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VirtUUal Faith Formation: April 23, 2021

What’s Happening in Faith Formation?

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

Many Ways to Connect

8th and 12th Grade Bridging – We will meet on the lawn at UCE Sunday at 4 pm to record the bridging ceremony.

RE Sunday – May 2 – Featuring YOU! We’re taking submissions from families, kids, and youth to contribute to this special worship service. Here are some ways to do so:

  • Send pictures of your family or kids doing an activity from the Soul Kits or Soulful Home packet.
  • Make a short (1-2 minutes) video of your family about any of the following:
  • How you have felt and stayed connected to UCE this past year
  • How you have lived out your UU values as a family or individually
  • Playing a musical interlude or singing your favorite UU song
  • Showing artwork or reading a poem that relates to our UU Principles and values – including the proposed 8th Principle
  • Your family lighting a chalice at home

You can put your picture or video in this Google folder by April 18. Feel free to email Kathy with any questions!

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) – April’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 – Bridging at UCE on Sunday at 4 pm.

Current & Upcoming Adult Faith Formation

Sealed by Katie Langston: Reading Group and Q&A with Author – Tuesdays, April 27 at 8 pm and June 1 at 7 pm – Katie Langston’s memoir, Sealed, tells the story of her conversion to mainline Christianity out of Mormonism. A conversation with Ruth Orme-Johnson for those interested in joining this “reading group” will be held on April 27th at 8pm. Attendance is not required to also attend the Q&A.

Deepening UU Identity – April 28 at 7-8:30 pm via Zoom – Second of four sessions. 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.

Intersectionality in Speculative Fiction: N. K. Jemisin’s The Fifth Season – Tuesdays, May 4, 11, 18 at 7-8:30 pm - Facilitated by UCE member Emily Eckwahl-Sanna. 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.

VirtUUal Faith Formation: April 23, 20212021-04-22T21:02:31+00:00

VirtUUal Faith Formation: April 16, 2021

What’s Happening in Faith Formation?

Welcome as we continue our theme of Becoming! This week we focus on the segments From the Mailbox 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

8th and 12th Grade Bridging – We will meet on the lawn at UCE at 4 pm on April 25 to record your bridging ceremony – our UU recognition of your next stage of life. All young adults and high school youth are welcome to participate! If you haven’t received an email about this yet, please email Kathy Underwood.

RE Sunday – May 2 – Featuring YOU! We’re taking submissions from families, kids, and youth to contribute to this special worship service. Here are some ways to do so:

  • Send pictures of your family or kids doing an activity from the Soul Kits or Soulful Home packet.
  • Make a short (1-2 minutes) video of your family about any of the following:
  • How you have felt and stayed connected to UCE this past year
  • How you have lived out your UU values as a family or individually
  • Playing a musical interlude or singing your favorite UU song
  • Showing artwork or reading a poem that relates to our UU Principles and values – including the proposed 8th Principle
  • Your family lighting a chalice at home

You can put your picture or video in this Google folder by April 18. Feel free to email Kathy with any questions!

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) – April’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 – No gathering this week, so look for an email next week.

Forum Discussion – This Sunday, April 18 at 10 am

Please join Shirley Adams and Michael Drennan for an Earth Day discussion that calls us to act: “Personal Steps Toward a Better Environment” How you can contribute as an individual, a family, a congregation, a community.

Current & Upcoming Adult Faith Formation

Sealed by Katie Langston: Reading Group and Q&A with Author – Tuesdays, April 27 at 8 pm and June 1 at 7 pm – Katie Langston’s memoir, Sealed, tells the story of her conversion to mainline Christianity out of Mormonism. A conversation with Ruth Orme-Johnson for those interested in joining this “reading group” will be held on April 27th at 8pm. Attendance is not required to also attend the Q&A.

Deepening UU Identity – April 28 at 7-8:30 pm via Zoom – Second of four sessions. 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.

Intersectionality in Speculative Fiction: N. K. Jemisin’s The Fifth Season – Tuesdays, May 4, 11, 18 at 7-8:30 pm - Facilitated by UCE member Emily Eckwahl-Sanna. 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.

VirtUUal Faith Formation: April 16, 20212021-04-16T04:18:09+00:00

VirtUUal Faith Formation: April 9, 2021

What’s Happening in Faith Formation?

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

Many Ways to Connect

8th and 12th Grade Bridging – We will meet on the lawn at UCE at 4 pm on April 25 to record your bridging ceremony – our UU recognition of your next stage of life. All young adults and high school youth are welcome to participate! If you haven’t received an email about this yet, please email Kathy Underwood.

RE Sunday – May 2 – Featuring YOU! We’re taking submissions from families, kids, and youth to contribute to this special worship service. Here are some ways to do so:

  • Send pictures of your family or kids doing an activity from the Soul Kits or Soulful Home packet.
  • Make a short (1-2 minutes) video of your family about any of the following:
  • How you have felt and stayed connected to UCE this past year
  • How you have lived out your UU values as a family or individually
  • Playing a musical interlude or singing your favorite UU song
  • Showing artwork or reading a poem that relates to our UU Principles and values – including the proposed 8th Principle
  • Your family lighting a chalice at home

You can put your picture or video in this Google folder by April 18. Feel free to email Kathy with any questions!

