SPOKANE HUMANISTS
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SPOKANE HUMANISTS |
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American Humanist Association |
Institute For |
Unitarian Universalist Association |
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The Humanist Focus Group of the Inland Northwest is a community of individuals who believe that Humanism offers both a realistic and responsible guide to a happy life without having the supernatural as part of their philosophy. Between September and May they meet twice a month, the first Saturday of the month for a breakfast meeting at the Old Country Buffet, Rowan & Division in Spokane and the third Sunday of the month at 12:45 pm at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Spokane. Sunday programs usually start in October. |
The monthly programs of the Humanist Focus Group have covered a wide range of topics. Recognizing that human beings are part of the natural world, many of the programs come from the world of science: cosmology, origin of the earth, the evolution-creationism debate, stem cell research and its moral component, and the contribution of Carl Sagan, Richard Dawkins, and Edward O. Wilson. Other subjects include ethics, the psychology of religion, politics, music appreciation, and the travels of Lewis and Clark. Speakers for the monthly programs are asked to tie their presentation to a humanist theme.
You can read about some of the speakers at our previous monthly programs and events.
Upcoming Programs
August 16, 2008 Saturday "Lupper" 3-5:30 pm Home of Ken and Lee Swedberg, 235-4979 19607 S Cheney-Spangle Rd, Cheney, WA Bring a "finger food" or other contribution which can be eaten mid-afternoon. Beverages will be provided. Bring a couple of lawn chairs if convenient. September 6, 2008. 8:15 am Breakfast at Old Country Buffet, Division & Rowan. Join fellow Humanist thinkers for breakfast and a presentation by David Bowling on The Geology, the Economics and Politics of Oil Exploration. David is a UU, a Humanist and a retired physics geologist who worked for Exxon for 15 years. Discussion will follow the presentation. September 21, 2008: 12:45 pm Thoreau Room, Unitarian Universaist Church 3440 West Fort Wright Dr, Spokane. Our topic will be politics and the speaker will be one of the winners of the August 19 primary. October 4, 2008. 8:15 am Breakfast at Old Country Buffet, Division & Rowan. Join fellow Humanist thinkers for breakfast and a presentation followed by discussion. October 19, 2008: 12:45 pm Thoreau Room, Unitarian Universaist Church 3440 West Fort Wright Dr, Spokane. Jerry White, retired EWU biology professor and active in November 1, 2008. 8:15 am Breakfast at Old Country Buffet, Division & Rowan. Join fellow Humanist thinkers for breakfast and a presentation followed by discussion. December 6, 2008. 8:15 am Breakfast at Old Country Buffet, Division & Rowan. Join fellow Humanist thinkers for breakfast and a presentation followed by discussion. |
The Humanist Focus Group was launched in February, 1995. Its founder, Ross Woodward, felt that the legacy of the late Unitarian minister Rudy Gilbert should be part of the Spokane UU congregation which Gilbert had led for 15 years in the mid 20th century. Rudy Gilbert, a secular humanist and community activist, was a mentor to Woodward who, at the time, was escaping his fundamentalist roots. From 1995 until 1998, the Humanist Focus Group was exclusively a committee of the Spokane UU Church. The group, with an initial membership of 30, met once a month at the local UU. It expanded very fast and attracted a number of secular humanists not affiliated with the UU. This led to a decision to have a monthly meeting outside the UU Church to accommodate the wider spectrum of members. While Woodward continued to handle the group when the two programs a month were required he welcomed Ken and Lee Swedberg in 2000 to share the load. The Swedbergs became responsible for the Sunday programs at the UU. Woodward took care of the first Saturday programs at a local restaurant. In early 2003, it became apparent, with a membership of around 130 and growing fast, a more conventional structure was needed and a Steering Committee was organized.
Freedom From Religion Foundation, Spokane chapter, Inland Northwest Freethought Society http:www.infs_ffrfchapter@hotmail.com
Continuum of Humanist Education [http://humaniststudies.org]
American Humanist Association Website
What is Humanism? from the the Humanists of Utah
Religious Humanism from the Humanists of Utah
Humanist Homepages site owned by Humanism Online
The Spiritual Sanctuary on Humanism and Atheism by Stazia DeVine
Religious Humanist Reflections, page maintained by The Faith and Social Justice site, identified with Unitarians. Note indicates that the unidentified author came to humanism through the work of Richard Rorty and from his writings to John Dewey.
Raymond J. IdeusAs a Certified Humanist Celebrant, I am offering my services as an officiant for weddings, memorials and other celebrations of life's special events. Together, we can plan a meaningful ceremony according to your beliefs, that is comfortable to you and fits your needs. I am available seven days a week in the Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho area. My fee of $200 includes a planning meeting and a rehearsal, if needed. Please contact me by phone, 509-464-3635 or e-mail at lorray@comcast.net. |
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| This web site is maintained by Dorothy Mehl. Comments can be sent to dorothymehl112@msn.com. Last updated January 28, 2008 |
