East Shore Unitarian Church Mighty Choir: Thursdays, 7:30 p.m.We learn and perform a variety of music from classical choral pieces to contemporary pop standards to movie themes to new Unitarian hymns – and so much more! Rehearsals are Thursday evenings from 7:30 to 9:00 pm; the choir sings two Sundays per month with additional special services on various holidays. No audition is required, nor is any member expected to sing at every service. Ability to read music is helpful but not necessary – rehearsal tracks are provided for those who want them. Come see why so many in the choir say, ‘This is the most fun I have all week!’
Cultural Literacy for Religion: Tuesdays, Through April 4, 7:00 p.m.When does the Jewish Sabbath begin? Who are Vishnu and Shiva? What are Buddhism’s Four Noble Truths? What are the Five Pillars of Islam? These questions are more than an academic exercise. Religious belief has been innate to humans everywhere and in every age, from the time of the Neanderthals to today. It’s also one of the strongest motivators of human behavior and has a profound impact on all aspects of our culture. Led by Alan Carter. Register here.
AARP Fraud Prevention Series: Tuesdays, February 5 & 12, 10:00 a.m.AARP and East Shore invite you to attend two fraud prevention programs: “FraudWatch Network,” and “Vigilance Against Cybercrime.” The first class is a general overview of fraud prevention. The second is focused on fraud attempts that come to us on computers. These presentations are a free service of AARP. An assortment of published brochures on the subject of fraud will be available to you at no cost. Please register. February 5: Protect Yourself from Fraud and Identity Theft – Con artists don’t care how hard you’ve worked; they steal billions from Americans like you every year. We’re fighting back with the AARP Fraud Watch Network to discuss fraud and identity theft. Join us as we explore how scammers think, how to safeguard against identity theft and fraud, and what to do if you or someone you know has been a victim. February 12 – Protect Yourself from Fraud and Identity Theft – Con artists contact you through fraudulent e-mails by pretending to be someone they are not. Your response could put you in financial danger. Learn how to recognize the warning signs before you respond. Learn how to protect your passwords, bank accounts, and credit card accounts, and your credit.
African-American History IS American History: What You Probably Didn’t Learn in School: Tuesdays, February 5, 19, March 5, 19, 7:00 p.m.This class is for anyone who wants to gain a fuller understanding of our nation’s past and how it affects present conditions. Classes can be attended separately but will build on each other. Each class will begin by exploring what we already know or think we know about the topic at hand. The teachers intend to lecture very little. We will use short readings and roles plays, consider motives and alternatives for the various actors at key turning points. Generally, each person will share a response in groups large and small. There will be ample time for comparisons between past events and current issues.Facilitators: Mike Radow, former history teacher, Mercer Island High School and Gray Pedersen, former history teacher, Lakeside High School. Why two white guys? A. We’ve both taught this material poorly and increasingly better over the years. B. White people can make a strong effort to do their “civic homework” rather than so often place the burden on people of color to explain. Register here.
Salsa, Soul and Spirit Leadership for a Multicultural Age: Wednesday, February 6, 6:30-8:30 p.m.Salsa, Soul and Spirit Leadership for a Multicultural Age by Juana Bordas is a groundbreaking book. She illustrates the importance of collaborative leadership and uses as examples models from three cultures, African American, Native American and Latinx. Aisha Hauser will lead this three part series lifting up highlights from the book with opportunities for reflection and small group discussion.
Cooking with Amanda: Ditching Dairy: Wednesday, February 6, 7:00 p.m.Dairy products often contain surprising amounts of saturated fat and cholesterol. We’ll talk about the many alternatives to dairy that are available these days, we’ll taste samples of some commercial products and make some simple cheese alternatives of our own. Amanda Strombom, President of Vegetarians of Washington, leads this class to support those interested in moving toward a plant-based diet.A nominal charge of $5 per class helps us cover costs. Register here.
