The Lifelong Learning Committee hosts a variety of adult education programs, currently featuring the Lifelong Learning Forums, Sunday Relevant Discussion Forums and in January 2010, a Buddhist Journey series.   more

Lifelong Learning Forum - Fall 2010

The Fall 2010 semester starts on Thursday, October 14, from 7:30PM to 9PM, with three topics to choose from weekly including religion, philosophy, art, health, science, social, and political issues. No advance registration is necessary. Simply drop by on a Thursday night and choose the class that interests you most! All classes are open to the public. $5 suggested donation. Refreshments served at our 7 p.m. social gathering

Fall 2010 semester brochure (pdf: 643KB)

Lifelong Learning Forum - Fall 2010 - 10/14

Longevity the Natural Way – Raw Fundamentals: Learn what a raw diet is and why it is important to incorporate more living foods into your diet. This is useful information for those getting started and those who need a jumpstart of inspiration. Instructor: Chef Mary Beckerman specializes in raw food. She is a member of the American Association of Nutritional Consultants and a graduate of Living Light Culinary Arts Institute in California. She is founder and president of Marbec Ltd. and Lovin’ Goodies.

Intellectual Empathy – Thinking Clearly about Social Issues: In this forum we will examine empathy as a skill that can be developed and integrated within an individual’s rational and moral framework. We will understand why it is many bright, well intentioned adults can be very unreflective when it comes to the empathic gaps in their reasoning. Instructor: Maureen Linker received her Ph.D. in philosophy from City University of New York. She is an Associate Professor at University of Michigan–Dearborn.

All Purpose Enlightenment: Rev. Penny will discuss and demonstrate the Spiritual Connection and Heightened Vibrations that all people can accomplish easily. Participants will hear Spiritual tales of the many miracles that go unnoticed every moment. We will learn about connecting to the Flow of Energy that will bring more miracles into our lives. Instructor: Rev. Penny Weaver is a well known Spiritual Advisor, Psychic Medium, and Energy Healer. She has a practice in Northville.

Lifelong Learning Forum - Fall 2010 - 10/21

The Spirituality of Climbing: People connect with their spiritual side in many ways. The outdoors provides many opportunities for perspectives on our place in the universe. Climbing is one activity through which we can find a connection to oneself and others. Join in a discussion about how climbing can be a path to spiritual growth. Instructor: Scott Schneiderhan is a member of UUCF and has used climbing as a part of his spiritual path for most of his life.

My Dinner with Jerry: Following the style of the movie My Dinner with Andre, Jerry and Alex will discuss the subject of divorce. What are the dynamics between divorcing couples? What are the effects of divorce on children? And, what is the difference between a legal divorce and an emotional divorce? Instructor: Jerome Price with Rev. Alex Riegel – Jerome Price is the founder and Co-Director of the Michigan Family Institute. He is a well-known strategic therapist who consults for mental health centers. See Reverend Riegel’s bio elsewhere.

Illuminati: The Illuminati is a sect that has existed since the Babylonian Empire. The word illuminati is derived from Lucifer, meaning “Bearer of Light.” This covert and secret faith is shrouded in mystery. Instructor: Toni Davis is a UUCF member and has studied this subject for years. She is excited to share her knowledge of this arcane subject.

Lifelong Learning Forum - Fall 2010 - 10/28

Bach Flower Remedies – A Tool for Healing, Growth and Transformation: This forum will explain the Bach Flower remedies system as a complete system of healing. The flower essences are totally natural — prepared from wild plants, flowers, and trees. The 38 essences will be described along with uses, preparation, and administration. Instructor: Deb Foggio is an Intuitive Life Path Consultant who uses her talents and experience assisting people in discovering, developing, and living lives of purpose and prosperity.

Generation I-Understanding Today’s Teenagers: Today’s teens (or screenagers -given their need for a cell phone) have unique qualities and attributes. They think and act differently than generations prior. In this session Generation X or Y adults will learn about these attributes and gain a better sense of who these teens are and how to connect with them. Instructor: Dave Barry Ed. D is an Assistant Superintendent of Schools for Walled Lake Consolidated Schools and past president of the Michigan Principals Association.

