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
Drum Circle
September’s full moon is known as the Full Harvest Moon, as it is the full moon that is closest to the fall equinox. In the northern hemisphere, the Full Harvest Moon rises very soon after sunset, providing plenty of bright light for farmers harvesting their summer crops. September’s full moon is so well-known for its luminosity and brilliance that certain Native American tribes even named it the Big Moon. The Full Harvest Moon holds major cultural significance in many different communities, who spend this full moon not just celebrating the fall harvest, but also the moon itself.
Drumming happens at Northwoods UU on the Friday closest to the full moon. This month that is September 17. 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.
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.
Black Lives Matter
Protest in Support of Black Lives Matter: Next protest Saturday, September 18 at 9:00 a.m. at North Shore Park
We had a great time at our last protest—we were joined by activists from the NAACP and the Montgomery County Democratic Party. Over 20 people were there, including kids! We made many days and it felt good to work together. We met afterwards for some refreshment, and the new participants were very enthusiastic about coming out again. Our work is broadly visible and that visibility is giving others the courage to continue. Thank you for all your support.
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.