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“Our spiritual programs seek to stir the mind and to awaken the soul”

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Adult Spiritual Programs

The Unitarian Universalist Church of Akron is committed to spiritual growth and learning across the lifespan. Rather than teaching one set of beliefs or focusing on a single sacred text, our goal is to explore and draw wisdom from the totality of life and experience in order to help people of all ages lead lives of meaning and purpose.

Lifespan Spiritual Growth engages the head, the heart, the body, and the spirit. We draw on diverse sources of truth and employ a wide variety of teaching methods. Members participate in church-sponsored classes and events as well as opportunities offered by groups renting our space.

Recent offerings have included a weekly meditation group, a course on the meaning of Unitarian Universalism, book discussion groups, and a very diverse assortment of classes and lessons, ranging from Yoga and Tai Chi to Salsa dancing and spiritual enlightenment.

If you are interested in learning more about our Lifespan Spiritual Growth opportunities, please consult our newsletter or contact the church office.

Adult Enrichment Classes

The Unitarian Universalist Church of Akron offers courses throughout the year for adults seeking to deepen their spiritual lives. Our courses create a space in which people can listen, learn, grow, and share their spiritual journeys with others.

UPCOMING CLASSES INCLUDE:

A Chosen Faith:   An Introduction
to Unitarian Universalism
A seven week course
offered on two different days and times
(Participants sign up for one section)
 
Leader: Rev. Tim Temerson
 
Section One - Tuesdays 7:00–9:00 pm,
Beginning October 4

Section Two - Thursdays 10:00 am–12 Noon,
Beginning September 29
Using the book A Chosen Faith as a guide, this seven week course offers an in-depth introduction to Unitarian Universalism. We will explore the essence of our liberal religious faith by considering our history, our principles and sources, our commitment to social justice, and our understanding of important religious concepts like truth, revelation, salvation, good and evil, and many others.

The class will be structured around a careful reading of A Chosen Faithby John Buehrens and Forrest Church. Participants are strongly encouraged to purchase a copy of the book from the UUCA bookstore, or contact Sue Michael directly. Weekly reading assignments of 30-40 pages will be required and participants will be asked to keep a notebook of thoughts and questions.

If you are interested in signing up for the course (choose one section), please contact Polly Reiheld at polly@uuakron.org or 330-836-2206.
 
 
 
 
Introduction to Re-evaluation Counseling, Oct. 1
Basics of Re-evaluation Counseling, Oct. 22, 29, Nov. 5, 12, Dec. 3, 10
All 9:45 am to noon, all led by John Edgerton,
with the assistance of Elizabeth Nelson
Re-evaluation Counseling offers a model that can help us reclaim the best of our loving, caring, and intelligent selves. We will use it to develop peer counseling methods in which we take turns listening very well to each other. Working as a team, we will develop abilities, beyond just listening, to create supportive co-counseling sessions. The basic agenda is to uncover naturally occurring processes of emotional discharge (crying, laughing, etc.) to free ourselves from rigid patterns of behavior and of feelings that are left by hurts.
► Oct. 1, Introduction to RC: This is essentially a repeat of the Intro John did June 4. It is open to anyone, with no commitment to further participation.
► Oct. 22, 29, Nov. 5, 12, Dec. 3, 10, Basics of RC: In this sequence of six classes, we will study basic theory of Re-evaluation Counseling, and develop co-counseling skills. We will build the confidence and trust in each other to make the process work better and better. To be in the class sequence, you are strongly advised to have attended either the June 4 or the October 1 Intro, and it is expected that you come to all six classes. There will be modest assigned readings, and it is important to do co-counseling sessions between classes.
If you have any questions, or to enroll, contact John Edgerton at jwe@uakron.edu, or contact the church office at 330-836-2206.
 
 

PAST CLASSES INCLUDE:

THE BIBLE: TEXT, TEACHER, OR TYRANT?
Rev. Tim Temerson
Perhaps no book in history has generated more controversy, more passion, and more interest than the Bible. In this six week course, we will explore the historical context, sacred stories, and timeless themes of the Hebrew and Christian scriptures. We will also seek to engage the Bible not as text that is literally true, but rather as a deeply spiritual text that contains truth and wisdom capable of transforming our lives and the world.

HEALTHY LIVING AND WEIGHT MANAGEMENT: A UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST APPROACH
Pam Shell
Are you searching for an approach to healthier living and weight management that is educational and mutually supportive? Drawing wisdom and inspiration from UU principles and values, this eight week course will offer information and education about weight management, create space for conversation and deep listening, and provide a community of love and support.

Mindfulness Meditation - Bubbling Heart Sangha

Big News from the Bubbling Hearts Sangha!

The Bubbling Hearts Sangha is adding a Dharma talk on the 4th Sunday of every month from 6:00-7:00 pm. Everyone is lovingly invited and drop-ins are encouraged.

Talks we’ve shared so far:
February – Tara Brach, “Radical Acceptance”
March – Jack Kornfield, "The Joys of the Awakened Heart"
April – Krista Tippett’s Speaking of Faith interview with Thich Nhat Hanh.

We will continue our Sunday evening meetings for shared sitting and walking meditation from 7:00-8:00 pm.

Meetings of the Sangha are free and open to everyone! No meditation experience is necessary and drop-ins are always welcome! We begin with a short introductory teaching about techniques for sitting and walking meditation and the use of a mindfulness bell. Please feel free to bring a cushion if you wish. Chairs will be provided.

If you have questions about mindfulness meditation or the Bubbling Heart Sangha, please contact Elaine Fisher at lainsie2@aol.com.

Small Group Ministry

Small Group Ministry is one of the most popular and fastest growing spiritual movements within Unitarian Universalism. Consisting of 8-10 church members meeting every two weeks, Small Group Ministry deepens our spiritual lives through community, conversation, and service.

A typical small group meeting consists of opening words, the lighting of a chalice, a personal check-in, a reading and questions focused on a specific spiritual topic, conversation emphasizing deep listening and open-heartedness, closing words and a personal check-out.

What makes Small Group Ministry so unique is its emphasis on community, deep listening, and spiritual growth. Rather than being debates aimed at finding the correct answers, small group conversations are about making connections, learning from others, and opening the heart and mind to the truth and wisdom that lives in each of us.

If you are interested in learning more about Small Group Ministry, please contact a member of the SGM leadership team.