Practice Groups

Practice Groups help to explore and expand.

Practice groups are groups which provide the opportunity to explore and expand your intelltectual, emotional or spiritual life.  Our practice groups are inspired by Unitarian Universalist’s Six Sources of our Faith, which are:

  • Direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to the forces which create and uphold life.
  • Words and deeds of prophetic women and men which challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion, and the transforming power of love.
  • Wisdom from the world’s religions which inspires us in our ethical and spiritual life.
  • Jewish and Christian teachings which call us to respond to God’s love by loving our neighbors as ourselves.
  • Humanist teachings which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and the results of science, and warn us against idolatries of the mind and spirit.
  • Spiritual teachings of Earth-centered traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature.

 

These groups are open to all.

We recommend that you contact the leader before attending the first gathering so that they can provide you with information about the group before you attend and can warmly welcome you when you arrive!

Community Drum Circle: This is an established drum circle, open to all who consider drumming as spiritual, meditative, and connective. It is a visceral, non-verbal form of self-expression and a powerful way of connecting with others. The group meets every 2nd Monday and every 4th Tuesday at 7:30 PM in the Sanctuary.  Established dates for 2020: 

Jan 13 & 28, Feb 10 & 25, Mar 9 & 24, Apr 13 & 28, May 11 & 26, 

Jun 8 & 23, Jul 13 & 28, Aug 10 & 25, Sep 14 & 22, Oct 12 & 27,

Nov 9 & 24,  and Dec 14 & 22

As always, feel free to wander in late or drift out early. Come drum, dance, shake a rattle or a tambourine, or clap along. No experience necessary. Bring your own instruments, or share ours.

Singers, chanters, and melodic instruments are welcome. Kids are invited. Help us drum out the darkness!

Contact Chad Holmes

Full Moon Women’s Circle: Monthly earth-based ritual, celebrating the full moon.  Public events, open to all female-identifying individuals over age 13. Individuals younger than 18 years old, must attend with a female-identifying adult. Held on the Friday on or closest to the full moon every month from 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm. Visit the Full Circle website or Facebook page for more information. Contact: fullcircleuuca@gmail.com.

Mindfulness Practice Group: The Mindfulness Practice Group is a community- a sangha – supporting each other in meditative practices. We are peer-led and lay-led: We are all each others’ teachers. All are welcome to sit with us; our group practices are mainly Buddhist, yet we respect all meditative practices and celebrate the diversity of practice among us.  We are a proud affiliate of the UU Buddhist Fellowship. The group meets every Thursday at 7:00 pm for extended meditation and programs and hosts “Introduction to Mindfulness and Meditation ” on Sunday mornings at 8:30 am. Visit the Mindfulness Practice Group’s website for more information.  Contact: mpg@uuannapolis.org

UU Humanist Group: Discussion & open exchange of ideas on concepts of integrity, science, naturalism, respect, wonder, compassion, and community. The group meets the first and third Tuesday at 6:00 pm for potluck, followed by discussion/program. Our meetings are open and we welcome newcomers.  Contact: Cliff Andrew; neurol@jhmi.edu

UU Theists: provides a forum for discussion and learning for those who believe in the possible existence of a higher power (UUs with a theistic worldview). The UUCA Theist Group will meet monthly TBD. Contact: John Fischer; jwlfisher@gmail.com

Women in Transition.  This group is open to all women (and those who identify as women) who are experiencing any kind of life transition.  This group provides a safe, supportive and confidential environment for conversation about those transitions.  Because of the sometimes sensitive nature of these discussions, this is not a drop-in group.  You should contact facilitator Sara Moulton prior to your first meeting so that she can acquaint you with the group’s guidelines and warmly welcome you when you arrive.  Generally meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month.

If you don’t see an Inspirational Practice group that meets your needs, we encourage you to start one!

How to start a Group at UUCA. UUCA requires that each group have at least three church members who agree to take responsibility for the group, to secure the building, and to communicate with staff.  In order to find those people, you are permitted to hold up to three “interest sessions” before becoming a group. Contact the church office to set up your interest sessions.

After your three interest sessions, you can apply to become a group of the church. Complete the Application to Become a Group, and return it to the Church Office. The staff will review your request, and approve it or request more information from you.