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
Adult RE Speaker Series
Michael Odegaard on Preserving the Kumeyaay Language
Thursday, Feb 23, 2023
6:30 -8:00 PM on Zoom
Funded by your generous donations to Adult RE!
Registration is required to receive the Zoom link for this event.
To register, please click the link below.
https://form.jotform.com/221945094745160
This event is free, but please consider making a donation to help cover the cost of this event.
You can donate on our church donation page.
Please select “Restricted Gift” as your Gift Designation and write “Adult RE Speaker Series” in the “Comments” section.
https://www.firstuusandiego.org/donations.html
About this Event:
Michael Odegaard will join us on February 23rd to tell us about his current project to preserve the Kumeyaay Language. This event will be one more step toward establishing an accountable relationship between First UU and the Kumeyaay People.
Michael serves as a Director of the United Nations Association of San Diego to coordinate implementation of the United Nationsʻ 2022-2032 Decade of Indigenous Languages goals, which include securing legal status for San Diego Countyʻs two indigenous languages, Kumeyaay and Luiseno (Chamtēela).
In December 2019, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the period between 2022 and 2032 as the International Decade of Indigenous Languages, to draw global attention on the critical situation of many Indigenous languages and to mobilize stakeholders and resources for their preservation, revitalization, and promotion.
Michael launched Hawaiʻi Bilingual and has been a recognized advocate for the linguistic rights of indigenous, and especially Hawaiian-speaking, peoples. As a “kumu” or teacher, he has been invited to lead traditional blessings of gardens and canoes; when he was asked to do baptisms, Michael decided to attend seminary in Boston where he also taught Hawaiian language for the Harvard University Native American Program.
Welcomed as a visiting scholar at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Hawaiian Language College, Michael has also been invited to speak as far away as India at indigenous churches, universities and local indigenous groups and Rotary Clubs throughout San Diego County on the topic of indigenous language rights and revitalization.
Locally, Michael collaborates with Dr. Stanley Rodriguez, the director of Kumeyaay Community College since 2018, and a Kumeyaay language instructor at Kumeyaay Community College since 2005.
Michael Odegaard on Preserving the Kumeyaay Language
Thursday, Feb 23, 2023
6:30 -8:00 PM on Zoom
Funded by your generous donations to Adult RE!
Registration is required to receive the Zoom link for this event.
To register, please click the link below.
https://form.jotform.com/221945094745160
This event is free, but please consider making a donation to help cover the cost of this event.
You can donate on our church donation page.
Please select “Restricted Gift” as your Gift Designation and write “Adult RE Speaker Series” in the “Comments” section.
https://www.firstuusandiego.org/donations.html
About this Event:
Michael Odegaard will join us on February 23rd to tell us about his current project to preserve the Kumeyaay Language. This event will be one more step toward establishing an accountable relationship between First UU and the Kumeyaay People.
Michael serves as a Director of the United Nations Association of San Diego to coordinate implementation of the United Nationsʻ 2022-2032 Decade of Indigenous Languages goals, which include securing legal status for San Diego Countyʻs two indigenous languages, Kumeyaay and Luiseno (Chamtēela).
In December 2019, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the period between 2022 and 2032 as the International Decade of Indigenous Languages, to draw global attention on the critical situation of many Indigenous languages and to mobilize stakeholders and resources for their preservation, revitalization, and promotion.
Michael launched Hawaiʻi Bilingual and has been a recognized advocate for the linguistic rights of indigenous, and especially Hawaiian-speaking, peoples. As a “kumu” or teacher, he has been invited to lead traditional blessings of gardens and canoes; when he was asked to do baptisms, Michael decided to attend seminary in Boston where he also taught Hawaiian language for the Harvard University Native American Program.
Welcomed as a visiting scholar at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Hawaiian Language College, Michael has also been invited to speak as far away as India at indigenous churches, universities and local indigenous groups and Rotary Clubs throughout San Diego County on the topic of indigenous language rights and revitalization.
Locally, Michael collaborates with Dr. Stanley Rodriguez, the director of Kumeyaay Community College since 2018, and a Kumeyaay language instructor at Kumeyaay Community College since 2005.
Ongoing classes
Ongoing opportunities for faith formation and spiritual growth. For information about these opportunities, email Tony@firstuusandiego.org
Open Heart Sangha
Sundays from 4-6 p.m. Online Only with Marge Wurgle
Practicing in the tradition of Vietnamese Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. Most Sundays the group practices sitting meditation and walking meditation, has a short lesson, shares about the practice, and sings. Please bring a cushion or mat to sit on, or chairs will be available. Open to everyone; drop in, registration not required.
Sundays from 4-6 p.m. Online Only with Marge Wurgle
Practicing in the tradition of Vietnamese Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. Most Sundays the group practices sitting meditation and walking meditation, has a short lesson, shares about the practice, and sings. Please bring a cushion or mat to sit on, or chairs will be available. Open to everyone; drop in, registration not required.
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 hybertsen@att.net.
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 hybertsen@att.net.
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 irene@insightsd.org.
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 irene@insightsd.org.
Dances of Universal Peace
Quarterly, 2nd & 4th Saturdays starting in Jan 2023. Meditation (optional) at 7pm, Dancing at 7:30pm, Bard Hall (Hillcrest campus) with Louise Jacobus.
(The July Dances are a special outdoor event on the Lower Patio.)
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.
Quarterly, 2nd & 4th Saturdays starting in Jan 2023. Meditation (optional) at 7pm, Dancing at 7:30pm, Bard Hall (Hillcrest campus) with Louise Jacobus.
(The July Dances are a special outdoor event on the Lower Patio.)
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. Register.
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. Register.
Downloads
Interested 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 Tony@firstuusandiego.org
Download our Course Proposal Form , fill it out, and send the completed Word doc to Tony@firstuusandiego.org
Who to contact
