2009 - September back through July

Wednesday, September 30th at 7 PM
Host: Hannah H.

Living Ethics Discussion

the topic is:
"Mental Health Challenges of Returning Soldiers"

Tonight's LED has been canceled due to the unavaliability of a last-minute replacement host.

Hope to see you all next week when we meet at the home of the Martins!

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

Sunday, September 27th, from 11 AM 'til Noon
University of Missouri Extension Center
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

Sunday Lecture Series

" Observations of Our Returning Troops from the Global War on Terror:
... A Counselor’s Perspective"

Our guest speaker this day is Armando De La Garza, MA, LPC, CRC. Mr. De La Garza is a professional counselor who works at the St. Louis Vet Center. He specializes in working with combat veterans who suffer from PTSD and its associated features such as depression and substance abuse. He has worked for the Dept. of Veterans Affairs in various capacities beginning in March 2001.

Mr. De La Garza proudly served fifteen years on active duty in two branches of the military. From 1981 to 1985 he served in the U.S. Marine Corps as an infantryman and from 1986 to 1997 he served in the U. S. Coast Guard.

He holds a B.A. degree in speech communication from Texas State University and a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling from Maryville University of St. Louis. He is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in the state of Missouri and a nationally certified rehabilitation counselor (CRC).

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

Sunday, September 27th, from 9:30 AM 'til 10:45 AM
University of Missouri Extension Center
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

Humanist Understanding Group

"Omnivore's Dilemma..."

HUG is a barely-moderated, roundtable-type discussion group. We're deeply interested in Humanism and in understanding why we humans behave the ways we do. We read, oftentimes while meeting, and then discuss the subject matter.

This Sunday morning we are continuing our discussion of "Omnivore's Dilemma".

An abridged version of the book is available online from Google Books. Here's the link to Google's Online version: Book Link

Our lineup of books to be discussed in HUG in the coming weeks is:

"Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals" by Michael Pollan
"Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark" by Dr. Carl Sagan
"The Varieties of Scientific Experience: A Personal View of the Search for God" Ann Druyan edited Sagan's 1985 Glasgow Gifford Lectures in Natural Theology

The general public is invited.
Questions? Comments?

Friday, September 25th from 4 PM to 11 PM
Saturday, September 26th from 10 AM to 11 PM
Sunday, September 27th, from 10 AM to 5 PM
Frontier Park off Riverside Drive in Old St. Charles

Special Event - Oktoberfest

...From the Oktoberfest web site:
Willkommen ("Welcome!"),
"The City of St. Charles extends an invitation to continue the celebration with our 23rd year of hosting the Oktoberfest Festival and the City of St. Charles' 200th Anniversary as a community.

Whether you come for shopping, food or fun, you will find something to enjoy. "

ESMR will have two adjoining booths - one for the Quilt Raffle & one for food & beverages

We're cooking up the most delicious knackwursts (mit der 'Kraut) und hamburgers und chips & soda!

Sunday afternoon is the big drawing for our Quilt Raffle!

Invitation open to EVERYBODY!!!
See you there!

Wednesday, September 23rd from 7 PM to 9 PM
Host: Sean H.

Living Ethics Discussion

the topic is:
"The School of the Americas"

... Or as it is now known, Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation.

Graduates of the school have become military dictators and members of death squads. As a result a large international movement has risen up to close it.

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

Sunday, September 20th, from 11 AM 'til Noon
University of Missouri Extension Center
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

Sunday Lecture Series

" Why we want to close the SOA/WHINSEC
...or what is all the fuss about?"

Our guest speaker this day is Marilyn Lorenz of St. Louis Inter-Faith Committee on Latin America.

The School of the Americas was a US military school for Latin American officers and soldiers founded in 1946. It moved from Ft. Gulick, Panama to Ft. Benning, GA in 1984. Due to pressure it was closed by Congress in 2000 but reopened as the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation.

Graduates of the school have become military dictators and members of death squads. As a result a large international movement has risen up to close it. The talk will look at the history and the current situation.

Marilyn with her friend Santos in photo.

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

Sunday, September 20th 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 Platform Presentation 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.

