Three landmark addresses in the history of American Unitarianism in one convenient volume. Edited by one of the leading UU historians.

The role of religious education/faith development among Unitarian Universalists marks the uniqueness of this religious movement. Without dependence on dogma or creed, it is essential that a religious community be free to develop its own distinctive identity. The centrality of religious education was evident in the very beginnings of this liberal denomination. Rev. Richard Gilbert collects many of the most influential statements of religious education philosophy in the anthology In the Middle of a Journey. From William Ellery Channings eloquent Sunday School Address to the writings of stalwarts Sophia Lyon Fahs and Angus H. MacLean, these carefully selected essays trace the evolution of faith development from a Christian catechism to a broadly based faith-based quest for values, meanings and convictions. In an age that tends to belittle the past, it is refreshing to realize that if we are to chart where we are going, it is wise to know where we have been. The Unitarian Universalist movement has been in some interesting places, and eagerly seeks an adventurous future.

When it comes to teaching, no method or approach is as important as the character, the commitment, and the personhood of the teacher. But you can further your development as a teacher by learning about approaches, methods, and activities appropriate to lifespan faith development in the liberal church, which is what youll get in this guidebook to religious instruction. Betty Jo Middleton takes a Unitarian Universalist perspective but draws upon many sources in focusing on teaching approaches, methods, and learning activities appropriate and effective for people of all ages. Explore seven categories of teaching methods for use in programs for faith development, and learn how to incorporate the following into your teaching: storytelling, creative expression, learning through play, discourse, learning stations, real-world experiences, and reflection and meditation. Whether youre a religious educator, member of the clergy, volunteer, or a parent of a child in a religious growth and learning program, youll be empowered by the strategies and insights in To Touch Inward Springs.

Congregational reevaluation and right relation among communities are the goals of the UUA trustees' proposed four-year process called Fulfilling the Promise. Redeeming Time was put together as a tool for use by Unitarian Universalist congregations in their quest to reestablish a spiritually grounded, interdependent web of congregations. The central idea in this work is to reconnect with the concept ora covenant -- the promise of support and accountability which is foundational to a liberal religious community. Includes helpful sample covenants and discussion questions ideal for workshops and adult religious education classes.