Popcorn Theology Online for 6th-8th Grade Youth – Sunday, April 11 at 1 pm.

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) – April’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 meet-up. Look for an email with details.

Current and Upcoming Adult Religious Education

Facing Climate Change – Tuesdays, April 13 at 7 pm – Dan Solomon will present on how Religious Naturalism can provide a framework for facing Climate Change.

UCE Forum Discussion – Sunday, April 18 at 10 am – Please join Shirley Adams and Michael Drennan for an Earth Day discussion that calls us to act: “Personal Steps Toward a Better Environment” How you can contribute as an individual, a family, a congregation, a community.

VirtUUal Faith Formation: April 9, 20212021-04-09T20:13:45+00:00

VirtUUal Faith Formation: April 2, 2021

What’s Happening in Faith Formation?

Welcome to our new theme of Becoming! This week we focus on the segments Welcome, At the Table and On 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

Easter Egg Hunt – once again this year we will be participating in a virtual egg hunt with 77 UU congregations around the country and Canada! You can play anytime after 9 am Saturday: Easy version: https://www.uuco.org/community Difficult: www.uumontclair.org

8th and 12th Grade Bridging – We will meet on the lawn at UCE at 4 pm on April 25 to record your bridging ceremony – our UU recognition of your next stage of life. All young adults and high school youth are welcome to participate! If you haven’t received an email about this yet, please email Kathy Underwood.

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) – April’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 meet-up. Look for an email with details.

Looking Ahead
Popcorn Theology Online for 6th-8th Grade Youth – Sunday, April 11 at 1 pm
.

This Sunday’s Forum Discussion

Forum meets this Sunday, April 4 at 10 am. Come join us for continuation of our discussion of the proposed 8th principle. In late February we talked about the history of the 8th principle, the process toward adoption, and Beloved Community. This time we will look at how some other congregations are approaching adoption, news on dates and the UCE voting process, and what it means to act accountably. What does that mean individually and within UCE? Part of our time together will be spent imagining action steps we could take after the adoption of the 8th principle.  There will also be a short video of a UU minister speaking about their congregation and the 8th principle.

Current and Upcoming Adult Religious Education

Facing Climate Change – Tuesdays, April 6 and 13 – Andy Fisher will talk about the critical problem of climate change, based on materials from “The Climate Reality Project” founded by former Vice President Al Gore. Dan Solomon will follow up with a presentation on how Religious Naturalism can provide a framework for facing Climate Change.

VirtUUal Faith Formation: April 2, 20212021-04-09T20:08:02+00:00

VirtUUal Faith Formation: March 26, 2021

What’s Happening in Lifespan Faith Formation?

Welcome as we continue our theme of Commitment! This week we focus on the segments At The Bedside, The Extra Mile, and Blessing. 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. 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 this weekend. Look for an email with details.

Looking Ahead

Easter Sunday – April 4 – once again this year we will be participating in a virtual egg hunt with over 70 UU congregations around the country and Canada! Details in next week’s newsletter and on Facebook!

Popcorn Theology Online for 6th-8th Grade Youth – Sunday, April 11 at 1 pm.

Current & Upcoming Adult Faith Formation Programs

Neo-Paganism History, Theology, and Ritual – Tuesdays, March 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.
Join us for Forum on April 4 at 10 am to discuss the Imagining the 8th Principle!
Come join us to hear about how the 8th Principle is being discussed within our congregation and to get an update on its adoption by other congregations and the UUA process for adoption. Bring your ideas to add to the list of suggestions about how the adoption this new principle could shape UCE.
VirtUUal Faith Formation: March 26, 20212021-03-25T23:18:12+00:00

VirtUUal Faith Formation: March 19, 2021

What’s Happening in Lifespan Faith Formation?

Welcome as we continue our theme of Commitment! This week we focus on the segments At Play, and From the Mailbox. 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 – This Sunday, 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.

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

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. And feel free to join the gathering at 11 am Sunday too!

Current & Upcoming Adult Faith Formation Programs

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.

UCE Forum Discussion – Join us for Forum on March 21 at 10 am. We will host UCE member, Shawn Iles who is the new Assistant Director at Interfaith Action. Sean has responsibility for the Overnight Emergency Shelter, the Producemobile, and the newly opened afternoon warming shelter. UCE has been a long-time partner with Interfaith Action of Evanston, and many have helped with the Overnight Shelter and the Walk for Warmth. UCE has also been also been one of four churches sponsoring the “Let My People Go” port-a-potties sites. You can read up about Interfaith Action here.

VirtUUal Faith Formation: March 19, 20212021-03-25T16:55:28+00:00

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.

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.

VirtUUal Faith Formation: March 12, 20212021-03-13T16:48:58+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.

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.

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.

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.

VirtUUal Faith Formation: March 5, 20212021-03-05T18:04:14+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, 20212021-03-01T22:30:41+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.

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.

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, 20212021-02-25T21:06:47+00:00
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