We are excited about this church year’s curricula, Tapestry of Faith, which integrates exploration of Unitarian Universalist Identity, spiritual and faith development and community building.  Here at First U children are grouped together by age into one of five groups: Chalice Children, Explorers, Seekers, and two youth groups, Jr. high and Sr. high.  Here you will find a description of each curriculum we are using, designated by these groups.


Chalice Children (Preschool and Kindergarten)

Creating Home

This program helps children develop a sense of home that is grounded in faith. Teachers and children explore the purposes of having a home and the functions a home serves, for us as humans and for other animals. The program speaks of home as a place of belonging and explores the roles each of us play in the homes where we live. The program introduces the concept of a "faith home" — your congregation — which shares some characteristics with a family home. Like a family home, a faith home offers its members certain joys, protections, and responsibilities.


Explorers (First - Third Grade)

Faithful Journeys

Because ours is a creedless faith, defining what it means to be a Unitarian Universalist can be challenging. Our adults and youth often welcome such a challenge — indeed, a questioning spirit is part of our faith. Yet, our children need to learn who Unitarian Universalists are, what we believe, and how we live in faith. Faithful Journeys equips them with language and experiences to answer these questions and help them develop a strong Unitarian Universalist identity.

Seekers (Fourth – Sixth Grade

Toolbox of Faith

Toolbox of Faith invites participants to reflect on the qualities of our Unitarian Universalist faith, such as integrity, courage, and love, as tools they can use in living their lives and building their own faith. Each of the 16 sessions uses a tool as a metaphor for an important quality of our faith such as reflection (symbolized by a mirror), flexibility (duct tape), and justice (a flashlight).

Junior Youth Group (Seventh – Ninth Grade)

Riddle and Mystery

The purpose of Riddle and Mystery is to assist youth in their own search for understanding. Each of the 16 sessions introduces and processes a Big Question. The first three echo Paul Gauguin’s famous triptych: Where do we come from? What are we? Where are we going? The next ten, including Does God exist? and What happens when you die?, could be found on almost anyone’s list of basic life inquiries. The final three are increasingly Unitarian Universalist: Can we ever solve life’s mystery? How can I know what to believe? What does Unitarian Universalism mean to me?

Senior Youth Group (Tenth – Twelfth Grade)

Sharing the Journey

Sharing the Journey is a small group ministry program for youth.  Small group ministry can be a way to help individuals build relationships, experience a greater sense of belonging, and feel supported in their spiritual journey in the congregation.


*Curriculum descriptions are taken or adapted from the UUA website and can be found at http://www.uua.org/religiouseducation/curricula/tapestryfaith/abouttapestry/130209.shtml

Virginia LeBeau enthusiastically began her service to First Unitarian Church as Director of Religious Education in August of 2010.  She has primary responsibility for the religious education program for children and youth, including curriculum, development, and administration, and working in close cooperation with the Senior Minister and the Religious Education Council.

Virginia was raised Unitarian Universalist in her hometown of Moscow, Idaho.  She was active in the congregation’s religious education programs throughout her childhood and youth and served as a nursery attendant during high school.  

While attending the University of Idaho her service to the Moscow congregation continued as she worked as the Religious Education Assistant.  After graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in child development, Virginia accepted the position of Director of Religious Education and had the joyful experience of serving the congregation in which she was raised for three years.

Virginia came to Chicago in order to attend graduate school at Erikson Institute.  She completed her program this spring, graduating with a Master of Science in child development, administration emphasis.  She has fallen in love with Chicago’s vibrant, diverse nature and lives here with her husband.  

The Adult Religious Education Program offers a variety of activities throughout the church year. Such activities, in the form of classes and discussion and study groups, range from one session to usually several  sessions,  and a few are on-going. At present there are two on-going Adult Religious Education activities.

The Spiritual Pluralism Project consists of the UU Buddhist Group, the UU Christian Group, the UU Humanist Group, and the UU Earth-Based Spirituality Group. These groups engage in both study and practice related to their spiritual paths. Periodically they take part in joint meetings focused on sharing and dialogue. Each group also provides a Sunday morning service oriented to its spiritual path.

