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Unidos en Cristo at Church of Peace
WHAT IS UNIDOS EN CRISTO? Unidos is a 3-day learning, sharing and inspirational experience of living in a Christian community. Unidos is an abbreviation of the full title: UNIDOS EN CRISTO, (oo-knee-dose en cree-stow),, which is a Spanish phrase meaning, "United In Christ." During the three days of an Unidos weekend a person experiences the joy of genuine Christian fellowship.
HISTORY OF UNIDOS. Unidos originated on the Spanish Island of Majorca. It was established by the Roman Catholic tradition under the name, Cursillo de Christiandad, or "Short Course in Christian Living." It spread rapidly to the rest of Spain, other European countries, South America and in the 1960s, the United States. Today, the Cursillo tradition has grown to include many denominations, and is active worldwide. Minnesota's first Cursillo was begun through an Episcopal movement in 1972. The Cursillo tradition today includes Catholic and Protestant communities, with names that include "Unidos En Cristo," as well as "Walk to Emmaus," "Teens Encounter Christ (TEC)," and "Charis", (a prison ministry). Unidos En Cristo has an ecumenical flavor, blending many denominations within the Christian tradition.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT OF THE 3 DAYS? During an Unidos weekend, 30 or more people move into a church facility on a Thursday night and live there until Sunday night. The "staff" consists of several spiritual directors (ordained clergy) plus a team of committed Christian lay workers who have already been on an Unidos weekend. Throughout the weekend, the lay team members and spiritual directors share ideas and experiences through a series of talks and planned activities. Here are several things you can expect on an Unidos weekend: · An experience shared with a small number of people representing various Christian viewpoints. · Opportunities for spiritual renewal through talks, music, communion, and devotions · A focus on our Christian walk beyond the 3-day weekend. · A continuing support system to nurture each other's spiritual journey as we work to renew all people in Gods love. In order for members of a church to attend Unidos, ordained clergy from their church must attend first, (preferably the senior pastor). Support from the clergy is very important. If you find people reluctant to discuss their Unidos experience, it may be because, despite a common basic structure, each weekend is unique. Some experiences are best understood within the context of that particular weekend. What is highly meaningful to one person may not be to another.., what is significant to one person reflects where that person is in their spiritual walk. In other words, each person chooses different moments that are special. Each person attending an Unidos weekend has a sponsor - someone who has previously attended Unidos. Your sponsor will be happy to answer your questions before and after your weekend. Many people choose to continue in Unidos--related activities after their weekends. Some, however, choose to be inactive - and there is no pressure to participate. Unidos is a vehicle for Christian growth (though not the only vehicle). Many, many people have been touched in a special way by their Unidos experience. We hope you will accept Unidos as a gift from sponsors and others who desire to share God's love.
The
United Methodist Church of Peace