Monday, June 29th from 7 PM to almost 9 PM
Meeting at Crema Cafe & Coffeehouse
652 Jungermann Rd
St. Peters, MO  63376
phone: (636) 447-1883
Directions/Map

Twain Rivers Book Club

"The Help"
    by Kathryn Stockett

"Kathryn Stockett’s phenomenal debut novel The Help, set in Jackson, Mississippi in 1962, is told from the perspectives of three very different women.  Eugenia "Skeeter" Phelan is fresh out of college and back at her parents’ home in Jackson, Mississippi.  Her dream is to become a writer.  Her mother’s dream is for her to find a well-to-do Southern boy from a good family with a healthy trust fund and get married.

Bored with her friends and frustrated by the way they talk to and about their maids—the help—Skeeter dreams up an idea that could change life in Jackson for the better, but it is quite a dangerous proposition." --Posted on February 9, 2009 by Rebecca @ The Book Lady's Blog

The general public is invited.
For more information visit the Book Club page and/or
to be added to the mailing list, contact:
Bill F. at elBillo@yahoo.com

Sunday, June 28th from noontime 'til about 1:00 PM
University of Missouri Extension Center
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters.  (roadmap)

Potluck Dinner &
Food Bank Collection

It's Potluck Sunday!  After the lecture, please join us for lunch.

First-time visitors are invited to attend and bring no food item for the table.  Others: bring a dish, any dish, from soup to salad to sandwich to entrée to side dish to dessert.

The oven is available to keep things warm, and a large 'fridge to keep things cool, and there are lots of outlets for crockpots, etc.; and the microwave is available right after the lecture ends.  (Please avoid any item that requires your attention from 11 to noon, since any sound in the kitchen is magnified into the room where our 11:00 a.m. program is in progress.)

This month we'll send our collection to the food bank in Troy, an area that is more economically disadvantaged than St. Charles County, and also more underserved by charitable organizations.  Thanks for your help!

Even if you don't bring a dish or beverage, at least bring your appetite!  See you then!

The general public is invited.

Sunday, June 28th, from 11 AM 'til Noon
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters.  (roadmap)

Sunday Lecture Series

"Morality Over Religion"

There's a new motto going around the ethical movement that is catching fire.  It is "Morality over Religion". Sometimes there is added to this a second line:  "Morality over religion is our religion".

Intellectually, the motto makes complete sense.  (You can read the talk I gave in April on "morality over religion" at our website ethicallife.org and click on Resources)  But what does it mean in practical terms? The devil's in the details.  Or, the angel's in the details.

We'll begin the grand work of making the general motto practical this Sunday.  We'll look at some of the big topics in today's news and invite those present to think out loud:  What would it be like if people approached this conflict or that conflict in the spirit of "morality over relgion" and "morality over ideology"?

The upheaval in Iran--the flawed election, the people's uprising, the put-down.  How would that whole situation be different if all parties agreed to put morality over religion?

The murder of Dr. Tiller, the license of media personalities to decry physicians who perform legal abortions as evil.  How would we approach these matters if the general agreement were morality over religion?

The economy of greed, the ideology that the bottom line is the dollar and that it is right to bend everything to enhance the bottom line.  How would this be different?

Other conflicts or areas of discord may also be raised.

The purpose this Sunday is to begin, not to arrive at the answers.  Brainstorm!?!  Dream!?!  Question?!?

The general public is invited.
Questions?  Comments?  Contact Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.

Wednesday, June 24th from 7 PM to 9 PM
Host: Sara S.

Living Ethics Discussion

the topic is:
   "What We Learned from the AEU Assembly
       that can Help our Society"

Before our memories fade too much, think of anything, even one thing, you learned at the American Ethical Union Assembly that might be of use to us in creating a stronger Society.  Ideally, take a few minutes to write down your thoughts.  Something you heard in a workshop?  Something you heard in a conversation?  Give to Bill Aul, our society's President.

Those of you who didn't get to experience any part of the Assembly, that's okay.  Come and listen, then question and comment on the reports you hear, and that will be valuable.

Invitation open to members of the Society and their guests.
If you wish, you may RSVP Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.

