The Within Phase of Beloved Conversations: Virtual will continue in the Spring Term. We would love to have you (and everyone you know!) join us for another term of this program, with a continued focus on personal learning and growth!
All those who identify as women are invited to bring your humor, lunch and handwork (optional) to Lori Saccardi’ s spacious home in Issaquah for conversation with other East Shore women. Dessert and beverages will be served. Please Register so Lori can make appropriate accommodations and directions will be sent to you, too!
Please join Meaningful Movies Bellevue for the first film of our 2021 - 2022 season. We will be screening Invisible Hand for free! We will also be joined by a guest speaker immediately afterwards, so grab a drink and snack and get ready for a full 2 hour event.
Invisible Hand is the world’s first documentary film on the Rights of Nature Movement. Executive Producer, Mark Ruffalo, states “You hear time and time again that a corporation has the rights of a person. The idea that Nature has no rights whatsoever is absurd." This “paradigm shifting” story raises questions about the fate of capitalism and democracy and asks us all to consider the perspective of “Who speaks for Nature?" Invisible Hand documents front line communities that are providing a blueprint forward.
Beyond Categorical Thinking (BCT) is a highly recommended part of the search process for our congregation. (see registration details at the bottom of this email). The UUA Transitions office states that prospective ministers look favorably on congregations which have engaged in this workshop. In finding the person who would be the best match for our minister, we could potentially overlook or even let biases keep us from knowing that a particular person would be the best match for us.
Bias is an inescapable part of the human experience, but what we do with, and how we react to our biases is very much in our control. While our natural instinct may be to put things into categories and boxes , there is a space that can enrich our interactions with everyone around us, the space beyond boxes. This Sunday, please join us as our BCT facilitator, Amanda Schuber, talks about the ways that identity and bias impact our relationships with each other and the wider world.
Everyone is exuberantly invited to an outdoor songfest get-together at East Shore! Director of Music Eric Lane Barnes will lead a hymn-and-folk-song sing-along - hymnals and song sheets will be provided (as well as chairs! But bring a blanket or folding chair if you prefer.) Got a guitar or rhythm instrument? Bring it along! This will be a wonderful opportunity for us to gather together safely as a congregational family outside and share the joy and warmth of song and fellowship. The East Shore Mighty Choir will be joining in, singing several songs we’ve been working on. Reverend Stephen Furrer will be there to share a few words as well. Masks MUST be worn while singing!
Join us for a conversation about Anand Giridharadas' book Winners Take All. Most people recognize that the global reach of corporations, technology, and free markets have not brought their promised benefits to the vast majority of Americans and others in advanced countries around the world. Yet we continue to ask for solutions from these entities and systems. Giridharadas questions the assumptions and the approaches of the elite in charge, exposes how efforts toward change maintain the status quo, and offers a thought-provoking perspective for people who want to move the world in the direction of change.
How do we know what we know? How does our background and training influence our ability to recognize the truth? What unique factors influence women’s relationship to knowledge? How can women move from being silenced or relying on the opinions of others to a dynamic ability to reason critically while retaining a strong sense of one’s own intuitive knowing?
Let me begin this year by reminding everyone that it will be my last among you and that Carol and I will be leaving come June. Which is a good thing. New wine is not to be poured into old wineskins, else the new wine will burst them and ruin the whole project. New wine must be put into new receptacles. Citations from Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, Stephen Levine, Forrest Church, and more.
All those who identify as women are invited to experience the beautiful fall colors and garden design at Kubota Gardens. We will spend about an hour on this casual walking tour with Geri. Meet at the entrance Welcome Board near the parking lot.
“A Thousand Names for Joy” is a book commended to me by church member Lassie Jordan. Lassie also made the top bid at last year’s auction, gave me a copy, and asked me to preach on author Byron Katie’s guidebook for healthy, wholesome living. Come for a synopsis and invitation to everyday spiritual practice.
Join Alan Carter for his latest class on The Great Courses. The class examines the effect that the internet and other digital technology has on our brains, politics, children, sleep, social lives, money, dating, etc. The class will start on the 19 and run for 12 evenings.
Join other East Shore members at our second Visioning the 8th Principle Circle. Together, we will share our perspectives on what putting the 8th Principle into practice at East Shore means for us. We will explore the many ways we can imagine East Shore being re-created into an anti-racist and anti-oppression spiritual home. What are some next steps to make this vision a reality? What kinds of specific actions need to happen? We are just beginning this journey, so this session will give us all a chance to listen to each other and begin to figure out how to go forward together. Join us on zoom. Be ready to share your creative ideas as we vision together!
After choosing your topic, you will learn how to organize your photos and upload them to Shutterfly to create a beautiful “real” album! Catherine will provide a handout with instructions and alternative resources. Even if you aren’t technically proficient, you can pick up ideas. Mini-albums of special events make lovely gifts. Live attendance limited to 20 first registrants; Zoom availability is unlimited.
These kindly folks need your help! Spring is bursting out all over, and our wonderful Grounds Team and onsite staff are a bit overwhelmed. Join this welcoming team of nature lovers to help make our beautiful property even more so. Show up any time between 10 and 3 and stay for any amount of time that fits your schedule. Grounds Team members will be available to point you in the right direction. No experience necessary. Children and youth are welcome but should be accompanied by a parent of other adult. Come enjoy a fun and invigorating time outdoors with East Shore members and friends.