2025-26 Adult Faith Development Offerings
For questions or assistance with registration, please contact Bryn Malone, RE Assistant at reassistant@uucharlottesville.org
AFD Offerings updated as of March 18, 2026.
The Paradox of the Parables
Are you curious about the Bible but not interested in dogma? Wondering if there is a place for both an intellectual and spiritual exploration of the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament? The UU Christian Fellowship group at UUCville is hosting a monthly gathering to explore the parables of Jesus. All you need to bring is an open mind and heart as we explore these ancient scriptures and their relevance for the challenges we face today. Questions? Email uucf@uucharlottesville.org and we’ll get back to you. All are welcome!
Dates & Times: March 8, April 12, May 10, June 14; 12:30 PM – 1:15 PM
Location: UUCville Parlor
NO REGISTRATION NEEDED
Hope in Hard Times: A Support Circle
Has the state of the world left you feeling uncertain or anxious, perhaps about a job, school, family, or the future? Join us for one hour of community, conversation, and mutual support.
Facilitators: Revs. Tim Temerson & Leia Durland-Jones
Dates & Times: Sunday March 29 with Rev. Tim, Sunday April 12 with Rev. Leia, from 12:30 to 1:30.
Location: Lower Hall 3.
NO REGISTRATION NEEDED
Exploring the Labyrinth
Labyrinths have been around for centuries all over the globe offering people a way to connect with themselves and the sacred. Unlike a maze, the labyrinth has a single path into the center; there are no false trails or dead ends. The same path brings you back out. Many find the labyrinth to be a powerful part of their spiritual practice. UUCville is lucky to have an outdoor labyrinth behind the social hall as well as several labyrinths painted on fabric that are laid out indoors on special occasions. Join members of UUCville’s Labyrinth Ministry for a labyrinth walk followed by a bring your own picnic lunch. We’ll share the history of UUCville’s Labyrinth Ministry and explore future possibilities. All are welcome.
Facilitators: Patty Wallens and Rev. Leia Durland-Jones
Date & Time: Saturday April 11, 11 AM to 1 PM
Location: UUCville’s outdoor labyrinth behind the social hall; if raining, we’ll put down the versatile labyrinth in the social hall.
Social Change Now!: The Unitarian Universalist Association’s Common Read 2025-26
Social Change Now by Deepa Iyer is a practical guide for those at every stage of their individual and organizational journeys towards justice, equity and solidarity. Iyer introduces an ecosystems framework that includes ten roles many of us play in service of our social change values. The book contains detailed descriptions and real-world examples, reflection prompts (with room to write responses), and accessible tips that can immediately be put into action.
This three-session course using Iyer’s book accompanies us not only in times of crisis, but throughout our lifelong social change journeys to build connected communities and equitable systems in our world.
Using breakout groups, activities, and whole group processing, we will explore the ecosystem of UUCville and work to understand the roles members play, or could play, in it. Participants are invited to ground their work for change deeply in their UU faith. Exploration together opens paths for all members to support the congregational ecosystem and the transformation it seeks to effect in the world.
People and organizations around the world have used the social change ecosystem framework to respond to the pandemic, express solidarity during the uprisings against anti-Black racism, and support multiracial coalitions struggling for reproductive rights, immigrant and refugee protections, and climate justice. It is a great resource for us at UUCville in these times we are in.
Participants need to purchase a copy of the book. If purchasing a book is a hardship, please speak with Rev. Leia as there are loaner copies available.
Recommend sites for purchasing:
https://uuabookstore.org/products/social-change-now
Facilitator: Rev. Leia Durland-Jones. Rev. Leia serves as our Minister of Faith Development.
Dates & Times: May 6, May 20, May 27, from 6:30 to 8:30 PM.
Location: Church Parlor
End of Life Planning & Understanding Hospice and Palliative Care
It may be difficult to think about dying, but we all need to consider what is important to us and to make sure that those who are involved in our care know what our preferences are. Have you wondered about what hospice and what palliative care means? Curious about the difference in terms of eligibility and what services are covered? Wondering about what is involved in documenting your wishes for end-of-life care?
We are pleased to welcome B.R. Stewart, a nurse with Hospice of the Piedmont, to talk with us about these topics. B.R. will explain how hospice and palliative care differ, when each is appropriate, and what kinds of resources for these are available in this area. B.R. will also go over ways of capturing your end-of-life preferences with documents such as advance care directives, Five Wishes and POLST (Provider Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) – how these differ and what will serve you well.
After the presentation by B.R. there will be time for questions.
Facilitators: Rev. Leia Durland-Jones and Patty Wallens with special guest B.R. Stewart from Hospice of the Piedmont. Rev. Leia serves as UUCville’s Minister of Faith Development. Patty worked in hospice and palliative care for 12+ years and is co-chair of Pastoral Visitors at UUCville.
