We have many small groups meeting regularly at First U, which provide a way to deepen your friendship with other congregation members. The following groups are currently active:

Engaged Buddhism Practice

All levels of experience and interest are welcome! Engaged Buddhism reminds us that in order to truly make a difference in our world, we need to be at peace within ourselves. Returning ourselves to peace again and again is a practice of mindfulness. Come join us as we support each other in practicing and sharing. We meet the 3rd Thursday of each month. For more information, contact Linda Cherney.

First U Men’s Group

Since 2004, the First U Men’s Group has provided the opportunity for the men of our church to come together to enjoy each other’s company; share their life experiences; help each other work through problems; and identify opportunities to support our church, its members and the broader community. Our raison d’être is to foster friendship and provide opportunities for men to become full stakeholders in the First U mission and vision. Some topics discussed in the past: “Politics in Chicago and Illinois,” “God is a question, not an answer,” and “The Beloved Community.” All male-identifying members and friends of First U Church age 18 and older are welcome to join us in our spiritual, social, and intellectual fellowship. For more information, please contact Joe Harrington.

First U Humanist Group

Our Humanist Group includes a broad range of world views and interests. We discuss many topics with a humanist or non-theistic view. Discussions are centered on books, articles, or essays; or specific issues related to religion, belief, disbelief, atheism, agnosticism, gods, and spirituality. We meet on the second and fourth Mondays at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom. Contact Hank Henriques for more information.

First U Women’s Group

Our Women’s Group invites women members and guests to come together for lively and thoughtful discussions on many topics including the numerous challenges of aging, systemic racism/white privilege/supremacy, and the UU Seven Principles. Our monthly meetings are typically held every second Sunday on Zoom. We also participate in hikes, museum trips, potlucks, and more. Please contact Christen Morrow for more information.

Senior Support Group

The Senior Supoort Group meets on Wednesdays at 3:00 p.m. via Zoom. We meet virtually, but like the Beatles’ song, we’ll “get by with a little help from our friends.”