Faith Forward Inquirers Series

Many visitors come to UUSM with a host of questions: “What is Unitarian Universalism?” “What do UUs believe?” “What happens in your church community?” Our Faith Forward Inquirers Series for visitors, new members, and current members is designed to help answer these questions and many others. Learn more about the series.

Sessions will be held from 12 noon to 1 pm in Room 4 on the second floor of Forbes Hall, except for the March 10 session which will be held in the Cottage.

The sessions and dates are as follows:

• January 28 – UU History – Tom Hamilton: Tom is a long time UU member with an extensive knowledge of UU History. In the beginning there was U (Unitarianism) and U (Universalism) before there was UU (Unitarian Universalism). Tom will review their respective histories and how these two Us came together in 1961.

• February 11 – Religious Education (RE) Children’s Program – Rev. Amelia, director, will discuss the structure and goals of the Children’s UU Program; Our Whole Lives (OWL) Program – Beth Brownlie, past President of UUSM and OWL instructor, will discuss the OWL Program which is an age appropriate sexuality instruction program for kids, teens, and adults. 

• February 18 – The UU 7 Principles & Article II – Amy Brunell: Amy is a member of UU Santa Monica and presently a second year Student at Star King UU Seminary. Amy has developed a special interest in the 7 Principles and now Article II which is a proposed restructuring of the Principles.

• February 25 – Q & A with our Developmental Minister – The Rev. Jeremiah Lal Shahbaz Kalendae: Come hear Jeremiah’s story of how gay teen found love and acceptance in the UU Church which significantly influenced his eventual path to UU Ministry.

• March 10 – Sunday’s Liturgical Services, All the Parts Coming Together – The Rev. Dr. Kikanza Nuri-Robins: There are many parts to our Sunday Service… the monthly UU theme, the role of the Worship Associate, the music, the readings, the Sermon, etc. Rev. Kikanza will help us understand how all this comes together for a Sunday Service.  Pastoral Care & CareRing – Rev. Kikanza will discuss both Pastoral Care Program which provide counseling, comfort and emotional support for members experiencing spiritual, emotional, and physical problems.

• March 17 – Faith in Action – James Witker, Chair: The Faith in Action Commission comprises the Peace & Social Justice Committee, The Green Living Committee, and the Hunger Task Force Committee. James will discuss the goals and action steps of each committee. Faith in Action is at the heart of Unitarian Universalism.

• March 24 – Adult Religious Education Programs (Adult RE) – Beth Rendeiro: Beth is an educator and long term member of UUSM. She will discuss the many groups and educational programs offered through Adult RE.

Please contact us if you have any questions. Or just grab a coffee and join us. We are looking forward to seeing you.