Three years ago, late on a wintry Sunday afternoon, our senior minister, Rev. Kim K. Crawford Harvie, emerged from performing a wedding to realize that the parish house at 351 Boylston Street was still teeming with ASC members and friends. In fact, hours after the close of the morning worship service, there were over 60 people still in the building! To fill the void of this wonderful opportunity just waiting to happen, Spiritual Passions was born!

Each Sunday afternoon, from January 7th through April 15th, from 1:00 – 3:00 pm, different members of the congregation will introduce you to their spiritual passion. Try something new! No registration necessary; all are welcome.

Introduction to Meditation

Sunday, January 7th, 2007

Don’t just do something; sit there! And when you sit, just sit. Very simple directives... simple, but not easy! Join Arlington Street Church’s senior minister, Rev. Kim K. Crawford Harvie [about], and members of Arlington Street Zen Center for Meditation 101, including answers to burning questions such as, “Where do I put my legs?” and “How do I stop thinking (without going to sleep)?” This ancient spiritual practice will bring profound benefits not just to you, but to all whose life yours touches. Wear comfortable clothing (and yes, you can meditate in a chair!).

Mandala Making as a Spiritual Practice

Sunday, January 14th, 2007

Mandala, a Sanskrit word that means “circle,” is a sacred diagram most often created in sand or paint. It symbolizes the pure, perfected universe, and provides a visual framework for establishing feelings of peace, well-being, and wholeness. Come join Megan Lynes in the spiritual practice of creating your own beautiful and unique mandala. No art expertise necessary. Bring any art materials you like for drawing, painting, or collaging, but enough materials will be provided for your use as well.

Ordination of Vera OBrien

Sunday, January 21st, 2007

It has been Vera’s [about] spiritual passion to serve as a minister. On this day, make it your spiritual passion to exercise congregational polity and ordain her!

Corporation Meeting

Sunday, January 28th, 2007

The business of the congregation is one form of spiritual practice. The meeting begins at 1:00 pm and is followed by...

Zen Center Meditation Retreat

Sunday, January 28th, 2007

Periods of sitting, walking, and dharma talks (teachings from the Buddha) will be followed by dinner at a local restaurant (BYO$). Come join like-hearted seekers to savor a quiet afternoon and a delicious evening together. This passion is led by Rev. Kim K. Crawford Harvie [about] and members of Buddha’s Belly Book Group and Arlington Street Zen Center.

Inside Out

Sunday, February 4th, 2007

By listening to music imaginatively—from the “inside out”— concert goers can easily tune into thoughtful and emotional levels of musical expression at these free, one-hour concerts.

To support community-building and meaningful connections through music, each workshop concludes with an opportunity for audience members to informally share their listening experiences. Series founder Eli Epstein, a horn player with the Cleveland Orchestra for many years and currently a faculty member at the Boston Conservatory, collaborates with Cynthia Anne Hale, Ph.D., who works with imagination and creativity through psychological dream work, research, teaching, and psychotherapy.

At this workshop, the third of four, Boston Symphony Orchestra Wind Players perform music by J. S. Bach (The Little Fugue in g minor), Ravel (Le Tombeau de Couperin), and by the popular contemporary classical jazz composer, Paquito D’Rivera (Tropical Airs).

The Spirituality of Decluttering

Sunday, February 11th, 2007

Join Rev. Vera OBrien [about], our lifespan religious educator, in an exploration of the “stuff” in our lives and how it can enhance or distract from our spirituality. In the past two years, Vera has donated or recycled at least 50% of her family’s possessions and will share the many life lessons and practical techniques she has learned along the way. There will be time to discuss and, hopefully, resolve your toughest decluttering challenges. Come and be inspired in time for spring cleaning!

Poetry as Passion

Sunday, February 18th, 2007

Join Arlington Street Church member and published poet Shea Mullaney as he explores the spiritual heights and “dark nights of the soul” to which poetry can take us. Bring in a poem that moves your soul and join Shea as he shares some of the poems that have inspired him. We’ll also be doing a little writing, so bring a pen and paper!

Non-violent Communication

Sunday, February 25th, 2007

Too often we don’t speak or we over react when we have a conflict or difference with someone. This workshop will teach you how to manage difficult conversations, communicating irritation, anger, love, and other powerful emotions with compassion and curiosity. Michael Keane, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist who specializes in family and couple’s therapy. He teaches mediation and communication workshops. He has a passion for clear connecting conversations. He is a member of the Worship Committee.

Games!

Sunday, February 25th, 2007

Is cabin fever setting in? Join us for an afternoon of games for all ages. Bring your favorite game; we’ll bring some too. This passion is hosted by our senior minister, Rev. Kim K. Crawford Harvie [about], and our lifespan religious educator, Rev. Vera OBrien [about].

Cooking for the Soul

Sunday, March 4th, 2007

Preparing food in community is a sacred act. Join together with other Arlington Street Church members and intern minister, Mr. Barb Greve [about], as we prepare, cook, and enjoy a meal together. Come ready to share great kitchen tricks and stories. No cooking expertise necessary!

RSVP by Thursday, March 1st to help plan the shopping list!

The Art of Craft

Sunday, March 11th, 2007

It used to be said that “Idle hands are the devil’s playground.” The converse is also true! Experienced knitters Ginny Merritt and Joan Yates will explore the meditative and soul-nurturing aspects of working with your hands. If you already knit, crochet, tat, embroider, quilt, or do needlepoint, cross stitch, beading, woodworking, scrapbooking, etc., bring your own handwork and join us. If you don’t do handwork, but you’ve thought about learning, here is your chance to be inspired and begin learning a new skill.

Books of the People

Sunday, March 18th, 2007

As Unitarian Universalists, the living tradition we share draws from many sources, including “wisdom from the world’s religions.” And as people of the 21st century we are challenged by moral and spiritual dilemas with regard to war, human rights, and stewardship of the earth. This workshop—presented by lifelong Unitarian Universalist and intern minister Mr. Kelly Weisman Asprooth-Jackson [about]—will provide a sampling of wisdom from the Jewish, Christian and Muslim traditions on these issues. Come and get a little practice wrestling with and interpreting spiritual texts in community.

Corporation Meeting

Sunday, March 25th, 2007

Voicing your opinion about this church’s future is a spiritual passion! Come practice a different form of spirituality.

Dhikrullah for Beginners

Sunday, April 1st, 2007

To engage in Dhikr (pronounced zicker) is to have an awareness of Allah (G*d). Observed by practitioners of Islam, Dhikr is often ritualized through chant, song, and movement by many Sufi orders. Join intern minister, Mr. Barb Greve [about], in this Dhikrullah for Beginners, where we will learn how to prepare for Dhikr (Wudu) and engage in the ritual itself. No experience necessary. All ages and abilities welcome. Wear comfortable clothing.

Inside Out

April 15th, 2007

By listening to music imaginatively—from the “inside out”— concert goers can easily tune into thoughtful and emotional levels of musical expression at these free, one-hour concerts.

To support community-building and meaningful connections through music, each workshop concludes with an opportunity for audience members to informally share their listening experiences. Series founder Eli Epstein, a horn player with the Cleveland Orchestra for many years and currently a faculty member at the Boston Conservatory, collaborates with Cynthia Anne Hale, Ph.D., who works with imagination and creativity through psychological dream work, research, teaching, and psychotherapy.

In this final workshop of the four-performance series attendees will explore themes related to the creative process in all aspects of life. Boston Conservatory Chamber Players with Eli Epstein, conductor, perform Darius Milhaud’s Creation of the World, inspired by music in Harlem jazz clubs and African creation myths.