There is a continuum of growth and experience that leads to an embodied sense of belonging, reciprocity, and kinship with all beings on Earth. At a young age our first connections with nature are full of wonder. Guided by curiosity, we explore and gradually build knowledge and understanding of the natural world. We build relationships with plants and animals and develop an ever-widening sense of place…and of belonging and kinship with that place. We develop empathy, and responsibility for the natural world. We become civically engaged adults whose actions are those of an ecologically conscious, global citizen. Ultimately, we understand that the ecosystem is a living entity of which humanity is only a part and we embody our belonging with deep honor and integrity. Invite your congregation to cultivate this vision across the lifespan by stepping into immersive, place-based, programming as a form of faith development.This workshop is for anyone interested in implementing nature-based faith formation programming in their churches. It will guide participants in practices that expand their own nature connection while providing tools for doing the same with those in their faith communities.

The energy and permission of play are some of our best secret weapons for replenishment, rejuvenation, and even rest. In this workshop we will revisit the notion of what it means to cultivate and regenerate play as a restorative practice in our adult lives. More specifically, we will explore simple, accessible forms of the internationally renowned program Interplay as we hold the mystery of what it means to uncover the spirit of play in a pandemical context. Participants will be invited to mine old and new songs, tools, shapes, and stories that exist within us but that perhaps we've forgotten amid the seismic shift of Covid 19. If you are craving some time and space to integrate mind and body, to nurture playful creativity, and to feel a sense of blessed wholeness and trust in body wisdom, this workshop is just right for you!

As we aimed to rejuvenate our spirit, Rev. Dr. Natalie Fenimore led theme talks on The Commission on Institutional Change Report: Widening the Circle and Religious Education Leadership. We are lucky and grateful to have had a contributing author of the report lead these talks with us. With a meaningful look at how we can widen the circle within our faith formation programs, we will rejuvenate our spirit towards racial justice.

Faith Development Week gratefully acknowledges the generosity of the Rev. Dr. Christine M. Wetzel Memorial Scholarship for supporting this 2022's theme speaker. The Scholarship, which is funded by members and friends of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock, was established to honor the memory of the Rev. Dr. Wetzel.