First Universalist Church of Minneapolis

Buddhist Meditation and Study Group
Thursdays, April 8-May 27, 2010, 7:00 - 8:45p.m. in the Meditation Room
Learn about Buddhism and engage in Zen meditation practice. We will study the book Being Upright by Reb Anderson.  Each week there will be a short presentation and a discussion; we will conclude our evenings with a 1/2 hour of sitting meditation and 10 minutes of walking meditation. New comers are welcome, the book is easy to pick up mid-way. Please try to commit to the whole course. There is a suggested class fee of $45, fee waived or reduced upon request.  Contact Susan if you have any questions and to register susanhagler@earthlink.net or 612-825-7780.

Chi-Gung
You are invited to join our Lifespan Chi-Gung Group, in its 11th year at First Universalist, for Health, Fellowship, and Peace of Mind. Wednesdays through April 21, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Chi-Gung is a centuries-old form of meditative exercise which helps people increase self-awareness, build internal energy, and develop a healthy, flexible body physically and spiritually. Chi-Gung techniques include sustained breathing, body postures, focusing the mind, and vowel sounds. Pat will lead you through warming-up, stretching, centering, and filling with energy and affirmation. You may stand or sit as needed, so the class is suitable for people with physical limitations. Come as you are: stiff, limber, happy, sad, clumsy, or nimble!

Circle Suppers
Looking for a great way to meet people, join in interesting conversation, and eating great food? Suppers are the first Saturday of each month at the home of a host who will provide the main course. Guests bring what is designated by the host - this could be an appetizer, salad, dessert, bread or wine. As a participant, you will host one time. The groups are typically 6-8 people, including the host. Starting each November and running through April, sign-up closes the last week of October. Contact Marybeth Hoelzer at mhoelzer@mac.com if you have questions or would like to sign up.

Comfort Shawl Knitters
Knitters and crocheters are invited to join the Comfort Shawl Project.  The shawls are a tangible expression of warmth and love for members in need of support and comfort at critical times. Over eighty shawls have already been given out. We meet (optionally) on the first Sunday of each month at 10:00 a.m. in the Bride's Room.   For further information about patterns and yarn, contact Shirley Olson at 612-331-1606, olsont271@umn.edu  or Pat Foulkes at 952-544-9242, pfoulkes@hotmail.com

Gardens and Grounds
Gardens and Grounds helps to keep our church home landscape looking great in all seasons.  We are currently maintaining gardens in four areas: the welcome sign at NE corner, the Peace Garden near the central entry on east side of the building, the north side garden, and the Chalice Room garden at the southwest corner of the building.  Tasks include weeding, watering, pruning, litter patrol and occasionally adding new plants and mulch.  We have a regularly scheduled work night during the growing season, but some choose to come at a time more convenient for them. Contact: Douglas Owens-Pike 612-220-1911 or Douglas@energyscapes.com

Wheel of the Year
The Wheel of the Year is an intergenerational, earth-based spirituality program created to celebrate the eight solar holidays of the year. People of ALL ages, from newborns to elders, are welcome to attend one or all of these celebrations. To read more about what gatherings entail and for dates of each celebration, please click here. For more information please contact Wheel of the Year co-leaders Debbie (best contacted by phone: 612-722-4705) or Morgan (best contacted by email: morganerock@hotmail.com).

Women Who Read
First Universalist's "Women Who Read" meets in members' homes or at church  the 4th Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m.  We eat our potluck contributions with relish, socialize, and THEN discuss in a casual manner books written by women!  New members are always welcome.  PLEASE contact the host in advance so she'll now how many to expect.  Download the Schedule!

Women's Ritual Circle
Under Northern Skies is an earth-based spirituality group for women (18 years and over) that meets on the new and the full moon. Women interested in joining are invited to attend open rituals typically held in the Fall. If you have questions or are interested in this group please contact Heather Koser singandgiggle@yahoo.com for more information.

Rise Up Singing
A gathering led by at least one guitarist. We take turns choosing songs. All ages and levels of talent are welcome. Typically we meet every month on the third Monday from 7:00-10:00 p.m. There are no dues or fees. Rise Up Singing songbooks are available online or at Homestead Pickin Parlor as well as some other bookstores. If you are an ex-RUS participant or a newbie interested in getting some musical exercise, please contact Allan Steinhauer by email arstein01@hotmail.com.

UU Stitchers
This is a group of fiber-loving UUs who knit, crochet, stitch, sew, quilt, weave, and spin - all fiber crafts are included. Bring your project and join us for lively conversations about Unitarian-Universalism and everything else under the sun. We meet at church on the first and third Mondays of the month from 7:00-9:00 p.m. All are welcome!
FFI: Catherine Mandle, catherine.mandle@gmail.com