All Adult Religious Education activities are open to all church members and friends without charge. However, they may require participants to purchase modestly priced reading materials. Rev. Grey, church members and friends,  Meadville Lombard students, and ministerial interns at the church have served as group facilitators and leaders. These activities are in accord with the UU seven  principles and support the church's mission and vision statements.

For more information about Adult Religious Education programming at First Unitarian Church, contact Phiefer Browne at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Rev. Nina Grey at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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The following are the adult religious education and additional adult program offerings.  Some offerings may require registration.  You are invited to register by completing the form in this brochure and returning it to the church office.  Other offerings may accept walk-ins, as indicated.  Talk with Rev. Dr. Nina D. Grey or the leaders indicated below if you have questions.

The Spiritual Pluralism Project

These groups meet once or twice monthly for spiritual practice and study.  Dialogues and sharing among the groups is part of the project.

The First U Buddhist Group explores ways that Buddhist teachings can inform our Unitarian Universalist faith and practices meditation techniques to help deepen spiritual lives.  
Contacts:  Anita Orlikoff  or and Irene Vitullo

The First U Christian Group focuses on a UU approach to Christian pluralism.  Christians and non-Christians are welcome to attend our activities, usually on the second Tuesday at 7-9 p.m. in Chris Moore Parlor. We meet with the Chicago Chapter of the UU Christian Fellowship.
Contacts:  Finley C. Campbell  and Phiefer Browne

The First U Earth-Based Spirituality Group explores a spirituality rooted in experiences of the connection and interdependence with all life.  There is time for discussion, reflection, experience, learning, creating ritual, and sharing stories.  
Contacts:  Joe Cherry  and Cheryl Wegner
 
The First U Humanist Group discusses religious humanism and its impact on and future in Unitarian Universalism. 
Contact:  Allen Harden

Journeys of the Spirit

Wednesdays  7 to 9 p.m.
March 17, April 4 and 28, and May 12
Leaders: Revs. Drs. Nina D. Grey  and Neil Gerdes
Rev. Nina Grey and Rev. Neil Gerdes will lead us as we share our stories and paths with one another. We will draw for inspiration on our own journeys and on some journeys of the spirit found in biblical and other great literature. This is an opportunity to exercise our third principle, encouragement to grow in spirit, in an atmosphere of acceptance of one another.

Women Learning Together:
 
From Generation to Generation
Third Sundays through June. 2010; 7 to 9 p.m.
Facilitators: Rev. Dr. Nina D. Grey  and Lorie Rosenblum
Join this multigenerational women's learning group on the third Sunday of each month as we explore issues of concern to women. This year, we are reading together and discussing our experiences. The themes are suggested by our readings in the book: Breaking Free: Women of Spirit at Midlife and Beyond, edited by the Rev. Dr. Marilyn Sewell.

Evensong
 
Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m.; Feb. 23, March 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30, April 13 and 20
Facilitator: Karen Christiansen 
Participants will explore individual life journeys through sharing thoughts, experiences, doubts and current beliefs.  Each session includes both elements of worship and of small group ministry.  There will be both ritual and times of sharing.  Listening attentively and without interruption to one another is an important part of the program.  Evensong is a good way to explore personal beliefs and possibilities and a great way to get to know a group of people.

A History of Unitarian Universalism

Sundays March 28, April 11, April 25, May 9 and May 23.
Leaders: Rev. Dr. Nina Grey  and Ed Loomis
This class will be an introduction to some pivotal people and events that have shaped and continue to shape our Unitarian Universalist faith.  We will begin with an overview of Unitarian Universalist history and in subsequent sessions focus more closely on areas selected by the leaders and the attendees.

The Bible as Docu-Fiction

Second Sundays, 9:05 am to 9:50 am
Facilitator:  Finley C. Campbell
Contact: Phiefer Browne
From February to June, we plan to cover the major and minor Jewish prophets, from Isaiah to Malachi in the Old Testament.  The goal is to show how St Matthew incorporated the documentary evidence of the coming of the Messiah (which Christians traditionally identify with Jesus).  Both the Old and the New Testament center on the great theme of the coming of a universal savior who will restore at a higher level the Paradise lost in Genesis and finally redeemed in Revelation.

