Nurturing religious and personal growth
The Purpose of the Adult Adult Faith Formation Program is to nurture and stimulate the religious and personal growth of the adult church community, and the community at large, by offering a varied and cohesive program within the context of the larger Unitarian Universalist tradition and religious community. A variety of programs are offered. Classes are taught by volunteer members and friends of the congregation and by church staff. New classes are always being added and updates are announced here and in our weekly newsletter, The Window.
Special Classes
A Spiritual Journey to Vietnam: Celebrating the Life of Thich Nhat Hanh
Thursday, May 23, 6:30 - 8:00 PM on Zoom
Marge Wurgel and Keith Mesecher recently returned from Vietnam where they met up with Buddhist practitioners from 31 countries to honor the life of Thich Nhat Hanh. Thay, as he is lovingly called, is probably the most well-known Buddhist teacher in the world next to the Dalai Lama. January 22 was the 2nd anniversary of his death, an important milestone in Vietnamese culture. It marks the end of the grieving time and is the beginning of Thay’s becoming a spiritual ancestor. Marge and Keith were ordained by Thich Nhat Hanh into his Order of Interbeing in 2015 and were invited to Vietnam this January to participate in several ceremonies that celebrated Thay’s life. They also had the opportunity to visit many cities and sites in Vietnam as they learned about Thich Nhat Hanh’s life as a young monk, aged 16, who tended the cows in the monastery where he later became abbot and then spent the last 3 years of his life. They also visited the site where he founded the original community that began the Plum Village Zen Buddhist tradition. As Marge and Keith give highlights of their spiritual journey, they will share photos of some of the places they visited and the ceremonies, rituals, and celebrations that were beautifully conducted with practitioners from all over the world.
This Zoom event is free and open to the public, but registration is required to get the Zoom link and donations to our programming are always welcome. To register, visit: https://form.jotform.com/221945094745160
Thursday, May 23, 6:30 - 8:00 PM on Zoom
Marge Wurgel and Keith Mesecher recently returned from Vietnam where they met up with Buddhist practitioners from 31 countries to honor the life of Thich Nhat Hanh. Thay, as he is lovingly called, is probably the most well-known Buddhist teacher in the world next to the Dalai Lama. January 22 was the 2nd anniversary of his death, an important milestone in Vietnamese culture. It marks the end of the grieving time and is the beginning of Thay’s becoming a spiritual ancestor. Marge and Keith were ordained by Thich Nhat Hanh into his Order of Interbeing in 2015 and were invited to Vietnam this January to participate in several ceremonies that celebrated Thay’s life. They also had the opportunity to visit many cities and sites in Vietnam as they learned about Thich Nhat Hanh’s life as a young monk, aged 16, who tended the cows in the monastery where he later became abbot and then spent the last 3 years of his life. They also visited the site where he founded the original community that began the Plum Village Zen Buddhist tradition. As Marge and Keith give highlights of their spiritual journey, they will share photos of some of the places they visited and the ceremonies, rituals, and celebrations that were beautifully conducted with practitioners from all over the world.
This Zoom event is free and open to the public, but registration is required to get the Zoom link and donations to our programming are always welcome. To register, visit: https://form.jotform.com/221945094745160
Ongoing classes
Ongoing opportunities for faith formation and spiritual growth. Unless otherwise noted, for information about these opportunities, email [email protected].
Kirtan & Chanting for Peace
Every 2nd Saturday, 6:00-7:00pm (In-Person) Common Room (Hillcrest Campus)
Donation-based Community Event
Come and engage in the spiritual practice of Kirtan, a nondenominational practice that has been passed down since time immemorial and a constant in all paths and religions. Getting together as a group is a fun way to do this and we can sing mantras (transcendental spiritual sound vibrations) using all kinds of instruments and genres of music. Dancing and movement is highly encouraged! Group leader, Patita Pavana has been practicing the spiritual activity of Kirtan and Mantra Meditation daily for almost 17 years. These spiritual tools were passed onto her by her spiritual teacher Srimati Katyayani Devi dasi Thakurani and are part of the Bhakti Yoga lifestyle. Bhakti means love and devotion to God and Yoga means the soul’s connection to God with Love.
Every 2nd Saturday, 6:00-7:00pm (In-Person) Common Room (Hillcrest Campus)
Donation-based Community Event
Come and engage in the spiritual practice of Kirtan, a nondenominational practice that has been passed down since time immemorial and a constant in all paths and religions. Getting together as a group is a fun way to do this and we can sing mantras (transcendental spiritual sound vibrations) using all kinds of instruments and genres of music. Dancing and movement is highly encouraged! Group leader, Patita Pavana has been practicing the spiritual activity of Kirtan and Mantra Meditation daily for almost 17 years. These spiritual tools were passed onto her by her spiritual teacher Srimati Katyayani Devi dasi Thakurani and are part of the Bhakti Yoga lifestyle. Bhakti means love and devotion to God and Yoga means the soul’s connection to God with Love.
Cosmos: The Great Story
1st Sundays 1-3pm Online Only Keith Mesecher.
Celebrate the birth and evolution of the universe and humanity’s role in this magnificent, cosmic unfolding; the great powers at work in it and our damage to it. Discover our potential to be a positive, healing and transformative force, living in mutually enhancing relationships with the life and non-life forms that constitute the earth community. Drop in.
