We have small groups that meet regularly with the same small group of committed participants, while others gather regularly with a more fluid participant group. Find the small group that works best for your spiritual journey. 

Bloomington-Normal Meditation Group

The Bloomington-Normal Meditation Group formed over ten years ago. We meet once a week on Sunday evenings in the Walker Room from 6:00-7:30pm.

We follow a fixed routine: 20 minutes of sitting meditation, 20 minutes of walking or sitting meditation, and another 20 minutes of sitting meditation. A chime marks the transitions between meditation periods. The meditations are followed by 30 minutes of discussion usually relating to a chapter of a book, essay, or talk we are reading together. Participation in the discussion is always optional.  We share leadership within the group. 

Everyone is welcome so please join us (plan on arriving 5-10 min early as we start the meditation right at 6:00). 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.

Covenant Groups

Covenant Groups deepen spiritual exploration and connection in a small group setting. Group members are challenged to move away from abstraction and intellectualizing, to engage with spiritual practices and consider how spiritual questions might apply to their daily living. 

Using a packet connected to each month’s spiritual theme, group members select one question and an exercise that challenges them personally. Connections are made at the monthly meeting when stories are shared of what was hopefully a deeper, personal experience with the theme. 

Each Covenant Group has no more than 10 members. Contact Terina if you’d like to learn more or if you’re ready to join.

Anti-Prejudice and Anti-Oppression Discussion

The Anti-Prejudice and Anti-Oppression Discussion uses shorter readings and other media to help analyze ourselves and our culture and shape actions that we can take in everyday life. 

Listeners are welcome. 

First Sunday Non-Fiction Book Discussion

Every first Sunday of the month, the group meets to discuss non-fiction books chosen by participants.  The book topics guide participants to think about real world application of our Unitarian Universalist principles. 

How Did We Get Here?: Reading U.S. History Through the Seven Principles of Unitarian Universalism 

Reading Howard Zinn’s A People’s History of the United States (HarperCollins, 2003. 1980), we’ll connect U.S. History to our UU principles. Discussion date TBD. Participants can read along or just listen in on discussion or presentation sessions.

BN Humanist Group

The BN Humanists discussion group includes regular participants from UUBN and the wider local community. 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 and many more.  

The group is committed to welcoming and respecting all viewpoints, and to holding a comfortable inclusive space for both quiet introverts and outspoken extraverts. Any adults are welcome to join the email list – occasional invitations are extended to teens for topics of interest.

BN Humanists meet at 7:00pm on the first and third Wednesdays.

ManyPaths CUUPs (Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans)

ManyPaths CUUPs is UUBN’s group 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, developing Pagan liturgies and theologies, and supporting Pagan-identified UU religious professionals. 

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 visit our page and leave us a message.

Share Your Writing

Participants read their own writing – poetry, fiction, essays, stage or video scripts, letters to the editor – or talk about what they are thinking of writing. Discussion after reading may include questions or feedback if desired. 

To Be Continued 

The To Be Continued Group is a great way to get to know others in the church community by sharing and discussing a topic of interest. There is benefit in having people discuss a single topic with some understanding and sharing. What we can do about it is also considered. The group meets twice a month, the 2nd Tuesdays, at 6:00pm. We have a one hour limit, with a covenant to start and end on time. and 4th

No more than three articles will be discussed at each meeting. The articles need to be read prior to the meeting. Topics are suggested by the group members, the facilitator or a member can make a presentation of an area of interest to them. Previous topics were cancel culture, outrage/hope, cultural appropriation. 

UUBN members and others from the community who are interested in an intelligent break twice a month with interesting people are welcome to attend. This is round table discussion; participation is encouraged and expected.

Writer’s Workshop

Using short writing “games” we explore our imaginations and find variety, depth, and breadth in expression, which can be applied to any kind of writing on your spiritual journey. For those just beginning to write to the seasoned writer, let us learn from one another. 

Bridge Club

A small group playing bridge on Monday afternoons.

Dinners for Eight – Renamed Zuum for 8 due to COVID-19

Singles, couples, and families enjoy monthly potluck dinners with other UUs. 

Monday Brown Bag Conversations 

Come to the Fell Room on Mondays to start your week with good company and lively conversation.  We light the chalice at 11:45am and extinguish it at 1:00pm.  Bring a lunch. 

Unitarian Universalist Women’s Federation

Works to advance justice for women and girls and promotes their spiritual growth. At UUBN, we organize social events and service projects to support women’s interests.