Sunday, June 21st, from 11 AM 'til Noon
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters.  (roadmap)

Sunday Lecture Series

"Your Body’s Organs – Donating and Receiving"

Peter NiCastro will speak of his experience as one who has received a lung transplant and a kidney transplant from generous donors.

What are the facts?  What are the needs?  What are the dangers to those who give?  What volunteer work is needed?  At the Ethical Society the drive is always to understand an appropriate ethical framework for guiding people’s choices.  Mr. NiCastro is a member of Second Wind Lung Transplant Association.

The general public is invited.
Questions?  Comments?  Contact Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.

Saturday, June 20th
Contact Kathy R. for meeting place and other arrangements
to get to Ronald McDonald House by 5 PM to begin cooking
at 4381 West Pine Blvd, STL, MO, 63108

Ronald McDonald House

  "Nothin' Beats Home-Cookin'!"
      ...especially when family must be with hospitalized loved-ones.

On the third Saturday of each month, a crew from Ethical Society Mid Rivers cooks dinner at the West Pine location of Ronald McDonald House in St. Louis.  We have been doing this for more than three years, and we have committed to continue through 2009.

Contact Kathy R. to participate in this worthwhile project and/or if you have questions.

Mark your calendar for these coming Saturdays:
Jul 18th, Aug 18th, Sep 19th

For more information about the Ronald McDonald House Charity, click here.

Wednesday, June 17th from 7 PM to 9 PM
Hosts:  Beth & Roy B.

Living Ethics Discussion

the topic is:
   "The Assembly We Hosted"

Mid Rivers was the host Society for the AEU 2009 Assembly, which just completed on Sunday.  If you attended any part of it, talk about your experience--funny, comical, profound, just anything at all.  If you didn't attend, what is your experience of our national movement and the AEU (American Ethical Union).  Is it nonexistent, curious, puzzled, interested, concerned?

Think of this as a informal warmup for next Wednesday at Sara's, when the Board has asked us to discuss the workshops we attended at the Assembly and to highlight what you think were some insights for our Society--how we might operate in a more effective way.  Again, you didn't have to attend any workshop in order to attend LED:  your questions and comments to the reports you hear will be valuable enough.

Invitation open to members of the Society and their guests.
If you wish, you may RSVP Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.

Tuesday, June 16th from 7 PM to about 9 PM
Non-Profit Development Center
Spencer Road at Boone Hills Drive
(building is adjacent to, and just East of, Spencer Road library)
Saint Peters

PFLAG

A support group for anyone who has a gay family member or friend
and would like to meet others in the same situation.

Please plan to attend!

Regularly meets the third Tuesday of every month.
The general public is invited
Phone (636) 928-5639 and/or email StCharlesPFLAG@aol.com

Monday, June 15th from 6:30 PM to ??
Non-Profit Development Center
425 Spencer Road at Boone Hills Drive
(building is adjacent to, and just East of, Spencer Road library)
Saint Peters

ESMR Director's Meeting

Please submit reports and additions to the agenda well in advance.

ESMR Directors, please notify if you will not be attending.

For members of the ESMR Board of Directors.
Other ESMR members are invited to attend as observers.

Sunday, June 14th
University of Missouri Extension Center
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters.  (roadmap)

Ethical Society Mid Rivers is Closed for Today!

All activities regularly occurring on this day have been postponed

Due to the involvement of many of our members with the American Ethical Union's 94th Assembly in Berkeley, Missouri all activities that would normally be occurring on this Sunday morning & afternoon have been postponed to other dates and times.

Please come back to our website for updates as they become available.

Sunday, June 11th through June 14th
Comfort Inn Airport and Conference Center
9600 Natural Bridge Road, Berkeley (St. Louis) MO. 

American Ethical Union's 94th Assembly
"How We Live & What We Do"

Our Assembly is an important point in our lives as Ethical Culturists.  It is an opportunity to immerse ourselves in what it really means to belong to Ethical Culture.  During Assembly, we gather with like minded people and we experience the Movement in a larger context.

Each member has unique talents within Ethical Culture.  By participating in our annual Assembly we show each other, newcomers, and the greater community that we are a people with strong ideals, willing to declare our ethical principles for the betterment of mankind.

