Faith like a River

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

The UUA is no longer updating Tapestry of Faith programs.

By Alison Cornish, Jackie Clement

Faith Like a River explores the dynamic course of Unitarian, Universalist, and Unitarian Universalist (UU) history—the people, ideas, and movements that have shaped our faith heritage. It invites participants to place themselves into our history and consider its legacies. What lessons do the stories of our history teach that can help us live more faithfully in the present? What lessons do they offer to be lived into the future?

Acknowledgments
From Faith Like a River

We gratefully acknowledge the use of the following material: …
Preface
From Faith Like a River

Thucydides wrote that history is philosophy taught by examples. If this is true, then we would do well to study the examples—the stories—from our own faith history to shape a philosophy for living our own faith. This program provides such an opportunity. By presenting the sweep of Unitarian…
Introduction
From Faith Like a River

Program Structure To acknowledge our ancestors means we are aware that we did not make ourselves, that the line stretches all the way back, perhaps to God; or to Gods. We remember them because it is an easy thing to forget: that we are not the first to suffer, rebel, fight, love and die….
Program Structure
From Faith Like a River

This program comprises 16 two-hour workshops (including a ten-minute break). Each workshop can stand alone or be combined with others for a series up to 16 workshops. You are urged to begin with Workshop 1, Wading In — An Introduction. Concluding activities appropriate to any set of workshops can…
Leader Guidelines
From Faith Like a River

Leaders should be attentive to the different life experiences and knowledge participants bring to the group, particularly if the group spans a wide age range. Some participants may be quite knowledgeable about Unitarian Universalist history and able to add detail and new perspectives to the…
Implementation
From Faith Like a River

This program is flexible. The design does not assume the same participants will come to each workshop. You can offer the workshops in a variety of combinations and sequences. Offer on-site childcare or in-home babysitting to include adults with young children. Evening workshops can be a challenge…
Before You Start
From Faith Like a River

Determine the calendar schedule for workshops. Once you have determined which workshops you will offer, choose dates and times for all the workshops. Enter the information on the congregation’s calendar. Choose a meeting space….
Facilitator Feedback Form
From Faith Like a River

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 Faith Like a River

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….
Principles and Sources
From Faith Like a River

Unitarian Universalist Principles …
Workshop 1: Wading In: An Introduction
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Workshop 2: Against the Flow: Orthodoxy and Heresy
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Workshop 3: Rising Tides: Reason as a Religious Source
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Workshop 4: The Verdant Springs: Reformation
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Workshop 5: God's Gonna Trouble the Water: Martyrs and Sacrifice
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Workshop 6: Shall We Gather at the River? Religious Tolerance
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Workshop 7: We're All Swimming in the Stream Together: Covenant
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Workshop 8: Gently Down the Stream: Polity
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Workshop 9: Rise in the Sea: Unitarianism
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Workshop 10: Rise in the Sea: Universalism
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Workshop 11: As Tranquil Streams that Meet and Merge: Consolidation
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Workshop 12: I've Got Tears Like the Raindrops: Freedom
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Workshop 13: Mirages and Oases: Idealism and Utopianism
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Workshop 14: The Seven Seas: Globalization
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Workshop 15: The Water Is Wide: Multiculturalism
From Faith Like a River

September, 2021: Workshop 15 has been removed from the Faith Like a River program while UUA staff evaluate it for revision. The workshop explores topics related to multiculturalism and diversity in Unitarian Universalism from a perspective that violates our commitment to dismantle white supremacy.
Workshop 16: Ripples in the Water: The Evangelists
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Stories in Faith Like a River
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Handouts in Faith like a River
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Leader Resources in Faith like a River
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