Education / Sermon, inspiration, delivering a Unitarian message - Spring 2025
Place:
Prague, Community centre Unitaria, Anenská 5, Praha 1
LECTURERS:
Rev. Roger Bertschausen, Unity Temple, Chicago, USA
Rev. Jo James, UK
Mgr. Kateřina Kadlecová, Young Caritas CZ
Mgr. Karolína Kousalová, Informal Education Association
doc. PhDr. Zuzana Svobodová, Ph.D., Hussite Faculty of Theology, UK
Rev. Petr Samojský, D.Min., Unitarian Church of Prague, OŠS, Unitarian Academy
PhDr. Kristýna Ledererová Kolajová, Unitarian Academy
SCHEDULE:
Educational retreat, March 8–9
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P Module
Education
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N Module
Sermon, inspiration, delivering Unitarian message
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Saturday, March 8
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Sunday, March 9
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9.30–11.00
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Education in Unitarian communities as an important part of our tradition
Unitarian communities have always created space for the natural inquisitive growth of their members
In what ways? Consciously? Naturally, without conscious focusing on this area? What is the role of ministers, lay leaders and other community members in this process? What tools can be used in the congregation to create an environment that encourages personal growth?
What to focus on?
How to find the right direction for a congregation in that? …
(Roger Bertschausen, UUA)
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8.30–10.00
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The tradition of public speaking
public speaking, address, sermon and Unitarian sermon
purpose, specifics, development, forms
the secular tradition of rhetoric
the evolution of spiritual/religious message delivery (from antient storytellers to today's preachers)
the specifics of the Unitarian sermon: where it came from, how it differs from the common sermon, what is the same, similar, different; the freedom of the pulpit, changes within the times;
the need to motivate people by speech, address, and/or non-verbally
(Kristýna Ledererová, UA)
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12.30–14.30
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Is there something unique about upbringing and education in religious communities?
Faith, freedom and responsibility. Teacher and teachers. Educator and educators.
(Zuzana Svobodová,
UK: Faculty of Medicine + HTF) |
12.30–14.30
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Sources of inspiration
Where to draw inspiration for Unitarian sermons (religious texts, all kinds of art, science, Unitarian history, personal experience….
Key to choosing topics: current events, liturgical year, traditions and important events, values…
How to use personal experience and opinion, objective facts, scientific knowledge - how to treat sources correctly, what space to give interpretation, …
Is artificial intelligence changing anything in this regard?
(Roger Bertschausen, UUA)
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15.00–17.30
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Unitarian community as an
opportunity to develop civic activism, civic responsibility and democracy
guidance for a responsible approach to life, searching for suitable areas to get involved as a group or community + how to get involved
(Kateřina Kadlecová, Young Caritas)
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15.00–17.00
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Sermon in the context of the long-term concept and mission of the congregation
ties to the planning of other programs, topics and work with them, goals that we can support with the sermon and how
Factors affecting the good sermon/ effective message delivering
(Roger Bertschausen, UUA)
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Educational retreat, March 29–30
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P Module
Education
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N Module
Sermon, inspiration, delivering Unitarian message
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Saturday, March 29
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Sunday, March 30
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9.30–11.00
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Self-education within the community
What does the concept of self-education include, what are the methods and forms of self-education (formal, informal) and their advantages and disadvantages within the community and for individual age categories;
evaluation and self-evaluation;
authority
(Petr Samojský, UA)
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8.30–10.00
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Incorporating the speech into the service
Options, ways, styles, timing, dividing into several parts?
the possibility of reflection (to reflect or not? If yes, when: during the service, after the service, special sharing program...)
alternative types of sermon
(Jo James, UK Unitarians)
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12.30–14.30
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Internal programs of the congregation for personal and group sharing and mutual support of members
prevention of personal crises;
mutual support;
creating a safe space; supportive programs;
differences against open programs (open to the public)
(Jo James, UK Unitarians)
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12.30–14.30
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Examples of different work with the message within the service
Various specific examples of how the message can be delivered alternatively:
Emotional topics and questions?
encouraging, giving hope and a positive tone?
provocation?
rousing and showing human weaknesses and inadequacies? Anything else?
- When to use which approach?
The current situation in UK and the concept of traditional preaching as a centre of Unitarian ministry. Is it still functional? Are there any changes? New trends? What do you think is a healthy constant core? On the contrary, what is desirable to work creatively with?
(Jo James, UK Unitarians)
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15.00–17.30
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Intercultural competence and education
inclusiveness and the search for jointly shared values
(Karolína Kousalová, Association of Informal Education)
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15.00–17.00
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Workshop: conveying a message
15 minutes speech (sermon or alternative way)
with feedback from others:
What was missing, Was it believable? Is it convincing? Authentic? New? Attractive?...
(Petr Samojský, UA)
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