2010 - March back through January - Upcoming Events Archive

Wednesday, March 31st from 7 PM to 9 PM
Host: John H.

Living Ethics Discussion

the topic is:
"Should I Always Keep a Confidence?"

This Wednesday, at the urging of those of you who have been at either one of the last two LED's, we will get to the "answer" to the dilemma, "Should I Always Keep a Confidence?"

We've begun looking at the book Ethics for Everyone, and we've starting discussing the case that is presented. Here's the actual scenario from the book:

"Dan, fifteen years old, enjoys talking to his friend's mother, Nicole. Many times he has confided his problems to her. Now he comes to the house to ask if he can talk to her confidentially. After she agrees, he tells her that he has saved enough money to run away. She tries to persuade him not to, but fails. As soon as Dan leaves her house, Nicole calls his parents to tell them of their son's plans."

Last week, we read just this opening paragraph of the chapter, put the book down, and discussed the issue using our own lights, experience, intelligence, and approaches to ethics. Many interesting angles came up. We also learned some fascinating tidbits about each other's history.

Now we're ready to read aloud what the author himseself approaches this dilemma. His discussion extends 8 pages. After we hear it, or maybe during, we'll discuss our reactions to his way of resoving the dilemma.

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

Sunday, March 28th 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 amplified 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, March 28th from 11:00 AM 'til Noon
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

Sunday Lecture Series

Our guest speaker is Wicky Sleight, B.A., M.S., award-winning retired Director of the Kirkwood Public Library and library consultant.

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

Wednesday, March 24th from 7 PM to 9 PM
Host: Craig S.

Living Ethics Discussion

the topic is:
"Should I Always Keep a Confidence?"

This week we will look at the book, Ethics for Everyone, by Arthur Dobrin. We started this last week but only read a few paragraphs before we were stimulated to engage in a wonderful discussion on the question "How often do you face ethical dilemmas in your life?"

This week we will resume, with more on that question, if you like, or with a few more paragraphs from the book. The introductory chapters are full of intriguing insights about ethics.

After reading the paragraph describing the dilemma, we'll talk about it among ourselves. Then after a while, we'll read the rest of the chapter aloud and see what Dobrin's perspectives on the dilemma are.

When we first started LED years ago, we used this book, chapter by chapter, as basis for each week's discussion, and everyone agrees it was the most satisfying of all the books we've tried. In fact, many members from time to time have suggested that we return to it and go through it again. If you all decide you want to do that, we will. For now, though, I'm just offering it for this night again, and perhaps from time to time as the months go by.

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

Sunday, March 21st 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, March 21st from 11:00 AM 'til Noon
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

Sunday Lecture Series

"Welcome the Stranger:
A Portrait of Our New Americans in Metropolitan St. Louis"

Our guest speaker is Pam De Voe of the International Institute of St. Louis.

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

Sunday, March 21st 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.

Saturday, March 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 2010.

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

Mark your calendar for these coming Saturdays:
20 Mar, 17 Apr, 15 May, 19 Jun, & 17 Jul

Check out the NEW, 300th Ronald McDonald House!
For more information about the Ronald McDonald House Charity, click here.

Wednesday, March 17th from 7 PM to 9 PM
Host: Sean H.

Living Ethics Discussion

the topic is:
the book, "Ethics for Everyone" by Arthur Dobrin

Bob writes:
"When we first started LED years ago, we used this book, chapter by chapter, as the basis for each week's discussion, and everyone agrees it was the most satisfying of all the books we've tried. In fact, many members from time to time have suggested that we return and go through it again. If you all decide you want to do that, we will. For now, though, I'm just offering it for this night only, and perhaps from time to time as the months go by.

I'll do a little introduction about Dobrin's approach to ethics, then we'll read aloud the paragraph that starts the chapter on the first dilemma in the book: Should I Always Keep a Confidence? We'll talk about it ourselves. Then after a while, we will read the rest of the chapter aloud and see what Dobrin's perspectives on the dilemma are."

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

Sunday, March 14th from 12:30 AM 'til 2:30 PM
9001 Clayton Road (roadmap)

Special Sunday Event(s)!

Julia Sweeney's film:
"Letting Go of God"

Our Special Sunday Event takes place at the Ethical Society of St. Louis (ESSL) where we view Saturday Night Live alum, Julia Sweeny performing in her one-woman show, "Letting Go of God".

A light lunch will be served. $5 per person is payable that Sunday to cover cost of refreshments.

