03-17-2025 - 06-02-2025
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

The Shared Pulpit Program, created by the Rev. Erika Hewitt, is designed for lay people to practice crafting sermons based on their own lived experiences. In the Unitarian Universalist tradition, we talk of ministry as something “shared,” something we all practice together in community. Sharing spiritual reflections in the form of sermons or shorter reflections during worship is one way we practice shared ministry, and anyone can do it—with some practice! In this 7-session virtual program, we will explore the art of sermon-crafting and practice writing and preaching progressively longer reflections in a small group setting.  Although we will gain practical skills, the process is primarily one of spiritual growth and deepening connection.  We look forward to taking this journey with you!

We will be using Erika Hewitt’s book, The Shared Pulpit: A Sermon Seminar for Lay People (2014). You will need to purchase the book before the first session. The program begins on March 17 and will run on Monday evenings from 7-9 pm on Zoom. The dates are March 17, 24, April 7, 21, May 5, 19, and June 2. The program will be held over Zoom, although we will hope to spend the final two sessions in the Sanctuary. Each session will be 2 hours long, with brief reading and writing assignments in between. Regular attendance is crucial to the integrity of the program, not only because the sessions build on each other, but also because of the group trust we’ll need to create and maintain. So we ask that you make a commitment to attend all the sessions, if possible.

The Shared Pulpit class will be led by Rev. Kathryn Jay, who previously taught the class in 2022. Rev. Marcus Liefert will drop in with wisdom and practical tips occasionally.

For more information please email Rev. Kathryn Jay at kathryn@uucb.org.