Connect
To read our email newsletter sent on Friday, click here: Connect
We need each other.
Humans need community – real community with deep listening and belonging – now more than ever. We also need fun, spiritual grounding, and purpose! At UUCD, we’re grateful to offer numerous opportunities to connect, grow and make new friends. Check out our current ways to connect below!
Spiritual Deepening
IRON LOTUS MEDITATION AND BUDDHIST STUDY GROUP
The group generally follows the Vipassana, or Insight Meditation practice tradition of Buddhism. We meet in the Social Hall at UUCD at 7:00 pm on Tuesdays. Silent Meditation takes place from 7:00 to 7:30, followed by fifty-five minutes of discussion of a chapter of the current book we are reading and then a closing meditation of five minutes. We welcome those who are checking out the group, or Buddhism, or just visiting. At this time of Covid restrictions, we are meeting via Zoom on Tuesday evenings with silent meditation from 7:10 to 7:25 followed by the book discussion. We end at 8:30. Visitors or interested potential newcomers are always welcome. Please contact Bev Berntson to learn more or how to access our Zoom meeting: bev.berntson@gmail.com.
UU Wellspring: Sources
UU Wellspring is a program of spiritual deepening for Unitarian Universalists. Group members experience deep listening and spiritual reflection in small groups of about ten, inspiring personal and community transformation. Participants read, view and respond to presession assignments that are focused on spiritual topics and UU Theology. This class is offered annually.
CARING COMMITTEE
It Takes a Village to Care for a Village
The Caring Committee at UUCD helps administer the important work of providing care and assistance to members and friends of the congregation. And as you see below (in the link for Caring committee), that comes in many forms. We’re organized into teams, and we invite you to sign up to be on a team (or teams!), or to let us know that we can call on you for anything. Remember, you can always say no! But having your name and contact information as a willing volunteer is one of the most important things you can do at UUCD! And thanks!
Click the Caring Committee link for more information: Caring committee
Arts Council
The Arts Council supports the vision and mission of UUCD through encouraging participation in performing, musical, literary, visual and other art forms. We collaborate with other committees and encourage internal and external partnerships that to cultivate awareness in beauty and the arts. We meet quarterly on Monday evenings. Please reach out to Linda Powless for more information.
Choir + Music
Music is a vital part of the UUCD experience. Click here for more information about our program and a selection of hymns to uplift your spirit from our very own choir. Email Music Director Karen Bauman for more information about how to get involved.
Communications + Media
Expand and strengthen membership through integrated and effective use of communications media. All are welcome to take on a small or large role as we develop our congregational voice together. Contact Ann Fryberger at (218)730-7741 for information.
Finance Council
Finance Council is a integral part of UUCD. It meets monthly and advises the Board of Trustees on the creation of the annual operating budget, the mortgage and other loans, and oversee the finances of the church. UUCD’s Treasurer is the lead of this council and reports to the Board.
Food + Fellowship
The Food + Fellowship club manages social engagements at UUCD involving food. These include coffee hours, kitchen trainings, and congregational brunches. To join, reach out to Geiger Yount. For more details on brunch and kitchen training, click here.
Indoor Garden committee
The Indoor Garden Committee consists of experienced and inexperienced volunteers that help maintain UUCD’s indoor garden and outdoor berm. Please take a moment to take a virtual tour of our beautiful indoor garden! We believe our gardens are a visual representation of UUCD’s sustainable, green vision and members are asked to help this committee at least once per year. For more information, contact Louise Levy at 55805levy@gmail.com.
GEMS - Gathering of Elder Members
GEMS is a group of self-identified “elders” that meets monthly from October through May for a presentation from an individual or group along with a light lunch. All are welcome and no reservations are required. For information, contact ML Donovan.
Green Sanctuary
The Green Sanctuary Committee is comprised of the Outdoor Work Crew, Climate Action Team, and Good Food Group. All are welcome! Contact Russ Mattson at romattson@gmail.com or 218-834-3774 to join. For detailed information on our outdoor spaces, click here. And here is a slide show of our beautiful grounds: Green Sanctuary Our Path Our Story
Parkinson’s Dance Studio
Parkinson's Dance Studio offers a welcoming and lively weekly mixed-form dance class for people with Parkinson's and their family, friends, and care partners. Class is modeled on the Mark Morris Dance Group’s Dance for PD® program. No dance experience is necessary. For more information, please contact Jessica Roeder at (218)727-8286.
Program Council
Program Council is a key function of UUCD and involves committee chairs coming together to coordinate and collaborate on congregation-wide initiatives and planning. For more information, contact Sarah Monahan.
Racial Justice Team
This group meets monthly to strategize on ways that the UUCD community can be effective allies for racial justice. For information, contact Therese Presley or click here.
Spring Forest Qigong
Spring Forest Qigong is an amazingly simple, gentle, and profoundly powerful energy practice focused on health, healing and longevity. We meet weekly at UUCD on Tuesday mornings from 10 -11 am.
Contact Glenn Tobey 218-740-4389.
UU Pretty Good Book Club
For information on current selections and meeting times, please reach out to Marty Sozansky.
Welcoming + Affirming Congregation
Come join us as we explore the many ways we can be as welcoming and affirming as possible to our LGBTQ+ siblings. For more information, reach out to Julie Morgan.
Worship Design Team
This team meets monthly to help create and coordinate meaningful worship services. For more information or to get involved, contact our Interim Minister, Rev. Peter Farriday, office phone 218-724-6084.
YOGA
Chair Yoga
This gentle, seated yoga class meets on Wednesday mornings at 9:30 at UUCD. Instructed by Amy Davis, a registered yoga instructor with 8 years of experience in teaching yoga and pain management at Essentia Health.