Following the film screening will be an opportunity to discuss what it's like for those who have "let go of their god," or who have hard questions about the faiths in which they were they were raised.

If you come to ESSL just before 11:00 am, you can enjoy ESSL Leader, Kate Lovelady's presentation on "Get on the Love Bus" and a performance by Angela Bell on the piano.

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

Friday, March 12th, from 7 PM to ?? PM
Host: at Jill & Bill's

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, wintery evening with Society friends.

Also! some of us will be working on cutting and sewing the t-shirt tote bags we will be selling at our booth at the Forest Park Earth Day celebration in April. If you plan to donate t-shirts for this fundraiser, please bring them on Sunday or to KnitWits tonight!

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

Wednesday, March 10th from 7 PM to 9 PM
Hosts: Jill & Bill A.

Living Ethics Discussion

the topic is:
"Movies in our Lives"

Movies are powerful, with sound and image, intensely focusing our interest like few books do. The Academy Award show was Sunday night. Let's talk about movies. What are your favorites? Which ones have affected you positively or negatively?

Which ones have affected you for the good, given you some new perspective or prodded you in some new direction? Which ones have done you harm? Can you think of a movie you saw that put you on a deleterious path for a while -- a movie that overglorified some behavior or pandered to lower impulses?

Let the discussion be wide-ranging and free. You don't have to be a stickler about drawing out the "moral lesson" of some movie: it's enough if you simply say, "This movie was about a, b, and c. I liked it and I feel like it was good for me!"

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

Sunday, March 7th from 11:00 AM 'til Noon
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

Sunday Lecture Series

Dr. Gary McKiddy will speak on ethics in politics.

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

Sunday, March 7th, from 9:45 AM 'til 10:45 AM
University of Missouri Extension Center
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

Humanist Understanding Group

"The Varieties of Scientific Experience"

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 sunny Sunday morning we continue our examination/discussion of "The Varieties of Scientific Experience: A Personal View of the Search for God", Chapter Nine, The Search.

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

"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 Family - The Secret Fundamentalism at the Heart of American Power" by Jeff Sharlet

The general public is invited.
Questions? Comments?

Wednesday, March 3rd from 7 PM to 9 PM
Host: John H.

Living Ethics Discussion

the topic is:
"Fair trade"

Once we understand the full panorama of what "Fair Trade" is all about, we feel the ethical pull on our behavior and lifestyle. Let's talk about this ethical pull. What's in it? Is it an obligation, or is it something that would be better for us to do but not necessarily an obligation? That is, do we come down on the side of holding that it's ethically wrong to not fair trade, or do we hold that it's ethically okay although not ethically the best?

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

Sunday, February 28th 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.

The general public is invited.

Sunday, February 28th, from 9:45 AM 'til 10:45 AM
University of Missouri Extension Center
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

Humanist Understanding Group

"The Varieties of Scientific Experience"

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 sunny Sunday morning we continue our examination/discussion of "The Varieties of Scientific Experience: A Personal View of the Search for God", Chapter Seven, The Religious Experience.

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

"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 Family - The Secret Fundamentalism at the Heart of American Power" by Jeff Sharlet

The general public is invited.
Questions? Comments?

Wednesday, February 24th from 7 PM to 9 PM
Host: Mary G.

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.

Monday, February 22nd 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 Drive
St Charles, MO 63303 63376
phone: (636) 940-5400

Twain Rivers Book Club

Book cover

"At the Elbows of my Elders"
by Gail Melissa Grant

Publishers Weekly Annex Reviews: "In this well-known family memoir, former U. S. foreign service officer Gail Grant presents an African-American family history that forgoes the epic sweep of the Civil Rights story to illuminate the difficult everyday life of a middle class black family in the first half of the 20th century. Focusing on the lives of her parents and grandparents, Grant's St. Louis story captures the strong voices of her family and the ambivalent tenor of their times. The facets of institutional racism are many and not always expected.

Grant's father, a lawyer and an early activist, found himself in jail more than once. Grant also shares of her own upbringing in a mostly white neighborhood, her pioneering grandmother -- the first African-American embalmer -- and a few marquee names like Cab Calloway and Josephine Baker. Covering an underreported facet of the 20th century American experience with detail and devotion, this insightful read should hold meaning for many."

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, February 21st from 11:00 AM 'til Noon
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

Sunday Lecture Series

"Create Peace, Go Shopping...
How Fair Trade Can Change the World"

Our guest speaker is Kellee Sikes, founder of P3 Strategies Inc.

