Faith Formation
A lifelong process of nurturing…
Spiritual Growth.
Personal Meaning.
Community Connection.
UU Shared Values
Unitarian Universalist faith formation is a lifelong process of nurturing spiritual growth, personal meaning, and community connection within the UU shared values.
It emphasizes individual exploration of faith and values, incorporating learning from diverse sources, engaging in social justice, and fostering a loving community for all ages.
Programs include classes, worship, multigenerational gatherings, and activities like art and meditation, all designed to deepen understanding of UU principles and inspire compassionate action.
Children and Youth Programming
Children’s religious education programs are typically offered on Sunday mornings. At Greater Nashville UU, we use the Soul Matters One-Room Schoolhouse programming. This religious education curriculum, offered by the Soul Matters Sharing Circle, provides flexible, monthly-themed resources for mixed-age groups of Unitarian Universalist children in kindergarten through sixth grade, with Teens as helpers. Utilizing a "building block" approach rather than rigid lesson plans, the curriculum offers a variety of stories, games, activities, and other resources. With an emphasis on experiential learning and ARAOMC and DEI principles, it aims to foster spiritual development and build community among children within a UU context
Multigeneraional Religious Education Programming
UU (Unitarian Universalist) multigenerational education is a faith-based community model where people of all ages are seen as both teachers and learners, fostering mutual growth, connection, and support across generations. It counters modern age segregation by creating integrated learning opportunities and communal experiences that value every individual's contributions and build a stronger, more holistic faith community.
These programs are for both Teens and Adults.
Multigenerational RE: UU Compass
Are you new to UU? Join this class to explore how Unitarian Univeralism can help guide your life. New UUs will be paired with long time UUs using a Covenant Group format.
Fall 2025 Dates: September 21, October 19, November 2, November 16, December 14 at 1 PM
Facilitated by Kristin R. and Nathaniel B.
Adult Programming
UU adult religious education encompasses a variety of lifelong faith formation activities, including classes, small group discussions, social justice initiatives, and community programs, all designed to foster spiritual growth, deepen understanding of Unitarian Universalist values, and strengthen connections within the congregation and the broader community. These programs are a core part of the Unitarian Universalist Association's "lifespan faith development" approach, recognizing that spiritual growth is a continuous journey for people of all ages and stages of life.
Listening Circles
UU Listening Circles are a practice within Unitarian Universalism where facilitated small groups engage in active, respectful listening and sharing to foster personal healing, build community, and deepen relationships within the congregation. Drawing from the principles of indigenous and restorative justice practices, participants take turns speaking their personal truth and listening with curiosity, without the goal of problem-solving or debate. These voluntary gatherings can address issues impacting the community or explore spiritual and life questions, creating a safe space for authentic connection and understanding.
Rev. Denise facilitates Listening Circles every other month on the 4th Sunday.
Fall 2025 Dates: September 28 & November 23 after potluck lunch (around 1 PM)
Covenant Groups
UU covenant groups, also known as small group ministries, are small, facilitated groups of less than 12 people within a Unitarian Universalist (UU) congregation that meet regularly to build community, foster spiritual growth, and provide a safe space for personal reflection on a variety of life topics. Members create and follow a set of group-specific covenants, which are promises to treat each other with respect and confidentiality, to support each other's spiritual journey, and often to engage in community service. These groups are a core way for UUs to live out their values of justice, equity, and compassion in a more intimate setting within the larger congregation. What to Start a New Covenant Group? Talk to Rev. Denise!
Women's Covenant Group: 1stThursdays, 1:00 PM, in person and on Zoom
Contact: Bonnie G.