ALL NEWCOMERS AND THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY MADE CONTACT WITH HOH ARE WELCOME TO COME AND MEET WITH LONGTIME MEMBERS AT THIS SPECIAL 'WELCOME' GATHERING!

Why this Gathering is Special, and why YOU shouldn't miss it:

1) New Location:
We will be holding our first City-Wide Gathering in our new location at Bayland Community Center.

2) New Format:
This Gathering will be a celebration party! We won't have a strict format or program, but instead will have a more loose get together with snacks, music, and socializing. We want to get to know you and for you to get to know us!

3) Newcomers:
For those new to the group, those who have only attended a few times, or those who haven't attended at all - this Gathering will not only be a welcoming party for you, but we'll say a few words and answer a few questions about Humanism and its history here in Houston. We also want to hear from you what it is you're looking for in a group!

4) Longtimers:
For our longtime members, it is also important that you come because YOU are the ones who we need there to welcome the new people. We want to hear from you about your past with HOH and messages for the new folks.

So please come out to see the things happening at HOH! Everyone is welcome :)

For more information about HOH, please see www.HumanistsOfHouston.org

At the HOH Brunch, we usually pick a topical question and then go around the table, with each person getting a chance to give their thoughts on it, followed by a general discussion. The subjects are always interesting and everyone's invited!

A VERY SPECIAL CONTEMPLATIVES CLUB FOR NEWCOMERS & OTHERS

HOH has now hosted 20 sessions of the Humanist Contemplatives Club. This February 28th, we will be having a very special session designed to give an overview of what we're all about. This session will be an excellent point to jump in and will be a good introduction for newcomers - YOU are welcome!

We have tried a number of different formats since inception and so this will be an excellent "reboot" for our longtime attendees as well.

Humanists are often accused of focusing too much on the logical or the academic. It has been pointed out that passion and compassion, the arts, and profound experience (what some have called "religious experience") should also be a valuable part of being human and of Humanism. Humanism often focuses on social-level agendas and politics, but there should be a personal side of Humanism that addresses our 'life practice'. Author Sam Harris has called for the subjective contemplative aspect of human experience to be addressed by rational naturalists. Communities have always had both activists and contemplatives, and exploring the relationship between these approaches has been a common effort of historic humanism. What does a non-mystical, non-supernatural 'spirituality' mean and what role can it play in the life of a Humanist?

Humanist Contemplative Club sessions are unlike any other meeting of Humanists, atheists, or freethinkers in the Houston area. The session is marked by these unique traits:

1) A beautiful location designed to engender relaxation and 'recharge' for the week.

2) A calm, patient, listening, and peaceful attitude among all attendees.

3) An avoidance of negativity and criticism of other religions to allow for greater focus on exploring our own philosophy.

4) Beginning with a silent period, in which participants can meditate, read, think, or simply relax.

5) A discussion period that is of a 'sharing' nature rather than a debating one.

6) A smaller supportive group in which personal life challenges are shared.

For more information, please see the Contemplatives website at www.humanistsofhouston.org/contemplative

If you have any questions, please contact Daniel Strain at dtstrain@yahoo.com or 832-778-7382. The Thursday, February 28th session will be held at the Cullen Sculpture Garden at Montrose & Bissonnet at 7:00pm (outside unless weather is cold or bad, inside otherwise - directions are on the website or you can call). It is a good idea to wear clothing for sitting on the grass and/or bring a mat or folding chair. We hope to see you there!

This club looks at issues relating to religion. This includes discussion about problems with religion and its institutions and leaders. It also includes discussion of what elements of religion may be important to human culture. The question, "what is religion?" is explored, as well the history and future of religion. Relevant subject matter might also include critiques on faith-based thinking, superstition, religious violence, and dogma.

To see the schedule of topics, please see: www.humanistsofhouston.org/religionclub.htm