Community
NSUUS is an active community with many opportunities for individuals to get involved, build friendships, and share experiences. Whether it is taking part in church events or supporting the church by working on Committees and Teams, your involvement is key to shaping your experience and all of our growth as a community.
Get Involved
Reach out to the Office Administrator (office.nsuus@gmail.com) for committee contacts.
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Help plan the worship calendar with engaging services and speakers.
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Facilitate worship services by guiding the services, making announcements, and assisting the speaker.
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Welcome visitors and members to our Sunday services and offer coffee hour after services.
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Assist in posting photos and information on church events on our social media pages.
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Assist in operating the sound system and cameras for the live-stream of services and occasionally for special events.
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Help out the RE Director in the classroom with youth programs or assist with the monthly Teen discussion group.
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Share your talents providing music during the services.
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Help organize clean-up days and routine maintenance to keep our building and grounds in top shape.
Fellowship
Throughout the year we celebrate holidays, seasonal changes, and special events with potluck dinners in our church sanctuary or on our beautiful church grounds. We host events like concerts and invite the wider community. We get together for outings or we simply gather around the fire pit for an evening of laughter and s’mores.
UUs in Action
The UUs in Action Task Force is concerned with many social justice issues that are being addressed locally, statewide, and nationally. Rather than duplicate what is already happening, we felt that increasing awareness and facilitating participation in planned events was more appropriate for a church our size.
Book Club
NSUUS’s Book Club meets every other month on a Sunday afternoon. Members contribute light refreshments to share followed by a lively discussion of the current book which frequently expand on life themes that the book subject suggests. Even if you haven’t had a chance to read the book, you are still invited to come and join in the discussion. It is another great way to get to know other members and friends and is always interesting! Look for announcements in the UU Update.
Here is a list of some recent reads:
The Correspondent (Virginia Evans)
Theo of Golden (Allen Levi)
God of the Woods (Liz Moore)
The Stolen Lady (Laura Morelli)
The River is Waiting (Wally Lamb)
Beneath the Scarlet Sky (Mark T. Sullivan)
The Mountains Sing (Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai )
Chalice Circles
Chalice Circles at NSUU are small groups of 6-10 who meet regularly (usually every 2 weeks) to explore some aspect of spirituality that brings people into right relationship with each other and the larger world. Practicing a format of respectful listening and sharing, chalice circles offer members expanded opportunities for growth, caring, and connection within our church community. Service is a strong component. Members choose one project to serve the church community and one project to serve the larger community each year. As a shared ministry, chalice circles are always open to new members. For further information, please see the UU weekly update.
Circle Suppers
Circle Suppers are a tradition in many UU churches. Participating in Circle Suppers is a great way to get to know NSUU members and friends in a smaller, more personal setting, while at the same time enjoying a delicious meal and engaging conversation. Circle Suppers are held periodically, September through April, in members’ homes. The coordinator recruits the host and assigns the participants. Each person brings a dish to share (appetizer, bread, salad, vegetable, entree, or dessert). Participants are encouraged to host a dinner sometime during the year, although this is not necessary. Socialization and camaraderie are the sole purpose!
Drum Circles
Bring a drum or a rattle - or share ours. Drum circles at NSUUS have been a long-standing tradition. Most recently they have been women’s full-moon drum circles held in support of the Women’s Center in Abita Springs. Drum circles can be held at any time but are typically planned around equinox or solstice celebrations and are open to all.
Super Swappin’ Sundays
Freecycle! Do you have items you'd like to get rid of?
Bring them on the first Sunday of the month to the tables in front of the church and swap them out for something new-to-you. You do not need to bring anything to take items home. Anything left afterward will be donated to Family Reach Alliance Resale Shop (see their website here).
Let’s Go!
Getting out in our local community, having fun together, enjoying music, art walks, or festivals or taking part in community volunteer opportunities is the goal of Let’s Go! Anyone can organize an event.