Part 1: BSA UU Identity
Part of Religion in Life BSA
Section 1: Introduction to Unitarian Universalist Worship and Celebrations
Read the Preface to The Unitarian Universalist Pocket Guide.
Then, begin your activities in the same way that a new or prospective Unitarian Universalist becomes acquainted with our faith—by attending a service. Attend at least two worship services at your own or another Unitarian Universalist congregation, and/or attend worship at a youth conference, district or regional assembly, or another large Unitarian Universalist gathering. Share in the services as if you were a newcomer, and then ask yourself these questions:
- What does this service tell me about what Unitarian Universalists believe?
- How did I experience the service? Why do particular parts of the service happen the way they do, when they do?
- If I didn’t know anything about Unitarian Universalists, what are the main questions I would want to ask after these services?
Record your thoughts in your journal, notebook, or electronic device.
Read “Our Worship,” by the Reverend Mark Belletini, in The Unitarian Universalist Pocket Guide (p. 33 – 44). As you read, make note of any words or phrases you don’t understand so that you can talk about them with your advisor.
Meet with your advisor to discuss Unitarian Universalist worship and celebrations. Do the services you have attended make you feel comfortable calling yourself a Unitarian Universalist?
Section 2: Introduction to Unitarian Universalist History
Read “Our Roots,” by Dr. Dan McKanan, in The Unitarian Universalist Pocket Guide (p. 77 - 88). As you read, make note of any words or phrases you don’t understand so that you can talk about them with your advisor.
In consultation with your advisor and your religious educator or minister, choose one person from Unitarian Universalist history and do a research project on that person. Look to the Resource Bibliography for suggestions about where to find information on your chosen person. Explore the person’s life, the ways in which they contributed to Unitarian Universalism and to the world, and the beliefs that were important to them.
Present your findings to others through an essay, a play, a work of art, a video, or other creative project. Ask your advisor to help you determine a suitable audience for your project.
Section 3: Introduction to Your Congregation
This part of the program asks you to learn more about the people in your congregation. Record information you gather in your journal, notebook, or electronic device and discuss your findings with your advisor.
Minister
If your congregation has a minister, make an appointment to interview them. Ask:
- What is included in your work?
- What kind of education do you need to have in order to become a minister?
- What is the most rewarding part of your job?
- What is the most challenging part of your job?
- How are youth involved in congregational worship?
Read “Our Ministry,” by the Reverend Jane Ranney Rzepka in The Unitarian Universalist Pocket Guide (p. 23 – 30). As you read, make note of any words or phrases you don’t understand so that you can talk about them with your advisor.
Religious Educator
If your congregation has a religious educator, make an appointment to interview them. Ask:
- What is included in your work?
- What kind of education do you need to have in order to become a religious educator?
- What is the most rewarding part of your job?
- What is the most challenging part of your job?
- What opportunities and programs do you know about for youth beyond the congregation, such as youth conferences, regional gatherings, and camp and conference center programs?
Read “Our Religious Education,” by the Judith A. Frediani in The Unitarian Universalist Pocket Guide (p. 47 – 56). As you read, make note of any words or phrases you don’t understand so that you can talk about them with your advisor.
Congregational Leaders
Choose one of the following:
- Make an appointment and interview the treasurer or finance committee chair of your congregation. Find out how the congregation pays its bills. Together, look at a copy of the current congregational budget.
- Make an appointment and meet with the current chair, vice-chair, or secretary of the congregation’s governing board. Ask about the work of the governing board and how people are chosen to serve on it. Find out what kinds of issues will be considered at their next meeting.
Youth
Read The Web of Youth Ministry pamphlet (or read Pamphlet text only (pdf)”).
Find out what programs and opportunities are available for youth in your congregation. Does your congregation have a youth group? A Coming of Age program? A Bridging Ceremony? Follow links on the Resource Bibliography to find out more about those ceremonies.
Find out about the role youth play in the governing of your congregation. What are the requirements for congregational membership—and are youth eligible? What roles do youth play in committee work or other congregational projects?
Meet with your advisor to share all that you have learned.