Volume 4. Issue 5, May 1, 2012
May 6
"Ethical Humanism's Place on the Belief Map"
Discussion Group
Randy Best, ModeratorOn April 29th, Randy presented a thought-provoking commentary about where people stand on this map. We invented the gods to explain the unknown: to comfort us and to answer unsettling questions such as who am I, where do I come from, how can I face death, and what does it all mean. Theists rely on guidelines to answer these questions instilled from strict adherence to a belief structure with a god at its apex. "Non-theism covers a range of both religious and nonreligious attitudes characterized by the absence or rejection of any belief in a personal god or gods." How non-theists are placed on this map is dependent on what their beliefs encompass. Randy defined each of these constructs and where Ethical Humanism fits. Our discussion will explore the questions his presentation raised and how a scientific, reasoned approach can provide answers to our existential anxieties.
IFC Food Pantry
On the first Sunday of each month, EHST members donate food items to the Inter-Faith Council for Social Service. One of its missions is maintaining a food pantry for community people in need of groceries. IFC's impact on food distribution in this area is impressive. The economic recession resulted in a loss of donations to this important social service agency, and it relies on organizations like ours to help its clients. Please contribute generously.
If you want to see how necessary our contributions are, visit IFC and click on the link to the slide show about the purpose and goal of IFC's food pantry to help the needy in this area.
May 13
"Life and Death of an Ethical Humanist"
Bob CathcartAs a newcomer to serious writing in his seventies, Bob has chosen poetry to best express his newfound philosophy concerning human life and death. In retirement, following a life-long interest in the history of life on Earth and the evolution of the Universe, he has developed a personal philosophy about the meaning of his life and the source of his own existence.
His manuscript titled "Life and Death of an Ethical Humanist" uses poetry to reflect on the beauty in nature, foibles of human nature, and the certainty of death for all living things. His presentation will include an abbreviated view of how he has come to identify himself as an Ethical Humanist and some of his life and death poetry.
Bob has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Emerson College in Boston with a focus on spoken English and the oral interpretation of English literature. He has worked for forty years in Corporate America writing business letters and managing corporate insurance programs.
This year is the 25th anniversary of EHST's incorporation as an Ethical Culture Society in 1987, and our program begins with Randy Best's Dedication to EHST. Ina Evans follows. She is the only one of the founding members who is still in our society. She will speak to her role in establishing the society and the historical path our society has followed since inception in fostering its commitment to ethical education, social justice, and equality for all. Last and equally important is the presentation of a new mission statement for member consideration and vote, developed from the contributions all our members have made by responding to several surveys and writing content. It has taken time but well worth the effort.
May 20 - Founder's Day
Dedication to the Founding of EHST, Randy Best
"How We Began," Ina Evans
Mission Statement, Presentation and Vote
May 24IFC Cook and Serve
Our scheduled cook and serve project is this Thursday from 4:00 to 7:15 p.m. Contact Amy Piersma, amypiersma@yahoo.com, to sign up. The food is donated from the community and anyone who is hungry can eat. Our entire membership participates. On the fourth Thursday of each month, January through October, members cook from 4-6 p.m. and serve from 6-7:15 p.m. It's great fun and a worthy endeavor!
May 27"The Future of Ethical Societies"
Alicia Best, EHST MemberThis year The Future of Ethical Societies (FES) conference is being held in Chapel Hill during the last weekend of May. Alicia Best, who is one of the organizers, will talk to our society about the perspective of Ethical Societies youth and in what ways this organization is designed to keep youth connected to the American Ethical Union and the greater Ethical Culture movement. This organization was created as a continuation of Youth of Ethical Societies (YES), the AEU's high school youth organization and aims to bridge the age gap within Ethical Culture and to keep its members involved through their college years, a time when many youths lose touch with Ethical Culture.
If you have questions about the conference, please contact Alicia.
"Deepening Circle"
To expand our program offers, EHST will be conducting a small group format called a "Deepening Circle." Some members have expressed interest, but we encourage others to explore this avenue for creating more intimate, personal relationships.The meetings will take place once a mouth outside our usual meeting times, and focus on a given topic and allow everyone to speak. The purpose is to be able to listen to each other and share experiences, not to discuss or debate. Participants gain insight in to other group members and increase common understanding.
We encourage you to attend. Please contact Randy Best with your questions and if you would like to attend.
These events and activities are sponsored by groups and organizations that share common concerns with EHST but take place outside our walls.
May 94th Annual Resource Connections Fair
for Older Adults and CaregiversWednesday, 10am - 3pm
University Mall
201 S. Estes Drive
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Sunday, 1 PM - 6 PM / Mon-Sat, 10 AM -9 PMMay 28
IFC Good Neighbor Plan
"The IFC believes that the creation of a Good Neighbor Plan (GNP) will foster understanding and mutual respect among neighbors, congregations, businesses and other groups near the proposed building site for Community House. The GNP process will also be helpful for program residents who also want to be part of GNP communications and events, want to break the cycle of homelessness and want to become independent stakeholders in the community." The contents of this plan can be reviewed at GNP.