The Assembly is also where we are able to renew and make new acquaintances with members of societies from across the country.  It is an exciting opportunity to learn from our peers, not only through the many workshops but by strengthening communication between members of all societies.

Lodging    Agenda    Activities

Sunday, June 7th, from 11 AM 'til Noon
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters.  (roadmap)

Sunday Lecture Series

"Issues Affecting the Gay Lesbian Transgender Community"

Mr. Mancuso is Political Co-Chair for St. Louis HRC (Human Rights Campaign).  He has been a member of the HRC St. Louis Board of Governors for over 10 years.

He will cover:

•   Civil unions and marriage
•   Employment nondiscrimination
•   Anti-violence legislation to counter hate crimes
•   Don’t Ask Don’t Tell
•   ... and other issues

The general public is invited.
Questions?  Comments?  Contact Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.

Wednesday, June 3rd from 7 PM to 9 PM
Hosts:  Beth & Roy B.

Living Ethics Discussion

the topic is:
   "Relating to Nature"

Last Sunday, I presented ideas and readings from the author Rowan Jacobsen, whose latest book is Fruitless Fall:  The Collapse of the Honey Bee and the Coming Agricultural Crisis (2008).

This Wednesday, let's talk about our personal experiences with nature, our hopes, our actions, our ways to help nature and ways that nature helps us get out of our own egos.  We can take up any of the specific themes I presented--honeybees, flowers, pollination, industrial agriculture, colony collapse disorder--or we can range far and wide, like free-range chickens.

Invitation open to members of the Society and their guests.
If you wish, you may RSVP Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.

Sunday, May 31st from noontime 'til about 1:00 PM
University of Missouri Extension Center
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters.  (roadmap)

Potluck Dinner

It's Potluck Sunday!  After the lecture, please join us for lunch.

First-time visitors are invited to attend and bring no food item for the table.  Others: bring a dish, any dish, from soup to salad to sandwich to entrée to side dish to dessert.

The oven is available to keep things warm, and a large 'fridge to keep things cool, and there are lots of outlets for crockpots, etc.; and the microwave is available right after the lecture ends.  (Please avoid any item that requires your attention from 11 to noon, since any sound in the kitchen is magnified into the room where our 11:00 a.m. program is in progress.)

Even if you don't bring a dish or beverage, at least bring your appetite!  See you then!

The general public is invited.

Sunday, May 31st, from 11 AM 'til Noon
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters.  (roadmap)

Sunday Lecture Series

"We and the Bees are in Trouble"

Honey bees are wonderful, ingenious, successful, a brilliant triumph of the power of teamwork, and they are in trouble.  Long ago humans struck a deal with them.  They would pollinate our plants for us, providing massive labor for free, providing us with food and beauty.  We would provide species security to them.  They have kept up their side.  We have not kept up our side as well.  Honey bees are in steep decline.  Our interdependence with them means that their crisis is our crisis.

This presentation will draw on the work of researchers and writers, particularly Rowan Jacobsen’s new book, Fruitless Fall: The Collapse of the Honey Bee and the Coming Agricultural Crisis.

The general public is invited.
Questions?  Comments?  Contact Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.

Wednesday, May 27th from 7 PM to 9 PM
Host:  Hannah Z.

Living Ethics Discussion

the topic is:
   "Photographs, Their Innocent and Not-So-Innocent Use"

Last Sunday, Kathy Ratino opened our eyes by showing a large number of photos that have been broadcast in the news.  Can photos be "slanderous"?  Can photos lie?  Even un-modified photos?  Might the use of a photo be unethical while a description in words of the same thing be ethical?

Can you think of a time when a photograph caused you trouble, or embarrassment, or misunderstanding?  Or more generally, what experiences do you personally have of photos that bring out their unique ability to touch the human spirit, for good or for ill?

Invitation open to members of the Society and their guests.
If you wish, you may RSVP Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.

Sunday, May 24th from 12:15 PM to ??
University of Missouri Extension Center
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters.  (roadmap)

ESMR Society Council

Please submit reports and additions to the agenda well in advance.

Council Members, please notify if you will not be attending.

