Events at Northwoods
Connect, Create, Celebrate: Open Invitation to events beyond Sunday services.
Join us! Everyone is welcome!
Join Full Moon Drum Circle Friday, Jan 30 and Feb. 27, 7:00 pm. at Northwoods UU Church.
We will have a small fire going. We’ll be drumming outside, weather permitting. If you want to bring a comfy chair, feel free. We can bring folding chairs out as well.
Bring a friend and drums if you have them or share because we always have plenty. Drum circle is informal and inclusive. All experience levels are welcome. Kids are expected to do what the adults are doing. We usually finish in about an hour. Optional smudging beforehand. No RSVP needed.
If you don’t feel like coming because it’s the end of a long week and you’re tired, come anyway. I promise you will leave in a good mood, energized, lighter, and liberated.
2026 Drum Circle Dates: Feb. 27, March 27, April 3, May 1, May 29, June 26, July 31, Aug. 28, Sept. 25, Oct. 23, Nov. 27.
Empathy Circle: Come As You Are—Leave Feeling Connected
Learn to listen deeply and be heard with compassion. Join Susan Wildin for an online Empathy Circle every Saturday, 10–11:30am on Zoom. This online gathering is designed for anyone seeking compassionate listening and meaningful connection.
Each session begins with a brief introduction to NVC’s empathy process, followed by dedicated practice time. Whether you’re navigating personal challenges or looking to deepen your listening skills, this circle offers a supportive space to be heard without judgment or unsolicited advice.
Open to all Northwoods members and friends. To attend online: Use our custom URL to attend https://zoom.us/my/northwoodsuu or join by Meeting ID: 766 833 5778.
Open Sign Up Events!
Sign-Ups are parties, classes, and fun experiences hosted by Northwoods members — a great way to connect, learn, and support the church! The fundraiser may be over, but spots are still open year-round. Check out November’s events below — if you’re free, sign up and join the fun! Click the event title for more information!
Create your own crafted cloud. We will make 3-D puffy clouds that can be illuminated. Everyone needs a cloud friend hanging around. Cotton candy also provided—DIY. Some materials provided by participants, including your own light strip. Other materials we’ll be using (provided, but you’re welcome to add to the supplies) include polyfill pillow stuffing, hot glue, and empty liter soda bottles. Alcohol-free event at Northwoods. DATE: Sunday, February 22, 2026, 12:15 PM. HOSTED BY: Dan Zimmerman. $20.00
A leisurely stroll through some of the fine art installations in the Woodlands while we sample, with each work of art, a paired malted whisky and a chocolate. Oh, you don’t think whisky can be paired with art, much less chocolate? My friend, you have no idea. Just check with Sara DaSilva–she’s never missed one of these tastings (this is the 4th). Event in the Woodlands. DATE: Sunday, March 1, 2026 – 2:00 PM. HOSTED BY: Scotch Aficionado Rusty Rhoad (981 different malted whiskies sampled as of catalog date). $40.00
Symbols & Spirituality: Guided Discussion & Creative Session
Explore religious and spiritual symbols—both familiar and lesser known—through guided conversation and personal reflection. After discussion, create your own symbolic design using provided art materials while enjoying light refreshments. No artistic experience needed. Bring a favorite piece for optional show-and-tell. Alcohol-free event at Northwoods UU Sanctuary. Date: Saturday, March 7, 2026 – 1:00 PM. Host: Jaclyn Bell $15
Step Into the Fun — Ballroom Dance Night Returns!
Join us for a lively Basic Ballroom Dance Lesson featuring Waltz, Foxtrot, Swing, and Two-Step. No experience needed—just bring a partner and enjoy easy instruction, light snacks, and BYOB in a relaxed setting. Limited to 8 couples. BYOB event at Northwoods. Date: Saturday, March 7, 2026 – 6:00 PM. Hosted by: Gay Lynn Pierce and Connie Newkirk. Price: $25 per couple
In honor of International Women’s Day, come join us for lunch (wine included) and tell us about a wonderful woman who added to your life (men are welcome!). Event at Somebody’s house (either Patty’s, Molli’s or Lynn’s). DATE: Sunday, March 8, 2026 – 1:00 PM HOSTED BY: Patty Schinzing. $22
Join us for a relaxed afternoon learning Euchre, the classic trick-taking card game full of strategy and fun. No experience needed—we’ll teach you the basics and get you playing quickly. Enjoy patient instruction, practice rounds, snacks, and good company. Alcohol-free event at Northwoods. Date: Sunday, March 8, 2026 – 2:00 PM. Hosted by: Robert Case and Kathryn Donohue. $10
Roll the dice and hope your panda luck holds! Join us for Panda Royale, a lighthearted dice game of chance, with a bit of drafting. No experience needed– just bring your lucky steam and your best panda energy! Sandwiches and soft drinks will be provided. Alcohol-free event at Northwoods. DATE: Friday, March 13, 2026 – 6:00 PM HOSTED BY: Kathryn Donohue. $15.
The Long and the Short of It: A Literary Salon with the Essay Group
Come and hear some great essays by a few Northwoods writers. Long and short, personal and funny. You know how we roll! Far-ranging and close to home, chuckle with us and let your eyes get misty as we lead you down the rabbit holes of life. Refreshments provided: wine, soft beverages, and hors d’oeuvres. Essays by Ann McAlpin, Mira Dessy, John Hammond, Beth Marshall, and Hallie Moore. Event in The Woodlands. DATE: Friday, March 13, 2026 – 7:00 PM HOSTED BY: Beth Marshall and Hallie Moore. $25.