U n i t a r i a n U n i v
e r s a l i s t
F e l l o w s h i p o f P a r i s
monthly
sunday worship services at 3:00 pm
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U n i t a r i a n U n i v
e r s a l i s t monthly
sunday worship services at 3:00 pm |
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Past Services and Events(View Upcoming UUFP Services and Events)
Mark writes: 'Like rolling waves heading toward a distant shore our lives are ever moving, changing and unique and yet they are with one with life as a wave is to the ocean. This is a personal story of loss, and how grief led me to a deeper understanding of life and eternity.' Elizabeth Gex, violist, will provide extra music during the service. This is our last service before the summer break. speaker: the Rev. Mark Morrison-Reed
UUFP members are reminded of the Annual Meeting, which will take place right after the Sunday service. Non-members are welcome to attend but only members may vote. Annual reports from the president and treasurer will be presented and officers for 2010-2011 will be elected. Other business may be proposed for discussion at the meeting. There will be a babysitter at the Annual Meeting, prepared to take care of the youngest children. Older children are also welcome to come, ideally bringing an engaging activity that will allow them to quietly pass the time together during the meeting. speaker: The Annual Meeting of the Association
Join us for a celebration of Mothers and Music organized and led by Rachael Epstein. Our May service will take place on Sunday May 9, which is Mother’s Day in 75 countries, including North America and most of Europe (except France - May 30 this year). Special music will be provided by the women’s vocal ensemble Voci di Donne, of Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse. Special Muscians: Voci Di Donne The women's vocal ensemble Voci di Donne of Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse is a group of 13 women (including Rachael) singing together since January 2005. Their repertoire includes a cappella sacred and secular music from the Middle Ages and Renaissance up through contemporary pieces. The group participates in a number of choral festivals and individual concerts each year. The service will be followed by UUFP’s Annual General Meeting. speaker: a lay-led service, featuring the choir 'Voci di Donne'
Wyman will share some of his stories about freethinkers he has encountered in his life, and address the place of freethinking in our UU tradition. [ed: 'freethinker: one who forms his opinions independently of authority or tradition, especially in matters concerning religion']. Our special guest organist this month will be Isabelle Sebah, principal organist of our host church. Those who attended our June 2009 service will remember how outstanding she is. speaker: the Rev. Wyman Rousseau
As many of you know, the Paris fellowship has been charged with organizing the Fall 2010 EUU retreat. With theme speaker the Rev. Peter Morales – recently elected President of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations (UUA) – along with a delightful location along the Route des Vins in the heart of Alsace, this greatly anticipated event is certain to be well attended. The theme will be Poetry -- visit the EUU website for more information: http://www.europeanuu.eu/retreats/spring10.html speaker: the Rev. Wyman Rousseau
Charles Darwin, 1809-1882. Last year marked the 200th anniversary of Darwin's birth as well as the 150th anniversary of the publication of The Origin of Species. Darwin is often included on lists of 'Famous Unitarians' though he attended Unitarian services only from time to time during his life. On the other hand, both his mother and his wife were Unitarians and there was a strong tradition of dissenting in his family. Charles Darwin`s seminal ideas about the evolution of species were heretical. His biographers repeatedly refer to that long agonizing stretch of time from his first moments of insight to the moment when he went public. Our service will pay tribute to a man who was keenly aware and fearful of the outrage that would follow upon the publicity of his views and the price he paid in keeping that to himself until he had no alternative other than to go public. speaker: the Rev. Margaret Kirk
Have you been intending to learn more about Unitarian Universalism and/or to reflect with others about some of the reasons why you define yourself as a UU? 'UU Basics' is a lay-led course which includes information on the history and values of Unitarian Universalism as well as personal exchange of our religious journeys. It is open to newcomers as well as long-time members who want to re-explore these issues. Space will be limited so please sign up early and mark your calendar. speaker: Dorcy Erlandson
The Rev John Harley suggests that we train our doubts to become our best workers. In a world in which the search for certainty seems to be gaining currency how can we find solid ground in our not knowing? With help from Rainer Maria Rilke and Rumi. speaker: the Rev. John Harley
