Rev. Michael Dowd is a former pastor, bestselling TEDx speaker, eco-theologian, and pro-science advocate whose book, Thank God for Evolution, was endorsed by six Nobel Prize-winning scientists, noted skeptics, and by religious leaders across the spectrum. Michael and his science writer, evolutionary educator, and fellow climate activist wife, Connie Barlow, have spoken to some 3,000 religious and secular groups across North America since 2002. Their work was featured in The New York Times, LA Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Newsweek, Discover, on television nationally, and on the cover of the UU WORLD twice.
Public Lecture – Friday, March 10, 7 p.m.
Living Beyond Hope and Fear: Staying Calm in the Storm
No one needs convincing that we are living in challenging times and an age of breakdowns. Even those who lack a Big Picture understanding of our predicament feel the stress. So, how do we cope? How do we get off the rollercoaster of hope and fear? And, importantly, how can we be of support to others who are confused, angry, depressed, or filled with fear, blame, or guilt?
Lecture will be live streamed and posted to UCBR YouTube Channel
Free lecture, No registration required, but requested at https://rsvp.church/r/Iz73jSnB. Donations will be collected.
Saturday, March 11
Saturday’s activities require registration at https://rsvp.church/r/Iz73jSnB
Morning — The Big Picture: Clarity, Compassion, Love-in-Action
How can a Big Picture understanding of our ecological and historical predicament assist people of all ages and backgrounds in moving from confusion to clarity, from blame to compassion, and from fearful judgmentalism to courageous love-in-action?
After lunch — Intergenerational Solidarity and Care
What are some emotionally nourishing and supportive ways of speaking (and being with) young families, teens, and children to help them in these challenging times? How do we communicate (or not) about worsening elements of their future that are already underway?
Workshop will be recorded for archival purposes, but not live streamed or posted to youtube. Anyone is welcome, but it will not be broadly advertised beyond the church community. Lunch in fellowship hall – bring your own. Church will provide coffee, tea, water
Sunday, March 12 – Both Worship Services at 9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
Sustainability 101: Ecology as the Heart of Theology
What are some of the key differences between genuinely sustainable cultures and today’s attempts to greenwash our ecocidal civilization? What can we learn from Indigenous values, life-ways, and practices to inspire our own pro-future thinking, feelings, and actions?