Sunday, September 20th, from 9:30 AM 'til 10:45 AM
University of Missouri Extension Center
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

Humanist Understanding Group

"Omnivore's Dilemma..."

"Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals" by Michael Pollan
"Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark" by Dr. Carl Sagan
"The Varieties of Scientific Experience: A Personal View of the Search for God" Ann Druyan edited Sagan's 1985 Glasgow Gifford Lectures in Natural Theology

The general public is invited.
Questions? Comments?

Saturday, September 19th
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:
Oct 17th, 21 Nov, & 19 Dec

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

Wednesday, September 16th from 7 PM to 9 PM
Hosts: Jill & Bill A.

Living Ethics Discussion

the topic is:
"Healthcare Reform, or whatever else is on people's minds"

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

Sunday, September 13th from 12:15 PM to ??
University of Missouri Extension Center
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

ESMR Board of Directors Meeting

Please submit reports and
additions to the agenda well in advance.
Board members, please notify if you will not be attending.

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

Sunday, September 13th from noontime 'til about 1:00 PM
University of Missouri Extension Center
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

Potluck Dinner with 5th Anniversary Cake

It's Potluck Sunday! Continuing the celebration, please join us for lunch.

The general public is invited.

Sunday, September 13th, at 11 AM
University of Missouri Extension Center
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

Sunday Program

"Gala 5th Anniversary Celebration!"

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

Sunday, September 13th, from 9:30 AM 'til 10:45 AM
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

Humanist Understanding Group

"Omnivore's Dilemma..."

HUG is a barely-moderated, roundtable-type discussion group. We're deeply interested in Humanism and in understanding why we humans behave the ways we do. We read, oftentimes while meeting, and then discuss the subject matter.

This Sunday morning we are beginning our discussion of "Omnivore's Dilemma".

An abridged version of the book is available online from Google Books. Here's the link to Google's Online version: Book Link

Our lineup of books to be discussed in HUG in the coming weeks is:

"Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals" by Michael Pollan
"Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark" by Dr. Carl Sagan
"The Varieties of Scientific Experience: A Personal View of the Search for God" Ann Druyan edited Sagan's 1985 Glasgow Gifford Lectures in Natural Theology

The general public is invited.
Questions? Comments?

Wednesday, September 9th from 6:30 PM to 9 PM
Host: Hannah Z.

Living Ethics Discussion

the topic is:
"President Obama's Health Care Speech"

Come on out to Hannah's lovely lakeside domicile to view our President's Wednesday evening, prime-time (7 PM CDT, 8 PM EDT) speech in front of a joint session of Congress & the American people. Our group's discussion to follow immediately after.

from Time magazine:

"Aides caution that he will neither demand a so-called public-health-insurance option nor abandon his desire to see one achieved. He will not give up his quest for a bipartisan compromise in the Senate, nor will he vow to abandon the possible use of parliamentary procedures that would allow Democrats to pass major portions of reform with just 51 Senate votes."

Hannah welcomes guests to arrive as early as 6:30 PM so that the program may be viewed in its entirety. Mezzanine seating available!

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

Sunday, September 6th, at 11 AM

Sunday Program

Closed for Labor Day Weekend

This weekend we honor Labor Day, a national holiday dedicated to "the spiritual and educational aspects of the labor movement."

This Sunday marks the 100th anniversary of the adoption by the American Federation of Labor convention of 1909 as Labor Sunday

Our regular meeting place at 260 Brown Road will be closed all of Sunday, September 6th.

Friday, September 4th, 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 cool & festive, Summer'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, September 2nd from 7 PM to 9 PM
Host: Mary G.

Living Ethics Discussion

the topic is:
"The History of the City of St. Charles"

This evening's topic is based on last Sunday's presentation just off Main Street in St. Charles.

Our host has also suggested an addtional topic, "Health Care Issues Today".