'People think that human rights work has to be about the extraordinary. But it’s really about the ordinary daily grunt work that ends up making a tremendous difference. If we can inspire ordinary people to do extraordinary things, the world will change.' Karen is the founder and CEO of International Bridges to Justice (IBJ), a non-governmental organization based in Geneva devoted to the eradication of torture as an investigative tool. A graduate of both Harvard Divinity School and UCLA Law School, Karen has led services for us several times in the past. At the service we will also be celebrating our relationship with the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee and its mission to advance human rights and social justice around the world, and winding up the UUSC Guest At Your Table (GAYT) drive – so please bring your contributions to the service. speaker: the Rev Karen Tse
The UU Service Committee (UUSC - http://www.uusc.org/) works through local partner organizations to bring instruction in basic human rights, to bring about access to water, and to bring concrete solutions for fundamental human needs to people in over 25 countries around the world. The 'Guest at Your Table' drive is one easy way of supporting this highly-focused action. time: at our Sunday service
our annual Christmas lunch time: 12:00 PM
Do the short days and long nights of mid winter call us more profoundly to seek connection, whether with our families of origin or our fellowships of choice? With song, story and light, we will embrace the shortening days while seeking to illuminate the larger truths of companionship, family and community. In keeping with the varied religious backgrounds of our members and friends, we will sing some of our favorite seasonal songs and carols. Children between 4 and 12 years old may participate in our religious education class, which will take place during the service. time: 3:00 PM
Join in the spirit of giving at our December service and bring new mittens or gloves, scarves or hats for children aged 2 to 12. Our RE children will collect your gifts and put them on a small tree for decoration. After the service we will deliver them to La Clairière's social center in the 2nd arrondissement. La Clairière is a charity run by l'Oratoire du Louvre. The gifts will be distributed to the children who attend their after school program and whose families are in difficulty. time: during our Sunday service
our annual potluck Thanksgiving Dinner time: 7:00 PM
The UU Service Committee (UUSC - http://www.uusc.org/) works through local partner organizations to bring instruction in basic human rights, to bring about access to water, and to bring concrete solutions for fundamental human needs to people in over 25 countries around the world. The 'Guest at Your Table' fundraising drive is one easy way of supporting this highly-focused action. time: at our Sunday service
The Rev. Art Lester writes: 'I find Thanksgiving is a time for the celebration of a successful harvest but it's not only grain that we bring into store. It's a time to separate the wheat from the chaff in that most important harvest of all.' speaker: the Rev. Art Lester
speaker: the Rev. Kate Braestrup, author of 'Here If You Need Me'
'An 18th century French Huguenot was one of the first to preach Universalism in American; by early in the 19th century Universalism had swept across the young nation, finding a popularity it never again achieved. What does the message that God's love brooks no resistance mean in the 21st century, and why is it important that we once again proclaim it?' speaker: the Rev. Mark Morrison-Reed -- The Rev. Morrison-Reed served for 26 years as co-minister with his wife, Donna, in Rochester, New York, and Toronto, Ontario. He is the author of “Black Pioneers in a White Denomination” and co-editor of “Been in the Storm So Long,” a book of meditations.
Jim writes: 'Emerson is one of the greatest thinkers in American history. Although he left the Unitarian ministry, his ideas became part and parcel of Unitarianism not only in the States but in Unitarian communities around the world. His message is just as challenging and transformative today as it was in the 1800's' speaker: the Rev. Jim Robinson
For members and friends of UUFP, to celebrate the beginning of the summer holidays speaker: organized by Betty Abugheida
Art writes: 'A friend of mine says that if he wants to see something, he takes his glasses off. If you're too focused, he implies, you can't see the forest— just some trees. We're all grownups these days and have gotten rid of all those childish notions about God and all that, but is it possible that we need an eye test?' speaker: the Rev. Art Lester
Why should UU's be interested in dreams and dreamwork? Can dreams be agents of social change? speaker: Jeremy Taylor, a Unitarian Universalist minister, has worked with dreams for over thirty years; he blends the values of spirituality with an active social conscience and a Jungian perspective.