1st Sundays 1-3pm Online Only Keith Mesecher.
Celebrate the birth and evolution of the universe and humanity’s role in this magnificent, cosmic unfolding; the great powers at work in it and our damage to it. Discover our potential to be a positive, healing and transformative force, living in mutually enhancing relationships with the life and non-life forms that constitute the earth community. Drop in.
Chi Gung
Most Thursdays 9am Online Only with Lolly Brown.
Incense Chi Gung (Xiang Gong), a Buddhist exercise consisting of 15 simple movements and 1 standing posture. This set is specifically designed to activate the meridians and improve health and harmony of mind and body. Xiang Gong is easy to learn and can be practiced by people of any age or physical condition, in standing, sitting or prone positions. The exercise uses breath, movement, postures and meditation techniques. Benefits can be felt from the very first time you practice. Please wear loose clothes. Drop in.
Most Thursdays 9am Online Only with Lolly Brown.
Incense Chi Gung (Xiang Gong), a Buddhist exercise consisting of 15 simple movements and 1 standing posture. This set is specifically designed to activate the meridians and improve health and harmony of mind and body. Xiang Gong is easy to learn and can be practiced by people of any age or physical condition, in standing, sitting or prone positions. The exercise uses breath, movement, postures and meditation techniques. Benefits can be felt from the very first time you practice. Please wear loose clothes. Drop in.
Memory Matters
Every 2nd and 4th Friday Online Only with Kathy Gilbert, LCSW.
9:30-10:00am Socializing
10-11:30am Structured Program
A gathering place for individuals with early memory loss, for those who worry about memory problems and forgetfulness, and for their care partners. Safely relax, share stories, discuss, socialize and learn, play games and other activities. This gathering is not only therapeutic and educational, it enables members to make new contacts, build trusted relationships, and learn how others deal with memory loss and its consequences. Ongoing, drop in. For further information contact Gay Hybertsen at [email protected].
Every 2nd and 4th Friday Online Only with Kathy Gilbert, LCSW.
9:30-10:00am Socializing
10-11:30am Structured Program
A gathering place for individuals with early memory loss, for those who worry about memory problems and forgetfulness, and for their care partners. Safely relax, share stories, discuss, socialize and learn, play games and other activities. This gathering is not only therapeutic and educational, it enables members to make new contacts, build trusted relationships, and learn how others deal with memory loss and its consequences. Ongoing, drop in. For further information contact Gay Hybertsen at [email protected].
Sitting Group
Saturdays starting October 1st, 2019 9:30-11:30am in Room 323 (Hillcrest campus).
This sitting group/dharma study starts with a ½ hour silent meditation. Newcomers as well as experienced practitioners are welcomed. Regular attendance is not required. We study and practice traditional Buddhist topics and explore the Buddha’s Noble Eightfold Path. Please register online so you will be notified of weekly talks and suggested practices: insightsd.org/sitting-group. Questions? contact [email protected].
Saturdays starting October 1st, 2019 9:30-11:30am in Room 323 (Hillcrest campus).
This sitting group/dharma study starts with a ½ hour silent meditation. Newcomers as well as experienced practitioners are welcomed. Regular attendance is not required. We study and practice traditional Buddhist topics and explore the Buddha’s Noble Eightfold Path. Please register online so you will be notified of weekly talks and suggested practices: insightsd.org/sitting-group. Questions? contact [email protected].
Dances of Universal Peace
The Dances of Universal Peace use sacred chant, song, simple circle dances, and music to create an opportunity where hearts can open, spirits can soar, and a deeply-rooted peace can be experienced. The dances are a modern form of interfaith devotional movement based in the time-honored wisdom traditions of the world. No experience is necessary. Just bring your curiosity and your open heart and be prepared to join in the dance! No registration required.
The Dances of Universal Peace use sacred chant, song, simple circle dances, and music to create an opportunity where hearts can open, spirits can soar, and a deeply-rooted peace can be experienced. The dances are a modern form of interfaith devotional movement based in the time-honored wisdom traditions of the world. No experience is necessary. Just bring your curiosity and your open heart and be prepared to join in the dance! No registration required.
Building Sacred Ground
This four session experience is a must for anyone who wants to get to know a small group of people very well, explore and share their individual journeys and learn ways to become engaged here at First Church. By attending these sessions, you will become more deeply involved in church life and have a better understanding of Unitarian Universalism. Building Sacred Ground is strongly recommended for people considering membership and is also highly recommended for established members who want to deepen their relationship with their faith, this church and this community. Check The Window for upcoming series dates.
This four session experience is a must for anyone who wants to get to know a small group of people very well, explore and share their individual journeys and learn ways to become engaged here at First Church. By attending these sessions, you will become more deeply involved in church life and have a better understanding of Unitarian Universalism. Building Sacred Ground is strongly recommended for people considering membership and is also highly recommended for established members who want to deepen their relationship with their faith, this church and this community. Check The Window for upcoming series dates.
Who to contact
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DownloadsInterested in offering a course or small group at 1st UU?
Download our Course Proposal Form , fill it out, and send the completed Word doc to [email protected] |