For members of the Society Council.
Other ESMR members are invited to attend as observers.

Sunday, May 24th, from 11 AM 'til Noon
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters.  (roadmap)

Sunday Lecture Series

"Rumsfeld, Miss California, Woody Allen:  Ethics in Photography"

Recently the news has been buzzing with controversy over something most of us don't stop to think about often:  photography.  Photographs can often tell stories and sell products better than words can, but how can they be used responsibly?  To whom do these photos really belong?  Who has the right to share them, and with whom?  Do the subjects of photos have any rights, even those who are dead?

Kathy Ratino, Adjunct Professor of Communication, will share recent and historical examples of photos that have brought these questions out of the realm of theoretical debate and into our everyday conversations.  Ms. Ratino is on the Board of Directors of Ethical Society Mid Rivers.

The general public is invited.
Questions?  Comments?  Contact Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.

Wednesday, May 20th from 7 PM to 9 PM
Hosts:  Patti & Bob M.

Living Ethics Discussion

the topic is:
   " The Ethics of Running a Country"
       (or, Obama's First 120 Days--How Do They Stack Up Ethically?)

Last Sunday, we arranged ourselves in a big circle, and we heard moving and meaningful comments from every person.  That was a short amount of time, about 45 minutes, and we had just gotten started.

What are a couple of ethical values that you personally prize, and how do Obama's actions in office measure up to those?

Invitation open to members of the Society and their guests.
If you wish, you may RSVP Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.

Tuesday, May 19th from 7 PM to about 9 PM
Non-Profit Development Center
Spencer Road at Boone Hills Drive
(building is adjacent to, and just East of, Spencer Road library)
Saint Peters

PFLAG

A support group for anyone who has a gay family member or friend
and would like to meet others in the same situation.

Please plan to attend!

Regularly meets the third Tuesday of every month.
The general public is invited
Phone (636) 928-5639 and/or email StCharlesPFLAG@aol.com

Sunday, May 17th, from 11 AM 'til Noon
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters.  (roadmap)

Sunday Lecture Series

"Obama:  The First 120 Days"

Join an open discussion on this historic President's first 120, asking "What was something you liked?" and "What was something you didn't like?"

It will be an orderly discussion and friendly.  We will go around the circle and give each person a chance to speak.  Depending on the number of people present, we may have to limit the number of minutes each can speak!  But stay on after the first hour, and the discussion will continue.

The general public is invited.
Questions?  Comments?  Contact Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.

Saturday, May 16th
Contact Kathy R. for meeting place and other arrangements
to get to Ronald McDonald House by 5 PM to begin cooking
at 4381 West Pine Blvd, STL, MO, 63108

Ronald McDonald House

  "Nothin' Beats Home-Cookin'!"
      ...especially when family must be with hospitalized loved-ones.

On the third Saturday of each month, a crew from Ethical Society Mid Rivers cooks dinner at the West Pine location of Ronald McDonald House in St. Louis.  We have been doing this for more than three years, and we have committed to continue through 2009.

Contact Kathy R. to participate in this worthwhile project and/or if you have questions.

Mark your calendar for these coming Saturdays:
Jun 20th, Jul 18th, Aug 18th, Sep 19th

For more information about the Ronald McDonald House Charity, click here.

Friday, May 15th from 7 PM to about 9 PM
St. Charles Justice Center
1781 Zumbehl (at intersection with Hawksnest & Graystone roads)

Friday Nite Free Film Series

  "Pete Seeger:  The Power of Song"

In PETE SEEGER: POWER OF SONG, the only authorized biography, Jim Brown documents the life of one of the greatest American singer / songwriters of the last century.  Pete Seeger was the architect of the folk revival, writing some of its best known songs including Where Have All the Flowers Gone, Turn, Turn, Turn and If I Had A Hammer.

Largely misunderstood by his critics, including the US government, for his views on peace, unionism, civil rights and ecology, Seeger was targeted by the communist witch hunt of the Fifties.  He was picketed, protested, blacklisted, and, in spite of his enormous popularity, banned from American television for more than 17 years.  With a combination of never-before-seen archival footage and personal films made by Seeger and his wife, PETE SEEGER: POWER OF SONG chronicles the life of this legendary artist and political activist.