Annual Report and Election of officers time: immediately following the Sunday Service
The UUFP Young Adults group will lead the service May 17th on the subject of our paths to UU. The service aims to reflect upon a number of questions, using our personal experiences of growing with UU as our basis. How did we get here? And what keeps us going? How do our individual paths vary? And what does a path symbolize in itself? speaker: UUFP Young Adults
A recognition and a celebration of the planet upon which we live with so much beauty. We know how we should live to be in harmony. We know how we should live to be ecologically friendly. Yet, can we? Is it really possible? Others may be able to – but can I? speaker: the Rev David Shaw
What do we do when someone offends us? Or indeed what should be done when we offend? speaker: the Rev David Shaw
The Rev. Brian Kiely will talk about his experiences with people around the globe who are attracted by the words and the core ideas of our faith, but who invest them with different meaning and practice, different theologies and rituals, and different expectations. What does our liberal faith have to offer the world? speaker: the Rev. Brian Kiely
As Unitarians we are often asked: how can we Unitarians call ourselves a church if we: 1. Don't have a creed; 2. Don't make our people feel guilty; 3. Don't call Jesus our Saviour...and the list goes on. Today Brian will answer some of these questions and speak about what church IS for Unitarian Universalists. speaker: the Rev. Brian Kiely
Atheism has been in the headlines recently in the English speaking world with adverts on London buses, and books by such aggressively anti-religious figures as Christopher Hitchens and Richard Dawkins. UU's helped author the original Humanist Manifesto 70 years ago and have long supported freedom of belief. In this workshop we will look at some of the resting places on the continuum that ranges from belief to non-belief and have an open discussion about where individuals might stand. Join us for what promises to be an animated and interesting discussion. speaker: the Rev. Brian Kiely
At the Sunday service John will be exploring the meaning of being fully present in this world with help from poets Rumi and Mary Oliver and will be finding a link between the thinking of Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hahn and the inauguration of President Barack Obama. UUFP member Melanie Satterwhite will delight us with her singing at this service. speaker: the Rev. John Harley
A workshop combining community art making and some gentle movement. Join us for a time of fun and self-expression involving some art games – with a little inspiration from the theme of ‘love’. All ages welcome. speaker: the Rev. John Harley
The 60th Anniversary of the creation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was marked all over the world on Human Rights Day, December 10, 2008. Join us for this special anniversary service where we will hear inspirational readings and music, and celebrate the extraordinary people both known (Eleanor Roosevelt) and less-known (John Humphrey, a Canadian Unitarian) who created this document. We will see similarities between the UDHR and the seven Unitarian Universalist principles that affirm the worth, dignity, and human rights of every person. speaker: Lay-led by UUFP members Don Bailey and Dorcy Erlandson, with music by Jeanne-Marie Favorat, flute.
A panel of people from several Paris NGOs will lead us in a discussion of human rights past and present. We will also present a short United Nations film describing the creation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and showing how the Declaration is used day to day. speaker: panel
We will reflect on what the season leading up to Christmas can mean for us as Unitarian Universalists. Advent is a tradition of waiting for transformation, a yearning for something better. Our service of words, songs, silence, music and being together in community, allows us to cherish and celebrate the act of waiting at this darkest time of the year for light to enter. speaker: the Rev. Margaret Kirk
Poetry was among the devotional practices of UU Minister Harry Schofield (1913 - 2003). Harry believed that when poetry is learnt by heart, words are planted in our hearts and minds and become available to us when we need them and this is a kind of spiritual practice. speaker: the Rev. Margaret Kirk
Turkey time for UUFP members, UUFP community and newcomers! Shared food, conversation, thanksgiving time: 7:00 PM
The sermon is an exploration of the concept of “a good life” as Jopie shares with us some of her thoughts, contemplations and discoveries of what might be a life worth living. It was inspired by the quotation above from T.S. Eliot: “Where is the Life we have lost in living?” and by a beautiful and inspiring letter written by a dying woman. speaker: the Rev Jopie Boeke
You are invited to share stories about your own birthday celebrations, long ago or recent, sad or happy ones or bring a poem or a story you particularly like. time: 6:00 PM
The Rev Jill McAllister's theme talk is based on Buddhist practices (translated into Unitarian Universalism) concerning the four central virtues: Loving-Kindness, Compassion, Sympathetic Joy, and Equanimity (collectively referred to as the 'Brahma Viharas'). She has found this to be a wonderful format for considering and practicing centering and mindfulness, and for helping UUs understand and articulate their own needs for spiritual practice. speaker: the Rev Jill McAllister
Last July there was a horrific shooting on a Sunday morning at the Unitarian Universalist church in Knoxville, Tennessee. One of the unexpected outcomes is that every member of the congregation has been asked again and again, 'What's a Unitarian Universalist?' and 'Why do you go there?' If you were standing in their shoes, what would your answers be? speaker: the Rev Gretchen Thomas
In our family we have a tradition of bringing home a small rock from each place where something important happens to us. We keep them in a glass bowl on the eating table were we see them and be reminded of those stories from our lives. And often we carry one of them with us. speaker: the Rev Gretchen Thomas
What does it mean to be at home? How do we find home? How do we create it? What are the qualities of being at home? How do we foster those qualities? How do we create a home with other people? Do we have a spiritual home deeper than the ever changing world? speaker: the Rev. Jim Robinson
In this workshop we will create our definition of home and the qualities we associate with being at home. Then will do simple exercises to explore how to be more at home in our body, in our house or apartment, within our family, in our country, with the natural world, and in our spiritual faith. speaker: the Rev. Jim Robinson
As we celebrate the summer solstice, Iva will explore the impact of theology on our fragile relationship with the Earth. Join us for our last service before we break for the summer! speaker: the Rev. Iva Fišerová
Iva Fišerová will lead a discussion based on a viewing of pictures taken by the Hubble telescope. With new technology we are exposed to enormous challenges to our world view, both as individuals and as a culture. What is the impact of these images on our vision of the universe? How do they touch our hearts and souls? speaker: the Rev. Iva Fišerová
Annual Report and Election of officers time: immediately following the Sunday Service
'It is all very well talking about Buddhism, but can you do it?' - Christmas Humphreys, founder of the Buddhist Society. The May service will be led by UUFP members Heidi Scheffler and Pamela Spurdon on the theme 'The Wisdom of Buddhism'. They will be talking about Buddhism of course, but will also lead you in some practice techniques so that you can actually do it. speaker: This will be a lay service led by UUFP members Pamela Spurdon, who has lived in the Buddhist countries of South Korea and Cambodia and has practiced meditation for more than 15 years, and Heidi Scheffler, who has practiced both Vipassana and Zen Buddhism through daily practice, retreats and residence in Zen centers; with singing by Caroline Winschel.
