UU Wausau

CANCELED - Tai Chi · Free Class
2025-10-02 18:30 - 21:30 (America/Chicago) | UU Wausau, 504 Grant Street, Wausau, WI, 54403, United States
Thursday, October 2 class is canceled. Will resume normal schedule next week.

Join teacher Larry Riddle and others in our beautiful atrium for stretching and Tai Chi. The stretching portion of the class lasts about 90 minutes and is required. Beginners are welcome. Wear loose-fitting clothing and flat tennis shoes, if you have them. Classes are free and open to the public.

Youth Religious Education
2025-10-05 10:30 - 11:30 | WI
Youth Group – Value Quest: Exploring What Matters Most

This year, our youth will explore the values they chose as the most important to them – Adventure, Honesty, Play & Humor, Fun, Conscience & Integrity, Generosity, Forgiveness, Kindness & Respect, Creativity, Learning & Growing, Family & Connections, Peace, Friendship, and Fairness & Equity.Together, they’ll dive into big questions: How can I make time for play and humor in my life? How can I live in a way that reflects my deepest values? What does it mean to live generously? How do you begin again in love? And through conversation, service, games, and shared experiences, they’ll discover how to carry these values with them as they move into adulthood.

Reach out to our Director of Religious Education to find out the theme for any particular week and learn how your youth can jump in and be part of the fun.

Children's Religious Education
2025-10-05 10:30 - 11:30, 2025-10-12 10:30 - 11:30 | WI
Sacred Words: A UU Kids’ Guide to Big Ideas

This year in Children’s RE, we’ll embark on a playful, thoughtful journey through some of life’s most meaningful ideas – Community, Spirit, Justice, Love, and Compassion. We’ll wonder together about the Sacred and the Values we hold dear, explore the beauty of Awe, Mystery, and Hope, and talk about what Forgiveness, Mercy, Generosity, and Freedom can look like in our lives. We’ll learn about Pluralism, Equity, and Truth, reflect on God(dess), and discover how Covenant, Reverence, Interdependence, and Transformation connect us to each other and the wider world. Through our play-based model, stories, games, art, and community-building, we’ll nurture curiosity, empathy, and the joy of growing together.

New children are always welcome. You can reach out to our Director of Religious Education to learn about the theme for any particular week and find out how to join in. Come explore, create, and wonder alongside us!

Sunday Worship And Glorified Coffee Hour
2025-10-05 10:30 - 12:30 | WI
October Worship Series: What We Inherit, What We Carry Forward: Hosea Ballou – The Rev. Brian Mason, preaching

This October, we’ll reflect on some of the people and movements whose courage and conviction helped shape the soul of our tradition. They were not perfect, yet they were faithful — faithful to love, to truth, and to the hope of a more just world. Their lives invite us to ask: What do we inherit from them? What do we carry into the future?

October 5: We’ll begin with Universalist theologian Hosea Ballou, who insisted that authentic religion is not found in creeds or human inventions but in “the honest, the pious, the devotional heart.”

October 12: We’ll explore the vision of the Transcendentalists, who taught that outward forms may fade, but the permanent in religion — truth, justice, and reverence for life — endures.

October 26: We’ll turn closer to home, looking at the significant contributions of Universalists and Unitarians in the Midwest. From frontier preachers to reformers who shaped civic and cultural life, we’ll consider how their vision and persistence continue to ripple through our region and our tradition today.

Community Potluck Lunch
2025-10-05 11:45 - 12:45 | WI
Join us every first Sunday of the month after service for a heartwarming tradition that embodies the spirit of unity and fellowship at our Universalist Unitarian Church — our Community Potluck Lunch. Our Music Director, Margaret Jerz along with the UU Choir will be hosting the potluck on October 5.

Whether you arrive with a dish to share or simply with an open heart, all are welcome to this inclusive gathering.

It’s a delightful occasion where diverse flavors and stories come together to create a tapestry of connection, emphasizing our belief in every person’s inherent worth and dignity.

