This document provides an overview of the "New UU" curriculum, which is a membership class consisting of 6 workshops that introduce Unitarian Universalism. The goals are to introduce UUism, equip newcomers for membership decisions, provide information on worship, theology, history, social justice, and governance, and facilitate integration. The workshops cover theology and worship, UU roots and history, religious education philosophy, social justice philosophy and practice, governance and decision-making, and membership rights and responsibilities. Options are provided for adapting the format and integrating it into an existing program. The presentation encourages practicing the UU theological approach and including outside panelists in workshops.

1. Midwest UU Leadership Presents
The New UU

2. This Conference Is
Being Recorded

3. The New UU:
A Tapestry of Faith
Curriculum
Rev. Jonalu Johnstone
First Unitarian Church
Oklahoma City

4. Tapestry of Faith
• Story-based
• Experience-based: Workshops and
Activities
• The 4 Strands
– Spiritual Development
– Ethical Development
– UU Identity Development
– Faith Development

5. Why a Membership Class?
• Clarity in a path to membership keeps
people from falling through the cracks
• Retention rates are higher for people
who have gone through a class
• Low expectations = low commitment;
High expectations = high commitment

6. Goals of the New UU
• Introduce Unitarian Universalism
• Equip newcomers for a decision about
membership
• Provide information about UU worship,
theology, history, social justice, religious
education, and governance
• Provide resources for further exploration
• Facilitate integration into the congregation

7. Accessing the New UU
• http://www.uua.org/re/tapestry/adults/ne
wuu/index.shtml
• Or search uua.org for Tapestry of Faith,
and select Adult Programs

8. Restructuring for Your
Setting
• Options in the Curriculum
– Set up as 6 90-minute workshops
– Adaptations for 60-minute workshops (in
Introduction for each workshop)
– Weekend workshop (under Implementation in
Introduction to The New UU)
– Half-day workshop (also under Implementation)
• Be Creative
• Use as a resource to create your own class
• Frequency -- at least yearly

9. Practicing Our Theological
Approach
• Sentence Starters and Intro Questions
• Bringing in multiple voices
– Links newcomers with established
members
– Inspires energy and deepens connections
• Cathedral of the World (Workshop 1)

10. Inviting Panelists
• Outside participation in every workshop
• Introduction (“Before You Start”)
• Select panelists who have a story to tell
and relate it well
• How to invite volunteers
• If you don’t use other panels, use
Workshop 6, Alternate Activity 2

11. Workshops
Workshop 1: Theology and Worship
Workshop 2: Where Do We Come From?
Unitarian Universalist Roots･
Workshop 3: How We Grow in Faith ﾑ
Philosophy of Religious Education
Workshop 4: Social Justice Philosophy
and Practice･
Workshop 5: How Are Decisions Made?
Governance and Polity･
Workshop 6: Membership･

12. Rights and Responsibilities
of Membership
• Regular attendance at worship
• Voting at congregational meetings
• Making financial contributions
• Contributing time and talent
• Spiritual growth and development

13. Fitting “The New UU” into
Your Existing Program
• Coordination with minister(s), Membership
Committee, Lifespan Faith Development or
Religious Education, and other
• Inviting participants -- personally and
institutionally
• Is the class a requirement?
• Follow-up: New Member Recognition
– In worship
– Publications & website
– Events

14. Q&A