Mission u 2022 | Virtual Adult Study PLUS In-Person Retreat

This year, as we study Luke 13, we find ourselves in a period of disruption and uncertainty. In the midst of a devastating pandemic, divisive political climate, unaddressed systemic racism, ecological crises and economic turmoil, we turn to the stories of Jesus that have anchored Christian communities for two millennia.

Our hope is that we will leave Mission u with a bigger and broader vision of the community Christ is calling us to be in times of loss, grief and massive disruption. What would be possible if we tend to the needs of our communities in small yet radical ways, as Jesus did in Luke 13?

Our newly designed Mission u 2022 is more flexible and intergenerational than ever— with curricula for youth, children and adults focused on the 13th chapter of the Gospel of Luke.

ADULTS: Who Can We Be Together? A Biblical Exploration of Luke 13, the 2022 adult curriculum by Candace Simpson brings participants deeper into Jesus' teachings in this chapter of Luke to explore what it means to be in community. As the author notes, “For followers of Christ 2,000 years later, it's important for us to sit with the range of emotions we have in response to these words. It's not easy to build and sustain communities, especially when there are forces that drain us, exhaust us, and even push us to act uncharacteristically. And yet, we are called to act on the most ethical principles of our faith so we can witness the kin-dom of God on earth.''

YOUTH (7th-12th grade): Community in the Midst of Challenging Times, a youth curriculum for 2022 by organizer and minister Kenya Cummings, brings facilitators and participants on a journey through stories that have anchored Christian communities for millennia, through both stability and times of turmoil and tragedy. Using study, prayer, refection, and sharing, participants will examine the meanings of the kingdom of God, while beginning to utilize the language around the “kin-dom'' of God. In the midst of a devastating pandemic, a divisive political climate, and economic turmoil, we will examine the dynamics of power and empire in light of the gospel. Through these sessions, youth will also grow in their ability to interpret scripture for today's world and deepen community connections through inter- generational dialogue.

CHILDREN (K-6th grade) The Growing Tree, the children's curriculum for 2022 by social justice advocate and educator Ilka Vega, is a journey of spiritual growth and community building that helps children recognize the diversity of their capacities, spiritual gifts, and talents as well as their responsibilities to care for one another and for all of God's creation. Through Bible study and reflection, transformative activities, and spiritual practices, participants will find hope, joy, and empowerment in the featured scriptures; grow their spiritual gifts and talents; and find support in their journeys of self-love, building the beloved community, and stewardship of God's creation. Children will also be encouraged to develop their capacity to interpret scripture in multiple ways and deepen their learning through intergenerational conversations and connections.

WILL YOU JOIN US? The core Adult study will be 4 virtual sessions over two weekends PLUS an in-person retreat July 22-23 at Mt Union University. If you wish to register and pay by check, please use the paper registration form and mail the form and a check payable to United Women in Faith to:

Judy McFarlin, Mission u Registrar

118 County Road 2575

Lakeville, OH 44638-9608

Please purchase your study books from the United Women in Faith (UWF) e-store. Each book is $10.

More info:

• Adult Study will be via Zoom: July 9 and 10 AND July 16 and 17: two hours each session. Saturday sessions will be from 10am to Noon and Sunday sessions from 7-9pm.
• Child and Youth Studies will be held In-Person during the Retreat ONLY. Children are K-6th, Youth are 7th-12th.
• The In-Person Retreat July 22 and 23 at Mt. Union University in Alliance OH, time TBD.
• You may attend the Retreat only. It will build on our study of Luke 13 and be fun and engaging, including a campfire with s’mores and a service project!

If you are registering as an adult with multiple children or youth, be sure to use these codes on the ticket selection screen for a discount!

Fam1=$10 off of adult plus 1 child or youth

Fam2=$20 off of adult plus 2 children or youth

Fam3=$30 off of adult plus 3 children or youth

Fam4=$40 off of adult plus 4 children or youth