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

Monday, August 31st from 7 PM to almost 9 PM
Meeting at Saint Charles Coffee House
before 6:30 PM for dinner, after 7:00 PM for discussion
3821 McClay Road
St. Peters, MO 63376
phone: (636) 922-1566

Twain Rivers Book Club

Book cover

"The Murder of Roger Ackroyd"
by Agatha Christie

"Dr. Sheppard has no idea his finicky, foreign neighbor is actually retired detective Hercule Poirot. When wealthy Roger Ackroyd is found brutally murdered, Poirot can’t resist stepping in to sort out clues and find the killer. This third Poirot mystery has all the author’s trademark touches — a pithy portrait of English village life, a cast of unforgettable characters, and a plot of Byzantine complexity. Due to its shocking twist ending, the book remains one of the most controversial mysteries ever written. " -- Barnes & Noble review

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, August 30th, at 11 AM
Meet at log church across from the gazebo at 11.

Sunday Program

"St. Charles Bicentennial"

Caroline Whetzel is our guest presenter.

"A talk on the history of St. Charles and a walking tour." One-hour talk + tour for up to 20 people after.

N.b. The regular meeting place at 260 Brown Road will be closed all of Sunday, August 30th.

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

Wednesday, August 26th from 6 PM to 8 PM
Host: Craig S.

Living Ethics Discussion

the topic is:
"'21st Century Feminism"

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

Sunday, August 23rd from noontime 'til about 1:00 PM
University of Missouri Extension Center
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

Potluck Dinner &
a Special 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.)

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

A Special Food Bank Collection:
Difficult times have fallen on two of our members & it has been decided by our Board of Directors that we can assist those two with their difficulties by helping with their food requirements.

One of our members suggested grocery store gift cards; & gift cards are most welcome!

Check the following links for more Gift Card information:
Shop 'n Save, Schnucks, Dierberg's

For clarification, donations will still be accepted for the Ollie Hibbeler Memorial Food Bank; and should be designated as such. Thank you, so very much, for your generosity & help!

The general public is invited.

Sunday, August 23rd, from 11 AM 'til Noon
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

Sunday Lecture Series

"21st Century Feminism"

Kate Lovelady, leader of the St. Louis Ethical Society will be our guest speaker

"... and that's all we really need to know!!!"

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

Sunday, August 23th, from 9:30 AM 'til 10:45 AM
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

Humanist Understanding Group

"The Year of Living Biblically..."

HUG is a barely-moderated, roundtable-type discussion group. We're deeply interested in Humanism and in understanding why we humans behave the ways we do. We read, oftentimes while meeting, and then discuss the subject matter.

This Sunday morning we are continuing our discussion of "the Year of Living Biblically".

An abridged version of the book is available online from Google Books. Here's the link to Google's Online version: Book Link

Our lineup of books to be discussed in HUG in the coming weeks is:

"The Year of Living Biblically: One Man's Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible" by A.J. Jacobs
"Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals" by Michael Pollan
"Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark" by Dr. Carl Sagan
"The Varieties of Scientific Experience: A Personal View of the Search for God" Ann Druyan edited Sagan's 1985 Glasgow Gifford Lectures in Natural Theology

The general public is invited.
Questions? Comments?

Wednesday, August 19th from 7 PM to 9 PM
Host: Sean H.

Living Ethics Discussion

the topic is:
"Liz's Discussion about Her Vacation to Mexico"

Hi everyone. Please attend this Wed. night's LED at my (Sean's) home if you can.

I would like to follow-up from Sunday (Liz's discussion about her vacation to Mexico). I would like to talk about the Mexican Culture and I would like for people to share their experiences/interactions with people from other cultures. We can talk about anything from immigration to communication, or whatever else comes to mind. It's pretty broad right now. Of course all ideas are welcome.

I am interested in this topic because I'm learning Spanish and thinking about living and/or studying abroad someday.

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

Sunday, August 16th, from 11 AM 'til Noon
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

Sunday Lecture Series

"How I Spent my Summer Vacation"

Our guest speaker and Ethical Society - Mid Rivers member, Liz Smith, will speak about her trip to Mexico to build homes for 2 families in Tijuana with Esperanza International.

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

Sunday, August 16th, from 9:30 AM 'til 10:45 AM
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

Humanist Understanding Group

"The Year of Living Biblically..."

