There are a number of avenues to explore your spiritual path at First Unitarian Society. Read on!
Centering Prayer Group
The Centering Prayer Group started meeting weekly in 2005 as an outgrowth of the Quest program. One description of this twenty-minute meditation practice is that you “rest in love/God.” Sometimes we add a time to talk about our own meditation practice. Come join us if you are looking for a way to begin or for companionship in your own practice. We meet on Tuesdays from 4:45-6 p.m. at the Meeting House. Contact: Kim Stege, 244-5875, kstege@sbcglobal.net or Pamela Johnson, pjj14@rconnect.com, 455-1685.
Chalice Group Ministry
The Chalice Group Small Group Ministry program brings together groups of about ten people to meet regularly to build community, practice shared ministry and nurture their spirits. Chalice Groups provide an opportunity to build relationships by making a covenant with each other and by being of service to the congregation and/or the community at large. Group members reflect on issues and values important to them as UUs. Contacts: Artis Coffman ardisc@tds.net or Ann Boyer aboyer@library.wisc.edu
CUUPs
The 5 Lakes CUUPs group (Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans) meets at 4 p.m. on the 4th Sunday of the month (usually in the Gaebler Living Room) for a ritual and a potluck. We are Wiccans, Pagans, and other people who celebrate Nature, the Earth, and the cycles of the seasons/moons/days as central to our spirituality. Join us for a spontaneously created ritual, fellowship, and food. For more information, call Nancy Vedder-Shults (231-3362) or email her at NancyV-S@tds.net.
Chant and Sing
This monthly get-together happens at 4 p.m. on the 2nd Sunday of the month (usually in the Gaebler Living Room). We sing and drum Earth-centered chants and songs, raising energy for our lives and for the Earth. If you love the Earth and love to sing, join us for a celebration of life’s mysteries. For more information, call Nancy Vedder-Shults (231-3362) or email her at NancyV-S@tds.net.
Dance Fellowship
Dance Fellowship is a workshop for exploring creative dance movement. Members contribute improvisational dance movement and ideas which may lead to finished composition and performance. Check the newsletter for meeting times and location. Contacts: Carol Klongland, 222-2527; Audrey Lazanas 274-6314
Insight Buddhist Meditation
“Insight” or Vipassana meditation originates in the Theravadan tradition of Buddhism and uses techniques accessible to Western practitioners. Sunday evening meditation sessions are scheduled from 6 to 8 pm, throughout the year. An introductory session is held on the second Sunday of each month. Periods of sitting meditation last 45 minutes; walking meditation, and discussion are included. More extended periods are scheduled for occasional Saturday mornings. Questions? Contact Lori Creswell at 238-1234.
Madison Insight Meditation Group
This community-based groups meets at FUS each Sunday from 6 to 8 pm for silent meditation, talks and discussion. A break-out introductory session is held on the second Sunday of each month. For more information contact Lori or Dave Creswell. 238-1234.
Drop-in Mindfulness Meditation Group
This group meets has a 30 minute guided sitting plus sharing and discussion each Tuesday from 6 to 6:45 pm. Suitable for all levels, but those with no background in meditation should contact Lori or Dave Creswell at 238-1234.
Campus Ministry (MUUYACM, “moo-YAK-um”)
All area college students are invited to FUS campus ministry services, which take place every Sunday evening during the academic year, to create an inclusive and welcoming community. Our services are rather informal, led each week by a First Unitarian Society or area minister, members of the Madison community, or members of the campus ministry. We meet on Sunday evening at the UW Memorial Union TITU (check the Today in the Union board on your way in for the room number) at 5pm for a light supper (provided by us), followed by our service from 5:30-6:30 pm. On the first Sunday of the month, we meet at FUS at the same time to cook dinner together, plan our service, eat together, and have our service. We welcome anyone who’s interested! For more information, contact Program Coordinator Janet Swanson (click here). Please join us!
Drop-In Loving Kindness Group
We meet on the fourth Monday of each month from 5 to 6 p.m. for a 30 minute guided loving kindness sitting followed by sharing and discussion. All are welcome, but some basic knowledge of loving kindness practice is assumed. Contact: Biss Nitschke 835-0099.
Japanese Crane Movement Meditation
From 12:15 to 1 p.m. on Wednesdays, September through May, this small group practices the Tai Chi Japanese Crane Movement pattern. This gentle exercise is done in the standing position. After the standing exercise, we listen to a guided meditation. Visitors are welcome anytime. Bobbi Zehner and Joan Heitman lead the sessions. Contact Joan Heiman at 829-2462 for further information.
Lay Ministry
The Lay Ministry Program augments the pastoral work of the Society’s ministers, and promotes the spirit of community through direct service. Lay ministers help by: - Making calls and visits to ill and hospitalized members. - Establishing one-on-one partnerships with elderly or disabled members. - Coordinating care for people with temporary disabilities. -Coordinating the FUS Meal Network - Collaborating with congregational groups to provide assistance to members. - Contacting new members and members after major life transitions. - Coordinating support for families and individuals during transition and dislocation. - Facilitating support groups, as deemed appropriate by clergy. - Performing informal peer counseling, when appropriate. - Providing assistance at funerals and memorial services of members. - Bringing a discreet but clear pastoral presence to worship services and other congregational events. In addition, lay ministers meet to share their experiences, discuss the challenges of care-giving, and to learn new helping skills. Persons wishing to serve as a Lay Minister, or who feel they could benefit from this program, should contact Karen Gustafson, 233- 9774 ext 124,
Pagan Paths
Men and women interested in pursuing pagan paths are invited to contact Nancy Vedder-Shults, 231-3362 or nancyv_s@tds.net .
The Quest Program
The Quest Program is an intentional and comprehensive two-year experience that draws on our UU faith tradition and provides participants the opportunity to deepen and enhance the sacred in their lives. Retreats, monthly groups, a mentor and spiritual practice are components. Program underway summer 2009. Questions about future offerings? Contact Janet Swanson.
Shawl Ministry
Shawl Ministry is a task force linked to Lay Ministry. Members of the Shawl Ministry make items of comfort to be distributed to others in the FUS community during times of need and transition, and blankets for children who are dedicated in our community. Items may be knit, crocheted, sewn, or woven. What distinguishes Shawl Ministry from the craft used to create the object is the spirit of intentionality that goes into the creation of each piece. The person who is making the comfort item “weaves” thoughts of comfort and connection throughout the making of the item, making it a nurturing process for both the giver and the receiver. All skill levels are welcome. Contact: Lorna Aaronson, 255-0296, lorna464@ charter.net; Diane Medcalf, 836-1439 flacdemd@gmail.com and Angie Studnicka- angier9876@yahoo.com.
Unsure of how to make a connection? Contact Coordinator of Member Programs, Jeanne Sears, at 233-9774 Ext. 116 (or click here to email Jeanne).
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Sunday, May 20th, After Worship Services,12:30pm. in the Atrium Auditorium [more]Join us for our Second Saturday Potlucks! Bring your favorite potluck item! In addition to the potlucks, please consider offering snack for our after service fellowship by signing up. It's a great way to meet others in our gathering time. [more]Welcome Orientation for Curious Adults Sunday, May 13th at 10:15 a.m. [more]Join us after services on May 12 and 13 when we will create a wonderful monument calling for peace. [more]
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