What is it about Unitarian Universalism that makes social action an essential part of our faith? In his theme talk, Charlie will trace some of the robust legacies of both our Unitarian and Universalist roots and then explore how the values of Unitarian Universalism are embedded in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The Sunday sermon will be an exploration of a commentary from the Talmud: 'Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world's grief. Love mercy now. Walk humbly now. Do justice now. You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it.' speaker: Dr. Charlie Clements, President & C.E.O. of UUSC (the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee)
The theme will be the importance of listening to the inner self in relating to God and everything.
Ashley Pensinger will be playing the violin, accompanied by Judith Kohler on the piano. speaker: the Rev. David Shaw
The Rev. David Shaw will lead us in looking at histories (personal and world) that can hold us back - preventing us from travelling well or even going forward at all. We will look at the chains that we or others have forged link by link that weigh us down and constrain our movement. How are we all affected by our past in terms of how we see ourselves, our behavior and how we view religion and religious practices? speaker: the Rev. David Shaw
As the world moves ever more swiftly into radical change—changes in technology, political boundaries and culture—the reactionary forces of fundamentalism get stronger. Fundamentalist Christians and Muslims have more in common than they might suppose. Both rely upon a literal interpretation of their scriptures. But, as we have seen in the 'Irreverent Bible Studies' groups, scripture can be unreliable and even occasionally deliberately misleading. And what if the problem isn't one of believing the 'wrong' thing, but the nature of belief itself? speaker: the Rev. Art Lester
After the big success of last year’s fascinating Bible workshop, Art will lead further 'Irreverent Bible Studies'. Topics covered could include :'What is the Holy Spirit, Anyway?' and 'Where is Heaven?' Please bring a Bible if you have one. speaker: the Rev. Art Lester
Can art teach us about oneness and mindfulness and offer us an emotional language that liberates the spirit? John will look for inspiration in paintings including Paul Gauguin's “Where do we Come from? What are we? Where are we Going?” - and art from Marc Chagall and Georgia O' Keefe. speaker: the Rev. John Harley
The Rev John Harley will be leading a workshop at the Musee d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris which combines meditation with the process of gazing at pictures. Participants will be invited to choose a painting that speaks to them or contains meaning, with opportunities to share these images and learn insights from each other. speaker: the Rev. Art Lester
Several UUFP members will host informal dinners, viewing of materials and discussion of the situation in Darfur. time: 7:00 PM
The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, 'Sooner or later, all the people of the world will have to discover a way to live together.' To honor Dr. King and to celebrate his birthday, we will hear some of his less well-known words and sing the songs of freedom. What can his vision for loving and just relationships and the accompanying practice of reconciliation mean to us today? speaker: a lay-led service organized by Annice Ashley
Several years ago UUFP had a very active Young Adults group. (Young Adults are usually defined as those between 18 and 35.) If you are interested in being part of a new YA group, you are invited to a New Year's brunch (or snack or coffee, whatever you like). This group could meet regularly or not, for social events, or for discussion........let's brainstorm about the possibilities! time: 12 noon
Our December service will focus on the importance of light and song in our lives. In keeping with the varied religious backgrounds of our members and friends, we will sing some of our favourite seasonal songs and carols as part of a music programme prepared by Rachael and Bruce Epstein and Susan Tajra. One of our new members, Caroline Winschel, will sing a solo for us. In our readings we will visit different traditions which celebrate the shift from the darkness and gloom of “the winter of the soul” to the light which brings with it the promise of hope and renewal and in which the lighting of candles is an integral part. After decorating the mitten tree, the children will join in our festival of light with a special candle lighting ritual, led by Heidi Mordhorst. speaker: lay-led by Andrea Field and the East Side Small Group Ministry
We will be having Thanksgiving dinners in the homes of members and friends of UUFP. We particularly encourage those of you who are new to our fellowship to join in this family-oriented event. It is a wonderful way of getting to know some of our members better and thus feeling more a part of this wonderful community. time: 5:00 PM
The theme of the November service will be 'The Spirit of Thanksgiving' where Jopie will help us to see what we have to be thankful for and also put it into a larger context. Jopie writes: the rejoicing and giving of thanks is as old as humanity and often is a deeply personal and religious act. It is celebrated by Muslims, Hindus, Jews, Christians and many historical and primal religions throughout the world. The service will include an apple communion! speaker: the Rev Jopie Boeke
