A religious community concerns itself not only with spiritual development; but 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.
Join us for Walden Hill Wednesdays (learn more)
Upcoming Leadership Meetings
Board of Directors – (meets 3rd Wednesdays)
Schedule Change: Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, the November 2018 Board meeting will be held on Sunday, November 18 from 12:30 – 2:00 pm.
Upcoming Events
Halloween Fellowship & Fun for All Ages
Sunday, October 28
We invite children to wear their non-scary Halloween costumes to Church on Sunday 10/28! Children will enjoy Halloween treats and decorations in the Commons, and activities in Religious Education Classes.
Followed by…
TRUNK OR TREAT* for the whole congregation
12:30 pm in the lower UU Parking Lot for a safe and fun “Trick Or Treat” experience.
Annual Service Auction
Saturday, November 3 – 5:30-9:00 pm
Come for Fun, Fellowship, and Fundraising. The auction proceeds provide part of our operating budget income and we have an opportunity to support Family Promise (a local non-profit organization) through some items offered in the Live Auction. Appetizers, wine and non-alcoholic beverages provided
5:30 – 7 – Silent Auction Bidding
5:30 – 6:30 – Fixed-Price Event
7:15 pm – Live Auction
Armchair Travelers ~ Andalusia: The Ornament of the World
Friday, November 9 | Fellowship & Snacks at 7 pm / Program at 7:15 pm | Commons
Six of us met in Malaga (southern Spain) to explore the beautiful old Moorish cities of Andalusia (Sevilla, Córdoba, Granada)–the history, culture, and local delicacies. After nine days of delicious city life, we joined HF Holidays in the high, “white village” of Capiliera for a week of walking in the rugged Sierra Nevada range. Bring a snack to share if you wish. Hosted by Jerry & Elizabeth Katzmann, Stephanie Podulke, and Jim Frost.
Future Traveler Events
Clara Barton Guild Fall Luncheon
Tuesday, November 13 | 11:30 am | Charter House City View Room
The Clara Barton Guild will celebrate the harvest season with a luncheon on November 13. A sign-up sheet is available in the Commons. Call Jessie Finch, 280-8986 or Laura Lukes, 282-9274 with questions or dietary requests.
Thanksgiving Potluck
Thursday, November 22 | 1 pm
Join us for an afternoon of giving thanks and showing gratitude for our beloved community. Please let us know what you can bring online or on the poster in the foyer.
Handcrafted Bazaar
Friday/Saturday, December 7/8
The Bazaar features over 35 local artisans showing their unique, recycled and handcrafted wares!
Sharing | Volunteering | Social Action
Hawthorne Helps Blue Barrel Collection
Contribute to the blue barrel in the Commons, (Accepting only new and unused items…thank you!!)
Saturday Noon Meals
Saturdays, 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
Community Food Response
Monday, October 29 & Wednesday, October 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
Volunteer Opportunity – AARP Low Income Tax Assistance
One of our social justice outreach programs is to help lower income taxpayers fill out tax returns so that they can meet their obligations and maximize any refunds. We need volunteers who can help clients fill out tax returns and other volunteers who can help schedule appointments and welcome taxpayers to their appointments. Classes will be provided, November-January, in addition to mentoring where needed. Your “working” schedule is very flexible. Please call or email Ella VanLaningham for information (egvanlaningham@gmail.com).
Affinity Groups
Sundays
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
Tuesdays
Clara Barton Guild
Next meeting to be announced. The Fall Luncheon will be Tuesday, November 13, 11:30 am at Charter House.
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
3rd Tuesdays | 6 pm | various locations
Tuesday, September 18 | 6 pm | Commons – Potluck & reading list planning meeting. Contact: Barbara Wijdicks
Caring Crafters
3rd Tuesdays | 1 pm | Hearth Room
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
Discussion Group: What if THIS is Heaven?
3rd Thursdays: Sept 20, Oct. 18, Nov 15 | Chapel
Facilitator: Roxanne Schlasner schlasnaer@usfamily.net or 507-289-3959 (no text function)
The book, What if THIS is Heaven?, by Anita Moorjani explores how the cultural rules and beliefs are fear-based and lead us away from our most inner true self, unconditional Love. Focusing on the importance to fit in with each other and finding problems to solutions outside of yourself, including our spirituality, leads us away from finding the most powerful truth of our self. The discussions will be reviewing one chapter at each gathering and discussing the questions at the end of each chapter in chalice circle format. The class is open to the youth and adults.
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 | 7:15 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