Dear UCC Friends and Colleagues,

You have probably heard it reported that renowned physicist Stephen Hawking wrote in his new book: “There is no place for God in theories on the creation of the Universe.” With news like this, is it any wonder that so many Christians feel torn between science and religion, and some also struggle with maintaining their faith?

This is one of the key issues that will be discussed in a groundbreaking, FREE online event that I am hosting and participating in, and invite you to experience too.

It’s called, “The Advent of Evolutionary Christianity: Conversations at the Leading Edge of Faith.”

You can register for it here: http://EvolutionaryChristianity.com

This teleseries (telephone & computer, not television) will feature me and 30 other leaders in the nexus of science and religion, including two Nobel laureates, three Templeton Prize-winners, and more than two dozen others who exemplify by word and deed that religious faith can be strengthened, enriched, and naturalized by a science-honoring, evolutionary view of the world (see below for complete list of participants).

Some of the topics we will discuss:

* How scientific and historical evidence, interpreted meaningfully, can enhance our lives and faith.
* Inspiring ways to integrate heart and head, tradition and science, within the frame of an emergent cosmos.
* Compassionate, effective responses to both those who reject science and those who reject religion.
* How an evolutionary view of human nature can deepen our appreciation of scriptural insights and help us live lives of greater joy and contribution.
* Opportunities for discovering common ground amidst our radically differing perspectives.
* And much more…

“The Advent of Evolutionary Christianity: Conversations at the Leading Edge of Faith Teleseries” will be announced to media outlets both nationally and internationally. We expect more than 20,000 people to register for this landmark series. You can listen and participate live or experience the online audios later at your convenience.

Join us and register for free here.

Co-evolutionary blessings,

Michael Dowd
EvolutionaryChristianity.com

GUESTS & BROADCAST DATES, BY CATEGORY & TITLE

NOBEL LAUREATES
Charles Townes: The Convergence of Science and Religion (Dec 10)
William Phillips: Ordinary Faith, Ordinary Science (Dec 26)

TEMPLETON PRIZE-WINNERS
Ian Barbour: God and Evolution (Dec 4)
John Polkinghorne: Science and Faith in Understanding Reality (Jan 5)

EVANGELICAL
Karl Giberson: The Heart and Soul of the Evolution Controversy (Dec
Owen Gingerich: Evolutionary Creationism (Dec 27)
Edward (Ted) Davis: A History of the Creation-Evolution Conflict (Jan 3)
Denis Lamoureux: Beyond the Evolution vs. Creation Debate (Dec 6)

ROMAN CATHOLIC
John Haught: Darwin, God, and the Drama of Life (Dec 19)
Kenneth Miller: Evolution and the Battle for America’s Soul (Dec 15)
Richard Rohr: Radical Grace and Evolutionary Spirituality (Dec 18)

SISTERS OF EARTH
Gail Worcelo: Sisters of Earth and the Legacy of Thomas Berry (Dec 30)
Mary Southard: Deep-Time Art and the Language of the Heart (Dec 20)

MAINLINE PROTESTANT
John Shelby Spong: Celebrating Post-Theistic Christian Faith (Dec 13)
Matthew Fox: Evolution and Creation Spirituality (Dec 21)

PROCESS THEOLOGY
John Cobb: Process Christianity in the 21st Century (Dec 9)
Philip Clayton: The Emergence of Culture, Mind, and Religion (Dec 23)

EMERGING CHURCH
Brian McLaren: Naked Spirituality and A New Kind of Christianity (Dec 12)
Spencer Burke: The Emerging Church: A Heretical Guide (Dec 28)
Doug Pagitt: Universe-Honoring Christianity (Jan 2)
Sally Morgenthaler: When the Inside is the New Outside (Dec 22)

PROGRESSIVE & INTEGRAL CHRISTIANITY
Jim Burklo: Open Christianity and Progressive Faith (Dec 11)
Tom Thresher: Reverent Irreverence and Integral Faith (Dec 17)
Ross Hostetter: Integral Christian Spirituality (Dec 7)

EVOLUTIONARY CHRISTIAN MYSTICISM
Ian Lawton: An Inclusive Faith for the Spiritual But Not Religious (Dec 14)
Bruce Sanguin: Evo-Christian Mysticism and Cosmological Midrash (Dec 5)
Kevin Kelly: Faith at the Leading Edge of Technology (Jan 4)

EPIC OF EVOLUTION / GREAT STORY
Diarmuid O’Murchu: Meeting God in Our Evolutionary Story (Dec 29)
Michael Morwood: Evolving Prayer and Ritual Celebrations (Dec 16)
Michael Dowd: Evidence as Divine Communication (Jan 6)

Register for free here: http://EvolutionaryChristianity.com

–Jackie, Religious Education

Do you think of yourself as a “theologian”? Well, you are! As Unitarian Universalists, each of us have thought about the “big questions” in life. “Build Your Own Theology” is a classic UU program that starts there, and encourages each participant to explore further and to share their knowledge and insights with each other. We will meet on alternate Wednesdays for six sessions, beginning on October 20, starting at 7:00 p.m. If you would like to join us, please e-mail John at minister@uufs.net (so I have enough handouts for everyone). See you at BYOT!

