Faith Formation Archives - Page 5 of 5

VirtUUal Faith Formation: March 12, 2021

What’s Happening in Lifespan Faith Formation?

Welcome as we continue our theme of Commitment! This week we focus on the segments Around the Neighborhood, and On the Porch. Check out this week’s video here. You can access the Soulful Home packet here at your own leisure.

Many Ways to Connect

Family Fun Outdoors – March 21 at 11 am – 12:30 pm – we will meet at North Park Village Nature Center (5801 N Pulaski Rd. Chicago) for a short hike. Families are welcome to stay longer. There is a nature center there, but it might not be open.

Taking Flight Sex Ed Program for 7th-9th Youth – Sunday at 1 pm. Youth must be registered to attend. See the email with Zoom info.

Pre/K Kids and Families – POP (Parents of Preschoolers) – March’s materials are available here. The password is YouGotThis2020 (case sensitive.) This UU-based program is to be used all month long. Do whatever fits your family’s schedule.

High School Youth – Outdoor gathering either Saturday or Sunday. Look for an email with details.

Looking Ahead…

Popcorn Theology Online for 6th-8th Grade Youth – March 21 at 1 pm after the nature hike!

Current & Upcoming Adult Faith Formation Programs

Suffering and Meaning in a Process Relational Perspective – Mondays, March 8, 15, 22 at 7-8 pm via Zoom. Facilitated by Barbara Mesle. Pain hurts more when it feels meaningless, so we are powerfully motivated to find some meaning in our suffering.

Learn More and Register

Neo-Paganism History, Theology, and Ritual – Tuesdays, March 16, 23, 30 at 7-8:30 pm via Zoom. Facilitated by Rev. Susan Frances and Taryn Seawright. In this three-part series, Taryn and Rev. Susan will explore the history, theology, and ritual of Neo-Paganism.

Learn More and Register

Join the Zoom Class

VirtUUal Faith Formation: March 12, 2021UCE UCE2021-03-13T16:48:58+00:00

VirtUUal Faith Formation: March 5, 2021

What’s Happening in Lifespan Faith Formation?

Welcome as we continue our theme of Commitment! This week we focus on the segments The Welcome Mat, At the Table, and The Message Board. Check out this week’s video here. You can access the Soulful Home packet here at your own leisure.

Many Ways to Connect

Taking Flight Sex Ed Program for 7th-9th Youth – Sunday at 1 pm. Youth must be registered to attend. Look for the email that went out with the link.

High School Youth – Virtually on Sunday at 4 pm. Look for an email with details.

Pre/K Kids and Families – POP (Parents of Preschoolers) – March’s materials are available here. The password is YouGotThis2020 (case sensitive.) This UU-based program is to be used all month long. Do whatever fits your family’s schedule.

Family Fun Outdoors – March 21 at 11 am – 12:30 pm – we will meet for a short hike at a local park or forest preserve. More details to come!

Upcoming Forum Discussion – March 7 at 10 am

The Forum’s Future

Leaders: Carol & Brian Nielsen and Kathy Underwood

This discussion will provide an opportunity for Forum participants to consider the future of the Forum, evaluate this past year’s program, and discuss plans for going forward. A survey to evaluate this year’s program to date can be found below. Please complete the survey by March 15. The survey loads slowly so please be patient.

Take the Forum Evaluation Survey

Join the Zoom Discussion

Current & Upcoming Adult Faith Formation Programs

Towards an Understanding of BELOVED by Toni Morrison – Tuesday, March 2. 7-8:30 pm via Zoom. Facilitated by Barbara Mesle.

Learn More and Register

Join the Zoom Session

Suffering and Meaning in a Process Relational Perspective – Mondays, March 8, 15, 22 at 7-8 pm via Zoom. Facilitated by Barbara Mesle. Pain hurts more when it feels meaningless, so we are powerfully motivated to find some meaning in our suffering.

