Events at Northwoods
Connect, Create, Celebrate: Open Invitation to events beyond Sunday services.
Join us! Everyone is welcome!
Sunday Second Hour Programs in March
To create time to spend together and get to know each other, Rev. Sarah is offering several low-pressure ways to engage—some for learning, some for asking questions, some for shared reflection. You’re welcome to come to one, a few, or all of them. Wherever you enter, you belong.
- March 1: Pathways Pop-Up – Covenant, the Sacred Art of Relationship Unitarian Universalists don’t share a single creed, but we do share a commitment to one another. In this session, we’ll explore covenant as the sacred art of relationship—how we promise to be together across differences and what we expect of one another at Northwoods. We’ll reflect on our Covenant of Right Relations as a living promise that helps us practice belonging with accountability, especially when things get hard.
- March 8th after service The DUUDE’S will be having a workday open to all who care to help, everything from indoors to outdoors. Don’t forget the elbow grease!
- March 15: Pathways Pop-Up: Budget as Sacred Text What if a budget isn’t just numbers, but a reflection of what a community loves? In this Pathways Pop-Up, we’ll explore money as a spiritual matter, why financial independence reflects our values, and how Northwoods’ budget makes our commitments visible. We’ll also demystify pledging—what it is and how it supports our shared ministry.
- March 22: Pathways Chat Interested in membership at Northwoods? Got questions? Ask them here! (Answers not guaranteed, but a warm welcome is!)
- March 29: Read-Along with the Rev – Love at the Center What does it mean to say love is truly at the center of our faith? Join Rev. Sarah for a guided read-along and conversation on the first two essays from Love at the Center, featuring reflections by Rev. Nancy McDonald Ladd and Rev. Juniper Meadows. Together, we’ll explore love as relational, evolving, and shaped in community—and what it asks of us now. You’re welcome even if you haven’t done the reading. Northwoods has copies available to borrow or purchase. RSVP here and reserve a copy through the church. Come curious. Come thoughtful. Come ready to talk about love.
Full Moon Drum Circle – Date Update & Details
As we look ahead to our upcoming Full Moon Drum Circle, there has been a tiny (and very technical!) calendar wrinkle. The precise scientific moment of the full moon occurs so close to midnight that some sources list it as Monday, March 2, while others place it on Tuesday, March 3 — literally a matter of a minute or two. Because of that, the “true” full moon technically leans closer to the following Friday, March 6.
We have confirmed the sanctuary for Friday, March 6 at 7pm so that we can stay aligned with the lunar timing and keep our pattern consistent.
Here’s what to expect:
We will have a small fire going and, weather permitting, we’ll be drumming outside. Feel free to bring a comfy chair if you have one; we can also bring folding chairs out. Bring a friend! If you have drums or percussion instruments, bring them along — and if you don’t, come anyway. We always have plenty to share.
The drum circle is informal, welcoming, and inclusive. All experience levels are invited — whether you’ve been drumming for years or have never touched a drum. Children are welcome and are expected to participate alongside the adults. We usually finish in about an hour. Optional smudging will be available beforehand. No RSVP is needed.
We look forward to gathering under the full moon together.
2026 Drum Circle Dates: March 6, March 27, April 3, May 1, May 29, June 26, July 31, Aug. 28, Sept. 25, Oct. 23, Nov. 27.
Writer’s Group Welcomes a Guest Speaker
Do you have an imaginative story or compelling essay to share? Come check out the Writers’ Group at Northwoods! We meet in the Library Room on the 2nd Wednesday every month. Typically, we submit our work to Google Drive and have a discussion when we meet, but our next meeting on Wednesday, March 11 at 6:30pm will have a special guest: SHSU Creative Writing Professor Nathan Machart! He’s excited to stop by and chat with us about writing.
Millbend Coffeehouse Presents
Cindy Scott
Saturday, March 14th @ 7:00pm
Cindy’s journey hasn’t been the typical jazz path. Raised in a musical family, she earned a music scholarship to LSU but later pursued an MBA and built a corporate career in Houston—playing jazz clubs by night. In 2005, she left business behind to follow music full-time in New Orleans, where she blends her straight-ahead jazz roots with the city’s rich musical gumbo. She’ll be joined by guitarist Brian Seeger and his exceptional stylings.
Northwoods own, Molli McMills will open this concert with some of her own amazing songs.
Visit www.millbend.org for tickets and information.
Sociocracy Support Circle Startup
Wednesday, March 18 at 5pm
The Sociocracy Support Circle (SSC) is a new group at Northwoods dedicated to learning, practicing, and supporting the use of sociocracy in our congregation. Our aim is to deepen understanding, share helpful tools, model healthy process, and assist other circles in defining clear, focused aims aligned with our bylaws.
