Adult Faith Development

Our AFD program provides opportunities for adults to be challenged educationally and spiritually around issues related to the UU Principles and Purposes.

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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.

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Our Faith Development programs focus on 1) Anti-Racism, Anti-Oppression topics, 2) Personal Spiritual Development, 3) UU History, and 4) Leadership development.

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Most sessions are in person one of the congregational buildings although some may be presented by Zoom.

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For more information about our Adult Faith Development program or to request or offer a program, contact Mary Ann Clark, drmaryann49@mac.com.

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2025-26 Programs​

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• ​​Introduction to World Religions based on God is Not One: Part 3 Confucianism, Taoism, Judaism, Atheism presented by Mary Ann Clark. February 4, 11, 18, 25, 1 to 3 pm in Faith Development-A. In God is Not One: The Eight Religions that Run the World, bestselling author of Religious Literacy and religion scholar Stephen Prothero argues that persistent attempts to portray all religions as different paths to the same God overlook the distinct problem that each tradition seeks to solve. There is a copy of the book at the public library. It is also available from Amazon, Audible, and other book sellers. For more information, contact Mary Ann Clark (drmaryann49@mac.com)

• 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, March 8 2 to 4 pm in Davis Hall. 
  There is a little known "4th branch" of Arizona government” that regulates utilities and other businesses. In that role, the 5-member Arizona Corporation Commission impacts your utility bills as well as how we produce the electricity we all use.
  As UU’s we look at the cost of energy through the lens of Justice, Equity and Compassion in Human Relations, and we consider the sources of our energy use in light of the Respect for the Interdependent Web of Existence and our stewardship of creation.Join Arizona Interfaith Power & Light and the Interfaith Climate Action Team of NAZCCA for a conversation about electricity: who regulates it, who decides your electricity bill, and Arizona’s role in the climate crisis.
  For more information, contact Mary Ann Clark (drmaryann49@mac.com) or Annie Sawyer (annie@r2v2.net).

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• Ho'oponopono - The Hawaiian Practice of Forgiveness & Resolution presented by Barry & Gayla Gordon. Ho'oponopono (ho-o-pono-pono) is the ancient Hawaiian spiritual practice for healing relationships and releasing karmic problems that is both practical and profound. In day one of this experiential workshop, participants will learn a simple daily practice, that is immediately life changing. On day two, we will experience the longer ceremonial form of Ho’oponopono prayers and fire ceremony.
  Ho'oponopono practice offers a path to emotional freedom by clearing resentments, guilt, and painful memories - whether from recent conflicts or deep-seated wounds. The beauty of Ho'oponopono is that it works whether the other person is present, or not, living or deceased, and requires no confrontation.
  A date and time next spring.

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• 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 facilitated by Jo Sprague and Fred Kraps next spring.

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2025-26 Programs

Our Shared Values presented by Rev. Machelle in November,

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Introduction to World Religions based on God is Not One: Part 1 Islam and Christianity presented by Mary Ann Clark in December. Hinduism, Buddhism, Yoruba Religion presented by Mary Ann Clark in January.

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Skills for Disagreeing Better, presented by Braver Angels in January.

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2024-25 Programs

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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.

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