About Sexual Abuse: A Program for Teens and Young Adults
UUA
Groundbreaking program offers guidelines for identifying symptoms of abuse, true stories, profiles of typical offenders and more. Contains extensive bibliography. Use on its own or as a part of Life Issues for Teens.
Africa’s Past; Impact on Our Present
UUA Multimedia Kit
Eight-session multimedia program helping to discover some of the sources of racism in the commonly help misconceptions about the history of African civilizations of the past and the Atlantic slave trade. Participation in the program helps Black Americans develop a sense of pride in their heritage, and helps other Americans become aware of value and respect the rich traditions and immense achievements of Black American ancestors.
An award winning tape and study guide produced in Minneapolis providing factual information about AIDS and AIDS prevention
Articulating (Y)our Faith:
Wells and ten Hove UUA Young Adult and Campus Ministry Office
Workshop designed for young adults but can be productively adapted and used by all generations, youth and older. UUs hungry for ways to articulate their faith can make use of this informal conversation workshop. Can be used as a one session (1.5 hours) or expanded workshop format. Excellent handouts and resource guide.
Building Assets Together
Jolene Roehlkepartain Search Institute
This talk book gives creative, easy-to-use activities to introduce developmental assets to youth. It includes 70 interactive group activities for sixth to twelfth graders, 31 attractive, photo-copiable worksheets that help y their own assets own assets. Participating in these activities, youth will learn about specific “developmental assets” that are vital to their healthy: and a positive future; learn how they can take responsibility for building their own assets, and those of others.
Building Family Religion at Home
Alexander Meek, Jr 1979
Building family religion at home begins with a recognition of the central values in family living. This is a collection of activities for families to use in developing an individualized program to develop family religion in the home
Building Your Own Theology I — Introduction (Revised)
Richard S Gilbert
UUA
Completely revised text — fundamental structure remaining intact. How do UUs ‘do theology’? This 10-session program begins the process of individual defining of theology. Each session includes a statement of purpose, materials, and leader preparation needed, with activities and closing ceremony. Each participant will write their own ‘credo’ based on a religious model.
Building Your Own Theology II — Exploring (Revised 2005)
Richard S Gilbert
UUA
A continuation of the credo development process from BYOT Intro with the introduction of other theological issues crucial for formulating a faith. Beginning with the often neglected Sources in the UUA Bylaws that inform our theological endeavors and represent our religious pluralism. Each session includes an essay to read before the meeting. Further development of the Credo begun in BYOT occurs.
Building Your Own Theology III — Ethics: An Exploration in Personal Morality
Richard S Gilbert
UUA
Participants consider a variety of ethical scenarios and the real-life implications of their UU beliefs. Eight sessions of extensive readings and resource materials, plus informative afterword and detailed bibliography for further study.
Building Your Spiritual Home
UUA
This Unitarian Universalist curriculum is written to provide Unitarian Universalist young adults with personal tools with which to build a spiritual home within themselves. The young adult years are ones filled with unique, on going changes and transitions. Using the turtle, the one who carries its home wherever it goes, this 7-session curriculum offers tools to assist young adults in maintaining a sense of a well balanced inner self and building a spiritual home within their lives.
Cakes for the Queen of Heaven
Shirley Ann Ranck
10 session adult seminar in feminist theology. Includes sessions on why women need the Goddess; seeking the female presence in Judaism and Christianity; and contemporary feminist spirituality. Includes songbook and filmstrip.
Catechism with an Open Mind
George Kimmich Beach
Six sessions for adults. Addresses the most basic questions about religion: god, human nature, community and Unitarian Universalism along the way, participants will create a foundation of theological and ethical concepts and build tools for reflection and discussion.
Chalice and the Blade — book
Riane Eisler
In prehistorical times, Eisler argues, women and men lived together in egalitarian communities devoted to nurturance; with the imposition of male domination, female values gave way to creeds of hierarchy, aggression, power, obedience. Eisler, a futurist, posits a new society based on the recovery of more humane values.
Coming of Age Program: Life Journeys
Prairie Star District
A coming of age program for ninth and 10th graders the purpose of this program is to build awareness that all of life is a journey. In that journey there are certain transitions in which one can consciously participate. Components include retreats and group service projects.
