Discussion Groups

For further information, please contact the office at 515-292-5960 or uufa@uufames.org

Small Group Ministry (SGM)

Small Group Ministry provides an opportunity to get better acquainted with Ames Unitarian Universalists; an opportunity to discuss (both talk and listen) spiritual growth through topics such as sacred places, learning from failure, yearning, radical hospitality, our gifts, community building, and others; an opportunity to join other UUs to do a service project. SGM is different than other experiences at the UUFA. These small groups of 6-10 people are content-driven discussions led by a lay facilitator that stretch us to grow as individuals and as a faith community.

Spring 2012 SGM groups are meeting. One group meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays from 7:00 - 8:30 PM, and one group meets the 2nd and 4th Thursdays from 7:00 - 8:30 PM. Participants are welcome to join a small group at any time. This sessions topics include "Nothing is Sacred" "Imbolc" "Love" "Winter" "Catastrophe" "Expressions" "Gardening/Spring" and "Discernment" Please contact the UUFA office (uufa@uufames.org) for more information or to join a group.

Heretics and Spirituality

This reading and discussion group focuses primarily on topics of religion, society, education, philosophy, politics and humanities. The Heretics & Spirituality group eschews conventional religious and theological doctrines in favor of a more critical and liberal approach to spirituality and personal growth. Members represent a variety of religious and humanist backgrounds and find that an active quest for discovery along with nurturing each other in their quests is a valuable, supportive and productive way to develop personal spirituality. Book choices have ranged from nonfiction about art, philosophy and law to fiction of the undead, contemporary fantasy, science fiction and literature spanning several difficult-to-describe genres. Occasionally the group chooses a movie to watch and discuss. Conversations are always lively, vigorous and respectful among the members who covenant to value diverse contributions and always leave as friends. New members are welcome as the reading material changes often.

UU Women's Book Group

The UU Women's Book Group is a book discussion group meeting the first Monday of every month during the school year. This group is open to women interested in literature and discussing the ideas and themes presented in the books. It is a democratic group -- everyone suggests books suitable for discussion and then everyone votes and we build our reading list from the top vote getting books.

This group has a core of 10-12 women who attend every month and many more that join us when they can and when the book selection interests them.

Discussions are lively, far-ranging, and interesting. Our only requirement is that you have a passion for reading. We read fiction, nonfiction, poetry, historical fiction,

young adult books, books on spirituality, local authors, science fiction; nearly every genre has been read and enjoyed. We welcome opposing viewpoints on books that we read because it deepens our appreciation and understanding of the books.

Women of Wisdom

Women Of Wisdom is a group for UU women age 55+. We meet monthly for refreshment of mind, soul, and body.

Skadberg Science Circle

The Skadberg Science Circle was started 6-7 years ago, and we have enjoyed meeting at the home of Fritz and Susan Franzen from October through May from 7-9 pm on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at Fritz and Susan's home. Format: Discussion, video and presentation. Typically 6-9 persons..

Daytime Circle

Check back soon for details.

Persephone's Daughter

Persephone's Daughters, a spirituality group meeting at the UU Fellowship of Ames, is open to those who identify as women of all spiritual paths. Meetings take place on 4th Mondays, 7-9pm in a downstairs classroom. We follow the structure of a Reclaiming Tradition workshop/ritual and use the Circles of Support Ground Rules of Diana's Grove.

Newcomers are welcome. However, this is not a drop-in group. Our next open meeting for new members will be January 22nd, 2012. Come check us out and decide if you would like to join our study and ritual!

Men's Group