1 June 2007 General Assembly Welcome to Wellspring Spiritual Deepening for Unitarian Universalists Presented by: Rev. Jen Crow Joy Collins Libby Moore

2 June 2007 General Assembly Wellspring – The Need Something more than a once a month small group Something less than seminary PURPOSE Equip participants with practical tools for spiritual deepening and development as Unitarian Universalists

3 5 Spokes of Wellspring UU History & Theology Small Group Faith in Action Spiritual Direction Spiritual Practice

4 UU History & Theology Small Group Faith in Action Spiritual Direction Spiritual Practice

5 June 2007 General Assembly Spiritual Practice “It is perhaps not a language of reverence that is needed, but a practice of reverence.” - COA Report 2005 Many forms explored including Living By Heart, Walking Meditation, Prayer, Journaling Participants commit to a daily spiritual practice of their choice

6 Spiritual Direction UU History & Theology Small Group Faith in Action Spiritual Direction Spiritual Practice

7 June 2007 General Assembly Spiritual Direction A guide (a spiritual director/ companion/ mentor) to help explore one’s personal faith journey, intentionally deepening one’s relationship with the holy Monthly one-on-one time accelerates growth and provides individual support

8 June 2007 General Assembly Spiritual Direction – Nuts and Bolts Spiritual Director: – Is NOT your church minister, and often not UU – Has training in spiritual direction – Is vetted by sponsoring UU minister Fees usually sliding scale Church discretionary fund helps those in financial need

9 UU History & Theology Small Group Faith in Action Spiritual Direction Spiritual Practice

10 June 2007 General Assembly UU History & Theology European roots in Transylvania to…Walden…to Selma From Process Theology to…Humanism to…Science & Religion to…UU Principles Keys: – Connect to present life and beliefs – Ask “So what?” question Commitment: Do it

11 June 2007 General Assembly Sample Resources A Hidden Wholeness by Parker Palmer Engaging Our Theological Diversity, UUA Commission on Appraisal Report For Faith and Freedom by Charles Howe Sermons, weblinks, poetry, CDs, pamphlets and articles

12 June 2007 General Assembly Wellspring Blog Dynamic connection to past, current, and prospective participants and facilitators Link to our study guide and curriculum Weekly posts on spiritual practice, meditation, resources, and other Wellspring-related topics Come see what we’re up to!

13 Small Group UU History & Theology Small Group Faith in Action Spiritual Direction Spiritual Practice

14 June 2007 General Assembly Small Group Sacred time when stories are heard and readings processed 6-8 people Initial one day retreat 2-3 times monthly, 2 hour facilitated meetings Benefits beyond Wellspring “ It takes a village to raise a soul.” – Rev. Dr. Thandeka

15 Faith in Action UU History & Theology Small Group Faith in Action Spiritual Direction Spiritual Practice

16 June 2007 General Assembly Faith in Action “The church’s reason for being is to make real the Beloved Community on earth, nothing less.” –Rev Dr. Patrick O’Neill “When spirituality is only about the inner life and does not involve concern for others – especially for the most vulnerable among us – then there is a need to ask if this is truly an authentic form of religious living.” -Rev. Dr. Richard Gilbert

17 Faith in Action Each participant encouraged to find his/her own expression of service Church leadership to…caring for parents to…lobbying the government

18 June 2007 General Assembly Nuts & Bolts Fine line of commitment – Be clear upfront on commitment – Recommend our curriculum – Balance readings with reflective writing Facilitation – Minister for first year – Groom past participants with facilitation ability – Minister mentors lay leaders in future years Frequency – No more than 2 weeks between sessions

19 June 2007 General Assembly Other Explorations Written bi-weekly reflections Buddy system of meeting Group continuance after 10 months

20 5 Spokes of Wellspring UU History & Theology Small Group Faith in Action Spiritual Direction Spiritual Practice

21 June 2007 General Assembly Questions?