How we shop affects the world. Our buying habits can open a sweatshop or launch a living wage co-op, deforest a rain forest or preserve wild life and village life, or continue slave labor plantation practices or produce delicious, lip-smacking pure chocolate and coffee. Fair Trade is the only business model addressing both the human and environmental issues stressing our world to the max. Vote with your dollars and the cha-ching of your credit card.

Learn how fair trade is changing the world with every purchase you make: Women able to care for their families and send children to school; Villages creating clinic and meal programs; Children learning the values of living-wage work, where everyone’s contribution is valued. Can you put a price on that?

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

Sunday, February 21st, from 9:45 AM 'til 10:45 AM
University of Missouri Extension Center
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

Humanist Understanding Group

"The Varieties of Scientific Experience"

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 sunny Sunday morning we continue our examination/discussion of "The Varieties of Scientific Experience: A Personal View of the Search for God".

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

"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 Family - The Secret Fundamentalism at the Heart of American Power" by Jeff Sharlet

The general public is invited.
Questions? Comments?

Saturday, February 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.

Mark your calendar for these coming Saturdays:
20 Mar, 17 Apr, 15 May, 19 Jun, & 17 Jul

Check out the NEW, 300th Ronald McDonald House!
For more information about the Ronald McDonald House Charity, click here.

Wednesday, February 17th from 7 PM to 9 PM
Hosts: Patti & Rob M.

Living Ethics Discussion

the topic is:
"How do we reconcile that empathy with our desire to continue to eat animals?"

Sunday we heard the riveting story of puppy mills. It's a recent phenomenon, having grown into a full industry only in the last 10-15 years or so. Dog breeders became farmers, farmers became dog breeders, and dogs became a cash crop.

What about the fact that some animals eat other animals, and this part of nature? Yet, as Bob Greenwell pointed out in the Worth Service, predators in the natural world don't capture their prey and make them live miserable lives for months or years before getting around to killing them. Would it make sense to you to say that we have an ethical obligation to give our feed animals high-quality lives while they live, but that we have no ethical obligation to keep them alive until they die of natural disease or old age?

You don't have to come with a "point" to add to this argument one way or the other, although that would be fine. Just come with some personal experience to share about how you were trained with food, how you relate to animals, and how you wrestle with the question of what to eat. And come ready to hear alternate views and appreciate alternate experiences.

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

Sunday, February 14th from 12:15 PM to ??
University of Missouri Extension Center
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

ESMR Board of Directors Meeting

Sunday, February 14th from 11:00 AM 'til Noon
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

Sunday Lecture Series

Our guest speaker is Barbra Schmitz with Missourians for the Protection of Dogs.

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

Sunday, February 14th (Valentine's Day!) 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, February 14th, from 9:45 AM 'til 10:45 AM
University of Missouri Extension Center
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

Humanist Understanding Group

"The Varieties of Scientific Experience"

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 sunny Sunday morning we continue our examination/discussion of "The Varieties of Scientific Experience: A Personal View of the Search for God".

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

"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 Family - The Secret Fundamentalism at the Heart of American Power" by Jeff Sharlet

The general public is invited.
Questions? Comments?

Wednesday, February 10th from 7 PM to 9 PM
Host: Dee M.

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, February 7th, from 9:45 AM 'til 10:45 AM
University of Missouri Extension Center
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

Humanist Understanding Group

"The Varieties of Scientific Experience"

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 sunny Sunday morning we begin our examination/discussion of "The Varieties of Scientific Experience: A Personal View of the Search for God".

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

"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 Family - The Secret Fundamentalism at the Heart of American Power" by Jeff Sharlet

The general public is invited.
Questions? Comments?

Wednesday, February 3rd from 7 PM to 9 PM
Host: Hannah Z.

Living Ethics Discussion

the topic is:
"Moral Certainty"

Professor Douchant talked to us about David Hume, the Scottish skeptical philosopher, one of the giants who most influenced modern philosophy. He argued that our theories of things are just made up. They can agree with our real lives, more or less, but none can give us absolute certainty.

There's no certainty, but people continue to insist on having it!

I (Bob Greenwell) asked Rachel a question. Given that there's no certain place for us to stand and have the absolutely precise perspective, given no certainty, how do we settle moral dilemmas?

