JUC sponsors a variety of Groups with the purpose of building community and facilitating social connections among our members and friends. Most Groups are volunteer-directed groups sponsored by the Belonging & Connection Team.
There are 5 main types of groups here:
Ministry – These groups are ran by staff or the Ministry. They help to run services, or engage the congregation in growth. Examples: Choir, Welcome Team, FE, or any of our Social Justice Task Forces.
Spiritual Practice – These groups are created by Ley Leaders that want to develop Spiritual Practice in a specific way. Examples: CUUPS, Yoga, Mediation, or Tai Chi.
Small Group – These are groups created by JUC Staff for the growth of the individuals. Examples: Wellspring or Going Deeper.
Identity – These groups are created to bring people together that share a part of their identity. Examples: Moms, Wombats, Women’s, and Queer Groups.
Shared Interest – This used to be called “affinity” groups. These are ones that people join to connect, grow and have fun with an interest that is shared. Examples: Union of Unitarian Universalist Gamers, Great Books Discussion, Drumming, or Creative Writing.
You can also grab a Get Connected Pamphlet from the Commons at church on Sunday! We love to see how you can connect and find the ways you want to grow. The goal is to truly Connect Authentically. If you need help getting connected, let me know. I am happy to help you find the best group for you!
Interest Groups:
Creative Writers Circle
1st Saturdays at 10 am
Whether you’re beginning your writing journey or have written for years, the Creative Writers Circle is for you! Everyone is welcome to join our friendly, supportive group of folks eager to learn from, and laugh with, each other in a safe, nonjudgmental space. Not quite ready to share your work? Come anyway, we can’t wait to get to know you!
Contact: Sharon Groten, grosb14@gmail.com
Drumming Circle
3rd Thursdays at 2:30 pm
Join fellow JUCers for ecstatic drumming, and possibly dancing. No drumming experience required, no age or physical limits. Bring a hand drum if you have one, but we also have extra drums and other instruments to share. Dancers are always welcome!
Contact: Bill Barr BBarr@gmail.com
Great Books Discussion
2nd & 4th Mondays at 7:30 pm
Great Books is based on the idea that by reading from the great books of our civilization and discussing them with other people – sharing your insights and questions you can reach a fuller understanding of these works than you could on your own.
Contact: Dona Chilcoat , 303-989-6945
Union of Unitarian Universalist Gamers
Every other Week Friday then Saturday (Check the Weekly Connection for dates)
This group that uses the medium of tabletop roleplaying games (Dungeons and Dragons) to foster a space where people can build community, exercise creativity, and celebrate their unique voice. No prior roleplaying game experience is necessary and feel free to drop in and out as you see fit.
Contact: Zack Schreiner zachary.schreiner@gmail.com
Poetry Group
1st & 3rd Fridays at 1 pm
JUC poets gather twice a month to share poems they have written. Feedback is gently given. No need to contact leader, just show up and see if this is right for you. We write and share poems we write following a prompt given at the previous meeting. Most poems are free verse.
Contact: Linda Ropes lindaropes@comcast.net
Spiritual Practice Groups:
Mindfulness Meditation
Sundays at 5pm
The Mindfulness Meditation group is meeting every Sunday to meditate together and discuss a mindfulness-related theme.
Contact: Tina Voelker bvoelker@mines.edu
Science & Spirit
1st Sundays at 12:30 pm
If you’re interested in learning about the universe and humanity’s place in it, then Science and Spirit is for you! We hold discussions about topics ranging from cosmology, to human evolution, to the latest scientific discoveries, and much more!
Contact: Tripp Bishop dyne_erg@yahoo.com
Golden Satsang
1st Sundays at 1pm
The purpose of the Golden Satsang group is to maintain a supportive community for meditators to share inspiration and personal experiences related to applying universal spiritual principles in daily life. We are a non-sectarian community of adults committed to supporting one another to live mindful, meaningful, purposeful lives. Our focus includes reading study of spiritual writers while supporting each other’s efforts to lead balanced, loving lives. Current Book Study: Wherever You Go, There You Are by Jon Kabat-Zinn
Contact: Margie margie.robinson7@gmail.com
Tai Chi Contemplatives
2nd Mondays at 5:30 pm
Come join us for an hour of relaxing Tai chi, beginners always welcome. Tai chi is an excellent form of exercise that enhances Core strength, concentration, balance, coordination and mindfulness. Tai chi is an internal form of martial art, beautiful and accessible.
Contact: Jan Jahner janajahner@gmail.com
Yoga As You Are: A Spiritual Practice
2nd, 4th, & 5th Thursdays at 2pm
This class is open to people of all abilities and levels of experience. There will be opportunities for people who aren’t able to get on and off the floor. Bring a yoga mat or a beach towel, plus any yoga props you already own.
Contact: Martha Eastman
Identity Groups:
Women’s Group
1st Mondays at 6pm
Be a part of the Women’s Group at JUC, where people of all ages who identify as women can come together to foster community, support one another, and embrace the values of Unitarian Universalism. This inclusive space welcomes individuals to socialize, share experiences, and pursue personal growth while celebrating our diverse identities and perspectives. Bring a snack to share as we nourish both our bodies and our spirits. We look forward to connecting with you!
Contact: Sarah Brown goldenhorses71@gmail.com
Golden Circle
1st Thursdays at 10am (unless stated otherwise)
For our 70+ community. Enjoy a meal, fun, and great conversation! A $5 donation is requested.
Contact: Emily Bonadore
Queer Adult Group
2nd Mondays at 7pm
Queer Connections is a compassionate safe space dedicated to adults of the LGBTQIA+ community. We welcome all ages 18+. It’s a time to socialize, give input on future events, share stories, support each other’s voices, approach spirituality from a queer lens, discuss current social and political issues affecting our community, and collaborate on ways to lift up queer folks young and elderly in and outside our congregation. Snacks are always welcome.
Questions: Contact QAG Leadership QAGlead@jeffersonunitarian.org
Mom’s Group
3rd Mondays at 6:30pm
Join other JUC moms for an opportunity to deepen and connect. There will be a mix of faith-exploration activities and socialization time.
Contact: Heather DeCaluwe
WOMBATS Men’s Group
6th Mondays at 5:30pm
The WOMBATS are here to create a community of people who identify as dads to connect authentically. Meetings consist of time to connect socially, share a meal, and a formal program based on listening and reflection.
Contact: Erik Greensfelder