unitarianfellowshipregina

The God Argument -- For Humanism

Presenter: Helen Christiansen.

This second presentation looks at Grayling’s view of humanism, which he believes is an approach to life for those who wish to live with intellectual integrity, based on reason, evidence, and a desire to do and to be good.

The God Argument: Against Religion

Presenter: Allyne Knox

The first of two presentations examines Grayling’s arguments for and against religion and religious belief. It explores Grayling’s ideas regarding the reasons and motives people have for being religious, and how well these reasons and motives stand up to closer scrutiny.

Permaculture

Presenter: Denise MacDonald
Permaculture re-imagines our economy and food system so that it works for people, ecosystems and the planet by growing a life-sustaining culture that is ecologically and economically viable.

CUC & Peace Between Israel and Palestine

Presenter: Donna Cowley
A presentation of two controversial discussion papers by Rev. Frances Deverell, published with the support of Canadian Unitarians for Social Justice. Donna will talk about both of these papers, and their potential impact on CUC members.

Famous Unitarians: An overview and Michael Servetus

We are beginning a series talking about Unitarians whose names may already be familiar to you but not as a person who we identify as Unitarians.  Pam Bocking gives us a brief runthrough of Unitarians from the beginnings to more recent times.  Then Jane Knox talks about Michael Servetus, an early religious thinker whose views got him burned at the stake by the Calvanists in Switzerland.  More to come.

An Expression of Reconciliation

Presenters: Regina Unitarians
On March 29th, the Canadian Unitarian Council and the UU Ministers of Canada presented an Expression of Reconciliation to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Edmonton. The Expression conveys CUC and UUMOC support for the path of reconciliation between Canadian Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal people

The Environment According to Essays by Wendell Berry

Presenter: Glenna Ottenbreit-Born

--
“The care of the Earth is our most ancient and most worthy, and after all our most pleasing responsibility.” Wendell Berry, American novelist, poet, environmental activist, cultural critic and farmer, will be discussed. 

The Spirituality of Music: Depth Music Therapy

Presenter: Bernadette Kutarna

The Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music was developed by the late Dr. Helen Bonny, Music Therapist, when she learned that listening to western classical music in an altered state of consciousness facilitated exploration of one's inner world. Through a process of relaxation, focus and specifically chosen music listening, individuals were able to access their inner strengths, release creative blocks and work toward resolution of dilemmas. This person-focused work is usually done on an individual basis. As part of this presentation, we did a short imagery and music process as a group.

Chant: History, Spirituality, Practice

Presenter: Barbara Swanson:  (note: unfortunately we missed recording the first few minutes of the presentation)

    Most faith traditions use chanting to elevate human utterance, connect with the transcendent, effect personal transformation, and give meaning to spiritual journey. The often simple, sometimes formulaic melodies of chant provide a unique and powerful way to enter into spiritual practice. Looking briefly at two of the world’s chanting traditions, Christian and Jewish, provides insight into how and why chant has been used to give meaning to spiritual life.

Educating for awareness and understanding of LGBT issues – A Teacher Education Course at the University of Regina.

Presenter: Michele Sorensen

Using a variety of resources, this course provides a rationale and background into a beginning and continually changing understanding of sexual identity. Pedagogical and instructional implications for teachers are explored, with a view towards creating an understanding of the complexities of sexual identity.