Date: Sunday March 22, 12-2:30 PM
Location: Lower Hall Room 2
Number of participants: 6 minimum, 40 maximum
Please bring your own bag lunch to eat during the presentation.
Tea Ceremony: Tending to the Heart
Tea ceremony offers a quiet space to slow down, tend to your heart, and reconnect with yourself and nature. We will sit in meditative silence with light music playing and drink 3-6 bowls of tea together, followed by an opportunity to share what’s on your heart.
This ritual is an ancient practice known as Cha Dao, or “The Way of Tea” and is rooted in the universal principles of Circle and Nature. It is a simple ritual, accessible to all. If you are unable to sit on the floor, a chair will be provided, or space will be made for a wheelchair.
The tea being served is just Tea (black, red, oolong, shou puerh) – it is gentle and soothing and is not psychoactive or psychedelic.
Facilitator: Jess Turner. Jess has been working with Tea since 2021 and began practicing this ritual following the sudden passing of her dad. She turned to this ritual for ballast and support as she navigated the dark and stormy waters of grief. She now offers this ritual to the UU community, in hopes that it may offer a supportive space during these difficult times.
Dates & Times: Sundays March 22, April 19, May 17 and June 14, at 9:30AM
Location: Lower Hall kitchen
Number of participants: 1 minimum, 14 maximum
Online UU Theology Series
The Faith Forward program out of the First Unitarian Church of Dallas is excited to offer an online session of our Unitarian Universalist Theology series for all congregations. This interactive series explores theological concepts through a Unitarian Universalist lens and helps participants clarify and act on their beliefs. Each session offers a forum for learning, sharing, and growth that can enrich our faith journeys.
The course is $25 per person. For more information or to register, email Faith Forward Coordinator Betty-Jeanne Rueters-Ward. Deadline to register is Wednesday, April 1.
Dates & Times: Wednesdays April 8 – May 13, 8 – 9:15 PM on Zoom.
Microaggressions: It’s Not Just Everyday Rudeness
This interactive workshop is designed to educate participants about microaggressions, and strategies to address them when they occur. The session will begin with a brief overview of microaggressions and will then invite facilitated dialogues for participants to have open, honest discussions.
Facilitator: Greg Townsend. Greg is an Associate Professor at UVA School of Medicine (SOM), Founding member of UVA SOM Academy of Distinguished Educators, Former Associate Dean for Diversity and Medical Education at the UVA SOM, co-creator of the UVA Health System Stepping In 4 Respect program, UU C’ville member for over 30 years.
Date & Time: Sunday April 26 at 12:30 PM.
Location: Lower Hall 2, main church building
Number of participants: 6 minimum, 40 maximum
How to Use the Signal Messaging App
Congregant Larry Moulis will offer hands-on training about using the Signal app. “Many citizens use the Signal app for private communications for a variety of reasons. One reason could be to avoid relentless online advertising when communicating with family, another might be to coordinate a legal protest. Signal is private because it is what is called ‘Host Safe’ – that is, the host cannot read the communications. This is quite different from a text message (phone company can read everything), Facebook Messenger (Encrypted but FB can read everything), or email (unencrypted)”
Signal is the most technologically private way to communicate, and on March 8th we will go over how to set it up according to best practices advocated by the activist community. Those best practices also extend to the human factors, because even if the tech were perfect, we can still invite too many people to a chat or say the wrong thing.
Date: Sunday April 19, 2026
Time: 12:30 PM
Location: Lower Hall 2
NO REGISTRATION NEEDED
Revitalize Your Space, Revitalize Your Life
Join us for a presentation by Kyra Houghton of Fresh Start Decluttering, LLC for tips and ideas to create an organized home. Krya will focus on decluttering techniques and maintaining organization.
Facilitator: Kyra Houghton. Kyra is the founder and owner of Fresh Start Decluttering which was established in 2024. Her business offers decluttering and organizing for homes and businesses. She
also offers move management.
Date & Time: Sunday May 3 at 12:30 PM.
Location: Lower Hall 2
Number of participants: 6 minimum, 40 maximum
Getting Your Affairs In Order: Preparing For the End of Life
In this gathering we’ll go over some of the planning and preparation that can be done to make things easier for your loved ones following your death. In addition to suggestions for what to include in your files for your next of kin, we’ll also explore planning your own Memorial Service. Clarifying your thoughts and wishes can be helpful information for your loved ones when the time comes. We’ll also use a specially developed worksheet that you can take home.
Date & Time: Sunday May 24 at 12:30 PM.
