“Hospitality and the Search for Meaning”

An exploration of how our inward and outward expressions of hospitality might affect the ways we understand ourselves and each other. Could reframing of the way we understand hospitality help us to co-create a kinder and more just existence?

Facilitator: Jan Lister
Musician: William Chelton

What is a Good Death?

Facilitator: Wade Marbaugh
Musician: Mick Kinney

Stardust Revolutionaries: Act Like It!

In the current state of the world, what do we do? Do we sink into feelings of dread and hopelessness? Do we ignore it and hope it all “comes out in the wash”? Do we engage in performative allyship while patting ourselves on the back? Do we martyr ourselves? The answer is not clear. But what is clear is that we are made of stardust…now we must act like it! 

Facilitator: Cindy Lou Who
Musician: Craig Rafuse

Into the Unknown

Embracing a spirituality of uncertainty.

Facilitator: Marsha Mitchiner
Musician: Jean Heinrich

Endless Summer

Just past July 4, some say we are midway through summer. In reality, this season is not over until late September. A look at the prospect of an endless summer and the notion of an endless life.

Facilitator: Sara Drew
Musician: Charli Vogt

The Importance of Pride

Facilitator: Wade Marbaugh
Musician: Bill Chelton

The Fading of the Light: Musings on the Summer Solstice

​​​​June 21 this year marks the summer solstice or midsummer, the longest day of the year, as well as the time when the days will gradually begin to get shorter.  Kathy will discuss world traditions and ways of celebrating the summer solstice, as well as ways we can be mindful of accepting the transition from light to darkness in our own lives.

Facilitator: Libby Ware
Musician: Kathy McGuire

Lessons from my Father

​​Now a woman of a certain age, I understand more how my father thought to help my mother raise a daughter during the days of segregation, those days of Jim Crow laws. It would be seen as psychological abuse these days, but I became strong, able to face many challenges, and able to look at potential harm heading towards me, to see how I can keep my feet firm on the ground. I wonder how many other Black girls, especially in the South, had to be tempered the way I was, to bear up and to never let the monster win.

Facilitator: Charlene Ball
Musician: Mick Kinney

What is an End of Life Doula?

The speaker will describe the definition and roles of an End of Life Doula, and how they differ from hospice services. The discussion will include general services provided and personal and professional impact for the speaker as she has focused on this aspect of her career.

Facilitator: Cindy Lou Who
Musician: Kristen Hampton

Grandpa’s Imaginary Chapel in the Woods: A Talk at First Existentialist Congregation

On June 1 at the First Existentialist Congregation, I’ll be telling some stories about my grandpa, and offer my thoughts at the intersection of wonder, imagination, and critical thinking. Opportunities for fellowship to follow.

Facilitator: D. Patton White
Musician: Craig Rafuse & Jean Heinrich