“An Affirmation of Moral Worth: Philosophical Thoughts on the 2024 Election”

This talk will consist of two parts: 1. Sanjay  will reflect on insights by some of history’s greatest philosophers (concerning moral worth) who have helped me deal with the November election. 2. Shrey will talk about what, as a 9th grader, gives him hope about the world his generation will inherit.

Facilitator: Cindy Lou Who
Musician: Craig Rafuse

“Existentialism vs. Propaganda”

Sometimes it seems like the voices trying to tell us what to think, how to act, and how to live are only increasing and getting louder. Perhaps the scariest among them are the most covert, insidious, and dangerous. This current climate can be so disorienting, how can we be sure to stay connected to our own voice? Gratefully, Existentialism and spiritual practice can help us, with some attention and intention, get better acquainted and stay acquainted with ourselves.

Facilitator: Marti Keller
Musicians: Jean Heinrich and Shanti Price (Magic Flute)

“Honoring our Ancestors:
An Integrative Approach”

Some various cultural ways in which we can honor the good, bad, and oh-so complicated parts of our ancestry and integrate this into our spirituality.

Facilitator: Wade Marbaugh
Musician: Craig Rafuse

“Celebrating Dr. Martin King: A Drum Major reflection for 2025”

Dr. Umoja will apply the main messages of Dr King’s January 1968 Drum Major Instinct to the social and political issues of 2025.

Facilitator: Marsha Mitchiner
Musician: Kristen Hampton

“Where Do We Go From Here: Calling-In”

Facilitator:   Libby Ware
Musician: Bill Chelton

“Finding My Way in Today’s Reality”

Facilitator:   D. Patton White
Musician: Craig Rafuse

“Lanterns”

Inspired by Marian Wright Edelman, a longtime civil and children’s rights advocate, her book Lanterns: A Memoir of Mentors, and as we find ourselves in the darkest time of the year: we’ll focus on who and what has provided us light and guided our way through life. As we look forward, we will also consider how we might serve as lanterns to our communities – shining some hope where we find darkness.

Facilitator:   D. Patton White
Musician: Mick Kinney

“Light in the Shadows”

As the year winds down and we gather in the holiday season, we turn to the timeless gifts of hope, faith, and joy. But what do these words truly mean in our ever-changing world? Together, we will explore new and ancient ways to understand these qualities, inviting in both the warmth and the challenges they bring. How do hope, faith, and joy show up in our lives amid uncertainty? Can we hold space for joy while facing life’s struggles? Join us as we deepen our connection to these sacred principles and find new ways to let them light our way forward.

Facilitator:  Cindy Lou Who
Musician: Jean Heinrich and the E-Chorus

“Science & Religion: How Even What Little I Know About Them Might change Our Nation”

Science and religion are two sides of the same coins, which are spent on figuring out the nature of reality and the human condition.  America is in a big mess; can science and religion looked at this way get us moving forward better?  I’ll tell a few stories to get you thinking on the answer.

Facilitator:  Charlene Ball
Musician: Kristen Hampton