Learn More and Register

Neo-Paganism History, Theology, and Ritual – Tuesdays, March 16, 23, 30 at 7-8:30 pm via Zoom. Facilitated by Rev. Susan Frances and Taryn Seawright. In this three-part series, Taryn and Rev. Susan will explore the history, theology, and ritual of Neo-Paganism.

Learn More and Register

Join the Zoom Session

VirtUUal Faith Formation: March 5, 2021UCE UCE2021-03-05T18:04:14+00:00

From DLRE: March 5, 2021

What’s faith got to do with it?

Since my arrival at UCE, I have been engaging many of you in conversation about your thoughts on what the term “religious education” means to you and the congregation. For most, it is the teaching of Unitarian Universalism to children. And yet it is so much more! How so, you may be asking?

Let me count the ways…

We strive to teach people from all ages and stages of life, not just children and youth.
We yearn to learn about our world and our place in it, not just about UUism.
We search for our truth about life’s Big Questions in community, with those who guide and challenge us along the way. “Teacher” is the common word for people who help us, but we can also say “guide”, “spirit guide”, “mentor”, “elder”, “sage”, “prophet”.
We want to be transformed, not just educated.
Faith is not a subject; it is a way of life that is to be modeled and lived – no matter what your beliefs are about the divine.

If the above is true, then does the term “religious education” encompass all of this? In my opinion, not entirely. Other words are being used more in our denomination, such as faith formation, faith development, religious exploration, spiritual development. I personally feel drawn to faith formation though. It speaks to the growth and learning across our lifespan, that it is a process that continues as we age. I asked some colleagues to chime in on what the difference is between religious education and faith formation, and here are a few of their thoughts:

Religious education is teaching to model, and faith formation is a growing with the model.
Faith formation is deep, broad, done in community, everyone doing it. Religious education is top-down, teacher knows, and student learns (might not be mono-directional in practice).
Faith formation helps move us beyond reductive understanding of the word education.
Faith formation is lifelong and evolving, and RE is equated as being mostly “for kids”.

We are beginning to use “faith formation” more in our language- on the website, in the newsletter, and in conversations. For some this is a moot point, and for others it is pushing buttons. I can understand the latter, as I have had some words hang me up, such as the word “church”. As I have grown in my understanding of spirituality and faith formation, I have become less sensitive to this, although I still experience it at times.

With the creation of the Faith Formation Force, aka F3, we will be exploring with curiosity what faith formation can look and feel like at UCE as one goes through the stages of life. How do we support and encourage each other to “yearn to learn” about our faith as Unitarian Universalist and human beings? What do we need along the way? What are the best and engaging ways to do this?

I am excited to be headed on this journey with you – transformation is a beautiful thing!

In Faith,

Kathy

From DLRE: March 5, 2021UCE UCE2021-03-01T22:30:41+00:00

Deepening Our UU Identity: Spring 2021

Deepening Our UU Identity

What does it mean to be a Unitarian Universalist? Without a common creed or theology, what unites us and grounds us? Contrary to the common misunderstanding of our inclusivity, that we are the ones who "can believe whatever we want," Unitarian Universalism is a chosen faith that asks a great deal of those who commit to its aspirations and covenants. In this four–part series, we will explore the religious roots of our movement, the covenant that is our seven principles, and the six sources of our faith from which we draw wisdom. We will also delve into a Unitarian Universalist definition of spirituality and a variety of spiritual practices we can engage in. Finally, deepening our understanding of what it means to be a UU grounded in the practice of Beloved Community, right here at UCE. This series is open to all lifespan learners, and may be most engaging for those twelve and up.