Connecting with the Earth
Canadian Unitarian Council
This intergenerational course is designed with programs for four age groups: primary, junior, youth and adult. The overall aim is to create opportunities for participants to develop a more spiritual relationship with the world around them. This is also an exploration which helps to affirm and promote the seventh principle of UUism. The course is designed to promote the following attitudes:
— Gratitude, awe, wonder and respect for the land and nature’s bounty
— Appreciation for the spirituality of all life and our spiritual connection with nature
— Some understanding of the wholeness, completeness and mystery of life
— Awareness of the inter-communion of all living and non-living components of the earth community
— Understanding of the concept of a sustaining use of natural things, finding a use for everything
National Education Association Health Information Network Resource developed by NEA to help reduce teenage pregnancy and previewed by Judith Frediani and recommended for use with Our Whole Lives high school and older junior high programs. The video addresses contraception options from abstinence to morning-after ill, and continually points out that most forms of contraception do not protect people from disease or infection. It urges the use of condoms. Because it is aimed at pregnancy prevention it addresses only male/female sexual relations.
Conversations with the Bible — Spiritual Growth for Religious Liberals
Stephen C. Washburn
UUA
Learn about the Jewish and Christian roots of Uuism. Eight core sessions and four alternate sessions explore select biblical passages, inviting participants into an open dialogue with the text and each other. Features helpful definitions and dates and a detailed resource section for further exploration.
Conversation with Thomas More
VHS
In his books, care of the Soul and Soul Mates, Moore demonstrates the virtues of self-acceptance not self-improvement and care not cure. Drawing insights from classical mythology, Renaissance philosophers and his experience as a therapist, Moore stresses that “care of the soul” is not about problem solving but about giving ordinary life depth and value. 60 min.
Funny, fast paced presentation by John Lee explores just what it is that keeps us from loving, giving, receiving and creating our lives more artfully. Explore how you hold in, hold on, and hold back in order to keep yourself from really being seen, known and loved. Originally aired as PBS television special. 60 minutes
The Creative Journal: The Art of Finding Yourself
Lucia Capacchione
A personal journal writing guide to help persons of any age get in touch with their deepest self. Through doodles, drawings, and scribbles, through dramatic dialogs and letters, through colors, designs, images and symbols, prose and poetry, discover vast inner resources.
Creativity: Touching the Divine
VHS
Brings together artists and non-artists who have experienced the joyful tandem of spirituality and creativity. Viewers are inspired to rethink the possibility for creativity in their own lives, regardless of their circumstances or abilities. Includes Thomas Moore, Jamey Turner, Madeleine L’Engle and Kent Amos of Urban Family Institute. One hour.
Crystal Cave: Lessons from the Teachings of Merlin
VHS
Merlin leads Arthur along the path we must travel to reach the place in our souls where the desire for freedom and fulfillment live. Join Deepak Chopra as he explores the wizard’s wisdom to unlock the secrets in ourselves that open our true personal potential. Martin Sheen as Arthur and Robert Guillaume as Merlin, dramatically reveal one journey narrated by Joanna Cassidy, as you begin your own personal voyage. 80 min
Dare to Know: “isms” Linking Humanism and Unitarian Universalism
Jeff Liebmann
Written for high school youth this curriculum reaches out to local Humanist groups to explore the ‘isms’ including nihilism, globalism, pluralism, objectivism, utilitarianism and many others in a 23-session curriculum
Discovering Everyday Spirituality
VHS includes videos — Activity, Place, Ritual, Story
This series of videos profiles a variety of people who have done just that. Thomas Moore reflects on how, by following their example, we can all gain greater satisfaction in our lives and come to deep knowledge of what it means to be human. Author Robert Fulghum, Jeff Smith (Frugal Gourmet), poet Kathleen Norris, novelist Dan Wakefield, Tom Chappel (Tom’s of Maine), Episcopal priest Barbara Crafton share their insights and experiences. 4 cassettes approx. 2 hours 40 min
Essential Connections: Nurturing Women’s Lives
Eight sessions for a study group. A reading and discussion curriculum on women’s bonding.
Evensong Vol II
Barbara Hamilton–Holway
Eight small group worship services with intimate format based on the idea that “honest, loving speaking and respectful, open listening make community.” The orders of service, which can be photocopied for group use, include singing, readings and discussion.
A Faith For All Seasons
with Study Guide
UUA: William R. Murry
Liberal religion and the crises of life. Five-session discussion guide for the thought provoking essays exploring the crises of life and death. Perfect for adult religious education, caregiver training or support groups formed by individuals dealing with crises situations. Participants will need A Faith for all Seasons.
Faithful Choices
UUA: Wayne Arnason & Judy Freidani
An adult program in clinical ethics and religious values this 8-session program invites adults to become informed, responsible, assertive and faithful decision makers about their own health. Using actual case studies, clinical ethics guidelines and their own experiences, participants actively explore the issues that confront them or their families in medical settings and have the opportunity to apply their religious beliefs and values to make effective and meaningful choices. Contains 38 handouts.
Fighting Invisible Tigers: A Stress Management Guide for Teens
Earle Hipp And Pamela Espeland
Advise on major issues: stress, assertiveness, taking risks, making decisions, staying healthy, dealing with fears, building relationships, and more. With Leaders Guide.
