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
Conscious Communication
More info coming soon.
More info coming soon.
Ongoing classes
Ongoing opportunities for faith formation and spiritual growth.
Open Heart Sangha
Sundays from 4-6 p.m. in Room 323 (Hillcrest campus).
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. in Room 323 (Hillcrest campus).
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 in Rm 323 (Hillcrest campus) with 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 in Rm 323 (Hillcrest campus) with 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.
Shape Note Singing: The Sacred Harp
2nd Sundays 3-5pm in Room 113 (Hillcrest campus) with members of the San Diego FaSoLa Singers.
Everyone is welcome. It doesn’t matter if you can’t sing. It matters that you want to. Your voice is your harp. Let’s sing together, without instruments or formal training, using shape note notation. Or just stop by and listen. Drop in, registration not required.
2nd Sundays 3-5pm in Room 113 (Hillcrest campus) with members of the San Diego FaSoLa Singers.
Everyone is welcome. It doesn’t matter if you can’t sing. It matters that you want to. Your voice is your harp. Let’s sing together, without instruments or formal training, using shape note notation. Or just stop by and listen. Drop in, registration not required.
Yoga
Most Mondays 10-11am in the Common Room (Hillcrest campus) with Toni Turbyfill.
A restorative yoga class with a focus on personal body awareness and self-care; to aide in stress relief for both mind and body, by mindfully practicing the poses, guiding our minds to focus on positive thoughts and lighting our lives with laughter and community. After our poses we have a 15-min meditation. Bring a yoga mat and a blanket. Wear loose-fitting clothing. Avoid heavy scents. Come early to get comfortable. Drop in.
Most Mondays 10-11am in the Common Room (Hillcrest campus) with Toni Turbyfill.
A restorative yoga class with a focus on personal body awareness and self-care; to aide in stress relief for both mind and body, by mindfully practicing the poses, guiding our minds to focus on positive thoughts and lighting our lives with laughter and community. After our poses we have a 15-min meditation. Bring a yoga mat and a blanket. Wear loose-fitting clothing. Avoid heavy scents. Come early to get comfortable. Drop in.
Chi Gung
Most Thursdays 9am at South Bay campus 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 at South Bay campus 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.
Metta Series
Tuesdays 6:30-8:30pm September 19- November 7, 2019 in Room 323 (Hillcrest campus).
In this Insight San Diego series we will be learning and practicing techniques 2500+ years old, as taught by the buddha. He encourages us in these Metta practices to stay in touch with our original, loving nature, and teaches some ways to do this. This series is open for all. Taught through audio, teachers Gil Fronsdal and Andrea Fella. Facilitators: Jeff Maloney and Sally Hawkins. For more info go to insightsd.org.
Tuesdays 6:30-8:30pm September 19- November 7, 2019 in Room 323 (Hillcrest campus).
In this Insight San Diego series we will be learning and practicing techniques 2500+ years old, as taught by the buddha. He encourages us in these Metta practices to stay in touch with our original, loving nature, and teaches some ways to do this. This series is open for all. Taught through audio, teachers Gil Fronsdal and Andrea Fella. Facilitators: Jeff Maloney and Sally Hawkins. For more info go to insightsd.org.
Sufi Healing
Tuesdays 7-8pm in Room 321 (Hillcrest campus) with Jamil Larry Sweet.
Explore ancient individual healing practices of the Sufis; the uses of meditation, breath, sacred phrases and wazifa; and a healing ceremony.
Tuesdays 7-8pm in Room 321 (Hillcrest campus) with Jamil Larry Sweet.
Explore ancient individual healing practices of the Sufis; the uses of meditation, breath, sacred phrases and wazifa; and a healing ceremony.
Memory Matters
Every 2nd and 4th Friday in Bard Hall (Hillcrest campus) with Kathy Gilbert, LCSW.
9:30-10:00am Coffee and 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 in Bard Hall (Hillcrest campus) with Kathy Gilbert, LCSW.
9:30-10:00am Coffee and 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.
Rasa Coaching Lab: Life Energy and Insight through Contemplative Healing
Saturdays (except 5th Saturdays) 10:30am-12:30pm in Room 320 (Hillcrest campus) with RJ Palmer.
Learn to help heal the wounds of time and memory and move forward into actualizing our deeper yearnings and potential. Through playful practices of contemplation and healing, new life skills are cultivated for “Practicing the Presence” of the “royal rasa’s” (essences) of love and joy. Drop-in.
Saturdays (except 5th Saturdays) 10:30am-12:30pm in Room 320 (Hillcrest campus) with RJ Palmer.
Learn to help heal the wounds of time and memory and move forward into actualizing our deeper yearnings and potential. Through playful practices of contemplation and healing, new life skills are cultivated for “Practicing the Presence” of the “royal rasa’s” (essences) of love and joy. Drop-in.
Dances of Universal Peace
Quarterly, 2nd Saturdays. 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 Saturdays. 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.
Kirtan and Chanting for Peace
2nd Saturdays 6:30-8pm in Bard Hall or Common Room (Hillcrest campus) with award-winning Spirit Soul and Friends.
Join us for relaxation meditation, peaceful mantra chanting, music, yoga, and dance. Engage in the non-denominational spiritual practice of kirtan, which has been passed down since time immemorial and is viewed as a constant in all paths and religions. Drop-in. But, what is kirtan really?
2nd Saturdays 6:30-8pm in Bard Hall or Common Room (Hillcrest campus) with award-winning Spirit Soul and Friends.
Join us for relaxation meditation, peaceful mantra chanting, music, yoga, and dance. Engage in the non-denominational spiritual practice of kirtan, which has been passed down since time immemorial and is viewed as a constant in all paths and religions. Drop-in. But, what is kirtan really?
Gentle Yoga
Thursdays 11:30am-12:30pm in the Common Room (Hillcrest campus) with Yoga Alliance Certified instructor Paula Johnson.
This gentle, easy yoga is practiced sitting on a chair or using one for support. The poses are adapted from Hatha yoga for people challenged by standing for long periods or sitting on the floor. However, this is a great practice for everyone; it builds flexibility, body awareness and strength. We include restorative yoga and poses for home, office, or car practice. Recommended, but not required: yoga mat and two blankets. . Drop in, no registration required.
Thursdays 11:30am-12:30pm in the Common Room (Hillcrest campus) with Yoga Alliance Certified instructor Paula Johnson.
This gentle, easy yoga is practiced sitting on a chair or using one for support. The poses are adapted from Hatha yoga for people challenged by standing for long periods or sitting on the floor. However, this is a great practice for everyone; it builds flexibility, body awareness and strength. We include restorative yoga and poses for home, office, or car practice. Recommended, but not required: yoga mat and two blankets. . Drop in, 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 teaching? Download our Course Proposal Form and Facilitator's Guide.
