Workshop 4: Spiritual Partnerships

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

The UUA is no longer updating Tapestry of Faith programs.

Part of Spirit in Practice: Ten Workshops for Unitarian Universalist Adults

In This Section

Introduction
From Spirit in Practice

Listening is a creative force. Something quite wonderful occurs when we are listened to fully. We expand, ideas come to life and grow, we remember who we are. Some speak of this force as a creative fountain within us that springs forth; others call it the inner spirit, intelligence, true self.
Workshop-at-a-Glance
From Spirit in Practice

Activity Minutes Welcoming and Entering 0 Opening 5 Activity 1: Sharing Names 5 Activity 2: The Story of the Shape of the Spirit 10 Activity 3: Reflecting with a Partner 35 Closing 5 Alternate Activity 1: Considering a Spiritual Peer Program 30 Alternate Activity 2: Deeper Sharing and Reflection …
Spiritual Preparation
From Spirit in Practice

Leaders are encouraged to prepare for the workshop not only by gathering supplies and reviewing the workshop’s activities, but also by completing the reflection and sharing from Activity 3, and possibly also from Alternate Activity 2, with one another or with a friend or colleague….
Welcoming and Entering
From Spirit in Practice

Materials for Activity Sign-in sheet (see Preparation) Pen or pencil Name tags Bold markers Copies of Spirit in Practice Series Schedule (see Preparation) Group guidelines listed on newsprint or a digital slide (see Preparation) Workshop agenda listed on newsprint or a digital slide (see…
Opening
From Spirit in Practice

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Altar or centering table Cloth for covering altar or centering table Chalice and candle Matches or lighter Copies of Singing the Living Tradition, the UUA hymnbook (one per person) Optional: A piano, guitar, or other form of accompaniment Optional:…
Activity 1: Sharing Names
From Spirit in Practice

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Optional: Microphone (preferably cordless) Preparation for Activity Be sure that participants have made name tags. If they have not, you may pass around name tag materials while participants introduce themselves. Description of Activity Introduce…
Activity 2: The Story Of The Shape Of The Spirit
From Spirit in Practice

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Review the story in advance so that you can present it effectively. Description of Activity Read the story “The Shape of the Spirit” aloud. Provide copies of the story to people who prefer to read along….
Activity 3: Reflecting With A Partner
From Spirit in Practice

Activity time: 35 minutes Materials for Activity Questions listed on newsprint or a digital slide (see Preparation) Writing paper (at least one sheet per participant) Pens or pencils (at least one per participant) Clock, watch, or timer Bell Optional: Computer and digital projector Optional:…
Closing
From Spirit in Practice

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Altar or centering table Cloth for covering altar or centering table Chalice and candle Chalice extinguisher Copies of the customized Taking It Home handout (see Preparation) Preparation for Activity Review the Taking It Home section for this worksh…
Leader Reflection and Planning
From Spirit in Practice

After the workshop, co-leaders should make a time to get together to evaluate this workshop and plan future workshops. Use these questions to guide your shared reflection and planning: What were some of our favorite moments of the workshop? What were some of our most challenging moments?…
Alternate Activity 1: Considering A Spiritual Peer Program
From Spirit in Practice

Activity time: 30 minutes Materials for Activity Newsprint Easel Markers Optional: Microphone (preferably cordless) Preparation for Activity If you are not on the staff of your congregation, consult with your minister and religious educator before deciding whether to conduct this activity. Learn…
Alternate Activity 2: Deeper Sharing And Reflection
From Spirit in Practice

Activity time: 30 minutes Materials for Activity Questions listed on newsprint or a digital slide (see Preparation) Writing paper (at least one sheet per participant) Pens or pencils (at least one per participant) Clock, watch, or timer Bell Optional: Computer and digital projector Optional:…
Taking It Home: Spiritual Partnerships
From Spirit in Practice

Continue to explore some of the questions brought up by the workshop, either on your own or with a friend. These questions include: How and when do I experience the sacred? What mindsets and practices help me experience the sacred? What else would help me at this point in my spiritual development?
The Shape of the Spirit
From Spirit in Practice

After many years of being out of shape, he decided it was time to do something about the state of his body. With great excitement and enthusiasm, he went to the local gym, got a membership, and began a circuit-training routine. He felt good. And he kept at it, going to the gym several times a week. …
Find Out More
From Spirit in Practice

Unitarian Universalist Spiritual Directors’ Network—A loose association of Unitarian Universalist clergy and laity who provide spiritual direction to others. Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation—One of the leading trainers of ecumenical spiritual directors, the Shalem Institute maintains a…

Download all of Spirit in Practice (Word) (PDF) to edit or print.

The UUA is no longer updating Tapestry of Faith programs.

Workshop 4: Spiritual Partnerships

Tapestry is Sunsetting

Shop Books & Gifts

Cultivating Empathy The Worth and Dignity of Every Person -- Without Exception

Get Inspired for Worship

You Deserve a Place

Find Faith Development Tools

Body Beautiful