Pete Seeger's ethics are pure.  He believes that everyone is equal.  He is an American patriot who built his own log cabin and lives simply in the woods.  Pete has a complete distrust of commercial forces, pop culture, technology, greed, fame and the corporate and military influences on democracy.  He hates the word career, and has no interest in personal gain, shuns publicity and works tirelessly with his wife, Toshi, because he believes we are blindly destroying the world.  He might be right.  There are lessons to be learned by exploring his life and music.

1:45 minute trailer

Invitation open to the general public.
If you wish, you may RSVP Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.
There's no charge to attend.  Bring your own snacks.  Enjoy the big screen and the fairly comfortable seats of the Community Room at the St. Charles Justice Center, 1781 Zumbehl Rd (NW corner of Zumbehl and Hawksnest/Graystone), ZIP 63303.

Wednesday, May 13th from 7 PM to 9 PM
Host:  Liz R.

Living Ethics Discussion

the topic is:
   "Being Mother"

No, I don't mean being a mother.  I mean being your mother.  How are you your mother?  How is she still shining through you?  She may be quite alive in her own right or may have passed on, yet either way her ways, her dreams may be streaming through you.  I doubt if any of you are "channeling" her.  Channeling may be just an abnormal reflection of a normal experience.

Last Sunday, Mothers Day, we heard moving stories from Kari, Dee, Toni, and Liz R. about their mothers and themselves.  We also heard a beautiful song performed live by our guest Rosa, dedicated to her mother Ann in the audience.

Invitation open to members of the Society and their guests.
If you wish, you may RSVP Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.

Monday, May 11th from 6:30 PM to ??
Non-Profit Development Center
425 Spencer Road at Boone Hills Drive
(building is adjacent to, and just East of, Spencer Road library)
Saint Peters

ESMR Society Council

Please submit reports and additions to the agenda well in advance.

Council Members, please notify if you will not be attending.

For members of the Society Council.
Other ESMR members are invited to attend as observers.

Sunday, May 10th, from 11 AM 'til Noon
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters.  (roadmap)

Sunday Lecture Series

"Mothers Day at a Deeper Level"
   - Thoughts, Music, Poetry, Love, and Pancakes...

Mothers Day can be trivial or a socially required pantomime, but it can also be deeply meaningful.

Let's make it meaningful at our Sunday program.

Please be one of the 3-4 members we need to share an appreciation of your mother.  No one has responded yet.  Write one paragraph.  Funny, poignant, moving, idiosyncratic, personal -- whatever tone you like.  Let me, Bob Greenwell, know you'll do it.  Thanks.

The general public is invited.
Questions?  Comments?  Contact Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.

Sunday, May 10th from 10:00 AM 'til 10:30 AM
University of Missouri Extension Center
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters.  (roadmap)

Delicious Pancake & Sausage Breakfast

"A Fun-Raiser Extraordinaire"

This Sunday we will be having another yummy all-you-can-eat pancake & sausage breakfast.  Volunteers who are helping to cook need to be at the Brown Road building at 9:00.  We will serve at 10:00 and stop serving at 10:30 so we can get ready for the meeting at 11:00.

$5 for adults, $1 for kids under 12.

Thanks so much for supporting our last breakfast, and we look forward to seeing you at this one!

The general public is invited.

Saturday, May 9th - 6 AM till Noon
Location:  The Family Arena (map)
2002 Arena Parkway • St. Charles, MO 63303 • Phone: 636-896-4200

ESMR Rummage / Garage Sale!

  "Sale proceeds benefit our society!"
      ...helpers and shoppers are needed.

Rachel says:  Hello Fellow Members,

It's not too late to donate items or to volunteer for the Ethical Society Garage Sale on Saturday May 9 from 6-12 Noon.  My husband Brian will be picking up donations on Tuesday (5/5) and Thursday (5/7) evenings this week.  If you still have items to donate please let me know ASAP so I can add your home to the pickup list.

Just a reminder to please price your items prior to donation and as always helpers and shoppers are also needed.  Thank you all so much for your support.

