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Welcome to Wellspring

Welcome to Wellspring. Spiritual Deepening for Unitarian Universalists Presented by: Rev. Jen Crow Joy Collins Libby Moore. Wellspring – The Need. Something more than a once a month small group Something less than seminary PURPOSE

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Welcome to Wellspring

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  1. Welcome to Wellspring Spiritual Deepening for Unitarian Universalists Presented by: Rev. Jen Crow Joy Collins Libby Moore June 2007 General Assembly

  2. Wellspring – The Need • Something more than a once a month small group • Something less than seminary PURPOSE Equip participants with practical tools for spiritual deepening and development as Unitarian Universalists June 2007 General Assembly

  3. 5 Spokes of Wellspring UU History & Theology Small Group Spiritual Practice Spiritual Direction Faith in Action

  4. Spiritual Practice UU History & Theology Small Group Spiritual Practice Spiritual Direction Faith in Action

  5. 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 June 2007 General Assembly

  6. Spiritual Direction UU History & Theology Small Group Spiritual Practice Spiritual Direction Faith in Action

  7. 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 June 2007 General Assembly

  8. 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 June 2007 General Assembly

  9. UU History & Theology UU History & Theology Small Group Spiritual Practice Spiritual Direction Faith in Action

  10. 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 June 2007 General Assembly

  11. 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 June 2007 General Assembly

  12. 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! June 2007 General Assembly

  13. Small Group UU History & Theology Small Group Spiritual Practice Spiritual Direction Faith in Action

  14. Small Group “It takes a village to raise a soul.” – Rev. Dr. Thandeka • 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 June 2007 General Assembly

  15. Faith in Action UU History & Theology Small Group Spiritual Practice Spiritual Direction Faith in Action

  16. 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 June 2007 General Assembly

  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. 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 June 2007 General Assembly

  19. Other Explorations • Written bi-weekly reflections • Buddy system of meeting • Group continuance after 10 months June 2007 General Assembly

  20. 5 Spokes of Wellspring UU History & Theology Small Group Spiritual Practice Spiritual Direction Faith in Action

  21. Questions? June 2007 General Assembly

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