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Faith Formation: Q’ Pasa?

Clergy gathering in Minneapolis, including Rev Audette, to bear witness to the community and say no to the cruelty of ICE. May their witness be heard and may they be safe.
Our community is preparing for a snowstorm. Please take safety precautions and reach out to each other, especially neighbors and friends that are living alone or may have health issues. Here is a resource from the Wren Fire Department with a helpful checklist.
The national scene continues to be a mess. I share with you this reflection that gave me hope and perspective. A reminder that we are not alone.

And Faith Formation at UU Avl persists amid the turmoil! Our Middle School family game night was fun! We are hoping to “grow” this event. Be on the lookout for the next game night.

Kim hosted a breakfast for our families with children K-2 and we had thirty attendees. It was a joyful, playful time. A small group populated the UUAvl table at this year’s MLK Breakfast. It was good to be in community and be inspired to stay focused on justice.

Adult Faith formation is sponsoring two programs:

UUA Common Read: Social Change Now!
The sessions will guide us in applying the teachings and practices of Social Change Now to activate, re-invigorate, and support social justice projects throughout our movement and all our common work for change. Listen to our UUA president Sofia Betancourt introduce this program.
When? March 23, 30 & April 6; 3-4:30 PM – Sandburg Hall
Facilitators: Bernise Lynch, Karen Vaughn, Mary Alm, Rev. Claudia
To register contact faithdev@uuasheville.org

Adult Our Whole Lives. An invitation to explore healthy sexuality as we age.
Rev. Claudia will be preaching about the importance of Our Whole Lives on Feb 1 as we explore the theme of Embodying Resilience.
When? 6-8 PM; Sanctuary · Feb 11: Sexuality & Values March 11: Attitudes About Aging April 8: Sexuality and Loss or Family Matters
Facilitator Team: Jill Preyer, Wilma Oman, Kelly Wedell, Rev. Claudia · To register please complete this form

Take care. Be safe. Care for each other.

Un abrazo,

Rev. Claudia Jiménez
Minister of Faith Formation

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Rose, bud, thorn. Do you know that check in practice? A common one in youth programming, it’s a way of sharing with the group something good, something prickly, and something ready to bloom in your life. My check in is about our high school teens at UU Asheville.

Rose: My heart is glowing after a full day and eve of winter retreat happenings for both of our youth groups this past Saturday.

The Coming of Agers defined UUism in Madlib form and in UU elevator speeches as an introduction to credo formation; completed a fun, mission-based scavenger hunt; tuned in to their inner selves in a labyrinth walk; and bonded with their mentors and peers – all as rich ways to grow in community and to explore their values, beliefs, and UU faith.

Our YRUU (Young Religious UU) youth group had a full day and evening too! They volunteered at First Presbyterian’s Saturday Sanctuary, dug into YRUU worship planning work, and also walked the labyrinth as a new spiritual practice.

Both groups had playful and spirited blended time together in the evening with games; conversation & competition; campfire & s’mores; and some older teens sharing pearls of wisdom with younger youth. It was truly a beautiful (double!) retreat and heartwarming to witness the growing bonds and support they freely give one another. 

Our UU Asheville teens are inspiring, playful, mature, funny, willing and helpful, spirited, serious… they are beautiful humans, and we are fortunate to have them in our community! We hope you will honor them and attend the upcoming winter and spring happenings involving our children & youth.

Buds: Upcoming events — all are invited and encouraged to attend! 

You’re invited to the Big Event! Get your tickets this week for an evening of dinner and entertainment on Saturday, January 24 at 5:30pm in Sandburg Hall. Get ready for a family-friendly evening of ENTERTAINMENT, TRIVIA, BAKED ZITI, and COMMUNITY, hosted by our youth families. They’ve assured us it will be fun! Tickets are sliding scale with suggested donation: adults $15-20, children $7-10, and family tickets are $40-50. Click here to purchase tickets in advance or buy them at the table in Sandburg Hall this Sunday. If you want child care for your littles under 8, contact Kimberly Mason ASAP at masonfab5@gmail.com. Funds raised will support the summer youth work trip to West Virginia. 

Save the date for the annual YRUU-led worship on Sunday, February 22. We hope you’ll join us for that special service!

As well as the…

• Faith Formation worship service: March 22.
• Coming of Age credo service: May 17. 

