June Forums

June 4^th – AFTER WORSHIP: Evolutionary Christianity Evolutionary Christianity assumes that evolution is a “general condition” that animates the domains of self, culture, biology and social systems. Grounded in the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, Evolution and Christianity can become interpretive keys for unlocking new depths of meaning in each other. Join us after worship to review a short video from the Painting the Stars study series and have small group discussions about what it means to be a Christian in the 21^st century. (Connect online by staying on the worship zoom link.)

Join in the following Sunday 9 am forums in the library or online: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83482803068?pwd=TFF2eXdCd2JQdGdNOHdMOGFiTmdKUT09

June 11^th – Poetry as Prayer Many poems were written as prayers. Psalms and hymns are both poems and prayers. We will explore some of the ways that you can use poetry as prayer. We will also share some poems that are often used as prayers and you will be provided with a list of poets and books whose poetry lends itself well to prayer.

June 18^th – Out! Raleigh The Out! Raleigh Pride festival is celebrating its 11^th year on Saturday, June 24, 2023, and UPUCC will be there to show our support. Join us to discuss how we can support this family-friendly action-packed event that raises funds to support the LGBT enter of Raleigh and all of its 20+ amazing community programs. We’ll discuss some of the background of the event, why we offer support, and how you can help.

June 25^th – Creative Passion Many of us have been blessed to send or receive a beautiful card from our Creativity Group. But are you aware of how the group started, and what programs are benefitted from the purchase of these cards? Join us to hear how this special group started, and how its mission has evolved over the years. Learn about the exciting ways members of the group discovered their own individual creative passions, and how they have used these passions to minister to others, to make our presence known beyond the walls of our church and to raise funds that support both UPUCC and its wider mission.

July 2^nd – Imagining the Future In this video study and discussion session from the Painting the Stars study series, we will continue to explore the promise of evolutionary Christian spirituality, with a focus on ways we can evolve the ways we “do church.”

Tuesday Book Group 6 pm (online) 

The Tuesday Night Book Group is currently discussing Frederick Buechner 101: Essays, Excerpts, Sermons and Friends. Buechner is a well-known and critically acclaimed writer-theologian, having been nominated for the Pulitzer Prize in 1981. This volume samples his essays, sermons and excerpts from memoirs and novels. It also features tributes from Anne Lamott, Barbara Brown Taylor and Brian McLaren. 

We meet via Zoom at 6 pm, every other Tuesday. For more information, please contact Kathy Dobbs at kdcorgi56@gmail.com. We’re a very laid-back group, and we’re always delighted to have new people join us.  

Saturday Meditation Group online (most) 1st Saturdays 10 am

Practiced for centuries and is well-known for its many benefits, meditation can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety, increase compassion, and more! UPUCC is carrying on this ancient practice- each first Saturday of the month at 10 am, for one hour.  We enjoy this time out from busy-ness to focus and redirect our minds, and invite you to come join us.  Absolutely no experience required.  Contact Joanne Kennedy Frazer jkennedyfrazer@aol.com if you would like to be part of this monthly group.