Work for Unitarian Community / Context of Worship - Autumn 2024
Place:
Prague, Community centre Unitaria, Anenská 5, Praha 1
Educational retreat, October 12–13
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P Module
Work for Unitarian Community
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N Module
Context of Worship
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Saturday, October 12
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Sunday, October 13
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9:30–11:00
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Mission of the Congregation and Its Fulfillment
Activity plans, community characteristics, development concept, engaging the membership in both preparation and execution, traditions and customs – the dynamics of development
(Kristýna Ledererová Kolajová,
Unitarian Academy)
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8:30–10:00
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The Meaning and Purpose of Spiritual Gatherings Throughout Time and Today
Gatherings as a path to personal development and the formation and strengthening of community
(Rev. Petr Samojský,
Prague Unitarian Congregation, Unitarian Academy)
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12:30–14:30
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How to Work with Spiritual Gatherings and Other Community Programs Today
Support, inspiration, new ideas, use of new media and technologies
(Rev. Mark Hutchinson,
Unitarian Community Minister; Evesham Unitarian Community)
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12:30–14:30
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What Constitutes a Spiritual Gathering?
Main and supplementary components, the process of preparing gatherings, resources and materials that can be used (Zoom + workshop)
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15:00–17:30
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Supplementary Programs Strengthening Community Life
Community space, community gardens, community housing – followed by discussion
15:00-17:30 (45, 30, 30, 45 min)
(Jakub Šandera,
Community Space Smíchov;
Štěpán Říha, Metrofarm;
prof. Michal Kohout,
Faculty of Architecture, CTU; Unitarian Academy)
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15:00–17:00
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Preparation, Planning, and Leading Spiritual Gatherings in a Small Congregation
How to lead an engaging service today? How to capture interest, and what to focus on? Should one use traditional liturgical structures or experiment? How to engage participants during the gathering? Involve community members and give them an active role?
(Rev. Mark Hutchinson,
Unitarian Community Minister; Evesham Unitarian Community)
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Educational retreat, November 9–10
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P Module
Work for Unitarian Community
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N Module
Context of Worship
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Saturday, November 9
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Sunday, November 10
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9:30–11:00
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AI in the Context of Religion
Communities and digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and relationships between people
(Mgr. František Štěch, Ph.D.,
Evangelical Theological Faculty)
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8:30–10:00
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Creative Work with Traditional Gatherings
Stability vs. variability in liturgy, working with regular attendees, how to attract and engage newcomers, rituals and customs in Unitarian spiritual gatherings
(Rev. Paige Getty,
UU Congregation of Columbia)
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12:30–14:30
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Creating the Environment of Unitarian Communities
Spaces, equipment, decoration, symbolism, atmosphere, relationships
(Rev. Paige Getty,
UU Congregation of Columbia)
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12:30–14:30
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Alternative Forms of Gatherings
For example, involving children, special thematic gatherings (Flower Communion, Water Blessing, end-of-year celebrations, and more)
(Rev. Paige Getty,
UU Congregation of Columbia)
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15:00–17:30
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The Meaning of Community
How is the Unitarian community beneficial to me, and how do I contribute to fulfilling its purpose?
Seeking natural ways for more active engagement of the membership, opportunities for support from the NSČU
(Theoretical introduction; inspiring examples; workshop + discussion, led by Kristýna Ledererová Kolajová)
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15:00–17:00
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The Broad Possibilities of Working with Music in Spiritual Gatherings
Music is not just a decorative addition to gatherings; it can be a crucial element in working with liturgical content.
(Rev. Petr Samojský,
Prague Unitarian Congregation, Unitarian Academy)
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