Get Involved!

There are many, many ways to get involved at UUCC. Do you like physical activity? Caring for others? Exploring different beliefs?

Scroll down to find an activity that matches your interests.

Groups Index Start a Group Contact a Group

Like the arts?

Arts Collective: The mission of the Arts Collective is to bring the visual and performing arts to UUCC in order to enhance congregational life as well as that of the community at large. We seek to bring together the talents and interests within our congregation as well as those outside of our congregation to engender theatre classes, theatre performances and rotating art shows of all mediums. Contact us.
Chalice Choir: The Chalice Choir is open to adults and teens who like all kinds of music and love to sing. Choral experience and music reading skills are not required- just a good ear and a willing heart. We sing music of many different faith traditions, cultures and eras; we work hard and party hearty. Rehearsals are every Thursday, 7 – 9 pm, September-May, and we sing both services, two Sundays a month, during that period. We are a loving and supportive community. Come check us out! Contact: Michael Adcock.
Chalice Concert Series Team: The UU Chalice Concert Series is UUCC’s classical concert series, presenting both solo and chamber music recitals throughout the year. The Chalice Series volunteer team assists with various aspects of producing the concerts, such as PR, receptions, box office, etc. Contact: Michael Adcock.
Chalice Lights: The Chalice Lights is a group of enthusiastic young singers, age 8-13 (with a little flexibility). New members are always welcome, and membership in UUCC is not required. Rehearsals are every Sunday morning from Sept.-May, 10:10 – 10:55 am, as well as before services when the choir performs. The Lights work on vocal development and musicianship, play music games, and prepare music for services. We perform for services about once a month: singing songs from various faiths, cultures, and styles. Joining the Chalice Lights is a great way to have fun singing, get to know other kids, contribute to services, and improve as a musician! Vickie Beck – century03@icloud.com.
Chalice Singers: Our select small vocal ensemble, drawn from the Chalice Choir. We sing Renaissance, contemporary, world and pop music, and jazz. When the group sings jazz and pop, it’s sometimes referred to as the “Chalice Swingers.” Contact: Michael Adcock .
Creativity Circle: A drop-in group that meets the 2nd and last Saturdays of each month from 11 to 4 pm. Bring whatever arts or crafts project you happen to be working on and work on it while chatting and sharing ideas with other artsy UU folks. We are usually informal, but may have a particular presentation from time to time, or may take a field trip or two to local museums. No experience or particular skill is necessary, and if you don’t have anything to work on, you are welcome to come hang out with us – we are a fabulous, fun-loving group. Contact Tina Horn.
Drum Circle: Join us for the monthly drum circle on the first Tuesday of each month. This is a family-friendly circle with all ages and levels of experience very welcome. The facilitator, Nellie Hill, provides instruments or you can bring your own. A free will offering is requested to help maintain the instruments. Nellie Hil – playfulspirit@mac.com
One World Coffeehouse Team: If you are interested in helping out the coffeehouse in a variety of positions, from putting up flyers and signs to helping with set up or concessions, the One World Coffeehouse Team needs you! The Committee plans the concerts themselves, choosing the Acts, booking them, and handling the details as well as the concessions operation. Contact us.

Like to work with kids?

Children & Youth RE Committee: The Religious Education Committee for Children and Youth gathers monthly to develop policies around faith development, supports religious education teachers, and evaluates the programs we run at UUCC. Contact Gregory Seidman.

Like physical activity?

Biking Club: The UUCC Biking Club is a social group of medium-level riders who get together once a month from March through November to ride the paths (and occasionally roads) of Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Membership includes the obligation to help pick up trash along a portion of the Columbia trail system in November. This group is not suitable for young children. bikeclub@uucolumbia.net
Golf Group: Golf Group meets Saturday mornings at Fairway Hills golf course. John McDermott – Jmcderm15@verizon.net
Grounds Committee: This group plans, plants, and keeps the OBIC grounds looking lovely year-round. Some people work regularly, others drop in when they can. We also ensure that the bird feeders are full and monitor the two bluebird houses on the property. gardens@uucolumbia.net
UUCC Flames Softball Team: The Flames softball team plays on Sunday afternoons from May to August in a minimally competitive, co-ed, slow-pitch, Howard County league. Players must be 20 years old to participate. There is a registration fee. Our team’s members have a wide range of ability and experience. Contact Frank Hazzard.

Like the great outdoors?

Annual Camping Trip: Over 100 members of the congregation camp at Rocky Gap over Memorial Day weekend each year. Watch The LINK for details in early spring.

Like Sunday mornings?

Sound Crew: Volunteers will be trained on our new, state-of-the-art sound equipment and will be teamed with an experienced volunteer until they feel comfortable on their own. Be part of this important ministry that enables UUCC to both share and archive our inspiring, moving worship services. Richard Gates – sound@uucolumbia.net
Sunday Morning Teams: It takes a village to welcome all who enter our sanctuary on Sunday mornings. Join a team and be part of the action one Sunday each month. Team members share responsibilities for everything from Set Up to Ushering to Making Coffee to Bringing Flowers. Amanda Bates – sundaycoordinator@uucolumbia.net
Worship Associates: Worship Associates are trained volunteers who assist occasionally in worship services – providing liturgical support when one of our ministers or a guest is leading worship, and sometimes leading worship services themselves. Rev. Paige Getty – minister@uucolumbia.net; Rev. Anthony Jenkins – assistantminister@uucolumbia.net

Like to care for others (including yourself)?