Chant II: Whether you were with us for the first chant class or not, come join us as we continue to explore the mystical dimension of sound. Together we will learn to intone a few Sanskrit chants, coupled with moments of meditation, as we seek to cultivate greater consciousness within us. Instructor: Rev. Alexander Riegel is Minister of the Universalist Unitarian Church of Farmington. He holds a Masters of Divinity and a Masters of
Theology from Harvard Divinity School. Alex is also co-facilitator of The Inner Enneagram Center.

Lifelong Learning Forum - Fall 2010 - 11/11

The Biology of Belief: Not a fan of daily affirmations? What if you knew, scientifically, that your thoughts DO affect your physiology? Recent scientific evidence, some believe, suggests that this is the case. Come explore the possibility with us. Maybe it’s time to start playing a new mental tape of the story of you! Instructor: Rev. Alexander Riegel. See Rev. Riegel’s bio elsewhere.

Tools for Change: Change is inevitable and we can resist it or embrace it. In this class you will be given the tools and principles to successfully replace the fear of change with the love of growth to enhance your life. Instructor: Christine Allyson, author of So You Want to Make a Change?, is a Life Coach and Certified Hypnotherapist. She has over 25 years of experience helping people with change and transformation.

Adult Development and Aging – Myths and Facts: Human development is a dynamic and lifelong process. In this forum we will explore many of the psychological, physical, and social issues faced in the years from young adulthood through the end of life. We will pay special attention to common myths and stereotypes about what happens to us as we age. Instructor: Steven J. Hanley, Ph.D is a clinical psychologist in private practice in Southfield and an Adjunct Instructor at the University of Detroit Mercy.

Lifelong Learning Forum - Fall 2010 - 11/18

Round Table on Our Place in the Economy: What is going on with Economics? Are we using this system or is it using us? Are the big players playing us for cogs in a giant wheel or are we doing it to ourselves? Fractional banking, the Federal Reserve, Sociology, and more will be on the (round) table. Instructors: Duane Townsend and Rob Gregory are friends of UUCF who lean in different directions on these subjects. They intend to bury the hatchet in anybody worth over a billion dollars.

My Dinner with Ernie: Following the style of the movie My Dinner with Andre, Ernie and Alex will discuss a subject of religious and/or social import, e.g., the existence of God, multiculturalism, etc. If you know these two fellows, you know you are in for an interesting, if not enlightening, evening! Instructors: Ernie Otter with Rev. Alex Riegel – Ernie Otter has a B.A. degree in history as well as a Masters of Divinity with an emphasis in theology and philosophy. He first joined UUCF in 1971. See Rev. Riegel’s bio elsewhere.

Integrative Manual Therapy (IMT) & Women’s Reproductive Health: Get a different perspective on women’s reproductive health and learn how to take matters into your own hands. “The Curse” changed into a blessing, PMS revisited, menopause a breeze, simply by applying acupressure for 5 to 8 minutes only three days a month and using some easy IMT techniques. Instructor: Myrthia Hornshaw has a background in Shiatsu and IMT with a special interest in women’s health, emotional health and well-being.

Lifelong Learning Forum - Fall 2010 - 11/4

Hypnosis – The What, Why & How of It: 90% of what we do is done subconsciously. Hypnosis is about aligning the 10% of what we do consciously with the subconscious 90%. Instructor: Christine Allyson, author of So You Want to Make a Change?, is a Life Coach and Certified Hypnotherapist. She has over 25 years of experience helping people with change and transformation.

Education for All Children – Possibilities for the Next Generation: Learn about obstacles that prevent children around the world from going to primary school. Hear inspiring stories about children in different countries who risk their lives to go to school. Discover simple actions that you can take to ensure that ALL children can get a primary education. Instructor: Yvonne Wyborny has been a citizen activist with RESULTS for over ten years and has lobbied members of Congress for increased funding for global education.

What is Your Level of Ego-development?: One’s level of ego-development determines how one interprets the world around them and communicates with others. Thus, one’s subjective happiness is related to this level. This class will enable the participant to discover, clarify, and identify in others, one’s level of ego-development. Instructor: Dr. James J. Berry is a retired professor of psychology from Oakland Community College. He is a
consultant with Distinctive Solutions.

Lifelong Learning Forum - Previous Sessions

Browse brochures from Lifelong Learning Forum series from Fall 2002 to present.   more