we will watch a short video presentation of Martin Luther King’s life, and discuss how he was able to achieve change in his lifetime, and its relevance for us today.

Kevin Gibson is a member of the First Unitarian Society and the Director of the Center for Ethics Studies at Marquette University.

INTRODUCTION TO DANTE'S INFERNO                                                                  

Monday, January 23, 6:30-8:00 p.m.

Presenter: Rod Botts

Cost: $10 Members, $15 Non-members

People often call a cataclysmic fire “Dante's Inferno,” yet many have never read Dante Alighieri's great epic poem, The Inferno.  The first section of his three part Comedy, The Inferno describes a medieval Christian pilgrim's journey through the imagined nine circles of Hell in vivid, specific detail. Written early in the 14th Century in his exile, Dante presents a personal, political, and religious vision of a vast range of human qualities.

What does this poem, considered one of literature’s greatest works, have to say to twenty-first century Unitarian Universalists? Led by First Church member Rod Botts, who has read Dante’sInferno many times with high school students, the class will explore this question, among others.

 Suggestion:  Read the 34 cantos by any modern translator beforehand. 

ZEN PRACTICE, ZEN STORIES                                                                                             

Wednesday, January 25 7:00-9:00 p.m.

Presenter: Peter Neuwald

Cost: $10 Members, $15 Non-members

Join us as we explore meditation techniques interspersed with stories that help illuminate the teachings of Zen. We will cover some of the basic teachings of Zen Buddhism as richly illustrated through classic Zen stories. 

Pete Neuwald, a First Church member since 1987, is a Senior Dharma Teacher and has been practicing Zen Buddhism in the Kwan Um School of Zen since 1994. He co-founded the Great Lake Zen Center in Milwaukee and currently serves as the Abbot of the center.  He also does prison ministry, performs community outreach activities, and serves as the Great Lake Zen Center liason for the Milwaukee Area Buddhist Peace Fellowship.

INTUITIVE SUCCESS                                                                                                             

Sunday, January 29, 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Instrutor: Kristina Bloom

Cost. $15 Members, $20 Non-Members

Minimum of six participants required

How does intuition work? What does it feel like? This workshop will help you begin to recognize, understand and develop your own innate intuitive abilities, providing several intuitive and practical exercises to help you get refocused and creative when you need to be. You will have the opportunity to realistically look at, and challenge, some of the possible mind-set or left over hidden attitudes you may still have lurking concerning success.  

Kristina Bloom is the founder of One Spirit Connection. She lives in Wisconsin and, through One Spirit Connection, offers energy healing services such as Reiki, Shah-Ki-Mah, Shamanism, and the Intuitive Energy Arts to her clients.

HUNGRY FOR CHANGE   CANCELED

Six Wednesdays, January 25-February 28 2012, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Facilitator: Mark Gill
Cost: $25 members; $30 non members (includes cost of workbook)
Minimum of 5 participants

Explore the true meaning of the phrase "you are what you eat"! In this workshop participants will be challenged to examine their roles not only as consumers but also as creators of food, of systems, and of the world in which we live. We will be exploring the interconnected nature of food systems, as well as the ethical and political implications of our current food systems and personal choices. Each session includes reading, short assignments and discussion questions.The facilitator, Mark Gill, has coordinated seven environmental discussion classes at First Church and has been active with the Environmental Committee since it was reestablished in 2001. The required book is included in the cost of the workshop and can be picked up with proof of registration at the book table on Sunday mornings.
 

DON’T WORRY BE HAPPY- TOOLS FOR SUSTAINING HAPPINESS

3 Mondays: January 30, February 6 & 13, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Instructor: Elizabeth Lewis
Cost: $30 members, $40 non-members
Minimum 14; Maximum 25

Can you learn to be happy? The answer, according to the latest scientific research, is "yes, you can!" Explore a variety of practical hands-on techniques proven to elevate your happiness "set point." Learn relaxation skills, heart-centered practices and thought enhancement methods aimed at increasing your resiliency by creating more sustained periods of relaxation, hope and happiness.

Elizabeth Lewis is an artist, writer, certified stress management and life coach. She is presently involved in the Midwest Institute for Forgiveness Training in Minneapolis. She is a wellness instructor at Alverno and many other churches and community centers throughout Milwaukee area. She has presented at First Church previously and has been enthusiastically received!

