Exploring Unitarian Universalism Through Short Literature: Conversations with Rev. Ritchie

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New Adult Enrichment Opportunity:

Exploring Unitarian Universalism Through Short Literature

Starting Oct. 9, Rev. Ritchie will be offering a monthly series exploring important themes in Unitarian Universalist history, theology, ethics, and spiritual practice through the discussion of short pieces of literature. This series will take place at 12:00-1:30PM the second Sunday of the month, running October-February. You can attend either in person at church, or online on Zoom. You can sign up either for the whole series, or for individual sessions. Participants will be expected to complete the short readings (no more than 1-2 hours of dedicated reading time) before the workshops. No need to procure the material—Rev. Ritchie will send that out to those who register ahead of time.

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* 1. I (we) can attend! Name(s)

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* 2. Email

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* 3. Which workshops will you attend? Check all that apply

Oct. 9
Today we explore the historical origins of Unitarianism in America as a revision of the Puritan past, and as a conversation about the nature of sin and free will. Readings are two short stories (slightly spooky for October!) by Nathaniel Hawthorne, “The Birthmark” and “The Minister’s Black Veil.”

November 13
In this workshop, we discuss the principles of Unitarian Universalist ethical thinking, alongside a conversation about Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s story “The Yellow Wallpaper.”

December 11
This month we look at the Unitarian Universalist relationship to Christianity, Jesus, and social change, through an examination of two Christmas Stories, Lydia Marie Child’s “The Christ Child and the Poor Children” and Rev. Samuel Crother’s “A Christmas Parable.”

January 8
Today we look at Unitarian Universalist spiritual practice, especially those connected to the Transcendentalists. The reading is “The Pond in Winter” by Thoreau (an excerpt from “Walden”) and an excerpt from Louisa May Alcott’s “Transcendentalist Wild Oats.”

February 12
This month we read works by Francis Ellen Watkins Harper and Slyvia Plath to discuss Unitarian Universalist approaches to issues of race and gender.

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* 4. How will you attend?

In person at church

Attend remotely via Zoom