ADULT SPIRITUAL EXPLORATION

This year we are offering a variety of opportunities for you to deepen your spiritual journey in the company of others. Explore some of these many options. Note: some groups require a commitment from Oct – May while other
opportunities are offered on a drop-in basis.

Connection Groups
Connection Groups are small (usually eight participants), lay-led groups that provide a space for members to deepen their connections with each other and explore spiritual topics. The groups meet monthly to explore the month’s worship theme through discussion and using a structured format that focuses on deep listening. Sign up for these congregational year long groups takes place in September. Groups meet October – May. For more information or to inquire about mid-year start Connection Groups contact Laura Guisti at connectiongroups@westminsteruu.org

Coming of Age Again and 3H (Hindsight, Humor and Hope)
This year we are offering two opportunities for adults to explore some of life’s bigger questions through curriculums called, “Coming of Age, Again” and “Coming of Age in the Third Age.”

This seven-session monthly series parallels the program our 8 – 10 graders will be engaging in and invites participants to reflect on their personal beliefs while also inviting them to explore topics such as right and wrong, death and dying, God, spiritual practice, and the power and purpose of spiritual community. Contact Rev. Deborah for mid-year start up opportunities. minister@westminsteruu.org

Rev. Deborah will offer “Coming of Age, Again” to a committed group of up to 10, adults of any age on the second Tuesday of the month from 6:30 – 8:30 pm. A commitment to participate in most sessions Oct – April is required.

3-H (Hindsight, Humor, and Hope), our program for those 60+, offers “Coming of Age in the Third Age” as a drop in (come when you can) gathering led by Rev. J on the fourth Tuesday of the month from 10:30 – 12pm with a free catered luncheon offered after the class. Coming of Age programming begins in October.

Discover UU: First Saturdays of the Month, 10AM – 12PM
Curious about Unitarian Universalism? Join us on the first Saturday of the month for a look into this faith. There are four sessions that rotate throughout the year including: UU Theology: Then and Now, Whose In Charge: Church Governance, Our Work in the World, and The History of Westminster. Sessions are led by Rev. Deborah or a long time member of Westminster. Come to one or all four.

Adult Spiritual Exploration Team

Our Adult Spiritual Exploration Team organizes our fire ritual and retreats and is always on the look out for additional practices and spirit centered opportunities to offer the community. If you love spiritual practice and ritual and would like to be part of this new and growing team, or have any questions about our offerings, or a suggestion contact Nancy Reed at Adultspiritualexploration@westminsteruu.org.

Spiritual Practices

Recognizing that there are many different ways to deepen your spiritual life, Westminster offers a variety of opportunities to explore various practices to hlep you turn you attention inward and feel a connection to the more subtle realms of life. Come and try one or more of these practice opportunities to find the ones that are right for you.

Morning Meditation on Zoom: Monday – Friday at 7:15 am The Zoom space is open for conversation starting at 7:15. Meditation will take place from 7:30 to 8:00, including 15 minutes of silence. See the e-chimes or Westminster calendar on the web-site for the zoom link. For info contact Beth Adams at morningmeditation@westminsteruu.org

Tai Chi Easy on Zoom: Tuesdays at 8:00 am Join Westminster member, Shelley Dungan as she leads a beginner friendly practice focused on fluid, meditative movements done standing or seated and moments of centering stillness leaving you relaxed and refreshed. See the e-chimes or Westminster calendar on the website for the Zoom link. Contact Shelley at taichi@westminsteruu.orgg

Yoga and Meditation at Westminster: Thursdays, 9:00 am Yoga and 10:30 am Meditation Drop by Thursday for this gentle yoga class followed by meditation (come to one or both). Led by local Kripalu-trained yoga instructor, Linda Morse. By donation, $5/class suggested. Equinox and Solstice Fire Rituals Honoring our Connection to Nature Join us around the fire for a time to enter into ritual and acknowledge the changing seasons. We will gather on these dates: Sept. 20 , Dec. 20 , March 21 and June 20 at Westminster around sunset. E-chimes will publish exact times closer to the dates. th th st th

Sacred Song Kirtan, 3 Saturdays in Oct, Nov, Jan, Feb, April, and May, 6 – 7:30 pm rd Led by Shelley Dungan on harmonium and Greg Sabatino on guitar participants will join in chanting a variety of devotional sanskrit mantras from the yogic tradition. No experience needed. Come for healing, inspiration and community connection. Contact Shelley at kirtan@westminsteruu.org if you have questions about kirtan.

Clear Path Sangha: 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month from 2-3:30pm Clear Path Sangha meets the to practice Engaged Buddhism, with sitting and walking meditation in the tradition of Vietnamese Buddhist Zen Master, Thìch Nhât Hanh. All are welcome to take the opportunity to spend time in the present moment. For information contact Wendy Warburton at clearpathsangha@westminsteruu.org.

Spiritual Practice Retreats: Saturday, Nov. 8 and Saturday April 11th th Join Rev. Deborah and the Adult Spiritual Exploration Team for these two one-day retreats designed to explore a variety of spiritual practices and deepen your connection to the spirit of life as you relax and turn your attention inward. Retreats take place 10 am – 4 pm and include a light nutritious lunch. Keep an eye out for registration and more details. SP