Social groups are open to anyone, and are focused on building relationships. Some groups provide a space for people to develop new skills together, some focus on exploration of personal truths, and others provide a place for people with similar interests to connect.
To learn more about any of the currently active groups, simply click on the title below. If you’re interested in joining any of these groups or have a question, please use the form at the bottom of the page.
Alice Macy Book Group
The Book Group has been meeting once a month continuously since 1993 to discuss a wide range of books, both fiction and non-fiction. As the pandemic eases, the group is returning to meeting in a member’s home, where they host a potluck lunch. Each book is selected by the entire group, and membership is open to all members and friends of UUCE who enjoy a good book. Join us on the last Monday of each month at 12:00pm.
Buddhist Sangha Meditation Group
The Buddhist Sangha group is a self-directed group of UUCE members and friends exploring Buddhist practice and principles. Meetings are being held virtually each week on Wednesday evening at 6:00 pm, and include silent meditation for 20 minutes, followed by a recorded dharma talk or reading, and group discussion.
According to extensive psychological and medical research, meditation practice serves to reduce stress, enhance mindfulness and concentration, and increase our capacity for empathy and compassion. Dharma talks and group discussions deepen our understanding Buddhist philosophy and practice.
First time guests will be provided a brief orientation to meditation and the evening’s schedule. To contact the Buddhist Sangha please email sangha@uuce.org
Circle Supper
Circle Supper is a potluck dinner held in members’ homes, or Fellowship Hall from October through May. Members hold one dinner and may attend all eight.
Circle Suppers provide a special opportunity for UUCE members, spouses, and friends to have meaningful and/or light-hearted conversations in a casual dining atmosphere. Bonds are strengthened as we learn more about each other and our histories, both personal and church-related.
Sign-ups open in September, and close when spots fill. After all spots are filled, the list opens up to alternates. Alternates will be asked to attend when substitute diners are needed, and may sign up at anytime throughout the year.
Covenant Groups
Covenant groups are small relational groups with a specific set of guidelines. They are made up of six to twelve people who meet regularly to establish and nurture themselves within this Beloved Community. Covenant groups provide an opportunity for group members to build strong relationships with each other and with the larger organization. They encourage people to talk, learn, work, and play together over time.
Ethnic Eating Group
The Ethnic Eating group is focused on creating opportunities for food and fellowship among UUCE members and friends. Each month the group samples the cuisines of the countries of the world, visiting a Chicagoland restaurant that prepares food in that month’s selected country. Countries are selected alphabetically from the list of 193 members of the United Nations.
Pagan Group
Our fledgling group meets every two weeks after church. For more information, use the Get in Contact form below.
Prairie Voices Choir
Prairie Voices is the vocal choir at UUCE. It meets once a week on Thursday evenings, late August through May, and performs in the Sunday Services once each month. Membership is open to all teens and adults, no audition required!
Unichords Handbell Choir
The Unichords Handbell Choir is a longstanding part of music at UUCE. It rehearses each Sunday after the service ends, September through May. During that time, the Unichords perform several times in the Sunday Services.
The Unichords welcome new members in September and January, and is open to anyone over 10 years old, regardless of previous musical experience.