We are deeply grateful for the good UU adult guides who work with our youth! This year’s YRUU advisors: Jim Gamble, Margaret McAlister, Emily Pegram, Connie Silver, CoA facilitators: Allison Hardesty, Brett Johnson, Langdon Martin, Kelly Wedell. CoA mentors: Nancy Bragg, Allen Currens, Iris Hardin, Patrick Hester, Lisa Horak, Mike Horak, Tom House, Steve Lapointe, Sharon LeDuc, and Matt Reynolds. Thanks also to recent spiritual practice activity leaders: Joanne Fox, Gini Jones, and Fredda Mangel. Our youth programs thrive because of their dedicated and skilled time and energy.

Oh, and the thorn? A few youth couldn’t attend the retreat due to wrestling tourney, play performance, sickness, end of semester tests or missing the memo. That will happen but still a bummer they couldn’t be there and the group missed them. 

Thanks so much,

Jen Johnson

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I don’t know about you, but December life in a congregation is a little crazy. First, there are numerous additional and different activities and worship & social offerings. Then there’s the fact that many meetings have been moved up or around or possibly cancelled; others have workloads you’re desperately trying to finish up before the end of the year. Then, of course, there’s the holiday itself: shopping, wrapping, baking, cards and if you’re lucky, invitations of various kinds, plans and beds to be made up. The holiday comes, and it, too, can be a kind of whirlwind – schedules all askew, for wonderful or challenging or even lonely reasons.

The temptation, of course, is to have fun and then come back raring to go in the new year. But over these many years in ministry, I have found that if I do that, I can return to my congregation, my colleagues and my beloveds perhaps cheerful, but often just as spent and with no focus for the part of the year that needs a great deal of care, attention, and planning. Mid-year reviews; budget planning, long range planning, justice work and showing up fully present to people who are hurting, worried, struggling; each of these deserve my all.

That’s why, several years ago, I adopted the practice of resisting my most painful urges and to do a time of silence, reflection, prayer, reading and quiet thinking and planning. This allows me to resist a headlong fling back into work, becoming swept up – and away –  in the fast-moving energy that January and February plans in churches always bring. I can be more sure I’ve at least taken some time to reset my nervous system from anxious or overwhelmed to something more centered, so my footing in the fast-moving streams of life are more grounded. I want to be able to respond, rather than react. 

I’m on day two of mostly silence, and I am becoming more conscious of my anxiety, what is swirling and fretting me, my genuine concerns and sorrows I’ve left too long untended. Experience has now led me to trust that if I remain thoughtful and present, and allow things to arise, be observed, reflect and give some care to my own swollen, tender and broken heart, I may not be magically healed, but I will find a different way to hold all that is mine to hold. And by taking this time for myself, at a time when everyone is calling me back to the busy-ness of the world, I am trying to be able to bring a better self back with me – because you deserve that. 

I wish for you some quiet time, even in your day-to-day, to check in with your heart, see where you truly want to head, and to find new ways to bless the world. See you in church.

With love,

Rev. Audette

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As we look ahead to the new year, we wish you a 2026 filled with love, hope, laughter, and possibility.

Everything that happens at UUAvl happens because of you. Your time, talents, and commitment are the heart of this community, and we are deeply grateful for the way you welcomed Heath and me so warmly.

We are excited for what lies ahead and cannot wait to continue building, growing, and making more memories together in the year to come.

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What a year this has been! All of us have experienced joys and celebrations this year as well as losses and sorrows. It has often been in community that we have been held as we rejoiced or lamented. A special shout out to our Pastoral Care Team who hosted a worship service earlier this month for those for whom the holidays are difficult. What a beautiful expression of care for our UU Avl community.

This year many of us have shared a common concern for the authoritarian direction in which our country is headed. Now more than ever, we need each other. We need spiritual practices that ground us and opportunities to resist immoral leadership that is not grounded in values that center love and thriving for all. I am grateful to be serving UU Avl in this tumultuous time that calls for people of faith to live into their values. We have a thriving Lifespan Faith Formation Program that supports spiritual deepening as well as putting our faith in action. I have deep gratitude for all the facilitators that give of their time and talent to support children, youth and adults on their spiritual journeys. We could not serve our growing community without you!

The Adult Faith Formation Team and I have three new programs in mind for 2026: 

• UU History 101
• Common Read Series: Social Change Now by Deepa Iyer
• Adult OWL – Our Whole Lives

If any of these are of interest or if you have questions, please let me know. You will be hearing about these programs in the new year.

Our justice ministries are also engaging many of you. Thank you for another year (this is our 4th year!) of supporting the BeLoved Pantry. Thank you for your generosity in supporting our Community Plate partners. Each of our numerous ministries is lay-led and maintained by your participation. If you are wanting to be involved and don’t know where to start, consider reaching out to one of our team leaders or me in the new year.