Caring Committee: The Caring Committee provides short-term support to UUCC members and friends in various ways. Some Caring Committee volunteers provide rides for medical appointments and church activities. Others help with the receptions following memorial services, setting up, cleaning up, and/or providing food for the guests. Volunteers are rarely requested more than once a month. Contact Betty Jackson.
Deep Listening Meditation Group: Come together in silence every Tuesday at 11:30 am – 12:30 pm. This group is for people who are starting a meditation practice, or are in practice or want to stay in practice. We will explore rich and diverse traditions of meditation in the first few minutes, followed by 20-30 minutes of silence and time at the end where we collectively hold a space of deep listening for those who choose to share personal reflections on the meditation experience. This group will be guided by Jean Joklik, a trained facilitator of Centering Prayer and a practitioner of many forms of meditation for the last 25 years. Click here for more information or email jean@joklik.com.
Karuna: At UUCC, pastoral care is provided by ordained clergy and by volunteer laity. Members of the congregation may call on one of the ministers for pastoral counseling in times of crisis, discernment, grief, or whenever the perspective of a professional minister would be helpful. Karuna Caregivers are a lay team of trained pastoral caregivers who are available as listeners in times of transition, sorrow, illness, grief, celebration, or joy. Candy Wachterman & Paula Nagy – karuna@uucolumbia.net
Meditation Group: The Meditation Group meets every Tuesday at 7 PM – 8 PM. Learn the techniques of Mindfulness Meditation from experienced group members. Mindfulness will benefit both your personal life and your relationships with others. Contact Jerry Rescigno at waldenway1@cs.com or Linda Uphoff at uphoffl@hotmail.com for more information.
Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG): The mission of PFLAG Columbia-Howard County is to support parents and caregivers of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer children. We welcome all people – gay, straight, bisexual, transgender, and queer – as well as their families and friends. Together, we support each other, educate the broader community, and advocate for equality. pflagmd@gmail.com
Rainbow Youth Alliance: The Rainbow Youth Alliance (RYA) is a safe place for rainbow teens to ask questions, find mutual support, and learn information pertinent to their lives. RYA is committed to safety, support, learning, and leadership. UUCC supports the Howard County Chapter by providing meeting space and other resources. http://rainbowyouthalliancemd.org

Like to act for justice?

Black Lives Matter Core Team: This group of anti-racism champions gathers monthly to plan activities that help UUCC members learn and act with the goal of dismantling white supremacy. blacklivesmatter@uucolumbia.net
Creature Connection: Explores our relationships with other animals within the context of our core UU values, primarily the interdependence of all life and respect for the worth and dignity of all beings. “Creature Connection” Animal Ministry was founded in 2010 as a chapter of the national-level Unitarian Universalist Animal Ministry. Flo Wagner – creatureconn@uucolumbia.net
People Acting Together in Howard (PATH): PATH is affiliated with the Industrial Areas Foundation (IAF), the nation’s first and largest community organizing network. PATH is a diverse mix of institutions in Howard County. From churches, synagogues, and mosques to non-profits and unions, we talk directly to hundreds or thousands of people to learn what they are most concerned about in their community. Then we mobilize our members to take specific, disciplined action on the issues that arose from the conversations. path@uucolumbia.net

Like to explore new ideas and personal beliefs?

Adult RE Committee: The Adult Religious Education Committee works to identify opportunities for adult faith development, recruits facilitators, and schedules adult classes. This committee meets 4-5 times a year, mostly in the summer and fall. Robin Slaw – dre@uucolumbia.net
Reflection Groups: What are Reflection Groups? They are UUCC’s Small Group Ministry program. Small groups meet monthly to discuss a variety of topics including ideas introduced in Sunday morning worship. Beyond sharing ideas, the goal of our small group ministry program is to care for each other, encourage participants’ growth and to meet new people. This is a great way to get connected at UUCC! reflection@uucolumbia.net
Turning Circle: Turning Circle is an open, eclectic Pagan circle. Our unifying thread is an Earth-based spirituality, revering the Earth and her interdependent web of life. We usually meet on the 1^st and 3^rd Fridays of each month at 7:30pm, but sometimes we do shift dates, so please check our website to confirm an event. Drop-ins are always welcome to join us! Alex Cauthen-Zach, turningcircle@uucolumbia.net

Like to serve others?

