The Unitarian Universalist Church of Greater Lansing is a supportive community in which you can explore your own spiritual, religious, or ethical path. Our offerings are aimed at furthering the following goals:
- Sharing our Unitarian Universalist ideals and exploring other religious traditions;
- Providing a safe environment for spiritual growth and development;
- Fostering a community that promotes exploration, joy, and wonder;
- Modeling and promoting a life of integrity; and
- Supporting each person’s search for truth and meaning
In addition to Sunday Services, we offer Covenant Groups (small group ministry) as well as many classes for adults.
You can sign up for a covenant group or class at the Activities Table on Sunday mornings, or contact the church office at 351-4081 (ext. 2#) or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Most classes have no fee, but scholarships are available for those classes with fees.
If you have questions about the course content or scholarships, please contact the facilitator who is listed. Childcare and accessibility needs can be arranged by noting your need on the sign-up sheet. Sign up at least two weeks before the first class, or contact the facilitator.
Covenant Groups (Small Group Ministry)
Covenant Groups allow members to explore the best in each other and themselves and promote community, right relationships, and the healing of the world. Covenant groups are recommended for people new to the church and also for veteran members and friends of UUCGL.
A new Covenant Group will start in March. Meetings will be held on second and fourth Monday evenings. Express your interest at the Activities Table during Sunday morning coffee hour or call the church.
Open Adult Classes
Membership classes for newcomers and those wishing to join UUCGL as members
Course Descriptions for Winter 2011-12
Sign up for classes at the Activities Table on Sunday mornings or by contacting the church office: 351-4081 x 2# or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Scholarships are available for classes with fees. If you have questions about the course content or scholarships, please contact the facilitator. Childcare and accessibility needs can be accommodated by noting them on the sign-up sheet. Our winter classes are:
Nia
Wednesdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
December 21 (free introductory class)
January 4-25; February 1-22; February 29-March 21
Facilitated by Patricia Quinn
$35 fee for each series of four sessions
Nia is a sensory-based movement practice that leads to health, wellness, and fitness. It empowers people of all shapes and sizes by connecting the body, mind, emotions, and spirit. Classes are taken barefooted to soul-stirring music, and the experience can be adapted to individual needs and abilities.
Spirit in Practice
Tuesdays: 1/10, 1/24, 2/7, 2/28, 3/13, 3/27, 4/10, 4/24, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Facilitated by Chris Cleveland & Amy Geishert
This eight-session class will help you develop regular spiritual practices to connect you with the sacred ground of your being, however you understand it. Spirit in Practice affirms religious diversity while seeking unity in our communal quest for meaning and wholeness. Sessions will focus on the eight spheres of holistic spiritual practices: personal, communal, partnership, mind, body, soul, life, and justice.
Art Full Peace--CANCELED
Saturdays, January 21 & 28, 11:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Facilitated by Jane Reiter
$15 materials fee due January 21
We will express peace through collage and mixed media, exploring in both two and three dimensions. We will focus on the concept of peace, whether it is inner peace or peace for the whole world. This is a wonderful intergenerational opportunity for fun creativity! Teens and adults are welcome.
Menu for the Future
Monday, January 23-February 27, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Facilitated by Julie Roy & Chris Geith
$22 book fee due January 8
This Northwest Earth Institute course invites you to learn more about modern food systems and to reflect upon your own role as an eater in a global marketplace. The readings are intended to provoke meaningful discussion and consider food from multiple perspectives -- cultural, economic, ecological, health, and social -- each presenting a different, though often complementary, angle on the complex modern food systems on which most of us depend. The course goal is that "with an increased awareness of how food connects you to place, to others, and to Earth, you will be inspired to act upon that awareness."
Articulating Your UU Faith--CANCELED
Thursdays, February 16-March 15, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Facilitated by Alice Erickson & Kelly Gruner
What do you say when someone asks, "What does your church believe?" This program is designed to help all Unitarian Universalists speak more effectively about our liberal religion and each person's particular perspective on it. It provides opportunities to explore ways to better articulate and thus spread the good news of our empowering but demanding faith.
Make a Mandala
Saturday, February 18, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Facilitated by Jane Reiter
$10 fee due February 18
Course Descriptions for Spring 2012
Veganism 101
Wednesdays, March 14 – April 4, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Facilitated by Marian Erickson & Marion Owen-Fekete
Would you like to learn a sure-fire way of losing weight? Do you want to exercise the best health practices? Are you interested in kindness and compassion? Do you want to go “green” as much as possible? If you answer “yes” to any of these questions, then this is the course for you! This course will be packed with useful information by way of interesting talks, videos, and speakers. Low-fat desserts and samplings of vegan food will be available, and on the last day there will be a potluck or an excursion to a restaurant for vegan food. The China Study by Colin Campbell, PhD, and Thomas M. Campbell II is highly recommended reading, but there are no book purchase requirements and no fees for the class. Enrollment is limited to 12. First come, first served. For further information, contact Marian Erickson or Marion Owen-Fekete.
Video Discussion Series
Thursdays, March 22 and 29, April 12 and 19, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Facilitated by Bob and Kathy Lovell in their home
The first night’s topic will be “music that makes a difference.” The class will watch the PBS special “Amazing Grace” and then share at least one song each. The other three video topics will be decided by the group. Kathy and Bob will provide snacks and beverages the first night.
Clearing Clutter 101
Saturday, April 14, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Instructed by Delma Smith, owner of Organizing for You
$20 fee; scholarships available
Do you have too much clutter around you? Does your home environment bring you peace and calm? Come to this class for ideas on how you can let go of the special attachments you have to your stuff. Tools and techniques will be shared, with a sorting demonstration. Instructor Delma Smith is the owner of Organizing for You. Delma started her own business as a professional organizer in 2002 after over 30 years in businesses. Write your fee check payable to UUCGL with “Clutter Class” in the memo line, and leave it in the envelope provided at the Activities Table or mail it to the church office.
Path to Membership
This year at UUCGL, we are offering three different kinds of membership classes.
Level 1: Welcome to UU
The Welcome class is an overview of Unitarian Universalism. This two-hour course covers a brief history of our faith and the non-creedal tradition. If there isn’t a creed, what do we believe? This is the class to find out the answer. Whether you’re new to Unitarian Universalism or a longtime member, you are welcome to attend this UU overview.
Monday, March 26, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 3, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Sunday, August 12, 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. with food
Level 2: U & UUCGL
U & UUCGL is an overview of the Greater Lansing church. This six-hour class provides an opportunity to get to know others exploring our faith as well as leaders in many areas of congregational life. Led by lay leaders, with visits from staff and ministers, this class will take you through your own faith journey and your talents and interests, present opportunities for involvement, and explain how the congregation conducts business and makes its own decisions. This class is perfect for those who have taken the Welcome class or for Unitarian Universalists who come from another church and want to learn about this particular one.
Saturday, February 11, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., lunch included
Tuesdays, April 10, 17, and 24, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m., no food included
Level 3: Taking the Leap
Taking the Leap is for those who have decided to take a leap of faith and become members of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Greater Lansing. Our Senior Minister, the Rev. Kathryn Bert, will lead you in discussion and ceremony as you make a commitment to join the congregation in membership. If you haven’t taken the Welcome and U & UUCGL courses, please speak to Kathryn before registering.
Saturday, March 3, 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Tuesday, May 8, 6:30 – 9:00 p.m.
New Member Welcome during Sunday Services
April 22, 2012
June 10, 2012