She said, "You're not going to like my answer!" But I actually did like it. She said that she finds the greatest wisdom (and "philosophy" means "love of wisdom") in Aristotle's advice to resolve your moral dilemmas by observing virtuous people, see what they do, and then imitate them.

How do you like this answer? Can you find an example of that in your life? Whom have you imitated (for better or worse)? Who has imitated you?

Beyond that, I would also be interested in hearing the role that the love of wisdom has played in your lives. You don't have to have read any professional philosophers, but perhaps there's a thought that you heard that struck you as profound and wise, and you have held it in your mind, as at least a beacon of light to remember once in a while. Maybe you thought it up yourself.

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

Sunday, January 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.

The general public is invited.

Sunday, January 31st from 11:00 AM 'til Noon
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

Sunday Lecture Series

Our guest speaker St. Charles Councilwoman Cheryl Hibbeler.

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

Sunday, January 31st, from 9:45 AM 'til 10:45 AM
University of Missouri Extension Center
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

Humanist Understanding Group

"Games People Play"

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.

We are resuming our examination/discussion of "Games People Play".

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

"Games People Play; the Psychology of Human Relationships" by Dr. Eric Berne
"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 Family - The Secret Fundamentalism at the Heart of American Power" by Jeff Sharlet

The general public is invited.
Questions? Comments?

Wednesday, January 27th from 7 PM to 9 PM
Host: Sean H.

Living Ethics Discussion

the topic is:
"Acting on Your Ethical Decisions"

This week we’ll be discussing how to react ethically, both individually and collectively, in response to the information Chris Wimmer shared with us on Sunday. We may all agree that Chris’s information was appalling and alarming, but are we all doing what we can to choose our own food wisely? What does it mean to eat ethically? What can we do to help each other put ethical practices into action?

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

Monday, January 25th from 7 - 8 pm
Kathryn Linnemann Library
2323 Elm Street
St. Charles, MO 63301

Special Monday Evening Event

"Church Not 4 U?"
... Try ES!

Don't spend 2 hours reading our web site; meet our Leader, in person, for just 1 hour!
Get a first-hand feel for the Ethical Society.
No obligations. No registration forms to fill out.

Can something based purely on ethics, on the moral sense, be called a "religion"?
How can we raise children on a purely ethical basis?
How can we grow as adults toward fulfillment of our best selves?
Learn the core values, principles, and history of the Ethical Society movement.
What is the attitude toward God? What if you don't believe in God? Or do?
How do we relate to Jewish, Christian, or other believers -- our own relatives, for example?
What are our Sunday programs like? Our other programs?

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

Sunday, January 24th from 11:00 AM 'til Noon
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

Sunday Lecture Series

"Acting on Your Ethical Decisions"

Our speaker is Mr. Chris Wimmer.

Chris's talk will focus on the ramifications of such things as the farm bill and its effects on Mexico, etc., factory farming, fast food, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and then he will give us resources to make small and/or large changes in our own lives regarding our life choices, especially in regard to the food we eat.

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

Sunday, January 24th, from 9:45 AM 'til 10:45 AM
University of Missouri Extension Center
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

Humanist Understanding Group

"Games People Play"

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.

We are resuming our examination/discussion of "Games People Play".

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

"Games People Play; the Psychology of Human Relationships" by Dr. Eric Berne
"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 Family - The Secret Fundamentalism at the Heart of American Power" by Jeff Sharlet

The general public is invited.
Questions? Comments?

Wednesday, January 20th from 7 PM to 9 PM
St. Louis Ethical Society
9001 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117 -- phone: (314)991-0955

Special Event

"The Empathic Civilization:
The Race to Global Consciousness in a World in Crisis"

Left Bank Books presents author Jeremy Rifkin introducing his latest book in the main auditorium of St. Louis Ethical Society.

Is empathy the key to the climate and energy crises? Jeremy Rifkin's The Empathic Civilization: The Race to Global Consciousness in a World in Crisis marks the return of "one of the leading big-picture thinkers of our day" (Utne Reader). Rifkin's first book in six years explores how interconnected empathy, energy and the climate are -- and how dependent we are on them for global survival in the 21st century. By examining empathy's role in shaping our civilization and by highlighting innovators in the field of energy use, Rifkin -- an advisor to several European heads of state and the best-selling author of The Hydrogen Economy and The European Dream -- offers a provocative rethinking of human history and a concrete plan for the future.