Location: Lower Hall 2, main building
Number of participants: 6 minimum, 40 maximum
The Enneagram as a Tool for Spiritual Growth
In this ten session class, we’ll discuss the wisdom of the Enneagram and how understanding yourself and others can bring greater compassion to your own life and your interactions with others. Each session will focus on one type and its three subtypes. In contemplating these types, you’ll also see your own patterns and ways to move beyond them. Unlike other personality systems that simply describe, the Enneagram provides growth paths. Participants will receive a discounted, detailed report on their own type and subtype called the CPEnneagram Compass.
Each session will include a meditation, story, and description of a type’s perspective, including its three subtypes. The first session will be an introduction.
Facilitator: Debby Norton. Debby holds an MEd from Loyola College in Baltimore. She has completed AMI Montessori Certification for 3-12 year olds, is a certified 5Rhythms teacher, and is a certified CPEnneagram professional.
Class dates & times: April 7, 14, 21, 28, May 5, 12, 19, 26 and June 2, 9, 2026, from 5-6 PM
Location: Lower Hall 2
Fee: $36 for a discounted Enneagram Compass report. There is also a recommended book for the course that participants can purchase.
Number of participants: 5 minimum, no maximum
Clear Spring Zen Buddhist Sanga
This Soto Zen Buddhist group was founded by church members thirty years ago and has met regularly each week on Wednesday nights since then. Usually there are four or five people gathering for two twenty-five minute sitting periods with five minutes of walking meditation in between. Informal conversation follows sitting meditation. On Sunday mornings, we sit together at 8:30 AM for twenty-five minutes connected by Zoom, and then have a dharma talk from our teacher Marian Morgan, or one of our members. For more information, or to arrange for some instruction about our sitting practice before you join us, or to receive the Zoom link for Sunday morning, contact Wayne Arnason at warnason@gmail.com.
Location: The Blue Room on the second floor of the church on Wednesdays, Sundays on Zoom
Facilitator: Steve Hughes or Wayne Arnason
Dates and Times: Wednesdays at 7 PM, Sundays at 8:30 AM.
DEMENTIA – A Journey Shared: Finding our deeper WE, through Spirit and Community
This group offers support for those dealing with dementia as a caregiver and/or deeply affected friend or family member. Rather than trying to ‘problem-solve,’ the focus is on compassionate sharing & listening, while actively inviting ‘Spirit’ to be present with us.
Facilitators: Joan Kast and Beth Jaeger-Landis
Dates and Times: This group meets 1st and 3rd Sundays. Please reach out to Joan or Beth if you are interested in attending.
Tai Chi for Health – Qigong/eight ways
Tai Chi Movements that facilitate body awareness to improve balance and flexibility and improve mood.
Facilitators: Vicki & John Shackford
Vicki Shackford has studied and taught Tai Chi since 1980. She also teaches Hawaiian Swimming — using many of the same principles.
John Shackford has studied and taught Tai Chi since 1975. He also studies Process Philosophy and Whitehead.
Dates and Times: Every Wednesday, 10:30 – 11:30 AM
Location: In person in the social hall or outdoors on the church grounds (weather permitting).
Fee: Donation accepted
NO registration necessary, just show up to participate. All ages and skill levels invited.
Advanced Tai Chi
Advanced Tai Chi is for students who practice the Tai Chi form according to Cheng Man-ch’ing: A “Time in the Art” with form and principles reviewed & practiced for self-improvement.
Facilitators: Vicki & John Shackford
Dates and Times: Every Wednesday, 9:15 – 10:15 AM
Location: In person in the social hall or outdoors on the church grounds (weather permitting). Also offered online via ZOOM.
Fee: Donation accepted
NO registration necessary, just show up to participate.
Beginner’s Tai Chi Form
Beginner’s Tai Chi form is a new Tai Chi class starting offered by Vicki & John Shackford. This is a 45-minute class starting with Qigong warmups followed by an introduction to the Tai Chi short form.
Dates and Times: Every Tuesday, 10AM – 10:45 AM
Location: Social Hall
Fee: Donations accepted
NO registration necessary, just show up to participate
UUCVille Spirituality Book Group
(meets online only)
The Spirituality Book Group meets once a month on ZOOM to discuss books chosen by consensus at a prior meeting. The WSBG does not meet in the summer, so there are 9 sessions for the church year. Would you like to deepen your spiritual practice and nurture meaningful friendships? New members are always welcome in this group. Together we select, read and discuss a book each month of the church year.
Facilitators: Jeanine Braithwaite & Tammy Wilt
Jeanine has been a UU since her early twenties, and a member of UUCville since moving to Charlottesville in 2014. In her pre-retirement life, she worked for the World Bank and taught at UVa’s Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy. At UUCville, Jeanine has been a Worship Weaver, a member of the Board of Trustees, and Treasurer. At other congregations, she has co-facilitated covenant groups, run fundraising activities, and taught RE.
