Adult Faith Development Offerings - Constant...

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Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church

Unitarian Universalist

Adult Faith

Development

Offerings

Fall/Winter Session

2016-2107


Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church

Unitarian Universalist

Adult Faith Development Prospectus

Table of Contents

Our Fall/Winter classes will be offered September 2016 through January 2017 and

held at Thomas Jefferson Church UU, 717 Rugby Road (unless otherwise indicated.)

Be sure to check our online calendar at

http://www.uucharlottesville.org/calendar for any delays or cancellations.

Should you have any questions please contact Leia Durland-Jones, Director of Faith

Development at 434-293-8179 or email at: [email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions 4

Adult Faith Development Offerings

Racial Justice 5

Living Our UU Faith 7

On-Going Groups 10

Worship Opportunities 12

Sign-Up to Teach a Winter/Spring 2017 Course Now 13

Adult Faith Development Registration Form 14

On-line UU Adult Faith Development Classes 15


The Covenant

of the

Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church - Unitarian Universalist

In order to create the beloved community we all desire for ourselves, we, the Congregation of Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church Unitarian Universalist covenant to

Communicate with compassion and respect, especially when we disagree,

Celebrate diversity and nurture our inclusivity,

Embrace one another spiritually and emotionally,

Promote social justice within our congregation and the larger community,

Generously support the ministries of the church with time, money and enthusiasm, and

Lovingly call each other back into covenant when we have fallen short.

The Mission

of the

Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church - Unitarian Universalist

Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church is a church of the liberal tradition rooted in the heritage of Unitarian Universalism and dedicated to the belief that in every individual there are extraordinary possibilities.

We are committed to the individual and collective pursuit of spiritual growth, social justice, and life-long religious education and understanding.

We foster an open and free community in which we share our gifts, care for one another, and honor our differences.

We seek to have a lasting influence on local, national and global programs that promote equity and end oppression.


Frequently Asked Questions

Who can attend AFD classes?

We welcome anyone from our congregation or the larger community to join us. Let us know if you

have any special transportation needs and we’ll see if we can help.

How do I sign up?

Complete the form at the back of this brochure and turn it in (by mail, email or in person) to the

Religious Education office at church. Registration is also available online at http://

www.uucharlottesville.org.

When should I register?

Registration is ongoing, however, classes have minimum and maximum registration requirements.

Some classes allow dropins, and some have deadlines. Contact the Director of Faith Development for

more information.

What are the fees?

Fees are listed with the class synopsis. Check or cash payments are accepted before the class begins

or on the first night of class. Checks should be made out to TJMC-AFD and sent to the Religious

Education Office, TJMC-UU, 717 Rugby Road, Charlottesville, VA 22903. Please include the class

name in the memo line.

What do the fees go toward?

Course fees cover the direct costs of each class and support the creation of future AFD offerings. In

some cases, the class facilitator is paid an honorarium.

Are there fee waivers?

Please speak with the Director of Faith Development to obtain a waiver for financial reasons.

Are there minimums and maximums on class sizes?

Yes, class sizes are listed in the class synopsis. If a class you have paid for is canceled, class fees will

be refunded.

Are all classrooms ADA accessible?

Let us know if you have mobility concerns as not all of our classrooms are ADA accessible. We will

do our best to meet your needs.

How will I be informed of class cancellations?

Should your class be canceled we will try to contact you by email or phone. You may also contact us

at 434-293-8179 for more information.


Adult Faith Development Offerings

fall/winter term 2016 – 2017

— RACIAL JUSTICE PROGRAMMING —

#BlackLivesMatter — more than a slogan There is a lot of confusion about the Black Lives Matter movement — who it

is, what it’s trying to do, and what it would mean for our congregation to say

that we are in solidarity with it. (This is the heart of the Public Witness State-

ment that the congregation is being asked to consider prior to the Congrega-

tional Meeting on Sunday, October 2nd to vote on its acceptance.) To try to

help sort through some of this confusion, Christina Rivera and members of

our Public Witness Sub-group will offer two programs:

On September 18th there will be a program on BLM-history, purpose, and

connection to UU principles. On September 25th there will a more open

question and answer session led by members of the Racial Justice Steering Committee.

These programs will be helpful in having a better understanding of the Black Lives Matter movement as we pre-

pare for our vote on the Public Witness Statement supporting BLM on October 2nd.

Leaders: Christina Rivera (18th); members of the RJSC (25th)

Christina is the Director of Administration and Finance at TJMC, and was previously Director of Reli-

gious Education at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Waynesboro (where she led a version of this

program). She also serves as the Financial Secretary of the UUA’s Board of Trustees.

