Adult Religious Education had a busy month! In addition to weekly meditation and yoga sessions, we co-sponsored with Social Action, the film and discussion, “Racially Charged: America’s Misdemeanor Problem.” An excellent discussion was led by LA Jones, a retired federal warden and Charles Chalmers, retired Durham NC Chief of Police. Approximately 30 participants joined us from the UU Justice Ministry of NC. You may wish to contact Barb Thomas (bsthomas2@gmail.com) or Amy Jones (amjones0912@gmail.com) for a transcript of the discussion questions and answers.
UCF members Meganne Smith and Holly Rogers recently led programs, respectively, with participants writing their personal poetry on “Where I Am Come From,” and a documentary discussion of “The Game Changers,” on the benefits of a vegan diet. We also co-sponsored a nature hike with Green Sanctuary, led by member Tom Wentworth to the Cedar Point Tidelands Trail in Croatan National Forest. Tom will lead another hike at Fort Macon on New Year’s Day, to start the year actively in nature.
The Anti-Racist Reading Group sponsored a congregational book discussion of Breathe: A Letter to My Sons, by Imani Perry, on November 17. This was the UUA Common Read for 2020-2021. Many thoughtful ideas and opinions were expressed during the discussion led by members Susan Roberts, Linda Rudd, Penny Hooper, and Sally Davis.
The Anti-Racist Reading Group will meet next on January 13, at 7 p.m. The read will be You Are Your Best Thing, an anthology by 20 well-known racial justice writers. We are asking each person attending to be prepared to lead a brief discussion of the article that meant the most personally. Time won’t permit discussing all 20 articles, but this will ensure that we discuss the ones that especially spoke to us.
The book selection for March will be, Me and White Supremacy, by Layla F. Saad. Rev. Ma will introduce this read at the MLK service, as a lead-up to the congregational study of the proposed UUA 8th Principle next year. This book is hands-on, with prompts for the reader to keep a 28-day journal based on the reading.
The next committee meeting will be on Thursday, December 9, at 3 p.m. Please send us ideas for programs you would like to see offered in 2022. We look forward to being face-to-face in our new building! Perhaps even with refreshments!