Adult Religious Education
Activities to help us connect, reflect, stretch, and grow.
Email ARE@wildflowerchurch.org for more information about these programs or to suggest new ones.
Book and Study Groups
Facilitator: Susie Epstein
Occurs the 1st Wednesday of each month from 7-8 p.m. on Zoom.
Wildflower’s Adult Religious Education Book and Discussion Group meets online the 1st Wednesday of every month. We discuss a new book each month. Many (but not all) of the books we select are available at no cost through Austin Public Library’s “Libby” app and can be viewed as either print online or as audio book. Many of the authors we read are from marginalized and oppressed identities.
Our upcoming books are:
February 5, 2025: The Places That Scare You by Pema Chödrön
Beloved Buddhist teacher Pema Chödrön offers guidance for coping with the difficult moments in our lives–showing us how they can soften our hearts and open us to greater kindness
We always have a choice in how we react to the circumstances of our lives. We can let them harden us and make us increasingly resentful and afraid, or we can let them soften us and allow our inherent human kindness to shine through.
In The Places That Scare You , Pema Chödrön provides essential tools for dealing with the many difficulties that life throws our way, teaching us how to awaken our basic human goodness and connect deeply with others–to accept ourselves and everything around us complete with faults and imperfections. Drawing from the core teachings of Buddhism, she shows the strength that comes from staying in touch with what’s happening in our lives right now and helps us unmask the ways in which our egos cause us to resist life as it is. If we go to the places that scare us, Pema suggests, we just might find the boundless life we’ve always dreamed of.
Pema Chödrön is an American Buddhist teacher, author, nun, and mother who inspires millions worldwide with her down-to-earth message of practicing peace in turbulent times.
The Pema Chödrön Foundation is dedicated to preserving and sharing Pema’s teachings as well as supporting many charitable organizations dear to Pema’s heart.
All are welcome to join us for a friendly and relaxed conversation as we review this book. Come join us!
Contact ARE@wildflowerchurch.org with questions and to get the link to the online meeting.
Tarot Circle for Intuitive Transformation!
Facilitator: Melissa Meeks
Occurs the 3rd Wednesday of each month from 7-8 p.m. on Zoom.
Wildflower’s Adult Religious Education Tarot Circle meets online the 3rd Wednesday of every month. Come and explore your spiritual life through the lens of the Tarot.
Questions or to register: ARE@wildflowerchurch.org
Past Classes
UU Elevator Pitch
Facilitator: Simone Monique Barnes
Have you ever panicked when someone asks you “What’s a Unitarian Universalist?” How can you answer that question in a brief but meaningful way? UU Elevator Speech is a 3-session series that seeks to help you articulate your UU faith. It is called an elevator speech because, on an elevator ride when someone asks you, “What is UU?” you only have a short time to make a meaningful statement.
This class will help participants feel confident about articulating Unitarian Universalism, empowering them and helping them feel ownership.
It also prepares leaders to live and speak about their faith in the larger community.
Session 1:
It’s Not A Credo
Session 2:
Writing Your UU Elevator Speech
Session 3:
Sharing Your UU Elevator Speech
Click here to register for our upcoming session
Choose from:
Thursdays, 12 pm – 1 pm on Zoom – October 3, 10, 17
or
Orientation to Membership
Facilitator: Director and the Membership Team
Curious about Unitarian Universalism? Wonder what Wildflower Unitarian Universalist Church is all about? Interested in becoming a Voting Member of Wildflower UU Church?
Attend an Orientation on Wednesday, October 9, 7pm-8:30 pm on Zoom. We’d love to get to know you better!
Past Book Club Reads
2025
2024