Soul Matters Groups
Small groups of 8-9 people who meet regularly to practice deep listening and support one another’s spiritual journeys. They meet October-June and are led by a trained facilitator.
Types of Groups
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- Soul Matters – explore the monthly theme through dialogue
- Creativity Matters – explore the monthly theme through the arts
- UU Writers – explore the monthly theme through writing
- Practice Matters – explore spiritual practices related to the themes
Meeting times vary by group.
Contact: Rev Claudia faithdev@uuasheville.org
Legacy Covenant Groups
Small groups of 8 to 10 people who meet regularly to practice deep listening in support of one another’s spiritual journeys. After being part of a Soul Matters Group, there is an opportunity to join.
UU Sangha
The sangha is a covenantal UU Asheville Faith spiritual deepening group for those interested in developing and strengthening their UU-Buddhism connection in the context of everyday life.
Meets: 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 6:30-8:00 PM, Sanctuary
Contact: Duane Bigelow*
Blue Ridge Spirit CUUPS
This chapter of the Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans is dedicated to educating people about Paganism and developing and conducting Pagan liturgies and rituals for the congregation.
Adult Faith Formation
We believe faith formation is a lifelong process that is nurtured in community.
Wildlife Support
Migrating Monarchs are endangered! To assist in their recovery, the UUAM AVL Chapter created a Monarch Habitat on the UU Asheville Campus in October 2023. Children from the RE program added the plant names with colorful painted rocks. Monarchs have been sighted resting on the milkweed. The habitat is currently maintained by the chapter. To continue our support of wildlife, a Bat Basics handout is available and a bat house was added to the campus in spring 2026.
One of the key tenets of Unitarian Universalism is that all of us are responsible for our own spiritual development. Our congregation’s mission statement includes the phrase, “we nurture individual search for meaning.” As a direct response to that mission, we provide faith formation opportunities for members of our congregation of all ages.
We believe faith formation is a lifelong process that is nurtured in community. We support all ages in that process by:
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- Developing Unitarian Universalist identity
- Offering opportunities for spiritual growth and religious education
- Creating congregational experiences that include and value all ages
- Equipping families to continue faith development at home and in family life
- Encouraging all to practice UU faith values in daily life and in the wider world
Below are some of the opportunities offered for continued spiritual deepening for adults. If you would like more information about Faith Formation for Children & Families, click here.
Small Group Ministry
Adult Faith Formation Classes
In addition to recurring groups, UU Asheville provides several programs a year to provide experiences that challenge and transform us spiritually and personally. Â These course offerings span a broad spectrum of spiritual development issues. Previous programs include:
Haunting Church: Owning Your Religious Past – An invitation to explore your religious journey in a way that promotes greater self-understanding and personal peace. What do you leave behind? What do you bring to the present? What do you redefine?
Programs are organized and promoted by the Adult Faith Formation Team with support from our Minister of Faith Formation. The team meets monthly and welcomes new members as well as proposals for programs. Suggestions can be shared here:
Other opportunities for community
Outside of our small group ministry, we have social groups and justice groups.
Latest News from Faith Formation
It’s Time to Talk to Your Kids About Race
Talking about race with your kids, especially if your family is white, can be very uncomfortable. It is our job as UUs to lean into that discomfort and do the work of justice. Our job as church staff is to give you some tools to get started and to continue the conversation. If you are anything like me, it can be really anxiety inducing to even consider having these conversations with your families.
Resources for Our Current Times
Like all of you, I am again heartbroken over the killing of black and brown people by police officers all over America. I have spent lots of time over the last week feeling at a loss for words or action. I have to remind myself frequently that this is my work. My work is to empower you to raise anti-racist, compassionate, and justice oriented children. RE staff will continue to work to bring you more resources.
Explore Spiritual Deepening at UUCA
Buddhist Fellowship Meets Tuesday, June 9, 7-8:15pm via Zoom. We start with a 30-minute (unguided) meditation followed by dharma/UU sharing, and end with 10 minutes of social interaction. Contact Jim Steffe for Zoom code. PeacemakersOur...