Welcome!

There are many ways to engage in learning, sharing, and serving at FUS. Included are opportunities for deep listening, discussion, and the exchange of ideas. Small group ministry takes shape in a variety of experiences—book groups, classes, lectures, movement, art, science, and music. We want to ‘open the doors’ more widely to our community, our faith, and our mission. Learning together brings us the gifts of growth in self-knowledge and awareness, of support among a loving and intentional community, and of a new depth of connection to Unitarian Universalism.

Watch the weekly newsletter News from the Red Floors for current information, schedules, and announcements. Contact Director of Membership Janet Swanson with general questions.

Journey Circles are comprised of small groups of 6–10 individuals that meet once a month and are facilitated by a trained volunteer. Reflection and discussion at each two-hour gathering will focus specifically on our congregational monthly theme, and our time will be structured to help us set aside daily distractions and make connections with one another.

Why would someone want to join a Journey Circle? In a large faith community such as ours, small groups are a pathway to deeper connection and fulfilling engagement. As we extend ourselves to one another, we find space in these small groups to deeply listen to others, to learn more about ourselves, and to create meaningful relationships where intentional community thrives. Contact Director of Membership Janet Swanson for information.

Chalice Groups, small groups of 8–10 individuals that meet regularly to practice a shared ministry of building community through intentionality. Contact Director of Membership Janet Swanson for information.

At First Unitarian Society we believe learning and spiritual exploration are life-long practices. Throughout the year we hold events and classes to provoke the mind, enrich the soul, and engage in community.

Additionally, the New UU class is a half-day orientation for newcomers and friends of First Unitarian Society, with introductions to Unitarian Universalism and the life of our faith community is offered several times a year. Pathways, a 10-month spiritual deepening program, is offered annually.

We welcome and encourage young adults to join in the ongoing life of the congregation. In addition, there are events throughout the church year geared specifically to this age group. Starting with an open house in the fall, our young adults come together and brainstorm ideas and experiences for the upcoming program year.

Our ministers and Director of Membership facilitate a monthly program at Oakwood Village West, where many of our older members have settled. These members are some of our most enthusiastic lifelong learners and committed volunteers. Members, as well as non-members, living at Oakwood or elsewhere in the Madison area are all welcome to attend.

Our ministers and lay ministers are also available to address the pastoral care needs of elders in our community. You may call upon them at any time, particularly during times of hospitalization, transition to a rehabilitation or skilled nursing facility, or any time you are facing difficulties. Please contact our Lay Ministers for more information.

This group meets virtually each Friday night from 7 to 8:30. Click to join Zoom meeting. Meeting ID: 971 131 642
Passcode: 5648

This group meets to discuss important topics in their lives. Facilitator: Gordon Olson

Meets second Friday of the month from 2–7 pm. Facilitator: Nancy Seaman

This program provides knitted, crocheted, or quilted items of comfort for those experiencing challenging life experiences such as illness, hospitalization, and loss. They also provide blankets for child dedications. For more information contact Dorit Bergen at elanor3560@att.net or 608-238-1773, or Lorna Aaronson at lorna464@gmail.com or 608-255-0296.

Spiritual Practice Groups are drop-in groups that meet regularly to practice and explore formal spiritual practices. Learn more about our current group offerings below.

“Insight” or Vipassana meditation originates in the Theravada tradition of Buddhism and uses techniques accessible to Western practitioners. Sunday evening meditation sessions are scheduled from 6–8 pm throughout the year. An introductory session is held on the second Sunday of each month. Periods of sitting meditation last 45 minutes; walking meditation, and discussion are also included during our evening sessions. More extended periods of practice are scheduled for occasional Saturday mornings throughout the year. Contact Lori and Dave Creswell at 608-238-1234.

First Unitarian Society has offered Japanese Crane Meditation, a form of Qi Gong, for many years. The meditation practice is a gentle standing set of movements performed with a quiet musical background and is appropriate for a wide range of ages and abilities. The group meets at Wingra Park in the good-weather months (bring a lawn chair) and in the Atrium auditorium at FUS when the weather doesn’t allow gathering outdoors. This is a drop-in group. Contact Ann Schaffer with questions or to be added to the email list. Check your email for last-minute weather updates!

This video of the group doing a roughly 20-minute session is available so people can do Japanese Crane at a time of their choosing, if they can’t make the in-person gathering. Captions identify each movement and make them easy to follow.

A nature based spiritual exploration with pragmatic exercises to promote wholeness, wellness, and harmony. Spiritual practices grounded in the Wheel of the Year and changing seasons have been practiced in some form around the world for millennia. Recent examples include modern pagan traditions and shamanic practices. The Wheel of the Year reflects the four seasons, agricultural rhythms, and lunar cycles. We explore how observing these rhythms can help promote inner balance, wellness, and connection with nature. For questions, please contact Kimberley Long-Ewing.

This support group is for those dealing with the pressure and responsibility for loved ones suffering with various afflictions, whether living with them or in another setting. Participants often find that conversation with others in similar circumstances helps a great deal. This is not a drop-in group; anyone who is interested must first chat with Karen Rose Gredler (via email or phone 608-516-8559) prior to attending.

The pain of losing a partner, parent, child, or other loved one can be profound. It often helps to talk and share with others in a warm, supportive, and confidential environment. Learning and hearing of others experiences and sharing your own has been shown to be restorative. All are invited to join us for this drop-in support group for those who are grieving losses of all kinds. Please contact Roz Woodward for more information.

Trans Square is a private space for transgender, nonbinary, and gender-questioning people to provide a support network to each other and help each other survive. To protect the safety of the space, allies who wish to show support are asked to put their energy towards worthy causes elsewhere. This group is sponsored by the Welcoming Congregation Team. For more information, contact Logan Walsh.

Nurturing relationships and connecting more deeply often happens during our planned social gatherings. Our gatherings range from monthly potlucks to retreats to fundraising events. At FUS, building community also happens while sharing a meal.

Second Saturday Potlucks meet after the 4:30 service on Saturdays during the program year (September-May). If you would like to join us, please provide a generous dish, crock pot, basket, or plate of your favorite recipe to share with others. You can bring your dish to the Commons kitchen before the Saturday service or before the 6 pm dinner bell. When you arrive, you will be asked to label your dish (please include allergens). All are invited to attend.

For over thirty years, FUS members have enjoyed a special weekend of cross-country skiing, sledding, and skating. The accommodations are rustic, and the fellowship is fabulous. Open to individuals and families, the retreat is typically held in February at Trees for Tomorrow in Eagle River, WI. Registration information will be available in the Red Floors. Learn more about the retreat center at www.treesfortomorrow.com.

Information about our Social Justice Ministry Teams is available here.

The vision of First Unitarian Society is to be a spiritual community of belonging. We will transform ourselves and society through the practices of radical welcome, deep listening, and compassionate, authentic connection. We envision a world fueled by love and justice.

Mission Statement: At First Unitarian Society, we question boldly, listen humbly, grow spiritually, act courageously, and love unapologetically.