Wellspring 1--Sources
Spiritual Deepening for the UU SOUL

 What will you do with this one wild and precious life?” asks the poet Mary Oliver. 
UU Wellspring.inc is a 10-month program of distinctly Unitarian Universalist spiritual development designed to help participants answer that provocative question. Begun in 2005, the program celebrates the depth and breadth of our rich religious tradition. The program is  centered on developing a daily spiritual practice, regular group meetings, and deep listening to one another.

Sources Curriculum:
Many Unitarian Universalists, young and old, are familiar with the seven principles, a statement of our most deeply held values that starts with “the inherent worth and dignity of every person” and ends with “respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.”
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In addition to affirming and promoting the seven principles, the living tradition of Unitarian Universalism also draws on six sources for religious knowledge and spiritual growth: direct experience, prophetic women and men, world religions, Jewish and Christian teachings, humanist teachings, and Earth-centered traditions. If the seven principles are what we aspire to, the six sources are what inspires us. In Sources, which is a prerequisite for all other years of UU Wellspring, participants are challenged by, comforted by, and inspired by each one of the six sources. They learn not just about Unitarian Universalism, but also about how to integrate their Unitarian Universalist faith more fully into their daily lives.
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Wellspring's Core Components
  • ​Spiritual practice – Commitment to regular, intentional practice
  • Spiritual guidance or direction – Self-reflection with a guide
  • Unitarian Universalist history, theology, and approach to life’s big questions – Reading, listening, reflecting
  • Small group support – Participation in a community of seekers
  • Faith in action – What we are called to do in the world


​Schedule

          
​        August 26th, 2019 - Deadline for Letters/Emails of Interest
  • September 21, 2019 – Opening Retreat 9-3 PM
  • October 2, 2019 - First meeting from 7 to 9 pm
  • ONGOING – Meetings on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of every month, October through the end of May, 7-9 p.m.
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Interested?How to apply
Please consider these questions and share your responses with Marion Hirsch. The responses don’t have to be long. To apply, email responses to Marion Hirsch, hirsch.marion@gmail.com  by Sunday August 26, 2019.
  • How do you see the Wellspring program as a part of your personal spiritual journey?
  • Will you be able to commit to meeting two Wednesdays a month for ten months?
  • Is there anything that might impede your attendance?
  • What do you hope to gain from the Wellspring program? What is appealing to you?
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Details
Wellspring builds on the kind of deep listening process used in Covenant Groups but also involves discussion, homework outside the group, and a greater time commitment. Like Covenant Groups, Wellspring provides a process for growing lay spiritual leadership in our congregation and deepening our connections with each other and with ourselves. Our church is also linked with many other UU churches that are using the same curriculum. The multi-congregation, interdependent nature of this program is part of what makes it strong and will strengthen Unitarian Universalism as a whole.
Members of past Wellspring programs at Community Church unanimously agreed that the key to the success of the program was the sincere commitment made by each of the participants. During the 10-month period participants did their personal work and came to meetings on time, every time – regardless of their stress level that day. The regular attendance gave the group a chance to really deepen their connections and work through all of the topics in the curriculum.
In addition to coming to meetings and preparing readings/reflections, you will also need to commit to a monthly meeting with a spiritual guide and developing a regular (daily) spiritual practice. A spiritual guide or director is someone who listens deeply to your spiritual journey and helps you find your own direction in your life/practice. A list of UU -friendly spiritual directors/guides in our geographical area will be available.  In addition, some Wellspring participants have telephone conferences with spiritual directors in other parts of the country. Spiritual directors/guides are typically paid for their time, and Wellspring participants negotiate that fee with the spiritual director themselves.

Spiritual practices differ for each individual. The program begins with the book Everyday Spiritual Practices which describes many different ideas and paths. Spiritual practices range well beyond the conventional ideas of prayer and meditation – they can include arts, relationships, intentionality, physical movement, and more. Many members tried different practices throughout the year and are still testing new practices! This commitment is about trying and starting the path to a regular spiritual practice, however that works for you.