Backyard to the Universe
Small Group Ministries
"We must change limited cultural attitudes about religious education and teaching in church….The teacher who listens and hears, who affirms and challenges, who questions and encourages questioning is the heart of our programs. We can overcome resistance to teaching with a vision that engages and supports teachers in their own spiritual search. We must make manifest the miracle that we know happens when teacher-guides engage with young people, with co-leaders and themselves. They become co- creators of a pilgrimage that goes ever deeper and feeds souls." From "The Teacher as Spiritual Guide" by Roberta Nelson in Essex Conversations, Skinner House, 2001
Check-in:
How long have you been a Unitarian Universalist?
What brought you to Unitarian Universalism?
Topic/Activity:
Considering our own relationship to Unitarian Universalism sets the stage for engaging with material and participants in lifespan faith development.
What is your passion for religious education/lifespan faith development?
What Unitarian Universalist learning has been the most significant for you?
Closing: "We become teachers for reasons of the heart. But many of us lose heart as time goes by. How can we take heart, alone and together, so we can give heart to our students and our world – which is what good teachers do." Parker Palmer, The Courage to Teach
Likes and Wishes: How did the session go for you?
Zidowecki, 7/2004