Adult Religious Education
The Adult Religious Education (ARE) program at First UU San Antonio encourages and supports the spiritual, social and intellectual growth of First UU members and visitors. Courses in Unitarian Universalism, world religions, philosophy, science, and history provide a foundation of knowledge, insight, and wisdom to enrich our faith. These opportunities allow participants to learn from one another and from members of the broader community, fostering a vibrant sense of mutual understanding, curiosity, respect, empathy, tolerance, and social justice. We offer a combination of ongoing and short-term Adult Religious Education classes. For more information about these or any other ARE classes contact dlre@uusat.org.
Ongoing Classes
Seekers Forum
(Sundays, 9:30-10:30 AM; Room 404) – Seekers Forum is an open group seeking fellowship and community through self-discovery and discussion of life experiences. Topics can be suggested by anyone in the group and can range from spiritual growth to headline news. Past discussions have included topics such as the aging process, death, and transgender athletes.
UU Reading Group
(Sundays, 9:30-10:30 AM; Fellowshp Hall) – The UU Reading Group welcomes all those who seek to broaden and deepen their understanding of topics of concern to UUs, which include world faiths, spirituality, ethics, social action, personal development, liberal arts, and sciences.
UU Parent Group
(Sundays, 9:30-10:30 AM; Room 603) – Meet with other parents for support and to share experiences and insights about all aspects of parenting/caregiving. All parents, caregivers and guardians are welcome.
Environmental Reading Group
(first and third Thursdays, 7:00-8:00 PM, Zoom) – The Green Sanctuary Team and the Adult Religious Education Committee lead an environmental reading group. The group will focus both on environmental justice issues and the heart and spirituality that calls us to address these issues. To obtain the Zoom link and to get information on the current book selection, contact dlre@uusat.org.
Fall 2022 Classes
First UU 101
Facilitated by the Membership Team (Second Sunday of each month, 12:15-1:15 PM, Room 603) – This class gives newcomers, or anyone considering membership with the church, an overview of how the church is organized and what services are offered. All are welcome!
Improv as Spiritual Practice
Facilitated by Bridget and Jason Laflin (10-Session In Person Course, Mondays, 1/23-3/27, 7-8::30 PM, Fellowship Hall) – This class will use classic improvisational acting and comedy exercises as a way to explore spiritual themes. You are invited to come play, laugh, and learn improv basics while also learning how these skills can aid in your spiritual journey. Come prepared to be silly and laugh a lot. The class is open to adults and high school and middle school youth. If you and/or your youth is interested in participating, you can register HERE. If you have any questions, please contact Bridget Laflin.
Transgender Inclusion in Congregations
Facilitated by Sophia Haertner and Dorothy Wallace (6-Session Zoom Course – Second Sunday of the month, 11/13-4/9, 4 – 5:30PM, Zoom) – This course is for individuals who want to take their knowledge and skills to the next level in terms of trans identity and how to create congregations that are fully inclusive and affirming of the full breadth of gender diversity. Over six sessions you will deeply explore the intersection of trans identity, spirituality, and faith community, and gain the grounding, context, and skills to transform yourself and our congregation. Contact transinclusion@uusat.org for more information.