Films will be added to the list below, so check back often for an update.

Sunday, July 13: Through Deaf Eyes. This is a PBS documentary which tells the story of conflicts, prejudice, and affirmation that ultimately reach the heart of what it means to be deaf in America. Chaz McBride, a member of our congregation who is with the Community Outreach Program for the Deaf and whose own parents are both deaf, will introduce the film and hold a question and answer session afterwards.

Sunday, July 20: Renewal: Stories from America's Religious-Environmental Movement. Religious groups of all faiths and denominations are becoming leaders in the environmental movement. This film traces evangelicals, mainstream Protestants, Jews, Muslims, Catholics, Buddhists, Native Americans, and Episcopalians in the United States who have become involved in varying areas of the green revolution. Chris Wallace, from our congregationUs Green Group, will lead a discussion afterwards.

Sunday, July 27: For the Bible Tells Me So. This is film which takes a powerful look at the intersection between religion and homosexuality as families of faith react to discovering that they have a gay or lesbian child. The film also deals with the biblical comments on homosexuality and the effect religious institutions and religious pronouncements on homosexuality have on young people. A discussion will follow.

This discussion group explores ideas and beliefs about spiritual topics in an environment structured to allow participants the opportunity to express their thoughts and to en-courage respect for each person's views. Topics are open-ended, with no pre-conceived conclusions. The overall topic for July is Spirituality and the Web of Life.

For the July 20 meeting, the discussion will be on stem-cell research. Those planning to attend might want to check the following sources which either promote or oppose stem-cell research:

• http://www.christopherreeve.org/site/c.geIMLPOpGjF/b.1029337/k.AC23/Stem_CellsSCNT.htm
• http://www.michaeljfox.org/search.cfm (enter stem cell research in the search box)
• http://www.americancatholic.org/newsletters/CU/ac0102.asp
• http://www.usccb.org/prolife/programs/rlp/01usal.shtml

For the July 27 meeting, the discussion will move from stem-cell research to cloning and chimeras. Those planning to attend might want to check the following sources:

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chimera_(genetics)
• http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=8905
• http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2005/01/0125_050125_chimeras.html
• http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=your-cells-are-my-cells
• http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A19781-2005Feb12.html
• http://scienceline.org/2007/08/31/bio_anderson_chimera/
• http://nochimera.com/html/ethics.html

This group explores issues of religion and spirituality through contemporary short stories and essays. Open discussions examine the extent to which various authors' ideas compare to UU principles and with one's own experiences and personal values.

The Men's Group provides an opportunity to share issues, concerns and celebrations with an empathetic group of men, allowing everyone to engage in supportive conversation about what is most central in their lives. Open to adult men of all ages.

Join other UU women for a look at your life and your spirituality in this intergenerational group. Take advantage of a great opportunity to commune with other women and share your stories, thoughts, and beliefs; your questions; and your wisdom. If you consider yourself mostly female, are old enough to have finished Coming of Age, and aren't dead yet, you are invited! This is a drop-in group, and no registration is necessary.

Small groups, up to 10 people, led by two trained facilitators meet once a month to discuss spiritually related topics in a structured format which promotes deep listenBing and deep sharing. All groups discuss the same topics and questions and enBable participants to meet and get to know new people on a deeper level. Covenant Circles had their last meetings for the 2007 P 2008 year in May and will re-form in September.

Scholarships are available for any Adult Faith Development offerings with fees. For more information contact the director of Adult Faith Development, Lisa McDaniel-Hutchings (lmchutch@cox.net or 748-1551, ext. 17) or her assistant, Mike Greenbaum (mike-greenbaum@qwestoffice.net or 326-8831).

Child care is always available for the children registered in UUCT’s religious education program for any Adult Faith Development activity, but arrangements need to be made at least a week in advance. Contact Kathleen Hogue (Kathleen-hogue@qwestoffice.net or 312-0441).