Join us for any or all of the sessions:

Session One – March 31st 7-8:30 pm via Zoom

The Seven Principles: an exploration of the UU principles, how they came to be and how they can inform our lives. Led by Rev. Eileen Wiviott. View the recorded session here (Passcode: 7s5&!?a&).
Session Two – April 28th 7-8:30 pm via Zoom

The Six Sources: understanding UU pluralism – how the broad sources from which we draw inspiration and wisdom make our living tradition unique. Led by Rev. Susan Frances.
Session Three – May 26th 7-8:30 pm via Zoom

UU Spirituality: what does spirituality mean to us and how can we practice spirituality however we answer ultimate questions. Led by Rev. Eileen and Rev. Susan Frances.
Session Four – June 30 6:30-8 pm at UCE – IN PERSON

UCE History & Tour: Ever wonder what’s up in the balcony? Did you even know we had a balcony? What’s it like to stand in the pulpit or peek behind the chancel? Do you even know what the chancel is or how it got there? Come to church for a tour of the building you thought you knew. Learn about the history of our congregation, what the church was like when we first moved in. Join in a scavenger hunt of hidden passageways and lost artifacts. This is an event for all ages and whole families. As with all church activities, you’ll need to wear a mask.

Register

Deepening Our UU Identity: Spring 2021UCE UCE2021-06-28T20:47:15+00:00

VirtUUal Faith Formation: February 26, 2021

What’s Happening in Lifespan Faith Formation?

Welcome as we continue our theme of Beloved Community! You can access the Soulful Home packet here at your own leisure. This week we focus on the segments At the Bedside, Blessing and The Extra Mile. Check out this week’s video here.

Many Ways to Connect

The Ecology Center Outing – THIS Sunday, February 28 at 2-3:30 pm – we have one spot open and the forecast looks good – mid-30s! Signup here.

Taking Flight Sex Ed Program for 7th-9th Youth – Sunday at 1 pm. Youth must be registered to attend. Look for the email that went out with the link.

High School Youth – Virtually on Sunday at 4 pm. Look for an email with details.

Pre/K Kids and Families – POP (Parents of Preschoolers) – February’s materials are available here. The password is YouGotThis2020 (case sensitive.) This UU-based program is to be used all month long. Do whatever fits your family’s schedule.

Current & Upcoming Adult Faith Formation Programs

Towards an Understanding of BELOVED by Toni Morrison – Tuesday, March 2. 7-8:30 pm via Zoom. Facilitated by Barbara Mesle.

Learn More and Register

Join the Meeting

Breathe: A Letter to My Sons by Imani Perry – March 9 at 7 pm via Zoom As a part of our denomination’s work and effort to examine white fragility and supremacy, this book was chosen as the Common Read. Congregations all over the country are reading and discussing this book to help understand these complex systems and relationships that support racism and oppression. Facilitated by Kathy Underwood.

Learn More and Register

Join the Meeting

Upcoming Forum Discussion – March 7 at 10 am

The Forum’s Future

Leaders: Carol & Brian Nielsen

This discussion will provide an opportunity for Forum participants to consider the future of the Forum, evaluate this past year’s program, and discuss plans for going forward.

VirtUUal Faith Formation: February 26, 2021UCE UCE2021-02-25T21:06:47+00:00

VirtUUal Faith Formation: February 19, 2021

What’s Happening in Lifespan Faith Formation?

Welcome as we continue our theme of Beloved Community! You can access the Soulful Home packet here at your own leisure. This week we focus on the segments On the Porch and In the Neighborhood. Check out this week’s video here.

Many Ways to Connect

Taking Flight Sex Ed Program for 7th-9th Youth – Sunday at 1 pm. Youth must be registered to attend. Look for the email that went out with the link.

High School Youth – Virtually on Sunday at 4 pm. Look for an email with details.

Pre/K Kids and Families – POP (Parents of Preschoolers) – February’s materials are available here. The password is YouGotThis2020 (case sensitive.) This UU-based program is to be used all month long. Do whatever fits your family’s schedule.

The Ecology Center Outing – Sunday, February 28 at 2-3:30 pm – we have two spots open for two more young people! The forecast looks good – mid-30s! Signup here.

Forum Discussion

UCE Forum Discussion – Sunday, February 21st at 10 am

Why an 8th Principle?