At this workshop, we will learn about and discuss today's situation in Darfur and the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC)'s 'Drumbeat for Darfur' project. We will start with a brief overview of the UUSC's founding as a relief and rescue mission during World War II. Fact sheets on Darfur will be distributed at the meeting. Two suggested websites for background information are: www.uusc.org/drumbeatfordarfur & www.savedarfur.org. speaker: lay-led
Inspired by our year in Neuilly, the Rev. Gretchen Thomas will encourage us to treat our 'in-between' year as an opportunity, rather than falling into that very tempting we'll-wait-on-that-until-we're-settled-again mind frame. It could, instead, be a time for our congregation to dream and grow in unexpected ways, to do especially healthy and brave things for ourselves and for the world. speaker: the Rev. Gretchen Thomas
Whatever your background in UU, whether you have recently joined or have been a life-long member, do you have questions about Unitarianism and/or Universalism? For example, how we fit in categories like Christianity and Protestantism, how our children’s religious education is different, why each of our congregations decides for itself what its worship form and practices will be, how ministers are trained, were Beatrix Potter and Thomas Jefferson really Unitarians, how are we different from the Unitarians in Britain and Transylvania? Gretchen says, 'Bring all your questions big and small; we will have some UU resource books and if necessary we will figure out the answers together.' speaker: the Rev. Gretchen Thomas
We will gather to try out our dramatic skills by reading Dickens' A Christmas Carol in prose. If you plan to come, please contact Peter Jarrett so that the roles can be allocated. Afterwards we will celebrate by making some seasonal decorations and enjoying some appropriate libations. So please bring materials for making decorations and spread some holiday cheer! speaker: the Rev Johanna Boeke
Rev Boeke will lead a service entitled "Why celebrate anything?" dealing with the importance of celebration in our lives. speaker: the Rev Johanna Boeke
The annual UUFP caroling party will take place at the home of our organist, Judith Kohler. Please bring "tea time" snacks to share. Call Judith for information or directions. time: 4-6 PM
Orloff Miller, EUU's Minister-at-Large Emeritus, will be with us the weekend of 25-26 January 2003. He has been asked to share his "own personal and poignant experience in Selma (Alabama during the 1965 Civil Rights struggle) and the background leading up to it." During the Saturday workshop, he will show a History Channel video "Crossing the Bridge" plus video excerpts of his return visit this past March with younger UU clergy to a much changed Selma. speaker: the Rev Orloff Miller
Please read workshop description above. speaker: the Rev Orloff Miller
"There lives the dearest freshness deep down things" speaker: the Rev John Harley Please see description of workshop above. speaker: the Rev John Harley We are thrilled to welcome Reverend Karen Tse for her first visit to the UUFP 22-23 March.
A graduate of UCLA Law and Harvard Divinity School, she first developed her interest in the cross section of criminal law
and human rights after observing Southeast Asian refugees detained in local prison without trial. A former San Francisco
public defender, she later moved to Cambodia in 1994 to train the country's first core group of public defenders.
Subsequently, she served as a United Nations Judicial Mentor. She has also served as a minister at the Unitarian Universalist
Congregation of Fairfax VA and as a ministerial intern at the Haverhill (MA) Universalist Unitarian Church. Currently she heads
International Bridges to Justice, a non profit organization based in Geneva which approaches human rights through a specific
commitment to development of criminal justice. speaker: the Rev Karen Tse We are thrilled to welcome Reverend Karen Tse for her first visit to the UUFP 22-23 March.
A graduate of UCLA Law and Harvard Divinity School, she first developed her interest in the cross section of criminal law
and human rights after observing Southeast Asian refugees detained in local prison without trial. A former San Francisco
public defender, she later moved to Cambodia in 1994 to train the country's first core group of public defenders.
Subsequently, she served as a United Nations Judicial Mentor. She has also served as a minister at the Unitarian Universalist
Congregation of Fairfax VA and as a ministerial intern at the Haverhill (MA) Universalist Unitarian Church. Currently she heads
International Bridges to Justice, a non profit organization based in Geneva which approaches human rights through a specific
commitment to development of criminal justice. speaker: the Rev Karen Tse A workshop is being organized by Patricia Philbin. speaker: May Razik is Egyptian by birth, went to the US at age 13 and lived there 33 years, during which time she became an American citizen and taught elementary school. May is married and has three children; she now lives in Paris and is active in the Muslim community.