Sincerely,
Rachel Lenk   (636) 398-4437 or email: alexbrady2@aol.com

Wednesday, May 6th from 7 PM to 9 PM
Host:  Mary G.

Living Ethics Discussion

the topic is:
   " We're Not Invulnerable"

Last Sunday our guest speaker, Carolyn Landry, spoke eloquently of her struggle with Wegeners Disease, a form of the rare disease of Vasculitis.  Carolyn is one of our members, of course.  It was particularly meaningful to us to hear about what was really going on with Carolyn's health.

It made me reflect:  When we get sick, we tend to become private, quiet, and we feel it's not courteous or friendly or upbeat to "impose" a recitation of our symptoms on other people.  In general, I think, we're right about this.  Yet Carolyn's talk was very meaningful to me and others to whom I've spoken about it.  It was very connecting.

So I propose that this Wednesday, we prod ourselves into sharing physical hurts and pains and aches and afflictions that affect who we are.  We share with each other.  The object:  clarity of reality and the stronger bond that such clarity brings.

Invitation open to members of the Society and their guests.
If you wish, you may RSVP Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.

Sunday, May 3rd, from 11 AM 'til Noon
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters.  (roadmap)

Sunday Lecture Series

"Getting Personal with Wegeners"

Our guest speaker, Carolyn Landry, will speak about her own struggle with Wegener’s Granulomatosis, a form of vasculitis, and about autoimmune diseases in general.  With vasculitis, the blood vessels become inflamed and this prompts the body’s immune system to attack itself.  The cause is not known, and so there is no standard cure, but there is treatment.

Carolyn is the local-area contact for the Vasculitis Foundation, and is also a member of the Ethical Society.

The general public is invited.
Questions?  Comments?  Contact Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.

Wednesday, April 29th from 7 PM to 9 PM
Hosts:  Jill & Bill

Living Ethics Discussion

the topic is:
   "Marijuana as a Medicine, Marijuana as a Muse"

Last Sunday our guest speaker, Mark Pedersen, spoke eloquently of the need to change antiquated and ignorance-based laws that prohibit hundreds of thousands of seriously sick Americans from having use of the best medicine for their pain, the natural herb marijuana.  Check out his excellent website http://cannabispatient.net.  There's a bill in the MO legislature that would allow people, with doctor's prescriptions, to grow their own cannabis.  Growing one's own is the only way to obtain the large amount of cannabis needed for medicinal purposes.  Even if the law were to allow these patients to buy the amount they needed on the street, it would cost way too much per week for the normal person to afford.

And there's the other topic of marijuana, its "recreational use".  Should it be legalized?  If it were legal, would it be moral or ethical to use it?  With moderation?  What would "moderate use"" mean?  No one will be asked to divulge personal experiences but you may.  Beyond that, what do you know from friends or acquaintances or reading?

Invitation open to members of the Society and their guests.
If you wish, you may RSVP Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.

Sunday, April 26th from noontime 'til about 1:00 PM
University of Missouri Extension Center
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters.  (roadmap)

Potluck Dinner

It's Potluck Sunday!  After the lecture, please join us for lunch.

First-time visitors are invited to attend and bring no food item for the table.  Others: bring a dish, any dish, from soup to salad to sandwich to entrée to side dish to dessert.

The oven is available to keep things warm, and a large 'fridge to keep things cool, and there are lots of outlets for crockpots, etc.; and the microwave is available right after the lecture ends.  (Please avoid any item that requires your attention from 11 to noon, since any sound in the kitchen is magnified into the room where our 11:00 a.m. program is in progress.)

Even if you don't bring a dish or beverage, at least bring your appetite!  See you then!

The general public is invited.

Sunday, April 26th, from 11 AM 'til Noon
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters.  (roadmap)

Sunday Lecture Series

"Marijuana Legal in MO?"
       " Speaking For Marijuana - It's NORML"

Our guest speaker, Mark Pedersen, is a long-time highly articulate activist in the cause of legalizing medical marijuana.  A bill has been filed in the Missouri House, HB277, that would do this.  Thirteen states have legalized medical marijuana since 1996, and this number will likely increase by 2 or more this year.

