Sunday, May 20th
11:00 AM
Guest Speaker: MeriLynn Blum
FOUR LOCKS AND FOUR KEYS
Yoga instructor MeriLynn Blum will talk about “Four Locks and Four Keys—the Yoga Sutras” during the May 20 service.
“Most of us want peace in our own hearts and in the world,” notes Blum. “Learn how Patanjali's Yoga Sutras – specifically, the Sutra dealing with what Swami Satchidananda referred to as the ‘four locks and four keys’ -- can help the mind retain its peace and serenity in any situation. Satchidananda stated ‘Whether you are interested in reaching samadhi (enlightenment) or plan to ignore yoga entirely, I would advise you to remember at least this one Sutra.’ These simple and sweet teachings provide clear and practical guidelines for how to deal with anyone you meet in any circumstance.”
Blum holds an MAT in teaching from Fairleigh Dickinson University and an MA in Psychology from Seton Hall University. She became a Certified Kripau Yoga Teacher in 1995 and later a Certified YogaRhythmics/DansKinetics Teacher. She has taught English and Dramatics at the high school level, pursued a career in advertising and worked as a therapist at Seton Hall, at Drew University and in private practice. For almost 15 years, she has taught yoga classes and chakra-inspired movement classes, for both workshops and private students. She remains a continuing student of yoga, benefiting from the wisdom of numerous teachers, healers and traditions. Her Web site is www.peacefulyoga.com.
LUUF RATIFIES KEY STATEMENTS TO CONVEY THE CONGREGATION'S IDENTITY AND GOALS
At the June 12th Annual Membership General Meeting, LUUF members unanimously passed resolutions to adopt these defining declarations about our Fellowship:
MISSION STATEMENT
LUUF’s mission is to seek and share the light of truth through the warmth of love in community as we work in behalf of our commitment to peace.
We accomplish our mission by
* Building a UU community that empowers our fellowship creating lay-led clergy
* Promoting, embracing, nurturing our UU principles and traditions in our relationships with one another, our communities and the world at large
* Welcoming and honoring diversity, and
* Promoting peace and social justice at home and abroad by serving with compassion and commitment
VISION STATEMENT
LUUF’s vision is to build a spiritual community devoted to peace, social justice, the environment and philanthropy guided by our UU principles and traditions. LUUF will strive to provide spiritual guidance and growth for all generations and welcome and honor diversity. We work toward becoming a conscientious community with a progressive voice.
COVENANT
We will:
* Speak the truth with love and kindness
* Listen deeply without interruption
* Trust in good faith and intention, and speak well of one another
* Take responsibility to create a community of encouragement, compassion and hospitality
* Respect differences in belief, age, race, gender, sexual orientation and personality
* Support the congregation, its activities, and the care-taking of the Fellowship with our time, talent and treasure
* Make decisions democratically
* Include spiritual practices in all Fellowship meetings