The First Honest Book About Lies
Jonni Kincher
Tells teens the truth about lying and encourages honesty as a personal value. Experiments, examples and games offer readers ways to explore their own attitudes Ages 13 and up
First Steps: Planning for Adult Religious Education
Betty Jo Middleton
A must for planners of adult religious education. A useful and comprehensive planning/training guide. Provides a structure for development of adult religious education programs which are intentional, integrated and intended to meet diverse needs and interests.
Focus on Youth: Beyond Despair
A study guide designed to help adolescents address conflicts, frustrations and hopelessness and empower themselves to change.
Funding the Dream
Terry Sweetser, Prairie Star District
VHS
Workshop presentation for assessing your congregational dreams; how to serve the dream; how to fund your dream; a dream canvass.
Gender Justice: Women’s Rights are Human Rights
UUSC
Study Action guide on the International Women’s Rights Movement. Six-session curriculum including video filled with examples of successful women’s rights actions, session activities, songs, quizzes, excerpts from UN women’s rights documents, background information on each topic, photos from Beijing, ideas for action, Platform for Action positions and Critical Areas of Concern — provides participants with in-depth understanding of the history and present-day objectives of the international women’s rights movement.
Ghosts and Visions — play
Alorie Boyle Parkhill
Dreamers learn from their UU past and from visions of the future. Sections about UU heritage may be extracted for use in a smaller service. Original music. 70 minutes
The Global Brain
VHS
Hartley Films
For use with earth centered materials. A strong visual presentation of the organic nature of our planet. 50 minutes
Global Summit, The Peace Game
Jeff Liebmann, 1st Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh
Strategic card game for 1–6 players ages 10 and up. Players represent nations using economic, political, and social resources to resolve threats to world peace. Players also respond to events at home affecting available resources. Everyone wins if they maintain peace as well as the balance of international power. Playing time is about 30 minutes.
God Images Adult Supplement
Mary Ann Moore
8-session adult supplement to be used with God Images curriculum includes filmstrip script for adults, readings and prayers. Contains 23 god images from Judaism, Christianity, world religions and modern science. Goals include consideration of some important universal religious questions; for participants to learn more about the process of god imaging, to have opportunities to clarify their own images of god, to express those ideas to others and to respond to ideas of those in the group.
No one in history has been as famous and widely interpreted as Jesus of Nazareth. The official gospels were written many decades after Jesus’ death, by men who may have never known him or heard his teaching. Consequently the actual words of Jesus may have been edited, deleted and altered by the gospel authors. An unusual look at how Jesus’ teachings impact ordinary people in their daily existence. Enjoy fresh insights on Jesus’ message from some unlikely sources: Zen masters, Muslim leaders, Native Americans, liberals and skeptics. Hear Jesus’ words come alive as spoken by poet Maya Angelou and others. Two tapes. 2 hours and 15 min.
Haunting Church: Owning Your Religious Past
bonnie Stauffacher
An adult curriculum designed for those UUs coming into the denomination from other religions. Five sessions and can be adapted into a weekend workshop.
Heresy Apparent
Jeff Liebmann
A 10-session curriculum developed to expose youth to the rich and interesting history of UUism that is their religious heritage. The purpose is to provide a fun and educational experience for Jr and Sr High youth either in a church year program, week long summer camp, or weekend youth conference setting. The sessions include the heresies of: anti-trinitarianism, universal salvation, religious questioning, faith in action, reason, resistance, nondiscrimination, inclusion, challenging assumptions, and the questing mind. Includes cards for famous UUs with pictures and brief biographies.
A Holy Curiosity — Stories of a Liberal Religious Faith
Bruce T. Marshall
UUA
Delve into questions of faith, life and humanist values with these personal essays from a UU minister. Two study guides. Each participant should purchase a copy of this book from UUA.
How Can I Know what to Believe?
Charlene Brotman
UUA
Divided into five sections: How can I know what to believe about . . . People? God? Death? Religion? Believing? Year long curriculum includes leaders guide, idea pages for students, games, puzzles, crafts, dramatizations, role plays, discussion ideas.
How Open the Door
Afro-Americans’ Experience in Unitarian Universalism
Mark Morrison Reed
Multimedia curriculum for adults includes VHS. Eight sessions with handouts. Goals are to have participants learn about the experience Afro Americans have had within UUism; to examine their own experiences and attitudes about race; and motivate them to work toward eliminating racism within our religious movement.
