Short Story Group

Don’t have time to read an entire book? The short story group is for you! Every month we will read and discuss one short story. Stories can be classic, contemporary, experimental, serious, or silly. The only qualification is that it has to be short. Sign up is required so Derik can send you a copy of the short story. There is a maximum of 15 participants.

2^nd Thursday of the month 7 – 8 pm ~ October 9 – May ~ Murray room. Stories for the first few months:

• October – The Imp of the Perverse by Edgar Allen Poe
• November – The Angel at the Grave by Edith Wharton
• December – The Three Hermits by Leo Tolstoy
• January – Grand Union by Zadie Smith
• February –  Cathedral by Raymond Carver

Sign up HERE

Armchair Travelers
Biking the Dalmatian Coast: A Feast for the Eyes and Soul

Harmonic Waves
Sound Bath Experience with Barbara Anderson
October 11 ~ 1pm ~ Eliza Place Land
Register HERE

Sound baths are a therapeutic modality that uses sound vibrations from various instruments such as quartz crystal bowls and Koshi chimes to create harmonic frequencies that resonate with the body’s natural energy centers or chakras to promote physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.

We will begin our time together with a brief introduction to the sound bath, followed by a short, guided meditation to help you relax and focus on your breath and connect with the energy of our future church home.  Most of our time together will be spent experiencing the sounds and vibrations of the quartz crystal bowls and other instruments. When the time for the sound bath is nearing an end, you will slowly and gently be brought back to the present.

Many people choose to experience sound baths while lying on the ground. Please bring a mat, blanket and/or pillow or whatever you need to be comfortable comfort. You are also welcome to bring a chair if that is more comfortable for you.

A free will offering will be gratefully accepted.

UU History Monthly Discussion

A monthly presentation regarding Unitarian Universalist history and its predecessors. As a group, we learn about the people, events, and ideas that shaped our movement. Participants are invited to bring their curiosity and snacks!

2^nd Monday of the month -October 13 – May ~ Commons ~ 6-7:30 pm. Topics of the first few months:

• October – Early Christianities: how Unitarianism & Universalism became heretical
• November – Erasmus and the humanists
• December – Unitarians (re)invent Christmas
• January –  Enlightenment and counter-enlightenment

Sign up not required, but would be appreciated for communication’s sake.

Sign up HERE.

Basic introduction to Relief Wood Carving with Kevin Ewing

Thursday, October 16 ~ 6-8pm ~ First UU Commons
Registration Required ~ Register HERE

An overview of relief carving, designing, tool usage and sharpening techniques.  Participants will design their carving, incise the object, ground the background and model the chosen object.  Wood provided, access to carving gouges during the class, possible purchase of beginning set if desired.  
Should leave the 90 minute class with their own wood carved wall hanging art!

10-12 participants
$10 each

Adults only (Sharp carving tools)

Walden Land Land Workday
3rd Saturday of the month ~ 9am – 12pm
Saturday, October 18

Social Justice Drop in
Sunday, October 19 ~ 2-4pm ~ Zoom
Come for five minutes or an hour, this is a time to share updates, events, and get dialed in to our First UU community! Link is in your eNEWS. Password required: SJUU

Hatha Yoga with Natalie Arend
3rd Tuesdays of each month beginning October 21 ~ 9-10:00am ~ Chapel
Join us for a peaceful and rejuvenating Hatha yoga class led by Natalie Arend. This all-levels session is designed to help you connect breath with movement, promoting inner calm while building strength and flexibility. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced yogi, ages 16 and older are welcome!
What to Bring:
A yoga mat (or blanket), Water bottle, Comfortable clothing. We have some yoga mats at the church! 
Cost: Free!
But, we gratefully accept free-will offerings to support the building fund for our new church home.
Come as you are. Breathe, stretch, and grow with us in community.

Hotel Tag Craft Class
Hotel Tag Craft Class
Saturday, October 25 ~ 2-6pm ~ Commons

Join local artist MN Tiny Treasures in making DecoDen hotel tags- DecoDen is a craft technique utilizing embellishments to decorate a surface. This is an 18+ event. Childcare will not be provided. This class is not ticketed, instead Chantelle will accept freewill donations. Please RSVP using the link provided. RSVP Here for Hotel Tags

Walden Hill Wednesday Halloween Hootenanny!

Wednesday, October 29 ~ 6-7pm

Children, Youth, and Adults are welcome to DRESS UP and join us upstairs in the FD wing for Halloween music, activities, and all-around fun!

Interested in hosting an activity, game, etc. for children and youth to participate in? Please contact Amy Nelson, dre@uurochmn.org by Wednesday, October 22.

Create Your Own Chalice ~ Thursday, October 30 ~ 6-7:30pm ~ Commons ~ $25/person

Join us for an evening of creativity, reflection, and community as we craft our own personal chalices — unique symbols of light, spirit, and inspiration. Using reclaimed and repurposed materials, you’ll design a one-of-a-kind chalice from hundreds of beautiful elements: stones, crystals, glass baubles, and more.

As you bring your vision to life, you’ll create not just an art piece, but a lasting symbol of your own spiritual journey — a chalice to cherish and use for years to come. This class IS suitable for children with parental guidance.

All materials provided. No artistic experience necessary — just bring your curiosity and a willingness to create something meaningful. Your finished chalice will be ready a few days after the class.

Register Here

Eliza Place Workday
1st Saturday of the month ~ 9:00 – 11:30am ~ Viola Land
Saturday, October 4

All are welcome to come and work together to care for the Eliza Place land (across from Century High School). We meet on the first Saturday of each month, weather permitting. We provide snacks and coffee or tea, as well as a large serving of camaraderie and a chance to enjoy nature.

We will be working in the northeast corner around a large oak tree, pulling invasive species like small buckthorn and garlic mustard.

Or work with special tools to root out first year plants of wild parsnip.

Yet another job is cutting off and bagging mature wild parsnip seed heads.

As a change of pace, spread seeds on open ground, or otherwise work to prevent erosion.

Please bring: Refillable water bottle, a cup for hot drinks, gloves, trowel (if you have one). Wear long sleeves and pants plus sturdy shoes, hat, sunscreen, bug repellent. 

Take a look at our 2025 Fall Volunteer Opportunities. 

2025 First UU Annual Service Auction

It is time to submit your auction items. This year we will be having an IN PERSON/Hybrid silent auction along with our traditional live auction and raffle events. There will be much more information to come, for now, get those auction items in!

Submit your auction items HERE!

First UU Annual Service Auction
Saturday, November 1 

• In-Person Silent Auction Items around the church on auction day
• Online Fixed Price, Raffle, and Silent Auction the week before through the Sunday after.
• Live Auction at 7pm in the Sanctuary

UU Around the World Dining
Thursday, November 6 ~ 5pm
Register HERE

Eddie’s Rey de La Birria

Button Making Craft Class
Saturday, November 15 ~ 3-5 pm ~ Commons

Join local artist MN Tiny Treasures in making some funky pin-on buttons. No art experience needed. This is an 18+ event. Childcare will not be provided. This class is not ticketed, instead Chantelle will accept freewill donations. Please RSVP using the link provided. RSVP Here for Button Making

Creative Arts Series – Make Pottery with Terri Allred ~ Thursday, December 4 ~ 6-8pm ~ Commons