Northlake Adult Religious Education
Winter/Spring 2008 Class Schedule
Thirst — New Poems of Mary Oliver, co-facilitated by Rev. Amanda Aikman and Ann Rotermund
7–9PM, January 15, 22, and 29, Tuesday evenings
Mary Oliver has been called "The Poet Laureate" of Unitarian Universalism, with her sharply observed vignettes of nature and her musings on the place of human beings in the whole scheme of things. In her latest collection of poems, THIRST, she takes a new turn towards a more theistic spirituality and towards engagement with deep personal grief. In these three sessions, class participants will choose which poems to focus on, and we will journey into the deep meanings of these beautiful and heart-wrenching poems. Please obtain your own copy of the book prior to class, and read as many of the poems as you wish.
3 sessions, $10 for the series
Global Warming, taught by Brian Goldstein
CANCELED (for now)
The Northwest Earth Institute has released a four-session discussion course on Global Warming. We will use the course booklet readings to explore our personal values and habits, understand the history and science of global warming, and learn ways we can empower each other to take action to curb this crisis.
“We are no longer passive victims of the climate system’s slow oscillations; we are now, as a collective, atmospheric engineers.” — Alan Atkisson
4 sessions, $10 for the series
Islamic Feminism, taught by Nayer Taheri
7–9PM, April 15 and 22, Tuesday evenings
This class examines Muslim women’s experience in the history of Islam. To achieve this goal we will glance at the changes in women’s lives from the pre-Islamic era to the early period of Islam’s development. We’ll then examine factors that influenced women’s status in Muslim communities in the pre- and post- modern eras by comparing the traditional text-centered approach to interpreting Islamic scriptures and laws with an Islamic feminist approach. Participants are encouraged to read “The Nine Parts of Desire” by Geraldine Brooks prior to the second session.
2 sessions, $15 for the series, material provided
Pre-registration required
The History of Islam in the U.S., taught by Nayer Taheri
7–9PM, May 6th and May 13th, Tuesday evenings (New dates!)
This class will briefly examine the history of Islam in Africa and how it was brought to the U.S. during slavery. We will trace remaining Islamic practices among slaves from the 19th century until modern times. Information presented in the first session will include a PowerPoint presentation. The second session will include time for questions and answers. Participants are required to read “Servants of Allah” by Sylvians A. Diouf; New York University Press: 1998.
2 sessions, $15 for the series
Pre-registration required
The Mystical Jesus, taught by Shannon Gordon (Revised!)
7–9PM, May 20th and 27th Tuesday evenings
This class will be covenant group style with lots of opportunities for learning and sharing. Shannon’s focus will be on the charismatic and mystical tradition that Jesus comes from.
First Session: We will explore Jesus the teacher and mystic full of heart, light, and wisdom. Themes such as breath, holiness, Sophia, and love will become doorways to an exploration of prayer and guided visualization that is practical and powerful. Participants will have the opportunity to talk about their particular faith and spiritual practices.
Second Session: We will explore deeper the transformative nature of the mystical awareness (the spirit-filled experience of Jesus) and how it can encourage us to grow and to care deeply for ourselves and others. Learn about and try on contemplative practices such as Centering Prayer and Lectio Divina. You will be invited to bring an inspirational reading of your choice for this last session. Prayer shawls will be on display and for your use. Please feel free to contact Shannon if you have any questions or need further information at 425-241-2224.
You can register by emailing the office at or by calling 425-822-0171. Payments can be made by cash or check and can be made the first night of class.
2 sessions, $10 for the series