Join us for a delicious meal and the opportunity to forge new friendships, strengthening the bonds that make our community so special.

OWL 7-9
2025-10-05 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-12 14:00 - 16:00 | WI
Our Whole Lives Grades 7-9

Grounded in the core values of self-worth, responsibility, justice, and inclusivity, Our Whole Lives (OWL) is a positive, comprehensive sexuality education program that helps young people make informed, responsible decisions about their relationships, health, and well-being. The 7th–9th grade curriculum creates a supportive space for youth to explore topics, like: healthy relationships, gender identity & sexual orientation, sexual health, consent, and cultural influences on sexuality.

OWL encourages youth to actively explore and reflect on their own values, attitudes, and beliefs, and through open dialogue and skill-building, participants gain tools to make informed, thoughtful, and responsible decisions about their relationships, sexual health, and behavior.

This program is open to youth in grades 7–9 (or homeschool equivalent, typically ages 12–14 as of September 1, 2025) who have not previously taken OWL.

Registration for this year’s OWL program is now closed. We will offer OWL 7-9th grade again during the 2026-2027 school year.

For more information, please contact the Director of Religious Education.

Learn. Practice. Share.
2025-10-05 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-10-12 18:30 - 20:00 | WI
Mindfulness/Meditation Community

A Drop-in mindfulness/meditation community. Please join us.

In a world that often feels uncertain and overwhelming, the power of stillness, connection, and mindful presence becomes more important than ever.

You are warmly invited to join a supportive mindfulness and meditation community — a space to pause, breathe, and grow stronger together. Whether you’re new to meditation or have an existing practice, this is a welcoming circle for all who seek peace, clarity, and resilience.

Together, we will explore:

Guided meditations to calm the mind and center the spirit

Mindfulness practices to help navigate daily stress with compassion

Community sharing to remind us that we are not alone

This is not about perfection. It’s about showing up — for yourself and for each other — with kindness and intention.

Let’s meet in stillness and rise in strength

Where: First Universalist Unitarian Church of Wausau, 504 Grant St., Wausau, WI 54403

When: Sundays 6:30 – 8:00 pm, weekly

Who: Everyone is welcome, no experience necessary

What: Each 1.5 hour session is designed to include building of community, sharing/discussion on topic or theme, and practicing mindfulness with gentle movement and stillness

If this speaks to you, we would be honored to have you with us. Feel free to invite others who may benefit.

Your hosts are Lisa Stein and Jeanine Knapp

Lisa Stein is new to the UU Wausau community, having returned to Wausau early in 2023 after living in Madison for 34 years. She is grateful to have been invited to the UU by another member and now attends with her son and his family, who are also new to the area. Lisa is a retired educator who brought mindfulness meditation and wellness to teachers, students, and school communities. She teaches a meditation program called Mindful Based Stress Reduction (MBSR).

Jeanine moved to Wausau in 2020 and has been a part of UU Wausau since that fall when Soul Matters groups met virtually; Jeanine was a Soul Matters group participant for 3 years. She participates in social justice activities and attends Margaret Jerz’s Drum Club. Jeanine has had an on/off meditation practice since 2010 and studies in the Tich Nhat Hahn tradition.

Women’s AA Meeting
2025-10-06 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-10-13 18:00 - 19:00 | UU Wausau, 504 Grant Street, Wausau, WI, 54403, United States
Women’s AA meets every Monday evening, including on holidays. Please enter through the doors off of the parking lot.

CANCELED - Qi Gong · Free Class
2025-10-07 18:30 - 20:30 | UU Wausau, 504 Grant Street, Wausau, WI, 54403, United States
Tuesday, October 7 class is canceled. Will resume normal schedule next week.

Join teacher Larry Riddle and others in our beautiful atrium for stretching and Qi Gong. The stretching portion of the classes lasts for about 90 minutes and is required. Beginners welcome. Wear loose-fitting clothes and flat tennis shoes, if you have them. Classes are free and open to the public.