Leaders: Martha Holman and Team 8th

Come to Forum to learn a bit of the history of this proposed 8th principle, parse what it means, and consider how it might transform our lives here at UCE. The 8^th principle is:

We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote: journeying toward spiritual wholeness by working to build a diverse multicultural Beloved Community by our actions that accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions.

Join the Discussion

Current & Upcoming Adult Faith Formation Programs

Process Buddhism: Zen Style (Part of the “Visions of God” series.)

Sponsored by UCE and the Cobb Institute for Community and Practice – Tuesdays, February 23 at 7-8:30 pm via Zoom. Facilitated by Dr. Jay McDaniel, Cobb Institute

Learn More and Register

Join the Zoom Meeting

Towards an Understanding of BELOVED by Toni Morrison – Tuesday, March 2 at 7-8:30 pm via Zoom. Facilitated by Barbara Mesle.

Learn More and Register

Join the Zoom Meeting

Breathe: A Letter to My Sons by Imani Perry – March 9 at 7 pm via Zoom – As a part of our denomination’s work and effort to examine white fragility and supremacy, this book was chosen as the Common Read. Congregations all over the country are reading and discussing this book to help understand these complex systems and relationships that support racism and oppression. Facilitated by Kathy Underwood.

Learn More and Register

Join the Zoom Meeting

VirtUUal Faith Formation: February 19, 2021UCE UCE2021-02-19T20:27:15+00:00

VirtUUal Faith Formation: February 12, 2021

What’s Happening in Lifespan Faith Formation?

Welcome as we continue our theme of Beloved Community! You can access the Soulful Home packet here at your own leisure. This week we focus on the segments Around the Neighborhood and At Play. Check out this week’s video here.

Many Ways to Connect

Sledding at Lovelace Park – Saturday, February 13 at 10:30 am. Meet at the Pavilion.

Mystery Match this Sunday at 12:30 pm! – Those who were matched can join a special Zoom at 12:30 pm after worship. Meet your match and get to know each other a bit with a fun game! Click here to join the Mystery Match Celebration.

Taking Flight Sex Ed Program for 7th-9th Youth – Sunday at 1 pm. Youth must be registered to attend. Look for the email that went out with the link.

High School Youth – Sunday at 4 pm. Look for an email with details.

Pre/K Kids and Families – POP (Parents of Preschoolers) – February’s materials are available here. The password is YouGotThis2020 (case sensitive.) This UU-based program is to be used all month long. Do whatever fits your family’s schedule.

We have two spots open for a Visit to the Ecology Center! – February 28 at 2-3:30 pm. Sign up at here.

Current and Upcoming Adult Faith Formation Programs

Process Buddhism: Zen Style (Part of the “Visions of God” series.)

Sponsored by UCE and the Cobb Institute for Community and Practice – Tuesdays, February 16, 23 7-8:30 pm via Zoom. Facilitated by Dr. Jay McDaniel, Cobb Institute

Learn More and Register

Join the Zoom Meeting

Towards an Understanding of BELOVED by Toni Morrison – Tuesday, March 2. 7-8:30 pm via Zoom. Facilitated by Barbara Mesle.

Learn More and Register

Join the Zoom Meeting

Breathe: A Letter to My Sons by Imani Perry – March 9 at 7 pm via Zoom – As a part of our denomination’s work and effort to examine white fragility and supremacy, this book was chosen as the Common Read. Congregations all over the country are reading and discussing this book to help understand these complex systems and relationships that support racism and oppression. Facilitated by Kathy Underwood.

Learn More and Register

Join the Zoom Meeting

VirtUUal Faith Formation: February 12, 2021UCE UCE2021-02-11T22:30:11+00:00

VirtUUal Faith Formation: February 5, 2021

What’s Happening in Lifespan Faith Formation?

Welcome to our new theme of Beloved Community! Soul Kits are in the mail, so check your mailboxes! You can access the Soulful Home packet here at your own leisure. This week we focus on the segments The Welcome Mat, At the Table, and On the Message Board. Check out this week’s video here.

