Spiritual Development
Small Groups: General Spiritual Development
& Adult
Enrichment
Soul Matters
Contact: Mary Jones
Various Lay Facilitators
Numerous groups and meeting times
With over a dozen separate groups running and more forming
all the time, our Soul Matters groups are a core component
of our spiritual development ministry. Participants meet
once a month (some groups meet twice) in groups of 10-12
people with a trained facilitator. Topics are built around
the monthly worship themes so this is a great way to explore
the worship theme in more depth. In addition, these groups
are a wonderful means for newcomers and “long-timers” alike
to make friends and deepen one’s spiritual life. In
addition to discussing essays and short stories, group members
are often assigned a “spiritual exercise” to
complete between gatherings, challenging members to “experience” the
topic, not just talk about it. Members are asked to commit
to regular attendance.
Soul Matters For 20 and 30 Somethings
Facilitator: Heather Ellison
3rd Wednesdays, 6pm-8pm
This Soul Matters group welcomes our congregation's 20 and
30 year old members and friends into deeper discussions of
our worship themes through conversation, laughter, and often,
chocolate chip cookies.
Soul Matters For Couples
Facilitators: Steve Buckley & Sara Van Bortel
3rd Mondays, 7:00pm - 9:00pm (Currently Full)
Approaching spiritual matters as a couple has its particular
rewards and challenges. This specialized Soul Matters group
recognizes this unique need. It’s also a great way
to get to know other First Unitarian couples.
Song of Soul Matters
Facilitator: Jenna Bernardi
2nd Thursdays, 7 - 9pm (New Group Forming)
This unique soul matters group offers participants an opportunity to choose a favorite song that reflects the monthly worship theme and bring a version of the song to the meeting: CD, cassette, or the ability to sing or play your song for the group. This group will follow the regular Soul Matters format while adding this component of music.
Renaissance: A Creative Soul Matters Group
Renaissance I: First Saturdays, 9:30am – noon (Currently Full)
Facilitators: Deborah White and Kindle Perry
Renaissance II: Saturdays to be determined (New Group Forming)
Facilitators: Jenny Stanberry-Beall and Sandy Montemaggi
Renaissance (noun): The act of reviving or condition of being
revived. Are you interested in experiencing a reviving sense
of spiritual and artistic connectedness in your life? Do
you resonate with the idea of exploring and expressing yourself
regarding our church’s monthly theme and sharing what
you’ve created with a discussion group? Visual artists,
photographers, performance artists, playwrights, choreographers,
comedians, composers, etc., are invited to participate in
this new Soul Matters group especially for creative individuals.
A Taste of Soul: Exploring If Soul Matters is Right for You
Facilitator: Dolly Malik
2nd Mondays, 7 - 9 pm
Will relate monthly worship theme to events happening in the world.
“A Taste of Soul” is a great way to explore if Soul Matters
is right for you. These monthly-meeting Soul Matters groups do not require
long-term commitment; come to one or attend regularly for a year. Other than
that, the content and format is exactly the same as our other Soul Matters
groups. The goal is to provide you with “a taste” so you can better
determine if the Soul Matters approach to spiritual exploration is right for
you.
Currents Discussion Group
Facilitator: Reverend Tayler
2nd Tuesdays, 11:30am - 1pm
This monthly meeting group discusses magazine articles
about powerful “currents” or trends moving
within Unitarian Universalism as well as our U.S. culture
more generally. Articles are selected by our parish
co-minister, Rev. Tayler, from our provocative denominational
magazine, The UU
World, as well as other periodicals that have grabbed
his attention that month. A favorite of newcomers and long-time
members alike, this group exposes participants to the “hot
topics” of our faith and the pressing issues within
our culture. This is a drop-in group; no long term commitment
is required. Key your eye out in the newsletter for the article
to be discussed and show up when your interest is peaked.
You can also join an email reminder list that automatically
alerts about the topic by contacting Rev. Tayler.
Wellspring
Facilitators: Libby Moore and Joy Collins
Two groups meet twice monthly – a ten month commitment
is required. (Currently Full)
Wellspring, a program for spiritual deepening, offers an
opportunity for learning more about ourselves and our faith
through a year-long small group experience. Our spiritual
journey involves participation in a community of seekers,
monthly spiritual direction (self-reflection with a guide),
daily spiritual practice options, and exploration of Unitarian
Universalism and related concepts through reading, study
and reflection. Together we answer the question: “As
we come to know who we are and what we believe in, what are
we called to do in the world?” The year starts with
an an initial retreat in September, followed by meeting twice
a month through May. The 2007-08 groups are full, but you
can contact Rev. Jen Crow to learn more and get on the waiting
list for next year's groups. Visit our web log at www.uuwellspring.org.
Buddhism Discussion Groups
2nd Wednesdays, 7 - 9pm, Brad Freeman (Taking New Members)
2nd Tuesdays, 7 - 9pm, Marcia Blacklin (Currently Full)
Every Thursday Morning, 10:30am - noon (“UU Sangha”),
Gail Gucker (Currently Full)
Our Buddhist discussion groups offer a unique combination
of centering, community-building and study of Buddhist philosophy
and practice. Sessions begin with brief meditation and group
check-in. The bulk of the meeting is devoted to a chapter
or two of a book chosen by the group. Whether you are well
versed in Buddhist philosophy or just interested in learning
more, you will find yourself at home in this warm and always
challenging group. Commitment to regular attendance is expected.
