A religious community concerns itself not only with spiritual development; it also invites all people into a circle of connection, caring, fun, and
friendship. We value and support each other through opportunities to both give and receive care and we develop treasured connections by gathering together for celebration and fun.
Upcoming Leadership Meetings
Board of Directors – (meets 3rd Wednesdays)
Wednesday, August 15, 7:00 pm
Upcoming Events
Summer Saturday UU Playgroup – locations to be announced (SEE OUR FRIDAY REnews FOR DETAILS)
For PreSchool thru going into 5th grade and their parents
Fellowship for families on Saturdays through August 26 at a different park or location each week, chosen by the host family of the week. Sign up on the sheet in the Commons or contact Joyce Rood, dre@uurochmn.org
Young Adults “Good Cheer”
Wednesday, August 1 | 7:30 p.m | Forager Brewing Company
Join Rev. Luke and friends in their 20s-40s for “Good Cheers!” in the library at Forager Brewery to discuss the church’s theme for the month. Usually meets the first Wednesday of the month. Drinks at your own expense, some snacks provided. Contact Rev. Luke at revluke@uurochmn.org to sign up.
Nodding Wild Onions at Squash Blossom Farm
Sunday, August 5 | 4 pm | Squash Blossom Farm (7499-60th Ave NW, Oronoco)
Come for great music and fellowship; children will enjoy meeting the chickens, guinea fowl, dogs, cats, and cow! Woodfired pizza available for purchase (pre-ordering from the Squash Blossom website recommended), or bring your own picnic and drinks. Questions? Robin Taylor at 254-1963.
Save The Dates
Saturday, September 8 – All-Church Picnic
Sunday, September 9 – Water Ceremony (return to services at 9 & 11 am)
Wednesday, September 12 – Kickoff for Walden Hill Wednesdays
Sunday, September 16 – Religious Education kickoff (Potluck brunch at 10 a.m.)
Sunday, October 28 – All-Church Halloween Trunk or Treat party
Saturday, November 3 – Annual Service Auction
Friday/Saturday, December 7/8 – Handcrafted Bazaar
Sharing | Volunteering | Social Action
Saturday Noon Meals
Saturdays, August 25, October 27 | Christ United Methodist Church (400-5th Ave. SW)
Volunteers of all ages are welcome and are needed in two shifts. A signup sheet is available in the Commons or online at Saturday Noon Meals. Contact: Roxanne Schlasner, 289-3959.
Community Food Response
Wednesday, August 29 & Friday, August 31 | Shifts 1:30-4:00 pm and 4:35-6:40 pm | Bethel Lutheran Church
Help sort or distribute food recycled from hospitals, restaurants, and bakeries for families in need. A fuller description and sign up are available at CFR Volunteers. Contact: Sarah Rothwell
Hawthorne Helps Project
Summer Blue Barrel Collection: Dental floss, Toothbrushes, 32-ounce Laundry soap (NEW OR UNWRAPPED ITEMS ONLY)
Mini-Store – Contact Sandy MacLaughlin for more information or sign up here: Hawthorne Helps
Affinity Groups
Sundays
Book Group: Racial Justice Task Group (On Summer hiatus)
2nd Sundays | 2 pm | Clara Barton Room
Books relating to race and economic justice topics will guide our discussions. Contact: Paulette DeMers
Class: “The Bible as a Historical Document”
2nd Sundays | 7 pm | Hearth Room
Lecture and discussion facilitated by Frank Druktainis & Jim Olson. All are welcome!
Study Group: Principle 4
4th Sundays | 7 pm | Hearth Room
The Principle 4 Study Group is centered around a free and responsible search for truth and meaning. Contact: Anne Black-Sinak
Mondays
Interest Group: Humanism
3rd Mondays | 7:00 pm | Hearth Room
Contact: Pat Calvert
Tuesdays
Clara Barton Guild
Tuesday, September 11 | 11:30 am | Hearth Room
The Clara Barton Guild will meet for a time of fellowship and an opportunity to make some decisions about donating some of last spring’s rummage sale proceeds. There will be no program other than a brief business meeting. Bring your lunch and a beverage if you choose. Hope to see you there!
Great Books Club
1st & 3rd Tuesdays | 9:30 am | Chapel
UUs and the community at large are welcome. For information about upcoming readings, contact Sandy Ramage.
UU Book Club (On Summer hiatus)
3rd Tuesdays | 6 pm | various locations
Caring Crafters
3rd Tuesdays | 1 pm | Hearth Room
Next gathering: Tuesday, August 21
The Caring Crafters use their talents to bring comfort or joy to members of our congregation. We knit, crochet, quilt, and weave items for the minister to give to people facing challenges, crisis, or grief; make tied fleece blankets to give to our Coming of Age graduates and knitted or crocheted baby blankets for infants and young children being welcomed into our congregation; and make cards to send to those who are grieving or celebrating. The work brings us together; the fellowship keeps us together. Meets 3rd Tuesday each month. Contact: Sarah Rothwell
Study Group: Chosen Faith
4th Tuesdays | September 25 | 7 pm | Hearth Room
The Chosen Faith Study Group invites you to come and discuss Rethinking Religion: Finding a Place for Religion in a Modern, Tolerant, Progressive, Peaceful and Science-affirming World, by Barbara O’Brien. The Study Group reads and discusses Unitarian and Universalist leaders’ views of the past and present, as well as other significant liberal theologies. All are invited for a lively discussion. Starting September 25th, at 7 pm in the Hearth Room. For more information please contact Anne Black-Sinak (charyut@gmail.com)
Wednesdays
Interest Group: Buddhism
1st Wednesdays | 7:00 pm | Clara Barton Room
Questions? Contact Frank Druktainis
Elders Discussion Group: Aging: The Journey
3rd Wednesdays | 12 pm | Hearth Room
Bring a sack lunch, a beverage, and engage in conversation with others who, like you, have embarked on a new adventure. Sign up is not required. Contact: Pat Calvert or Darrel Waters
Thursdays
Discussion Group: Examining the Myths of Life
3rd Thursdays | 7 pm | Chapel
Discussion topics from the book, What if THIS is Heaven?, by Anita Moorjani. Contact: Roxanne Schlasner
Saturdays
UU Horton Bridge
Generally 3rd Saturdays | 7-11 PM | Joyce Lewis’ home
Next: Saturday, August 11