Religious Education for Adults

Adult Religious Education takes many forms at St. John's. We have discussions, lectures, practice groups, book-based classes, adult forums, and even a film series! Most of our classes are either on Sundays or on Tuesday evenings. Some have childcare available for those who preregister. All of our classes are open to members, friends, and neighbors in the community. There is no charge to attend any of our classes, although some of the classes require books.

Classes are available during the year in the following five areas:

Unitarian Universalist History and Identity
Religion: Theology and Faith Development
Spiritual Practice
Social Justice and Ethics
Community and Personal Growth

Registration will be March 21 & 28, both before and after church. Also possible to contact Carol Fencl at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . Spring classes will be as follows:

 

Thursday, March 4 - April 8  6 -6:50 p.m. Tai Chi: A Moving Meditation - 6 weeks, led by Rev. Denise Tracy. Class will meet in Krolfifer. Drop-In.

Friday, March 19 Food for Thought   - King Corn  Potluck meal at 7 p.m., Film at 7:30 p.m., held in Krolfifer. Please bring a dish to share, preferably one that has local and/or organic ingredients. Drop-In.

Tuesday, March 23   7:00 - 8:30  p.m. The Hunger Games - ON THE SAME PAGE -One night only, discussion on this book all Cincinnati is talking about. Held downstairs in Gandhi. Drop-In.

Tuesday, March 30  7-8:30 p.m. - Conversations about Thoreau's Walden. Discussion based on questions from UU minister Barry Andrews' book Thoreau as Spiritual Guide. Participants asked to have copy of Walden, any edition.Class meets for 5 weeks.  REGISTRATION REQUIRED FOR THIS CLASS ONLY. Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . or Carol Fencl.

Continuing on Sunday afternoons, through April 18.  1-2:30 p.m.  Great Decisions - 8 sessions (not necessary to attend all sessions) Led by Dick Fencl and Frank Meyer.  Group will usually meet in the Chapel. Drop-In.

Click here for a complete listing of the spring 2009-2010 Classes

Sunday Adult Forums

Adult Forums are held before the church service, 10  - 10:45 a.m. in Krolfifer Hall, across from the sanctuary. We try to present a variety of viewpoints on topics of interest to the St. John's community. It is in our sharing together that we clarify what we believe and help others to do likewise. Members and friends who would like to present a forum are asked to contact Ethel Ingalls, Pamela Wilz, or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

It is not necessary to attend all forums in the series. Come to any that interest you.

Sunday March 7

Long Term Care: Rights and Options. Mary Day will lead discussion about the rights of seniors and the options available to families who are thinking about some form of long-term care for a family member, be it assisted living, long-term care facility or nursing home

Mary Day, Ombudsman for Pro Seniors

Sunday. March 14

Single Most important Quality in a Minister. What do we as individuals, as a community, and as a denomination value in a minister. What do we expect from our ministers. Bruce Beisner and Cassie Howe will reflect on how their own experiences on preparing for ministry have shaped their responses to this question.

Sunday, March 21

Assessing  Spiritual Suffering.Hospice workers routinely assess the level of pain and the level of functional ability in their patients in the absence of a standardized assessment of spiritual coping, Rev. Meyer developed a Spiritual Suffering Scale. She and all of the chaplains whom she supervises use this assessment at every patient visit. Recently she has done a retrospective study to determine the usefulness of this Scale and is happy to discuss it with us.

Rev. Bonnie Meyer, St. John's Affiliated Minister

Sunday,March. 28

Stop the Executions. Renee Berton and Derrick Jamison.

St. John's Bookstore

We have a variety of books from Skinner and Beacon Press available at significant discounts when the bookstore is open.
Bookstore will next be open on March 21 & 28, both before and after church.

Adult Activities at St. John's

Our Tuesday Community Nights allow members and friends to attend  one of the classes offered, attend a Chalice Group (a form of small group ministry meeting monthly), attend a committee meeting or special one-night programs. Classes and groups are also held at other times during the week, but many enjoy the Tuesday nights when our building is "hopping" with activities.

There are many volunteer opportunities with the Adult Religious Exploration program.