27 thru 29 June 2008
(from Friday afternoon thru 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 work 573.648.2498 x21, pann_aiello@yahoo.com
At same work phone number is 3rd owner, Pam’s sister, Kathy Zimmerman, cousin of Tim Walsh, close friend of Kevin Shults.

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

Wednesday, 25 June from 7 PM to 9 PM
Hosts: Patti & Rob-Bob

Living Ethics Discussion

the topic is:
"Reactions to Holocaust Survivor, Marylou Ruhe's, Sunday Talk"

If you were there, you know it was a gift to hear her. If you were unable to be there, you will not be at a loss to respond to tonight's discussion topic, and you can hear first from those who heard Marylou Ruhe speak.

Ms. Ruhe spoke Sunday at the Society about her experiences in Poland under the Nazis. As a teenager, she was removed with her father from their home and placed in a ghetto, imprisoned. Over time, she worked in labor camps, was moved here and there, till finally she and her father ended in concentration camps and waited their turn, separated from each other, to be gassed to death with fellow Jews and others in the camp.

When Marylou was fortunate to be among the few liberated by the Americans, she found that her father had not survived. She then spent four more years of her life in a Displaced Persons Camp, rather than return to her home in Poland which was now under the rule of the Soviets. All told, she lost ten years of normal life, 1939-1949. She made it to the U.S. because her new husband, whom she met shortly after they were both liberated, had friends in St. Louis. She joined the Ethical Society of St. Louis. Now Marylou speaks up to tell her story when she can, and volunteers as a docent for the Holocaust Museum in St. Louis.

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

Sunday, 22 June from noontime 'til about 1:00 PM
University of Missouri Extension Center
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

Pot Luck Dinner

It's Pot Luck Sunday!

After the lecture, please stay and 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 entree to side dish to dessert. Bring an item that doesn't require 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. 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. Even if you don't bring a dish or beverage, at least bring your appetite! See you then!

The general public is invited.

Sunday, 22 June from 11:00 AM 'til Noon
University of Missouri Extension Center
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

Sunday Lecture Series

"I Survived the Holocaust"

Our guest speaker, Marylou Ruhe was born in Poland. Her family was moved by the Nazis to the infamous Lodz ghetto, then was moved to a labor camp in Germany. Eventually, or inevitably, Marylou was transported to Auschwitz.

She was among the few who survived Auschwitz, liberated by American forces near the end of WWII. Today she tells her personal experiences to appreciative audiences throughout the metro area. She gives concrete expression to the struggle to make sense of such horrific events.

Ms. Ruhe is a docent for the Holocaust Museum and is a member of the Ethical Society of St. Louis.

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

Saturday, 21 June starting at 4 PM
Convene at 260 Brown Road in Saint Peters for carpool at 4 PM,
arrive at Ronald McDonald House about 5 PM to begin cooking,
serve din-din at 6 PM, & depart at 7:30 PM
4381 West Pine Blvd, STL, MO, 63108

Ronald McDonald House

MickyD jpeg

"Nothin' Beats Home-Cookin'!"
...especially when family must be with hospitalized loved-ones.

Heads UP!!! One or two more volunteers are still needed!
Contact Kathy R. to volunteer and/or if you have questions.

Mark your calendar for these Saturdays:
21 Jun, 19 Jul, 16 Aug, 20 Sep, & 18 Oct.

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

Friday, 20 June from 7 PM to about 9 PM
St. Charles Justice Center
1781 Zumbehl (at intersection with Hawksnest & Graystone roads)

Friday Nite Free Film Series

movie DVD cover

"Waitress"

Synopsis from Rotten Tomatoes:

This Friday, 20 June, 7 pm, gather with friends to watch the great oh-so-human, oh-so-funny, oh-so-real, little movie Waitress. Your heart will grow. It's about love, about broken relationships, about making choices, about the wacky quirks of people, and (did we mention?) about love.

