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.
Links to our Zoom content are found in our weekly email newsletter. You can subscribe here.
Thinking About Theology
Wednesdays
at 6:30p on Zoom
A weekly discussion of our beliefs, our paths, and the variety of religions and spiritual perspectives found in UU communities.
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This class meets on Wednesdays,
6:30-7:30 pm via zoom.
Open to anyone who wishes to join; led by Rev. Carol and other 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 Sunday of each Month,
1-3 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
Join Rev. Carol Bodeau for an earth-centered gathering each month close to the new moon. We will sit in a sacred circle, share experiences of inspiration in nature, create ritual together, and set intentions for the coming month. Then we’ll have time for food and fellowship.
Meetings outdoors (weather permitting)
at Westside at 3pm
On the third Sunday of the month.
Third Sunday of each Month, 3 p.m.
Outdoors at Westside (Weather permitting)
Events for 2023
Sunday, March 19th, 3pm: Ostara celebration at Westside, 4pm {bring a few plastic eggs filled with magical words, stones, etc if you want to add to the egg hunt}
Sunday, April 16th, 3pm: regular Earth Church gathering at Westside
Sunday, April 30th, 2pm: Beltane celebration at Rev. Carol’s farm
Special Earth Church May 19-21: Fieldtrip to Serpent Mound State Memorial (Pebbles, OH): one of the most well-known and magical effigy mounds in the world, we will be visiting a few weeks before the Summer Solstice, which it is aligned to.
We are hoping to reserve a lodge at Highlands Nature Sanctuary. Details coming soon…
Sunday, June 18th, 3pm: Summer Solstice at Westside
Sunday, July 16th, 3pm: regular Earth Church at Westside
Sunday, August 20th, 3pm: Lughnasadh at Westside
Spirit Quest Fall Retreat at Elkmont, Thursday Sept 8-Monday Sept 11: This gathering will be a camping experience at Great Smoky Mountain National Park's Elkmont group camp. We will share food, ritual, fire circles, music, and have a half-day Spirit Quest solo time on the land. Core retreat will be from Friday afternoon to Sunday evening, but you can arrive as early as Thursday afternoon and leave Monday morning. Space for up to about 20 people.
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! Click here to go to the Book Club page.
