Groups meet at UUS except where noted.

Adult Learning Opportunities

Throughout the year you will find opportunities to explore and grow through a variety of classes, discussions, and shared experiences. Join us for Sunday Forums on a rich array of timely topics. We also host classes on UU history, leadership development, world religions, UU spirituality, and racial and social justice. Check the website and newsletter for information on current offerings.

Various days and times

Contact: Jessica Zimmer, education@uusic.org

Book Discussion Group

Join in a freewheeling discussion of books. Anyone who likes to read is invited to participate. Attendees choose the books for each month at the beginning of the year.

Second Monday, Sept.-May; 7:30-8:30 pm at Oaknoll George St. Building, 735 George St., Iowa City

Contact: Mary Lou Welter, bookgroup@uusic.org

Buddhist Sangha

The UUS Buddhist Sangha gathers Monday evenings for silent meditation and discussion of contemporary Buddhist teachings and their application to our daily lives. All are welcome. If you have questions or would like to learn what we are currently reading, please contact us.

Every Monday, 7:00-8:30 pm at Oaknoll, 1 Oaknoll Dr., Iowa City

Contact: Cindy Spading, buddhistsangha@uusic.org

Covenant Groups

Covenant groups are small groups of 8 to 12 people who meet monthly for discussions fostering intellectual and spiritual growth. The discussion topics go along with the theme of the month of our Sunday services. This small-group ministry program offers members the opportunity to form stronger relationships and gain a deeper sense of connection to the greater UUS community. Because of the level of sharing in covenant groups, we ask that you first be a participant here at UUS for at least a couple of months in order to join a group, and be ready to make a 6 month commitment when you join a covenant group.

Varying dates and locations, each group meets monthly

Contact: Jan Locher, covgroups@uusic.org

Covenant of UU Pagans (CUUPs)

The Owl Moon CUUPs group is a community of people who gather to celebrate earth-centered traditions including seasonal celebrations and lunar cycles. We also offer classes and workshops on topics of interest to earth-centered paths and general Paganism. It is part of the larger UU tradition and brings awareness of the greater Pagan community.

Varying dates and locations, usually at UUS

Contact: Marsha Cheyney and Dawn Marshall, cuups@uusic.org

Dances of Universal Peace

Participants gather for chanting and simple folk dance movements honoring various religious traditions. These prayerful, heart-opening dances foster connections between people. No experience is needed.

Third Sunday, 3-5 pm

Contact: Virginia Melroy, dancesofpeace@uusic.org

Kiirtan

Kiirtan is a combination of music and spiritual practice—it is the chanting or singing of a certain phrase that is charged with meaning. Kiirtan is a wonderful prelude for meditation and a good practice in its own right. It can be combined with a variety of instruments and also with dance.

Varying dates and locations

Contact: Andy Douglas, kiirtan@uusic.org

UU Secular Humanists

We provide a socially active and involved secular community for UUS, Secular Students at Iowa, and the Eastern Iowa area. We advance humanist values while working toward social justice and striving to reduce the stigma of non-belief. We enrich the lives of members and visitors through programs, speakers, and special events.

Third Tuesday, 7 pm; Old Brick, 26 E. Market St., Iowa City

Contact: Mark Yuskis, resdoggie@aol.com

UU Wellspring

UU Wellspring is a 10-month program of spiritual deepening for the UU soul. It includes a commitment to a daily spiritual practice, meeting with a small group twice a month, individual work with a spiritual director, readings and resources for reflection on our UU six sources of living tradition, and a commitment to live out our values in our daily lives.

Twice a month, regular time coordinated with group members. The 2019-20 group is already formed. New group(s) will form in fall 2020.

Contact: Peggy Garrigues, dcl@uusic.org