This film was written and directed by Adrienne Shelly (who plays one of the heroine's pals in the movie). This was her third film, and not long after it was released in 2007, she died, tragically, at age 40. This buoyant movie is part of her legacy. When we watch it and take it in, part of her continues to live on. And you'll like the experience of her doing so!

Bring any snack you like. We don't sell anything! The screen is big, the sound is glorious, and the seats are a cut above conference chairs! The movie is 1 hour and 48 minutes. We usually share our reactions to the movie with each other afterwards (10-15 minutes), adding to the enjoyment.

Come to the St. Charles Justice Center, the Community Room, at 1781 Zumbehl, ZIP 63303.

Invitation open to the general public.
If you wish, you may RSVP Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.

Wednesday, 18 June from 7 PM to 9 PM
Hosts: Maureen & Brian

Living Ethics Discussion

the topic is:
"Interesting Science"

What scientific study or project really stirred you up, charged you, got you excited?

You don't need to remember any technical details, but tell us about a teacher you had, or an emotional impression that stuck with you. Maybe someone remembers the first time they had an insight and how the very experience of having your own insight made you feel. Important? Connected with the universe? Weird? Whatever.

If you've always been the artist type, was there any science that ever struck you as beautiful? Or that you appreciated as useful to your art? Did anyone ever get a sense of science as ethically good or, yes, sacred?

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

Tuesday, 17 June 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

Sunday, 15 June from 11:00 AM 'til Noon
University of Missouri Extension Center
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

Sunday Lecture Series

"The Dream of Immortality"

Bob Greenwell will give personal reflections on immortality. What makes people dream of living on after death? Mr. Greenwell reflects, "I dream of my father, who passed away a year ago."

Why does the idea of immortality become so important to people? Why is death a part of life anyway? What would living be like if we knew that death was the end?

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

Wednesday, 11 June from 7 PM to 9 PM
Hosts: Beth & Roy

Living Ethics Discussion

the topic is:
"Growing Through Grief"

Beth's mother died in March 2003. When her mother's birthday came around three months later, Beth wrote a letter to her. Beth will share that letter with us.

Then let's talk about the mystery of how we (sometimes) grow through loss (and sometimes not).

Have you grown from a loss, major or minor? How have you grown?

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

Sunday, 08 June from 12:15 PM to ??
University of Missouri Extension Center
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

Society Council

Please submit reports and
additions to the agenda well in advance.

Council Members, please notify if you will not be attending.

For members of the Society Council.
Other ESMR members may attend as observers.

Sunday, 08 June from 11:00 AM 'til Noon
University of Missouri Extension Center
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

Sunday Lecture Series

"What Are We Doing To Our Own?"

Bud Deraps is a veteran of WWII. He served in the Navy. Three of his 18 high school graduating class died overseas. He knows up close the traumas, travail, glory, and misery of war. After he retired from his job with McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing), he became an earnest fighter for peace. He joined Veterans for Peace.

His youngest grandson was killed in Iraq in May, 2006.

Nowadays, he searches for information beyond what comes across the main media for how our own soldiers are really cared for, during and after their tour of duty. Are they just used and thrown away? His extensive findings do not paint a pretty picture, but he believes that telling the whole truth must lead to a better one.

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

Sunday, 08 June 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 meeting 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.

Friday, 06 June from 7 PM to ?? PM
Hosts: Patti & Rob-Bob

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 Springtime 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, 04 June from 7 PM to 9 PM
Host: Dee

Living Ethics Discussion

the topic is:
"Loyalty vs Whistleblowing"

Former press secretary of President Bush, Scott McClellan, has written a book, What Happened: Inside the Bush White House and Washington’s Culture of Deception (just released), which confirms much of what the alternative liberal press has been saying for years. The Bush Administration and others have attacked McClellan for disloyalty.

