Events at Northwoods
Connect, Create, Celebrate: Open Invitation to events beyond Sunday services.
Join us! Everyone is welcome!
Coming Up in August
Sunday, August 3: Backpack Blessing
Sunday, August 3 & 10: Transforming Hearts sessions
Sunday, August 17: Water Communion and Indoor Picnic; DEAD Table
Saturday, August 23: Houston Area Leadership Retreat at Emerson
Sunday, August 24: Sociocracy with Brenda Cooper
Sunday, August 31: Rev. Katie’s first day in the pulpit
Continuing in August:
Empathy Circle: Come As You Are—Leave Feeling Connected
Learn to listen deeply and be heard with compassion. Join Susan Wildin for an online Empathy Circle every Saturday, 10–11:30am on Zoom. This online gathering is designed for anyone seeking compassionate listening and meaningful connection.
Each session begins with a brief introduction to NVC’s empathy process, followed by dedicated practice time. Whether you’re navigating personal challenges or looking to deepen your listening skills, this circle offers a supportive space to be heard without judgment or unsolicited advice.
Open to all Northwoods members and friends. To attend online: Use our custom URL to attend https://zoom.us/my/northwoodsuu or join by Meeting ID: 766 833 5778.
Drum With Us: Friday, August 8
Start the weekend with a ritual to honor the cycle of the moon. Step into sacred space that’s fun, community building, and liberating! Drumming happens Friday, July 11, at 7 pm in the Northwoods UU sanctuary. Optional smudging beforehand. All experience levels are welcome. Children who can follow basic drumming etiquette are also very welcome. Bring your drum, shaky think, or share from our generous collection. Please, invite friends.
Millbend Coffeehouse is taking a summer break – no concert on Saturday, August 9. Stay tuned for what we have coming up in the fall!
Dead Table Meets August 17
Exactly 4.75 Billion years ago, it was set in motion, Sara Moser will share her expertise about Advance Directives and what a DNR really means. Dead Table Sunday, August 17, Noon, all are invited. Ultimate List for Death and Dying, ULDD, will be available. ULDD, has been widely praised, for being too long, “if I gotta fill all this out I’ll never die” has been repeatedly heard. Fun fact concerning DNR, did you know that “This document or a copy thereof must accompany the person during their medical transport”? Lots of rules to be aware of. Most of us have a lot paper work to do, lets help each other get it completed!
Leadership ExtravUUganza
This August, Northwoods will join other UU congregations for the Leadership ExtravUUganza—a leadership retreat hosted by the HUUMA ministers. Led by four regional UU ministers, including myself, this retreat is for both experienced leaders and those new to leadership. It’s a great chance to explore how our shared ministry can grow and deepen.
We’ll learn about healthy and unhealthy church dynamics, Transformational Leadership, and how to support our volunteers. Most importantly, there will be time for each congregation to envision a thriving future together.
Whether you’re currently serving, stepping into a new role, or just curious, we hope you’ll join us to build connections, deepen our shared purpose, and learn how we can better serve each other and the world.
Event Details:
• Date: Saturday, August 23, 2025
• Time: 9:00am – 3:30pm (Morning refreshments and lunch provided)
• Location: Emerson UU Church
Register Here! Let’s show up for one another and our shared ministry!
Responding to the Anti-Trans Movement: A Course for Unitarian Universalists
This brief course is designed to offer you an introduction to gender diversity and trans identity, help you understand the current political attack on trans people and the misinformation that is part of that attack, and train you in how to create safety and belonging for trans people in UU congregations in this moment.
Dates: July 27th, August 3rd, August 10th in the Garden Room
The 2024 Service Auction event was a success, and it’s not over!
There will be opportunities to participate in open sign up events all year long. Keep an eye out! Every time you join a Sign Up event, our net income increases – have fun, support Northwoods, and most importantly, spend time with like-minded friends!
Upcoming Open Events (click on the title for more information):
3rd Annual Shazam!
Test your music knowledge (or your guessing skills) in this fast-paced, prize-filled game night! Compete to name hit songs for bragging rights and fun awards—including “Most Songs Identified” and “Living Under a Rock.” Snacks and drinks provided. BYOB.
Saturday, August 16, 2025 • 7:00 PM
Hosted by: Kathryn Donohue, Sara DaSilva, and Monica Foy
Cost: $20
Sing Your Heart Out!
Love to sing—or just cheer from the sidelines? Join us for a night of karaoke fun! Bring your favorite song titles and take the stage, dress up as your favorite artist, or sing your own way. Lyrics will be projected on the big screen, and all levels of talent are welcome. BYOB and bring a snack to share.
Saturday, September 6, 2025 • 7:00 PM
At Northwoods • Hosted by the Service Auction Team
Buy-It-Now: $15 • 50 spots available (9 sold so far!)