Spirit in Practice, our year long program of Spiritual maturity will continue in 2012-2013. Participants meet once a month for the entire year. Much that takes place during these times cannot be communicated or replicated; there will be take home and go deeper exercises.
There is still time to join this program. Please choose your preferred time and day of participation by clicking here.
More on Spirit in Practice
The purpose of Spirit in Practice is to engage the entire congregation in a year long program of spiritual maturity and depth – individually and communally.
Spirit in Practice at UCS
We began our shift to Thematic Programming at UCS in 2011. Answering the call for greater depth in programming and for opportunities to connect and reflect with others, we looked at a monthly theme following the UUA’s Tapestry of Faith Program, Spirit in Practice. Three main areas of congregational life followed these themes – worship, Adult RE, and small groups. The overwhelming positive response to this first year of thematic programming, urged us to continue to follow our instincts – of bringing worship, classes and smaller groups into regular contact with one another, inviting them to look closely at topics and asking what changes they inspired individuals to take.
For 2012-2013, our overarching theme is: Sustainability. This year, we will examine the interrelationships between religion and nature, particularly in the light of environmental concerns and issues. Woven throughout the sessions will also be questions and methods for sustaining ourselves mind, body and spirit.
Our premise is that there is a sacred relationship between the earth and our selves. The burgeoning awareness of environmental crisis has led to widespread religious reflection on the human relationship with the earth, and the sanctity of this relationship.
“In our faith every individual is expected, with the help of clergy and community, to nurture and tend the garden of his or her own religious life each and every day.”
One of Unitarian Universalism’s greatest gifts is its Call to its members to grow in, and practice deeper, our responsible search for truth and meaning.
For many congregations, the development of a comprehensive religious and spiritual exploration program is its greatest challenge. How do we connect six days outside of our sanctuary with Sunday worship? In what ways are we accountable to our spiritual practices? How do we stretch ourselves to embrace theologies yet unknown to us?
The strength and purpose of a religious community is not only found in its weekly worship. The intention and work of a congregation’s membership illustrates who we, as Unitarian Universalists and members of The Unitarian Church in Summit, are charged to be and become.
It is with these charges and challenges in mind that The Unitarian Church in Summit offers its entire membership a year of Spirit in Practice.
What Does this Mean for Me?Spirit in Practice is our Adult Education program and will connect our 2012-13 church year through worship, small group ministry, spiritual practice, personal and communal reflection, and justice work.
A monthly themed sermon will be delivered once a month.
Spirit in Practice Circles will be offered twice each month, on Sunday night from 6:30 to 8:00 on Tuesday evening, from 7:30 to 9:00 pm. Child-care is offered at the Sunday night class (sign up for particular dates).
While these will not be closed groups, you will be asked to covenant with all Spirit in Practice participants to come with your full self physically, emotionally and spiritually. If you need to miss your typical time slot, you can make this up by joining another in the same month. Child care is offered at the Sunday night sessions.
Each SIP Circle will be co-led by members of the Program Staff.
Participating in this year-long disciplined spiritual and educational journey will not only connect you more deeply to the life of this congregation and its members, it will give you an opportunity to answer to the Call of our third and fourth Principles: Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations and a free and responsible search for truth and meaning.
Together, may we grow in Heart, Mind, Spirit and Community.
Spirit in Practice Circles
Please choose a group based on the night or day of the week that works for you. Each circle session will last 90 minutes. If you miss one day you can make up at another, but it is preferred that you attend on the day and time you have chosen.
To sign up and register, please click here.