A message from Dave Cicero, Director of Lifespan Religious Education
Participating in one or more classes is a great way to advance your personal growth AND connect more deeply to your church community. Below are descriptions of the “Adult RE” opportunities currently planned for the church year.
The following operate as “Covenant groups” – establishing and agreeing to their norms at the outset, then continuing “closed” to new members for a period of time.
- UU Wellspring: A 10-month spiritual deepening program created by UUs for UUs. Wellspring programs, both beginning (“Sources”) and advanced, are designed to balance knowledge of UU history and theology with personal spiritual practice and engagement with the world. Wellspring Registration
- Writers’ Circle: Bi-weekly gatherings give voice to written words in any form and honor the words of others, no matter their experience or skill level. A safe, non-competitive environment to write, strengthen your voice, cultivate your creativity – and build community. Writers’ Circle Registration
- Soul Circles: Monthly “check-ins”, through June, with a small group who has also engaged in personal exploration of the current Soul Matters theme. Participants share insights, practice deep listening to awaken internalized knowledge, and express gratitude for the others’ contributions. Soul Circles Registration
- Beloved Conversations – Within: A one-semester faith formation anti-racism program offered through our Unitarian Universalist seminary in Chicago, Meadville Lombard Theological School. Several UUCW members have taken this and become leaders in our continuing efforts to work towards more complete racial justice. Registration deadline: Aug. 31. Beloved Conversations Registration
- Youth Advisor/RE Teacher: Periodically co-leading small groups of UUCW youth or children throughout the church year not only contributes to their development, but also to your own! UUCW Members who are not parents or caregivers can still become leaders of our youth or children by submitting an application and attending orientation. Youth Advisor/RE Teacher Registration
The following classes are scheduled at specific times throughout the year and are open to all:
- Widening the Circle: A congregation-wide “Common Read” with sessions scheduled throughout the year and led by various UUCW group “clusters”, to help identify evidence of structural racism in existing UUCW systems. Registration information coming soon.
- Chair Yoga: A weekly online class, hosted by UUCW and led by Rev. Monica Cummings of Bradford Community Church UU, guiding participants through accessible poses designed to increase flexibility, strength, and overall health. Yoga Registration
- Where Do We Come From?: A five-session class exploring the stories of how and why some influential Unitarians/Universalists came to their “destination” from other faith traditions. Perhaps you can relate and are curious to learn more about what UU offers us today…. Where Do We Come From? Class Registration
- Adult RE Teacher/Facilitator: “They” say the best way to learn something is to teach it! If interested in a particular subject or in assisting others on their own journey of discovery, please let me know. Contact Dave Cicero.
Finally, opportunities abound for engaging in “fun & fellowship” via UUCW’s “Affinity groups” (organized around common interests and open to new participants any time). Heck, you can even make meaningful connections in church committees and work groups! Go to the UUCW website for more information on those, too.
With deep appreciation,
