Fall 2024 Faith Development Offerings

July 26, 2024

2024 Fall Flyer available here

New this Fall ~ for youth and adults

Dates & times for each offering are listed in the flyer linked above.

Braiding Sweetgrass: Join us for a series of five monthly discussions on Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer, along with a companion workbook, Workbook for Braiding Sweetgrass by Legendary Reads. This discussion series will include opportunities for field experiences intended to amplify the ideas presented by Kimmerer.
Tai Chi: This ancient practice enhances health, concentration, and wellbeing. It can be practiced by people of all ages, sizes, shapes, and abilities. This class will focus on short movement sequences which will increase flexibility, strength, and balance. This class is open to beginners and to those with prior experience. Free YouTube videos will be available to enhance home practice. This class will be based on the modified Yang style of tai chi as taught by Master Moy Lin Shin.
Living the Pledge to End Racism: In a time when racial inequities are increasingly visible, the Living the Pledge to End Racism Workshop offers a chance to make a real difference. Originating over twenty-five years ago in Birmingham, Alabama, the Pledge to End Racism has grown into a global initiative committed to building a just and equitable society. It helps participants gain knowledge & confidence and to challenge systemic racism in daily life. Whether you’re deepening your anti-racism work or just starting, this workshop provides a supportive community and practical strategies to make a lasting impact. Join us and help create a just and inclusive world.
Deepening Spiritual Practice: This is an exploration of the role of spiritual practice in our lives and how we can sustain it. It is an opportunity for participants to deepen their spiritual practice and to infuse spirit in their daily lives, in their relationship with the church, and in their work in the world. This series is rooted in two affirmations: 1) There is no one right way to do spiritual practices, and 2) Spiritual life is not always solitary – we need each other. Although Deepening Spiritual Practice is part of the Faith Forward Advanced Path, it is not necessary to have attended the previous class.
UU Theology: This is an introduction to theological concepts through a Unitarian Universalist lens. Each session addresses the question: What does our Unitarian Universalist tradition teach about this theological concept, and how does that help me clarify and act on my own beliefs? We will discuss questions such as: What are God and Spirit? What is our purpose? Who are we? What are our sources? and What saves us? This series is more than an intellectual discussion of theology. While the goal is for participants to understand the concepts, the larger purpose is to help participants connect the concept with their lived reality, or to put theology into action.
The Blue Zones–How Other Countries’ Lifestyles offer options for healthy living: The Blue Zones are six communities around the world where people routinely live past 100 years in good health. Beginning in October, the Senior Discussion Group will discuss the Blue Zones phenomenon and what we can learn from these communities. Although the initial publicity on the Blue Zones communities focused on diet, there is more to living longer in good health than food. Our discussion will start with a video and discussion of the most recent book on this topic. We will then look at other aspects influencing long life: purpose, self-care, and community.
UU History 101 continues Sept – Dec: You do not need to have attended the previous sessions to participate this fall. Part of our Faith Forward Path, UU History 101 is an introduction to concepts and people from our history. In this series, we approach history from the starting point of compelling stories and personalities. We will explore the questions those people faced, and make connections with our own lives and the world around us today. The overarching question is: how can history be translated into our religious life and practice? In addition to learning about history, we hope you will learn about yourselves.
Turning Points in UU History (Jan-June 2025): This is a six-session exploration of turning points and controversies in our history. You will delve into the complexities of these historical moments through primary texts and learn about how they shaped Unitarian Universalism and relate to our faith today. Each session reflects on the sides involved in the controversy, inviting you to put yourself in the shoes of those who lived through it and to consider the various perspectives. NOTE: Turning Points in UU History is part of the Faith Forward Advanced Path, and is designed for those who have attended some or all of the Faith Forward Core Path offerings (UU History 101, Spiritual Practices, UU Elevator Speech).
Register Here for any of the above offerings

Register by August 15 for Soul Connections to begin in September

Soul Connections is an opportunity to get to know a small group of fellow Countrysiders well, using exercises and readings focused on a monthly theme. Groups meet monthly virtually or in person starting in September and running through June. This year, in addition to the typical Soul Matters curriculum, we are also offering Creativity Matters, which engages participants in the theme through artistic expression – no technical expertise or honed artistic skill required!

Children & Youth Registration for Classes to begin Sept 15

Info about Children & Youth Programming
Register your Children & Youth Now

Regularly Occurring Groups

In addition to the above opportunities, all are welcome to participate in the following groups; registration is not needed. See the Focus and E-news for details.

Atheist, Humanist, Agnostic (AHA ) Discussion, 2nd Tuesdays at 7 pm
Book Circle (Sunday eves, approx. every 6 wks)
Buddhist Study Group (2nd Sunday, 11:30 am)
Earth Rhythms Drum Circle (quarterly on the 2nd Friday at 7 pm – next meeting in Oct 2024)
Feminine Divine (last Saturday, 9:30 am)
Green Sanctuary (2nd Sun, 11:30 am)
Haiku Workshop (3rd Thurs, 10 am)
Journaling Circle (1st Thurs, 10 am)
Last Mondays Book Group (Last Mon, 7 pm)
Open Forum Discussion (Sundays, 9 am)
Reading Roundtable (2nd Weds, 10 am)
Soul Connections/Creativity Matters groups (varies, monthly)
Transitions (10 am on the 4th Thurs, in Nov & Dec: 3rd Thurs)