Adult Religious Education 2026 – 2027
Classes vary in length of session and time of day to meet the needs of our many members and friends. Some courses are led by our Director of Lifespan Religious Education. Others are facilitated by members of our congregation who have a special interest in the subject. Sometimes we read short excerpts from books, or view and discuss video presentations. Whatever the format, thoughtful discussion is encouraged.
Child care can be offered if requested in advance. Contact Jesi Laughlin, DLRE at dlre@peoriauuchurch.org so we know how many children to plan for.
Our religious education courses are open to all – members, friends, and visitors. Bring an open mind, respect for different points of view, your own ideas, and a sense of humor.
We hope to see you at one of our classes soon!
UPCOMING CLASSES
Date with Death Club
First Saturdays, 9:30-11:30 AM, November thru April
Do you hope to face our human mortality with less fear and more curiosity? With less euphemism and more reality? With less conformity and more creativity? If that sounds like you or who you hope to become, Welcome to Date with Death Club. We’ll explore topics of aging, death, and dying. Attend One, Some, or All sessions. Sign up to be on the mailing list by emailing Jesi Laughlin at DLRE@peoriaUUchurch.org
Sessions
- November 7th – Getting Comfortable with Death Talk
- December 5th – What to Do with a Dead Body
- January 2nd – Grief: Loving & Losing, Learning & Living
- February 6th – Hospice, Palliative Care, & End of Life Documents, Oh My!
- March 6th – Aging: Better than the Alternative
- April 3rd – Planning Your Own Funeral, Memorial, or Celebration of Life Service
Emergent Nature
The UUA’s Common Read for 2026–27 is Love at the Center: Unitarian Universalist Theologies, edited by Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt.
More than two dozen UU leaders explore what it means to place love at the center of our faith and practice.
Click the button above to learn more.
Mindfulness in Nature
Join Master Naturalist Jen McDaniel for our ACORN Accessible Nature Exploration at UU Church of Peoria, Emergent Nature Mindfulness Walk!
Awaken your senses with a mindful, meditative walk through the Great Grove and Labyrinth at UU Church of Peoria. This accessible location allows us to spend our visit indoors and outdoors as needed. We will gather to ground ourselves, learn to breathe, then take a slow, easy stroll in nature’s garden. Afterwards, we can work together on our poetry skills, nature journal, or simply discuss our reflections.
Accessible parking is located next to our meeting area. Indoor shelter and restrooms are available. The outdoor trails are level, with one gentle slope, grassy and woodchipped paths. This time of year, there may be lots of acorns on the ground so tread carefully!
All are welcome in this space.
ACORN is a group for ACCESSIBLE NATURE EXPLORATION for the Peoria and Central Illinois region.
ACCESSIBLE refers to ease of mobility for those with disabilities OR ANYONE (abled or not) who is interested in a slower paced nature walk. Teen and up. Primarily adult focused.
This group will walk slowly, stay together as a group, stay within a certain range of facilities and public emergency services, will generally be low elevation grade trails with few hills, and ADA trails when available. Time frame for outings is about 45 minutes up to 90+ minutes, as ability allows.
Please provide for your own medical and accessibility needs! We are NOT MEDICALLY TRAINED in any way to deal with your individual needs. We encourage advocates and helpers to join with anyone who benefits from the assistance. Please let us know how we can help!
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