There are many programs for adults at UUCPA. This includes special classes offered by the Adult Learning Journey committee as well as ongoing group meetings and events.

Adult Learning Journey (ALJ)

The Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto, through the Adult Learning Journey committee, offers an array of classes, groups, and events designed to support and enhance the lifelong spiritual explorations of our adult members, friends, and visitors.

Our offerings encourage participants to open their minds and hearts to new understandings, to share their diverse experiences with one another, and to engage in compassionate action outside of the congregation.

Classes encourage the continued spiritual and ethical exploration of Unitarian Universalist values through learning about diverse faiths, philosophies, and wisdom traditions, as well as pursuing a deeper understanding of our Unitarian Universalist identity and principles. All Adult Learning Journey classes are offered at no charge.

For information on any Adult Learning Journey class, seminar or workshop, contact the church office (650-494-0541), or send an email to aljclasses@uucpa.org.

Vision and Mission of ALJ

Vision: All adult members and friends of UUCPA know about and can choose to participate in inclusive programs that address their diverse interests and needs in furthering their individual spiritual journeys and that enrich our community and world.

Mission: The Adult Learning Journey Committee offers classes that align with the UU Principles and with the mission of UUCPA (see below). The classes aim to enrich the mind and spirit and seek to:

support our faith development and spiritual growth;
respect the many, diverse ways to be human;
enhance knowledge of the self;
address the specific interests and needs of the adult UUCPA community;
foster connection and compassion with each other and with the world; and
recognize and promote diversity and inclusion in our community and world.

Adult Learning Journey Class Schedule

We welcome your participation in the following explorations, generally held in the Fireside room at UUCPA in hybrid fashion:

ALJ- Buddhism: The Eight-Fold Path

10/25/2026 at 11:45 AM

Buddhism: The Eight-Fold Path

Date:October 25, 2026

Time:11:45-1:15

Location: Fireside Room-in person only

Presenter:Jeff Whittier

You are invited to an interactive in-person class on the “Eight-Fold Path in Daily Life. After his awakening, Gautama Buddha formulated his first teachings as the Four Noble Truths, the fourth of which is the Eight-Fold Path. In these teachings, the Buddha gave universal principles that underlie spiritual practice and that belong to all who live them. Taken together, the eight elements are not eight separate steps to be completed one after another, but interconnected aspects of a way of life in which wisdom, ethical conduct, and mental discipline continually support one another. They are an invitation to everyone to approach the ordinary experiences of life with greater awareness, compassion, understanding, and freedom.

Our presenter, Jeff Whittier, is a performer, craftsman, and teacher of the North Indian bamboo flute or bansuri. He has been a member of the Theosophical Society since 1972 and took refuge with and received initiation from the Dalai Lama in 1984. He is the author of “Good Is Never Lost,” a biography of Mother Mary Mae Maier of Mt. Shasta.

Fourth Sunday Waffles and snacks will be available after the service. Please use a paper plate. Suggested contribution $2.

Child care will be provided.

Starting Point: A Group for Newcomers

10/25/2026 at 12:00 PM

Are you new or newish to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto? Want to deepen your connection with the congregation but aren’t sure how? Or want to gain clarity about what it means to be a UU? If so, Starting Point is for you.

We will meet on four Sundays (Sep 27, Oct 11, Oct 25, Nov 8), after the church service from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. in Room 6. There’ll be time to share about ourselves, get to know each other, and learn through fun and thought-provoking interactive activities.

Snacks and childcare will be provided.

Note that anyone is welcome—no matter how long you’ve been coming to UUCPA. If you are interested, we encourage you to register and attend. Here’s the form to register: 2026 Fall Starting Point Registration

–Gloria Geller and Jenny Robertson

Starting Point: A Group for Newcomers

11/08/2026 at 12:00 PM

Snacks and childcare will be provided.

–Gloria Geller and Jenny Robertson

ALJ- Buddhism: The Eight-Fold Path

10/25/2026

11:45 am - 1:15 pm

Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto

Buddhism: The Eight-Fold Path Date:October 25, 2026 Time:11:45-1:15 Location: Fireside Room-in person only Presenter:Jeff Whittier You are invited to an interactive in-person class on the [...]

More Info

Starting Point: A Group for Newcomers

10/25/2026

12:00 pm - 1:30 pm

Room 6

Starting Point

Are you new or newish to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto? Want to deepen your connection with the congregation but aren't sure how? [...]

More Info

Starting Point: A Group for Newcomers

11/08/2026

12:00 pm - 1:30 pm

Room 6

Starting Point

Are you new or newish to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto? Want to deepen your connection with the congregation but aren't sure how? [...]

More Info