“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

“Day of the Dead Service”

This coming Sunday, Nov. 2nd, we will celebrate Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead. This is a time we remember family and friends who have left this world.

Please bring pictures/ mementos of lost loved ones, pets included.

We will have an altar up front.

Facilitator: Jan Lister
Musician: Kathy McGuire

“Blessing Your Enemies”

How do we bless people who willfully hurt others?

Facilitator: D. Patton White
Musician: Bill Chelton

“The Craneridge Boys and the Case of the Abandoned Camp”

Tom Bell will be sharing some thoughts about mystery and curiosity.

“It could’ve been the scene for a post-apocalyptic film. All these mysterious yet ordinary artifacts of once vibrant living: abandoned, it seemed, suddenly and unexpectedly, years, maybe decades ago. Comfortably appointed cabins, all warm woods and plush leather, with magazines of another time left on the tables. Rusting cars abandoned in the trees. A creek-fed swimming pool filled nearly to the rim with silt and muck. Yet not another soul in sight. What was this place? And who had once come here? Why had they left, and why had they left so much behind? The mystery was magical, and our curiosity burned like the summer sun.”

Facilitator: Rev. Marsha Mitchiner
Musician: Mick Kinney

“Does Marriage Make a Difference?”

Facilitator: Sara Drew
Musician: Craig Rafuse

“The Parable of Grandmother Laura”

The story of my grandmother Laura during the Holocaust and what I have learned from her act of obstinate courage and love.

Facilitator: Charlene Ball
Musician: William Chelton