Science & Religion
Discussion Group
Facilitator: Linda Friedman
2nd Mondays, 7 - 9 pm
While we take on all sorts of topics related to the intersection
of science and religion, our monthly meeting group has a
special focus on evolution, creationism, development of the
universe and philosophic ideas about the start and development
of existence as we know it today.
Morning Book Discussion Group
Facilitator: Bob Hendricks
2nd Wednesdays; coffee & socializing at 10:30am,
discussion from 11am - noon
Members discuss fiction & non-fiction books chosen
by volunteer presenters. You are also invited to bring
a lunch and eat together afterwards. A great source of
community and intellectual stimulation.
LAVA Book Discussion Group
Facilitator: Bill Fugate
1st Fridays, 7pm - 8:30pm
LAVA (Literature And Visual Arts) reads and discusses nine
books per year. We read both fiction and non-fiction, with
an emphasis on literary fiction. We visit a coffee shop after
each meeting, and we enjoy an occasional outing to a film
or other cultural event. More information is on the web at www.frontiernet.net/~wrfugate/lava.
UUs Non-Fiction Book Group
Facilitators, Audrey Perry and Jo Eaton
Last Monday of the month, 7pm - 8:30pm
If you enjoy reading non-fiction, this Book Group is for you! Books are suggested and voted on by the group. The facilitator's role is shared among the membership on a volunteer basis. Drop-ins are welcome. Previous books have included: I Feel Bad About My Neck, by Nora Ephron, and Teach Like Your Hair is on Fire, by Rafe Asquith.
Dream Workshop
Facilitator: Juanita Ball
2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 2pm - 4pm
Learn how to use the hidden messages of dreams to gain new insights into ourselves and transform our lives. The book, Where People Fly and Water Runs Uphill by Jeremy Taylor, is suggested but not required reading. This "student of dreams" has influenced many church dream groups. All are welcome.
Ministers’ Book
Club
Facilitators: Reverends Anderson, Tayler and Crow
3rd Tuesdays of each month, 11:30am - 1pm
This monthly meeting group helps members and friends explore
the monthly worship theme in more depth through a discussion
of one of our ministers’ favorite books on the subject.
Scott, Kaaren and Jen take turns picking the book and leading
the discussion. Usually the book will be one featured in
a recent sermon. This is a drop-in group with no long-term
commitments. Come to as many or as few that interest you.
The book selection will be advertised in the Newsletter and
Weekly Reminder in advance so you have time to buy it and
read it - or at least part of it!
Second Friday Flicks
Coordinator: Bob Grinnell
2nd Fridays, Sept-April, 7pm in the Susan B. Anthony Lounge
Films are selected and hosted by participants. The evening’s
volunteer host(s) provide an introduction as well as lead
the discussion which follows the film. While the films are
enjoyed in and of themselves, they are many times catalysts
which spark significant discussions and sharing. There is
often a camaraderie that develops in the audience which greatly
enhances the experience. It is a sharing of knowledge, thoughts
and feelings which are generated in our viewing of the films,
our being together and our creating meaningful experiences.
More information is available on the web.
The Gathering Place
Facilitators: Pat Benson, Liz Trow, Shirley & Dick
Hoyt, Rev. Jen Crow,
3rd Wednesdays, bring your own lunch at noon; program
begins at 12:30pm
This informal group meets monthly over lunch to have conversations
with featured speakers, usually church members who share
on a wide range of topics from music history and artwork
to book reviews and slides from their adventures all around
the world. This is a wonderfully eclectic showcase of member’s
talents, wisdom and travels. All are invited. Drop-ins welcome.
UU Women Groups
2nd Mondays, 7pm - 9pm, Tina Simson, convener (Taking
New Members)
Last Tuesday of the month, 12:30 - 2:30 pm, Audrey Perry, convener (Taking New Members)
Last Tuesday of month, 7-9pm, Ann Teese,convener (Currently Full)
Our UU Women’s Groups are made up of a diversity
of wise women of all ages and experience. The groups are
a combination of support and topic driven discussion, with
each group deciding their own topics. Topics may include,
mother-daughter relationships, how to simplify your life,
or we may respond to a current event. Confidentiality is
respected and members share facilitation on a rotating
basis.
Toastitarians
Contact: Shirley Malone
2nd & 4th Sundays, 12:45pm - 2:45pm
(In months with holidays, meetings are sometimes changed
to 1st & 3rd Sundays. Check dates to be sure we are
meeting before you come).
Toastitarians is a member club of Toastmasters International
with a large contingent of Unitarian Universalists--a great
way to improve your communication and leadership skills while
also meeting other UUs. You are welcome to drop in for one
or two times without any commitment to see what it’s
all about.
LifeStream Community Gatherings
Contact: Dave Vanable
January 8, February 6, March 6, April 4,
May 5, June 3, July 2, August 7, September 5, October 6,
November 4, December 3 (from 6-9pm)
A number of our UU members and friends participate in these monthly LifeStream gatherings, and they might be right for you too. We gather in community to have fun, center, share, hear inspirational talks and connect with each other in ways that support and sustain. Using experiential learning, LifeStream gives you tools to discover and apply your gifts so that you can create the life you desire and deserve. Come join us! No pre-registration required. Socialize at 6pm, program begins at 6:20pm. To learn more visit www.lifestreamrochester.com
Unleashing Your Calling
Contact: Darlene Russell
Detailed description here.
March 13 2008