Adult Religious Education 2025 – 2026
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
Racial Equity Wealth Gap Learning Simulation
Open to Everyone Age 13 & Up
Saturday, January 17th, 2025
Soup, Bread, and optional potluck to follow
Child Care Available
The simulation is an interactive tool that helps people understand the connections among racial equity, hunger, poverty, and wealth. It is a good first step for people unaware of structural inequality, a support tool for those who want a deeper understanding of structural inequality, and a source of information for experts who want to know the quantifiable economic impact of each policy that has widened today’s racial hunger, income, and wealth divides.
The simulation helps people understand the connections among racial equity, hunger, poverty, and wealth. In the simulation, participants learn how federal policies created structural inequalities—property ownership and education are just two among many areas affected—and how these policies increase hunger and poverty in communities of color.
The simulation guides participants to an understanding of why racial equity is so important to ending hunger and poverty in the United States. Our hope is that participants, in becoming more aware of structural inequality, can support policies that undo and/or reduce disparities.
Soup, Bread, and nourishment of all kinds to follow, bring an item to share if you like.
RSVP on Flocknote or contact Jesi Laughlin at DLRE@peoriauuchurch.org
Emergent Nature
~Falling in love with our earth and community.~
~Growing connections as restoration~
Starting in mid-February
Meeting every other week
Join us for growth-filled discussion and nature activities informed by the teachings of Robin Wall Kimmerer, Thich Nhat Hanh & Plum Village, and Adrienne Maree Brown.
“Knowing that you love the earth changes you, activates you to defend and protect and celebrate. But when you feel that the earth loves you in return, that feeling transforms the relationship from a one-way street into a sacred bond.”
~ Robin Wall Kimmerer
Common Read 2025-26: Social Change Now!
Discussion Dates TBD
The 2025-26 UU Common Read is Social Change Now: A Guide for Reflection and Connection by Deepa Iyer (Skinner House).
Unitarian Universalists are invited to explore Iyer’s work through the lens of our UU faith and shared values. Participants explore Iyer’s Ecosystem model, the roles that comprise it, and how these can support the congregational community and, in turn, our role in wider communities where we work with others for social change.
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