Spirit of Life

Beautiful orange sunset over a deep blue ocean. — Tapestry is Sunsetting

The UUA is no longer updating Tapestry of Faith programs.

By Barbara Hamilton-Holway

Spirit of Life workshops offer participants space, time, and community to explore their Unitarian Universalist spirituality. Each focuses on a different aspect of the spiritual life, framed by the lyrics of Carolyn McDade’s song “Spirit of Life.” Like the song, the workshops are designed to be welcoming to Unitarian Universalists of many spiritual and theological persuasions. Participants are invited to claim an inclusive definition of spirituality and recognize the spiritual aspects of their lives. Reflecting, speaking, and listening are core activities in each workshop.

Acknowledgments
From Spirit of Life

The author wishes to thank the Rev. Jurgen Schwing for permission to use a story from his experience, the Rev. Michelle Favreault for teaching her about “wow words,” and Carolyn McDade for blessing this program’s use of her song, “Spirit of Life,” Copyright (C) 1981 by Carolyn McDade….
Preface
From Spirit of Life

The song “Spirit of Life” by Carolyn McDade could be considered a Unitarian Universalist anthem of sorts. Its page in the Singing the Living Tradition hymnbook (Hymn 123) is probably the most frequently accessed page of any in many congregations’ collections. Some congregations don’t sing Hymn 123.
Introduction
From Spirit of Life

The Program True spiritual growth can be achieved only through the persistent exercise of real love… . The principal form that the work of love takes is attention. When we love another we give him or her our attention; we attend to that person’s growth….
Program Structure
From Spirit of Life

All nine workshops follow a similar structure. Between an opening and a closing ritual, participants engage in up to seven activities. The opening includes a chalice-lighting, and the closing includes an extinguishing of the chalice….
Implementation
From Spirit of Life

Each congregation has its own approach to structuring adult programs. Some congregations offer programs on Sunday mornings, gathering adults before the service, after the service, during a second service, or between two services. Other congregations offer adult workshops on Sunday afternoons or…
Before You Start
From Spirit of Life

Determine the schedule. Decide whether you will offer the program for nine consecutive weeks, once a month for nine consecutives months, or on another schedule. Set the dates and times. Take holidays and three-day weekends into account to ensure that all participants can make all scheduled meetings.
Facilitator Feedback Form
From Spirit of Life

We welcome your critique of this program, as well as your suggestions. Thank you for your feedback! Your input improves programs for all of our congregations….
Participant Feedback Form
From Spirit of Life

We welcome your critique of this program, as well as your suggestions. Thank you for your feedback! Your input improves programs for all of our congregations….
Workshop 1: Spirit Of Life: Exploring Spirituality for Unitarian Universalists
From Spirit of Life
Workshop 2: Sing In My Heart: Celebrations and Rituals
From Spirit of Life
Workshop 3: The Stirrings Of Compassion: Caring For One Another
From Spirit of Life
Workshop 4: Blow In the Wind, Rise In The Sea: Nature And Spirit
From Spirit of Life
Workshop 5: Move In the Hand: Living Our Spirituality in Our Day-To-Day Lives
From Spirit of Life
Workshop 6: Giving Life the Shape Of Justice: The Spirituality Of Working For Change
From Spirit of Life
Workshop 7: Roots Hold Me Close: Tradition, Teachers, and Spiritual Formation
From Spirit of Life
Workshop 8: Wings Set Me Free: Hopes, Dreams, and Expanding Vision
From Spirit of Life
Workshop 9: Come To Us: Closing and Continuing On
From Spirit of Life
Stories in Spirit of Life
From Spirit of Life
Handouts in Spirit of Life
From Spirit of Life
Leader Resources in Spirit of Life
From Spirit of Life