Adult Faith Development 2026
Williamsburg UUs can broaden our understanding of ourselves, our congregation, and our denomination with a series of Adult Faith Development classes through May 2026. Several courses are still in the planning stages, so continue reading the Spiral for updated information and any new offerings.
January 2026
“Contemporary Humanism and the UU Tradition” (class registration has closed)
Wednesdays, Jan. 14 and Jan. 28
Rev. Jude and WUU Gene Roche facilitated a two-part discussion series “Contemporary Humanism and the UU Tradition.” The book, Good Without God, by Greg Epstein, an “accessible, engaging introduction to contemporary humanism,” provided a foundation for discussion of how we can live “ethically, find meaning, and build community—without relying on traditional theism.” (Class registration has closed.)
“Starting Point”
Sunday, Jan. 11, 11:30, Main Sanctuary
Sunday, Jan. 18, 11:30
Join Rev. Jude and the membership team for the WUU orientation series taught not only for prospective and new members but also for any WUUs who want a refresher. The second session focuses on our congregation’s history and ways to engage with WUU.
“Developing Lay Leadership”
First session Sunday, Jan. 25, 11:30, Main Sanctuary
Faith Development Team member Beverly Peterson and Rev. Jude will teach a six-week session on lay leadership based on the UUA’s “Harvest the Power” materials. This course is for all WUUs and focuses on our own leadership stories, the role of covenant, the importance of relationships, recognizing and leading through change and conflict, and caring for the self and others.
February 2026
“Turning Points in UU History”
Wednesdays, weekly Feb. 11 - March 11, 5 - 6:30, Room 108
Adult Faith Development team members David Hamilton and Linda Lane-Hamilton will offer the second series of UU History courses from the Faith Forward curriculum, focusing on pivotal times for our denomination--the Dedham decision, conflicts in Universalism, expansion beyond New England, rise of humanism and continued broadening of the faith, and issues around race and empowerment. This course is limited to 10 people. Watch the Spiral in February for more information and sign-ups.
March -- May 2026
“Coming of Age for Adults”
Rev. Jude will teach another course from the Faith Forward curriculum with supporting videos and material for adult faith exploration. Participants will discuss Fowler’s Stages of Faith Development, explore their spiritual journeys, and create their own statements of faith in this six-part series. Watch the Spiral in March for more information.
“Thanatos: An End-of-Life Forum”
Our forum will be a space where a supportive community meets to reflect on end-of-life challenges. We strive to align our spiritual and emotional wellbeing with legal and practical considerations. Two programs are planned for the spring:
“Preparing for a Meaningful Death: Increasing Our Chances of Dying Well”
Facilitated by Rev. Janna Roche, March 26, noon to 1:30 pm at WUU
“Medical Aid in Dying (in Virginia)”
Facilitated by Compassion & Choices volunteers, date TBA
Continuing/Ongoing Faith Development Programs
QiGong
Tuesdays, 1 - 2, Little Sanctuary, starting Jan. 20
Qigong (CHEE-GONG) is an ancient Chinese health practice that seeks to integrate mind, body, breath, and spirit. Although it looks much like Tai Chi, the movements are simpler and easier to learn. David Hamilton has taught QiGong at WUU for many years and welcomes folks to try out one class or attend when they can. Sessions run for four weeks with a week off before the next series.
Earth Care Book Club
First Sunday of each month, Little Sanctuary, 11:30
The Earth Care Book Club, a project of the WUU Gaia Council, was formed to read books that help us learn more about how our planet actually works, especially its biological systems, and about how to live more lightly upon it.
We have read Doug Tallamy’s Nature’s Best Hope, Jane Goodall’s The Book of Hope, Robin Wall Kimmerer’s The Serviceberry, and Anthony Doerr’s Cloud Cuckoo Land.
We meet on the first Sunday of each month, after the morning service, in the Little Sanctuary. Our book for the February meeting is Winter World: The Ingenuity of Animal Survival by Bernd Heinrich, while March’s book is Silent Earth: Averting the Insect Apocalypse by Dave Goulson. Future books will be announced in the Spiral and by email. We’d love to have you join us!
Course in Miracles
Wednesdays, 10 a.m., Little Sanctuary
This group and movement are based on a 1976 book of the same name, and the underlying premise is that the greatest “miracle” is the act of simply gaining a full “awareness of love’s presence” in a person’s life. No registration is necessary to attend. Contact office@wuu.org to connect with the group leaders.
Soul Matters Small Groups
These are the primary ongoing small groups here at WUU, with nearly 60 total members across a number of different groups. These small groups meet monthly to engage with the monthly Soul Matters theme and get to know one another on a deeper level. They involve intentional listening, spiritual practices, and a group covenant for how they are with one another. Registration typically happens in the fall, but some groups can accept newcomers throughout the year. Contact soulmatters@wuu.org for details.
Williamsburg Buddhist Sangha
The Williamsburg Buddhist Sangha meets at WUU every Monday evening at 7 pm, usually in the Main Sanctuary and gathering area. You can also join in the meditation online, with the link found in the WUU calendar listing. No registration is necessary to attend. Questions? Email contact@williamsburgbuddhistsangha.org.