A Month of Sundays – September 2019

September 1, 2019

Dan Gribbin

Background:

Dan retired from college teaching after 37 years to enjoy the outdoors in Florida and to play folk music. He spent the bulk of his teaching career as Prof. of English at Ferrum College in Virginia, but he has also taught African-American Literature and American Literature at the University of Central Florida. He and his wife Martha live in Daytona Beach Shores and are members of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Ormond Beach, where he serves as Co-chair of the Worship Committee.

Topic:: “Huck Finn and Our Racial Divide”

When Mark Twain published his novel Huckleberry Finn in 1885, he posed a moral challenge for Huck. To satisfy legal requirements, as well as the prevailing morality of the day, Huck would be required to turn in Jim, a runaway slave. But what to do with a runaway slave who has become your friend and protector? It’s tempting to look back on the position of the law and the church those many years ago and to say that we’ve come a long way—that Huck would not have to agonize over such a decision today. But just how far have we come? How safe would Jim be in 2019 America? What are the norms under which we are attempting to operate as a diverse society?

September 8, 2019

Jim Red Sky

Background:

After a near death experience while serving in the U.S. army military police corp., Jim realized a calling to help heal and enlighten others to their ability to self-heal. Jim Red Sky’s energy work training began formally in the 1970s after his initiation into Shamanism and through the teachings of his mentor Tiger Kim Li-an. In the years that followed, Jim co-founded a spiritual/healing drum circle which he facilitated for over a decade. In 2005, Jim received his Reiki Master attunement & certifications in the Usui method. Jim Red Sky completed Bardic, Ovate, and Druid training/energy healing work through a Druid Order. The hope is to take positive steps towards wellness of our whole while having a hand in the wellbeing of the individual. Red Sky has taught spiritual, trance and meditative drumming, in addition to using sound to help relieve stress & assist in clearing blockages in the body’s energy centers. He also employs other ancient sacred healing techniques. Red Sky resides in Hernando county Florida.

Topic:: “Crystal Bowl Service”

Use of Sound Bath Meditation with Crystal Singing Bowls, Gongs, chimes, Medicine Drum and more to correctly re-tune chakras and open universal healing gateways within our energetic systems.

September 15, 2019

David O’Brien

Background:

Mr. O’Brien has dedicated his life to justice and peace work in locally, nationally and internationally. Most recently, he worked as an international peace builder in Northern Uganda with child soldiers after a 30-year civil war. Currently, he is the regional director of Project LIFT in Dunnellon. David is married with six children.

Topic:
“Making an Investment/Leaving a Legacy”

We all have been given gifts that can benefit someone, gifts that are meant to be shared. How are you being called to invest in others? Mr. David O’Brien will speak on Project LIFT, the non-profit he oversees that works with at risk 14 – 19 year-olds in Citrus, Marion and Levy counties.

September 22, 2019

Rev. Phil Schulman

Background:

A life-long ecology, peace and justice activist, Rev. Schulman has participated in numerous campaigns for civil and human rights of mental health consumers, survivors and x-patients. After graduating Star King UU Seminary in1989, he worked as an Addictions Counselor, creating a “Spirituality Assessment” that won praise from the Joint Commission for Accreditation of Hospitals. In 98, he directed one of the nation’s first “Crisis Alternative Programs” to reduce the use of force and violence in mental health crisis response.

Since 2000, he has served as Minister to congregations in Cal., NJ, St. John USVI, San Antonio and Houston TX. He coordinated a project that through the Green Sanctuary Program with 35 congregations planting approximately 3,500 trees. As Guest Minister and UUA consultant Phillip has facilitated “Nonviolent Communication” to UU leadership.

Topic:
“UU Anti-oppression Leadership”

How can we UU’s nurture leadership that breaks from all past models of domination? Many of us were attracted to this UU movement because of its revolutionary spirituality which calls us to withdraw support from all that oppresses the human spirit. How do we foster leadership that enables power to the people? Can we transcend patriarchy and domination? In a time when the same old forms of leadership lead us to ecological destruction and imperil life on the planet, how do we lead humanity to change its ways and live?

September 29, 2019

Judi Seigal

Background:

Judi has a background in Jewish education, is a founding member of Congregation Beth Israel of Ocala, and is a Jewish community leader. She is a member of Ocala Harmony, women’s barbershop chorus, loves RVing and has three wonderful grandkids. She lives in Ocala with her husband of 49 years.

Since 2000, he has served as Minister to congregations in Cal., NJ, St. John USVI, San Antonio and Houston TX. He coordinated a project that through the Green Sanctuary Program with 35 congregations planting approximately 3,500 trees. As Guest Minister and UUA consultant Phillip has facilitated “Nonviolent Communication” to UU leadership.

Topic:
“What Exactly is Rosh Hashanah All About?”

We will explore the spiritual components of this important holiday of the Jewish faith as well as the relevance of the customs, prayers and practices for today.