Church Groups
If you see a group you’re interested in, contact the church [email protected] or 309.828.0235
Groups for Spiritual Development or Practice
Covenant (Small) Groups
Is small talk not really your thing? But you want to make long lasting or meaningful connections within your church community? Each month, covenant group members receive a packet on a monthly theme. The packets may include spiritual exercises, questions that encourage reflection, and resources that help you explore the theme in more depth. At the monthly meeting, you’ll share your experience with the packet and build a circle of trust through deep listening.
Groups are not drop in events. Choose the group materials and meeting times that work best for you. If you’re interested but don’t see a time that works, let us know!
Participant Responsibilities
- Review the packet each month and think about the prompts
- Do the things in the packet: watch videos, read websites and essays, think about the questions or prompts, journal and/or create the art. This can take as little as an hour a month or as long as you’d like it to take!
- Live into our congregation’s covenant for how everyone treats each other.
- Come to the monthly meeting prepared to share how you felt and what you learned.
- Come to the monthly meeting prepared to listen to what others share without trying to fix, correct, or debate.
- Keep confidential the things people share unless they consent otherwise.
- Commit to regular attendance and let your facilitator know if you need to miss.
During 2025-2026, there are options for materials and meeting times, although the structure is similar.
Revolutionary Love
These materials are based on Valerie Kaur’s book See No Stranger (although you don’t have to read the book).
Read more here – https://revolutionarylove.org/learn/October
October Packet Sample – https://drive.google.com/file/d/1B-_E0drF9L4GgQdNPcLTaup5YuVghlo3/view?usp=share_link
- Revolutionary Love Group, meets on the 4th Wednesday, 4:00pm, Irvin Room
- Early Birds Revolutionary Love Group, meets on the last Monday, 9:00am, Irvin Room
Soul Matters
The materials we’ve used over the last 8 years. The Soul Matters company was founded by UU minister Rev. Scott Tayler about 10 years ago.
Read more here – https://www.soulmatterssharingcircle.com/resources-details.html
October Packet Sample – https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Aj8KolLxxMwswM6fD9Evffz-UXDumA9t/view?usp=share_link
- Soul Matters Online Group, last Wednesday, 7:00pm, Zoom
- Soul Matter Group, 3rd Tuesday, 6:30pm, lower level Youth Room & Zoom
- Drop In Soul Matters Group, first Tuesday, 6:00pm, Irvin Room (This is the group for anyone who knows they will not be able to consistently attend)
Non-Theistic Spiritual Exploration
Centered in our Unitarian Universalist values, we share resources and conversation around human-centered, non-theistic, non-supernatural spirituality. All are welcome to join in monthly on the third Thursday from 6:00-7:00.
Bloomington-Normal Meditation Group
Formed over ten years ago, this group meets each Sunday evening in the Walker Room, and online, from 6:00-7:30 pm.
A chime marks the transitions between meditation periods: 20 minutes of sitting meditation, 20 minutes of walking or sitting meditation, and another 20 minutes of sitting meditation. The meditations are followed by 30 minutes of discussion usually relating to a chapter of a book, essay, or talk. Participation in the discussion is always optional. We offer basic meditation instructions to visitors if needed, and more information is available at our website www.bnmeditation.com or by contacting the church.
Plan to arrive 5-10 min early as we start the meditation right at 6:00.
Mindfulness Meditation for Beginners
Sitting will begin between 7 and 7:30 initially, to allow new folks to receive basic instruction. Following a 20-minute sit we will share a reading from a recognized dharma teacher with discussion to follow. While much of the practice and the terminology are rooted in Buddhist practice, this is intended to be a secular, non-religious practice. Online gatherings only, each Tuesday.
ManyPaths CUUPs (Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans)
ManyPaths CUUPs is part of the national Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans (CUUPS). CUUPS is dedicated to networking Pagan-identified Unitarian Universalists (UUs), educating people about Paganism, promoting interfaith dialogue, and developing Pagan liturgies and theologies.
Anyone interested in pagan spiritual practices is invited to join the monthly ritual planning meeting from 7:00-8:00 in Fell Room on the second Wednesday of each month. Rituals and social gatherings, based on earth-centered traditions, are posted on Facebook. If you are a Pagan or have an interest in Paganism, please contact the church or visit our Facebook page and leave us a message.
Groups for Connection, Support, and Resource Sharing
Alphabet SoUUp
LGBTQIA adults meet on the first Thursday of each month from 7:00-9:00 for connection, support, and resource sharing.
Disability Group
Adults with visible and invisible disabilities meet each month on All Ages Service Sunday from noon-2:00 for connection, support, and resource sharing.
Elder Council Church Group
The purpose of the Elder Council is fellowship, fun, support, and connections among church members and friends who are 60 years of age or older. Occasionally special guests from the church or the community, who are younger than 60, may be invited to present information on a topic relevant to the group.
The group meets about once a month at locations that may include: a physically accessible home, our church, retirement homes. Snacks and drinks are provided by the attendees. If a participant needs a ride, they should communicate that need within the group.
Humanist Discussion Group
Discussions focus on matters of human well-being including arts, popular culture, human rights, education, philosophies, health, environment, current headlines, national and international politics, race, current religious issues impacting human well-being. Group members are invited to recommend discussion topics, email resources for all to read before the meeting, and lead the in person discussion.
The group meets at a group member’s physically accessible home at 7:00pm on the first and third Wednesdays each month. If a month has a 5th Wednesday, the 7:00 meeting is held at the church.