All are welcome to join our small groups!
Joyful Mind Zen Sangha
Saturdays 7:00 am, Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/351746800?pwd=Rmg4bExNZ0szRFkwMXZKbWJpb3NEUT09
We will start with 30 minutes of meditation, followed by a service, dharma talk, and discussion. Please consider joining us as we find fellowship in this time of uncertainty. Contact: Jim Bowker, jtbowker@yahoo.com or Brian Looker, blooker@gmail.com.
Men’s Group
Open to all who identify as male
First Wednesdays and Third Tuesdays; 7:00-9:00 pm
Although we miss meeting with each other in person, at least we can stay comfortably at home and have the snacks we prefer. (Alcohol and other substances are not allowed when attending one of our meetings.) Those in attendance share an update, and then we discuss a topic such as “Sheltering at Home” or “Favorite Movies and Why We liked them.” Contact John Duffin at japple51@gmail.com for Zoom information or with questions.
Pollinate (BIPoC)
We recognize that as a majority-white congregation, it can often feel isolating for People of Color/Brown & Black folx who love our theology but might not identify with some other aspects of the community. Join the Pollinate (BIPoC) small group once a month or more as we gather to have fun and discuss topics that we can identify with. This is a great way to meet and connect with people and avoid isolation. This is a group for BIPoC only. At this time, we are focusing on unlearning the harm that has affected BIPoC. We are not focusing on educating nor spending time with white led organizations.
PoC/Brown & Black folx of all ages are more than welcome to join us! We also encourage young people to get involved. Email pollinate.BIPoC@hotmail.com for more details and for meeting information.
Smiling Dandelion Sangha
Sundays, 6:00 – 7:30 pm, Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84346099234?pwd=Zkt1cEFnVS8vZzlmSExpc0o2aG1Ldz09
Our usual format is sitting meditation for 25 minutes, brief introduction of ourselves, then reading and discussion. We will be studying and discussing the Lojong slogans, which are short sayings directed toward developing compassion, equanimity and joy for ourselves and others. Our main text is Training in Compassion: Zen Teachings on the Practice of Lojong by Norman Fischer, and we plan to share other resources and viewpoints as well. If you have questions, contact smilingdandelion@gmail.com.
Spill It Sister
Second Thursday of the month 6:30-8:00 pm
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83725255634?pwd=dHpQd0ZVR3JrT2lHNm1VUkJzZVJ2dz09; Or call in: 312.626.6799; Meeting ID: 837 2525 5634; Password: 642200
This group meets to share our stories and help each other as we walk through this life’s journey. All who identify as women are welcome! Contact Kate Hancock-Cooke at rugbykate@new.rr.com with questions and contact Suzanne Marnocha at marnocha@uwosh.edu to be added to the Facebook group.
Third Thursday Book Club
Third Thursday of the Month, 2:00 pm
To join the discussion the meeting number is 652 961 2573 and the password is 556394. For more information contact Cyndi Polakowski at 920.731.0849.
- September 2020 – The Giver of Stars by JoJo Moyes
- October 2020 – Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate
- November 2020 – Jet Girl by Caroline Johnson
- December 2020 – Educated by Tara Westover
- January 2021 – The Overstory by Richard Powers
- February 2021 – Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand by Helen Simonson
- March 2021 – State of Wonder by Ann Patchett
- April 2021 – Peyton Place by Grace Metalious
- May 2021 – Liberty’s Torch by Elizabeth Mitchell
UU Parenting Support Group
First Monday of the month; 6:00-7:30 pm
Zoom link: https://umn.zoom.us/j/9855837587?pwd=WWdqMkpoODc5V3RnUndBSzJwVnpwUT09
Meeting ID: 985-583-7587; Password: 93515
People who are parenting or preparing to serving in a parental role, and/or taking care of children as a guardian, grandparent, etc. don’t always get the support they need. Do you long for time to debrief the joys and woes of life with littles? Do you wonder how to manage the day-to-day responsibilities of children? Do you wish for space to talk to other parents about parenting? If so, this is your group! Led by Fellowship members with professional expertise, this peer support opportunity is a wonderful way to get help with all aspects of parenting, including learning how to support kids without ignoring one’s own needs, accessing community resources when necessary, and talking to kids about social development, spirituality, behavior choices, and more. This group will not meet in August or September.