Location: Lower Hall 2

Date and time: September 18th and September 25th at 12:45—2:15

Fee: donations gratefully accepted

Number of participants: 6 minimum; 50 maximum

Seeing With New Eyes: racial justice as a white necessity The majority of White Americans rarely, if ever, think of themselves as

“White.” Instead, we generally think of ourselves simply as “Americans.” This

is problematic, because institutional racism is built on the idea of “whiteness.”

If white people don’t see their “whiteness,” they can hardly be in a position to

dismantle the systems that have been built to defend it. This “color blindness”

also perpetuates the notion that racism is a problem for people of color, where

as the truth is that the full freedom of people of color will only be achieved

when white people recognize their role in the systems of oppression and under-

stand that our full freedom is at stake too.

Leaders: Rev. Wik Wikstrom

Location: Church Parlor (except for 10/20 location is Summit 1)

Date and time: Thursday October 13 — November 10 7:00—9:00 PM


Number of participants: 8 minimum, 25 maximum


Poets, Writers, and Activists on Race

Watch short videos about racial justice by poets, writers, and activists. After each

video we’ll share our responses both emotional and intellectual in a supportive en-

vironment, listening to each other with an open heart and a curious mind.

Location: Kate Fraleigh’s home in Charlottesville

Date and time: Choose EITHER Wednesday October 19th at 6:30pm

OR Saturday October 23rd at 10am



Waking Up White — a covenant group Covenant Groups are intentional small groups that meet twice per month as a

way for participants to get to know one another — and themselves — at a deeper

level that isn’t possible in many other activities and programs. [For more on

Covenant Groups see page X.] For the 2016-2017 year one of our covenant

groups will use as its focus Debby Irving’s book, Waking Up White, and Finding Myself in the Story of Race. This will not be an ordinary book study group but,

instead, a true covenant group with all that that means.

Facilitator: Ann Salamini

Location: TBD

Date and time: initial meeting is still to be scheduled; ongoing times will be de-

cided by the group at the first meeting

Fee: N/A


Note: copies of the book are available on Amazon.com for $18.12. Financial support is available to support

anyone for whom this would present a challenge to participating.

Just Mercy — a look at our criminal justice system The Rev. Jamie McReynolds will facilitate a three-session study of Bryan Steven-

son’s book, Just Mercy: a story of justice and redemption. Stevenson was a speaker

at the 2016 Virginia Festival of the Book, and Just Mercy has #1 New York Times Bestseller and was named one of the Best Books of the Year by The New York Times • The Washington Post • The Boston Globe • The Seattle Times • Esquire • Time

Facilitator: Rev. Jamie McReynolds

Location: ??

Date and time: October 30th and November 6 at 12:45 pm



Note: copies of the book are available on Amazon.com for $10.87. Finan-

cial support is available to support anyone for whom this would present a

challenge to participating.


— LIVING OUR UU FAITH —

Being a UU Parent Join with other parents and our Director of Faith Development, Leia

Durland-Jones, to explore how to live your UU faith at home and as a

family. We will look at the values we want to share with our children and

talk about a variety of topics including: God, the Bible and heaven and

hell, death, and more. Come learn, share and grow as you develop a

deeper sense of confidence and comfort being a UU parent. Child care

can be provided if requested in advance.

Leaders: Leia Durland-Jones, Director of Faith Development Location: Lower Hall 2

Dates and time: Wednesdays September 28 and October 12, 7:00-9:00 PM

Fee: $10

Number of participants: 5 minimum, 20 Maximum

Parenting Circle for Parents of Teens/Pre-Teens A drop-in opportunity for parents or caregivers interested in sharing and support

from other parents of teens and pre-teens. Topics vary from month to month

with periodic guest speakers addressing specific topics of interest. Feel free to

bring a bag lunch for yourself. For more information, speak with Director of

Faith Development, Leia Durland-Jones ([email protected])

Leader: Leia Durland-Jones, Director of Faith Development

Location: Church Parlor

Date and times: 1st Sundays of the month, 12:45-2:00 PM


Soul Matters Each month our Sunday sanctuary worship and reli-

gious education programs are guided by a theme, gener-

ally completing the question, “What does it mean to be

a community of …?” These themes are part of a pro-

gram called “Soul Matters” that is currently being used

in over 200 Unitarian Universalist congregations around the country. Worship, though, is only a part of this

program. To explore the themes more deeply, there is a packet of materials — reflections; quotes; suggested

books videos, and websites; questions for contemplation; and spiritual practices to try. As part of our 2nd Ser-

vice Adult Faith Development programs we will engage these materials together. This is a drop-in program,

although it is necessary to have looked at the monthly packet prior to attending. (Email RevWik toward the

end of the previous month so that he can make sure to add you to the list.—[email protected])



