“A Revelation, A Dream, and An Anniversary”

This talk will focus on a personal revelation, Dr. King’s dream, and the anniversary of the country’s founding.

Facilitator: D. Patton White
Musician: Craig Rafuse

“Moving Through the Great Round of Change with Compassion”

I will be naming insights from working with the images of the “Great Round” as described by Carl Jung while exploring the use of music to deepen understanding of the stages of change and their opportunities for growth and compassion. 

Facilitator: Rev. Marsha Mitchiner
Musician: Mick Kinney

“Capturing Happiness: Finding Peace off the Path”

More than a collection of images, this is an invitation to see through the eyes of those who live in balance with nature – to be moved, to reflect, and perhaps, to carry a piece of that harmony into our own lives.

Facilitator: Wade Marbaugh
Musician: Jean Heinrich

“Re-arranging Your Personal Jukebox”

All of us carry songs, snippets, quotes, and multi-media memes in our heads.  How do we select and re-arrange?

Facilitator: D. Patton White
Musician: Allen Cook

“Existential Holidays”

Holidays can bring all sorts of emotions and memories to the surface. How can we use existentialist philosophy to cultivate meaningful celebrations for ourselves?

Facilitator: Rev. Marsha Mitchiner
Musician: Jean Heinrich and E-Chorus

“Receiving Acts of Kindness from Strangers”

Leon Clymore will speak and also ask members of the congregation to share a few experiences of receiving kindness from strangers.

Facilitator: Rev. Marti Keller
Musician: Charli Vogt

“Existential Bread”

On this Sunday after Thanksgiving and at the beginning of the holiday season of food and festivities,  a look, based on the book “Existential Bread” by baker and poet Jim Frank, on the choices we make in food. After an overview  of the possible ingredients and ways and means of preparation, we will have the opportunity to bring our own breads  to share, and tell the stories about them.

Rev. Marti Keller might just choose Wonder Bread from her mid 20th century childhood or the French sourdough that upscaled her family’s meals.

Facilitator: Richard Cohen
Musician: Craig Rafuse

“Life With Sartre”

Sebastian Rand will talk about his life as a teacher of existentialism (in the Philosophy Department at GSU), and about Sartre’s idea that existentialism “first makes human life possible.”

Facilitator: Cindy Lou Who
Musician: Jean Heinrich & Craig Rafuse

“Existentialist Insights for the Political Activist”

Professor Sanjay Lal  will discuss certain well-known aspects of existentialism (as that philosophy was expounded upon by Jean-Paul Sartre).   He will aim to show how the parts of existentialist philosophy he focuses on (specifically its emphasis on action, its understanding of the nature and value of freedom, and its conclusion that humans only seek the good) have great importance for how we should think about as well as engage in political activism. 

Facilitator: Sara Drew
Musician: William Chelton

“A Better Understanding of Veteran Needs – A Framework for Mental Wellness”

Veterans are a specialized and vulnerable population. Veterans have served our country in peace time and war time, and all have experiences unique to them that shape their worldview and indelibly influence their lives. This brief talk will provide insights on some of the uniform characteristics of veterans so people interacting with veterans can have a better understanding of meaningful ways to engage with them. More profoundly, the talk helps veterans to identify that help is available when life presents challenges, triggers, and bumps in the road. The talk underscores that life is worth living and that each person matters regardless of the topsy turvy-ness of life being life, full of wonder and surprises yet to be revealed. Ultimately, the talk presents the opportunity for individuals receptive to hope and healing to find purpose in one’s journey, which stands to reveal deep and profound existential value.

Facilitator: Marsha Mitchiner
Musician: Jean Heinrich