Creativity Matters
2025-10-07 19:00 - 20:30 | UU Wausau, 504 Grant Street, Wausau, WI, 54403, United States
Cultivating Compassion

October’s Creativity Matters theme is “Cultivating Compassion.” We’ll reflect on how creativity itself can be an act of compassion – whether through art that helps process difficult emotions, music that carries kindness into the world, or gifts and expressions that communicate what words cannot. Together, we’ll consider the ways creativity can soften hearts, bridge divides, and make care visible.

Project Options

We will have supplies for Project Options B, C, and F from the monthly Creativity Matters packet*:

Drawing Self-Love: Take a moment to reflect on what self-love and self-compassion mean to you. Then, using any art form you choose, create a piece that expresses your own unique vision of self-love and self-compassion.

The Voices in Your Head: Using any art form you like, create two face profiles: one filled with the negative messages of your inner critic, and one filled with the positive, supportive words you’d like to hear instead. Give the words color, size, and shape that reflect their intensity and meaning. Afterward, take a moment to step back and notice what stands out, and what messages of challenge or comfort these faces might offer you.

Bring Compassion to Your Creative U-Turn: Inspired by Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way, start a project and intentionally leave it only 70% complete, then “sabotage” it (scribble, spill, or mark it in some way). Notice your feelings, then return with compassion to finish it, experiencing the process of mending and reclaiming its beauty. Alternatively, revisit an abandoned project and give it a new life.

Don’t have a copy of this month’s Creativity Matters guide? Sign up to be part of the mailing list or reach out to our Director of Religious Education for a copy!

What is Creativity Matters?

Creativity Matters is a drop-in small group for teens and adults to slow down, connect, and explore monthly spiritual themes together through art and imagination.

It’s less about skill and more about play, allowing intuition, reflection, and creativity to guide us. Think of it as a gentle space where your right brain gets to dance with your left.

Each gathering offers time for sharing, creating, and simply being together. No experience is needed. Just bring your curiosity and a playful spirit.

Weekly Knitting Group
2025-10-08 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-10-15 10:00 - 12:00 | UU Wausau, 504 Grant Street, Wausau, WI, 54403, United States
Discover the joy of knitting and the warmth of community by joining our Weekly Knitting Group. All are invited, whether you’re a seasoned knitter or a complete novice. Bring your own knitting projects and let your creativity flow in the company of kindred spirits.

It’s not just about crafting but forging connections, sharing stories, and supporting one another. Knitting has a way of bringing comfort, both through the soothing rhythm of stitches and the bonds we build along the way.

Come join us in Walker Hall (upstairs) and be a part of this wonderful group, where your skills and passion are celebrated, and where every stitch is an opportunity to knit our community closer together.

Choir Practice · Alto Sectionals 🎵
2025-10-08 11:30 - 12:30, 2025-10-15 11:30 - 12:30 | WI
If you have had a secret wish to sing, join the UU Wausau Choir. We always welcome new members. There are no formal auditions; just bring your good ears and a desire to sing harmoniously.

Enjoy the practice-driven process of learning new music to share with the congregation on a three to four-week schedule.

The UU Wausau Choir meets every Wednesday in the Atrium from 6:30-8:00 p.m. The Tenor & Bass and Alto Sectionals have additional practices, such as this one!

For additional information to participate, contact Music Director Margaret Jerz margaret@uuwausau.org or call the church office at (715) 842-3697.

The Noon Swoon
2025-10-08 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-10-15 12:00 - 13:00 | UU Wausau, 504 Grant Street, Wausau, WI, 54403, United States
You’re invited to be part of our weekly gathering, where we dive into the thought-provoking world of The New Yorker magazine.

Join us during the lunch hour as we unpack the pages of the previous week’s issue, sparking vibrant discussions and sharing diverse perspectives.

Whether you’re a devoted reader or simply curious about engaging with insightful content, this is the perfect opportunity to connect, learn, and expand your horizons.

Bring your lunch, your inquisitive spirit, and a hunger for stimulating conversation. We look forward to welcoming you to this enriching experience.