Dates and times: 2nd Sunday of each month, 11:15-12:30 (Oct. 9, Nov. 13, Dec. 11, Jan. 8)


Number of participants: 5 minimum

mailto:[email protected]


Welcome to TJMC Whether you are new to Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church, new to

Unitarian Universalism, or have been involved with both but want to

meet great people and learn more – the Membership Committee’s New-

comer Orientation is a great way to do both. We touch on such things as

our faith development programming (for children, youth, and adults), the

meaning of membership, Unitarian Universalist history and theology,

church finances and organization, and, most importantly, who you are,

what you’re looking for in a faith community, and what gifts you bring.

Leaders: The Membership Committee and Guests Location: Church Parlor

Dates and time: 12:45 pm (following the 2nd service) on Sundays October 16 and January 29

Fee: N/A

Number of participants: no limit

Unitarian Universalism 101 History, theology, and church governance are all grounded in the values and struggles that

we still encounter today. Each class will use story, conversation, and interactive learning so

that you deepen your spirituality, your understanding of our congregation and the UU move-

ment, and know more about how to contribute. Attendees don’t need to register, and can

come to one or all or any.

Leader: Rev. Alex McGee


Date and times: October 25 (History) and November 1 (UU Polity) 6:30—8:00 pm


When 2,000 Unitarian Universalists Are Gathered ... Each year the Unitarian Universalist Association has a General Assembly — like our an-

nual Congregational Meeting, but with over 2,000 people in attendance from all over the

world! This year GA was in Cleveland, Ohio, and members of TJMC UU were there!

Come hear about issues that were discussed, workshops that inspired, worship that was

incredible and what it was like to be with so many Unitarian Universalists in one place.

Leaders: Leia Durland-Jones, Christina Rivera, and other 2016 GA attendees. Location: LH2

Dates and time: TBD




Creating — just for fun! These drop-in sessions are open to anyone interested in connecting with

their inner muse. Come and play in paint, collage and other expressive

art materials as we enjoy the creative experience simply for the sake of

creating. Participants are welcome to bring their own projects and materi-

als or use those provided by TJMC UU. No previous experience or

training in any form of artistic expression required. Come and play! See

how good it feels to express the creative parts of yourself.

Leader: Leia Durland-Jones.

Leia is TJMC UU's Director of Lifespan Faith Development. She greatly enjoys playing with all types of art supplies and looks forward to sharing the experience with others

Location: Summit House 4, 5, and 7

Date and times: Wednesdays November 9 and 30; 6:30-8:30 PM

Fee: $4 per session or $8 for series


That Danish Girl This 2015 film is a fictitious love story loosely inspired by the lives of Danish artists Lili El-

be and Gerda Wegener. Lili and Gerda's marriage and work evolve as they navigate Lili's

groundbreaking journey as a transgender pioneer.

Leader: Circe Strauss and Jane Cornelius

Location: Church Parlor

Date and times: Saturday, November 5 at 2:00 — 5:00


Number of participants: 5 minimum

Pre Holiday Renewal Retreat As the holiday season approaches, you may feel out of sync with our culture, or in need of a pause before you

dive in. Come together for a few hours with others in this sacred space to make conscious choices about how

you will navigate these winter days and nights. We will share silence, readings, journaling, meditation, sacred

movement, and a little food. Register up until November 5.

Leader: Rev. Alex McGee

Rev. Alex McGee is our Assistant Minister, serving our congregation half time since 2010. She also teaches yoga, lived in an ecovillage, and in a Bud-dhist nunnery.

Location: Sanctuary

Date and time: Saturday, Nov. 12, 10 am – noon


Number of participants: 5 minimum, no maximum


Covenant Groups Covenant groups meet to explore and support each others’ spiritual

development as well as to build friendships and a deeper sense of

closeness within the congregation. A structured discussion process en-

sures that everyone has a chance to participate.

Whether the topic is “good and evil,” “mindful living” or “letting go,”

the conversation is respectful and caring and leads to greater under-

standing. In each session, facilitated by a member of the congregation,

all participants have opportunity to share their perspectives, tell their

stories, and listen deeply. The time together is structured: Groups begin and end with centering readings and

often include a time of silence before the sharing begins. Many small groups engage in annual service projects,

putting their faith into action.

Groups form in the fall and normally meet twice a month through May. You can register to join a group any

time.