We recognize that change takes trust, so we’re committed to moving thoughtfully and at a sustainable pace—embracing the idea of “good enough for now and safe enough to try.”
Curious about sociocracy? Join a Learning Circle to practice rounds, consent decision-making, and aim-setting in a welcoming, low-stakes space. Already part of a circle? Invite an SSC member to help facilitate an aim conversation or introduce sociocratic tools. We’re here to support you.
Open Sign Up Events!
Sign-Ups are parties, classes, and fun experiences hosted by Northwoods members — a great way to connect, learn, and support the church! The fundraiser may be over, but spots are still open year-round. Check out November’s events below — if you’re free, sign up and join the fun! Click the event title for more information!
Create your own crafted cloud. We will make 3-D puffy clouds that can be illuminated. Everyone needs a cloud friend hanging around. Cotton candy also provided—DIY. Some materials provided by participants, including your own light strip. Other materials we’ll be using (provided, but you’re welcome to add to the supplies) include polyfill pillow stuffing, hot glue, and empty liter soda bottles. Alcohol-free event at Northwoods. DATE: Sunday, February 22, 2026, 12:15 PM. HOSTED BY: Dan Zimmerman. $20.00
A leisurely stroll through some of the fine art installations in the Woodlands while we sample, with each work of art, a paired malted whisky and a chocolate. Oh, you don’t think whisky can be paired with art, much less chocolate? My friend, you have no idea. Just check with Sara DaSilva–she’s never missed one of these tastings (this is the 4th). Event in the Woodlands. DATE: Sunday, March 1, 2026 – 2:00 PM. HOSTED BY: Scotch Aficionado Rusty Rhoad (981 different malted whiskies sampled as of catalog date). $40.00
Symbols & Spirituality: Guided Discussion & Creative Session
Explore religious and spiritual symbols—both familiar and lesser known—through guided conversation and personal reflection. After discussion, create your own symbolic design using provided art materials while enjoying light refreshments. No artistic experience needed. Bring a favorite piece for optional show-and-tell. Alcohol-free event at Northwoods UU Sanctuary. Date: Saturday, March 7, 2026 – 1:00 PM. Host: Jaclyn Bell $15
Step Into the Fun — Ballroom Dance Night Returns!
Join us for a lively Basic Ballroom Dance Lesson featuring Waltz, Foxtrot, Swing, and Two-Step. No experience needed—just bring a partner and enjoy easy instruction, light snacks, and BYOB in a relaxed setting. Limited to 8 couples. BYOB event at Northwoods. Date: Saturday, March 7, 2026 – 6:00 PM. Hosted by: Gay Lynn Pierce and Connie Newkirk. Price: $25 per couple
In honor of International Women’s Day, come join us for lunch (wine included) and tell us about a wonderful woman who added to your life (men are welcome!). Event at Somebody’s house (either Patty’s, Molli’s or Lynn’s). DATE: Sunday, March 8, 2026 – 1:00 PM HOSTED BY: Patty Schinzing. $22
Join us for a relaxed afternoon learning Euchre, the classic trick-taking card game full of strategy and fun. No experience needed—we’ll teach you the basics and get you playing quickly. Enjoy patient instruction, practice rounds, snacks, and good company. Alcohol-free event at Northwoods. Date: Sunday, March 8, 2026 – 2:00 PM. Hosted by: Robert Case and Kathryn Donohue. $10
Roll the dice and hope your panda luck holds! Join us for Panda Royale, a lighthearted dice game of chance, with a bit of drafting. No experience needed– just bring your lucky steam and your best panda energy! Sandwiches and soft drinks will be provided. Alcohol-free event at Northwoods. DATE: Friday, March 13, 2026 – 6:00 PM HOSTED BY: Kathryn Donohue. $15.
The Long and the Short of It: A Literary Salon with the Essay Group
Come and hear some great essays by a few Northwoods writers. Long and short, personal and funny. You know how we roll! Far-ranging and close to home, chuckle with us and let your eyes get misty as we lead you down the rabbit holes of life. Refreshments provided: wine, soft beverages, and hors d’oeuvres. Essays by Ann McAlpin, Mira Dessy, John Hammond, Beth Marshall, and Hallie Moore. Event in The Woodlands. DATE: Friday, March 13, 2026 – 7:00 PM HOSTED BY: Beth Marshall and Hallie Moore. $25.
