Spring 2019 Adult Faith Formation Program


Hello, TUCW!
It is my pleasure to present the Spring 2019 Adult Faith Formation Program. We have four exciting offerings to entice you. Please sign up early to reserve your spots in these wonderful experiences that are sure to help you grow and explore your Unitarian Universalist Faith. There will be a more detailed guide available soon in our lobby and in Soundings. Please feel free to contact me, Rev. Shelly Thompson, with any questions, or contact the presenters directly.
In Faith, Rev Shelly

Plan ahead: the Fall 2019 Faith Formation session will begin in September.
If you have a group or workshop that you would like to discuss with me as a potential offering, please email Rev. Shelly Thompson.


Spiritual Autobiography with Tom Hearne
“This workshop series is designed to create a safe, small group environment in which we each can consider the experiences of our lives with the specific intention of creating an autobiography – an exposition of how the spirit has moved in your life to date. By considering the threads of our lives, meditating upon them, journaling and (selectively!) sharing our stories and insights, we can continually deepen our connection to the life-long process of discovering meaning –our journey of spirit.”

There will be 4 sessions every other Wednesday, April 10th; April 24th; May 8th;
and May 22nd at 7:30 PM

To Register, please contact  Tom Hearne,


Women, Spirit and Imagination with TUCWomen
TUCWomen present a six-week series of unique experiences each led by a different talented woman. Explore inspiration, creativity and connection, beginning Tuesday, April 9, 7:00-9:00 PM. Limited to 20 women.
Sign up for one or all.

Please contact Sharon Poole to register by April 5th. See the  flyer for more details.


Exploring Dissent and Religion with Ravi Sankar
Dates: Friday, April 19, 7:00-8:30 PM and Saturday, April 20, 9:15 AM-1:30 PM
Place:
East Wing, Unitarian Church, Westport, CT
Coordinator:
Ravi Sankar

Participants will gain a better understanding of the notion of dissent; will be informed by the forms of dissent and famous dissenters in various western world religions from the ancient Greeks through the religions of the book, dissent in south Asian religions and the long history of dissenters in the Unitarian tradition. Inspired by this understanding we will discuss if ethical considerations trump political, economic and social norms for dissent; address how each of us should dissent, how and within what boundaries.

Contact Ravi Sankar for more information and to register.

Friday, April 19, 7:00-8:30 PM
(Part 1) DISSENT ACROSS THE CENTURIES:
Explore forms of dissent in ancient Greek and Roman religions and the religions of the Book – Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

Saturday, April 20 9:15 AM-1:30 PM
(Part 2) DISSENT IN SOUTH ASIAN RELIGIONS
Discuss how dissent within other religions of the world including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism contrast with that of the Religions of the Book

(Part 3) DISSENT IN THE NEW WORLD & TODAY
Discuss the nature of dissent in Unitarianism and current dissent in religions in America. Reflect and discuss on whether and how each of as individuals and as a community should dissent

There will be a forty five minute lunch break – 11:15 AM-2:00 noon
(Bring your own Brown Bag Lunch)


Building Personal Resiliency with Rev. Jim Francek
“I have recently co-authored a book entitled Building Personal Resiliency that will be released within the next few weeks. I designed a workshop for Emergency Room staff and I would like to offer the same opportunity to our congregants.

The workshop is being offered in two Sessions on May 11th and 18th from 9:30 am to noon. I think participants of this workshop will take away a number of outcomes.: An increased number of practical tools for living resiliently; Meaningful conversations that support positive outcomes; An identification of one’s personal strengths of resiliency; A personal vision & action plan for maintaining resiliency.”

Please register so that we have enough materials prepared. There is a minimal cost of $12 for the book and other materials. If the cost is an issue please talk to Jim. However, the size of the group will be limited to 50 people.

To register, or if you have any question, please email  Jim Francek.