Coming Up at the ASCenter
The Arlington Street Center for Liberal Religious Inquiry and Spritual Practice
Inquiry is an approach to religious commitment and education that is deeply rooted in the Unitarian Universalist tradition. Practice is equally important, as we seek to translate our ideals, values, and spiritual insights into action in our personal lives. With these principles in mind, the ASCenter offers programs that explore the principles, history and practice of the Unitarian Univeralist tradition; the Jewish and Christian roots and influences of liberal religion; resources and wisdom from world religions; study of Sacred Texts; appreciation of spiritual themes in literature, art, music and drama; and discussion of critical social issues facing our contemporary society.
Current Events
Kundalini Yoga Class
Wednesdays, 6:00 pm, Hunnewell Chapel
Experience fun exercises and poses, breathing techniques, chanting, meditation, and deep relaxation in this unique class. Moving energy through your body brings positive change and growth. The $10 fee is a donation to the church. Victoria Goodhart will teach the class, while Jean Ko Stewart is recovering from a hip replacement.
Cross-Quarter Chant and Devotional Practice Retreat
Sunday, February 5th ~ 1:00-2:30 pm, Hunnewell Chapel
Take some time for time for your soul. Rev. Kim and Mark David Buckles invite you to join in a spiritual retreat of chanting, readings, and silent reflection. Through poetry and music, we will explore longing, courage, love, and gratitude. Come and sing, meditate, journal, dance, or just sit and be with us.
English as a Second Language (ESL) for Adults
Monday February 6th and Wednesday February 8th~ 10:00 am, Perkins Room
Learn or improve your English! The class meets twice a week on Mondays and Wednesdays. Students practice speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Topics include general conversation, cooking, and holiday events, as well as grammar and pronunciation. Students are also welcome to suggest their own topic ideas. The class is taught by Ann Troise, a member of Arlington Street Church, who has been certified to teach ESL by the Boston Academy of English.
Spiritual Passions 2012! Nature
Sunday, February 12th ~ 12:45 pm, Hunnewell Chapel
Join Art Nava to explore the ways that we connect with Nature. Come recall and share a special place at the sea, woods, mountains, lake, back yard, or a hidden corner of the city. Explore how moments of awe and wonder at creation strengthen our connection with nature and help influence our personal actions. Feel free to bring a special poem, song, or photo. All are welcome.
Gay Men's Spirituality Group
Monday, February 13th ~ 7:00 pm, Stage Right Room
Join us for a discussion of the following two books: Gay Witchcraft: Empowering the Tribe (2003) by C. Penczak, and M. T. Ford's book, The Path of the Green Man: Gay Men, Wicca and Living a Magical Life. Please read one or both before the meeting, and come and share your thoughts. Michael (a new member) will lead the discussion.
Judah Leblang's One-Man Show and Book Signing
Monday, February 27th ~ 7:30 pm, Hunnewell Chapel
Join Bay Windows columnist and Arlington Street Church member, Judah Leblang, for a humorous look at life in middle age. Judah's show combines humor and a bit of pathos as he recounts his adventures while looking for love, health, and sanity in mid-life. General admission is $10 at www.judahleblang.com and at the door. ASC members can purchase $8 tickets during Sunday coffee hour. After the performance, Judah will be signing copies of his book, "Finding My Place," available for only $10 (regularly $16). To read more, click here.
Young Adult Group Blog
Arlington Street Church's Young Adult Group is for those 18-35ish. Connect with other members and find out what we're doing at http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/193281544047853/?notif_t=group_r2j
About ASCenter Groups
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Arlington Street Zen Center
Leader: Kim K. Crawford Harvie, Senior Minister
Dates: 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month
Time: 7:00–8:30 pm
Location: Hunnewell Chapel
An evening of meditation practice. Sessions include seated & walking meditation, Dharma talk, and conversation. This practice is open to all, both beginning and experienced practitioners.
Arlington Street Zen Center always follows the Buddhah’s Belly Reading Group.
Buddhah’s Belly Reading Group
Leader: Lois Hartsough
Dates: 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month
Time: 6:00 pm–7:00 pm
Location: Hunnewell Chapel
Buddhah’s Belly Reading Group meets twice monthly to discuss issues of spiritual practice from a Buddhist perspective. Members come from many different faith traditions and religious practices. The group has discussed works by Thich Nhat Hanh, Jack Kornfield, Sharon Saltzberg, Pema Chodron, Sylvia Boorstein, Shunryu Suzuki and others.
Kundalini Yoga
Leader: Jean Ko Stewart
Dates: Wednesdays
Time: 6:00 pm–7:00 pm
Location: Hunnewell Chapel
Kundalini Yoga, the Yoga of Awareness, consists of simple yogic techniques that can be enjoyed by everyone, no matter his or her age or physical ability. It is a complete system of yoga that includes breath (pranayam), yoga postures (asanas), sound, chanting (mantra) and meditation. It is designed to provide you with the experience of your highest consciousness through the raising of your Kundalini.
The word “kundalini” literally means “the curl of the lock of hair of the beloved.” It is a metaphor, a poetic way of describing the flow of energy and consciousness that already exists within each one of us. These practices enable you to merge with, or “yoke” with, the universal Self. This merging of individual consciousness with universal consciousness creates a “divine union” called “yoga.” (Excerpts from the book Kundalini Yoga, the Flow of Eternal Power, by Shakti Parwha Kaur Khalsa.)
Note: Please wear loose, comfortable clothing, preferably made of cotton or other natural, breathable fiber. Avoid eating immediately before class. Also, there is a $10 fee for this course.
For more information, visit the 3HO website.
The Wednesdays Literary Salon
Leader: Professor Alan Helms and Rev. Kim K. Crawford Harvie
We will resume again in September 2011.
Dates: Wednesdays
Time: 6:00 pm–8:00 pm
Location: Frothingham Library
Join Professor Alan Helms and Rev. Kim, Arlington Street Church members and the general public in a book group. The leaders guide discussions of specific works of drama, literature, and poetry.
Sacred Eros
Leader: Desmond Ravenstone
Date: Third Monday of each month
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Perkins Room
Sacred Eros is a monthly discussion group at Arlington Street Church, providing a safe and supportive space to explore questions about sexuality from a spiritual and ethical perspective.
We usually meet on the third Monday of each month (excluding holidays) in the Perkins Room at 7:00 pm. All people over 18 are welcome, and participants are expected to respect one another and keep personal matters discussed confidential.
Talking Our Walk
Leader: John Sacco
We will resume again in September 2011.
Date: Third Wednesday of each month
Time: 5:30–6:30 pm
Location: Perkins Room
A wonderful, supportive atmosphere, facilitated by our own John Sacco, awaits in this open discussion group: not a substitute for therapy or medication, but a different kind of healing. The group meets the third Wednesday of the month. Please speak with John or with Rev. Kim for more information.
You are not alone!