The Humanist Discussion Group: Thursday, February 7, 7:30 p.m.The topic this month will be “Our Duty to Improve the World.” Traditional ethics has been about how to treat people we encounter in our everyday lives, but is there another ethics that imposes a duty on us to contribute our time and/or money to improve our city, our country, and our world? What is the basis of this other ethics? How much of our non-essential time and money are we duty-bound to contribute? What about people who have opposite ideas about what counts as improvement? All are welcome. Contact John Thompson for more information.
Mindfulness and Presence in Communications: Monday, February 11, 7:00 p.m.Being more mindful immediately improves the quality of your life, as well as the lives of those around you. Often people think you must meditate for hours a week, or have an intense practice, but not so! In this class you’ll learn some creative and immediately useful techniques to bring mindfulness into your life every day, with minimal effort.This monthly class, led by Brett Hill, is packed with information and practices gleaned from working with founders of mindful-based practices such as Hakomi, Loving Presence, and Matrix Leadership Workshops as well as years of experience as a meditation instructor and intuitive. Feel free to attend one or all.
Interfaith Advocacy Day: Thursday, February 14 in OlympiaJoin other East Shore members to attend Faith Action Network’s Interfaith Advocacy Day in Olympia on February 14. Attend workshops on current issues, learn best practices on how to advocate in the legislature and meet with your own legislators. Registration in advance is $15. Contact Cathy Barich for more information or to arrange for carpooling.
East Shore LIVE: Michelle D’Amour and the Love Dealers: Saturday, February 16, 7:30 p.m. Seattle-based Michele D’Amour and the Love Dealers have been slinging their brand of sexy, sassy blues all along the west coast since 2011. The band draws its repertoire from a mix of well-written originals that sound classic, and carefully chosen covers on which the band puts its own spin. Tickets are $20 ($15 for ESUC Members). Purchase Tickets here!
Race and Identity Class Series: Sunday, February 17, 9:00 a.m.This once a month four part series will be led by ESUC Director of Lifelong Learning, Aisha Hauser. Aisha will lead participants in discussions about how race and identity shapes our experiences and our understanding of social justice issues. Versions of this workshop have been presented all over the country and will now be offered here at East Shore! Dates are February 17, March 17, and April 28. This class runs concurrently with Religious Education programming for children and youth ages 5+. The preschool room is open for children 5 and under.
Meaningful Movies on the Eastside: The Anthropocene Project: Tuesday, February 19, 7:00 p.m.Third in a trilogy of films, The Anthropocene Project was created by renowned collaborators Nicholas de Pencier, Edward Burtynsky and Jennifer Baichwal. Combining art, film, virtual reality, augmented reality, and scientific research, the project investigates human impacts on the earth. Meaningful Movies/Eastside uses film and discussion as an ongoing community-building tool. All are welcome to dialog on the issues of our day in a listening, caring environment. The feature documentary, The Anthropocene Project, will be shown on Tuesday, February 19th, at 7:00 p.m. at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church, Bellevue,WA. This event is open to the public, admission by donation (no one refused entry).
Hindsight, Humor and Hope: Who, Me, an Elder?: Begins Tuesday, February 26, 12:00 p.m. In 6 two-hour workshops this U.U. program invites participants to develop deeper understanding and appreciation of their elder stage of life and the path they traveled to reach it. We will meet from 12:00 to 2:00 taking time to share a lunch we bring for ourselves. Facilitated by Rev. Stephen Furrer and Milly Mullarky. Please register. No fee.
Fourth Wednesday Book Club: The Emerald Mile: Wednesday, February 27, 7:30 p.m. Please join us to discuss The Emerald Mile by Kevin Fedarko on Wednesday, February 27 at 7:30 p.m. In the spring of 1983, massive flooding along the length of the Colorado River confronted a team of engineers at the Glen Canyon Dam with an unprecedented emergency that may have resulted in the most catastrophic dam failure in history. In the midst of this crisis, the decision to launch a small wooden dory named “The Emerald Mile” at the head of the Grand Canyon, just fifteen miles downstream from the Glen Canyon Dam, seemed not just odd, but downright suicidal.