Humanism: Making Bigger Circles
VHS
American Humanist Association
Isaac Asimov narrates this film which attempts to dispel common myths and misconceptions about the philosophy of Humanism. Humanist perspectives are presented on: abortion, censorship, creation vs. evolution, church–state separation, gay rights, women’s rights and nuclear disarmament. 45 minutes
Ideas for Worship
UUA
DVD
The best parts of a conference of contemporary worship organized by Michael Tino. Includes excerpts from keynote speaker Dr. Marcia McFee; 6 workshops by multiple presenters (2:10:10); worship services montage (9:15); interview with Rev Wayne Arnason co-author of the book Worship That Works.
Inanna
VHS
Diane Wolkstein
A master storyteller brings to life the 4,000-year-old epic of the goddess Inanna’s emergence into womanhood.
King David
VHS
From A&E Television series Biography: a look at the triumphs, passions and failures of one of the Old Testament’s heroes, tells David’s complete story, drawing on rare paintings and artifacts, interviews with experts and extensive visits to ancient holy lands.
La Marcha
UUSC – DVD
La Marcha – Working for Economic Justice – The Story of the Santa Fe Living Wage Campaign. As the living wage movement in the US grows, it is committed to reversing the economy-wide wage squeeze, stopping tax giveaways to big business, reenergizing the worker movement, and ending the war on those living with poverty. As part of a new workers’ rights movement, living wage campaigns are being built by workers, community groups, religious organizations and business allies. The campaigns represent a vital strategy for promoting economic justice: building and mobilizing community-based coalitions. This film tells the story of one extraordinarily successful living wage campaign – the Santa Fe Living Wage Campaign.
The Language of Myth I and II
Ted Tollefson
Introduction to the ideas of Joseph Campbell. Lesson plans, lectures, articles, graphics and resources. Topics in I include: Joseph Campbell — man and myth; Creation myths; shamanism; the goddess; the hero; masks of eternity. Topics in II include: Joseph Campbell and the rediscovery of the sacred — sacred space, rites of passage, mythologies of love, sacrifice and bliss, Joseph Campbell and his critics.
Life Issues for Teenagers (LIFT)
UUA
Twenty sessions for 15–18 year olds. Explores ethical, social and political issues and concerns important in the lives of today’s teenagers. Topics include: communication skills, conflict and emotions, divorce, intimacy, sexual expression, depression, chemical use, suicide, spiritual identity, values and decision-making, family systems, sex role stereotypes, peer pressure and conformity, crisis intervention, rape, loss and grief, and life after high school.
Life Journey
Fenders
Twenty-eight sessions for 12–15 year olds presenting participants with the human life cycle and the physical, emotional and social challenges unique to each stage. Exercises, games and activities are included.
Life Tapestry: An Exploration of Adult Life Issues
UUA
Adult religious education program inspired by LIFT, the successful program that gives teens an opportunity to explore the real life issues they live with. Life Tapestry gives adults the opportunity to face their life issues with the same supportive community, spiritual grounding, creativity and fun. This nine-session program includes such themes as values, listening skills, dreams and realities, aging, intimacy, loss and grief, and spirituality. The activities are extremely varied and appealing, including role plays, journaling, games, clay, discussion, free drawing, meditations and more.
Listening Between the Lines
Tim Murphy
100 songs in a curriculum designed to used to supplement other curricula to enliven and keep youth interested. Each lesson takes an individual song and encourages discussion around the lyrics and the message they present. Questions and/or suggestions for particular ideas that can be addressed are listed to facilitate discussion.
Living in UUville
Jeff Liebmann
A 10-session program for youth by youth. While the program can be led or co-led by adults, each session is specifically designed to be facilitated by a team of youth leaders. The goals include: giving youth opportunity to explore the full meaning of the Principles in their lives; an environment that encourages individual initiative and teamwork. The sessions apply the Principles to real life issues and problems including: being placed in the Michael Servetus Academy, a school for UUs; being placed in UUville, a city in which all citizens are UUs; being placed in UUSA in which all citizens are UUs; and being placed in a global summit as representatives of an Earth where everyone is UU.
Mary Magdalene: An Intimate Portrait
VHS with study guide
A documentary portrayal exploring the mystery and controversy of Mary of Magdalen. Includes facilitators guide for discussion prepared by Linda Kaufman, Director of Member Services at University Unitarian church, Seattle, and Rev. Marjorie Bowens-Wheatley. 43 minutes
Meriting the Wind we Inherit — The Past is Prologue
Richard Gilbert
Audiovisual, Slides
63 slides with script — a shortened version of the popular history of the UU movement with roots in 16th and 18th century heresies and some of the leaders through the years are highlighted. Good introduction.
Moses
VHS
From A&E Television series Biography: an in-depth portrait of one of the Bible’s most fascinating heroes tells the story of the Exodus in all its majesty, using abundant location footage, rare paintings and artifacts, and interviews with biblical experts.
