Fall 2024 Letter from Adult Spiritual Exploration Chair, Judith Hinds

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Adult Spiritual Exploration (ASE), 2024-25

UCM offers opportunities for adults in the congregation to nurture their spiritual journeys while deepening relationships with others. Below are offerings coming up this fall. Three different types of Chalice Circles (small groups for deep listening and sharing) are ongoing: Small Group Ministry, Seasoned Souls, and Caregivers. Descriptions may be found on the ASE page on our website. Openings will be announced in September.

Planning is underway for a yearlong series of classes to explore mortality. The “Date with Death Club” curriculum will be facilitated by Rev. Joan, Bronwyn Fryer (death doula), and a team of volunteers. Topics include a “good death,” medical aid-in-dying, writing your own obituary, and others. See below for more details.

“New UU” classes will be offered twice this year. These classes introduce participants to Unitarian Universalist history and theology and are one step in process of becoming a member of UCM. The first session is planned for Wednesday, October 23, 6:30-8:30 PM.

Watch the weekly e-news for opportunities to sign up for these and other explorations related to our UU faith. Or check in at the Hospitality Table during coffee hour. Contact Judith Hinds (jrhinds1185@yahoo.com) with questions.

Date with Death Club Launches in October

The Date with Death Club, created by the Rev. Karen G. Johnston, explores mortality in community. DwDC is an opportunity to learn, share, and deepen your own understanding of what death means to you and how you want to approach death — particularly your own. DwDC is not a bereavement or grief support group. While it may be healing of the human condition, the nature of the DwDC is not specifically therapeutic.

The first session, “Getting Comfortable with Death Talk,” will take place at UCM on Sunday, October 13 from 11:45 AM to 2 PM. Seven other sessions on different topics will be offered throughout the church year. Attend one or all. DwDC will be facilitated by Rev. Joan, Bronwyn Fryer (death doula), and church volunteers. To RSVP for October 13, please complete this form. You can also complete the form if you are unable to make the first session but would like to stay informed of future sessions.