UU Choir Practice 🎵
2025-10-08 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-10-15 18:30 - 20:00 | WI
If you have had a secret wish to sing, join the UU Wausau Choir. We always welcome new members. There are no formalauditions; just bring your good ears and a desire to sing harmoniously.

The UU Wausau Choir meets every Wednesday in the Atrium from 6:30-8:00 p.m. Enjoy the practice-driven process of learning new music to share with the congregation on a three to four-week schedule.

For additional information to participate, contact Music Director Margaret Jerz margaret@uuwausau.orgor call the church office at (715) 842-3697.

Choir Practice · Tenor and Bass Sectionals 🎵
2025-10-09 15:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-16 15:00 - 16:00 | WI

Tai Chi · Free Class
2025-10-09 18:30 - 21:30, 2025-10-16 18:30 - 21:30 | UU Wausau, 504 Grant Street, Wausau, WI, 54403, United States
Join teacher Larry Riddle and others in our beautiful atrium for stretching and Tai Chi. The stretching portion of the class lasts about 90 minutes and is required. Beginners are welcome. Wear loose-fitting clothing and flat tennis shoes, if you have them. Classes are free and open to the public.

Second Friday Nighters
2025-10-10 18:00 - 20:00 | WI
Second Friday Nighters

Please join Dawn Ashenbrenner and Saleem Surti from 6 – 8pm on Friday, October 10th, for Second Friday Nighters. Enjoy the company of other UUs and friends – all ages welcome. Hosts will provide beverages, please bring an appetizer, dessert, or snack to share. Any questions call or text Dawn at 715-212-6481. To attend, simply come to 6306 Hubert Avenue, Weston. Please be aware there is a cat in the home.

What IS Second Friday Nighters?

Second Friday Nighters is a long-standing tradition at UU Wausau! Sometimes, a fun-filled intergenerational evening in our very own church atrium, and other times, a privately hosted adult-only event. If you’d like to host Second Friday Nighters, please click here.

If you have any questions please email admin@uuwausau.org or call 715-842-3697.

Youth Religious Education
2025-10-12 10:30 - 11:30 | WI
C2: Connections Cafe

Meeting on the Sundays Youth Group is not in session, C2 is an open space for youth to connect, collaborate, create, and rest. Youth can choose to play a game, make some art, sit in the quiet, enjoy a snack, and/or do something else or nothing at all. C2 is a chance for youth to disconnect from the busyness of life and focus on those things that rest and renew their spirit.

New visitors are always welcome to join! Come see what C2 is all about and discover a space where youth can relax, explore, and connect with others in a welcoming, creative environment.

Sunday Worship And Glorified Coffee Hour
2025-10-12 10:30 - 12:30 | WI
October Worship Series: What We Inherit, What We Carry Forward – The Transcendentalists

This October, we’ll reflect on some of the people and movements whose courage and conviction helped shape the soul of our tradition. They were not perfect, yet they were faithful — faithful to love, to truth, and to the hope of a more just world. Their lives invite us to ask: What do we inherit from them? What do we carry into the future?

October 5: We’ll begin with Universalist theologian Hosea Ballou, who insisted that authentic religion is not found in creeds or human inventions but in “the honest, the pious, the devotional heart.”

October 12: We’ll explore the vision of the Transcendentalists, who taught that outward forms may fade, but the permanent in religion — truth, justice, and reverence for life — endures.

October 26: We’ll turn closer to home, looking at the significant contributions of Universalists and Unitarians in the Midwest. From frontier preachers to reformers who shaped civic and cultural life, we’ll consider how their vision and persistence continue to ripple through our region and our tradition today.

Qi Gong · Free Class
2025-10-14 18:30 - 20:30 | UU Wausau, 504 Grant Street, Wausau, WI, 54403, United States
Join teacher Larry Riddle and others in our beautiful atrium for stretching and Qi Gong. The stretching portion of the classes lasts for about 90 minutes and is required. Beginners welcome. Wear loose-fitting clothes and flat tennis shoes, if you have them. Classes are free and open to the public.
