Being UU: Adult Faith Development

Mission: In support of the goals of our church, we invite personal transformation through opportunities to deepen, connect, and engage to nurture lives faithful to our Unitarian Universalist values.

Our offerings are designed to enhance faith formation in a Unitarian Universalist context. Offerings are intended to stimulate our sense of community and enrich the spiritual and intellectual lives of JUC members and friends by helping to:

  • seek greater understanding of Unitarian Universalist theology and heritage;
  • develop cultural competency in our members and friends; and
  • cultivate our individual and collective spiritual practices and sense of well-being.

Workshops

Faith Forward: Inquirers

Sundays 9-10 a.m.
September 9 – October 28
Visitors, newcomers, and new members are invited to participate in the Inquirers Series – the first step on our Faith Forward Path. The Inquirers Series meets at 9:00am on Sunday mornings in M3/4 in the Mills Building. It is a series of 8 conversations that offer a general introduction to our congregation and Unitarian Universalism. The series is ongoing, so you are welcome to participate in the sessions in any order, as you’re able.

Our Songs! with Keith

Sunday, September 16, 12:30 – 1:15 p.m.
Tuesday, October 9, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, November 11, 12:30 – 1:15 p.m.
Tuesday, December 4, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Did you know that there’s a version of Duke Ellington’s “Come Sunday” in our hymnal? Come spend an hour with Keith experiencing little-known and familiar songs from the UU hymnals Singing the Living Tradition and Singing the Journey. We’ll sing through old and new hymns, delving into them for meaning and how they might equip us to live lives of connection and engagement.  Sessions on Sunday afternoons will be family friendly for all ages. Drop in for one or all.

Faith without Dogma, Doctrine or God

Monday, September 24
7-9 p.m.
Is it possible? Yes. Sharon Salzberg’s book “Faith: Trusting Your Own Deepest Experience” is a fresh look at a charged word. For anyone who has wondered if faith could include them, this class is for you. Join Rev. Wendy in exploring faith set free from fear and rooted in experience in this one evening class. Reading Salzberg’s book is recommended. Sign Up.

Bigger Than the Moment

Monday, October 8
7-9 p.m.
“Bigger than the Moment” One of the highlights each year at General Assembly (the annual gathering of our UU congregations) is the Ware Lecture. From Martin Luther King, Jr. to Linus Pauling to Julian Bond to Mary Oliver to Van Jones, the Ware Lecture has featured thoughtful and provocative voices. This year was no exception. Brittany Packnett is a Vice President for Teach for America and frequent contributor to the podcast “Pod Save America.” Join Rev. Wendy to watch this energetic, unapologetic, shape-shifter for justice challenge us to  engage in justice work. As she says, “We have an obligation to ourselves and our community to be bigger than the moment.” Sign Up Here

Why I Left, Why I Stayed

Thursdays October 18, November 1, November 15, November 29
7-8:30 p.m.
Everyone has a story.  For many of us our story has meant a change from the story of our youth.  For others maybe you have seen family or friends leave the story you once shared.  Tony Campolo is a well-known evangelical Christian author, speaker, and teacher.  For 30 years his son Bart followed in his footsteps.  Then one day Bart revealed that he no longer shared his dad’s faith.  This book is their story.  We will be using the book to guide a conversation with the following goals

  • Deepen the understanding of our own individual story
  • Connect more deeply with stories of others
  • Engage with others who may not share your story

We will meet for four weeks. The first three will be a book discussion and on week 4 we will watch Leaving My Father’s Faith a documentary telling their story with a short discussion to follow. You will need to get your own copy of the book, available from libraries and booksellers of your choice. https://bartcampolo.org/why-i-left-why-i-stayed

This book read is co-sponsored by both the UU Humanists and the UU Liberal Christians at Jefferson Unitarian Church. Facilitators: Rev. Eric Banner and Bill Finley. Sign up here.

Newcomers Mindfulness Meditation & Dinner

Sunday, September 16
5-7 p.m.
Come meditate with us!  On Sunday Sept 16, we will begin with an introduction to mindfulness meditation suitable for beginners,  After we meditate, we’ll enjoy the fellowship of our group and answer your questions over a chili dinner.  Contact: Tina Voelker

Introduction to Blue Mountain Meditation

Thursday, October 11
7 – 8:30 p.m.
Interested in learning more about Blue Mountain Passage Meditation? Before joining our twice monthly meetings, we encourage you to attend this introductory session to learn more about this vibrant and effective practice. No signup needed. Contact: Annie Hedberg

Introduction to Qigong

Saturday, September 15
10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

If anyone is interested in learning an ancient practice which helps you survive the modern world, I am hosting a Qigong class in the chapel from 10:30-12:30 Saturday September 15th.  ½ the class will be meditative, a practice called Sound Healing and the other will be gentle movements. Those who are interested should wear comfortable clothes and bring a mat or a sheet to lie on if they prefer that position while we will be doing Sound Healing. Contact: Paige LeBlanc.

Spiritual Practices

Join intern minister Kim Mason for a monthly exploration and practice of spiritual practices from a range of traditions. Dates are being established now, and you can find our more by contacting Kim.

Shared Theology Groups

Covenant of UU Pagans (CUUPS)
Angela Priest
For those interested in holding open public Pagan rituals each Sabbat. All are welcome.

UU Humanists
Jim Bole
Humanism is a major source of our UU tradition. We investigate Humanist philosophy, life stance and modern expressions of service and community building.

UU Liberal Christians
1st and 3rd Tuesdays, 7 p.m.
Sara Lohaus
Crystal Kreitzer
Connect with Christianity from a fresh, open-minded perspective. Join us for study, discussion, worship and fellowship as we explore our Christian roots within UUism.

Spiritual Practice Groups

Blue Mountain Meditation
1st and 3rd Thursdays, 7 p.m.
Annie and John Hedberg
For those practicing Eknath Easwaran’s Eight-Point Program for living a spiritual life in the everyday world.If you wish to join without the introductory course, read Passage Meditation by Easwaran and begin meditating as described.

Mindfulness Meditation
1st and 3rd Sundays, 5 p.m.
Tina Voelker
This group is for anyone interested in deepening their mindfulness meditation practice. Many of us also have a strong interest in Buddhist philosophy.

Wisdom Healing Qigong: Healing Ourselves, Healing Our World
1st Tuesdays 6:30-7:30 p.m.
This is a monthly practice group using gentle movements, visualization and sound for improved life vitality.  All abilities are welcome. Per the founder, Dr. Pang, with Qigong practice, we cultivate “the mind’s intelligence to direct chi to reform, perfect, and improve the conscious potential of the holistic body, thereby uplifting  the consciousness of the practitioner from an automated condition to that of autonomous wisdom.
Shamanistic Journey Meditation
Every third Wednesday of the month at 6pm.
Shamanistic Journey Meditation is a great opportunity to help you find higher awareness. We will go through some meditations designed to guide you through other realms and find your spirit animals. With the experience of Peruvian shamans, who have dedicated their lives to the journey of the spirit, they are here to make sure you are safe and comfortable as they guide you through these meditations.