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

Sunday, January 17th from 11:00 AM 'til Noon
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

Special Sunday Event

Special video presentation for Martin Luther King Day:
... "A History of the Civil Rights Movement"

From the DVD jacket:
"’Separate But Equal’ facilities and Jim Crow laws provide the realistic backdrop for this visual history of the civil rights movement. The most dramatic moments of the fight for equality are presented, from the historic case of Plessy v. Ferguson to roles of many prominent African Americans like Booker T. Washington, Marcus Garvey, A. Philip Randolph, Thurgood Marshall, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X. Interviews with Andrew Young, James Farmer and other leading authorities illuminate the enduring spirit that inspired bus boycotts, lunch counter sit-ins, freedom marches, and demonstrations."

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

Sunday, January 17th, from 9:45 AM 'til 10:45 AM
University of Missouri Extension Center
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

Humanist Understanding Group

"Games People Play"

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.

We are resuming our examination/discussion of "Games People Play".

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

"Games People Play; the Psychology of Human Relationships" by Dr. Eric Berne
"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 Family - The Secret Fundamentalism at the Heart of American Power" by Jeff Sharlet

The general public is invited.
Questions? Comments?

Saturday, January 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.

Mark your calendar for these coming Saturdays:
20 Feb, , & 20 Mar

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

Wednesday, January 13th from 7 PM to 9 PM
Host: Craig S.

Living Ethics Discussion

the topic is:
"Gender Communication"

Last Sunday we heard a rousing talk about Gender Communication from Kathy Ratino. Let's continue the talk for this LED. Kathy's new teaching schedule means that this Wednesday will be her last chance to attend LED for a while, so we'll be happy to have her expertise this session. The title of her talk says it all: "Viva la Difference! Coming to Peace with the Way the Other Sex Communicates". It's the "coming to peace" part that makes this discussion of men-women misunderstandings and understandings ethical.

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

Sunday, January 10th from 11:00 AM 'til Noon
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

Sunday Lecture Series

"Viva la Difference!
... Coming to Peace with the Way the Other Sex Communicates"

Our speaker is ESMR member Kathy Ratino.

Ask most people how the other sex communicates and how well the other sex communicates, and you will get an earful in response. Male and female styles of communication tend to be quite different, and if we don’t learn to acknowledge – and even appreciate – these differences as variations in style rather than right or wrong, we may view the communication of the other sex as anything from perplexing to downright crazy. Kathy will explore past and current research and discuss personal experience that sheds light on this subject.

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

Sunday, January 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"

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

Humanist Understanding Group

"Games People Play"

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.

We are resuming our examination/discussion of "Games People Play".

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

"Games People Play; the Psychology of Human Relationships" by Dr. Eric Berne
"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 Family - The Secret Fundamentalism at the Heart of American Power" by Jeff Sharlet

The general public is invited.
Questions? Comments?

Wednesday, January 6th from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Host: Sara S.

Living Ethics Discussion

Can ya believe it! More snow!!!

Tonight's LED has been canceled in anticipation of an accumulation of 4 to 6 inches of the fluffy white stuff.
See y'all next week at Craig S.'s!

the topic is (was to have been):
"Given no certainty, how do we settle moral dilemmas?"

Sunday we heard a masterful presentation on philosophy by our speaker Rachel Douchant, Ph.D.

She talked to us about David Hume, the Scottish skeptical philosopher, one of the giants who most influenced modern philosophy. He argued that our theories of things are just made up. They can agree with our real lives, more or less, but none can give us absolute certainty.

She went on to say that she finds the greatest wisdom in Aristotle's advice to resolve your moral dilemmas by observing virtuous people, see what they do, and then imitate them.

Can you find an example of that in your life? Whom have you imitated (for better or worse)? Who has imitated you?

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

Sunday, January 3rd from 11:00 AM 'til Noon
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

Sunday Lecture Series

"Philosophy in Our Everyday Lives"

Our guest speaker is Dr. Rachel Douchant, Professor of Philosophy at Lindenwood University.

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

Sunday, January 3rd, from 9:45 AM 'til 10:45 AM
University of Missouri Extension Center
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

Humanist Understanding Group

"Humanist Manifesto III"

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.

We are examining (and discussing) the Humanist Manifesto III; and if time permits, we will examine both the original Humanist Manifesto and the Humanist Manifesto II of 1973. Links for these documents are:

- Humanist Manifesto of 1933
- Humanist Manifesto II
- Humanist Manifesto III

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

"Games People Play; the Psychology of Human Relationships" by Dr. Eric Berne
"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?