As we prepare to welcome the new year and the lengthening of the days, may we all take time to slow down and find ways to show our appreciation for the people and the planet that sustain us. Whatever your practices and traditions for the winter holidays, may they be joyful and delicious. May there be time to rest, to nurture your body and spirit so that you may be re-energized and fortified for what the new year may bring. 

With love,

Rev Claudia Jiménez
Minister of Faith Formation

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The Family Drop-In Soul Matters group is happening this Sunday!

Join me in The Commons after worship on Sunday as we explore the theme of Hope using the discussion questions in this month’s Soulful Home packet. Plan to bring a lunch or snack for your fam, kids are welcome to hang out in the Commons while we meet! Here are a few sample questions: 

1. When have you seen hope grow out of something hard or unexpected?
2. If you could give someone who feels hopeless one gift, what would it be?
3. What’s one tradition or ritual that helps your family stay hopeful?

Whether you can join us on Sunday or not, please check out this month’s Soulful Home packet, linked below. The packet contains movie recommendations, game suggestions, and parent resources, all great tools to navigate the holiday season – especially over the school break! Find the packet here!

Holiday Worship Schedule

Sunday, December 21 – All Ages Pageant Service at 11:15 am 

Families should sit together in the Sanctuary. Child care begins at 10:45 this week.

CUUPS Winter Solstice/Yule Celebration

Join Blue Ridge Spirit CUUPS for a high-spirited celebration of winter solstice, or Yule, on Sunday, December 21, at 5pm in the sanctuary. On the shortest day and longest night of the year, we welcome the return of the light in community with singing, dancing, and a Mummer’s Play from Old England. Children are especially welcome for this evening of merriment. Please bring a dish to share for the potluck afterward.

Questions? Contact susanjfosterphd@gmail.com

Wednesday, December 24 – Family Christmas Eve Service at 4 pm in the Sanctuary

All ages are welcome at our afternoon service. Dress cozy (pajamas welcome!) and come hear the story of 3 births with Rev. Claudia and Kim. Wiggles welcome! Afterward, join us in Sandburg Hall for a cookie reception sponsored by the UU Hikers. Cookie donations welcome! Just drop them off before worship.

There will also be a choir concert at 7 pm, followed by a Candlelight service with singing and story at 7:30 pm.

Sunday, December 28 – Poetry Service at 10 am (one service only!) 

Child care available starting at 9:30 am. Special program for children and youth. We could use a couple of volunteers to lead an easy art project and game play – let me know if you can help out!

Chalice Lighters Needed – We need someone for 12/28!

We love it when children and youth are part of worship! Sign up now for Winter (late Dec.-Feb.) Services! Sign up by Noon on Thursday for the coming Sunday. *Please note: Chalice lighters need to arrive 15 minutes before worship begins and check in with the worship leader!

Thanks, and happy holidays! – Kim

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As the holiday season unfolds, I’m delighted to share that our congregation has once again gathered around the warmth and symbolism of our annual UU Holiday Giving Tree. This year’s theme—sustaining a community committed to making the world more just, compassionate, and equitable—feels especially meaningful to me. In a world that urgently needs our values in action, the Giving Tree invites each of us to help sustain our spiritual home that grounds and inspires our commitment to living with love at the center.

The Giving Tree is a Board-led fundraiser, and all contributions go directly to our operating fund—the foundation that supports our worship, pastoral care, religious education, social justice work, and the many behind-the-scenes essentials that keep our community thriving. With giving levels ranging from $5 to $10,000, I love that everyone can participate in a way that feels right and meaningful – every gift, no matter the size, strengthens our shared mission. Posters and flyers near the tree provide examples of what many different levels of support could cover, just a few examples include:

• $15 could cover a copy of The Unitarian Universalist Pocket Guide for new members
• $50 could cover childcare one Sunday
• $100 could cover 5 books for adult book study
• $250 could cover a guest artist musician on a Sunday
• $1,000 could cover two months of power
• $5,000 could cover our subscription to REALM for a year.

I am thrilled to share that the first weekend of the Giving Tree saw tremendous generosity—over 45 donations already! To everyone who has given so far, THANK YOU! Your early support is inspiring and reflects how deeply our congregation cares about sustaining the work we do together.