HUG is a barely-moderated, roundtable-type discussion group. We're deeply interested in Humanism and in understanding why we humans behave the ways we do. We read, oftentimes while meeting, and then discuss the subject matter.

What's happening this Sunday morning is what Mary calls "double-dipping"" ...to discuss a book in more than one group. We continue discussion of the same book our Twain Rivers Book Club discussed on Monday evening, the 27th of July (of which Mary is also a participant).

Our lineup for the succession of books to be discussed in HUG in the coming weeks is:

"The Year of Living Biblically: One Man's Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible" by A.J. Jacobs
"Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan
"Demon-Haunted World" by Dr. Carl Sagan
"The Varieties of Scientific Experience: A Personal View of the Search for God" Ann Druyan edited Sagan's 1985 Glasgow Gifford Lectures in Natural Theology

The general public is invited.
Questions? Comments?

Saturday, August 15th
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.

Mark your calendar for these coming Saturdays:
Sep 19th, Oct 17th, 21 Nov, & 19 Dec

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

Wednesday, August 12th from 7 PM to 9 PM
Host: Hannah Z.

Living Ethics Discussion

the topic is:
"Missourians for Single Payer Health Insurance"

We will discuss various issues relating to the proposed Health Care Reform, as a follow-up to last Sunday's presentation by Julia Lamborn.

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

Sunday, August 9th from 12:15 PM to ??
University of Missouri Extension Center
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

ESMR Board of Directors Meeting

Sunday, August 9th, from 11 AM 'til Noon
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

Sunday Lecture Series

"The Current Healthcare Crisis"

Our guest speaker, Julia Lamborn will speak on what the healthcare situation is now, what proposals for change are being discussed and how they will affect us.

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

Sunday, August 9th 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"

$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.

Sunday, August 9th, from 9:30 AM 'til 10:45 AM
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

Humanist Understanding Group

"The Year of Living Biblically..."

HUG is a barely-moderated, roundtable-type discussion group. We're deeply interested in Humanism and in understanding why we humans behave the ways we do. We read, oftentimes while meeting, and then discuss the subject matter.

What's happening this Sunday morning is what Mary calls "double-dipping"" ...to discuss a book in more than one group. We continue discussion of the same book our Twain Rivers Book Club discussed on Monday evening, the 27th of July (of which Mary is also a participant).

Our lineup for the succession of books to be discussed in HUG in the coming weeks is:

"The Year of Living Biblically: One Man's Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible" by A.J. Jacobs
"Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan
"Demon-Haunted World" by Dr. Carl Sagan
"The Varieties of Scientific Experience: A Personal View of the Search for God" Ann Druyan edited Sagan's 1985 Glasgow Gifford Lectures in Natural Theology

The general public is invited.
Questions? Comments?

Wednesday, August 5th from 7 PM to 9 PM
Hosts: Patti & Rob-Bob M.

Living Ethics Discussion

the topic is:
"Racial Profiling"

Your opinion... does it effect you in any way... are you aware when you do it ..... what can we do about it as a group or as individuals ... current news headlines and talk shows .... examples ...... personal experiences ... and ???

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

Sunday, August 2nd, from 10:00 AM 'til 2:00 PM
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

Sunday Lecture Series

"Red Cross Blood Drive"

No lecture or other presentation this special Sunday... just the good folks of the American Red Cross will be present for this all-important blood drive.

"We absolutely welcome additions and walk-ins; it is open to the general public so if you have non-ESMR friends/associates please encourage them to come and donate. If you and/or your friends wish to reserve a time slot (Currently available from 11 AM through to 2 PM), please contact Carolyn or me (Chuck Landry) via e-mail or phone 636-928-6240.

Thanks for your support!"