NOTE: Dress comfortably. Feel free to bring a yoga mat or blanket, as well as a notebook for journaling.

February

HEARTMATH

February 29, 2012 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Dr. Bruce Wilson
Cost: $10 members; $15 non-members
Minimum 15

Change your stress level in a heart beat! The heart really does have intelligence and can send messages to your brain to help reduce stress and live life more fully. Heartmath is a research based approach to managing stress. Being able to tap into heart/brain communication physically and metaphorically is the key to having more fulfillment in life. Heartmath has developed tools that focus on teaching us how to listen to and follow the intuitive information of the heart and make better decisions and manage emotions more effectively.

Dr. Wilson is a board certified cardiologist with a special interest in stress and its effects on cardiovascular health and disease. He is the author of The HeartMath Approach to Managing Hypertension, and has lectured nationally and internationally on the topic of stress and using Heartmath tools to reduce it.

March

HATHA YOGA
 

Monday nights: 5:30-7:00 p.m.
• 6 classes March 26-April 30

Wednesday mornings: 9:00-10:30 a.m.
• 6 classes March 28-May 2

Teacher: Morgan Engels
Cost: 6 week class $60 Members, $72 Non-members

Class minimums: 9 participants on Monday nights; 6 participants on Wednesday mornings.

Balance; Restore; Align; Explore; Be Present! This class will offer systematic instruction, using props (such as blocks, belts, and blankets) allowing students to skillfully align the physical body. When the physical body is aligned, the nervous system becomes soothed and the mind becomes quieter. The use of props makes yoga accessible to everyone and allows students to work at their own level.

Morgan Engels was certified as a yoga instructor in 2001, and deepens her studies in the Iyengar tradition. This is her second year teaching classes at First Church.

Please bring a blanket (or large towel) and a yoga mat. A limited number of yoga straps and blocks will be available, but if you have these props, please bring them!
 

“BAG IT!” MOVIE AND DISCUSSION

Tuesday March 13, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Facilitator: Linda Mutschler
Cost: Free will offering
Pre-Registration is still required to determine if this class will be held!
Minimum of 5 participants

Americans use 60,000 plastic bags every five minutes — single-use disposable bags that we mindlessly throw away. But where is “away?” "Bag It!" is a 45-minute award winning documentary movie about plastic and its impact on our environment. After the screening, we will learn what Milwaukee and other communities are currently doing in regards to disposables. Participants can expect a lot of great discussion!

Linda Mutschler is a First Church member who retired from a Wall Street career in 2005. She is the author of Fast Track to Fine Dining: A Step by Step Guide to Planning a Dinner Party and writes a monthly food column for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Linda's interest in environmental issues led her to research plastic waste and possible solutions. She has facilitated several presentations and film screenings in the Milwaukee area.

April

A REVIEW OF MAJOR BIOETHICAL ISSUES AND CONTROVERSIES — FROM ABORTION TO UNIVERSAL HEALTHCARE

Two Mondays, April 9 and 16, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Teacher: Ken Solis
Cost: $10 members; $15 non-members
Minimum of 5 participants; maximum of 30

“Bioethics” is the study of controversial ethics brought about by advances in biology and medicine. It also includes the study of the more commonplace questions of values which arise in primary care and other branches of medicine. Join Dr. Ken Solis for a discussion of the ethics and controversies involved in topics ranging from abortion to universal healthcare, to stem cell research, and patient/doctor relationships, to assisted suicide and other end of life issues. Be prepared for a lively conversation as issues are discussed and values debated!

Ken Solis is an Emergency Room physician and long-time member of First Unitarian Society.

EXPLORING YOUR UNIQUE GENEALOGICAL PAST  

Thursday, April 19, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Presenter: Amanda Koehler
Cost: $10 members; $15 non-members
Minimum of 8 participants; maximum of 25

Each family has a story that is unique. It is these stories that shape who we are today. Learning about our family’s past can be a rewarding and educational experience. How can you begin this journey at the Milwaukee County Historical Society? This lecture will discuss the available resources at MCHS and what these records can teach you about your family’s past. Naturalization records, Coroner’s inquests, divorce records, city directories, census records and many more will be presented in this program. All of these resources provide a great introduction into learning about your family’s past!

