Fellowship Groups

Fellowship groups provide many ways for people to come together to form a “community of communities” here at Unity Church. These small (and at times large!) groups provide a means to socialize, learn, and explore. For more conversation about getting connected at Unity Church, or for information on the process for starting a new fellowship group, contact Laura Park, Acting Director of Membership and Hospitality, at laura@unityunitarian.org. 

Afterthoughts
Afterthoughts seeks to expand and deepen the experience of the worship service through conversation that uses the Sunday sermon as the starting point. This group meets each Sunday after the 9:00 a.m. service. Questions? Contact Paul Gade at 651-253-1493. 

Caregivers Group
An informal support group for caregivers. Meets on the third Thursday of the month. Contact: Karen Hering at karen@unityunitarian.org.

Dine with Nine
​Beginning in October 2021, small groups (approximately nine per group) of Unity Church members and friends will gather once a month for food and fellowship. Each group is self-directed and will choose the dates, times, and locations for their gatherings. Often, these are potluck meals in group members’ homes, but groups may also choose to mix in visits to restaurants, a picnic, or a catered/delivered meal. You will have a chance to express your preference for a brunch or dinner group, and to let us know if you have other requests or requirements. Sign up here by September 21.
Questions? Contact Laura Park at laura@unityunitarian.org or 651-228-1456 x110.
​
Evergreen Quilt Group
Evergreen Quilters is a group of members and friends of Unity Church who quilt or want to learn how to quilt, and who love to share their creativity and skills with each other and the wider community. All people of the church are welcome to join the group at any time. Evergreen Quilters meet on the second Tuesday of the month, at Unity Church, from 7:00-9:00 p.m.; and fourth Saturday of the month, from 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., out of the building. Contact: Peggy Wright at 651-698-2760  Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, please call Peggy Wright at 651-698-2760 to receive an invitation to the online meeting.
​
Families Living with Mental Health Challenges
A support group for families living with mental health challenges. Meets the first Saturday of each month, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Contact: Karen Hering at karen@unityunitarian.org.

Kung Fu
Join the House of the Upright Ox for some online Kung Fu! This 60 minute practice strengthens the body, calms the mind, and lifts the spirit. Saturday morning, 9:30 a.m. We are a warm, welcoming, and supportive group. Please contact Unity Church member Barney Kujawski at barney.kujawski@gmail.com to get the Zoom link or ask questions.
​
LGBTQ+
This group coordinates some of the LGBTQ+ programming with the congregation. Past events have included our Queer Retreat, conversation groups, and advocacy.

Living With Grief Group
A group for people living with grief and loss. Meets on the third Tuesday of the month. Contact: Karen Hering at karen@unityunitarian.org.

Men's Breakfast Group
All men are invited to meet monthly on the first Saturday for breakfast in the Parish Hall from 8:30-10:00 a.m. In July the group will meet the on July 10, rather than July 3. If you have questions or would like to help prepare breakfast, please contact Tom Zell at tomzell@me.com or 541-870-4275.

Men's Coffee Group 
This group meets every other Wednesday, July 14 and 28, from 9:00-10:00 a.m. for light conversation. The group is currently meeting in person outside of the church, usually at Bread and Chocolate. Contact Tom Zell, tomzell@me.com, for the location and time of their next meeting.

Men's Conversation Group
The Men's Conversation Group meets to discuss a wide range of topics; to offer support for each other with emotional, spiritual, family, and other issues; and to develop a deeper connection with one another. Everyone identifying as male is welcome. This group is still meeting via Zoom. Contact Terry McDanel to find out meeting dates and times, tmcdanel@gmail.com.

Men’s Retirement Group
Monday, July 19, August 2, 16, and 30, 1:00-3:00 p.m., in the greenspace at Unity Church. ​Contact Tom Zell at tomzell@me.com or 541-870-4275.

Music Ministry
Unity Choir, Unity Singers, Women's Ensemble, Children's Choir, and Thresholds Choir are all meeting and singing virtually. Contact Ahmed Anzaldúa, ahmed@unityunitarian.org, for meeting dates and times.

A New Look at the Bible
This Bible study group uses group and personal exercises creatively to demonstrate that the Bible speaks to religious liberals. Different versions of a biblical text are read and compared; both positive and negative responses are encouraged. Anything goes in this class, where the Bible is not an irrefutable document, but a rich, sometimes puzzling, sometimes transforming resource for understanding and coping with life. A New Look at the Bible meets on the second Thursday of the month, at 7:00 p.m. Contact: Paul Gade at 651-253-1493. 

Recovery from White Conditioning
Recovery from White Conditioning uses a 12-step model to help white people dismantle racism, as it lives in us and around us. As Ta-Nehisi Coates says about racism, "It's as if I had a problem with alcohol...That's a different conversation in that I have to confess... that there's something in me... that I will always have to cope with that... that I will always have to deal with that. The honesty that takes is profound." The group meets each Wednesday, from 6:00-7:00 p.m. for white people to support and challenge each other as we strive to decenter whiteness in a multicultural society. Come any time, as you are. Contact Dayna Kennedy at daynamelissa@icloud.com​.

Single Parenthood Support Group
Join us in a new single parents group to build community together. Wednesday, July 21, at 7:00 p.m. Email unity@unityunitarian.org to get connected. Contact Laura Park at laura@unityunitarian.org.

Textile Arts Group
All ages and levels of experience are welcome! Join them in art and conversation on Wednesday, July 21, from 7:15-8:30 p.m.  Bring your knitting, crocheting, tatting, embroidery, needlepoint, and cross stitch for an evening of fellowship and service. Questions or wanting to participate virtually? Contact Johanna Stammeier-Toole at johanna2le@gmail.com. 

Unity Book Club
Second Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. Contact Jack Hawthorne at  jack.hawthorne@comcast.net.
All are welcome — even if you haven’t read the book!
July 13: Kindred by Octavia Butler (led by Dave Kaminski) (fiction)
August 10: The Time is Now by Joan Chittister (led by Jo Lucas) (nonfiction)
September 14: Tender is the Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald (led by Joan Maclin) (fiction)

Unity Gardeners
Join other Unity Gardeners and sign on for a few hours of weeding/watering during the summer. No experience necessary! Contact Laura Park at laura@unityunitarian.org.

Women in Retirement, The Choice Years
This group meets on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month, from 1:00–3:00 p.m. All retired women are welcome. Contact Laura Park at laura@unityunitarian.org.

Young Adult Group (ages 18-25)
​Unity's Young Adult Group is a fun, reflective group of people working to build multi-faith and multi-cultural community. They come together to ask the questions that are consuming us, to practice sharing what is sacred, and to try to live consequential lives as we navigate the complexity of being an adult. All are welcome. To be added to the Young Adults email list, please email kp@unityunitarian.org. ​