An Orientation Program for Newcomers to UUFR
Who Should Attend
This class was developed for newcomers to both Unitarian Universalism and the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Raleigh. It is designed to help you --
- meet and make new friends with other people in the Fellowship,
- learn more about Unitarian Universalism,
- learn more about the activities and organization of the Fellowship,
- explore whether your own beliefs and values are consonant with Unitarian Universalism, and
- explore how being a part of our Fellowship might meet your needs for a religious community.
The class meets periodically on Saturday at UUFR and finishes up on Sunday during second service. The Saturday class meets from 9am until about 3pm. Lunch and morning snacks are provided.
Schedule and Topics
- First Session:
- Why We Are Here: Our Spiritual Journeys
- Share your spiritual journey with others like yourself who are new to the denomination and discover the common experiences and ideas shared by all Unitarian Universalists.
- Second Session:
- What UU's Believe: The Covenant of Tolerance
- Explore the concept of spiritual growth, the stages of growth and where you are in your own spiritual growth. Discuss the role of a community in fostering spiritual growth, the value of tolerance in promoting it, and the balance required in a community to sustain a spirit of tolerance and acceptance.
- Third Session:
- What UU's Do: The Workings of a Democratic Denomination
- Learn about the organization of our Fellowship, the Thomas Jefferson District and the Unitarian Universalist Association. Gain an understanding of what it means to be a member or friend of the Fellowship. Discover the wide array of educational programs and activities that are available. Develop an appreciation of the commitment of members and friends to the support of the Fellowship by learning about the financial aspects of its operation.
- Fourth Session:
- Where UU's Came From: The History of Unitarian Universalism
- Learn about the beginnings of the Unitarian Universalist movement in Europe and the United States. Discuss the positions of UU philosophers and scientists through the ages on significant historical topics. Find out about the history of our own Fellowship and explore what lies ahead for both the Fellowship and the denomination.
- Fifth Session:
- Being a Unitarian Universalist: Living as a UU in the "real world"
- Get a chance to ask members of the Fellowship about how being a UU has affected their lives. Understand how others have dealt with work and family issues as they have become part of our non-traditional religious community.
- If You Are Interested. . .
- New UU classes are held periodically throughout the year. A signup sheet for the next class is available at the membership welcome counter in the entrance foyer in Fellowship Hall. Each person who has signed up for a class will be contacted and reminded of the class within two weeks of the the first class meeting. If you have any questions concerning the class, see any Membership Committee member at the Welcome Counter or email Roger McFeeters.