Many Ways to Connect

Sledding at Lovelace Park – Saturday, February 13 at 10:30 am. Meet at the Pavilion.

Pre/K Kids and Families – POP (Parents of Preschoolers) – February’s materials are available here. The password is YouGotThis2020 (case sensitive.) This UU-based program is to be used all month long. Do whatever fits your family’s schedule.

Popcorn Theology for 6th-8th Youth – Sunday at 1 pm. Look for the email with the link.

Taking Flight Sex Ed Program for 7th-9th Youth – Sunday at 1 pm. Youth must be registered to attend. Look for the email that went out with the link.

High School Youth – Sunday at 4 pm. Look for an email with details.

Current and Upcoming Adult Faith Formation Programs

Process Buddhism: Zen Style (Part of the “Visions of God” series.)

Sponsored by UCE and the Cobb Institute for Community and Practice – Tuesdays, February 9, 16, 23 7-8:30 pm via Zoom. Facilitated by Dr. Jay McDaniel, Cobb Institute

Learn More and Register

Join the Zoom Meeting

Towards an Understanding of BELOVED by Toni Morrison – Tuesday, March 2. 7-8:30 pm via Zoom. Facilitated by Barbara Mesle.

Learn More and Register

Join the Zoom Meeting

Breathe: A Letter to My Sons by Imani Perry – March 9 at 7 pm via Zoom – High School youth and adults are welcome to join us as we discuss this year’s UUA Common Read.

Learn More and Register

Join the Zoom Meeting

VirtUUal Faith Formation: February 5, 2021UCE UCE2021-02-05T18:29:19+00:00

Intersectionality in Speculative Fiction: May 2021

Intersectionality in speculative fiction: N. K. Jemisin’s The Fifth Season
Tuesdays, May 4, 11, 18 at 7-8:30 pm | All sessions will be via Zoom | Facilitated by UCE member Emily Eckwahl-Sanna

“So here is why I write what I do: We all have futures. We all have pasts. We all have stories. And we all, every single one of us, no matter who we are and no matter what’s been taken from us or what poison we’ve internalized or how hard we’ve had to work to expel it—we all get to dream.” —N. K. Jemisin

Imagine a world where apocalypses are commonplace. Where frequent seismic activity—whether volcanoes, earthquakes, or other environmental disasters—result in extended winters and the widespread loss of human life. In this world, where nature is seen as a force to be feared rather than revered and where human survival is always tenuous at best, society and law are ordered around strict caste systems, and orogenes—people with the magical power to affect and control the earth—are feared and subdued.

This is the world of N. K. Jemisin’s Broken Earth trilogy—the only science fiction trilogy to win the Hugo Award in consecutive years for all three novels and the first time a Black writer has won a Hugo for a novel. Written while Jemisin was attending a NASA-funded workshop on science and media, the first book in the trilogy, The Fifth Season, tells the story of three orogene women of different castes, ages, and time periods who are seeking to survive in the midst of apocalypse.

In this three-week series, we will discuss how Kimberlé Crenshaw’s definition of intersectionality—or how race, class, gender, sexuality, and other identities interconnect and overlap—shows up in the The Fifth Season. Other topics to address include the role of science in interpreting science fiction and the role of speculative fiction in creating the Beloved Community.

About Emily Eckwahl-Sanna
Emily Eckwahl-Sanna is the managing editor of U.S. Catholic, a progressive magazine based in Chicago that focuses on how spirituality affects all parts of life, from social justice work to family to pop culture. She has an M.Div from Yale Divinity School, where she studied sexual ethics and feminist theology. When she’s not working, she’s probably reading, and while her bookshelves are full of everything from Hindu philosophy to Harry Potter to historical romance novels, science fiction and fantasy books remain particular favorites.

Register

Intersectionality in Speculative Fiction: May 2021UCE UCE2021-02-05T00:11:21+00:00