Special Interest Groups

Spiritual Potluck with a Side of Drumming

           (formerly the Community Drum Circle)

This gathering encourages spiritual exploration from a variety of traditions while celebrating community.  “Potluck” is a metaphor to convey the diversity of themes explored (i.e., including but not limited to meditation, readings, and rituals) and to convey that the leadership for each gathering rotates.  Drumming is included as a complementary spiritual practice.  As always, our group is open to the community, and all are welcome.  We meet the fourth Wednesday of each month beginning at 7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.  Contact Kerry Larson for more information.

Clara Barton Guild

The Clara Barton Guild was established in 1917.  Following a long tradition of Universalist women, the Guild not only provided sisterly fellowship among the church's women, but raised monies to support  various worthy causes both within the church and beyond. Over the years, the Guild has paid for many projects needed by the church that were not in the annual budget, including the original playground; the organ, cabinets and shelving for the Fellowship Hall; carpeting for the offices, hallway and classrooms; the refinishing of the pulpit;  and a contribution to the building fund for our current church home.  Additionally, the Guild has given annual gifts to various local charities at holidays and to the Clara Barton Camp for Diabetic Girls located in the northeast. The Clara Barton Guild has supported several activities of the church over the last three decades, including holding retreats for the women of the church and sponsoring scholarships for women and teens to attend various retreats and conferences.  Fundraising efforts include the annual Used Book Sale.  As the church has grown during the last 25 years, the Guild has grown and transformed as well, fostering smaller groups, such as the Women’s Meditation Group and the Women’s Book Club. Although activities change over time as interests change, two activities have remained constant: a dinner during the Christmas holidays, and a Potluck usually held in early June.  In keeping with the Universalist attitude and tradition, all women of the congregation continue to be considered part of the umbrella of the Clara Barton Guild, no matter how many or few of the activities are attended.  For more information, contact Connie Booth, Rae Jane Araujo, Julie Kane or Sara Curtis.

Check the Calendar for current scheduling of all activities.

Folk Dancing

We dance international folk dances for fun and recreation.  Occasionally those who are interested perform in a Sunday morning worship service.  We are always learning new dances, so newcomers are always welcome.  No partner necessary; wear comfortable clothes and shoes.  We meet at 7:30 p.m. the first and third Wednesdays of each month at the church.   Not currently meeting; contact Jim Crocker-Lakness for more information.

The Heritage Women’s Book Club

The Heritage Women’s Book Club (or lovingly referred to by the participants as “Babes with Books”) is open to all women of the congregation and female friends.  The group meets every 3rd Wednesday of the month, 7-9 p.m., typically in the Heritage Room.  The books are selected by participants’ suggestion and general consensus.  Our selected monthly title is reserved for our group at the Anderson Township branch of the Hamilton County Library.   Our monthly selections are varied but are typically fiction by current authors.  Book selections are made three months prior to the meeting and published in the Heirloom newsletter.  The December meeting is always a video night.  “Babes with Books” prides itself on not taking things too seriously.  Having read or even enjoyed the monthly book selection is never a limitation to participation.  Although the book is discussed, it may be only part of what is often a raucous and ribald evening.  Disruptive laughter is the hallmark of a BWB meeting.  The group revels in being only “somewhat” intellectual, very supportive and very open to newcomers.  Contact Barb Barnes for more information. 

Yoga At Heritage

One way we celebrate life at Heritage is through yoga. Our Tuesday evening class is led by our minister, Rev. Bill Gupton, and our Thursday evening class is led by Julie Lusk. 

The Tuesday class is Anusara-Inspired Yoga®, based on a school of yoga which seeks to bring body, mind and spirit into alignment with what Unitarian Universalists call the “Spirit of Life” (or “Grace,” as it is known in Anusara), through the application of universal principles of alignment. This class is on Tuesday nights from 7:00-8:30 in the sanctuary, and is open and free to members and contributing friends of Heritage Church, preferably those with some previous yoga experience. Others may attend for a $10 drop-in fee, payable to the church. 

The Thursday classes are more traditional Hatha-based yoga, offering a gentle opportunity to open yourself to the many benefits, both physical and spiritual, that yoga provides. This class also runs from 7:00-8:30 p.m., in the Great Hall, and is scheduled in six-week sessions.   Anyone may drop in at any time, but Julie prefers that you subscribe to the six-week session; there is a charge for all participants. Call 248-3727 for more details.

Common Threads Fiber/Fabric Arts Group

Begins meeting in January, 2009.  Do you knit, embroider, quilt, crochet, hook or do anything with string, yarn, thread, or fabric?  Please join us!  If you want to learn one of the fabric arts, come and we’ll teach you.  If you don’t want to be busy with your hands, come entertain us with stories, poems, jokes or gentle gossip.  All ages and genders are welcome.  Group meets every Tuesday evening form 6:00-8:00 p.m. and is open to the larger community.  Come when you can!