Food Insecurity Group: The Food Insufficiency Group meets every third Tuesday to identify and coordinate ways to meet hunger in Howard County. This year the group will be investigating the possibility of opening a satellite food bank in OBIC. Cindy Williams – cindysavadkin@gmail.com
Hands-On Sundays: Once each quarter we provide an opportunity to participate in a “hands on” project. We aren’t asking for dollars but instead your participation. It might be a school supply drive, or Thanksgiving meals, or Christmas for a family etc. We encourage suggestions and ideas for future Hands On projects. Cindy Williams & Rae Millman – handson@uucolumbia.net
Warm Welcome Shelter: The Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center asks Howard County religious congregations to offer shelter during the cold winter months to homeless people who sleep outside. UUCC, with support from our sister congregations at OBIC, provides a week of bed, board and service which we call the Warm Welcome Shelter. Dana Sohr – danasohr@gmail.com

Like governance work?

Board of Trustees: UUCC’s elected governing body. board@uucolumbia.net. Interested in serving? Contact nomcomm@uucolumbia.net
Endowment Board – The Endowment Board manages and administers UUCC’s Endowment Fund. endowment@uucolumbia.net. Interested in serving? Contact nomcomm@uucolumbia.net
Owen Brown Interfaith Center Board: The OBIC Board of Directors is a group comprised of representatives of OBIC’s two owning congregations – 5 from UUCC and 3 from Christ United Methodist Church – to oversee the OBIC’s mission. The OBIC Board meets about six times each year, usually on the second Wednesday evening of the month. The Board supervises the OBIC Building Manager, oversees OBIC finances, and creates and reviews policies as needed. Interested in serving? Contact Maureen Harris at executivedirector@uucolumbia.net

Like to be social?

Film Forum: On the third Tuesday of every month, the ForUUm shows a film selected by a member of our audience. Action adventure movies or Jane Austen flicks, perhaps, or a ribald comedy or a movie of love discovered. The pre-movie or post-movie socializing is as important as the movie. The audience tends to be older as well as the movies themselves. Free snacks are provided. Bill Ramsey or Herb Hartnett – hhartnet@umd.edu
Monday Lunch Bunch: This group is an informal gathering of friends, many from UUCC but not OF UUCC. We meet every Monday at 12 Noon in a variety of local restaurants. It is Dutch treat. Sites are chosen after each lunch by attending members for the following week. John Guy manages an email list for reservations. Contact him for an invitation to join.
Membership Team: The Membership Team helps folks to be welcomed and to become engaged and involved at UUCC. membership@uucolumbia.net
Men’s Breakfast Group: Men’s Group monthly breakfast meets the first Thursday of the month at 9:00am at Rudy’s Mediterranean Grill & Diner, 7185 Columbia Gateway Drive, 21046; 410-290-2004. Contact Jim Wu.
Seasoned Souls: The Seasoned Souls group was initiated in early 2016 to support the social, educational, and routine functional needs and wishes of the many folks in our congregation who have walked this earth for more than a few years. There is no specific age range. Just express an interest and you’re in! As an initial step, we hold monthly brown bag (bring your own) lunches with UUCC staff on the third Thursday of each month, and a meeting following it. Meetings are often informative and usually interactive. More ideas and members are welcome! Chris-Ellyn Johanson – seasoned@uucolumbia.net
Sunday Lunch Bunch: This informal group goes out to lunch most Sundays after worship. After the 11 am service (or 10 am in the summer months), the group selects a restaurant and spreads the word. Find out that day’s lunch location by inquiring at the Welcome Table or the Bookstore. Newcomers to UUCC are especially welcome!
UUs Flying Solo: a social group directed primarily at “solo flyers who do not have a live-in co-pilot”. The mission is to provide support, socializing and friendship through participation in activities of shared interest to the members. There is a monthly meeting and mixer held on the first Thursday of the month at 6:00 PM at OBIC. This is usually a potluck dinner with some kind of a theme relevant to the month. Anyone interested in joining can email their NAME, EMAIL ADDRESS, & PHONE NUMBER to: uusflyingsolo@uucolumbia.net. Any further information can be obtained by emailing: ngbyers@verizon.net
Women’s Quarterly Lunch Group: The Women’s Quarterly Lunch Group is open to all the women in the congregation. It meets quarterly at area restaurants. In December, the group joins with the men’s breakfast group for a potluck holiday lunch at the Owen Brown Interfaith Center. Kathy Wu – kathynjim@gmail.com; Andrea Holt – Anjo773@verizon.net
Women’s Retreat Planning Committee: This group plans the annual women’s retreat, which provides meaningful ways to connect and reconnect with yourself and other UU women. womensretreat@uucolumbia.net
Young(ish) Adult Group: We are over the age of 25 but often feel like we’re not entirely prepared for this whole adult thing, no matter how long we’ve nominally been adults. We welcome singles, couples and young families – as long as you giggle just a little when you think of yourself as an adult, then you will find a like-minded group in the UUCC Young(ish) Adults. We host events on a regular basis, our most popular being our monthly Game Nights. For more information, you can find us on Facebook or also join our Google Group(UUCC Young Adults). uuccya@gmail.com

Like the Auction?

Auction Team: UUCC holds an annual Auction the first Saturday evening in November. The Auction is a social blockbuster and typically raises considerable sums of money to support the good works of the congregation. The Auction Team is responsible for All Things Auction – planning the event, coordinating the registrations and donations, and recruiting the many volunteers that make it run smoothly and effectively. auction@uucolumbia.net