We'll look at a few video clips of interviews of McClellan on MSNBC, and perhaps a few commentators' thoughts, and discuss the ethical dilemma of loyalty vs whistleblowing. We're not reviewing the book itself in any detail, but rather the overall dilemma. Can you think of examples in ordinary life?

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

Sunday, 01 June from 11:00 AM 'til Noon
University of Missouri Extension Center
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

Sunday Lecture Series

"The Lure of Immortality"

This Sunday, 01 June, 11:00 a.m., I speak about an issue that every person must come to grips with, in one way or another--"Do I go on after death?"

It's no accident that Christianity and Islam hold billions in awe of their promise of immortality, for all people experience for themselves the fact that their thoughts and their feelings seem to be immaterial. From this experience, it's a short jump to imagining that "mind" can exist apart from our physical bodies. From this imagined picture, it's a short jump to being manipulated by someone who claims to know.

Let's look closely at what actually happens in the brain when a thought or feeling happens. I won't abuse you with a lot of technical facts. Instead, I will draw you a map. After we get the picture straight, then we can come to grips with the larger question.

Also, I pledge to hold my talk down to 30 minutes! This should leave us ten minutes or so for your questions or comments which always add to the morning.

The following is what I sent out to the media earlier:
The inner experience of consciousness discovers no trace of anything physical. There is no inner experience of little molecules pushing little proteins and making a light go on and an idea appear. On the contrary, when we pick up a pen from the desk, our experience tells us our thought, our intention, comes first, followed by the movement of our arm and fingers. Our consciousness seems independent from our body. Independence implies separability, or does it? We like to think so, especially when life is hard. This idea of immortality becomes a major player in our mental life and behavior. How valid is it? A closer look at what actually happens in the brain when we choose to do something is in order.

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

Wednesday, 28 May from 7 PM to 9 PM
Host: Sean

Living Ethics Discussion

the topic is:
"101 Ethical Dilemmas"

These have been stimulating our conversation and seem worthy of continuing. Sometimes the dilemmas are quirkily written, sometimes don't seem like "dilemmas" at all, but they do provide us with plenty of a platform from which we take off on our own thoughts and own experiences.

Tonight we'll be introduced to several scenarios involving a fictional corporation "e-Ville" and a group of activists called STUMP.

The first scenario is a little over a page long, so it's like listening to a scene from a novel. It may be fictional, but the parallels with real life abound. It's a way to step back and consider actions with a little perspective and not get so angry. Then we can come around eventually and apply our insights to the real life we know.

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

Sunday, 25 May from 11:00 AM 'til Noon
University of Missouri Extension Center
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

Sunday Lecture Series

"Conversation Lunch"

As an experiment, we trying a new format. We are calling it Conversation Lunch.

At 11 a.m., we will hold the usual 20-minute Worth Service. Then at 11:20 we will segue into the Conversation Lunch.

What this means: Since lunch in effect (including the initial potluck setting out of dishes by each member) starts at 11:20 instead of noon, we have a more leisurely time to converse. We can take a full hour, for example, and still get out earlier than we normally do at our monthly potluck.

The longer, more leisurely time to have conversation at the tables means that the parents, especially, will have more of a chance to actually have some adult exchanges with other adults rather than have most of their time getting their kids set up with meals and then cleaned up.

To facilitate this, Mr. Greenwell will suggest some ideas during the Worth Service as topics for conversation. They won't be mandatory; it won't be like breakout groups at a conference who have to discuss a specific topic and report back. It will just be suggestions that might be brought up voluntarily by anyone at the table, and that might facilitate a lively discussion. Have you ever observed that there's more energy in the room when everyone is discussing the same topic, even though we're all in separate conversations?

Mr. Greenwell states & asks, "I am very open to suggestions for ideas I might suggest during the Worth Service. Any suggestions?"

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

Wednesday, 21 May from 7 PM to 9 PM
Host: Craig

Living Ethics Discussion

the topic is:
"Our Carbon Footprint"

In honor of Craig's having been one of the coordinators of our booths on Earth Day, and at his suggestion, we will discuss Our Carbon Footprint.

