Warm Hearts
Open Minds
Caring Hands
Adult Religious Exploration Opportunities
Westside offers a variety of Religious Exploration programming for Adults, both in-person and on Zoom. Below are descriptions of our regularly scheduled offerings. For one-time or special events, see our events page.
Note: Visitors and non-members are welcome to attend our Zoom offerings. For the safety and privacy of our members, if you are a visitor and would like to access our Zoom offerings, you must provide your email and phone number in our Connection Card. Indicate that you would like to be contacted by either our Minister or our Programs & Membership Coordinator.
Visitors with unknown or unreachable contact information will not be granted access to our Zoom content.
Links to our Zoom content are found in our weekly email newsletter. You can subscribe here.
If the Spirit Moves You...
Wednesdays
at 6:30p on Zoom
Sharing stories and conversations is a way to break barriers, a way to find common ground in a divided world. This group uses conversations and stories to find peace, explore spirituality, and share joy in what is around us. Our topics range from backyard gardens to the Garden of Eden. We explore books, poetry, religious beliefs, social justice issues, and so much more.
This class meets on Wednesdays,
6:30-8:00 p.m. via zoom.
Open to anyone who wishes to join; led by Westside members.
Thursday Evening Conversations
Thursdays, 6:30-8 p.m. on Zoom
This is an ongoing Adult RE series which meets for discussion on various topics. Each session is stand alone and can be joined at any time. Our topics include those specific to UU values (LGBTQ, racial justice, religious exploration, etc.) and more general topics of interest.
We have a new topic each week! Please check the newsletter for what we are currently discussing.
Please see our newsletter for information on how to access this group.
Members can also access the Zoom meeting in the Members' Area.
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Arts & Crafts
First Saturday of each Month,
12-2 p.m.
in the Adult RE Room
Westside would like to welcome its artists (including budding, closet and wishful artists) whether your thing is drawing, painting, knitting, crocheting, quilting, wood carving, jewelry making or any art or craft (maybe not chainsaw sculpture) to join our new arts and crafts group.
The goal is to have a place where we can work on our various projects, share our experience and learn from each other in a cordial and supportive environment.
As Rev. Carol has recently said, “Art is a powerful tool for self-expression and reaching others deeply. Art is for fun, for communication, for exploration and for transformation of ourselves and the world.”
Second Monday Lunch
While not officially a "Religious Exploration" offering, our 2nd Monday Lunch is an opportunity for Westsiders to get together and converse about their lives and the news of the day. Held on the second Monday of each month (hence the title!) at a restaurant in the East Tennessee area. See the newsletter for the next date and location.
Second Monday of each Month, 11 a.m.
Location varies
Earth Church
East Tennessee
Earth Church is a part of the Wild Church network, and a ministry of Westside UU Church . We meet the third Sunday of each month, from 3-5pm in the afternoon, to share sacred time outdoors, fellowship and some light snacks.
Meetings outdoors (weather permitting)
at Westside at 3pm
On the third Sunday of the month.
Third Sunday of each Month, 3 -5 p.m.
Outdoors at Westside (Weather permitting)
Events for 2023
• Sunday, October 15th at 3pm: Regular Earth Church gathering (feel free to bring light food to share)
• Sunday, November 5th at 5pm: Samhain Celebration
Costumes welcome! Gathering time from 5-5:30, ritual from 5:30-6:30pm, followed by food and celebration. Please bring something tasty to share.
• Sunday, November 19th at 3pm: Regular Earth Church gathering (feel free to bring light food to share)
• Sunday, December 17th at 3pm: Yule Celebration
Ritual from 3:30-4:30pm, followed by a Yule feast that we will co-create.
Book Club
Typically meets on the Fourth Sunday
of each Month, 10 a.m.
on Zoom
Calling all readers! Join our Book Club for a lively discussion about books. We read fiction, non-fiction, and the occasional biography. The Book Club currently meets once a month on Zoom. And we have our own page on the site! Click here to go to the Book Club page.
Poetry Group
Meets First Wednesday of the Month,
1 p.m. in our Sanctuary.
A group of friendly and supporting writers working on and sharing their poetry. If you would like to write some poetry in a non-threatening, low-expectations, high-encouragement environment, come join us. You can bring completely original works, or a poem that you'd like to emulate in some way, be it word choice, format, or message.
