Other UU

Burning Bowl Service
On the Sunday following New Years Day people are invited to write down a problem or concern that they wish to put behind them. They then have an opportunity to put these slips of paper in a central container and watch them burn.

Flower Communion
This UU tradition is based on a service created by the Rev. Norbert Capek, a Unitarian minister from Czechoslovakia who died in a concentration camp during WW II. For this service, members are asked to bring flowers that are gathered in baskets before the service. At the end of the service, everyone takes a flower home with them. This ritual celebrates the many and diverse gifts we each bring to the community and the blessings we receive from each other. The Flower Communion service takes place in May.

Water Communion
At the beginning of each congregational year, after the summer months of travel and vacation for many, Water Communion is a part of a worship service to mark the re-gathering of our community. For the ritual itself, everyone is asked to pour water into a common bowl – water that they may have collected during their travels or water that represents what they bring to our community. This water is then used throughout the year for other services, such as Child Naming services or house blessings.

Breaking Bread Celebration
On the Sunday before Thanksgiving, as we formally welcome our most recent members during our worship service, we break bread together in the ancient Hebrew custom of inviting all who wish to join us, into our community. Members are asked to bring home-made bread to our worship service and the bread is then shared among all who have gathered.

Gorilla Sunday
A unique and treasured tradition that draws record crowds each year, this service features the Gorilla Chorus (most adult males in the Northwoods family) accompanied by the Gorilla Dance Band and Orchestra. Both are led by a director in an authentic gorilla suit. The origins of this performance may be lost in history, but the stomping and grunting are real, and so is the fun. A champagne reception follows the second service, complete with snacks and dancing.

Bohemian Circus
A late summer fund raiser, this gathering features food, games, family fun and lots of music – provided by the Gorilla Dance Band and the Folk Choir.

Service Auction
This huge Saturday evening event usually happens in October and is the largest single fundraiser of the year. Members and friends donate an amazing variety of articles and social events for a live auction, silent auction, and sign-up opportunities. An online catalog is available in advance. This is the time and place to find anything from a piano or a weekend of babysitting to a pan of Baklava or an invitation to a Kentucky Derby party.

Thanksgiving Dinner
On Thanksgiving day a potluck is organized for those who choose to celebrate the holiday at Northwoods. Plenty of turkey and pumpkin pie is virtually guaranteed, and often a sing-along follows, along with plenty of good conversation and companionship.

Christmas Celebrations
These seasonal events include a charming pageant presented by the children of the church as well as Christmas Eve candlelight services and a very lively mid-December “White
Elephant” party for adults only.

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