What can each of us do to lessen our carbon footprint? In our personal lives, and in our support of good legislation? What does the future hold for us? What kinds of tools, of technology, will we or won't we have?

Bring your questions, your doubts, your current reading. Has a recent news article caught your attention?

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

Tuesday, 20 May 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, 19 May from 7:00 PM
Non-Profit Development Center
Spencer Road at Boone Hills Drive
(building is adjacent to, and just East of, Spencer Road library)
Saint Peters

Society Council

Sunday, 18 May from 11:00 AM 'til Noon
University of Missouri Extension Center
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

Sunday Lecture Series

"The Surprising Purpose of Anger"

This lecture will closely follow the treatment given to anger by Marshall Rosenberg, founder of Nonviolent Communication, also known as Compassionate Communication.

Anger is not to be suppressed. It is a gift, when one knows how to use it. It can be a demon when one is in its throes, lacking the skill to draw out its positive purpose. Mr. Greenwell will also reflect on the role of anger in an ethical life.

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

Saturday, 17 May starting at 4 PM
Convene at 260 Brown Road in Saint Peters for carpool at 4 PM,
arrive at Ronald McDonald House about 5 PM to begin cooking,
serve din-din at 6 PM, & depart at 7:30 PM
4381 West Pine Blvd, STL, MO, 63108

Ronald McDonald House

MickyD jpeg

"Nothin' Beats Home-Cookin'!"
...especially when family must be with hospitalized loved-ones.

Heads UP!!! One or two more volunteers are still needed!
Contact Kathy R. to volunteer and/or if you have questions.

Mark your calendar for these Saturdays:
17 May, 21 Jun, 19 Jul, 16 Aug, 20 Sep, & 18 Oct.

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

Friday, 16 May from 7 PM to about 9 PM
St. Charles Justice Center
1781 Zumbehl (at intersection with Hawksnest & Graystone roads)

Friday Nite Free Film Series

movie DVD cover

"Once"

Synopsis from Rotten Tomatoes:

The Irish romance ONCE may be a musical, but it is miles away from the traditional Hollywood idea of people bursting into song. Glen Hansard (frontman for indie rock band The Frames) plays the guy, a street musician who is playing for change when he meets the girl (Marketa Irglova), an immigrant from the Czech Republic. The pair immediately bond over their shared love of music (he is a guitarist, and she plays the piano), and the film chronicles their tentative relationship.

Both are weighed down by plenty of baggage: his songs are fueled by a painful breakup, and she is a young mother who left her husband behind in her native country. Like the independent favorite BEFORE SUNRISE, ONCE is a simple, sweet drama that doesn't rely on an elaborate plot. With its use of digital video and handheld cameras, ONCE matches its spare visual style to its intimate mood. Each moment feels stolen from real life, and the story is at once familiar and fresh.

Driven more by music than by dialogue, ONCE features a stirring soundtrack of heartfelt indie rock sung by Hansard and Irglova. Before his foray into film, director John Carney (ON THE EDGE) played bass in The Frames, and his passion for music is clear in this modern musical that hits every note perfectly.

2008 Academy Award for Best Original Song

Invitation open to the general public.
If you wish, you may RSVP Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.

Wednesday, 14 May from 7 PM to 9 PM
Host: Mary

Living Ethics Discussion

the topic is:
"More dilemmas from 101 Ethical Dilemmas"

These have been stimulating our conversation and seem worthy of continuing. Sometimes the dilemmas are quirkily written, sometimes don't seem like "dilemmas" at all, but they do provide us with plenty of a platform from which we take off on our own thoughts and own experiences.

Tonight we'll be jauntily introduced to Stoicism (through the stern words of Chrysippus the ascetic), then check in on some colorful words of Epicurus (the epicurean), then take on some weird sentiments of Seneca's, then a fanciful story by the book author of Aristotle, Kant, and Rousseau on Mt. Olympus facing an emergency and reacting in different ways.

