October UU Small Group Ministry Retreat with Peter Bowden

Friends, I’m excited to announce that I will be leading a UU Small Group Ministry retreat October 14-16, 2011 at the U Bar U Retreat & Conference Center in Texas.   Full details on the San Antonio website. Hope you can join us!

Details and registration information
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UU Small Group Ministry Retreat
Program Development & Renewal with Peter Bowden

Friday – Sunday, October 14 – 16, 2011
U Bar U Retreat & Conference Center

First UU San Antonio is proud to offer a weekend Small Group Ministry training with Peter Bowden, Unitarian Universalist Growth Consultant and co-founder of the UU Small Group Ministry Network. This training has been designed for clergy and lay leaders seeking to strengthen congregation-wide small group ministry programs. This program will cover the following core areas, as well as opportunities for worship, networking and hands on small group experience.

  • Small groups that are HEALTHY, GROWING and INTEGRATED into
    congregational life.
  • Approaches to SELECTING, TRAINING and COACHING small group
    ministry leaders.
  • Turning FACILITATORS into small group LEADERS and PARTNERS in
    shared ministry.

Continue reading on event page….

Testimonials

“Peter brings to his work a powerful combination of experience, commitment, and enthusiasm for Small Group Ministry.” — The Rev. Bob Hill, author of The Complete Guide to Small Group Ministry

“One of the earliest to grasp the potential of Small Group Ministry, Peter quickly developed effective techniques for its development and spread.  The online UU Small Group Ministry Network is thanks to his vision and energy.  He is one of our foremost teachers and promoters in helping churches to develop and maintain small groups.” — Rev. Glenn H. Turner

“UU in the Digital Age” stories?

Do you have a story about being a Unitarian Universalist in the digital age?

I have a number of sermons and workshops coming up where I’m speaking about Unitarian Universalism, ministry, community, and friendship in the digital age.  I would love to share some of your stories, illustrations, testimonial and other thoughts during these presentations.  All comments will be anonymous unless specifically requested.

You can comment on this page, Tweet or DM me @uuplanet, email me, or leave voice message at (617) 744-9784.

A few prompts…

  • How do you connect with UU’s online? What’s the meaning of these relationships in your life?
  • How would you like UU’s congregating face-to-face to be in relationship with those congregating digitally?
  • Where do you see digital media and online communication tools taking us, or maybe pushing us to go?  The pro’s and con’s?

Up Next:

  • Guest speaking July 10th Williamsburg, VA
  • Leading week-long workshop at Star Island RE Week conference, July 16-23. “Technology, Social Media and the Future of Faith Formation”
  • Now booking for Fall 2011 – Spring 2012.

Watch the 2011 Minns Lectures “Where Are We Now, What’s Possible, What’s Next?”

In the UU Growth Lab today we started talking about what a Unitarian Universalist version of the “TED Talks” might look like.  Talking with my wife, the Rev. Amy Freedman, she reminded me of the recent Minns Lectures.

I wasn’t able to attend as I was leading a social media training in Florida, but reminded of the lectures I went on their website and was happy to find a collection of videos ready to share.  Not many views so far so please share this post.

The theme of this year’s series was “Where Are We Now, What’s Possible, What’s Next?”  If after watching you’d like to discuss with others, you are welcome to join us on Facebook in the UU Growth Lab. You may comment on this page as well. ~ Peter

Keeping up with Social Media

This Spring I’ve been speaking regularly on the impact of  cultural, demographic and technological trends on non-profits, including liberal congregations.  Particularly how social media is changing how organizations need to engage with their constituents.  What was particularly telling is that from one keynote and workshop to another, generally one or two weeks apart, the technology was changing on me!  New offerings from Skype, changing Facebook layouts, and on and on.  So, for the record, let me say that it is not easy keeping up.  It takes consistent energy and intention.  Kind of reminds me of that classic I Love Lucy segment in the chocolate factory (below).  The changes keep coming and coming and coming…

Social Media Revolution (refreshed)

This week I mentioned the refreshed version of Erik Qualman’s Social Media Revolution video in a keynote I was offering to a group of educators.  For conference participants, here’s the video as promised.

Peep Season 5

Peep and the Big Wide World
Right now we’re working on filming the live action segments for Peep and the Big Wide World season 5.  We first started working on this show in early 2002. Almost 10 years!  Take a look at this list of activity segments we’ve produced so far.