The First Flame – Chalice by Friction
Learn the art of creating fire with your own hands. Explore the ancient technology used to create a chalice flame with fire by friction as well as flint and steel. All ages; all supplies provided. Alcohol-free event at Northwoods. DATE: Sunday, March 15, 2026 – 12:15 PM. HOSTED BY: Dan Zimmerman. $20.00
Thank you, Professor K! Random readings from ancient tomes
The good professor left us a remarkable collection of very old books—many by authors you’ll recognize. After choosing a volume, we’ll open to random pages and lines and see how they connect to our lives today. Outlandish links, tall tales, and heartfelt insights are all welcome. We’ll be respectful most of the time—and hilarious the rest. Authors include Jean Bocace, John Dryden, Washington Irving, Charles Dickens, John Milton, John Bunyan, and others. Publication dates range from 1670–1847. You’re welcome to adopt a book to take home. BYO adult beverages (remember you’re driving) and a plate of neat finger food. Friday, March 20, 2026 – 2pm. Hosted by Beth and Phil Marshall. 57 Black Swan Place. $20.00
SEW WHAT: THIMBLES, TEA, AND STITCHING STORIES Do you need a sewing kit?
Do you sew? Come to Thimbles, Tea, and Stitching Stories to snag a terrific beginner sewing kit for yourself, a child, or a grandchild and get help filling it with useful tools. Come and check out Grammy Carter’s vintage saved sewing stuff, including buttons, feathers, patterns, stories! Well-behaved children may come with a parent without registering, please no more than one per parent! Alcohol-free event at The Marshalls’ home in The Woodlands. DATE: Saturday, March 21, 2026 – 2:00 PM HOSTED BY: Phil and Beth Marshall. (See additional photo.) $20
Come enjoy a relaxing evening around the fire pit. We will roast hot dogs, veggie dogs, and marshmallows. Sample assorted munchies, varieties of beer and hot spiced cider. Event in The Woodlands. DATE: Saturday, March 21, 2026 – 7:00 PM HOSTED BY: Cyndie Mahaney. $30
Come enjoy an evening with friends, and participate in a Northwoods version of the iconic NPR “Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me”! Test your wits! Laugh at today’s news, and yes, eat delectable snacks Event at Ann’s home in The Woodlands. DATE: Sunday, March 22, 2026 – 7:00 PM HOSTED BY: Ann McAlpin. $35.00
Take a peaceful break and enjoy learning and playing a Gentle Rain, a calming tabletop game designed for relaxation and reflection. We will gather in small groups (solo play may be available) in a welcoming environment to place tiles, watch flowers bloom, and simply enjoy the gentle flow of the game. This is a non-competitive experience—the goal is not to win, but to enjoy the process together. BYOB event at Northwoods. DATE: Friday, March 27, 2026 – 4:00 PM HOSTED BY: Kathryn Donohue. $10
Good Music! Karaoke & Potluck, BYOB
Good music! So much good music! There’s a Karaoke track on YouTube for just about any song you’ve ever sung to in the shower or along with the car radio. We’ll put those up on the screen, turn up the volume, put you in front of a microphone, and applaud wildly when you’re done. If you’re never done karaoke with “Good Music Nate,” you don’t know what you’re missing. Bring an appetizer or dessert to share; BYOB. Oh, and did I mention, “Good Music!” Event at Northwoods. DATE: Friday, March 27, 2026 – 6:30 PM HOSTED BY: Nate Hanby. $15.
The Transformation Game: A Day of Discovery and Transformation
Join us for a full day of exploration, insight, and heartfelt connection as we play The Transformation Game—a profound tool for personal and spiritual growth created by the Findhorn community in Scotland. This experience invites you to look deeply within, to tap into hidden inner resources, and to see more clearly the patterns that shape your relationships and your path forward. Through laughter, honesty, and shared reflection, we’ll explore how to break through barriers, awaken creativity, and bring compassion to old stories. Together we’ll create a sacred, supportive space for vulnerability, learning, and transformation—a day of listening, being witnessed, and discovering new ways to grow in relation to ourselves and those we love. NOTE: Participants should bring a journal. We will serve both brunch and dinner. Event at 48 Sawmill Grove Lane, The Woodlands. DATE: Saturday, March 28, 2026 – 9:00 AM HOSTED BY: Dawn Davishall-Foy and Marti Corn. $100
Come as someone you are not and introduce yourself! Here’s your chance to be someone else! Make up a character or borrow one from art or life and work up a backstory! Come in costume and bring props. Remember, it’s the Liars Club! Please bring any part of a picnic lunch to share with the group. If we’re weather-lucky, we can lunch outdoors. Alcohol-free event at The Marshalls’ home in The Woodlands. DATE: Saturday, March 28, 2026 – 12:00 PM HOSTED BY: Beth and Phil Marshall. $20