Spiritual Development Groups
Journey Groups
Soul Matters Groups [2011-12]
Contact: Rev. Jen Crow, Associate Minister
271-9070; jen@rochesterunitarian.org
With over twenty Soul Matters groups running and more forming, these groups are a core component of our spiritual development ministry. Participants meet once a month (some twice) in groups of 10-12, with a trained facilitator. Topics are built around the monthly worship themes, making these groups a great way to explore these themes in more depth. Monthly spiritual exercises and readings help us to wake up and re-connect with ourselves and the gifts and needs of the world. Group members are asked to commit to regular attendance as building community and trust are major goals.
Soul Matters - 20s/30s [2011-12]
Co-Facilitated by: Stephanie Ketterl and Will Soles
For information about our Soul Matters group and
other 20s/30s events see the First Unitarian Church of Rochester (20s & 30s Connection) group on Facebook. Soul Matters meets on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 7pm.
Our group is a diverse blend of young adults who come together once a month to more fully explore the worship theme. Our group membership is open (newcomers welcome) and we follow the church's Soul Matters curriculum. Come join us for fun, thoughtful and nourishing community.
Buddhist Book Group [2011-12]
Contact: Nancy Brush
342-8995 or nbrush@rochester.rr.com
Thursdays, 10:30am - 12pm
Weekly meetings are a combination of centering, community-building and a study of Buddhist philosophy and practice. The bulk of the meeting is devoted to discussion of a chapter of a book chosen by the group. Participants often bring a lunch and stay to socialize. Drop-ins are welcome.
Buddhist Discussion Group [2011-12]
Co-facilitators: Eric Bellman and Emily Osgood
elbcad@rit.edu or dogberry4@frontiernet.net
2nd Monday of the month, 7 - 9pm
Our gathering consists of a check-in, short meditation, and book discussion as we try to relate Buddhist principles to our daily lives and spiritual journeys. The group chooses books together based upon our common interests in Buddhism and our spiritual work.
Tarot Journey Group [2011-12]
Facilitator: Jenna Bernardi
256-3249; JBern929@aol.com
2nd Wednesday, 7pm
We explore the monthly worship themes, as do the Soul Matters groups. But instead of using the Soul Matters reading assignments, we bring the wisdom and imagery of Tarot to our topics. No previous Tarot experience necessary. Bring Tarot cards if you have them.
UU Women [2011-12]
Convenor: Kathy Rivers
k.annette.rivers@gmail.com
2nd Mondays, 7pm - 9pm
Ours is a small, informal group whose topical subjects range from meditation techniques and belly dance to feminism and current events. If you're looking to connect with other women in the church, we'd love to have you join us!
UU Writers [2011-12]
Facilitator: Rev. Jen Crow, jen@rochesterunitarian.org
4th Thursdays, 2pm - 4pm
Writing along with the monthly worship theme, we deepen our spiritual lives and our connection to each other. In this committed group, you need not be a professional poet or author, you just need to enjoy writing and listening to the writing of others. All styles are encouraged including: poetry, diary entries, meditations, short prose.
Wellspring I - Spiritual Deepening for Unitarian Universalists [2011-12]
Facilitators: Joy Collins and Elaine Richane
Contacts: Tina Simson, tsimson1@rochester.rr.com; Libby Moore, ecmoore@rochester.rr.com; Joy Collins, joy@northcoastassociates.com
Groups meet twice monthly - ten month commitment is required; groups meet at different times.
This program 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. The year starts with an initial retreat in September, followed by meeting two to three times a month through May. The 2011-12 groups are full, but please be in touch to join the waiting list for next year's groups. Visit our blog at www.uuWellspring.org.
Wellspring II - Principles, Ritual and Deep Questions [2011-12]
Facilitator: Tina Simson
Contacts: Tina Simson, tsimson1@rochester.rr.com; Libby Moore, ecmoore@rochester.rr.com; Joy Collins, joy@northcoastassociates.com
Open to graduates of Wellspring I. Groups meet twice per month.
This program offers an opportunity for learning more about ourselves and our faith through a year-long small group experience. In Wellspring II, we explore our Seven Unitarian Universalist Principles and delve deeper into the ways our faith informs our answers to life's big questions. 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 Universalisms and related concepts through reading, study, and reflection. The 2011-12 groups are full, but please be in touch to join the waiting lists for next year's groups.
Wellspring III - Spiritual Practice [2011-12]
Facilitator: Libby Moore
Contacts: Tina Simson, tsimson1@rochester.rr.com; Libby Moore, ecmoore@rochester.rr.com; Joy Collins, joy@northcoastassociates.com
Open to graduates of Wellspring I, Groups meet twice per month.
In this third year of Wellspring, we explore spiritual practice from a Unitarian Universalist perspective. We hope to deepen participants' commitment to their own daily spiritual practices, to understand the depth and variety of spiritual practices in our Unitarian Universalist tradition, and to explore the roots of different spiritual practices and how we might adapt the practices to our own use.
October 4 2011