Fall 2026 Letter from Adult Spiritual Exploration (ASE)

Opportunities abound this fall for us to expand our spirits and educate our curious UU minds. Learn more here about Chalice Circles, prayer practices, death preparations, prison abolition, and what makes a poem. 

Chalice Circles remain at the heart of our adult spiritual exploration program. We will add a new Small Group Ministry this fall if we can identify a co-facilitator to work with Danner Friend. We have 7 Seasoned Souls groups, some of which have openings for new members (contact Paul Ohlson). The Caregiver Support Group would also like to add some new members (contact Gale Pekar). To read more about Chalice Circles, click here.

As a result of the April discussion of “Prayer: An Intimate Conversation with Yourself,” several people are eager to continue with monthly meetings on this topic. Their first get-together will occur on Sunday, September 20, at 11:45 AM in the Bell Tower Room. Contact Paula Gills and/or complete this interest form.

We are honored to have John Burciaga join us for a workshop on “Poetry: Not Just Pretty Words,” on Saturday, October 17, from 10 AM to 3PM in the Vestry. John is a longtime friend of UCM, retired UU minister, and published poet. This will be a gathering of folks interested in reading and exploring elements of poetry, its themes and authors. There will be a lunch break and an opportunity to do some writing. Contact Judith Hinds and/or complete this interest form.

Adult SE will collaborate with the Racial Justice Group (RJG) to lead two Study Group discussions in October, concerned with the issue of prison abolition. This topic is the focus of the UUA’s Congregational Study/Action Issue (CSAI) for the upcoming two years. Please refer to the RJG’s report in the Fall Newsletter for details about the books available to borrow for these discussions:

This year we will again hold a series of Date with Death Club sessions, beginning on Sunday, September 20, at noon in the Children’s Chapel. Come learn how to prepare yourself and/or a loved one for the final journey. You will learn about everything from grappling with our universal fear to taking care of the most practical and important matters, so that your beloveds don’t have to do the work for you after the fact.

These sessions will continue once a month:

Both church regulars and members of the wider community are invited. Contact Bronwyn Fryer and/or complete this interest form.