REV. MICHAEL DOWD LECTURE, APRIL 9, 7p.m.
Free and Open to the Public
“Pro-Future Faith: Big Picture Inspiration for Chaotic Times”, (a.k.a., “Sacred Science, Evolving Religion: Ecology as the Heart of Theology”), with Rev. Michael Dowd: Tuesday, April 9, at 7:00pm. at UUVC, 403 Barcelona Road. For more information, call 501-922-1255.
This program, geared for adults and teens, builds on Rev. Dowd’s two TEDx talks and material in his bridge-building book, Thank God for Evolution, which was endorsed by 6 Nobel Prize-winning scientists, noted skeptics and atheists, and by religious leaders across the spectrum. Grounded in an ecological interpretation of Big History, this program centers on fidelity to the future and how to stay sane, sober, and inspired to act locally and become ever more resilient in chaotic and contracting times.
A “deep sustainability” interpretation of Big History is vital for staying sane, sober, and inspired in contracting and confusing times. An evidence-based “sacred realism” can help us accept what is inevitable, avoid what is futile, and be a blessing to friends, family, and community in an uncertain world. Given our impact on Earth’s climate, the seas, and other species, we are already in the early stages of, what could be called, The Great Reckoning. The good news is that this could also be The Great Homecoming: The prodigal species, after squandering our inheritance, comes home to Reality. This dynamic, multi-media presentation bridges the gap between head and heart and celebrates the convergence of science, inspiration, and sustainability.
Rev. Michael Dowd is bestselling eco-theologian and pro-science, pro-future ‘evangelist’ whose work has been featured in The New York Times, LA Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Newsweek, Discover, and on television nationally. Michael and his science writer, evolutionary educator, and fellow climate activist wife, Connie Barlow, have spoken to some 2,500 groups throughout North America since 2002, including nearly 500 UU churches. Their work has been featured on the cover of the UU WORLD twice, in 1997and again in 2006.
Michael has delivered two TEDx talks and a program at the United Nations. He has also conducted an acclaimed online conversation series: “The Future Is Calling Us to Greatness. At the 2016 UU General Assembly, Michael and Connie were honored as “UU Religious Humanists of the Year”.
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UUVC Education
We have various forms of education at UUVC – Classes, Discussion groups and Congregational Conversations.
Classes:
Classes – Our classes are for adults and follow the UUA curricula, at times modified to meet our needs. These are usually held after the Worship Services (1st and 3rd Sundays) at 11:15 am.
Classes offered in the past include:
Classes offered in the past include:
- UU 101
- Articulating Your UU Faith
- a video series on UU History
Discussion Groups:
Our discussion groups are led by either our minster or congregants. All Visitors and Guests are welcome to participate.
- Sunday Conversations meets after the Service most Sundays. Topics relate to the principles of Unitarian Universalism. The conversation will often involve politics, economics, history, communication, science, philosophy, social and cultural opinions and questions. The third Sunday Conversation of each month features "Mark and TED's Marvelous Adventure" with Rev. Mark Walz.
- Wednesday Conversations @ 3:00 meets every second and fourth Wednesday to explore further insight into a controversial or sensitive issue. Designed to help us learn to have civil discussions about controversial issues, we develop listening strategies to discover the World view and life experiences of others. We learn to frame the discussion so that there are areas of commonality, in order to discuss our differences in a civil and understanding way.
- Movies with Mark and Myra -- On the third Thursday of each month from 11:00-2:00 Rev. Mark Walz and Myra Rustin present a film from Mark's collection. Participants will discuss the film's often overlooked message. Films tend to be classics like "Twelve Angry Men," "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington." Bring a sack lunch and beverage if you want.
- Humanism for All -- Meeting times to be determined. A discussion group that explores the full diversity of modern Humanism, which encompasses religious, secular, and spiritual perspectives. Each meeting is self-contained with no prior preparation required.
Liberal Religious Studies:
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Rev, Bud Hearn, a retired Presbyterian minister, conducts seminars periodically on liberal religious topics. These seminars usually run 1 day a week (2 hours) for 6 weeks. Anyone may attend these seminars, and the whole community is welcome.
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Congregational Conversations:
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We also have Congregational Conversations when things that affect our congregation are discussed:
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