The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship will meet at the Tryon Youth Center on Hwy. 176N at 10:30 a.m. April 22.
The speaker will be Reverend Don Burger, who will speak on the topic “A Healthy Grace.”
“What is “grace?”
Like love, Burger said, grace has meanings and applications that vary almost to the point of losing understanding. Yet, where it appears, in “graceful,” “grace period,” “God’s grace,” and even “grace note,” there are elements of benevolence and mystery about it.
“We will look more carefully at the word, how it appears in our lives and world, ultimately taking it “out of the box,” and suggest a radical practical application,” said Burger.
This talk will be a direct follow-up to Rev. Burger’s previous presentations at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. In particular, he will build upon the concept of spiritual nutrition, based upon his own practice as a “grace ninja.”
Burger, who has a master’s degree in education, retired from 34 years’ service in literacy, educational television and staff development. In 2000, he was ordained an Interfaith Minister through the United Nations-affiliated Inter-faith Seminary. He developed a statewide model and curriculum in recovery-specific pastoral counseling for addictions personnel, implemented in more than 1,600 programs in New York State. He lives in Brevard and is a member of the worship team of the Unitarian Universalists of Transylvania County.
In retirement, Burger teaches mountain dulcimer, musical composition and watercolor painting. He dabbles in woodworking and plays in several string bands. “It’s Great to Be Alive in Transylvania County,” one of Burger’s compositions, is a local favorite sing-along celebrating life in this area. His wife, Deb, is a writer, crochet artist and home school educator. She will join him in presenting this service.
Members are invited to have lunch with Burger and his wife after the service April 22. The group has a reservation at Melrose Inn (55 Melrose Ave., Tryon).
Come early for fellowship and refreshments. For information call 828-894 5776 or visit www.uutryonnc.org.
– article submitted by Dan Dworkin