Organized by Elizabeth Breedlove speaker: the Rev. Barbara Pescan
It has been a while since we have all congregated at the Foyer de l'Ame, but do not be surprised if everything isn’t completely familiar when we reconvene on Sunday 18 May. The youth have taken over this service and will therefore bring their own special touch to the chosen theme, "Journeys". Please join service coordinators Sera Freese and Carrie Landfried and the UUFP teens for a service of poetry, song and reflections on the journeys of our lives. The service will be followed by our Annual General Meeting. speaker: Lay-led Rev. Simon-John Barlow will lead a workshop titled, "My Love Is Greater Than My
Fear". After the workshop, there will be a potluck supper. speaker: Rev Simon-John Barlow The title of Rev Simon-John Barlow's service on Sunday 15 June will be "Moving from Fear to Respect" – an especially apt title for a post-Iraq, last-service-before-summer, service. It promises to be both serious and gentle. The coordinators (Anne Forrest-Wilson, Ann Moradian, and Elaine McCarthy) have devised a special gathering ceremony with Simon John and for this, we ask that each of you bring one flower. Any flower. Bought flower or picked flower, tall flower or small flower – but could EACH PERSON COMING TO THE SERVICE PLEASE BRING ONE FLOWER. Thank you! speaker: the Rev Simon-John Barlow
The service on Sunday 15 June will be followed by our annual picnic (bring your own food). time: Approximately 2:30 PM
Former UUFP President Jackie (Rodrigues) Thomas will be visiting Paris at the end of June. We are organizing an informal dinner gathering in Jackie’s honor, on the evening of Sunday 29 June. time: Evening
Tour of cathedral and surroundings time: 09:00 at the Gare Montparnasse or 09:30 at Le Guichet
Dancing around the Bastille area to celebrate Bastille Day time: 20:00
time: 15:00
time: 14:00
Book Club discussion of Unless, by Carol Shields time: 19:30
Walking on the river: La Bièvre, the other river of Paris. Did you know that the beautiful river banks of Paris have not always been those of the Seine? Join us for a historical journey in the southern part of Paris. This walk, about 4 km long in total, will take us through an ancient village once remote from Paris. speaker: Our capable guides will once again be Jérôme Coupe and Corinne Sadot. The Rev. Jopie Boeke joins us once again for our rentrée service on
Sunday 21 September. The theme of the service will be "Building
Community", and will include a Membership ceremony for those who have
recently joined the Fellowship. speaker: the Rev. Jopie Boeke
We will gather to share a potluck thé dînatoire ("High Tea") with Jopie and her husband Richard. speaker: the Rev. Jopie Boeke
Join us for a Dinner Discussion on the topic of "Corporate Rights versus Personal Rights". For background reading, please see UU World issue of May/June 2003 pages 22-29; if you do not have the magazine, this article is also available on-line at www.uuworld.org/2003/03/feature1a.html. time: 18:00
Due to the difficulty in obtaining copies of "Lies My Teacher Told Me" by
James Loewen, it has been decided to postpone the discussion of this book to
a later meeting. In preparation, you are encouraged to order this book
either by Internet or through any of Paris's English-language bookstores. time: 19:30
Our first Crafts Workshop, for making sellable artisanal and craft items for our upcoming bazaar, will be held on Sunday, Oct 12. Come join us in knitting, hat making, can decorating... Everyone is welcome. Bring your good ideas and any material you think might have potential! time: 13:00-18:00
An unexamined dream is like a letter with your name and address on that you leave unopened. The unconscious is our best teacher, our master psychotherapist. When we learn to use the messages hidden in our dreams we have a wealth of information that can empower our daily interactions. This workshop will impact a number of facets of everyday life: as a parent the workshop offers a new approach that can help parents help their young children cope with nightmares; as a partner in a relationship it brings a new ritual to enhance the connection and create a stronger link to one another – the couple "dream team"; and finally, it permits all participants to find creative solutions to conflicts and unresolved issues. Please join us for pot-luck dinner followed by the workshop. time: 18:00
In celebration of the 450th anniversary of the martyrdom of Michael
Servetus, we will visit two historic sites. Gretchen Thomas, UU minister from Stockholm, will lead this service about what the life and works of Michael Servetus have to say for Unitarians today. Like us Servetus lived in France during a time of exploding communication technology. Because a fine writer could suddenly publish large numbers of volumes - even works that attacked the establishment - and distribute them far and wide, Servetus's works became a serious threat to both the Catholic and Calvinist establishments. When Servetus was put to death in Geneva, Calvin ordered that all the copies of "Christianismi Restitutio" be burned with him. But three copies survived. Come hear how one of these copies of that priceless book saved the Transylvanian Unitarians, and how the copy in the Paris Bibliothèque Nationale figures prominently in North American Unitarian twentieth century history. speaker: the Rev. Gretchen Thomas
The Fall Retreat of European Unitarian Universalists in Oberwesel, on
the Rhine in Germany, October 31 - November 2, may possibly still have
rooms available. Details on-line at http://euu.uua.org
or by contacting our EUU representative, Dorcy Erlandson. Dorcy is also coordinating travel by
train and car. location: Oberwesel on the Rhine, Germany
Working with dreams in groups builds community, intimacy and support.