Mark is himself a medical marijuana patient, and has compiled dozens of videotaped interviews with patients   He is an accomplished public speaker.  He is founder of the Cannabis Patient Network: http://cannabispatientnet.wordpress.com/

The general public is invited.
Questions?  Comments?  Contact Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.

Wednesday, April 22nd from 7 PM to 9 PM
Host:  Dee

Living Ethics Discussion

the topic is:
   "Secular Ethics vs. Religious Ethics"

What does "secular ethics" mean to you?  "Religious ethics?"  When was the first time in your life that you can remember that you acted from a purely ethical motive?

The motto I've been using lately "Morality over Religion" is highly related to the topic.  Could this be the "elevator speech" we've been looking for?

Invitation open to members of the Society and their guests.
If you wish, you may RSVP Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.

Tuesday, April 21st from 7 PM to about 9 PM
Non-Profit Development Center
Spencer Road at Boone Hills Drive
(building is adjacent to, and just East of, Spencer Road library)
Saint Peters

PFLAG

A support group for anyone who has a gay family member or friend
and would like to meet others in the same situation.

Please plan to attend!

Regularly meets the third Tuesday of every month.
The general public is invited
Phone (636) 928-5639 and/or email StCharlesPFLAG@aol.com

Sunday, April 19th, from 11 AM 'til Noon
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters.   (roadmap)

Sunday Lecture Series

"Secular vs. Religious Ethics"

Can people be good without being religious?  What does Darwin’s theory of evolution tell us about morality?  Our guest speaker, D.J. Grothe (reknown for Point of Inquiry podcasts) explores whether it is possible to develop ethical systems that replace possibly outmoded and even destructive religious beliefs about right and wrong, and whether there can be a "science of ethics".

Could it be that religion in general—and not just "bad" religion—may actually be to blame for so many of the world’s problems? Can a secular ethics, based firmly in the sciences, offer solutions?  Learn more about D.J. Grothe at http://www.djgrothe.com/Home.html

The general public is invited.
Questions?  Comments?  Contact Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.

Saturday, April 18th
Contact Kathy R. for meeting place and other arrangements
to get to Ronald McDonald House by 5 PM to begin cooking
at 4381 West Pine Blvd, STL, MO, 63108

Ronald McDonald House

  "Nothin' Beats Home-Cookin'!"
      ...especially when family must be with hospitalized loved-ones.

On the third Saturday of each month, a crew from Ethical Society Mid Rivers cooks dinner at the West Pine location of Ronald McDonald House in St. Louis.  We have been doing this for more than three years, and we have committed to continue through 2009.

Contact Kathy R. to participate in this worthwhile project and/or if you have questions.

Mark your calendar for coming Saturdays:
May 16th, Jun 20th, Jul 18th

For more information about the Ronald McDonald House Charity, click here.

Wednesday, April 15th from 7 PM to 9 PM
Hosts:  Maureen & Brian

Living Ethics Discussion

the topic is:
   "Morality over Religion"

What is your reaction to this motto?

Last Sunday I gave a talk with this title.  If you missed it, you can hear me give it again (modified slightly here and there) at Lindenwood.  I also delivered much the same talk to the Riverdale New York Ethical Society about a month ago.  It was very well received.

How well does this phrase work for you to capture the essence of Ethical Culture or Ethical Humanism?

Invitation open to members of the Society and their guests.
If you wish, you may RSVP Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.

Monday, April 13th from 6:30 PM to ??
Non-Profit Development Center
425 Spencer Road at Boone Hills Drive
(building is adjacent to, and just East of, Spencer Road library)
Saint Peters

ESMR Society Council

Please submit reports and additions to the agenda well in advance.

Council Members, please notify if you will not be attending.

For members of the Society Council.
Other ESMR members are invited to attend as observers.

Sunday, April 12th, from 11 AM 'til Noon
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters.   (roadmap)

Sunday Lecture Series

"Morality Over Religion"

What can the phrase morality over religion mean?  Sheer impertinence?  Idiocy?

Throughout the world, religions claim authority over morality.  But the case will be made for separating and liberating morality from the other aspects of religion--the creed and the cult.