Part-Time Religious Education Assistant

July 2010
General Description:

The Religious Education Assistant (REA) works under the supervision of the Director of Religious Education. The REA performs administrative, clerical and organizational tasks in support of the RE program for children and youth.
Salary/Status:

Status: Non-exempt

Hours per week: 10

Hourly/salary: Hourly

Benefits eligible: No
Skills Required:

Strong organizational and interpersonal skills
Familiarity with desktop computers and software such as Microsoft Word, Power Point, Excel, Publisher, and Internet. Experience with ACS database programs helpful
Ability to work well with volunteers in a service-oriented environment
Ability to be flexible with experience prioritizing a variety of tasks
Ability to maintain confidentiality

Education:

Required: High School Diploma

Desired: Associates’ Degree
Areas of Responsibility: (The following constitutes weekly and seasonal responsibilities)
Church School/Youth Group Participants:

Register and track attendance for children and youth
Maintain attendance books and reports
Send electronic and paper communications to families
Communicate visitor names to Membership Coordinator

Safety Policy:

Process new/renewal background checks, including:
Submission of forms to appropriate agencies
Tracking of applications
Filing
Notification
Provide administrative support for training/orientations
RE Assistant Job Description

Page -2-

Teacher/Advisor Support

Prepare and manage Handbooks and curriculum notebooks
Enter teachers’ and advisors’ names into database
Prepare classrooms for new year
Send class, parent contact and team lists to teachers
Update list of teacher/advisor assignments
Maintain Class/group lists
Send notices and provide support for training/orientations
Assist in organizing end-of-year recognition

General Program Support

Prepare Stepping Stone Memory Books
Maintain classroom supplies
Create OWL 1st, 5th and 8th grade parent packets
Track parent permission forms
Provide resources for OWL meetings and classes
Prepare and update Church School calendar
Provide support for special events (Christmas pageant, Rites of Passage)

Family Support

Send notices and other communication
Prepare meeting materials/resources
Assist with registration forms where needed

Worship

Prepare Power Point slides for Children’s Worship
Submit Children’s Worship offertory to bookkeeper
Prepare activity kits for intergenerational services

Miscellaneous

Update bulletin boards
Create teacher and parent email lists
Maintain and organize photographs of activities/classes
Meet weekly with Supervisor

7.28.10

YOUTH MINISTRY COORDINATOR

All Souls, Unitarian of Washington DC is seeking a dynamic quarter-time Youth Ministry Coordinator to work with adult advisors, teachers and youth in creating a dynamic youth program.

SUMMARY

The Youth Ministry Coordinator, in conjunction with the Director of Religious Education Ministries (DREM) will coordinate programming for across Sunday morning programming, Coming of Age and Our Whole Lives (sexuality education).

DUTIES

• With volunteer Youth Advisors and youth coordinate Sunday morning high school youth programming
• Communicate with youth and youth group parents
• Facilitate OWL offerings for middle and high school congregants as appropriate.
• Supervise the Coming of Age (COA) program with the DREM and mentors, including the trip to Boston,  for high school congregants
• Provide training for adult volunteers
• Attend trainings and supplemental education as needed
• Attend meetings with Advisors, OWL leaders, COA mentors and DREM as needed

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP

The Youth Ministry Coordinator reports to the Director or Religious Education Ministries

QUALIFICATIONS

• 25 years old minimum
• Experience working with youth, possessing an understanding of human development and adolescent behavior
• Experience working with adult volunteers in scheduling and training
• Familiarity with values, principles, and practices of Unitarian Universalism
• Excellent communication skills
• Willingness to learn and use technological aids (i.e. google groups, etc)
• Demonstrated organizational skills
• Ability to facilitate group activities and excellent team-building skills
• Ability to coordinate and support volunteers

HOURS/SALARY

10 hours per week
$10,000 per church year (45 weeks)

CONTACT –Gabrielle Farrell, Director of Religious Education Ministries
Gfarrell@allsouls.ws; 202.332.5266 x 112

Adult Religious Education

Cinema Circle

6:00 PM at UUFS on a 5’ x 5’ Screen

SUGGESTED DONATION $2.00

Discussion immediately following the film.

Pot Luck Pizza, Snacks & Beverages.

http://uufs.net/groups-activities/cinema-circle/

Friday, May 14

MERTON: A FILM BIOGRAPHY (2004) Prolific writer and philosopher Thomas Merton‘s work has had a lasting impact on society, inspiring debate over still-relevant social and religious concerns (such as war and faith) for decades. This biography examines the trajectory of Merton’s life, which included a 27-year-stint as a Trappist monk and a vocal opposition to war. Features interviews with singer Joan Baez, the Dalai Lama, publishing magnate Robert Giroux, and others. (120 minutes)

Religious Education

Youth Program

Sunday, April 4, 2010-All children attending are invited to watch a movie in the classroom off of the social room.  Teacher’s assistant Ella Nieberding will supervise the children.

Adult Religious Education

Cinema Circle

Friday March 26, 2010 at 6:00 PM at UUFS 2812 Old Ocean City Road Salisbury MD 21804

on a 5’ x 5’ Screen SUGGESTED DONATION $2.00 Discussion immediately following the film. Pot Luck Pizza, Snacks & Beverages. Contact person: Seth Cowall uufs@uufs.net

This week’s movie: CONSTANTINE’S SWORD (2007) Director Oren Jacoby‘s intriguing documentary examines the history of anti-Semitism in the Catholic Church (as exposed in James Carroll’s controversial book Constantine’s Sword) and the link between the U.S. military and the Christian right. From Constantine’s reign in the fourth century to today’s evangelical base at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., Jacoby’s film offers a provocative look at the roots of holy war. (95 minutes)