Native American Video Series
VHS
Includes 5 sixty minutes videos:
Geronimo
Seasons of the Navajo
The Spirit of Crazy Horse
Odyssey — Myths and Mindbuilders
Winds of Change — A Matter of Promises.
Neighboring Faiths: Exploring World Religions with Jr Hi
UUA
Thirty-two flexible sessions explore different faith traditions, from historical origins to their presence in today’s multi-religious reality. Participants plan their own program by choosing the religious groups they want to learn about, visit and relate to their own growing faith. Includes historical resources and tips for visiting other faiths, hosting guests, creating worship experiences and more. Adaptable for senior high youth and adults.
The New U
Highsmith/Mclaughlin/Schmidt
An orientation program for new members of UU societies.
No Punching Judy
UUSC
Curriculum with video for primary through high-school that promotes prevention of domestic violence. Includes materials for sermons and guidelines for a one-day adult workshop that looks at the relationship between violence and gender role stereotyping, poor communication and lack of nonviolent conflict resolution skills.
Noah
VHS
From A&E Television series Biography: fascinating study of the figure who envisioned a terrible end and new beginning for mankind, using interviews with experts and historians, film footage from the region and rare paintings and artifacts.
Odyssey Four: Path of Knowledge
UUA
Individualized, integrated program for UUs wishing to deepen and intensify their religious journeys. Offers four paths that together form a complete religious experience: Spiritual Discipline, Knowledge, Celebration and Witness/Action. Can be used by individuals or small groups. Study questions and bibliographies in 12 areas.
On the Path: Spirituality for Youth and Adults
Wayne Arnason and Others
Ten sessions for ages 15 and older inviting reflection on spirituality. Included are lesson plans, exercises, activities, visual aids, readings.
One World One Earth
New Society Publishers
Ages 3–15. Imaginative learning activities and discussion starters make this the perfect guide for explaining difficult and sensitive issues — human rights, environmental concerns and more. Includes suggestions for action and reading.
Our UU Story
UUA
Six-session program for adults which uses original sources to introduce adults to our religious history. Using historical essays, group discussions and activities this program delves into the history and heritage of UUism, current theological trends and issues, personal religious values and trends for the future.
Our Whole Lives Grade 10–12
UUA
Using a comprehensive approach, this program helps senior high youth gain the knowledge, life principles and skills they need to express their sexuality in life enhancing ways. Includes a parent orientation and 12 sessions. Includes Sexuality and Our Faith and Advocacy manual grades 10–12.
Paganism 101
A Unitarian Exploration of the New Paganism
Louise Bunn, 1998
A nine session course for adults on paganism. Includes sessions on the rituals, elements, circles, symbols, and practices of paganism.
Paradigms Lost and Gained
Jeff Liebmann
A 10-session curriculum for Jr and Sr High youth that helps teens recognize elements of their lives that are ‘toxic’ and to move towards using their Sacred Voice to articulate their anxieties. The program teaches youth basic life skills through an approach of identifying one’s core mission, prioritizing goals, evaluating performance and keeping balance in one’s lives. This curriculum uses a variety of fun and challenging approaches to help youth explore themselves and their relationships with others. For the primary game element that runs throughout the program (and can involve the entire church community), the youth see themselves as a company and earn stock in themselves through their actions. Also included is an Adult Supplement — Paradigms Regained. This supplement is intended to run concurrently with the youth program. Optimally, churches will offer both programs as youth and adult religious education at the same time.
Parent Trilogy
UUA
Three timeless favorites in one volume: Being A UU Parent offers 5 sessions and 17 handouts on theology and real-life child-rearing. Parents as Resident Theologians includes 6 sessions and 12 readings to help parents and kids look at their beliefs about god, prayer and other religious issues. Parents as social Justice Educators provides 6 sessions on values clarification and how to talk about social issues.
Parents as Resident Theologians
Roberta and Chris Nelson
UUA
4–6 sessions giving parents an opportunity to deal more creatively with their children’s religious questions with prescribing answers.
Parents As Social Justice Educators
UUA
Provides 6 sessions on values clarification and how to talk about social issues.
Parents as Spiritual Guides
Roberta and Christopher Nelson
Curriculum empowering parents to bring spiritual growth into the home, where the communion and rituals of family life can support the ‘dynamic process of faith development.’ Materials include extensive leader preparation plus 6 session plans.
Eight sessions with reading and discussion guide on female/male relationships
Peace Experiments
UU Peace Network
A five-session curriculum offering over 100 activities and specific lesson plans for K–2, 3–4, 5–6, junior high, senior high; a workshop for adults; an intergenerational celebration; and a teacher training workshop. Materials could be adapted for a weekend workshop.