Amanda Koehler holds a Masters in Public History, specializing in Archival Administration. She currently serves as the Assistant Curator of Research Collections at the Milwaukee County Historical Society.

ANCIENT WISDOM FOR CONTEMPORARY TIMES

Tuesday, April 24, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Presenter: Kevin Gibson
Cost: $10 members; $15 non-members
Minimum of 8 participants; maximum of 20

Join us for an evening of ethical insights from classical Eastern and Western philosophers, and a discussion of their relevance to some current social and political issues.

Kevin Gibson has served as an Associate Professor at Marquette University since 1995, and is currently their director of graduate studies for philosophy. Kevin is a member of our First Church community, and is a former chair of the Adult Religious Education committee.

May

LUNAR LUNACY

Thursday, May 3, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Presenter: Ellie Gettinger
Cost: $10 members; $15 non-members
Minimum of 5 participants

Explore the Jewish calendar and its relationship to the moon. For example, the Holiday of Passover begins on a full moon—this relates to the Passover story in the Torah and early observance of the holiday. This program provides a way to develop a better understanding of Jewish celebration and history.

Ellie Gettinger is an educator serving The Jewish Museum of Milwaukee. The museum, located just blocks away from First Church, preserves and presents the history of the Jews of Southeastern Wisconsin. Through dynamic exhibits and interactive displays, visitors can explore Milwaukee’s Jewish community and gain a sense of broader Jewish identity and American experiences. Class participants may find that visiting the museum (1360 N. Prospect) before May 3 will enrich their experience of this class.

HATHA YOGA
 

Monday nights: 5:30-7:00 p.m.
• 6 classes May 7-June 18 (no class on Memorial Day, May 28)

Wednesday mornings: 9:00-10:30 a.m.
• 6 classes May 9-June 13

Teacher: Morgan Engels
Cost: 6 week class $60 Members, $72 Non-members

Class minimums: 9 participants on Monday nights; 6 participants on Wednesday mornings.

Balance; Restore; Align; Explore; Be Present! This class will offer systematic instruction, using props (such as blocks, belts, and blankets) allowing students to skillfully align the physical body. When the physical body is aligned, the nervous system becomes soothed and the mind becomes quieter. The use of props makes yoga accessible to everyone and allows students to work at their own level.

Morgan Engels was certified as a yoga instructor in 2001, and deepens her studies in the Iyengar tradition. This is her second year teaching classes at First Church.

Please bring a blanket (or large towel) and a yoga mat. A limited number of yoga straps and blocks will be available, but if you have these props, please bring them!

ENGAGED BUDDHISM — TRANFORMING SOCIETY AND OUR SPIRITUAL LIFE

Saturday, May 12, 10:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m
Instructor: Cheri Maples
Cost: $35 members; $45 non-members
Minimum of 20 participants; maximum of 45

"Engaged Buddhism," a term coined by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, refers to applying the insights from Buddhist teachings to our actions in the world. Through discussion and meditation we will explore how to blend our engagement in social change with our spiritual growth; how mindfulness practice is about awareness of what is going on both within AND around us. Cheri Maples, ordained a Dharma Teacher, has worked in the criminal justice profession for 25 years as a police officer, Head of Probation & Parole, and Assistant Attorney General in Wisconsin. She also has extensive experience as a community organizer and a social justice advocate. These experiences are incorporated in her teaching and her practice of engaged Buddhism.

NOTE: Lunch is included in the cost. Bring meditation cushions, if desired.

LIVING AND TEACHING IN CHINA

Tuesday, May 22, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Presenter: Angela Sorby
Cost: $10 members; $15 non-members
Minimum of 5 participants; maximum of 30

Angela Sorby will share her experience of traveling with her young family to live and work in China in 2011. She will speak to three areas:
1. University teaching and academic freedom in China
2. Her family life while there, and
3. Good opportunities for people interested in short term teaching or travel in China

Two articles written by Ms. Sorby on her experience were published in the Chronicle of Higher Education, and will be available for optional advance reading. Angela Sorby is an Associate Professor of English at Marquette University.
 

Registrations can be turned in at the RE Table, or mailed to: