Social and Spiritual Groups

St. John’s has a variety of social and spiritual groups for our members and friends to get to know each other in a relaxed setting.

Chalice Groups –  Chalice groups begin each fall and are led by experienced facilitators.  Groups of eight to 10 individuals meet on a monthly basis to discuss topics which encourage discussion, learning, self-exploration and knowing each other. All who attend St. John’s are welcome. Commitment to the group is requested for the series which lasts from nine to 10 months. Contact: programming@stjohnsuu.org

EarthSpirit – EarthSpirit is a chapter of the Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans (CUUPS), the national organization for UU pagans. As UUs who define our spirituality as Earth-centered, we welcome all who seek a deeper connection to the Earth and are interested in exploring and celebrating the many diverse traditions of Earth-centered spirituality and thought. We honor and adhere to the CUUPS mission and to the Seven Principles of the UUA, with a particular emphasis on the 7th principle, the “Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.”

For more information, email earthspiritcuups@gmail.com.

Boardgame Group – This group meets in Krolfifer Hall at St. John’s to play board games of all types. The church calendar and “E-news” list when the group meets.  People of all ages and experiences participate. There are many games from which to choose – or – feel free to bring your own. Someone is always willing to teach games to newcomers.
Contact Pete Asman: asmanpeter@gmail.com

Friends of Szentlaszlo – St. John’s is a partner with the Unitarian Church in Nyaradszentlaszlo, Romania. The Friends of Szentlaszlo strengthen that relationship through travel exchanges, skype calls, and comparisons of cultures, beliefs and faith histories. We fundraise to provide weekly bread for the elderly and youth camp sponsorships via frequent delicious Sunday Soup and Bread lunches. Contact persons: Edie Holder –   e_porfavor@yahoo.com or Mary Darner – mmdarner@gmail.com.

LGBTQ Connections
St. John’s is a Welcoming Congregation.  Here is information about how Unitarian Universalists affirm the LGBTQ community: https://www.uua.org/lgbtq.  For specific questions or to connect with others within St. John’s, please contact the church office.

Justice Ministry – St. John’s Justice Ministry includes several groups working toward social action and justice. Included in the Justice Ministry are:

St. John’s is also a member of Unitarian Universalist Justice Ohio (UUJO), a sponsor of the Intercommunity Justice and Peace Center, a member of the Immigrant Dignity Coalition and a member of the Sanctuary Congregation Coalition of Cincinnati.

  • Social Justice Mission Co-Coordinators – John Kachuba jkachuba@fuse.net and Wanda Crawford wanda@hgurbanfarm.com
  • Outreach – The Outreach Team meets as needed. Contact: Debbie Potochnik, Chair; potochnik60@gmail.com
  • St. John’s Sanctuary and Immigration Team (SIT). Contact, Sarah Loar Seibert, seibertcs@zoomtown.com.

SIT meets virtually the second Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m.  All are always welcome.  Sign up for immigration news e-mails concerning local events and activities for those interested in immigration by contacting: Sarah Loar Seibert, seibertcs@zoomtown.com.

LAFs – Lively after Fifty (LAFs) meets the third Friday of the month for dinner at a different restaurant each time. LAFs provides opportunities for interaction, friendship and conversation. Newcomers are always welcome.  This group is back as of May 2022!
Contact Person: Anne Septic: sjuu.lafs@gmail.com

Meditation – Meets on Wednesdays from 4pm-5pm at church in Haehnle Hall (the foyer). Even if you’ve never meditated before, come join us. Contact Person: Erna erna.olafson@gmail.com

Men’s Group – The Men’s Group of St. John’s UU Church meets the first Sunday of the month to share a meal, friendship and a program.  Meetings are usually at St. John’s in Krolfifer Hall at 6 p.m. and usually end by 8:30 p.m. In July and August, we meet at a member’s home. In November an all-day retreat is held. Meetings are usually the first Sunday of the month; exceptions are noted in the “E–news.”

Contact: John Kachuba: jkachuba@fuse.net

Movie Club –  Join us for a movie on the 3rd Friday of every month at a local theater. Everyone is welcome. On hiatus, winter 2023-24.

Contact: Lyn O’Brien: lyn@lynobrien.com or Pat Brown: patbrown3250@gmail.com

sitWRITEdown – This group is temporarily not meeting.  This is an opportunity for lovers of writing poetry and prose to come together to write, share and discuss. We meet on 1st and 3rd Wednesday nights as arranged by our facilitator and group members. There is no commitment to attend all of the sessions. Drop-ins are welcome. Check our St. John’s calendar on our website, the weekly “e-News“ and church announcements for meeting dates.

YADA – This group is not yet back post-Covid. Young Adult Discussion and Action is a community of young adults who are approximately 18 to 35 years of age. Regularly scheduled meetings are on the first and third Tuesday of the month at St. John’s for socializing and having a discussion of a topic. The topic can vary, and subjects cover a wide range. The group often gathers for other events including movies, community service and board game nights.

Other ways to make friends, socialize, exchange ideas, and meet friends and members:

  • ­ Dinners, potluck dinners and picnics
  • ­ Annual St. John’s Auction Fundraiser
  • ­ Adult Education/Exploration Programs.
  • Tai Chi is included in Adult Education/Exploration.
  • ­ Partner Church Lunches (Fundraisers for Friends of Szentlaszlo – our partner church in Szentlaszlo, Romania)
  • ­ Music Series and Art Gallery
  • ­ Adult Choir
  • Caring Circle
  • Enneagram Study Group

Ask about these at the Welcome Table or Church Office.