UPDATED 1-12-2023
Remember, the best way to connect to virtual events is to go to our calendar at https://mduuc.org/mduuc-calendar/ where you can find locations and links for on-going events and registration for those events which require it.
Friday Meditation
2nd and 4th Fridays at 10:00 am on Zoom (virtual)
Please join us for this practice which is led by Rev. Leslie Takahashi and involves a guided meditation, a time for quiet reflection and a chance to state an intention for the day. All in 30 minutes to launch you into your day. The meditations are also available under the Meditation section of the website. Friday morning meditation are live and archived!
Elder Journey
Wednesdays at 10:30 am (virtual & hybrid- see details below)
Elder Journey is a spirited conversation about life issues and the perspectives of older folks. Please join Rev. Leslie and the Elder Journey Community. Elder Journey meets virtually on the 1st & 3rd Wednesdays of the month, is hybrid (in person or virtual) on the 2nd & 4th Wednesdays.
Vespers:
1st and 3rd Wednesdays at 6:30 pm in the Sanctuary or on Zoom (hybrid)
Vespers is a simple circle service of music, meditation and connection led by Rev. Leslie Takahashi and Intern Minister Michael Macias, and featuring the music of Jo Gelinas and others. The theme for January is “Possibility”.
Yoga
Mondays at 7:00 pm on Zoom (virtual)
The session begins with gentle integrated yoga asanas and stretches, breath work exercises, relaxation techniques and opportunities to set neural pathways for happiness that include laughter yoga. A 20-minute guided relaxation meditation follows.
QiGong:
Saturdays, 10:30 am in Bortin Hall or on the patio (in person)
Would you like to experience increased vitality, less stress, and to explore meditation through movement?Join facilitator Elaine Bush on the patio each Saturday- drops ins are welcome!
Bi-Weekly Lunch Group
Tuesdays and Thursdays at 12:00 on Zoom (virtual)
Writer's Room
Thursdays at 3:15 in the Owl Room (in person)
Do you enjoy writing? Want a space to hone your practice, stretch your creativity, and set aside intentional time to write in community with others? Then grab your writing tools of choice and come join the MDUUC Writer’s Room! This is a space to work on your current creative endeavors- sharing optional. Hosted by Laura Zucker and Penny Hackett-Evans. Questions? Contact laurazucker212@gmail.com.
YRUU, High School Youth Group
Sundays from 12:00 -1:30 pm (in-person)
Please check the Children & Youth pages at https://mduuc.org/children-and-youth/ for the calendar of events. You may also email Marena@mduuc.org for more information.
MSYG, Middle School Youth Group
1st and 3rd Wednesdays from, 6:00 -7:00 pm (in-person)
Please check the Children & Youth pages at https://mduuc.org/children-and-youth/ for the calendar of events. You may also email Marena@mduuc.org for more information.
WomenTalk
2nd Wednesdays at 6:30 pm on Zoom (virtual)
WomenTalk is a space for women interested in exploring their identity as female-identified people. This is a supportive space in which we deal with matters of the spirit and heart and create a place to ask deep questions of one another.
12 Step for UUs
Tuesdays at 5:30 pm on Zoom (virtual)
Join us as we share our experience, strength, and hope with one another at MDUUC. No matter what addiction you have, you are welcome to join us as we engage in recovery as Unitarian Universalists.
Grief Group
1st Friday of the month at 12:00 pm in the Oak Room and on Zoom (hybrid)
Monthly grief group in a drop-in format available in-person and virtual, This is a way that those who have suffered a loss can continue to gather support.
Transitions and Loss Group
3rd Saturday of the month at 11:00 am on Zoom (virtual)
This is a group for those who are either grieving the loss of a loved one or experiencing a major unsettling life transition.
Loving Ourselves as We Dismantle Our Biases*
4th Wednesdays at 7:30 pm on Zoom (virtual)
Members and Friends of MDUUC who identify as white* are invited to this gathering to create a sacred space where we can engage in what de-centering whiteness means especially in a culture whiteness is almost always the center.
