Read With Us

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.

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.

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.

Spiritual Connection & Community

Buddhist Meditation Group – Guided meditation, followed by silent meditation. Reading various books on meditation, mindfulness, etc. Meets at 6pm on Zoom on the first and third Sunday.

Blue Mountain Meditation Group – This group practices Passage Meditation as developed by Eknath Easwaran. You can learn more at the website bmcm.org. All are welcome during this silent meditation time, but please check to see if this a comfortable fit for your spiritual journey. Meets at 4pm on Tuesdays in the Sanctuary.

Drum Circle – A spiritual practice group for anyone who wants to celebrate community by making some noise together. All experience levels, ages and abilities are welcome. Drumming lasts about an hour, is liberating, and uplifting. We have plenty of drums and shaky things to share or bring your own. If the weather cooperates, we occasionally drum outside. Children who can do what the adults are doing are also very welcome. Meets on the Friday closest to the full moon at 7pm in the Sanctuary.

Connecting Through Community

YANG (Young Adult Northwoods Group): Informal gathering of young adult members and friends of Northwoods. Check in, community, and conversation—and snacks! Meets the first and third Sunday of the month at 10:30am in the Library.

Mother’s Discussion Group – A space for those who navigate the journey of motherhood to connect, share experiences, and engage in meaningful conversations. Whether you’re seeking insight, camaraderie, or just a place to be heard, you’re invited to join us. Meets on the First Monday at 6pm in the Garden Room.

UUplift – The group is reading and discussing Held: Showing Up for Each Other’s Mental Health by Barbara F. Meyers, focused on building community, fostering connection, and supporting
those in need. Participants may personal experiences, with a strong emphasis on breaking isolation and the impact of social connection on well-being. Meets on the second and fourth Monday of the month at 5pm in the Garden Room.

DUUDES – A welcoming space for masc- and male-identifying folks to connect, share experiences, and support one another in a relaxed, judgment-free environment as well as serve Northwoods and the greater community.. Whether you’re looking for community, conversation, or just a place to be yourself, this group is here for you. Meets on the second Wednesday of every month in the Garden Room.

Mom’s Support Circle – Offers a supportive, judgment-free space for those in mothering roles to share challenges, celebrate joys, and build community. No matter where you are on your parenting journey, you don’t have to do it alone. Meets on the third Monday of every month at 6pm in the Garden Room.

Empathy Circle – Join us for a transformative online gathering, designed for anyone seeking compassionate listening and meaningful connection. Each session begins with a brief  introduction to an empathy process rooted in Nonviolent Communication, followed by dedicated practice time. Meets at 10am every Saturday on Zoom.

SOCIAL GROUPS and MEET UPS:

  • Ome Calli Coffee Meetup Have coffee with friends! Tasty brew, vegan bites and connection. Meets at Ome Calli in Grogan’s Mill on the first Friday of every month (11:30 to 1:30ish).
  • Millbend Coffee House Millbend Coffeehouse is a non-profit venue hosted at Northwoods on the second Saturday of every month, dedicated to bringing the finest in national and local acoustic/folk songwriters and performers to our informal and intimate setting. Suggested donations vary, and after paying our musical guest, all proceeds go to local charities. ($25)
  • Taco Tuesday / Food Truck Friday – Just what it sounds like- meet up, eat food, hang out! Dates and locations vary, but this happens at least once a month, so check your monthly calendar

Express Yourself: Art, Writing & More

Yarn, Thread, and Fabric – Makers Meetup – Just what it sounds like—bring a craft, enjoy good company, talk about yarn…you get the idea! Meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 6:30pm in the Library.

Poetry Group – Have you ever been drawn to Have you ever been drawn to a poem? Maybe you’d like to work on your own, and share and grow in a non-instructional, collaborative and safe group? Join us and try it out! Meets on the second and fourth Mondays every month at 6:30pm in the Library.

Writers Group – The best thing about the folks at Northwoods is that they make things up! Wait…no… it’s that they’re fine individuals with limitless imagination! In either case, the Northwoods
Writing Group would like to welcome those with stories to share. We meet once a month for critique, encouragement, and inspiration for the written word. Meets on the second Wednesday of every month in the Library.