Newcomers Circle

A welcoming space for newer folks to learn and connect in community

Newcomers Circles create a rich, supportive environment in which to share and grapple with our emerging UU values, theology, identity, and sense of belonging. This 4-session gathering is a caring and structured group to dig deeper into Unitarian Universalism and further connection at church. This Circle is intended for members and non-members alike who are discerning if and/or how they will commit to and continue their spiritual journey at First U as Unitarian Universalists. Please plan to attend at least three of the four sessions. The first session is required for group cohesion and trust building. Newcomers Circle is not a replacement or prerequisite for the Membership Class—they are complimentary curriculums that may be done in any order. The first session is required to establish group trust and cohesion. Plan to attend at least three of the four sessions. Please register only when it works for your schedule.

Visit our Spiritual Growth page and view or download the seasonal Program Guide to find our next Newcomers Circle and register to join. The Newcomers Circle is offered each fall, winter/spring, and summer. 

Session 1: Our Spiritual Journeys

Preparation for Session 1

Reflecting on the “five eras” of your spiritual life or journey thus far

Session 2: Covenant

Rounding Out Session 1, may be helpful to peruse James Fowler’s Stages of Faith

Preparation for Session 2

  1. Bound in Covenant, UU World article by Victoria E. Safford. 
  2. Listen to a portion (about seven minutes) of a sermon by Rev. Arif Mamdani called The Covenant of Covenant from March, 2022.
Session 3: Core Theological Questions

Preparation for Session 3

  1. Read Stitching a Layered Faith, UU World article, Spring 2022
  2. Watch Religious Pluralism, or Just “Loosey-Goosey?” by Rev. Anne Hines, 2015 (18 mins.)
  3. Listen to and/or read First Universalist’s worship chalice lighting words: 
    Love is the spirit of this church,
    And service is its law.
    This is our great covenant:
    To dwell together in peace, 
    To seek the truth in love,
    And to help one another.
    –     words by James V. Blake
  4. Spend some time with the Shared Values of our Unitarian Universalist faith.
Session 4: Finding Your Place in Our Community of Communities

Preparation for Session 4

  1. Read Bringing My Whole Self, by Tahkiyah Amin, p. 8 of the UU Pocket Guide.
  2. Watch Paula Cole Jones describing the concept of A Community of Communities (from about 3:20-10:00)
  3. Faith Development Tasks, from the UU Tapestry of Faith Curriculum

Bonus: The Power of Community, The Peril of Individualism by Rev. Cheryl Walker, 2015