An Introduction to Covenant Groups Not sure if participating in a covenant group is right for you? Rev. Wik will facilitate a “practice” or introducto-

ry covenant group experience so that people who are considering joining one will be able to have a “taste”



Dates and times: Sunday, September 25th, 12:45-2:30

Fee: N/A


— OTHER ON-GOING GROUPS —

Active Minds Each Thursday at 1:00 pm, a group of our elder members (65+) meets to share ideas and to discuss events and

topics from their unique perspectives. Twice each month these meetings are facilitated by our Lead Minister;

the group shares responsibility for the other two meetings. Contact Barbara Yeaman [email protected]

The UUGuys A men’s covenant group that actively seeks to build closer ties – Bonds of Brotherhood – between and among

its members through the sharing of stories and experiences. We raise funds for the church through our annual

Chili Cook-Off and provide support for other fund-raising activities. Our meetings rotate between the third

Wednesday and Thursday evenings of the month, in the church parlor. We also host an annual retreat during

the first weekend of June. Contact Griff Griffis [email protected]

UUppity Women UUppity Women is a social group open to all women, regardless of age, for an evening of fun and friendship

each month. UUppities meet on the third Tuesday of the month at 7:00 pm. Most meetings are held in The

Parlor. Contact Donna Baker [email protected]


Wednesday Wonderings Wednesday Wonderings is a small group that meets at noon on Wednesdays in the church parlor. Discussion

topics can vary, but the goal of cultivating deep and meaningful connections through conversation is always the

heart of the group’s time. Contact John Anderson [email protected]

Young Adult Ministry Young Adult Ministry is for anyone who defines as a young adult (usually 18-30). We share lunch after church

most Sundays, do service projects, and reflect on how our values are supporting how we navigate our lives. For

more information, contact Rev. Alex McGee at [email protected]


— WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES —

Contemplative Worship Wednesdays at 11:45 am Come and enjoy an intentional pause in the middle of your week. We meet on the outdoor labyrinth (weather permitting) and engage

in walking meditation at our own pace. Each week, there is specific theme or focus offered to guide your meditation as you walk. No

prior experience with the labyrinth or walking meditation necessary. Inclement weather cancels. Come and goes as suits your needs.

Sunday Services in the Sanctuary Sundays at 9:15 and 11:15 (September—May), 10:00 (June—August) Each Sunday morning there is worship in our sanctuary. The word “worship” derives from the Old English root-word meaning, “con-

sider things of worth,” and that’s what we do. The structure of the service may feel familiar, with hymns, readings, time for meditation

and prayer, a sermon, and moving music, but it’s really the community that gathers each week which makes Sundays in our sanctuary

Children’s and Family Worship Sundays at 9:15 and 11:15 (September—May) A child-centered service preceding children’s religious education classes that invites children and their families into a sacred space to-

gether. Everyone (parent and non-parent) is welcome to join these meaningful explorations/celebrations.

Sunday Sundown Celebration 3rd Sunday of the month at 5:00 pm Like our Sunday morning services, the time together will be spent celebrating the fact that we are here, alive on this earth, with our joys

and sorrows, trying to make our way the best we can, yet standing together to help each other and help improve the world. Yet this

once a month service will be more flexible and experimental than our typical Sunday service: music will be more guitar-centered folk/

rock; all information needed to participate will be projected, so there won’t be a hard copy order of service; and there will be other

differences as well. Come and celebrate! Contact Mike Ludwick [email protected]

Unitarian Universalist Christian Fellowship Every 4th Thursday at 7:00 pm 2nd Sunday of each month at 10:00 am (October — May) UUCF is a welcoming place to explore Christianity and the life and teachings of Jesus in a liberal, open-minded, and non-dogmatic

context. Gatherings may include music, sermons, discussion, readings from the Bible, meditation, movement, sharing of joys and sor-

rows, food and drink, and always compassionate fellowship. The “CF” in “UUCF” also means “Creed-Free;” no particular beliefs

about Jesus are required. All are welcome! Contact Mike Ludwick [email protected]

Clear Spring Sangha (Zen Practice in Charlottesville) Wednesdays at 7:00 pm This friendly weekly group welcomes everyone, regardless of experience. In Zen practice we strive to maintain the attitude of the begin-

ner. Whether or not you have any experience in meditation or have practiced in another tradition, you are welcome to join us. Instruc-

tion provided. Meditation is followed by conversation. Sitting and walking meditation with others is a pleasant way to maintain this

healthful practice. Contact Steve Hughes at [email protected]

Nature Spirit Various Nature Spirit is a spiritual home and diverse community for those who value a connection to nature and its mysteries. We are a support

for the development of nature-based spiritual practices, a facilitator of experiential activities and sacred celebrations, a social and net-

working hub, and a center of knowledge. We gather regularly at least once a month at TJMC-UU, and organize additional events at

other times and locations. Many of our activities are suitable for all ages. We respect all spiritual paths and welcome all to partici-

pate! Email us by clicking the contact link below to join our email list for the latest schedule of events. (To join our lively, informative

Facebook Group and see our Mission Statement, search for “Nature Spirit” on Facebook.)


