Groups
Many groups exist at ALUUC, serving various needs and interests. Please see the list of groups below, our list of Group Events, list of ALUUC events and our online calendar for specific dates and times.
Book Discussion Group
This group meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:30pm to discuss a chosen book. They meet at group members houses. Check the ALUUC newsletter for meeting place. Please contact Barbara Moore for more information.
Bridge Group
This group meets at the ALUUC on the second Friday of each month at 7 pm. Please contact Chris Romaine for more information.
Chalice Circles
Chalice Circles has quickly spread throughout most UU congregations in the last few years. Most people who have tried it want to do it again. Over a series of 8 sessions, groups of 8-10 people meet in casual surroundings to relax, get to know each other, and enjoy interesting discussions. A facilitator provides readings and questions which help stimulate the sharing of ideas, and the emphasis is on respectful listening. It is always amazing to hear how each person responds, and it is a wonderful way to start feeling deeply connected with others in our church community. Future sessions will be advertised in the ALUUC newsletter and website. Please contact Gwen Childs for more information.
Choir
Members have expressed interest in getting an ALUUC choir started again. At this time we’re considering rehearsals to be before Sunday services and once during the week, beginning 10/17/10. If you are interested in joining in this adventure please notify Kathy McGuire at choir@aluuc.org with your name, e-mail address, and which part (soprano, alto, tenor, bass) you prefer singing. Please contact Bonnie Ettinger for more information.
Dream Group
This group meets at the ALUUC on the first Monday of each month at 7 pm. In a relaxed atmosphere, each person in the group will share a recent dream of his or her own choosing. Then two dreams will be selected for further discussion. It is an opportunity to exchange insights without engaging in group therapy as such. Please contact John Glosser for more information.
Sangamon Valley Flute Circle
This group meets at the ALUUC on the second Wednesday of each month at 7 pm. The focus of this circle will be the care and playing of the Native American Style Flute, but other types of flutes will be welcome. This flute circle will provide an environment where all who attend can learn to create their own music in their own way, where everyone helps each other to expand their flute playing skills and experience. No previous experience or ownership of a flute is necessary. Flutes will be made available for others to try. Please contact Mike Haynes for more information.
Humanist Discussion Group
This group meets at the ALUUC on the fourth Monday of each month at 7 pm. The group’s general coverage is both religious and secular humanism. The group focus will be: the common philosophical base for all that come together under the big UU umbrella. Humanism rejects the supernatural while stressing core values such as dignity of the individual, equality, and social justice. Some special topics may include evolution, separation of church and state, and ethical values. Please contact Carol Floyd for more information.
Labyrinth Walk
For more information, see the ALUUC Labryinth webpage
Movie Night
One Sunday evening per month from September to June, Rev. Martin Woulfe hosts a movie night at the ALUUC. Please check the newsletter or the online calendar for dates & times, to include the name of the movie.
News Covenant Group
This group meets on the first Thursday of each month to discuss current events. This group meets at the members homes. Please contact Frank Kopecky for more information.
SISTERS eNewsletter & Events
The women of the congregation get together for food and fun about once a month except for the summer. Emails are sent out on a regular basis, usually weekly or bi-weelky. Please contact Linda Haynes for more information.
Sangamon Zen Meditation Group
This group practices Zen in the lineage of the Ordinary Mind Zen School founded by Charlotte Joko Beck of the San Diego Zen Center. The group is fortunate to receive guidance and instruction from a Dharma heir of Joko Beck, Elihu Genmyo Smith who is a resident teacher at the Prairie Zen Center in Champaign, Illinois and is able to visit the group on a regular basis. The group occasionally travels to Champaign individually and in groups for service and sesshin. The group meets at 9:30am most Saturdays at the ALUUC. All are welcome. Newcomers can arrive at 9:00am for a brief orientation. Please contact Ed Russell or visit their website at www.sangamonzen.org for more information.
Theologies in Dialogue
This new group is made up from the former Christian Interest Group and former Build Your Own Theology Group. The two groups merged because they recognized overlapping areas of interest. This group explores spiritual and theological issues from a variety of perspectives, philosophies, and faith traditions. The purpose of the group is to encourage and facilitate intentional theological discussion among the members of our congregation. This group meets at the ALUUC on the third Monday of each month at 7 pm. Please contact Craig Bailey or John Glosser for more information.
Thursday Evening Meditation
This group will teach you how to quiet your mind and focus on your spirituality. The group meets every Thursday evening at 7:00pm at the ALUUC. Please contact Debby Hagan or Ed Russell for more information.
