Programs and Groups
Our programs and activities are open to all who wish to share in this church and its vital commitment to liberal religion. Specific contact names and numbers are provided for each group. Also, a telephone call to the church office (607-273-7521) during business hours will quickly put you in touch with a person responsible for our various projects. If it is not convenient to call during business hours, our telephone answering machine operates at all other times and will record your questions.
ART IN THE PARLOR features a rotation of art exhibits (including photography and original crafts) by members and friends. The committee arranges for exhibits, makes the necessary preparations and seeks new exhibitors.
BABIES FIRST. Imagine a child with no crib, no diapers, no warm clothing, no safe car seat, no toys, or no formula. These are a few of the situations addressed by Babies First, a church-based program in Ithaca.
THE BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP of Ithaca’s Unitarian-Universalist Church meets on the first Friday of each month at 12:30 pm in the “high-school room” of the annex. Participants bring their own lunches and spend about an hour and a half discussing the current book (chosen earlier). The discussion is led by one of the group members, who brings to the group book reviews and in-depth information about the author. After that there is open discussion about the book and author.
The Book Discussion Group chooses what it reads from a wide variety of writings—for example, biography, fiction, and current events. Some of the books chosen by the group include: Soft Power, by Joseph S. Nye, Jr.; The Trial, by Franz Kafka; Fast Food Nation, by Eric Schlosser; and The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hasseini. Each year we read the same book that Cornell chooses for its freshmen to read before they start their first year. To find out more, call Margaret Moschak <mjm713@lightlink.com> at 607-277-6448.
INSIGHT MEDITATION is intended as a study and practice group for learning about meditation. Contact Veronique Domaratsky at <niquedot@yahoo.com>, 607-229-9204.
CIVIL LIBERTIES ACTION TEAM presents programs and lobbies on issues of separation of church and state, gender equality, women's reproductive rights, comprehensive sexuality education, and racial, LGBT, and social justice. For more information, you may contact Niels and Mary Schulz, 607-753-0325, <nielss@worldnet.att.net>.
DINER'S CLUB meets approximately once a month from November through April on a rotating basis for dish-to-pass dinners and conversation in members' homes. The groups range in size from six to ten people and are always open to receive new participants. Contact Jim Holman and Dorothy Buerk <buerk@localnet.com> 607-844-4945.
THE LIBRARY is located in the north alcove of the parlor and is available to everyone. This library is primarily a source of books on the liberal religious quest in general and Unitarian Universalism in particular. There is no fee and information describing the informal checkout procedures is available at the library.
LIVING WITH ILLNESS. Are you a person living with illness? Whether you struggle with chronic illness, chronic pain, or acute or terminal illness or disability, please join us for the Living With Illness group on the second Monday of each month at a member's home. We meet from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm for a brown-bag lunch and to give each other spiritual and emotional support. If you have questions or want more information, contact Martha Wright, 607-273-3003.
NIFTY KNITTERS. All knitters and natterers are welcome to join the Nifty Knitters group, which meets every Thursday from 3-5 pm in the Parlor.
MAHJONG CLUB. Meets every Thursday from 1-3 in Room 122. Please contact Margaret Moschak at 607-277-6448 if interested.
SMALL GROUP MINISTRY is an important part of the life of our religious community. Small groups meet twice a month, in homes or at the church. Participants establish new and deeper connections with one another and find a place for religious exploration and spiritual growth.
THE WOMEN'S GROUP of Ithaca’s Unitarian-Universalist Church meets on the first and third Monday of each month at 7:00 pm in Room 122 of the Parish House (on Aurora Street). All women of the UU church are welcome. Our discussions are especially directed to those ideas and opinions that are of importance to women and their lives. Discussions in the past have been about families, fathers, mothers, power, relationships, healthy challenges, the Goddess, waiting, and friendships with other women. For more information, call Pat DeMatteo <dematteo@lightlink.com> 607-273-2456.
THE UU YOUNG ADULT GROUP is a social group for community members aged 20- and 30-something. This is a relatively new group to the Ithaca UU church, and we’d be delighted to have new members join us!
YOUNG RELIGIOUS UNITARIAN UNIVERSALISTS (YRUU) is a youth group for 14-18 year olds. It offers youth the opportunity to socialize in a safe environment.