What Makes UU?
A Unitarian Universalist Religious Identity Program
In 2018-19 the Mt. Vernon Unitarian Church is engaging in a program to assist each member in discovering and defining (or redefining) their faith. We’ll do this through adult religious education classes, multigenerational activities, written materials, worship, online materials, social justice projects, trips & journeys and more. All programs fall within one of these four goals:
- Creating a Credo or Statement of Faith
- Service Project
- Preparation for trip to Boston
- Multigenerational worship service in June
What Makes UU programs will be tagged with the symbol you see here for easy recognition. A program’s expression of the Six Sources from which UUs draw their faith may also be noted. Register in the Commons or contact Jim at reassist@mvuc.org Programs in red are great for children as well as adults.
Upcoming What Makes UU Programs
| Activity | Description | When | Where | One of the sources referenced |
| Theme of the Month | November: UU History and Heritage | This lens applied to programming | ||
| Lobby Board | An opportunity for all ages to consider and interact with the theme of the month and their own beliefs by answering a question | Sunday Mornings | Commons | |
| TED Talk | Reality isn’t something you perceive; it’s something you create in your mind. Isaac Lidsky learned this profound lesson firsthand, when unexpected life circumstances yielded valuable insights. In this introspective, personal talk, he challenges us to let go of excuses, assumptions and fears, and accept the awesome responsibility of being the creators of our own reality. Also: Cross-country skier Janine Shepherd hoped for an Olympic medal — until she was hit by a truck during a training bike ride. She shares a powerful story about the human potential for recovery. Her message: you are not your body, and giving up old dreams can allow new ones to soar. This Ted presentation will be followed by a discussion facilitated by Rev. Dr. Kate Walker. Register in the Commons or on line athttps://goo.gl/forms/6Z8DhhXy9itzXb8T2 Contact Jim Kerr at reassist@mvuc.org for more information.
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Monday, Dec 3, 7:30 | Nursery | Source: Words and Deeds of Prophetic People |
| Body Prayer | Explore MVUC’s theme of the month through moving meditation, community dance, and discussion. Come check out the new format for 2018-19. Please rsvp to cherylsabo@me.com, 703-244-3096. Free, donations for UCM pantry basket appreciated.
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Second Monday of the month 7:30-8:45 p.m. | Chapel | Source: Personal Experience, |
| Faithful Practices Book Group
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Explore innovative and personal forms of spiritual practice in a book group reading Faithful Practices: Everyday ways to feed your spirit, a collection of short essays written by Unitarian Universalist authors. Participants read two essays in advance, then a facilitator (Rev. Kate Walker, Kris Rosenthal, Ann Richards or Pete Bloom) leads a one-hour discussion about them. Sessions are drop-in, but those interested are encouraged to register in order to receive reminders. Please bring a bag lunch. Books are available through the MVUC Book Nook in the Commons on Sunday mornings. Register at https://www.signupgenius.com/index.cfm?go=w.ProcessCreate5. Childcare is available if requested at least one week in advance by sending an email to dlsg@mvuc.org.
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Sundays 1-2 p.m. Dec. 2, 9, 16, Jan. 13, 20, 27
Tuesdays 7:30-8:30 p.m. Dec 4, 11, 18, Jan. 15, 22, 29
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Commons or as announced | Source:
Personal Experience |
| Hinduism | This course, offered in cooperation with the Hindu American Alliance, answers such questions as What is Hinduism? Who are Hindus? Where does Hinduism live? How is Hinduism practiced? When do Hindus celebrate? This course features a panel of experts from local Universities, and participants will tour a Hindu temple. A fee of $10 for MVUC members and $20 for non-members will be charged to cover costs. Register in the Commons or electronically TBD | Feb/ March TBD
5 sessions |
TBD | Source: World Religions |
| Writing your Statement of Faith
Resources |
Speak to someone who has written a credo or statement of faith, pick up information and resources to assist in your own faith statement creation or revision, check out our success as we strive toward our goal of 100% of MVUC members having a personal faith statement. Ages 6 and up. | Sundays after second service and before selected first services Jan-May | Commons | Source: Personal Experience |
| Boston Trip Informational Meeting | Come learn about our trip to Boston for all ages scheduled for May 16-19 and led by Rev. Dr. Walker. All are welcome! | Sunday, Jan 20 12:30-1 | TBD | Source: Words and Deeds of Prophetic People |
| Advent Calendar | Explore MVUC history and traditions, how the 6 sources are referenced at MVUC, as well as games, stories, reminders, videos and MVUC holiday fun Click here on MVUC Advent Calendar daily between December 1 and 23. | Daily Dec. 1-25 | On line | Source: Judeo Christian Traditions |
| Building Your Own Theology | Based on the assumption that everyone is their own theologian, this classic UU adult education program invites participants to develop their own personal credos, the fundamental religious beliefs, values, and convictions that inform and direct of their lives. Gilbert Poses five developmental tasks in which participants come to terms with human nature, ultimate reality, history, ethics and religious meaning. Begins with an introduction to our seven UU principles. Led by Ann Richards. Register in the Commons or electronically TBD.
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Feb. 28, March 14, 21, 28, April 11, 18, 25, May 2 (No March 7 or April 4) | TBD | Source: Personal Experience |