Philosophy Making: Process Guide
UUA
Process guide for defining a statement of purpose for a church or fellowship
A Place At the Table: Struggles for Equality in America
Southern Poverty Law Center
Recommended for grades 8 and above and including a documentary film exploring the historical struggle for equality through the eyes of today’s young people, a richly illustrated text and a complete teacher’s guide. Material spans 3 centuries to show how individuals and groups have toppled barriers in education, transportation, voting, employment and housing. Teacher’s guide describes various ways to use the video and accompanying text.
For High School age and Young Adults exploring the dynamics of anger and hurt, conflict, listening, communication, cooperation and assertiveness. Uses experience-based learning exercises to develop mediation skills and understanding for face-to-face resolution. Practical ready to use guide and reference to use in helping young adults learn self-esteem, skills and values at the heart of the truly democratic processes.
Plays and Dramatic Worship Services from REACH collections
P.T. Barnum: The poor person’s Emerson, based on the biography by Irving Wallace
Courageous Women: The Unitarian Universalist heritage to activists today developed by the UUWF
The Universalist Story: Story of Universalism told by Murray, Potter, Barton and others.
Meet Mary Wollstonecraft: The first person to speak at any length to women’s rights.
Yes, No, and Yes and No — A Dialog: Poetry selected and arranged by Laura Cooper Rendina
There are Those too Gentle: Two readers in a service based on James Kavanaugh’s “There are men too gentle to live among wolves”.
We Are Part fire Part Dream: Native American based service on the Medicine Wheel
The Wheel of Life: A service celebrating the life or great occasion in the lives of Unitarian Universalists.
Sojourner’s Place: A dramatic reading on the life of Sojourner Truth
A Different Drummer: Play on the life of Thoreau
Reverence for Life: Worship service honoring Albert Schweitzer
The Radiance of Life: Worship service based on color
Ten magical plays for children to celebrate the good will and hope that Christmas and Easter symbolize in UU heritage and culture.
Power of Myth
Joseph Campbell and Bill Moyers
VHS
Six interviews — 60 minutes each. Hero Adventure. Message of Myth. First Storytellers. Sacrifice and Bliss. Love and the Goddess. Masks of Eternity
Quest
Alorie Boyle Parkhill
A group of Questions demand answers from Life, who responds with examples of many religious possibilities. Good for a small cast. 40 minutes
Quest VHS
1st UU Church — Rochester
This Alorie Parkhill play was performed in 1990. Use this tape to plan your own performance, and/or as a resource for curricula such as Beginning UUism, How can I Know what to Believe?, We Believe, A Stepping Stone Year. 35 minutes
REACH
UUA
Collections of resources and references reprinted from REACH packets. The following are available:
Adult Education for Small Societies
Christmas
Considering Worthship with Children
Easter and Spring
Peace Resources
UUism for Small Societies
Resources for Youth Program for Small Societies
Remember Universalism into Life
Rev Raymond Nasemann and Rev Elizabeth Strong
UUA
Eight week discussion series exploring, through the keynote addresses of the New York State Convention of Universalist and historic Universalist statements of faith, enabling participants to better answer basic life questions. What is Universalism’s contribution to the UU faith? Provides an opportunity for participants to explore their own developing personal faith. Each session designed for 2 hour time block.
Rise Up and Call Her Name
UUWF, 1995
13-week curriculum visits several earth-based spiritual traditions in North America, Central America, Africa, India and Asia where the earth is considered sacred and the processes of nature are believed to hold valuable lessons for us all. Offers goddess images, historical and cultural context, experiential exploration, contemporary voices and art, discussion and personal sharing and participatory rituals.
Sacred Threads: Asian Religions
Jeff Liebmann, First Unitarian Church Pittsburgh
20-Session curriculum designed for Unitarian Universalist high school religious education classes. Sacred Threads helps youth identify unique elements of modern Asian religions and recognize characteristics that these religions share with each other and with Unitarian-Universalism. It helps youth explore how attributes of these other religions have relevance to their own spiritual journeys. Sacred Threads also helps youth understand the nature of religion in human society, both as it influences their own lives as well as the relations among communities and nations. Students first identify basic characteristics common to religions of primitive cultures and the nature of thinking that generally leads people to establish religions. Students then discuss the religions of India (Hinduism, Hinayana Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism), the religions of China (Mahayana Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Chinese Folk Religions) and the religions of Japan (Shintoism, Zen).
Salted with Fire
VHS
UUA
Video companion to the book Salted with Fire. Seven UU ministers share their views on evangelism in this dynamic presentation. Perfect for anyone considering how to spread the word about Uuism. 60 minutes.
From A&E Television series Biography: a look at one of Bible’s most tragic stories tells dramatic story of love and betrayal, with abundant location footage, rare paintings, artifacts and interviews with experts and historians.