This year we take inspiration from the newly published workbook “Do the Work “ by W. Kamau Bell and Kate Schatz. We will use this workbook and a variety of social media content to explore what it means to know our own biases and how we might love ourselves more so that we better embrace and celebrate the diversity of others.
* This space is specifically for people who identify as white. A sibling group for People of Color is facilitated by Rev. Leslie. Please contact Rev. Leslie if this group would be beneficial to you! (leslie@mduuc.org)
Black, Indigenous and People of Color Caucus**
3rd Saturdays at 4:00 pm in the Oak Room and on Zoom (hybrid)
Members and friends of MDUUC who identify as People of Color are invited to join this gathering where we will create a sacred space of sharing and power. Each month, we will come together to reflect on our experiences as people of color in Unitarian Universalism and in our larger world. Using our stories, our wisdom and our truths as our guide, we will collaborate on a vision of what it means to be “exuberantly multicultural” - within and beyond MDUUC’s walls. This gathering will be facilitated by Rev. Leslie Takahashi. We meet monthly with alternating times- please email michael@mduuc.org to be apprised of our scheduled meeting times. Get in touch and learn more!
**This space is specifically for people who identify as People of Color. A sibling group for people who identify as white is facilitated by Rev. Rodney. Please contact Rev. Rodney if this group would be beneficial to you! (rodney@mduuc.org)
Emerging Adults Groups
MDUUC’s Emerging Adults gather to learn new life skills, make new connections, enjoy good company, nurture their spirits and have fun! They range in age from 18-24. This group supports each other as they navigate life transitions from post high school into adulthood. Stay in touch with MDUUC’s Emerging Adult Events through our Emerging Adult email list- please contact Marena@mduuc.org to be added. Whether it’s a new skill, game night, or a delicious meal, the emerging adult group is the place to be!
Young Adult Groups
The Young Adult Group at MDUUC is for adults ages 24 to 35. This group provides an opportunity for people to gather, meet and do fun things together. To find out about planned gatherings and to be added to the mailing lists, contact marena@mduuc.org.
MDUUC Bike Group
3rd Saturdays at 10:00 am (in person)
The MDUUC Bike Group holds a ride on the third Saturday of each month, unless other plans are communicated. All levels of ability are welcome. We meet at the church at 10:00 am. and carpool or ride to our starting location. We have an email list and communicate our plans before each ride. If you would like to be on that list, please email Jim Hughell at jhughell@hotmail.com.
Open Women’s Group
1st Thursdays at 10:30 am on Zoom (virtual)
This monthly group gathers to hear topics and presenters and to share in community. Please see the calendar at mduuc.org or email admin@mduuc.org to be added to our mailing list.
Monthly Caregiver Support Group
1st Saturdays at 11:00 am on Zoom (virtual)
Caregiving for a loved one can be challenging. Our drop-in support group meets the first Saturday from 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. monthly on Zoom.
Men’s Breakfast
2nd Saturdays at 9:00 am in the Owl Room or on Zoom (hybrid)
This is a group for those who are male-identified to gather for conversation and to share life experiences. To find out about the next meeting, please see the calendar.
Joyfully Ourselves
3rd Thursdays at 6:30 pm on Zoom (virtual)
Rev. Rodney, LGBTQ+ identified congregants and friends collectively explore some of the internalized great traits and some often problematic ones. We use social media, movies and games to spend time together in solidarity and compassion with ourselves and others.
Justice Book Read
(Times vary, please see weekly Living Our Values email & check calendar)
When slavery ended, the disenfranchisement of African Americans did not. Discrimination continued in jobs, housing, and education — barriers that have contributed to the staggering economic inequality that persists in the country today. In their new book, From Here to Equality, economist William Darity Jr. makes the case for reparations as an answer to closing the racial wealth gap. Please join us as we explore the concepts of this book and look for how we might imagine a restoration of our country!