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

Wednesday, July 29nd from 7 PM to 9 PM
Host: Bob G.
at the Spencer Road Library
427 Spencer Road (Between Mexico & Willott Roads)
Saint Peters, MO 63376

Living Ethics Discussion

the topic is:
last Sunday's platform (clergy abuse/trauma)

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

Monday, July 27th from 7 PM to almost 9 PM
Meeting at Grappa Grill
before 6:30 PM for dinner, after 7:00 PM for discussion
1644 Country Club Plaza Dr. (Zumbehl & Hwy 94)
St. Peters, MO 63376
phone: (636) 447-1883

Twain Rivers Book Club

Book cover

"The Year of Living Biblically:
One Man's Humble Quest to Follow the Bible
as Literally as Possible"
by A. J. Jacobs

"Raised in a secular family but increasingly interested in the relevance of faith in our modern world, A.J. Jacobs decides to dive in headfirst and attempt to obey the Bible as literally as possible for one full year. He vows to follow the Ten Commandments. To be fruitful and multiply. To love his neighbor. But also to obey the hundreds of less publicized rules: to avoid wearing clothes made of mixed fibers; to play a ten-string harp; to stone adulterers.

The resulting spiritual journey is at once funny and profound, reverent and irreverent, personal and universal and will make you see history's most influential book with new eyes." -- review by ChristianBook.com

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, July 26th 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.

The general public is invited.

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

Sunday Lecture Series

"Clergy Sex Abuse, How You Can Help"

Our guest speaker, Barbara Dorris will go behind the headlines to help make sense of the sad phenomenon of clergy sex abuse.

Mother, grandmother, former school teacher and abuse survivor, Ms. Dorris is the National Outreach director for SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests.

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

Sunday, July 26th, from 9:30 AM 'til 10:45 AM
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

Humanist Understanding Group

"The Year of Living Biblically..."

HUG is a barely-moderated, roundtable-type discussion group. We're deeply interested in Humanism and in understanding why we humans behave the ways we do. We read, oftentimes while meeting, and then discuss the subject matter.

What's happening this Sunday morning is what Mary calls "double-dipping"" ...to discuss a book in more than one group. We begin discussion of the same book our Twain Rivers Book Club is discussing on Monday evening, the 27th of July (of which Mary is also a participant).

Our lineup for the succession of books to be discussed in HUG in the coming weeks is:

"The Year of Living Biblically: One Man's Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible" by A.J. Jacobs
"Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan
"Demon-Haunted World" by Dr. Carl Sagan
"The Varieties of Scientific Experience: A Personal View of the Search for God" Ann Druyan edited Sagan's 1985 Glasgow Gifford Lectures in Natural Theology

The general public is invited.
Questions? Comments?

Wednesday, July 22nd from 7 PM to 9 PM
Hosts: Liz & Chris R.

Living Ethics Discussion

This evening we can address a variety of topics:

- We can do our regular follow-up on last Sunday's presentation, "Why Dred Scott Matters Today"".
- We can continue the discussion of Monday evening's presentation, "Morality over Religion"
- and/or -
- Per an ESMR member's suggestion, "Will the possibility of publicly-funded abortions derail President Obama's hope for a universal health care plan?" Link to Yahoo News article

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

Tuesday, July 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

Monday, July 20th from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Non-Profit Development Center
425 Spencer Road at Boone Hills Drive
(building is adjacent to, and just East of, Spencer Road library)
Saint Peters

Public Forum

"Morality Over Religion"

Most people presume morality comes from religion. If that were so, how would you ever tell a good religion from a bad one, an immoral one from a moral one?

The Ethical Society will present a Forum on Monday, July 20, 2009, 7:00-8:30 pm, at the Non-Profit Development Center (behind Spencer Rd Library), 425 Spencer Rd, St. Peters MO 63376. The Forum will present Liz Reckker, Coordinator of Children’s Education at the Society, with an opening personal story. Then Bob Greenwell, Leader in the American Ethical Union, will present the argument for a movement to place morality over religion, worldwide. Then Rachel Douchant, Ph.D., Lindenwood Professor of Philosophy, will present a critique intended to provoke clarification and discussion. There will then be Q&A from the audience.

Childcare will be provided. Cookies and beverage will be provided.