Working with dreams on a regular basis improves relationships and can positively impact our community as a whole.
All dream work is strictly confidential and the "author" remains anonymous to anyone outside the workshop.
time: Pot Luck Dinner: 18:00 - 19:00
Buddhism as viewed through "The Matrix" time: 18:00 Dennis Endicott from the Netherlands UU Fellowship will lead our Sunday service on the topic of Conflict & Comfort:
How Community Embraces Both. speaker: Dennis Endicott
Our subject this month is the book Lies My Teacher Told Me, by James W. Loewen. Dr. Loewen, a university professor (and UU), describes how and why American History textbooks distort the truth and the effect on Americans' perceptions of history. location: Time and place to be announced on 23 November; contact Lisa Barry or Bruce Epstein for details.
Minister Karen Tse and her family are coming from Geneva to join us for the weekend of December 13/14. We will start with a "Meet the Minister" pot-luck for Rev. Tse. Bring along your favorite holiday memory to share. Children are welcome. speaker: the Rev. Karen Tse This is going to be a very special, festive service for the holidays! SISTERS, the African-American women's group of Paris, will celebrate Kwanzaa with us. Rev. Karen Tse will talk about the importance of lighting up our lives with love at this time of year, and the service will be followed by our first-ever HOLIDAY BAZAAR! We will also be decorating our MITTEN TREE with your donations of gloves, hats and scarves for the children of La Clairière, and we will top the event off with some CHRISTMAS CAROLS. Come celebrate! speaker: the Rev. Karen Tse
We will start the weekend with a potluck dinner discussion about Canadian &
American values. Our special guest and
facilitator will be Professor Don Bailey, a dual citizen who has long been
interested in Canadian American contrasts and relations and has published an
article in the magazine Faith and Freedom dealing with some of them. Copies
of the article will be available by e-mail or snail mail before the evening.
You may also want to read the article "U.S. and Canada: a deepening chasm -
Splits on social issues set nations apart", by Clifford Krauss which
appeared in the New York Times and International Herald Tribune on December
2, 2003 or can be read on-line at www.iht.com/ihtsearch.php?id=119899&owner=&date=20031203140937.
speaker: Professor Don Bailey "Through the World to the Sacred"
speaker: Professor Don Bailey We're having a party! time: 18:00 - 22:00
"Le Livre du Cœur d'Amour Epris", read (in French) by actor Denis Podalydes.
time: 18:30 Our service on Sunday 15 February will be led by UUFP President Jim
Christiansen. The topic will be "Mystic or
Rationalist: Which One Are You?" speaker: UUFP President, Jim Christiansen
We will gather to discuss The Life of Pi, a novel from Canadian writer Yann Martel. After a colourful and loving upbringing in India, the Hindu-Christian-Muslim Piscine Patel (Pi) sets off for a fresh start in Canada. A series of mishaps leaves Pi alone with several animals from his family's zoo to wander the wastes of ocean, with plenty of time to ponder their fate, the cruelty of the gods, the best way to handle storms and recipes for various dishes. This book is widely available from traditional booksellers as well as on the Internet. A French translation has also just been released.
On Saturday March 20th – the day of the Vernal Equinox and International Earth Day – please join us for an informal nature walk through the Bois de Vincennes. Children and adults of all ages are welcome for a light hike and some exercises on building respect for the interdependent web of which we are all a part. speaker: Alison Ham UUFP member Alison Ham will be the lay leader at our service Sunday March
21. Alison writes: speaker: Alison Ham Discussion About Jesus speaker: the Rev. David V. McFarland Our Sunday service on April 18 will be led by the Rev. David V. McFarland on
the theme of ethics and the first UU principle. The title of his sermon will
be: "Human Dignity: Who Needs It?" speaker: the Rev. David V. McFarland
It is time to start making definite plans for the EUU Spring Retreat in Spa, Belgium, April 23-25. Don’t miss this chance to hear the inspiring UU "patriarch", the Rev. Donald Harrington, as well as the Rev. Karen Gustavson from Duluth, Minnesota. Relevant information and on-line registration are available at www.euu.uua.org. If you don’t have Internet access, or have any questions, please contact UUFP’s EUU delegate Dorcy Erlandson. Also, Dorcy will be coordinating transportation to Spa so please let her know after you sign up (regardless of your registration method). speaker: the Rev. Don Harrington and the Rev. Karen Gustavson Participants in this second offering of the Adult RE program should have already received the necessary details; for more information, contact us.
