Adult Learning Opportunities

Adults at our church have many opportunities to learn and to share common interests. Some are serious, and some are just plain fun. And classes aren’t the only way to learn. Committee work and Social Activities often offer opportunities to hone your skills or learn new ones, so be sure to visit those pages as well.
Below you’ll find
- Classes Especially for Visitors
- Other Ongoing and Recurring Classes and Groups
- Book Discussions and Free Books Table
- Past Classes (you might request a repeat!)
On other pages you’ll find more opportunities for learning and growth
- Social and Recreational Activities
- Opportunities for meaningful committee and social justice work
- Small Group Ministry
Especially for Visitors
Monthly Visitors’ Q&A
Facilitator: Membership Committee member
Time and Place: 3rd Sunday at 11:15 am in the Minister’s Office
Description: The Visitor Q/A is for visitors who have questions about Unitarian Universalism or our church. A member of the Membership committee will meet with you, answer your questions, and will have a variety of pamphlets and handouts available.
UUCB 101
Facilitator: Rev. Julie Conrady

Time and Place: These classes are usually scheduled 2-3 times a year. Let us know your interest by indicating on the connection card or by calling the church office at 205-945-8109.
Description: Join Rev. Julie to learn more about our church, our UU tradition, and how to get connected. Childcare provided upon request. An opportunity to join the church will be included in the final meeting, although membership is open at any time.
Other Ongoing and Recurring Classes and Groups
Qi Gong
Facilitator: David Roberts
Zoom host: Marion Fintel
Time and date: Saturdays at 9:30 AM
To sign up: contact Marion Fintel (she will email the Zoom invite)
Description: Qi gong is a Chinese exercise that is practiced by many people today. Some use a modified version to help balance and general coordination. It is also practiced to relieve tension and stiffness. The movements are for the most part stationary and can be modified according to needs and ability. Time of procedure takes 10 to 15 minutes. Persons should modify forms according to their wishes and doctor’s recommendations.
SUUnday ForUUm
Facilitator: Jim Albea and Janice Williams
Time and Place: Weekly, Sunday mornings from 9 to 10 am, Room #122 (lower level)
Description: For most sessions, participants will view a 30 minute video from a Learning Company series (“Great Courses”) first, with discussion to follow. Just show up, visitors and newcomers are welcome.
Meditation Group
Facilitator: Mary Williams
Time and Place: Sunday mornings from 9 – 10 am; Volker Room (lower level)
Description: Silent meditation in the Thich Nhat Hahn Buddhist tradition occurs for the first 30 minutes, followed by reading and discussion.
Book Discussions and Free Books Table
Free Books Table
Facilitator: Marion Fintel
Time and Place: This activity is temporarily suspended due to the pandemic.
Description: Members and friends donate books they believe other UUs would like to read and take books they would like to read. It is not a swap; there’s no need to bring a book in order to take a book. Books, magazines, CDs, and anything else that would be found in a library, can be donated to the Free Books Table. Books not taken after several months on the table will be donated to another non-profit organization.
Book Discussions
To be announced
Special Interest Classes
Past classes, which may be repeated from time to time, include

- Jewelry Making
- Beekeeping
- Building Your Own Theology
- Dealing with Difficult People
- Developing Beliefs, Principles and Goals: A Pragmatist’s Guide to Spirituality
- Enneagrams
- Ethical Controversies in Elder Health
- Flower Arranging
- Google Drive
- Guided Hikes, Bird Walks and Wildflower Walks
- Gun Control and the Second Amendment
- History of our Church
- Less is More: Declutter and Organize Your Way to Joy
- Let’s Write, also known as the Monday Writers, has been meeting during the summer. Contact Lyn Stafford.
- Overview of the Federal Criminal Justice System
- Resilience: What is it and how can we increase it
- Tai Chi
- This I Believe—Developing a Personal Credo
- Tours of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Birmingham Museum of Art, and other destinations
- Transgender 101
- UUCB and the UU World