As a small gesture of gratitude, I invite every donor to take a hand-painted ornament from the tree. These works of art, created with care, represent the beauty we create collectively and the impact of many hands shaping a more hopeful future. For those considering year-end charitable giving for tax purposes, this is also a meaningful opportunity to support the congregation while meeting personal financial goals.

If you haven’t yet had a chance to participate, I warmly invite you to join me. You can follow this link or scan the QR code on the flyer, poster, or back of an ornament with your phone’s camera to make a donation. Together, we can sustain a community that keeps compassion alive, justice moving forward, and our shared light shining brightly into the year ahead.

warmest thanks,

Monica Youngman and the UU Asheville Board of Trustees

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We live in disorienting times. For many of us, our own day to day reality feels somewhat normal, and yet, we’re aware – acutely or dimly – that our neighbors and loved ones, our country itself, is in turmoil, at risk. It is hard to find our footing, as we try to navigate being informed and engaged, and living our lives. At greatest risk, in times like these, is our compassionate heart. It is difficult to remain present and open to the world and to those we love and to our community when we’re struggling. Compassion fatigue is real, and apathy rises. When we feel overwhelmed, one of the most common responses is avoidance. 

We humans are made for love and joy. This is just as true, perhaps even more true, when days are difficult than it is when times are easier. This is the time of year when the cultural noise puts pressure on for folx to “be merry and gay,” and of course, for many, these are not merry and gay days. In addition to the grave harms being done in our names, we experience the natural sufferings of life – some of us have lost loved ones, or are struggling to make ends meet, or are wrestling with addiction or watching loved ones struggle. These are days that cry out for nuance and grace, which can be hard to come by when the world is screaming “be happy,” and the news is shocking, day after day.

I know you have heard us say, “choose two or three things you care deeply about, and focus on those.” This is true – it’s a critical practice, though of course, it’s not really that simple. But perhaps alongside that, it helps to remember that we need some balance and flow in our days and in each week, to keep our hearts supple and open to the world with compassion. Every day, we need a little silence for reflection: perhaps a cup of tea or coffee, some journaling or reading of poetry, or taking time to look at the beauty of the world. Every day, we need a little laughter, some human interaction that reminds us we are connected in a web of love and care. Every day, we might try to do just one thing that helps or heals, that makes a difference, lets our values, needs or demands for justice be known. It can be a call to a legislator, a postcard or email sent, showing up at a town hall meeting or rally, depending on the day. It might be a call to a sick friend, or a card to someone who is struggling. It helps me to remember to do as I would hope others would or will do for me when I am in trouble. Lend a helping hand, and then rest. Drink water, sleep, tend to your body as a good gift. You don’t have to watch the news every day to be informed; find a schedule of discovery that works for you, find voices you trust and make it a spiritual practice to focus on your concerns, and then, with a loving word for the rest, set it down.

We are all in this together; wherever we are going, we are going there together. None of us is free until all of us are free. This is why Rev. Claudia and I are working together to lift up our work toward collective liberation as we do the work of the congregation. It’s why we are working to make our congregational home prepared if ICE or others come for those we love; it’s why week after week, we share ways we think you can take action and keep your heart open to the world without being overwhelmed.

If you are happy and looking forward to the holiday season, or whether it is a hard one and you tuck yourself away from forced joy, it is ok to be you with all your complex, nuanced, buoyant or difficult feelings. Our community is made to allow you to bring your whole, full, and true self to our table. You are loved, just as you are, and you are welcome here. We’re all in this together.

– Rev. Audette

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Thanksgiving is a complicated holiday, given its history and the lore around it. There’s the most likely apocryphal story of the first Thanksgiving. There’s the history of pumpkin pie, which rose to prevalence as a symbol of abolitionism, given that pumpkins could be raised by a family with a little bit of land and didn’t require slave labor. Abolitionists were also behind the movement to establish the holiday as well.

But in my wife’s family, the holiday has an importance all its own. My mother-in-law took it upon herself to make sure that each of her children learned how to make a different part of the Thanksgiving meal, so that in being together they brought the meal with them. And with each new member who joins, we add another dish so that the list of must-have side dishes reflects the growing family.

All of that said, as we celebrate this day in the U.S., I am grateful for this community. It is a community where we all bring our own part to the metaphorical feast. I am grateful for the new members that I’ve worked with these last two years and the long-standing members who have created such a wonderful community to join. I am grateful for the volunteers, the musicians and artists, and all of the lovely folks who come to our doors looking for a community of kindred spirits.

So thank you all for all that you bring to the table (metaphorical or not) and for how that creates a community worth cherishing.

In gratitude,
Trevor

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