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From late August through May, we offer several adult seminars each Sunday on a wide variety of topics. UCG members and community leaders share their interests and their experience in the areas of spiritual nurture and practice, environmental consciousness and action, political and social issues, the arts, and parenting as well as general family and life issues. These seminars, from 11am to noon, are open to everyone. Child care is provided.
June 9
Plein Air Postcard Paint-out with Barbara Beynon
Join in on the 2nd annual post card paint-out. We'll gather at the picnic tables, draw (or not) and play with watercolor paints. Experience not necessary—just bring your inner artist (we all have one) and the willingness to have fun. There will be a variety of supplies available, but if you already have a water color palette and a brush, bring them. However, please do not buy any supplies for this seminar.
Balance and Yoga with Ann Gill
We look for how we can best balance our time and our energy in our daily lives. Simple yoga balance poses can bring us greater concentration, poise and awareness of our bodies which often translates into more balance in our inner mind states as well as more awareness of our outer behavior. Come and experience some ways we can play with some easy yoga postures to give ourselves the opportunity to develop body/mind balance. No experience necessary and all are welcome.
June 16
Ecotourism and You with Taylor Stein
Ecotourism can mean many things to many different people, but chances are you are an ecotourist - no matter where you go and what you do. This seminar will give you a chance to learn more about the ecotourism concept and how it applies to you and your travels either in Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park or the Galapagos Islands. Share your adventures with others and learn how you can be a true ecotourist on any type of adventure.
June 30
Healthy Skin- The Good, Bad and the Ugly with Carolyn von Zabern
Our skin is unlike anything else in the world. Learn what is so special about our skin, how to keep it beautiful and how to learn to discern the bad (benign but unwanted) skin lesions from the ugly (cancer) ones.
June 2
Innovative Ways to Read to Children with Finnette Fabrick
"Read to me, Tell me a story!" When her children were young, Finnette Fabrick, counselor, educator and creative writer, heard that a lot and spent time reading to them often, even into their high school years. Come learn tips Finette has gathered from experienced readers and great storytellers who captivate children of all ages. She will discuss how to bring creativity and fun into reading to your children and other children in your life. Get ready to be transported into the magical world of children's books!
The Collaborative Approach to Family Law with Jack Nettles
Join The Collaborative Divorce Professionals of Gainesville for an introduction to the Collaborative Divorce process. The process assists couples in finding solutions and constructive alternatives in their disputes. Attorneys, mental health professionals, and financial consultants work with spouses to settle issues outside of court. Parties replace grievances with a settlement built on a foundation of understanding and mutual respect. This seminar is perfect for professionals in the fields of law, counseling, teaching, and accounting and those curious about this new approach.
June 16
Break the Spell with Mary Bast
If you'd been hypnotized in a nightclub act to do something silly afterward at the hypnotist's command, would you then ask, "Why am I clucking like a chicken?" No. You volunteered to let someone make strong suggestions about your behavior. As suggestible children we were all essentially hypnotized to act according to a self-image that helped us adapt. In this workshop we'll briefly cover nine Enneagram trances, how they operate, and how to break the spell.
June 23
Better Angels of Our Nature with Paul George
Could it be true that violence in human affairs is actually declining? With all the murder and mayhem we witness every day? Isn’t it really getting worse and worse?? Newtown? Boston? According to Steven Pinker, author of The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined, violence has been steadily declining for the last 5000 years! If you need an injection of optimism in your worldview, this seminar is for you. Participants need not read the book prior to the discussion; in order to make your involvement more productive, read the abstract available at UCG, or from reisa@cox.net. We promise, no quiz.
June 30
Women’s Status and Legal Rights in Old Testament Times with Richard Hiers
Come prepared for surprises, and challenges for our own supposedly enlightened era. It is a well-kept secret that many women figured prominently in family life and as community leaders in ancient Israel and Judah. And an even better kept secret that women were entitled to legal rights, many the same as those enjoyed by men. People considering attending this seminar may wish to browse through Richard’s new book, Women’s Rights and the Bible. Copies in UCG Library.