(415) 776-4580
ADULT SPIRITUAL GROWTH PROGRAM
Welcome to the Adult Spiritual Growth page! Below you will find a listing of our current offerings. All programs are open to everyone. Make sure to check if the class requires registration
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If you have questions, or would like to offer a class for our community, please contact Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life
Email - lshennum@uusf.org
Phone - (415) 776-4580
Minister's Book Group
Mayor of the Tenderloin by Alison Owings
Wednesday, November 20, 6:30-8 PM (Zoom)
Led by Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern
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This book, published by our own Unitarian Universalist Beacon Press, covers the life of Del Seymour, a figure in our own San Francisco Tenderloin neighborhood. The book covers Del’s life, his struggle from addiction to sobriety, and the Tenderloin Walking Tours and later the organization, Code Tenderloin, that he started an organization that sought to help unhoused folks, recovering addicts, sex workers, dealers, and others on the margins learn how to get and keep a job. The book is available at Green Apple Books, and a digital version is also available. Vanessa Southern and Sam Dennison of The Faithful Fools will co-host!
Minister's Book Group
Smoke Gets in Your Eyes and Other Lessons
from the Crematory by Caitlin Doughty
Wednesday, January 22, 2025, 6:30-8:00 pm (Zoom)
Led by Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern
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December there will be no Minister's Book Club, but January will be Smoke Gets in Your Eyes and Other Lessons from the Crematory by Caitlin Doughty.
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Caitlin Doughty has a degree in medieval history and a flair for the macabre. She also worked at a crematory where she cared for bodies and became “an intrepid explorer in the world of the dead.” This best-selling memoir is full of vivid characters, wit, and a woman’s coming of age in the face of the death we all avoid. “ According to the SF Chronicle review, "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" reveals how the fear of dying warps our society and will make you reconsider how our culture treats the dead.
BIPOC Small Group - Deepening Series
Third Sundays from 1:00-3:00 pm, Hybrid
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November 17
December 15
January 19
February 16
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Led by Rev. Seanan Fong
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This small group will provide a space for the BIPOC community to engage deeply in spiritual themes and practices. For more information, contact Rev. Seanan at seanan@sfcontemplarium.org.
Advance Care Planning and End-of-Life Options in California
These workshops with information on how to intentionally go into planning for end of life. This information is important no matter what adult stage of life you are in.
Planning A Memorial or Celebration of Life Service/What Support Does UUSF Provide
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Sunday, November 10, 1-2:30 pm, Chapel
Refreshments provided.
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Facilitated by Revs. Vanessa Rush Southern and Laura Shennum
We will provide resources and answer questions about planning a Memorial or Celebration of Life Service. We will share the support UUSF offers to members/friends at the end of their lives as well as what is important for us to know to provide that support.
Wills, Living Trusts, and Legal Stuff
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Sunday, January 19, 1-2:30 pm, TSK Room
Refreshments provided.
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Facilitated by Julia Wald and Ben Gale
Information will be provided about how to set up legal documents and ensure they will honor your wishes.
End of Life Choices Recording
If you would like to view the End of Life Choices presentation from Sunday, Oct. 13, and/or the presentation slides, then please email Rev. Laura Shennum at lshennum@uusf.org.
The Unitarian Universalist EcoSocialist Network
The Unitarian Universalist EcoSocialist Network is hosting a discussion group on all things spirituality, ecology, and the socialist transition of society.
If you're interested in finding out more or getting involved, contact Gregory Stevens: gregorystevensw@gmail.com
MORNING METTA MEDITATION
Tuesdays & Thursdays
8:00-8:30 am
Leader: Elena Perez, Member of UUSF
Online Class. Click button to join Zoom call. ZOOM Password: metta
Watch a Sample Recording Morning Metta Mediation
You are warmly welcomed to join this "Morning Metta Meditation" group, which meets Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, 8-8:30 am. Elena leads a simple, centering loving kindness meditation practice which is appropriate for all religious backgrounds and levels of meditation experience. Attendees can choose to leave their microphone and camera off and just follow along.
About the Leader: Elena Perez is a member of UUSF. She is a Licensed Acupuncturist who practices in SF at Dance With Life Chiropractic in the Inner Sunset, and in Fresno at Benessere Fresno.
Questions? email elena@communityneedles.com
EQUANIMITY PRACTICE
Fridays
8:00-8:30 am
Leader: Elena Perez, Member of UUSF
Online Class. Click button to join Zoom call. ZOOM Password: metta
Watch a Sample Recording Equanimity Practice
You are warmly welcomed to join our "Equanimity Practice" group, which meets on Fridays, 8-8:30 am. Elena Hanyo leads a simple meditation practice on cultivating equanimity- that is accepting the reality of life's highs and lows, and developing an attitude of peaceful calm abiding throughout the inevitable changes. This practice balances the heart-centered approach of our other group, lovingkindness- as it is common to get attached to positive outcomes for those we spend time wishing well. Equanimity allows us to develop mental stability and even-minded loving awareness. Appropriate for all religious backgrounds and levels of meditation experience. Attendees can choose to leave their microphone and camera off and just follow along.
About the Leader: Elena Hanyo Perez is a member of UUSF. She is a Licensed Acupuncturist who practices in SF at Dance With Life Chiropractic in the Inner Sunset, and in Fresno at Benessere Fresno, as well as a lay minister with Bright Dawn Center for Oneness Buddhism.
Questions? Email elena@communityneedles.com