Sexism and Peacemaking
UU Peace Network
Five-session adult curriculum helps women and men together explore questions of war, sex roles and socialized behavior. Guide, handouts, slides.
About Sexual Abuse: A Program for Teens and Young Adults
UUA
Groundbreaking program offers guidelines for identifying symptoms of abuse, true stories, profiles of typical offenders and more. Contains extensive bibliography. Use on its own or as a part of Life Issues for Teens.
Sexual Harrassment and Teens: A Program for Positive Change
Strauss and Espeland
UUA
Timely program addresses the causes, effects and laws concerning sexual harassment. Examines school policies, presents case studies, describes a procedure for preventing harassment. Questionnaires, activities, extensive resources and reproducible handouts. Grades 7–12
Side by Side: Mothers and Daughters Exploring Selfhood and Womanhood Together
bly, Graham, Reinauer
A curriculum written for mothers and their pre-adolescent daughters in seven sessions. Goals include providing a forum for mothers and daughters to examine their relationship through planned activities and discussions ; explore many aspects of who we are as females; raise awareness of how our culture advocates on very narrow definition of female beauty and encourages conformity.
Slave Reparations: The Final Passage
UUA
DVD
Leading reparations proponents discuss the legacy of slavery and address the most often voiced objections to the current request for reparations. Addresses objections to reparations: Other groups have overcome poverty and prejudice; I had nothing to do with it!; This issue is divisive; We already have welfare and affirmative action.
From A&E Television series Biography: a richly detailed look at a man of towering intellect and legendary passion tells the story of Solomon drawing on interviews with experts, rare paintings and artifacts, and extensive location visits.
Sorceress
Pamela Berger
VHS
Reveals the wisdom and dedication of a medieval healer, Elda, who pursues her calling in the presence of persecution and heretical condemnation 60 minutes.
Spirituality in Everyday Life
Susan Breiddal — Unitarian Church of Victoria
A seven-session course designed for Adult Religious Education it is one response to a growing need to develop and express spirit in a way that honors UU principles respecting diversity and individual responsibility. It is an opportunity to explore and expand spirituality in a group setting. The aim is to provide a practical, stimulating guide, drawing on material from creative thinking, cross-cultural information, Transpersonal Psychology and literature. Appropriate for inter-generational groups who want to expand their experience of the sacred and are willing to be open to new ideas.
Stone House Conversations
Hugo J. Holleroth, Editor
Aims to assist RE committees and congregations in the development of programs for persons of all ages by exploring the questions: what is Uuism? What are the objectives of UU religious education? What content and experiences should be included in our curricula to fulfill these objectives?
Talk with Teens about Health and Stress
Free Spirit
Junior and Senior High. Fifty guided discussions — topics include success and failure, loneliness, procrastination and test scores. Helps teens share feelings and concerns, gain awareness and self-esteem, make better decisions and cope with stress.
Talk with Teens About Feelings, Family, Relationships, and the Future
Free Spirit Press
Junior and Senior High. Fifty guided discussions offer safe avenues for young people to “just talk.’ From mood swings and teen suicide to love and happiness, each ready-to-use guide contains informative background material, important guidelines and reproducible handouts. Concrete, step-by-step instructions for any adult trying to affirm teens.
Thinking the Web: UU and Controversial Moral Issues for Hi School
Jeff Liebmann, First Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh
25-session curriculum design for Unitarian Universalist high school religious education classes. Thinking the Web helps youth discuss complex legal issues that have broad moral implications both historically and in today’s society, especially focussing on the Unitarian Universalist perspective articulated in resolutions passed at annual General Assemblies. Thinking the Web also helps youth develop and enhance their techniques of systematic thinking through the application of critical and creative thinking strategies as applied to these discussions. Students discuss medical issues, societal issues and global issues. Throughout the curriculum, students are exposed to a range of systematic thinking skills including how to structure discourse on moral issues, evaluating arguments, creating ideas and hypotheses, and understanding the consequences of applying one’s ideas.
UU Catechism
Tony Larsen
UUA
This program can be used with intermediate age children through adults. It includes songs, games and a booklet for children. The format is question and answers. Material can also be abstracted for use in worship.
UU University 2006
UUA
DVD
Includes the following: The Emotional Dynamics of Leadership — four modules, multiple presenters (42:09); Practical Tools for Leadership — 10 modules, multiple presenters (1:04:20).
Understanding the Bible
Rev. John Buehrens
UUA
8 sessions as a basic introduction to the Bible for religious liberals. Includes Old and New Testament discussions. “An intelligent understanding of the Bible is indispensable to anybody in the Western world who wishes to think wisely about religion.”