Tammy has been a member of UUCville since April 2022. She works as a senior mortgage banker and has been in this industry for over 20 years. Tammy has taken several of the classes offered by Revs. Leia and Tim, participates in numerous UUCville events, and enjoys co-facilitating the Book Group.
Dates & Times: 1st Thursday of each month, 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Location: Online via Zoom
Fee: Free, but participants obtain their own books or online sources.
UPPS, or “oops!”: UU Parenting Support
UUPS is a group of parents who gather after the service on the second and fourth Sundays of each month to support each other, swap advice, and discuss parenting topics like eating, technology, discipline, and more. The group will refer to the Mindful Parenting curriculum along with other readings and may be joined by facilitators on occasion.
Take advantage of the Second Hour Child Care and meet us in Lower Hall 3 from 12:30-1:30 PM! Childcare is provided on the playground in good weather and in the nursery when the weather is bad. Please sign children into childcare on the form provided.
Location: Lower Hall 3, across from the nursery.
Facilitator: John Griffith, Liz Shoch, and Michael Mott.
Dates and Times: Second and fourth Sundays of every month, 12:30 – 1:30 PM. Second Sundays are our “book club” day, fourth Sundays are general discussion.
Participants: Unlimited – anyone who identifies as a parent is welcome to show up and join.
Fee: free of charge
Tuesday Evening Buddhist Meditation
Whether you are curious about meditation or have been a meditation practitioner for decades, you are welcome at Insight Meditation Community’s regular Tuesday evening meetings. We begin with a 30-40 minute guided meditation followed by a “dharma” talk (Buddhist teaching) that addresses different facets of meditation practice, including how to bring the heart of meditation into our daily lives. Our evenings end promptly at 8:30pm.
Location: We are meeting both in person and on Zoom. In-person meetings are held at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Charlottesville.
Facilitator: Insight Meditation Community
Dates and Times: Tuesdays, 5:30 – 8:30 PM
Participants: Approximately 50-60 attendees
Fee: free
WomenSpirit: Women’s Spirituality and Ritual Group
The WomenSpirit group gathers 8 times a year to celebrate the 8 Sabbats: the seasonal festivals comprising the Wheel of the Year.
Organizers: Bonnie Hansen & Lauren Doran
2026 Dates & Times: March 20, May 1, June 19, July 31, September 22, October 30, December 21. All event times are 6:30-8:30 pm.
Location: Lower Hall 2 & the outdoor labyrinth
Fee: No fees.
No registration necessary, just show up to participate.
Previously Offered
The Enneagram as a Tool for Spiritual Growth
In this AFD class, we’ll explore the multilayered growth paths of the Enneagram.
The first class will be an introduction to the concept of Enneagram, and each subsequent class will discuss a particular point on the Enneagram and its perspective. Each type has its own gifts, attributes, and patterns. When we learn the fixations and passions of our type, we can unlock ways to grow and change. Learning about the perspectives of the types can help us build compassion for others.
Facilited by Debby Norton. Debby holds an MEd and is an accredited CPEnneagram professional. She holds a certification in AMI Montessori ages 3-12 and is also an accredited 5Rhythms teacher.
Congregational Teach-In: “Speak Up!”
A 90-minute skill-building, interactive workshop intended to enable participants to feel empowered to respond when they experience, witness or hear about disrespectful behavior, particularly in the context of bias or prejudice. Centering real-life experiences of disrespectful behavior, participants will develop a defined strategy in an improv scenario to respond in a way that would allow the individuals involved to maintain a relationship while establishing that the behavior is not acceptable.
Facilitated by Greg Townsend, MD, an Associate Professor at UVA School of Medicine (SOM), Former Associate Dean for Diversity and Medical Education at the UVA SOM, co-creator of the UVA Health System Stepping In 4 Respect program, and long-time UUCville member.
Anti-Racist Lessons From the Ancestors
What can we learn about today’s UU engagement with anti-racism from the earliest Unitarian encounters with a formerly enslaved community in South Carolina? Rev. Dr. Wayne Arnason has been engaged with this question for several years while preparing a lecture series about the Unitarian presence at Port Royal, S.C., during the Civil War. Over three sessions, we will explore five different emblematic Unitarian ancestors’ roles and actions at Port Royal and what they teach us about today, through presentations with slides, and with discussion.
A Tour of Panorama Natural Burial Cemetery
A guided tour of Panorama Natural Burial, a family owned green cemetery. With Ellie Syverud and Stephanie Bonney.