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

Sunday, 11 May from 11:00 AM 'til Noon
University of Missouri Extension Center
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

Sunday Lecture Series

"Who is more morally admirable, Mother Teresa or Bill Gates?"

Mr. Greenwell will present an overview of the science discoveries which are being used to describe a moral instinct in humans. This moral instinct is there, prior to all cultural overlays, religious stories, or philosophical arguments.

Bob will follow the outline of the excellent and long review by Steven Pinker which appeared in the New York Times in January this year. He will summarize Pinker's points, and add contrasting views where time and pertinence permit. It was Pinker who posed the question about Mother Teresa vs. Bill Gates. Pinker also threw in a third name, Norman Borlaug. (He'll explain the point Pinker was trying to make.)

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

Sunday, 11 May 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.

Wednesday, 07 May from 7 PM to 9 PM
Hosts: Beth & Roy

Living Ethics Discussion

the topic is:
"101Ethical Dilemmas"

We had an amazing discussion last Wednesday, stimulated by a "dilemma" from the book 101 Ethical Dilemmas.

We will read another dilemma, and jump in with gusto again.

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

Sunday, 04 May from 11:00 AM 'til Noon
University of Missouri Extension Center
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

Sunday Lecture Series

"New Kinds of Ethics"

The findings are in!

Humans have five fundamental moral instincts. These are given through each person’s biological makeup. They were developed over millions of years of evolution. They sprout many variations under society’s influence.

Philosophers have talked about virtue ethics and the ethics of the greatest good for the greatest number, and duty ethics; and religions have their own stories about morality. The discoveries in modern moral psychology, however, will require a rethinking and a retooling of all we thought we knew about ethics and morality.

The five fundamental moral instincts and how they were discovered will be described, drawing principally upon the work of Jonathan Haidt.

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

Friday, 02 May from 7 PM to ?? PM
Hosts: Beth & Roy

KnitWits

Par-Tay !!!

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

Wednesday, 30 April from 7 PM to 9 PM
Host: Craig

Living Ethics Discussion

the topic is:
"Ethical Dilemmas/Puzzles/Scenarios"
as taken from the book "101Ethical Dilemmas "

Sometimes the author's dilemmas are kooky or bizarre or a no-brainer, until we dig in and discover a wealth of perspectives from among ourselves. And that's the point. Bringing it home. Making a home among ourselves.

See you at 7!

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

Sunday, 27 April from noontime 'til about 1:00 PM
University of Missouri Extension Center
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

Pot Luck Dinner

It's Pot Luck Sunday!

The general public is invited.

Sunday, 27 April from 11:00 AM 'til Noon
University of Missouri Extension Center
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

Sunday Lecture Series

"Vignettes of an Ethical Conference"

There is a national ethical movement with a national organization called the American Ethical Union. It consists of "Ethical Societies" located in a couple of dozen cities in the U.S.

This year its annual Assembly was held in Austin Texas, April 18-20. Mr. Greenwell, Leader of the local Ethical Society in St. Charles County, attended this convention. He returns with observations about the happenings and the mood of this group.

How do they see American society? How do they see the world? What ethical prospects do they see for individuals and families?

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

Saturday, 26 April from 6:15 PM
Progress Park
968 Meyer Road
Wentzville, MO 63385

Trivia Night

"Spring Fling"

Saturday, 26 April 2008
Starts at 7:00 PM sharp! Doors open at 6:15 PM
Progress Park
968 Meyer Road
Wentzville, MO 63385

Directions:
From I-70 take Exit 210b (US-61)
Go North on US-61 for only 1.3 miles to Hwy A
Turn Left (West) onto Hwy A (Wentzville Crossing) & go only 0.7 mile
Then, turn Left again onto Meyer Road & go only 0.2 mile to #968 (Progress Park).
Look for the "Spring Fling" sign!