Thriving in Our Fifties

Contact Dennis Koehn
A group of First Unitarian members and friends in their 50s began monthly meetings in September 2009 to discuss the challenges and opportunities in this chapter of life and offer support to each other. The group is open to additional persons starting with its February meeting.  Future meetings will be devoted to health for ourselves and our parents; relationships and community; and other topics of mutual interest.  

Parents as Spiritual Guides

Contact and Facilitator: Erica Lucille Ward, Director of Religious Education, 
Based on the belief that children’s religious education should not be restricted to Sunday school, this program brings spiritual growth into the home, where the communion of rituals of family life can helpfully support the “dynamic process of faith development. Contact Erica Lucille Ward for schedule and further information.

A Short Course on Compassionate Communication

Facilitator: Anita Orlikoff
Do you sometimes feel frustrated in your relations when you are longing to feel peaceful and understood? Come hear a highly experienced trainer in non-violent communication, Dr. Hemalata Pokharna, introduce some surprisingly simple yet very powerful tools. Follow-up with 2 additional practice sessions led by Anita Orlikoff and Rev. Dr. Nina Grey. The Intro is tentatively scheduled for May 2 after church.

The members of the Adult Religious Education Committee, are Allen Harden, chair, Dennis Koehn, Ondrea Hermerding, Lorie Rosenblum, and Rev. Dr. Nina D. Grey, ex officio.

ADULT PROGRAM OFFERINGS

A Community of Men

Second Mondays, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Leader: Joe Harrington
The purpose of this group is to foster friendship and provide opportunities for men to become fully involved in the First U mission and vision.  Meetings provide an opportunity for men of all ages and backgrounds to discuss issues of interest and get to know each other better.  No signup is necessary, contact Joe Harrington for further information. 

First Forums

Most Sundays, 11:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Coordinator: Richard Pardo
Members of the congregation and the larger community present seminars, panel discussions, and reports on a wide range of social, political, and religious issues and concerns. No sign up is necessary.

The Nature of Racism

First Thursdays, 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm
First Sundays after the First Forum
Facilitator/Teacher: Finley C. Campbell
Our focus this year is on neo-racism.  We concentrate on the role that elites, both white and non-white, have played in justifying the continuation of racism in institutionalized forms.  The schedule is subject to change. This class is sponsored by the Racial Justice Task Force

W.I.L.D. Women

Facilitator: Lisa Martin-Eatinger
The “WILD” in WILD Women stands for Women Involved with Little Dependents and indicates this group is focused on helping moms with school-aged children.   The group holds four events through the church year, including a retreat in the fall, and makes sure members are aware of and warmly invited to the many fun all-church multi-generational happenings that take place through the year, including our annual Apple Picking excursion and Halloween Party. This group is sponsored by the Religious Education Council.

Membership Orientation/Information Meeting

Saturday, March 20, 9 a.m. to 1p.m.
Coordinator: Lara Tushla
Come to learn a little more about Unitarian Universalist history, the history of First Unitarian Church, the Seven Principles, religious education and spiritual growth opportunities, and more about what’s happening at First Unitarian. Please let us know if you will be able to join us, so we have enough refreshments available.  Also let us know if you will need child care by March 13th.  Contact Lara Tushla for questions, or call the church office.  Sponsored by the Membership Committee

Young Adult and Campus Ministry (YACM)

Soulful Sundown services: First Sundays
YACM Group Gathering: Third Sundays
Leaders: Andrew Greenlee, Jr., and Molly McAdow
YACM is a group of religiously liberal young adults from Hyde Park and surrounding areas. Some of our members attend nearby University of Chicago, some are in graduate school or seminary, and others simply call Hyde Park home! We welcome young adults from all walks of life to join us on our journey of exploring faith, life, and young adulthood. Our program, which is sponsored by the Membership Committee, includes worship, fellowship and social service outreach.

9-11 Study Group

First Sundays, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Leaders: Elvira Pellitteri  and Jim Proctor
This group discusses current political, social, and religious issues as well as assigned readings such as Beyond Chutzpah, by Norman Finkelstein. This group is a study group of the Social Justice Council.