Understanding The World’s Religions
Study Guide to Huston Smith’s The world’s Religions
UUA
Lifespan series by Gary Kowalski (1997) intended as adult reading and discussion course centered on Huston smith’s classic The worlds Religions. Each participant will need a copy of this book. Guidelines for leaders, discussion questions for 1½- to 2-hour sessions. Nine sessions.
Up Close and Personal
Donna J. Moore Bainbridge UU Fellowship
Experiential exercises for building a spiritual community. Designed for UU layleaders who want to conduct adult interactive exercises within their churches or fellowships. This book contains ice breakers, closure exercises, getting acquainted activities, 6 mini programs, rituals and ceremonies.
Deepak Chopra shares the keys to rekindling magic and enchantment in our lives. There have always been wizards, in the form of poets, saints, philosophers and seers. Chopra illustrates the way in which we may ‘change the quality of our attention’. He illustrates his principles with quotes from St Augustine, Neitschze, Emily Dickinson and others. “The wizard seeks what we have always sough deep inside us: freedom. And freedom is to escape the boundaries of space and time, to experience ourselves in our pure essence, which is spirit.” 1 hour 20 minutes
We Are Unitarian Universalist Today
VHS
UUA
From a vibrant and growing congregation in Tahlequah, OK, to the home of a young UU couple in Boston, this engaging video captures the essence of Uuism on videotape. Ideal for new and prospective members 13 minutes
Weaving the Fabric of Diversity
UUA
Eight week adult anti-bias program designed to help congregations examine the ‘isms’ that can hold us back from embracing diversity: racism, heterosexism, ableism, classism and ageism. Learning strategies include case studies, small group activities, light and often humorous exercises, worship and interactive activities. Invites participants to make plans for increasing diversity in their congregation.
What Do You Stand For?
Free Spirit Press, 1997
Invites kids ages 10 and up to explore and practice honesty, empathy, integrity, respect and more. Includes quotations, activities, problem-solving exercises, true stories and reproducible handouts.
Thomas Moore shows how the great religious traditions of the world strive to answer these mysteries. Incorporating the films of Elda Hartley, noted for her penetrating documentaries of the world’s faiths, ordinary Christians, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, Taoists, Muslims and Sufis discuss their personal quest. Journey along the many fascinating pathways man uses his ultimate journey towards a single goal, enlightenment. Approx. 60 min.
Win! Win!
Peace Education foundation
This curriculum brings the Fighting Fair philosophy to secondary school students. This new teen unit consists of a set of magazines, a video and a teacher’s guide. Rather tan sticking to the traditional workbook format, Win! Win! Has the look of a high quality magazine featuring lively writing, full color photos and cutting edge graphics — designed for today’s sophisticated teens. Features celebrities like Will smith and guest writers such as Dave Barry. Includes video featuring five scenarios that address sexual harassment, discrimination and peer pressure.
Wisdom of Faith — Huston Smith with Bill Moyers
Hinduism and Buddhism, Islam, Confucius, Christianity and Judaism, A Personal Philosophy
VHS
For fifty years Huston Smith has devoted himself to exploring the world’s faiths, seeking to understand their hold on the human heart. In conversation with Bill Moyers Smith talks about the differences and surprising similarities of the world’s great religions. Smith clearly explains beliefs that often puzzle us. These thought-provoking discussions prove that all religions are windows onto the same transcendent truths. 6 hours on five cassettes.
Women and Spirituality
National Film Board of Canada
VHS
Goddess Remembered examines pre-Christian goddess worshipping religions offering insights into ancient cultures and exploring contemporary women’s spirituality movement inspired by them.
Burning Times explores the dark episode in human history known as witch hunts of 15h to 17th century Europe suggesting that this widespread church and state sanctioned torture and killing of “witches” set the stage for modern society’s acceptance of violence against women
Full Circle examines the latest manifestation of women’s spirituality in the Western world advocating a reverence for the earth which in turn can become a healing process for ourselves.
A study guide for the book by the same name. Investigation of feminist theaology.
Words to Live By: Creating a Personal Credo
Judith Burch
Designed for youth and young adults, this 10-session program explores our human search for purpose and meaning. The program offers young people an opportunity to identify, articulate, and evaluate their core beliefs and values; and to improve their decision making skills. Participants are guided through the process of writing and sharing a personal credo that expresses their most deeply held beliefs and convictions.
You the Creator — Adult Supplement
Green Timber Publications
Emotional, and social activities based on You the Creator promoting creative growth.
From 1965 to 1973, filmmaker Elda Hartley produced seven films about her friend Alan Watts, considered to be the West’s foremost interpreter of Eastern thought. She has combed her archives, creating a single program of Watts’ finest work. The full range of his inspiring wisdom presented here includes the basic teachings of Zen, how Zen reflects the images of nature and our oneness with the Universe’s natural rhythms and the art of meditation. 60 min