Wellspring:
Inspiration and Guidance for a UU Spiritual Journey
Now in its third year at First Unitarian, Wellspring invites participants to deepen their individual spiritual lives and connections with others through an intentional program of daily spiritual practice, spiritual direction, study and reflection, and small group meetings. "We begin by remembering the sound and the feeling of the One Being, the Wellspring of love." This quote, a translation from the Arabic, inspires us to hold one another in love and compassion during the journey.
During the nine-month-long program (September through May), participants meet every other week to discuss readings in Unitarian Universalist history and theology. The goal is to understand our roots and how our beliefs connect with those who came before us. We also seek a deeper connection to our inner selves, to those around us, and to a sense of the divine. By the end of our time together, we hope that all participants will be able to articulate their beliefs and will explore what those beliefs call us to do in the world.
Wellspring participants make a commitment to the entire nine-month program as well as to working with a spiritual guide and developing a daily spiritual practice. In addition to individual spiritual work, there are reading and writing assignments and bi-weekly meetings. Examples of the small group discussion topics include welcoming the soul, our European roots, Unitarian and Universalist roots in America, Transcendentalism, Buddhism, Humanism, Process Theology, science and religion, the theology of joy, social justice. Groups are limited to eight people so that all may participate fully.
Wellspring participants run the gamut, from a working mother of twins to retired researchers, from a UUA Board member to church newcomers, from theists to humanists, people from all kinds of religious backgrounds. If this kind of journey appeals to you, if you'd like to join this community of seekers, please contact us or attend an orientation meeting.
Libby Moore, ecmoore@rochester.rr.com
Joy Collins, joy@northcoastassociates.com
Check out the Wellspring Blog
The blog features occasional postings by and for participants and facilitators. It also provides links to the full Wellspring curriculum, the study guide, a program overview, and a presentation made at General Assembly in June 2007.
For more information, attend an orientation session.
Thursday, May 8, 2008 from 7-8:30 PM
Sunday, July 13, 2008, from 11:15 AM - 12:45 PM
Look for more details in the church newsletter.
If you're interested in joining a Wellspring group in the fall of 2008, please contact Libby Moore at ecmoore@rochester.rr.com (385-8903) or Joy Collins at joy@northcoastassociates.com (385-9662).
February 8 2008