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

Wednesday, 23 April from 7 PM to 9 PM
Hosts: Jill & Bill

Living Ethics Discussion

the topic is:
"101 Ethical Dilemmas" (continued)

Let's continue our romp through ethical dilemmas, from the book 101 Ethical Dilemmas .

Sharpen your ethical-thinking cap and tune up your ethical intuition and appreciation.

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

Wednesday, 23 April from 7 PM to 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

Focused Ethics Discussion

the topic is:
"101 Ethical Dilemmas" (continued)

The primary book for our discussions will be Arthur Dobrin's, Ethics for Everyone .

It starts with a non-technical language overview of the basic types of ethical approaches toward making good decisions. Then the rest of the book is a collection of ethical dilemmas, real-life, which we will talk about among ourselves from our own personal experience, then read the book's own commentary on the dilemma.

We used this book to get our Wednesday night group going, and it worked great for jumpstarting conversations and inching us toward greater ethical sensitivity.

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

Sunday, 20 April from 11:00 AM 'til Noon
University of Missouri Extension Center
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

Sunday Lecture Series

"Attack Iran? Ritter Says No!"

Scott Ritter is a former Chief UN Weapons Inspector in Iraq. He gained notoriety by publicly arguing, prior to the invasion, that Iraq did not possess weapons of mass destruction. Since that time he has been a prominent anti-war figure.

Ritter also wrote a book, Target Iran: The Truth About the White House's Plans for Regime Change, arguing that the Bush Administration was planning on a military strike against Iran before leaving office. In recent weeks, the specter of war has been raised again.

Ritter spoke at the Ethical Society of St. Louis on 04 April 2008, and a videotape of segments of that talk will be shown and discussed.

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

Saturday, 19 April starting at 4 PM
Convene at 260 Brown Road in Saint Peters for carpool at 4 PM,
arrive at Ronald McDonald House about 5 PM to begin cooking,
serve din-din at 6 PM, & depart at 7:30 PM
4381 West Pine Blvd, STL, MO, 63108

Ronald McDonald House

MickyD jpeg

"Nothin' Beats Home-Cookin'!"
...especially when family must be with hospitalized loved-ones.

Heads UP!!! One or two more volunteers are still needed!
Contact Kathy R. to volunteer and/or if you have questions.

Mark your calendar for these Saturdays:
19 Apr, 17 May, 21 Jun, 19 Jul, 16 Aug, 20 Sep, & 18 Oct.

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

Wednesday, 16 April from 7 PM to 9 PM
Host: Hannah

Living Ethics Discussion

the topic is:
"101 Ethical Dilemmas" (continued)

Chuck will be the facilitator this evening since Bob will be in Austin, Texas.

He (and those in attendance) will present some dilemmas (or sometimes just thought-provoking scenarios) from the book 101 Ethical Dilemmas by Cohen.

If you remember, we looked at some of these two Wednesdays ago and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the conversation that was stimulated.

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

Tuesday, 15 April 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

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

Society Council

Please submit additions to the agenda and reports well in advance.

Council Members, please notify if you will not be attending.

For members of the Society Council.
Other ESMR members may attend as observers.

Sunday, 13 April from 11:00 AM 'til Noon
University of Missouri Extension Center
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

Sunday Lecture Series

"Attack Iran? Ritter Says No!"

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

Sunday, 13 April 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.

Friday, 11 April from 7 PM to ?? PM
Host: Craig

KnitWits

Par-Tay !!!

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

Wednesday, 09 April from 7 PM to 9 PM
Hosts: Kelli & Chris

Living Ethics Discussion

the topic is:
"Kinds of Ethics - What Kind Are You?"

There was interest in this topic from my (Bob Greenwell's) talk on Sunday. I will create a little chart or cheatsheat giving the three main types and their characteristics.