On Saturday 8 May we will discuss Reading Lolita in Tehran, a fascinating non-fiction work by Azar Nafisi. For more information, contact us. time: Snacks and beverages at 17:00, discussion to start at 18:00. Participants in this second offering of the Adult RE program should have already received the necessary details; for more information, contact us. "Fundamentalism in Judaism, Christianity and Islam"
time: 16:30
"Belonging and Becoming: Searching for Home"
location: Foyer de l'âme Discussion about Longing and Belonging speaker: the Rev. Simon-John Barlow Our Sunday service on June 20 will be led by the Rev. Simon-John Barlow.
It is entitled "A Spiritual Banquet". In the January UUFP newsletter Rev. David Parke was quoted:
"UU's greatest strength lies in its conviction that the journey of the human spirit is one that each person must make
for herself or himself". This conviction is also our greatest challenge, for if the spiritual journey is individual,
if there is no binding creed, if beliefs and practices vary, then who are we? What keeps us together and why do we keep
coming back? Our movement is a spiritual banquet, a metaphysical potluck of refuge and renewal, where we share the joys and
sorrows of life, the spiritual treasures and yearnings and (often painful!) learnings as resources for others. The offering
of hospitality, the sharing of bread and wine, of company and conversation, has been a component of secular and religious
human gatherings for thousands of years. The metaphor of bread and wine will be used as a way of exploring our tradition
and rituals, our delights and revulsions, our yearnings and our consolations. You are invited to bring a piece of your
favourite bread to share, no matter what kind. If you are unable to eat bread, please bring some other staple, and if you
don't like bread, (misquoting Marie Antoinette) bring some cake! speaker: the Rev. Simon-John Barlow
On Saturday July 10th Heidi Scheffler will lead a hike in the spirit of pilgrimage to the Collegiale de Notre Dame in Etampes to celebrate the end of her training in the craft of stained glass. Our destination is a 13th century "Collegiale" -- smaller than a cathedral, bigger than a church -- to see its "luminous and instructive poems" (Paul Claudel).
Workshop called "Owning Your Religious Past" followed by an "à la bonne franquette" potluck dinner. We will revisit and reconsider our past religious experiences in order to redecide what to keep and what to let go of. Our leader, Gretchen Thomas, says this consideration is central to defining one's on-going, ever-changing UU faith development. Good for newcomers, longtime UUs, and everyone in-between. Please bring a pot luck dish AND a beverage. speaker: the Rev. Gretchen Thomas The Sunday service on 24 October, "Turning Toward the Morning", will be
about fear and the need for hope and courage in these times. It will
include a story for all ages about replacing fear with hope. Gretchen
Thomas, an annual speaker at UUFP, is an ex-pat UU minister who lives in
Stockholm. She serves UUFP as our European Unitarian Universalists'
representative on the International Council of Unitarians and Universalists. speaker: the Rev. Gretchen Thomas
Mark your calendars now for the Fall EUU Retreat in Reims organized by UUFP members. The Rev. Dr. David A. Johnson will address the theme of "Challenge, Chaos, Change". More information is available on the EUU website. speaker: the Rev. Dr. David A. Johnson Our speaker for October is the Reverend Gordon Oliver from South Africa, who is stopping off in Paris on his way to the retreat in Oberwesel, Germany. Gordon Oliver is the minister of the Unitarian Church in Cape Town and the President of ICUU (International Council of Unitarians and Universalists). Before becoming a minister, Gordon was active in Cape Town city politics fighting apartheid and served as city councillor, deputy mayor and then mayor. On the day that Nelson Mandela was released from prison he immediately went to the Cape Town City Hall to address the nation. speaker: the Rev. Gordon Oliver speaker: the Rev. Karen Tse
Our December Service will be lay led by the Westside Small Group Ministry. We will celebrate this wonderful season with readings and music, carol singing and candles. One special part of the service will be the decoration of the mitten tree by the younger children, so gifts of mittens, gloves, scarves etc. will be gratefully accepted and will all be donated to the Social Center "La Clairiere" location: Foyer de l'âme speaker: the Rev Jim Robinson
A brief survey of how consciousness has changed over four thousand years and a tentative evaluation of the emerging global consciousness of the twenty-first century. speaker: the Rev Cal Courney
The Rev Jopie Boeke, long-time friend of the Fellowship, will be returning to Paris for our March service. The theme for the service will offer thoughts on the challenges and opportunities of change. speaker: the Rev Jopie Boeke
In any instant, between the ticks of the clock, we might be able to notice something previously overlooked; something that could transform our lives.
speaker: the Rev. Art Lester |
Sunday, June 13 - Sunday Service & Children's RE