A Message from Greta Porter, Director of Lifespan Faith Development:

Welcome to the Lifespan Faith Development Community of the Unitarian Universalist Church of the North Hills.  We hope you fully engage in our rich and diverse offerings for all ages and stages of religious exploration and growth.
 
Unitarian Universalism is a religion without doctrine or creed.  We believe in the free and responsible search for truth and meaning.  Our programs are grounded in our Unitarian Universalist principles and purposes.  These include affirming the worth and dignity of every person and respecting the interconnected web of existence of which we are a part.  Our living tradition draws from many sources including direct experience; the words and deeds of prophetic women and men; Jewish, Christian, and Humanist teachings; other world religions; and the spiritual teachings of earth-centered traditions.  We believe, to quote Unitarian preacher Samuel Longfellow, “Revelation is not sealed.” 
 
We welcome everyone.   The diversity of our participants is a great treasure and enriches the programs we offer for our children, our youth, and our adults.  Religious education begins early and lasts a lifetime.  We explore life’s great questions with an open mind and an open heart.  Our religious journey compels us to engage in the work of justice in the world. 
 
I have adapted the following reflections on lifespan faith development from the Unitarian Church of Rochester, Minnesota:

 
Lifespan Faith Development

“Lifespan Faith Development” is the term Unitarian Universalists now use when talking about faith-developing programs for children, youth, and adults.  The idea behind this new name is that faith development begins early and lasts a lifetime. Lifespan Faith Development is not only a new name but an expanded way of thinking about what we used to call "religious education."


Faith development begins early and lasts a lifetime

As Unitarian Universalists we embrace faith that is ever-evolving over a lifetime. Each of us is called to a free and responsible search for truth and meaning that begins at birth and is fostered as long as we live. In our welcoming congregation, we seek to support all families and all individuals according to their needs. Our Unitarian roots honor that divine spirit, the great mystery that some call God, as a loving presence in our lives, supporting us all as we make our way. Our Universalist roots affirm that everyone is born into a state of blessing and grace. While our specific beliefs diverge, our shared faith professes that each of us is called to seek truth and meaning and that our journeys are strengthened and enriched in our community of acceptance



Faith development means many things

We develop our faith through a rich offering of programs and classes offered throughout the year for children, youth, and adults. Faith development occurs when we gather to consider, plan, and implement curriculum that reaches people of many perspectives and at every stage of development. Faith is developed as we struggle and celebrate, grow and change. Faith development is living our lives in accordance with our right conscience. To that end, faith development for our congregation means everything we do together integrates to support our individual and collective spiritual growth.



Faith Development is an individual journey that can be shared

With a base of acceptance and belonging, our church builds trust, friendship, and a safe place for personal exploration. We teach soul-searching wisdom stories from many traditions including Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, and the rhythms of nature. We honor all questions, encouraging all to find many answers and requiring always respect for each person and the truths they hold. Our faith is shaped and made full by reason and experience.

Please feel free to contact me with questions, concerns, or just to introduce yourself.  I can be reached at 412-366-0244 or dlfd@uucnh.org.