This document discusses maturational growth within a faith community. It emphasizes that both children and adults need community to nurture spiritual development from infancy through old age. An ideal connected community is described as multi-generational, establishing clear expectations while being warm and nurturing. It encourages members of all ages to develop meaning and purpose through shared spiritual practices and service.

1. Multigenerational Faith Development Midwest Leadership School Beloit, Wisconsin July 22, 2008

4. Line Infants Children Youth Young Adults Adults Elders

5. Circle Infants Children Youth Young Adults Adults Elders

10. Connected Community It treats children as ends in themselves.

12. Connected Community It is warm and nurturing.

13. Connected Community It establishes clear limits and expectations.

14. Connected Community The core of its work is performed largely by non-specialists.

15. Connected Community It is multi-generational.

16. Connected Community It has a long-term focus.

17. Connected Community It reflects and transmits a shared understanding of what it means to be a good person.

18. Connected Community It encourages spiritual and religious development.

19. Connected Community It is philosophically oriented to the equal dignity of all persons and to the principle of love of neighbor.

23. Vision Statement affirm that they are part of a Unitarian Universalist religious heritage and community of faith that has value and provides resources for living;

24. Vision Statement know that they are lovable beings of infinite worth, imbued with powers of the soul, and obligated to use their gifts, talents, and potentials in the service of life;

25. Vision Statement accept that they are responsible for the stewardship and creative transformation of their religious heritage and community of faith;

26. Vision Statement realize that they are moral agents, capable of making a difference in the lives of other people, challenging structures of social and political oppression, promoting the health and wellbeing of the planet, acting in the service of diversity, justice and compassion;

27. Vision Statement recognize the need for community, affirming the importance of families, relationships and connections between and among the generations;

28. Vision Statement appreciate the value of spiritual practice as a means of deepening faith and integrating beliefs and values with everyday life;

29. Vision Statement experience hope, joy, mystery, healing, and personal transformation in the midst of life's challenges.