Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship

Lifelong Learning at Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship:

Adult Programs

The Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship is committed to meeting the unique needs of adults on their faith development journeys.  In addition to our Worship Services as well as our Chalice Circles, which are small group ministries, coordinated by our shared ministry team, the Lifelong Learning Program seeks to help adults define their spiritual identities, find their place at BUF and live out their calling in the larger world.  There are a number of programs that are available to adults in our community that help us live out purpose, service, and joy.

Purpose

Spiritual Development and Unitarian Universalist Identity

Our Minister and Director of Lifelong Learning offer many one time as well as ongoing classes throughout the church year to help you develop spiritual maturity as a Unitarian Universalist; including, but not limited to, some of the following, UU 101, Articulating Your UU Faith, Building Your Own Theology, What Moves Us, Unitarian Universalist Theology, and more … Watch the Midweek Updates for more information!

Life Exercise

Life Exercise, a new class in Asian movement, is now being offered weekly on Fridays from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship. The practice uses slow gentle movements to bring the mind and body into harmony with others and with the world around us. There is a strong emphasis on our relationship to nature and the natural environment. Movements build flexibility and balance, and encourage a sense of calm connectedness. Life Exercise is particularly useful for people who are seeking a new approach to healing and nurturing energy through movement. Contact Lee Seaman for more information.

Sunday Morning Adult Forums

The Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship hosts stimulating and educational Sunday Morning Adult Forums during the regular church year. Recipients of our monthly Social Justice Collections typically speak the first SUnday of each month. Other speakers from our community are invited on the other weeks to discuss everything from politics, ecology, economy, and more. Forums are held on Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m. in the conference room. Watch the Midweek Update to find out about specific speakers and dates. If you would like to help organize or participate in the forums in some way, please contact Bob Keller.

New Chalice Circle for Parents

The Religious Education Committee recognizes a need for formal ways for families to make connections and develop supportive relationships in our program. Several chalice circle meetings will happen this fall beginning with an initial meeting on Friday, September 28, 2012. The meeting will begin as a potluck dinner at 5:00 pm and become a formal meeting for adults with a movie night for kids around 5:30 pm. Details on how to proceed will be discussed at this first meeting. If you are interested in participating but can't show up for the first meeting, please contact Crystal Neva to find out how to get involved.

Service

The Lifelong Learning Cooperative

The Lifelong Learning Program provides numerous volunteer opportunities for members and friends! There are long-term and short-term commitments for Religious Education Teachers, OWL Teachers, Coming of Age Mentors, and Lifelong Learning Council Members (who support children’s programs, create/coordinate principles in action projects, coordinate community night dinners, help with celebrations and events, lead summer camp activities, coordinate the Coming of Age Program, and more…). Please contact Crystal Neva to find out how you can get involved.

Partnerships with Social Justice and Green Sanctuary

The Lifelong Learning Program is committed to participating in the full life of the congregation to serve our one transforming mission in the world. Many adult programs, classes and events will be co-sponsored by Lifelong Learning and our other Principles in Action Teams!

Joy

Affinity Groups

The Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship hosts many interest groups to help members and friends find meaningful ways to find community. These groups include the Knitters, Dragonfly Quilters, BUF Writers, BUF Book Club, Dinners for 8, the Young Adult Group (YAG), Flowering Cherry Sangha Buddhist Mindfulness Meditation group ... New groups are encouraged to form (ask Crystal Neva how) and new members and friends of BUF are always welcome to participate in these groups!

Many hands are needed to offer our inspiring programs; if you would like to volunteer in Lifelong Learning, contact Crystal Neva.

All Lifelong Learning Programs at BUF promote leadership development, respectful communication, global and social awareness, creativity and fun!