This page contains a list of the workshops we have on offer in 2024, grouped by timeslot.
Run 5k around Bloomington! It'll be awesome!! (Actually, it will; more info to come later)
Participants will walk about 2 miles looking for local breeding birds. We may visit more than one site depending on how many birds show up. No maximum on participants.
The task of writers, according to poet Natalie Goldberg, is to say a “holy yes” to life and to live and write with the knowledge that our lives—which are both completely ordinary and wondrously mythical—matter. In this generative workshop, we will explore what it means to use our own unique stories and identities to inform our writing—what it means to shape the stories and details of our ordinary (and extraordinary!) lives into writing that has the potential to enrich and transform how we understand our own lives. Participants will have the opportunity to generate new material through a variety of writing exercises and will receive a list of practical tips for how to best cultivate and nurture their writing. This workshop is open to all levels—even those who’ve never written a poem before!
A workshop on healthy humor and aspects of being a UU that make us unique and lovable. This will an experiential session so be prepared to be creative and have more fun than a UU board meeting.
Informational session on native plants, including identifying native plants and understanding their benefits to biodiversity, resilience, and how to incorporate them into your home landscape. The impact and management of invasive species will also be discussed. Includes Midwest native plants online resources and a list of nurseries to obtain native plants and seeds. Thane and Chris are Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalists and have been slowly converting their suburban lawn into a native plant sanctuary.
Are you tarot-curious? Want to see what a tarot reading is like (and maybe even learn something about tarot along the way)? Do you have a burning question you would like to have answered with the cards? Chris will demonstrate tarot readings for volunteers in the session. All efforts will be made to keep the session light-hearted and fun. Please don't pose questions you wouldn't want discussed in front of a group or that have the potential to be embarrassing or painful! There will be time for 6-10 readings, depending on complexity.
All experience levels and voice types are welcome to join the inimitable Awesome Choir as we prepare music for the worship service. We look forward to co-creating sonic joy with you!
Join Diana J. Ensign, author of FAITH, HOPE, ACTION: Ushering in a New Earth Era Together, for this enlightening conversation regarding care of our Earth home. Inspired by a deep love of nature and a concern for our environmental and climate change challenges, Diana embarked on a yearlong quest to learn what we need to do to save our Earth home. Along this journey, she spoke to scientists, farmers, Indigenous teachers, environmental justice advocates, student activists, and faith-based visionaries who are working for a sustainable planet. Find out what she learned during this workshop.
Try out carving limestone!
Huang style moving meditation set to music. Chi Gong warm-up. Reflective poetry and check-in for participants.
TBA
Sanders has won acclaim for his skill as a personal essayist. A contributing editor for Orion magazine, he has won the John Burroughs Natural History Essay Award, the Indiana Authors Award, and the Mark Twain Award, among other honors. In 2012 he was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Sanders was a judge for the 2016 Permafrost Book Prize in Nonfiction for Permafrost: Literary Journal.
Participants will explore different techniques and materials, focusing on simple art making techniques such as printmaking, paste-papers and mono-printing. Final day will also include ways to incorporate the papers into other projects such as cards, wall pieces and small sculptural forms.
A participatory workshop introducing the basics of improv and the “Yes, and” philosophy through improv warm-ups, exercises, and games. No prior performing experience is needed, and class content varies each year to make each year’s workshop new for past participants.
Join us for Zen meditation practice. There will be instruction for any who need it, and the opportunity for private discussion outside of the practice period for those who would like this.
4th of July pool party
Participants will engage in vigorous activity learning and practicing a variety of low- or no-contact taekwondo hits, kicks and strikes. There will be an emphasis on protocol, which is very different from a normal workshop. We will be using formalities. There will not be side conversations or open dialogue. Eve has a third degree black belt and has been practicing for nine years. Class will be held barefoot.
Continue our 43-year jam on acoustic instruments to prepare for a Coffee House gig.
Informal get-together for improvisers to play favorite and new improv games and exercises. The jam is not instructional, so some prior exposure to the basics of improv is preferred, though not required. Participants are encouraged to share and lead games and exercises with new participants.
MUUSA authors with recent books will have tables for book signing opportunities.