Activities
There are many opportunities to get involved in our Fellowship. The activities described here are open to members, friends, and visitors. If you have any questions about any of these activities, please contact the office at 515-292-5960 or uufa@uufames.org.
Please see schedule for locations and gathering times.
For a current Activities Guide, click HERE!
Discussion & Social Groups
AFAR (Ames-area Freethinkers and Rationalists)
AFAR meets for discussion of current events, community action, shared reading, and to provide an environment of belonging and support for people who consider themselves non-theists, nonbelievers, and nonreligious.
Email: afar@uufames.org
Buddhism Study Group
A group seeking to further and deepen their understanding of Buddhist philosophy and practice through shared readings, discussion and exploration.
Email: buddhism@uufames.org
Climate Action Team
The Climate Action Team gathers each month to discuss and explore local solutions to the ever-growing climate change crisis. This interfaith group strives to be a force for action among Unitarian Universalists and other faiths in the community.
Please contact the office for more information.
Mindfulness & Meditation
The Mindfulness & Meditation group has been meeting at the Fellowship each Sunday evening from 6:00-7:00 pm since they started in the fall of 2006. It’s an open group with no membership rules and no level of experience required. This group practices mainly sitting meditation together and the use of various meditative techniques to encourage, build and sustain their personal practices. Periodically the group chooses a book to read and discuss over the course of a few months. Reading and conversation focus on various Buddhist and/or mindfulness topics and the connection between meditation, mindfulness and their effects on our lives. A typical evening consists of half an hour of discussion and half an hour of sitting meditation. Anyone with an interest in cultivating mindfulness and creating a meditative practice for themselves is welcome to join!
​Persephone's Children
Persephone's Children is a spirituality group meeting, following the structure of a Reclaiming Tradition workshop/ritual and use the Circles of Support Ground Rules of Diana's Grove. Newcomers are welcome!
Email: persephone@uufames.org
ROMEOs (Men's Breakfast Group)
ROMEO: Retired Ol' Men Eating Out. This informal group of (mostly) UU gents gets together every Wednesday (in-person, offsite) and Friday morning (virtually) for breakfast and casual conversation. 9:00 am both days, every week.
Email: romeos@uufames.org
Skadberg Science Circle
Skadberg Science Circle discusses scientific news and topics every 2nd and 4th Tuesday evening. Topics cover a wide array. Interested? Check it out!
Email: skadbergscience@uufames.org
Soul Matters Small Group Listening Circles
Soul Matters Listening Circles provide participants an opportunity to practice activities provided by Soul Matters (a thematic ministry program across many UUA congregations), read thematic materials and view videos, and then share their thoughts on the monthly topic. Ongoing groups do require pre-registration, but meet at various times throughout each month. If you're interested, please contact the office.
Not able to participate in an ongoing group but want to check it out? Join us for Drop-In Soul Matters, every second Wednesday!
Women of Wisdom
Women Of Wisdom is a group for UU women "over the speed limit" (60+). WOW is an open group and welcomes new members for refreshment of mind, soul, and body. Gatherings are held on third Mondays.
Email: wow@uufames.org
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.
Email: books@uufames.org
Music Groups
Fellowship Voices
Fellowship Voices is an adult choir that sings during Sunday services (once per month during the program year) and occasionally in the community. All talent levels are invited to participate. Rehearsals take place at 11:15 am on most Sundays on the top level of the UUFA.
Email: fellowshipvoices@uufames.org
Women in the Round
An all-female choir that meets on Wednesdays evenings for rehearsal. This small ensemble gathers during the program year, from September through May, and often provides music for Sunday services.
Email: womenintheround@uufames.org
Recorder Consort
Do you enjoy recorder music? Join fellow musicians each Thursday afternoon at 2:00 pm in Fellowship Hall to practice favorites and learn new pieces. Moderate proficiency is needed. The Recorder Consort plays periodically during Sunday services and at other times in the community.
Email: recorders@uufames.org