Read With Us
Men’s Book Club
First Saturday, 10am Location: Garden Room
Description: 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.
Women’s Book Club
Third Saturday, 10am Location: Zoom (contact Shirley for link)
Description: 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.
Courageously Coed Book Club
Second Monday, 7pm Location: Garden Room
Description: The Coed Book Club invites anyone who likes to read and discuss novels (and occasionally nonfiction) 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.
Spiritual Connection & Community
Blue Mountain Meditation Group
Every Tuesday, 4pm Location: Sanctuary
Description: 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.
Sangha Buddhist Meditation
First and Third Sunday, 6 pm-7:30 pm Location: Zoom (contact for link)
Description: Guided meditation, followed by silent meditation. Reading various books on meditation, mindfulness, etc.
Eclectic Spirituality Listening Circle
Contact Mark for details
Location: Zoom (Digital Sanctuary)
Description: A collaborative exploration drawing from a variety of spiritual traditions. Participants will be invited to help shape topics and practices over the course of the year. (dedicated group meets monthly September–May; contact facilitator to inquire about possible openings for remainder of year)
Drum Circle
Friday closest to the full moon, 7pm Location: Sanctuary
Description: 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. 2027 Drum Circle Fridays: Jan. 22, Feb. 19, March 19, April 23, May 21, June 18, July 16, Aug. 20, Sept. 17, Oct. 15, Nov. 12, Dec. 10
Being Listening Circle
Last Sunday of the Month, 12:00-2:00 pm Location: Library
Description: A spiritually focused circle grounded in Eastern traditions and practices, with listening, reflection, and relationship at the center.
Supporting Your Spiritual Practice Listening Circle
Fourth Wednesdays, 6:00-7:30 pm Location: Zoom (Digital Sanctuary)
Description: A circle for tending and deepening personal spiritual practice—whatever your practice looks like now, and whether you are sustaining something familiar or trying to find your way into a practice. (dedicated group meets monthly September–May; contact facilitator to inquire about possible openings for remainder of year)
Connecting Through Community
Mother’s Discussion Group
First Monday, 6pm Location: Garden Room
Description: 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.
UUplift
Second and Fourth Mondays, 5:00 PM Location: Garden Room
Description: UUplift is a welcoming, informal group that gathers for meaningful conversation and connection. Using conversation-card prompts as a starting point, we aim to move beyond small talk to explore the deeper experiences, challenges, and questions that shape our lives. It is our hope to create a space where people can know and be known, and experience the support that comes from real connection. Sharing is always optional, and newcomers are always welcome.
Dead Table
Third Sundays, 12:15 PM Location: Garden Room and on Zoom (hybrid setup)
Description: Support and preparation for the inevitable! This lively group aims to make death fun, or at least a little easier on the loved ones we leave behind
DUUDES Group
Second Wednesday, 7pm Location: Garden Room and on Zoom (hybrid setup)
Description: 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.
Quarter-Life Community (QLC)
First and Third Sunday, 12:15 PM Location: Teen Room
Description: Twice-monthly gathering of young adult members and friends of Northwoods. Check in, community, and conversation!
Mom’s Support Circle
Third Monday, 6pm Location: Garden Room
Description: 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.
Chronic Health Challenges Support Group
Fourth Saturdays, 10:30am-12:00 pm Location: Zoom (contact Susan for link)
Description: A supportive community for people navigating chronic illness, pain, fatigue, disability, or ongoing health challenges.
UU Values in a Corporate World
Fourth Mondays, 8:-00-9:00 pm Location: Zoom (Digital Sanctuary)
Second Tuesdays, 12-1 pm Location: Google Meet
Description: Exploring how Unitarian Universalist values intersect with workplace culture, leadership, and ethical tension.
Music and Art
Poetry Group
Second and Fourth Mondays, 6:30pm Location: Library
Description: 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!
Fiber Arts Meetup
First Wednesday, 6:30 PM Location: Library
Description: Just what it sounds like—bring a craft, enjoy good company, talk about yarn…you get the idea!
Millbend Coffee House ($)
Second Saturday (usually; check website for specific concert), 7:00 PM
Location: Sanctuary
Description: Millbend Coffeehouse is a non-profit venue hosted at Northwoods on the 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. Check website for more details: www.millbend.org
Folk Choir
Every Tuesday, 7:00 PM Location: Sanctuary
Description: Folk Choir! Come sing with us! We sing once a month at worship (second Sundays) and sometimes there’s karaoke…