Adult Faith Development Wants You!

Sign-Up to Teach a Winter/Spring 2017 Course Now

We look to offer classes that reflect our principles and values and would be of interest to our church

community. If leading a class is something you would like to do, please fill out the form below and submit it

to the Religious Education Office or email the information to Leia Durland-Jones, DFD, at

[email protected] by November 15. Please give us as much information as you can. The Adult Faith

Development Committee will consider all submissions for possible classes. We are interested in your ideas

for future classes – please share them with us!

Class Title:

Class Description

Facilitator(s):

Date(s):

Time(s):

Fee:

Number of Participants: # minimum, # maximum


Adult Faith Development Registration Form Last Name First Name

Home Address

City State Zip Code

Daytime Phone Email

Emergency Contact Relationship Phone

Number Attending

Course Title Dates Times Room Fee Office

Use

only

An Introduction to Covenant Groups 9/25 12:45-2:00 LH3 N/A

Black Lives Matter: more than a slogan — Overview 9/18 12:45-2:15 LH2 donation

Black Lives Matter: more than a slogan — Q & A 9/25 12:45-2:15 LH2 donation

Being a UU Parent 9/28 and 10/12 7:00-9:00 LH2 $10

Just Mercy: a look at our criminal justice system 10/30 & 11/6 12:45 LH2 donation

Poets, Writers, and Activists on Race: — short videos 10/19 or 10/22 6:30 on the 19th

10 am on the 22nd Off-site donation

Parenting Circle for Parents of Teens/Pre-teens 1st Sundays 12:45-2:00 CP donation

Pre-Holiday Renewal Retreat 11/12 10:00-noon Sanc donation

Seeing with New Eyes: racial justice as a white necessity 10/13-11/10 7:00-9:00 S1 donation

Soul Matters (10/9, 11/13, 12/11, 1/8) 2nd Sundays 11:15-12:30 LH2 donation

That Danish Girl 11/5 2:00-5:00 CP donation

Unitarian Universalism 101 — UU history 10/25 6:30-8:00 LH2 donation

Unitarian Universalism 101 — UU polity 11/1 6:30-8:00 LH2 donation

Waking Up White: a covenant group TBD N/A

Welcome to TJMC — a newcomer’s orientation 10/16 and 1/29 12:45-2:00 CP N/A

When 2,000 Unitarian Universalists Are Gathered ... TBD donation

Total Payment

Please make checks out to TJMC-AFD and list your class(es) in the memo line. Mail or Deliver this form and your payment to TJMC-AFD, 717 Rugby Road, Charlottesville, VA 22903.


ON-LINE FAITH DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES — The Church of the Larger Fellowship offers a variety of online learning opportunities. You can explore classes in a variety of areas. Learn with the CLF and develop everything from spiritual practices to congregational leadership skills!

When Bible Basics Hebrew Scripture Christian Scripture Sept. 15 and 22 Oct. 6,13,20 Nov. 3,10,17 Thursdays, 7-9pm EST Thursdays, 7-8:30pm EST Thursdays, 7-8:30pm EST

Cost CLF members Non-members $40 for one section of class $60 for one section of class $100 for all three sections $150 for all three sections

Register at http://clf.uua.org/

Subversive Biblical Literacy Facilitator Rev. Tony Lorenzen

Whispering Winds: Writing to Explore Your Inner Wisdom Facilitator Nessa McCasey

When September 14, 28; October 12, 26 and November 9, 23 Wednesdays, 1 pm Eastern/ 10 am Pacific

Register at http://clf.uua.org/

UU Leadership Institute Leadership School in Your Pocket

On-line classes fall 2016 include:

Healthy Leadership * Faithful Membership * Compassionate Commu-

nication * UU History * History of Social Justice Theologies * Revitalizing the

Smaller Congregation * Membership Ministry * Intercultural Skills * Spiritual

Direction * Leading Adaptively

For more information and to register, go to http://www.uuinstitute.org/

http://www.questformeaning.org/programs/learning-center/subversive-biblical-literacy/

http://www.uuinstitute.org/

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