Faith Formation at UU Avl
Summertime has been a wonderful opportunity for downtime and family time. Our youngest daughter was married in NY and a few weeks later I was able to visit familia in Colombia. It had been ten years! It was an amazing trip. Here is a photo from one of the towns we visited, Guatapé. The murals were amazing!
In between trips and throughout this month planning continues at UU Asheville for adult, children and youth Faith Formation. Yes, Faith Formation, a new name to remind us that spiritual deepening, developing UU identity, exploring spiritual practices and living into our UU values are an individual and collective process for all ages. Whew! Faith Formation occurs not only during programs for all ages. It also occurs during worship, vespers, and as we strive to live into our UU values. Next month, Religious Educator, Kim Collins will blog about our plans for Children and Youth Faith Formation. She and Jen Johnson are looking forward to launching our programs for children and youth.
This month I share my excitement for the launch of Adult Faith Formation this congregational year! First, a shout out to our Adult Faith Formation Team: Cathy Gabe, Abby Holmes, Bernise Lynch, Wilma Oman, Kim Collins and Sue Williams – our newest member. We meet monthly and welcome your proposals for programs (use this form to propose a program). I am also sharing our tentative calendar for the fall. Two highlights for you to consider:
An online course focusing on UU views of Jesus discussing the book from “Christ for Unitarian Universalists” facilitated by Amy Glenn Wright. Details here.
An onsite book conversation: “Not the End of The World” by data scientist Hannah Ritchie, meeting between the two Sunday services, 9/15, 9/29, 10/13, 10/27, & 11/10. The co-facilitators ask, “Are you looking for a fresh perspective on environmental issues? We invite you to join our reading and discussion group starting this September! Our goal is to reframe our views to a historic and data-backed perspective, moving away from the doomsday approach that often dominates conversations. Guided by UU values, we believe that we can take action and create positive change in the world. Now, more than ever, we need optimism over pessimism and cynicism. For the next few months, let’s support one another as we explore these ideas.” Co-facilitators: Kelly McEnany and Olivia Martin
Looking forward to ongoing faith formation at UU Asheville this year that supports our living into our values in this community and beyond.
With gratitude,
Rev. Claudia Jiménez
Minister of Faith Formation