Adult Spiritual Development
Our AFD program provides opportunities for adults to be challenged educationally and spiritually around issues related to the UU Principles and Purposes.
Throughout the year we sponsor forums, courses and workshops that meaningfully connect adults to both Granite Peak and Unitarian Universalism. These offerings take advantage of curricula developed by the UUA and others and also locally designed courses and involve a number of different instructors and facilitators.
Our Faith Development programs focus on 1) Anti-Racism, Anti-Oppression topics, 2) Personal Spiritual Development, 3) UU History, and 4) Leadership development.
Most sessions are in person one of the congregational buildings although some may be presented by Zoom.
For more information about our Adult Faith Development program or to request or offer a program, contact Mary Ann Clark, drmaryann49@mac.com.
2026–27 Programs
Introduction to Islam
Presented by Mary Ann Clark and Sandi Brito
September 9, 16, 23 from 1-3 in Faith Development Building.
Come learn more about Islam from a scholar (Mary Ann) and a practicing Muslim (Sandi). If possible, before the first class, please read Acts of Faith: The Story of an American Muslim, the Struggle for the Soul of a Generation, by Eboo Patel. Copies are available in the GPUUC library.
For more information, contact Mary Ann Clark (drmaryann49@mac.com).
Cakes for the Queen of Heaven: In Ancient Times
Presented by Mary Ann Clark and Sue Wilkes
October 7, 14, 21, 28, and November 4 from 1-3 in Faith Development Building.
An introduction to feminist thealogy and women’s religious history with a focus on reclaiming women’s contributions to art, literature and religion using the work of archeologists, anthropologists, and historians. Learn women’s half of the human story and consider new questions about the earliest human civilizations.
For more information, contact Mary Ann Clark (drmaryann49@mac.com)
Beloved as We Are
Presented by the Rev. Michelle Graves and Catherine Forthun
January 6, 13, 20, 27 and possibly February 3 in FD-A from 1 to 3 pm.
Based on the book Beloved as We Are: Building a Congregational Culture of Disability Inclusion, a powerful and much-needed collection that blends personal stories and resources to help members of liberal religious congregations foster accessible and inclusive communities for disabled people. Every congregation has work to do around ableism and this work is never finished. Beloved as We Are, both the book and the workshop offer both a call and a companion for communities committed to living their values more fully. A copy of the book is available in the GPUUC library.
2025-26 Programs
Our Shared Values presented by Rev. Machelle in November,
Introduction to World Religions based on God is Not One
Skills for Disagreeing Better, presented by Braver Angels in January.
AZ Corporation Commission: Reasonable and Just? The Little-Known 4th Branch of Government and the Ethics of Electric Bills presented by Melanie Beikman, head of Interfaith Power and Light and sponsored by the GPUUC Adult Faith Development Committee, the GPUUC Social Justice Council, the Interfaith Power and Light, Northern AZ Climate Change Alliance, and Interfaith Climate Action Tea.
Ho'oponopono - The Hawaiian Practice of Forgiveness & Resolution presented by Barry & Gayla Gordon.
The UUA Common Read for this year, Social Change Now: A Guide for Reflection and Connection by Deepa Iyer (Skinner House) see https://www.uua.org/lifespan/curricula/read. Cancelled
2024-25 Programs
An Introduction to Buddhism presented by Peg Travis.
An exploration of The Book of Longings (Sue Monk Kidd).
An exploration of this year’s UUA Common Read, Authentic Selves.