One way in which many of us long to grow is in spiritual depth – as individuals, in connection with one another, and in our connection to that which is greater than us all, which some name God. Outside of Sunday morning worship one of the best ways we can do this is by gathering together to share our struggles, searches, and the riches we have uncovered in our efforts to live each day as people of faith. Living with a sense of meaning and purpose is, at times, a daunting challenge. That challenge is made a bit easier along your spiritual path when the journey is shared.

Whether you are a longtime member of the church or are learning about it for the first time I hope you will join in. You are welcome. Our invitation is a standing one. I hope that you will discover, in the pages that follow, opportunities that beckon. I hope you will find a breadth and depth of offerings that speak to you—both where you have already traveled along your spiritual path and where you long to go. We put together our Adult Spiritual Development program with an eye toward giving you a holistic range of interesting and engaging choices (for the ways each of us grows spiritually are many).

The success and measure of our curriculum, however, hinges on your active participation and willingness to be moved, grown, and transformed by the courses you choose. Try new things. Go deeper with practices that have already resonated with you. Get to know others within this beloved community through rich and meaningful conversations and shared experiences. May the color and texture of life enliven and enlighten the road ahead. May our souls be enriched.  May we find ever-increasing faith as a community. Enjoy and amen.

The Spring 2010 courses offer a selection of possibilities to spark your interest and soul through action, contemplation, and community. We hope you find something that moves you.

Ask yourself a few questions about the classes you’re interested in. How could this course nourish my soul? How will meeting new people who have a similar interest help me to grow and in turn, nourish the Church community?

Don’t hesitate too long. With size limitations, courses will fill up quickly. To register for a course, visit our tables after service (Feb 7, 14, 21), contact the course facilitator directly, or call the church office at (202) 332-5266.

Fees. A modest fee is requested for each course.  In general, we are requesting a sliding scale between $10 and $20 per course meeting (one day workshops are $40-$80). You can decide the appropriate amount for yourself. However, cost should never be a barrier and scholarships are available.  Please pay in cash or check (made out to “All Souls Church”).

Share your course idea with us. Do you have an idea for a course that you feel would benefit our community? The ASD committee is always looking for fresh ideas for course offerings. Please contact a committee member for more info:

Gabrielle Farrell— gfarrell@allsouls.ws
Cris and Jon Fleming— Cjfleming@aol.com
John Tambornino— tambornino@att.net
Brenda Ekwurzel— bekwurzel@gmail.com
Vicki Childers— vachilders@gmail.com

 

Spring 2010 courses

 

Contributions of Art to Our Spiritual Journey

Course description: Art often distills the human experience, capturing the essence of the spiritual. Join us as we explore contemporary artists in the East Wing of the National Gallery that, through their work, move us forward on our search for the spiritual. After our tour, we will gather for discussion and a Dutch Treat (does anyone even USE this anymore?) lunch in the Gallery's cafe.

Dates and rimes: Saturday, March 13. Meet at 10:00 am at the entrance to the East Wing of the National Gallery (Archives Metro stop).

Facilitators: Hally Ahearn and Mary Rojas. Please let us know if you will be with us: hahearn@bna.com; m.h.rojas@verizon.net.

Fee: $10. Inability to pay is not a barrier to participating in the course.

 

UU Study Group

March 21, 9:00-11:00 am, Reception Room. Interested in the writings and ideas of the seminal Unitarian writer, our own A. Powell Davies? Join a discussion of Davies' thoughts, ideas, and writings on church and state, through his book America's Real Religion, which discusses the religious views of America's founding fathers. The book is available at the Book Nook. Contact Ruel J. Eskelsen (ruel.eskelsen@gmail.com or 202-986-9416).

 

Principled Commitment

Tuesdays, April 13-May 18, 7:00-9:00 pm. Marriage Equality is here! What does this mean for your relationship? Join a six-week group for LGBT families that explores relationships grounded in our UU faith. Child care may be available. Contact Mike Giordano (202/234-5178 or mike.giordano.msw@gmail.com).

 

A Moving Dialogue

Course description: Reflect and connect. Through dialogue and dance we will explore our own spiritual journeys and investigate the content of weekly sermons through choreographic structures. We will begin with a physical warm-up, explore a question of spiritual practice, and work together to create small compositions that embody ideas.  No experience is necessary, and all are welcome irrespective of age or physical capacity.

Dates and times: Tuesdays, April 6, 13, 20, 27 and May 4, 11, 7:00-8:30 pm.

Facilitator: Elizabeth Johnson is the associate artistic director at Liz Lerman Dance Exchange. For over a decade she has worked nationally and internationally with individuals of all ages and backgrounds connecting community and content through choreography. In spiritual settings and in schools, in museums and hospitals, with bankers and ballet dancers and beat boxers, Elizabeth investigates the power of movement. She is happy to be a part of All Souls and hopes to offer something of relevance and of interest, and hopes to get to know you through the experience.

Fee: $10 per class ($60 total). Inability to pay is not a barrier to participating in the course.

Class Size: 6-30

Course Material: Wear clothes you are able to move in, but special dance wear is not necessary.

 

Roots and Wings

Course description: The Roots and Wings course is designed especially for new members and others wanting to learn more about All Souls Church and Unitarian Universalism.  In six sessions you will gain a deeper understanding of our faith tradition, have the opportunity to connect with others at All Souls Church, and develop a sense of community.

Topics include:

Participants engage in sharing their personal journeys, conducting research with a group, fascinating discussions, and a service project.

Dates and times: (three sessions offered):
Tuesdays, 7:00-9:00 pm: February 23-March 30
Wednesdays, 7:00-9:00 pm: April 7-May 12
Thursdays, 7:00-9:00 pm: June 10 to July 15

Fee: Total $60. Inability to pay is not a barrier to participating in the course.

 

Singing workshop with Angela Powell

Course description: Angela Powell, a singer in great demand and a voice teacher, will conduct a half-day  workshop in choral singing for adults involved in the church’s music program, those exploring its singing opportunities, and others who just like to sing. In the session, she will teach breath control, vowel and consonant production, and other useful techniques anyone can use to enhance his or her choral singing experience.

Dates and times: April 24, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

Facilitator: Angela Powell, All Souls Choir’s vocal coach

Fee: $40. Inability to pay is not a barrier to participating in the course.