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

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

Sunday Lecture Series

"Why Dred Scott Matters Today"

Lynne M. Jackson, great-great-granddaughter of Dred and Harriet Scott, will be speaking at the Ethical Society Mid Rivers on Sunday, July 19. She represents the Dred Scott Heritage Foundation, and will speak about one of the most important cases ever tried in the United States, which was heard in St. Louis' Old Courthouse. The Supreme Court decided the case in 1857, which hastened the start of the Civil War.

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

Saturday, July 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 these coming Saturdays:
Aug 18th & Sep 19th

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

Wednesday, July 15th from 7 PM to 9 PM
Host: Dee M.

Living Ethics Discussion

the topic is:
"Freedom of Speech/Expresssion"

Greetings!

Since we haven't had a Sunday lecture for a couple of weeks I (host Dee) have chosen our topic of the week. Last Monday there was an article in the Post-Dispatch about the city of Maplewood being sued by the ACLU over their passage of a law aimed at the Westboro Baptist Church who makes it a mission to protest against homosexuality at funerals of soldiers. Tony Rothert, the legal director of the ACLU of Eastern Missouri says the "Maplewood's (law) is worse than most of the ordinances and worse than the state statute." This is because the protest exclusion zone is wider and lasts longer.

We can agree in the importance of having a right to free speech, but what about using it to promote hatred? How far should their rights extend? What about the rights of a group to hold a funeral in peace? How about the rights of the gay person to live a life without being maligned? Ethical issues abound around this topic.

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

Monday, July 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 Board of 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, July 12th
University of Missouri Extension Center
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

Ethical Society Mid Rivers is Closed for Today!

All ESMR activities regularly occurring on this day have been postponed

It's the last day of the Member's Retreat! 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.

July 10th through 12th, 2009
(from Friday afternoon through Sunday afternoon)
Sinai Retreat Center is 6 miles west of Lesterville, MO
and about 10 miles southwest of Johnson Shut-Ins

ESMR Members' Retreat at Sinai

The Retreat is an extremely important event in the life of our group. Try to attend! We will ask only $30 per person, which covers two night's lodging at Sinai Retreat Center in Southeast MO, where we have held our Retreats before, and it's great. We bring our own food.

Contact: Tony & Pam Aiello 573.648.2544. Pam's (@ work) phone number: 573.648.2498 x21, pann_aiello@yahoo.com At the same (work) phone number is the third owner, Pam’s sister, Kathy Zimmerman, cousin of Tim Walsh, close friend of Kevin Shults.

Invitation exclusively open to members (& alumni) of the Society.
Please RSVP Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.

Wednesday, July 8th from 7 PM to 9 PM
Hosts: Jill & Bill A.

Living Ethics Discussion

the topic is:
to be announced...

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

Sunday, July 5th
University of Missouri Extension Center
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

Ethical Society Mid Rivers is Closed for Today!

All ESMR activities regularly occurring on this day have been postponed

It's the 4th of July weekend! 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.

Wednesday, July 1st from 7 PM to 9 PM
Hosts: Maureen & Brian McG.

Living Ethics Discussion

the topic is:
"If"

If the people of the world got together (in a 100 years, in 500 years) and agreed to direct their interactions with one another by the guiding principle of morality over religion (and over ideology), how would life be different? By "agree with one another", I mean really agree. Agree in the same way and to the same degree as the new nation called the United States agreed to make the constitution their supreme law. The constitution over all other laws. Morality over religion.

If people of the world agreed, how would life be different?

Would theocracies be possible?

Would moral systems based on dogmas be possible?

Examples from today: Iran, a theocracy, putting down the people's protest against sham elections. Dr. Tiller and others like him, being murdered by people whose conviction that abortion is murder was a conviction based on a religious interpretation of life in the womb. The economy, based on a single narrow bottom line (a radical ideology of me-first competition). The environment, subordinated to narrow economic interests. My feeling is that the world gives religious morality and ideological morality too much weight. They have passion behind them, and that leads us to suppose there must be some real value in them. The world hardly even knows how to imagine morality in its own right. Simple basic goodness.

I'm only asking, how would the world be different, if people reached such an agreement. I'm not asking if such a thing is possible. If you want to veer into that, you can. But it certainly will never be possible if people don't start envisioning what it would be like.

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