When this is done systematically and with discipline, simple basic goodness is restored to its rightful place over religion.  Wisdom, happiness, and love are elevated over religion.  A person who gives his or her utmost dedication to this proposition can then say, "Morality over religion is my religion."

The general public is invited.
Questions?  Comments?  Contact Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.

Sunday, April 12th from 10:00 AM 'til 10:30 AM
University of Missouri Extension Center
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters.   (roadmap)

Delicious Pancake & Sausage Breakfast

"A Fun-Raiser Extraordinaire"

This Sunday we will be having another yummy all-you-can-eat pancake & sausage breakfast.  Volunteers who are helping to cook need to be at the Brown Road building at 9:00.  We will serve at 10:00 and stop serving at 10:30 so we can get ready for the meeting at 11:00.

$5 for adults, $1 for kids under 12.

Thanks so much for supporting our last breakfast, and we look forward to seeing you at this one!

The general public is invited.

Wednesday, April 8th from 7 PM to 9 PM
Host:  Mary

Living Ethics Discussion

the topic is:
"Missouri's Cuts in Services"

Last Sunday our guest speaker was Amy Blouin, Executive Director of The Missouri Budget Project.  Its mission is to wake people up to the policies that are enacted by means of budgeting.  What happens is that people don't much like to pay attention to the details of budgets, and so important policy decisions are made without getting too many people upset.

Yesterday, KWMU's St. Louis on the AIr had a show on the exact same topic.  It was excellent.  Here's a link to the audio: http://www.kwmu.org/programs/slota/archivedetail.php?showid=3500

Can anyone find a link to good arguments for the opposing side, that is, for the budget cuts?  How can we relate budgeting to an ethical life?  Do we ever hide behind money constraints, i.e., use budgets as an excuse not to do good?  Or do we sometimes make bad money decisions in the name of being ethical?

Invitation open to members of the Society and their guests.
If you wish, you may RSVP Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.

Sunday, April 5th, from 11 AM 'til Noon
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters.   (roadmap)

Sunday Lecture Series

"Missouri Budget Cuts Risk Forfeiting Stimulus Funds"

The Missouri House of Representatives has passed a series of budget funding bills that include severe cuts to services.  Most significantly impacted will be abused children, foster children, and uninsured Missourians, but the cuts will impact all Missourians.

Missouri might forfeit as much as $200 million in critical federal funds, which could result in losing thousands of Missouri jobs.

The cuts are unnecessary.

The federal stimulus is expected to send at least $4.3 billion in increased funds over the next two years.   $1.6 billion of this is to enhance, at an enhanced rate, state Medicaid.  $167 million is specifically targeted for Fiscal Stabilization in Missouri.  These funds more than cover the amount necessary to restore the proposed cuts to state services.  Find out what you can do to impact this debate.

The general public is invited.
Questions?  Comments?  Contact Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.

Friday, April 3rd, from 7 PM to ?? PM
Host:  Craig

KnitWits

Par-Tay !!!

As always, lively conversation obliterates the sound of clicking knitting needles!

And nearby, there's a boisterous game or two, stimulating and challenging your brain-stuff.

Bring appetizer or snack or dessert, and something to drink, and maybe a game to play, and enjoy a warm & festive early Spring's evening with Society friends.

Invitation open to members of the Society and their guests.
If you wish, you may RSVP Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.

Wednesday, April 1st from 7 PM to 9 PM
Host:  Sean

Living Ethics Discussion

the topic is:
  "Innocent Stereotypes - Harmful Prejudice"

Last Sunday our guest speaker, Professor Darren Osburn talked about racial stereotypes in the media.  Stereotypes can be useful, even accurate as true statistical generalizations.  When does their use stop being helpful and become harmful?

Comics sometimes use stereotypes and exaggerate them for humorous effect, and they can be extremely funny.  Sometimes the butt of the joke also finds it funny.  Humor is a virtue, but when does it cross the line and become a vice?

Are we allowed to point out differences among groups of people?  E.g., basketball players are tall (in general).  People in prison are convicts (in general).

Do you have any personal experiences of expecting a group of people to be a certain way, only to be surprised?  Did you use to think, for example, that all lawyers were, well, lawful?

Invitation open to members of the Society and their guests.
If you wish, you may RSVP Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.