A collaborative retreat for Unitarian Universalist and UU-adjacent young adults (ages 18–35) who are curious about leadership, ministry, faith formation, community building, and the future of our movement. Through conversation, covenant, creativity, and shared spiritual practice, participants will explore their gifts, deepen relationships, and experiment together with new possibilities for congregational and movement life.
Together, participants will develop practical resources such as worship elements, faith development materials, rituals, community engagement projects, and other tools that can be shared across our wider UU community.
The program includes a pre-retreat online gathering, an immersive weekend retreat experience, and a follow-up online session to continue learning and collaboration.
Whether you are a lay leader, religious professional, seminarian, activist, artist, or simply wondering how your gifts might serve the world, Summer Sojourn offers space to imagine, create, and grow alongside peers who care deeply about faith, justice, and community.
Who
Emerging and Young Adults (18–35)
When
Monday, July 27: one-hour preliminary online session (synchronous & recorded)
Friday, July 31 – Sunday, August 2: in-person weekend immersion
Sunday, August 9: two-hour follow-up online session (synchronous)
Where
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Evanston, Illinois
Contact
Mary Shelden at marylambshelden@gmail.com
Capacity: Limited to 24 participants
Cost is $125 plus travel expenses
Registration closes Monday, July 20, 2026.
Come as you are. Leave with new companions, new skills, and new possibilities for the journey ahead.
Summer Sojourn is grateful for funding from the Midwest UU Conference’s Dismantling White Supremacy Culture Grant, which makes this pilot possible. Housing and some meals are provided during the weekend immersion. Participants are responsible for travel expenses and additional meals.