Authentic Joy: Barriers, Boundaries and Beyond Yourself

From our speaker Blake Marduk, “I took some time to interview several members of our organization about what brings joy to their lives. In doing so, I have been able to identify various commonalities that they’ve spoken about. After doing so, I’ve divided these themes into barriers, boundaries, concepts that are beyond just yourself. In a time of political strife that many of our members appear to be obsessed with, it’s important to actively seek joy and engage in things that bring it about within yourself and your community. Many people still associate me with the darkness of my opening words back in September, but I’d like to shed some light on how life can be beautiful after tragedy.”

Blake Marduk (he/him) is a graduate of Truman State University where he studied the teaching and the physiological effects on the human body after being exposed to various forms of hypnotism, storytelling, and humor stimuli. After leaving school, Blake went on to become an entrepreneur in the stand-up comedy business in Jefferson City and Columbia. Since COVID, Blake has moved to St. Louis and has found his new passions in playing Dungeons and Dragons, writing poetry, and making new connections within the Ethical Society.

This Platform will feature songs from Music Director Claire Minnis (she/her). She is an educator, performer, and conductor building musical communities that celebrate all skill and experience levels. She inspires professional and novice singers to excellence with the unified purpose of advocating for issues of justice through innovative programming and community partnerships. If Claire's out of the office and the sun is shining, she is likely gardening, reading poetry, or drinking cocktails on a dog-friendly patio with her husband, Jared. Claire is a secular humanist with a passion for seeking beauty in every day.

Tonya Bourn (she/her) has a passion in the practice of optometry, specializing as a “functional optometrist,” a patient-centered approach to identify issues related to chronic illness and nutritional deficiencies that may be factors in acute or chronic eye health issues. Tonya is married and has two teenage boys who support her pursuit of knowledge and practice experience.

The Climate Action Now! team is preparing another season of informative programming and volunteer service opportunities, beginning on September 15 with a 9:45 Forum. Dr. Ken Schechtman will kick off our new season with a program provocatively entitled, The Grid, Land Use and the Fight Against Climate Change or, to borrow and paraphrase a former presidential campaign quote,"It’s the Grid, Stupid!"

The Ethical Society of St. Louis is looking for a friendly, energetic kindergarten through first grade teacher for our Sunday Ethical Education for Kids (SEEK) program this year. We are also hiring warm, dependable caregivers to join our childcare team on Sunday mornings. Interested and qualified applicants, please email Youth Education Co-Director Megan McCarthy at youth@ethicalstl.org.

Mark Eisenberg, younger brother of long-time member Norm Eisenberg died suddenly earlier this summer. Our condolences go to Norm and all of Mark's family and friends. There will be a memorial held Saturday, August 17, from 5–8 p.m. in the Hanke Room. Norm plans to make some remarks at 6 p.m. If you would like to bring food to share, it will be welcome. Please consider joining us in supporting Norm.

Kent and Jo-Ellen Forrest invite you to join them in celebrating their 60 years of marriage on Sunday, August 18, at coffee hour after Platform. Sherbet punch and cake (also gluten-free/vegan cupcakes) will be served. This is similar to what was served at their wedding reception on August 15, 1964. A slideshow of their pictures will be shown on the TV. All are welcome.

Join the Religious Transition Group

Are you a person in religious transition? Find peer support in our weekly meeting at the Ethical Society, at 7 p.m. on Mondays in the Hanke Room. Whether you’re transitioning out of religion or have been out of religion for years, it can help to discuss some of the insights and challenges of this experience. You can also join our Facebook group.

Finding Connections Book Club

On Sunday, August 18, the Finding Connections group will meet at 12:30 p.m. in the Butterfly Room. We discuss chapter two of The Second Founding: How the Civil War and Reconstruction Remade the Constitution by Eric Foner. Contact: Alan Easton ameast89@yahoo.com.