The Adult Religious Education (ARE) program for the 2025-2026 academic year presents a diverse array of opportunities for individuals seeking to deepen their understanding, explore their spirituality, and connect with others within our community. Recognizing the varied schedules and interests of our participants, the program will feature monthly classes held on both Sundays and weeknights, allowing for greater accessibility. These sessions will employ a rotating format, ensuring a dynamic and engaging learning experience throughout the year. Participants can look forward to three distinct class types, each designed to foster growth in unique ways:
- Creativity Matters: This class offers a hands-on approach to exploring meaningful themes through various creative activities. Participants will have the opportunity to engage their imaginations and express their understanding through artistic mediums. This format encourages experiential learning and provides a space for personal reflection and connection to the subject matter in a non-traditional way.
- UU Writers: Designed as a smaller, more intimate group, UU Writers will focus on delving into selected themes through the power of writing. Participants will be encouraged to explore their thoughts, perspectives, and insights through various writing exercises and prompts. This class aims to cultivate self-expression, foster deeper engagement with the themes, and build a supportive community amongst those who share a passion for writing.
- Practice Matters: This small group will center around the exploration and practice of spiritual disciplines drawn from a wide spectrum of world religions. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about and engage in various practices, fostering a deeper understanding of different faith traditions and enriching their own spiritual lives. This class emphasizes experiential learning and the integration of spiritual practices into daily life.
While we warmly welcome drop-in participants who may be interested in attending individual sessions, we strongly encourage regular attendance within each chosen class. Consistent engagement allows for a more profound exploration of the themes, fosters stronger connections within the group, and contributes to a richer overall learning experience for all involved. We believe that this multifaceted program will offer something for everyone seeking to continue their religious and spiritual education in the coming year. Further details regarding the specific weeknight for classes and the schedule of themes for each class type will be released in the near future.