( Is "cheatsheet" the right word to use in this context? )

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

Sunday, 06 April from 11:00 AM 'til Noon
University of Missouri Extension Center
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

Sunday Lecture Series

"Kinds of Ethics"

What is ethics, and why are there different kinds? The Golden Rule, the Consequences of Your Acts, Your Intentions, The Virtuousness of Your Acts, and other principles, have all been put forward as core. A person who seriously wants to know, "How ought I to behave?" — how can he or she select wisely among these kinds of ethics?

One answer that does not work is to ignore them. The only choice is to face the variety and develop a positive, non-self-serving, conscious approach to living ethically.

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

Friday, 04 April from 7:30 PM
St. Louis Ethical Society
9001 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117-1003 (roadmap)

Friday Evening Lecture

"Target: IRAN"

On Friday, 04 April at 7:30 p.m., Scott Ritter, a former chief weapons inspector for the United Nations will be speaking at the St. Louis Ethical Society about the U.S. and Iran and about his new book. Ritter served from 1991 to 1998 as a weapons inspector in Iraq for the United Nations Special Commission (UNSCOM). His new book is Target Iran: The Truth About the White House’s Plans for Regime Change. In a 2007 interview with Amy Goodman, Ritter said:

"...we’re not talking about hypotheticals here, regardless of all the discussion the Bush administration would like you to believe there is about diplomacy. There is no diplomacy, as was the case with Iraq. Diplomacy is but a smoke-screen to disguise the ultimate objective of regime change."

His previous book is Iraq Confidential. The event is sponsored by Washington University’s Peace Coalition and is free and open to the public.

The general public is invited.
Questions? Comments? Contact St. Louis Ethical Society office email.

Wednesday, 02 April from 7 PM to 9 PM
Host: Dee

Living Ethics Discussion

the topic is:
"101 Ethical Dilemmas"

I have a book that was suggested as a possibility by Maureen, called 101 Ethical Dilemmas, and I thought we might try it out tonight. The dilemmas are put together by philosophy professor Martin Cohen. We'll read one tonight, then see what we get out of discussing it. Maybe we'll read two tonight.

The conversation is free to roam over all your current experience. Cohen does not give the "correct" answer, or even his own, or even suggestions. It's all up to us!

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

Sunday, 23 March from 11:00 AM 'til Noon
University of Missouri Extension Center
260 Brown Road in Saint Peters. (roadmap)

Spring Festival!

Sunday Lecture Series

"Positive News of Positive Change"

Not all the news is bad.

Positive changes have been accomplished by ordinary people and even official agencies around the country and around the world.

We’ll celebrate the good, and intersperse our time together with a select poem or two, and music.

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

Friday, 21 March from 7 PM to about 9 PM
St. Charles Justice Center
1781 Zumbehl (at intersection with Hawksnest & Graystone roads)

Friday Nite Free Film Series

movie gif

"Amazing Grace"

LA Times 23 Feb 2007
"Amazing Grace," a story of idealism, idealists and speaking truth to power, understands there is something inordinately moving and dramatic about a man who stands up for what is right and makes a difference in this life.

Quotes on the Film:
Stephen Farber, Movieline
"Triumphant! A dream cast with a dashing hero!"

Jeffrey Lyons, NBC's REEL TALK
"Amazing Grace is a sweeping historical epic which tells a story too long forgotten; the birth of freedom, and brings overdue glory to a true hero."

Paul Fischer, Dark Horizons
"Amazing Grace is an old fashioned epic in the tradition of David Lean, featuring astonishing performances in the first must-see film of the year."

Michael Medved- Nationally syndicated radio host
"A movie that dazzles the eye, touches the heart, and stirs the soul. Elegantly crafted and superbly well-acted, AMAZING GRACE is a remarkably uplifting, substantive contribution to the popular culture -- and to our crucial understanding of freedom's history."

Invitation open to the general public.
If you wish, you may RSVP Mr. Bob Greenwell by email.