Making Connections
Nurturing minds, hearts, and relationships.
Northwoods Connections
The Northwoods’ Membership Committee has designed a program to foster member connection and strengthen our church community. With COVID-19 keeping us physically distanced for now, many of these groups meet virtually. Here are your options as part of Northwoods Connections.
Discussion Groups:
Members will exchange ideas through their preferred communication method. Topics may be a monthly theme or based on group interests. Expect to have “conversations” at least once a month, or throughout the month.
Pick your group based on the means of communication:
C) Reply-All Email
D) Group Text
Protest in Support of Racial Justice
Next Event Saturday, October 16 at 9am at North Shore Park
Next Saturday our protest will return to its usual venue and time. How long do we need to do this? Until something changes. Has anything changed in policing at the national or local level? Not really. A bipartisan group of lawmakers in Washington recently gave up on advancing a bill. Some local jurisdictions have made changes, but not in Texas. Our legislature has passed a law to prevent the teaching of “critical race theory”, and it’s being used to suppress discussion of systemic racism already. We aren’t going to reverse these laws or get reform tomorrow. It will be a long term effort to change minds, which is what we’re about. Come on out and help us show oppressed people that some of us still have their backs
Millbend Coffeehouse Concerts
We are Thrilled to announce that Millbend Coffeehouse is finally re-opening after an 18 month Pandemic induced hiatus.
Millbend Coffeehouse is a non-profit venue hosted by Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Church. Open the 2nd Saturday of every month, with occasional extra concerts, we are dedicated to bringing the finest in national and local acoustic/folk songwriters and performers to our informal and intimate setting. We are a smoke free and family friendly environment. In our relaxed atmosphere you can meet the entertainers and obtain copies of the hard to find CDs of these fine performers.
Suggested donations vary. All profits from the gate go to local charities/causes — which are determined by audience vote at each concert, with the winners announced at the Intermission.
Visit the Millbend Coffeehouse website for information on performers and tickets.
Drum Circle
Drumming happens at Northwoods UU on the Friday closest to the full moon. We will gather at 7, wearing masks in a socially distanced circle. Smudging is offered as you enter. Bring drums or whatever you like to shake, bang on, or hit together. All are welcome. We will meet in the sanctuary and chairs are provided.
RSVP is required. Masks are required. Email Susan at sgblackmore@aol.com with the number in your party.
Watch this space for more information about our October drum circle.
Book Clubs
Courageously Coed Book Club: Meets the second Monday in person.
The Coed Book Club invites anyone who likes to read and discuss novels to join us. We have in common a love of reading and talking about books—appreciating good writing that offers a glimpse into the lives, worlds and ideas of others. We also appreciate the communal experience of the group and getting to know each other in a different setting at Northwoods.
Contact Susan Powers for information: susanpowers2008@gmail.com for the reading list and Zoom login information.
The Men’s Book Club: Meets meets regularly on the first Saturday of each month in person.
The Men’s Book Club reads a wide variety of both fiction and nonfiction books. We have about 15 members who are mostly retired professionals. We select the books once a year by voting on nominations from the members. Each month a different person leads the discussion of that month’s book.
For more information contact Wally Gardner: wgardner49723@gmail.com.
The Women’s Book Club: Meets on the third Saturday of the month at 10:00 a.m. on Zoom
The Women’s Book Club has been meeting monthly since 2001. We select books every 3-4 months based on a democratic voting process. Meetings run approximately 90 minutes followed by an optional lunch gathering at a local restaurant.
For reading lists and Zoom login information, please contact Shirley Locke: swlocke@gmail.com.
Dismantling White Supremacy Book Group: Our newest book group, DWS meets to discuss nonfiction works covering topics such as race inequity, mass incarceration, white supremacy, and racial bias in society and within ourselves. As we work as a community to be more actively anti-racist, we also commit to doing the individual work of rejecting the unconscious white supremacy culture in which we live. This group provides a space for processing and learning as we move toward the goal of Beloved Community that is welcoming to all. The group began by reading “How To Be An Anti-Racist” by Ibram X. Kendi, and future selections will be selected with input from the group as a whole.
For more information, Contact Rev. Sarah at sarah@northwoodsuu.org.
Men’s Group
It is vital for men to share fellowship. Men who gather regularly with friends or men’s groups are happier and lead longer, more meaningful lives. The NUUC Men’s Group is an opportunity for men to come together for mutual support and learning. We practice fellowship with a purpose—we pursue and encourage social justice action, and study the impact that men have on the lives of others. The group meets monthly and is open to all who identify as male. For more information contact David Shontz at peterkin_2000@yahoo.com.
This Sunday at Northwoods
For information about Sunday services and meetings,click here.
Need Help?
Do you find yourself needing support? Do you need to share your thoughts or feelings? Our Lay Ministry, Pastoral Care, and Healthy Congregations teams are here to help.Click here to learn more.
Need to schedule an online appointment with Rev. Sarah? The following appointments are available:
Program/Planning Session – 60 or 30 Minutes
Pastoral Care – 60 or 30 Minutes
Chat/Check-in – 15 Minutes
Spiritual Practice Opportunities
For information about participating in spiritual practice opportunities, click here.