1 June 2007 General Assembly Welcome to Wellspring Spiritual Deepening for Unitarian Universalists...
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Transcript of 1 June 2007 General Assembly Welcome to Wellspring Spiritual Deepening for Unitarian Universalists...
1 June 2007 General Assembly
Welcome to Wellspring
Spiritual Deepening for Unitarian Universalists
Presented by:Rev. Jen CrowJoy CollinsLibby Moore
2 June 2007 General Assembly
Wellspring – The Need
Something more than a once a month small group
Something less than seminary
PURPOSEEquip participants with practical tools for spiritual deepening and development as Unitarian Universalists
3
5 Spokes of Wellspring
UU History &
Theology
Small Group
Faith in Action
Spiritual Direction
Spiritual Practice
4
Spiritual Practice
UU History &
Theology
Small Group
Faith in Action
Spiritual Direction
Spiritual Practice
5 June 2007 General Assembly
Spiritual Practice
“It is perhaps not a language of reverence that is needed, but a practice of reverence.” -COA Report 2005
Many forms explored including Living By Heart, Walking Meditation, Prayer, Journaling
Participants commit to a daily spiritual practice of their choice
6
Spiritual Direction
UU History &
Theology
Small Group
Faith in Action
Spiritual Direction
Spiritual Practice
7 June 2007 General Assembly
Spiritual Direction
A guide (a spiritual director/ companion/ mentor) to help explore one’s personal faith journey, intentionally deepening one’s relationship with the holy
Monthly one-on-one time accelerates growth and provides individual support
8 June 2007 General Assembly
Spiritual Direction – Nuts and Bolts
Spiritual Director:– Is NOT your church minister, and
often not UU– Has training in spiritual direction– Is vetted by sponsoring UU minister
Fees usually sliding scale Church discretionary fund helps
those in financial need
9
UU History & Theology
UU History &
Theology
Small Group
Faith in Action
Spiritual Direction
Spiritual Practice
10 June 2007 General Assembly
UU History & Theology
European roots in Transylvania to…Walden…to Selma
From Process Theology to…Humanism to…Science & Religion to…UU Principles
Keys: – Connect to present life and beliefs– Ask “So what?” question
Commitment: Do it
11 June 2007 General Assembly
Sample Resources
A Hidden Wholeness by Parker Palmer Engaging Our Theological Diversity, UUA
Commission on Appraisal Report For Faith and Freedom by Charles Howe Sermons, weblinks, poetry, CDs, pamphlets
and articles
12 June 2007 General Assembly
Wellspring Blog
www.UUwellspring.org
Dynamic connection to past, current, and prospective participants and facilitators
Link to our study guide and curriculum Weekly posts on spiritual practice, meditation,
resources, and other Wellspring-related topics Come see what we’re up to!
13
Small Group
UU History &
Theology
Small Group
Faith in Action
Spiritual Direction
Spiritual Practice
14 June 2007 General Assembly
Small Group
Sacred time when stories are heard and readings processed
6-8 people Initial one day retreat 2-3 times monthly, 2 hour
facilitated meetings Benefits beyond Wellspring
“It takes a village to raise a soul.”
– Rev. Dr. Thandeka
15
Faith in Action
UU History &
Theology
Small Group
Faith in Action
Spiritual Direction
Spiritual Practice
16 June 2007 General Assembly
Faith in Action
“The church’s reason for being is to make real the Beloved Community on earth, nothing less.”–Rev Dr. Patrick O’Neill
“When spirituality is only about the inner life and does not involve concern for others – especially for the most vulnerable among us – then there is a need to ask if this is truly an authentic form of religious living.”
-Rev. Dr. Richard Gilbert
17
Faith in Action
Each participant encouraged to find his/her own expression of service
Church leadership to…caring for parents to…lobbying the government
18 June 2007 General Assembly
Nuts & Bolts
Fine line of commitment– Be clear upfront on commitment– Recommend our curriculum– Balance readings with reflective writing
Facilitation– Minister for first year– Groom past participants with facilitation ability– Minister mentors lay leaders in future years
Frequency– No more than 2 weeks between sessions
19 June 2007 General Assembly
Other Explorations
Written bi-weekly reflections Buddy system of meeting Group continuance after 10 months
20
5 Spokes of Wellspring
UU History &
Theology
Small Group
Faith in Action
Spiritual Direction
Spiritual Practice