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Needham Lyceum
A Forum on Public Affairs, Spirituality, Culture, and Science
There is a long-standing New England tradition of using the Meetinghouse for public discussions on timely topics. In the 19th century, nearly every New England town had Lyceums or similar programs. Built in 1836, the Meetinghouse of First Parish in Needham has long been a part of that tradition.
In the Fall of 2004, First Parish revived that tradition by launching "The Needham Lyceum: A Forum on Public Affairs, Spirituality, Culture, and Science." The Needham Lyceum brings important speakers and programs to our community to inform and foster discussion about compelling contemporary issues. Most Lyceum programs include time for open discussion. The Rev. John Buehrens, Minister of First Parish, acts as the host and Moderator of the Lyceum.
The Needham Lyceum is open and free to the public unless otherwise noted. There are generally 1-3 Lyceum programs per month from September to May. Most Lyceum programs are scheduled for Sundays at 12:30 pm, but programs may occasionally be scheduled at other times on Sunday or weekday evenings. The Needham Lyceum convenes in the historic First Parish Meetinghouse at 23 Dedham Avenue, just across from the Town Common.
Programs are videotaped for community access cablecast, and a complete audio MP3 library of past Lyceum programs is available on this website.
Upcoming Lyceums
None currently scheduled.
Recent Lyceums
Sustainable Agriculture: A Report From EARTH University in Costa Rica (March 2010) Representatives of EARTH University in Costa Rica led a discussion exploring the balance between agricultural production and environmental preservation in the tropics and the connections between the United States and the developing world. EARTH University is preparing leaders with ethical values to contribute to the sustainable development of the humid tropics and to construct a prosperous and just society.
Making the Good Life Last: Four Keys to Sustainable Living,
A Four-Part Study of the Book by Michael Schuler (Spring 2010)
Ever question whether the non-stop consumption and constant stimulation of modern life really leads to happiness? Or worry about the toll it takes on the world around us? Author and Unitarian Universalist minister Michael Schuler does, and in his recent book he shows how, by applying the principles of sustainability to our personal lives, we can discover treasures of perennial value: a beautiful and healthy earth home, enduring relationships, strong communities, work that contributes to the common good, and play that restores our bodies and lifts our souls. Schuler is parish minister of the First Unitarian Society of Madison, Wisconsin.
Sustainable Harvest: Local Food Initiatives in Needham
(February 2010) First Parish in Needham's Green Sanctuary Initiative kicked off its series of education events with a Needham Lyceum featuring an inspiring new documentary made by Needham resident and First Parish member Wendy Blom. The film, "Eating Local in Somerville", shows how an urban community can use creative programs to engage the schools, educate the public and get fresh, locally grown produce to its residents. Representatives of our own local farms gave brief summaries of their operations, and Needham Community Farm members talked about exciting new initiatives in the elementary schools.
Are We Living in the Post-American World?
Wellesley College Professor of Political Science Doctor Robert Paarlberg responding to First Parish's Book-of-the-Year: The Post-American World by Fareed Zakaria (January 2010)
Every year, First Parish selects a "First Parish Book of the Year" as the basis for informal and programmatic discussions, sermons, and other events. In 2009-10 we continued the tradition with The Post-American World by Fareed Zakaria, selected in 2008 by the Christian Science Monitor as the Best Nonfiction Book, by the Seattle Times as the Best Book, and by the NY Times as a Notable Book. The Times went on to say that The Post-American World opens “a big picture window on the closing of the first American century and the advent of a new world.” As the culmination of our book-of-the-year discussions, Dr. Robert Paarlberg delivered a Needham Lyceum responding to the question posed in the title. Robert Paarlberg is the Betty Freyhof Johnson Class of 1944 Professor of Political Science at Wellesley College and Associate at the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs at Harvard University.
Steve Goldberg: Billions of Drops in Millions of Buckets: Why Philanthropy Doesn't Advance Social Progress (November 2009)First Parish member Steve Goldberg will discuss his provocative and critically acclaimed book on philanthropy. For more information, see www.billionsofdrops.com.
Sharon Kennedy: Which One Of Us Is The Mother Now? Tales From The Nursing Home. A daughter’s story of love, laughter, and lessons learned; trials, tears, and advocacy (November 2009) Sharon Kennedy is a Grammy-nominated storyteller & performance artist. Her new one-woman play will touch everyone, but especially those who are just trying to do the best they can while taking care of an elderly parent. Bring tissues — whether you're crying or laughing, you'll need them! For more about Sharon's work, visit sharonkennedy.com. There will be a $10 admission fee.
Louis Kruger: Children Left Behind: A Documentary on High Stakes Testing (October 2009) A screening of Louis Kruger's film about the well-intended purposes that are driving the high-stakes testing movement in the public schools — and its unintended consequences. Dr. Kruger was introduced by our own Pat Banker, who was associate producer and cinematographer on the project.
Charlotte Gordon: The Woman Who Named God: Abraham's Dilemma and the Birth of Three Faiths (October 2009) Local author Charlotte Gordon has written a highly readable book on the saga of Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar, one of the Bible’s most intriguing and troubling love stories — and the tale of origin for all three monotheistic faiths. Abraham must choose between two wives who have borne him two sons. One wife and son will share in his wealth and status, while the other two are exiled into the desert. Long a cornerstone of Western anxiety, the story chronicles a very famous and troubled family, and sheds light on the ongoing conflict between the Judeo-Christian and Islamic worlds. How did this ancient story become one of the least understood and most frequently misinterpreted of our cultural myths? Gordon sheds provocative new light on these biblical characters who — with their jealousies, passions, and doubts — actually behave like human beings.