Current Adult R.E. Class Offerings
February Adult Religious Education Classes
Adult RE classes meet on Wednesday nights 7-8:30 and Sunday mornings 10:45-12:15, unless otherwise noted. Childcare is available. To submit a course proposal, please visit the ARE blog at firstuunashville.org/education/are. Schedule and locations are subject to change; check the blog for the most recent information.
 Wednesday Classes
Personality by the Numbers February 1-29 Classroom A Human beings have always sought to understand the differences among themselves. In this class led by Cindi Brown and Mary Beth Ross, we will look at a variety of ways of categorizing human personality, including the ancient Greeks' four humors, the four paths of yoga, modern psychology's big 5 personality traits, the "six types of person" in Buddhism, and the Enneagram's 9 types. Participants will be encouraged to classify themselves according to each system and to consider their implications for personal growth and spiritual development. Partner Churches: Unitarians in Transylvania and India February 8-22 Fireside Room Gail and Jim Seavey will lead this class, using curriculum produced by the International Council of Unitarians and Universalists. In January, we will explore Transylvania: its history and context, beliefs and practices, and worship. In February, we will explore the same topics in India and conclude by exploring the UU Partnerchurch Program. Making Felted Soaps for the Herb Fair February 15 Morgan House Kitchen and Alcott Sitting room Come learn how to make felted soaps (like soap in a permanent washcloth, but oh, so pretty). We will be making these to sell at the Herb Fair, and we need as many hands as possible because we always sell out of our felted soaps! It is a very easy process to learn (if you can wash your hands, you can felt soap), especially with our special tips. Led by Becky Bowman. Safety Net February 29 Morgan House Palmer Living Room Come join the Rev. Gail Seavey, Safety Net, and Governance in a discussion about ministry and policies that undergird a truly healthy congregation.  The first part will be background information and the second hammering out details of our bylaws. PG-13 Players February 29 Sanctuary The PG-13 Players are teens from high schools across Middle Tennessee. They will perform two skits they developed as part of the Planned Parenthood Peer Education Program. Audience members may then question the actors, who remain in character for the discussion. The scenarios are left unresolved so that, by exploring the motivations, feelings, and choices of the characters, the audience helps them make responsible decisions. Suitable for middle school and above, as well as adults. (Bonus: See one of our very own FUUN youth perform!)Sunday Classes
Literary Figures of the Transcendentalist Movement February 5-19 Fireside Room Transcendentalism was the first notable American intellectual movement, inspiring succeeding generations of American intellectuals as well as a number of literary giants (and UUs) like Louisa May Alcott, Emily Dickinson, and Walt Whitman. Join Dawn Thornton for screenings and discussions of entertaining lectures on these writers by Dickinson College professor Ashton Nichols. We will also look at samples of their writings that speak to our UU values – feel free to bring in your favorite pieces to share. Each session stands alone, so see one or see them all. February 5: Louisa May Alcott February 12: Emily Dickinson February 19: Walt WhitmanJanuary Adult Religious Education Classes
Adult RE classes meet on Wednesday nights 7-8:30 and Sunday mornings 10:45-12:15, unless otherwise noted. Childcare is available. To submit a course proposal, please visit the ARE blog at firstuunashville.org/education/are. Schedule and locations are subject to change; check the blog for the most recent information.
 Wednesday Classes
Partner Churches: Unitarians in Transylvania and India Wednesdays, January 11-25, February 8-22 Fireside Room (January); Norris House (February) Gail and Jim Seavey will lead this class, using curriculum produced by the International Council of Unitarians and Universalists. In January, we will explore Transylvania: its history and context, beliefs and practices, and worship. In February, we will explore the same topics in India and conclude by exploring the UU Partnerchurch Program. Abortion Issues Wednesday, January 11 Classroom A We’ll begin with a brief history of abortion laws in the USA, and then look at the positions that have been taken by the UUA and at General Assembly. Finally, we’ll consider what would happen if Roe v. Wade were overturned. Facilitated by Jack Bliek. Making Pressed Flower Jewelry Wednesday, January 18 Classroom A Learn how to make pendants and earrings with pressed flowers for our Herb Fair! Lisa Pasto-Crosby and Suzanne LeBeau will be teaching this process and helping you make creations the same night, because it is very easy to learn. We're excited about expanding our inventory this year, and hope you'll join us for this fun activity. All flowers and materials are provided. ÂSunday Classes
For the Bible Tells Me So (film)
Sundays, January 22 and 29
Fireside Room, 10:45–12:15
An exploration of the intersection between religion and homosexuality in the U.S. and how the religious right has used its interpretation of the Bible to stigmatize the gay community. Facilitated by Greg Miller.
Greg Miller will host the screening and discussion of this compassionate and insightful documentary about the contemporary face of an old conflict between Christian fundamentalists and gay and lesbian people. The film looks deep into the hearts of several families—a few of them quite famous—that have struggled with making sense of having a homosexual son or daughter in the fold. At the same time, For the Bible Tells Me So is a deconstruction of thin arguments that the Bible actually condemns homosexuality in a few passages and through the story of Sodom and Gomorrah's destruction. A number of clerics and scholars—including Bishop Desmond Tutu, Harvard's Peter Gomes, Orthodox Rabbi Steve Greenberg and Reverend Jimmy Creech—explain the cultural and historical context for Old Testament quotes routinely referenced as arguments against homosexuality, and point out translation confusion about the real meaning of the Sodom story. Unquestionably, the most compelling part of the film is its focus on various families, including that of former U.S. presidential candidate Dick Gephardt, who has a lesbian daughter for whose safety he worries. Also among the interviewees is Gene Robinson, a gay man who became bishop of New Hampshire’s Episcopal church in 2004, and his parents, as well as a gay teen whose folks joined him on the front line in protest of their church’s negative stance on gays. Not every story is affirmative: there are tragedies within these tales, too, as well as an indictment of so-called cures that supposedly banish the gay drive from homosexual men and women.
Coming in February:
Personality Types, with Cindi Brown & Mary Beth Ross Herb Fair Class More from Gail Seavey on Partner Churches