Small Groups at UUCC
Small groups play a vital role at Urbandale UCC: they provide ministry and fellowship, foster close relationships, and enable us to express our commitment to each other and to God. The development of new groups is highly encouraged! Click below to explore further:
Small Groups: Book Club, Bow Tie Boyz, Dinner With Friends, Green Boat, Memorial Garden;
Youth Groups: 3rd-6th Grade, 7th-12th Grade,
Outreach & Nurture Groups: Newcomers’ Gathering, Caregivers 1, Caregivers 2, Prayer Shawl Ministry, Prayer Circle;
Social Justice Groups/Projects: (links to Community Action page)
Music Groups: (links to Music page)
Small Groups
Special interest groups for fellowship, fun, and learning among UUCC’ers: Book Club; Bow Tie Boyz; Dinner with Friends; Green Boat; Memorial Garden.
Each month, the Book Club gathers to discuss a different book, and any additional titles group members have read and wish to recommend. It helps to have read the assigned book before we meet, but it’s not a requirement for joining the meeting. Contact person: Ruth Rasmussen, 515-276-1294. When: The 3rd Monday of each month (September through June), 6-8 pm. Where: Beaverdale Books, 2629 Beaver Ave., Ste. 1
Bowtie Boyz is a men’s group that meets once or twice each month at church to share a breakfast we prepare. We are a mission-based group that gets involved in church work projects, raising money for youth camperships and other service projects. All are welcome to join our Bow Tie Boyz’ breakfasts or any of our other activities that we lead throughout the year. For more information contact Mark Siegel or Steve Rebelsky. Contact person: Mark Siegel, 515-334-5540. When: Occasional Saturday morning breakfast meetings, TBD. Find out when the next meeting is by calling Mark. Also watch the Friday e-mail for information. Where: Fellowship Hall.
The “Dinner with Friends” group was formed to support the many ‘just emerging’, one of a kind or ‘independent’ restaurants in the Des Moines metropolitan area. We have been in existence now for over a year and a half and have eaten our way through 20 different Des Moines area restaurants. Along the way we have discovered that going to dinner and sharing a meal and drink as well as good fellowship and conversation is something we all look forward to each month! The group averages about 15 people. Contact person: Jeff Sontag, jvisualize@aol.com; email for information with “dinner” in the subject line. Please RSVP to Jeff so reservations can be made. \ When & Where: The group meets monthly, usually on Friday nights. Watch for notices in The CALL or bulletin. Upcoming Dinners: click the event below for details. [tribe_events_list category=”dinner-with-friends-events” limit=”3″]
The Green Boat is all about being good stewards of our church’s environmental resources/impact. Meets monthly for potluck and fellowship with the purpose of supporting each other as a faith community, as we learn about the environment and are propelled into action. Learn more
The Memorial Garden is a sacred space for contemplation and prayer. As a visible symbol of the love and care of God in our lives and our deaths, the garden is available as a place for the interment of the cremated remains of members of the UUCC family and as a living reminder and celebration of the contributions of members past and present. Memorial services, weddings and other small gatherings may be held in the garden. Download the Memorial Garden Brochure (pdf). The Memorial Garden Committee maintains the garden in spring and fall. All are welcome to become a part of the Committee. Contact person: David Sheridan, david.sheridan@urbucc.org, 515-883-0806; or Margo Marks, 651-303-4882.
Youth Groups
3rd-6th Grade Youth Group; 7th-12th Grade Youth Group
The 3rd-6th grade youth group meets monthly and is involved in various mission opportunities including the Des Moines Area Hunger Hike every October, supporting the Urbandale Community Action Network (UCAN) with Backpack Buddies, making cards/crafts for our shut-ins, ice skating at Brenton Skating plaza and lots of other fun events. Contact person: Rev. Amy Murray, Amy.Murray@urbucc.org, or Missy McCord, When & Where: Watch The CALL and bulletins for announcements of upcoming events
The 7th – 12th grade youth group meets monthly and kicks off the year supporting the Des Moines Area Hunger Hike. This group also enjoys a Regressive Dinner to plan events for the year, outdoor excursions, raising funds for various mission opportunities, and the chance to attend General Synod. Contact persons: Rev. Amy Murray, Amy.Murray@urbucc.org, or Stacy Anderson, stacyjotaylorandersen@gmail.com When & Where: Watch The CALL and bulletins for announcements of upcoming events.
Outreach & Nurture Groups
Newcomers Gathering; Caregivers 1 and 2; Prayer Shawl Ministry; Prayer Circle
Newer members to UUCC are invited to meet once a month for an hour social time. The format will include light refreshments and conversation, usually on the third Thursday of each month from 7-8 p.m. The purpose of this open group is to continue connecting newer UUCC members to each other and to meet other members in our congregation. More established UUCC members are encouraged to open their homes as well as rotate though these gatherings. Contact person: Maryellen Knowles, phone: 515-274-4412 or 515-661-3302. When: third Thursday of the month, 7–8 pm Where: various UUCC members’ homes
The original Caregivers Team serves the UUCC church family by caring for those who are ill, who are suffering a loss of a loved one, who are confined to their homes or care facilities or who have special needs. This Caregivers group meets to share their information and to pray for those who receive care. Our purpose is to always be watchful of the needs of our church family and serve in a caring and supportive manner. If you are aware of someone who may be a candidate or have a personal need for visitations, phone pals, receiving of cards or prayer shawls, please call the church office or Pastor David Sickelka. Contact person: Rachel Siegel When: The 2nd Wednesday morning of each month at 9:30 am. Where: Panera Bread Learn More: Caregiving at UUCC
The Caregivers 2 group seeks to support members of our congregation as they go through the many transitions in life. We provide a confidential set of listening ears, meals, hospital visits, transportation and assistance in connecting with other needed resources. We work closely with Pastor Dave and the Caregivers 1 group. Training sessions for a new group of caregivers are held periodically. Contact person: Bonita Wiley Learn More: Caregiving at UUCC
The UUCC Prayer Shawl Ministry provides prayer shawls to people who are experiencing a difficult circumstance—the loss of a loved one, serious health concerns or major surgery—or going through a transitional period in life. Anyone who knows how to knit or crochet is invited to participate. On occasion, the group meets to work on shawls together. Materials for your first shawl can be provided, or you can bring your own. Contact person: Barb Woodsmall, 515-779-4084 or Carol Looney, 515-276-5269 or cell 515-669-6973. Requests for prayer shawls can be sent to prayer.shawls@urbucc.org. When: Prayer shawl makers will be alerted to dates and times for group meetings. Where: The NW classroom in Fellowship Hall (unless otherwise announced).
This Small Group is unique—the Prayer Circle does not meet in person. Rather, they communicate by phone or e-mail about prayer requests of the community. All you need to join this group is a desire to pray for those who request it. Requests are kept confidential within the circle. Contact person: Maryellen Knowles, maryellenknowles@hotmail.com; phone: 515-274-4412 or 515-661-3302.