Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2008, 7:30-9:00 p.m. -- Mythic Movies: American Beauty
Cinema is a powerful and captivating medium for exploring the mythic, archetypal nature of our experience as human beings. Using contemporary films as a springboard, this discussion group will explore a rich variety of mythic themes and archetypal characters. Richard Stromer will again lead this popular class, with all new movies. Discussions will be held the last Tuesday each month from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. All films are readily available from local and online rental outlets and participants will be expected to view these films prior to the evenings of discussions. Participants can either register for the whole series of discussions ($15 for contributors; $30 for non-contributors) or attend discussions individually ($3 for contributors; $5 for non-contributors). Please contact Richard (510-682-6302) for more information about this discussion series or the church office (510-893-6129) to register. Films, schedule, and more.
Oct. 3-5, 2008 -- Women's Retreat
Mark you calendar and join in on the fun of this welcoming annual event. First Unitarian women take over Camp Harmon in the Santa Cruz Mountains and fill the site with song, ritual and creative energy. Women and girls of all ages are invited to come and share this special weekend. Workshops and rituals will be planned around the theme of Living Lightly in the World. We will explore actions that promote less consuming, more reusing and freely sharing what we already have. All day Saturday, young girls from 4 to 12 will have their own set of fun activities in Kids' Camp. Registration starts in September. Call Kelly Jonick for more information at (510) 531-1198.
Friday, Oct. 3, 5:00 p.m. - Sunday, Oct. 5, after lunch -- Annual Men & Children's Campout
If it's time for the Women's Retreat, you know it must be time for the Annual Men & Children's Campout as well. We will be next to the Women's Retreat table in Wendte Hall on Sundays to provide particulars and register you. We will be camping at Lookout Ridge group campsite in Anthony Chabot Park. Remember, all children must be accompanied by an adult. Contact is Kevin McGown.
Sunday, Oct. 5, 4:00 p.m. -- Ordination of Laurel Liefert
We, the congregation of The First Unitarian Church of Oakland, joyfully gather to ordain Laurel Snyder Liefert to the Unitarian Universalist Ministry. RSVP by Sept. 26 to Jeffrey Asher at jasher@ix.netcom.com. Childcare provided, but we need to know the ages of children when you reply. This major congregational event needs our participation including bringing food and/or drink, setup, cleanup, contributions, et al. Please contact Laila Ibrahim at ldibrahim@gmail.com for details about food and Sheri Prud'homme at sheri@igc.org if you would like to help in other ways.
Friday, Oct. 10, 2008, 8:00 p.m. -- Utunes Coffee House (Sponsored by -- and at 1st Unitarian)
Performers include The Duck River Band -- an eclectic acoustic experience that includes bluegrass, old time, folk, the Grateful Dead, a few originals, and more. Duck River features Stefan Schneider on guitar, Chuck Rosene on bass and harmonica, Laurel Liefert on banjo, Sharon Dolan on fiddle, and Jim Tepperman on mandolin, guitar, flute, recorder, harmonica, and kitchen sink. Everybody sings.
You'll also hear Half Dozen of the Other -- rich harmonies, singing folk, pop, and whatever 
suits them that day. Half Dozen includes Stefan, Sharon, Laurel, sometimes Chuck, plus Claudia Morgan on guitar, Renee Witon on keyboard, and Nita Crow’s smooth vocals.
Purchase your ticket(s) on-line through Brown Paper Tickets. Cost for advance tickets: $14 for adults, $10 for kids under 16. (Cost at the door: $18 for adults, $15 for kids under 16.) Tickets will also be sold during coffee hour following services beginning Sept. 7. The next concert will be Friday, Nov. 14, 8:00 p.m. with The KTO Project with Kelly Takunda Orphan. The Utunes website offers more details.
Oct. 17-19, 2008 -- Jubilee Two Workshop
Our church is sponsoring a three-day Jubilee Two Workshop led by trained facilitators from the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). This exciting and engaging anti-racism program is designed to help UUs of all races and ethnicities meaningfully examine all forms of racism and develop ways to transform the negative powers of racism within the context of one's identity and faith community. More about the workshop and the application form (PDF). Background (PDF) on Jubilee Two from the UUA.
Saturday, Oct. 25, 2008 -- Fall Circle Supper
Please join us at a Circle Supper in your area on the evening of Saturday, October 25th. This Unitarian Universalist (UU) tradition is designed to develop fellowship among UUs. Small groups of about 8 people meet to share a dinner and socialize. Each person brings a part of the meal so that all can relax around the table. Its easy and fun! Please sign up to attend or to host at your home on the sign-up sheet during coffee hour. You can also sign up by emailing Kathleen Carson-Asher - kasher@ix.netcom.com
Announcements and On-going Events:
Beginning Sunday, Sept. 21, 11:30 a.m. -- Spirit of Life Adult Ed
This adult religious education course will run for nine weeks, meeting from 11:30 to 12:45. While people are encouraged to attend all nine sessions, attending them individually is also an option. Full description. Taught by Richard Stromer.
Worship Arts Team Forming
In keeping with the Dreaming Team’s recommendations, we are hoping to create a Worship Arts Team that will work with our ministers and worship associates to create our Sunday morning services. We are looking for anyone who would like to share their creative gifts for worship. Are you a poet? A dancer? A musician? An audio visual artist? Can you design a slide show? Or decorate the sanctuary? All artistic endeavors are welcome. Just let us know who you are! Contact B Avalon at 510-486-1296 or bavalon@theavalonfamily.com.
GOTcom: Mentor kids and families in PC and Online literacy. Many students graduate from our high schools with absolutely no computer experience or online skills though digital literacy is a vital educational, work, social and political skill. You can make a big difference in very little time. Contact Ben Thompson at oaklandben@sbcglobal.net
eScrip Signup - Support the Church Effortlessly: You can support our congregation by signing up for this free fundraiser. After you sign up for eScrip, when you shop at participating merchants such as Whole Foods or Safeway, a percentage of your purchase is donated to First Unitarian!