Chalice Circles will be back at UUFF starting this January – and they’ll be better than ever. It doesn’t matter if you have done Chalice Circles before.  We have created a new program that we hope will encourage all UUFF members – new and old alike – to join a Chalice Circle this year for the opportunity to make deeper connections and talk about life’s big questions and the things that matter most to us.

All Chalice Circles will share the same discussion topics and short readings each month, so although we may meet in separate small groups, we will all be part of the same larger conversation. Rather than using a set curriculum, we have chosen a flexible format that can be used to explore many issues and interests. Read on for more details and to sign up…

A one evening seminar with Rev. Sarah Schurr.  People are different from each other, even within Unitarian Universalism!  This shows up in the diversity of our individual search for truth and meaning. Some of us like quiet meditation or journaling while some of us like to hit the streets to cry out against injustice. Contact Rev. Sarah with questions on the Myers Briggs, this seminar, or to RSVP for the event.  She can be contacted at sschurr@uuma.org or call her at 503-936-0479.

Minister Sarah Schurr and  Director of Religious Education Bre Griffin team up to teach this two part class on parenting for Unitarian Universalists.  How do we guide our children in our UU values?  How do we answer questions about life, death, and God? How can we learn the life lessons that parenting has to teach us? We will talk about all this, and more.

SPECIAL AFTER-SERVICE DISCUSSION [part of the UU Green Team's 2011 Climate Change Discussion & Action Series]

Join environmental writer-activists Nancy Lord and Marybeth Holleman for a sharing from their works and a facilitated discussion to explore the 7 UU principles as they relate to Climate Change, oil development, and environmental justice.  Nancy, author of the new book Early Warming: Crisis and Response in the Climate-Changed North, and Marybeth, author of Heart of the Sound: Paradise Found and Nearly Lost, will join in conversation with former KUAC newsperson Robert Hannon and the audience. A book signing will follow.

7pm @ the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. Hear Don Ross speak about his epic journey from October 2009 to May 2010 spotlighting the urgency to address global climate change. Refreshments served. Check out Don’s blog:  ridefortheplanet.blogspot.com For more information email wildview@alaska.net.

Want to know more about improving air quality in our area? Karl Monetti worked with a diverse, local group to present an air quality improvement plan to the borough that met with rave reviews. The plan is now being implemented, and a new air quality ordinance just passed last Thursday. Get the latest info and learn/share some tips about things we can all do this summer to improve air quality for all seasons.

ReJoySing Community Choir resumes Tuesday rehearsals beginning February 2, 6-7:30 pm in the UUFF sanctuary. We have new music. All who like to sing are welcome! Gianna Drogheo, director. Registration $75. For info call 457-8086.

The next Chalice Circle series will begin on October 28th.  It will meet on Wednesday evenings for 8 weeks. Contact Mary Ann Borchert (479-2087), Marilyn Richardson (451-6381), or Jeff Merkel (479-8717) to join this Chalice Circle or if you have questions.  We hope you’ll join us.

Join us October 23-25 at UUFF, for a wonderful workshop opportunity for committed couples seeking to deepen and enrich their relationships. Please feel free to contact us with any questions, and to sign up! We have space for 8 participating couples and the cost is $150 per couple. Cathy or Scott at 479-6854 or contact us by email and we’ll forward the message to them.

A Nonviolent Communication Workshop will meet Thursdays at UUFF starting October 8, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. This workshop opens pathways of speaking at home, in the workplace and the community to arrive at win/win solutions and make for compassionate relations. Call 457-8086 or email Suzanne Osborn to order a book and workbook. Also, there is a signup sheet on the bulletin board.