WUU Courses for Adults—RE/Lifespan Faith Development
by Linda Lane-Hamilton
One of WUU’s developmental goals was to expand Faith Development offerings for adults, and starting this fall, WUUs can attend two different strands of Faith Development classes: UU History 101 (Faith Forward) and Love at the Center: UU Values and Covenants (Wellspring).
UU History will be team-taught by Rev. Jude and members of the new Faith Development Team in the Sanctuary on Sundays after services, from 11:30–12:30. The Wellspring series, Love at the Center, will be taught by Rev. Jude and offered on Wednesdays twice a month from noon–1:30 OR from 5–6:30. UU History is a drop-in for everyone; Love at the Center requires registration with Rev. Jude and a commitment to attend as many sessions as possible. Sign up for a time with Rev. Jude at minister@wuu.org.
Both courses are open to newcomers, new members, longtime members, and anyone wanting to learn about our faith, refresh their knowledge, and connect with each other.
UU History 101 (Part 1--Faith Forward)
How can UU history be translated into our religious life and practice?
Sundays at 11:30 in the Sanctuary beginning October 5
What? “A 6-session introduction to concepts and people from our history...by approaching history from the starting point of compelling stories and personalities…We will make connections with our own lives and the world around us today.”
Who? For all WUUs and friends. These sessions will be co-facilitated by Rev. Jude and members of the new Faith Development team.
When? Sundays 11:30–12:30 starting October 5 in the Sanctuary (twice a month)
How? 6 sessions; attend all sessions or drop in when you can.
1: A Question of Conscience (Servetus, Channing, Child)
2. A Question of Love (de Benneville, Sinkford)
3. A Question of Experience (Emerson, Peabody, Transcendentalists)
4. A Question of Resilience and Courage (Harper, Brown, Parker)
5. A Question of Identity (Unitarianism, Universalism)
6. A Question of Calling (Longview, Bowens-Wheatley)
NOTE: Links will be provided to a series of UU history modules developed by Rev. Jude that can extend and deepen our understanding of our history.
Love at the Center: UU Values and Covenants (Wellspring)
Wednesdays at either 12 or 5 starting September 17 (registration required at minister@wuu.org)
What? “Love at the Center: UU Values and Covenants will provide a sacred container to deepen our spiritual lives through explorations, reflections, experiences and storytelling. You will have opportunities to engage with resources that will open your heart, mind, and soul to your inner wisdom and the sharing in each session will open you to the wisdom of the group. This sacred opportunity to be with each other will include exploring spiritual deepening through daily spiritual practices and regular spiritual companionship, which will be explained and discussed in our sessions.”
Who? These sessions will be facilitated by Rev. Jude.
When? Two in-person classes on the first and third Wednesdays each month through December. Participants will sign up for one of the two classes and attend that as a member of an intimate small group.
How? In a series of 7 sessions
· Sessions 1 and 2 focus on building our community and exploring how we want to be together.
· Sessions 3 and 4 focus on our core value, Love, and the related covenant statements.
· Centering in Community
· Acting in Faith
· Nurturing Growth
· Transforming in Love.
Several books serve as foundations for discussion, with participants encouraged to read before attending the first session.
● Beyond Welcome: Building Communities of Love, edited by Linnea Nelson. Skinner House Books. (2022)
● Faithful Practices: Everyday Ways to Feed Your Spirit edited by Rev. Erik Wikstrom. Skinner House Books (2018)