Adults & Family

Men's Group

Started some years ago at the time of the birth of the "men's movement," the Westminster Men's group is actually several small groups whose purpose is to provide mutual support, friendship, and a place to discuss the day to day issues in our lives.  Meeting times and places vary by small group and often by time of year. A meeting may be in the evening at the church, over breakfast at a quiet restaurant, or at a group member's home.  We share the joys and trials of our lives, our common experiences, and our deepest thoughts in a trusting, fully confidential setting, learning from and drawing strength from each other. Group size is approximately six to ten men, and we welcome new members of all ages and backgrounds -- straight and gay, married and single, those raising families and empty nesters. If existing groups become too large, we are always ready to be guides and mentors for establishing a new group.  We also occasionally do social or recreational activities or participate in service projects, but our primary purpose remains to provide a trusting, caring, circle of men for mutual support and friendship. For current contact information, call the church office.

Women's Group

Several years ago, the Women’s Group (Women of Westminster) evolved from meeting once every three weeks to every week. Our weekly meetings, to enhance and encourage spirituality, social justice, support, and personal empowerment for each other, have been going strong every since. We determine our weekly programs, which evolve from our diverse needs, three times a year at potluck dinners. Fall, winter and spring programs, usually held in Fellowship Hall, include book discussions, social/community outreach, crone ceremonies where we honor our mature wise women, women's issue films, and other events and activities. We start with a short business meeting, followed by that week's activity, then by refreshments and socialization. Less formal summer meetings include excursions to various programs and activities. Throughout the year, we celebrate the eight seasons of the year (the solstices, equinoxes, and the cross quarter days). All women are encouraged to come as frequently as they can. The Chimes newsletter lists meeting dates, times and topics for up to three weeks. For current contact information, please call the church office.

Interweave

Interweave, a UUA affiliated chapter of UUs for Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, and Transgender Concerns, is primarily a social group, with some involvement in social action activities. We participate in the Walk for Life and Gay Pride parades in Providence every year. In the spring of 2004, reacting to the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court’s decision that marriage must be open to all without regard to their sexual orientation, Interweave was a guiding force in Westminster’s approval of a petition (submitted to the State of Rhode Island) in favor of same-gender marriage. The petition to call a congregation meeting was signed by over 80 people, and the statement, based on Bell Street Chapel’s similar petition, passed unanimously, showing that Westminster Unitarian Church is a truly welcoming congregation. For current contact information, please call the church office.

Hiking Club

For several years, the hiking club organized a hike up Mt. Washington. Now the club is being revitalized and will offer a variety of hikes, some local and some in places like New Hampshire's White Mountains. Information about specific hikes will be published in the Chimes Newsletter. For contact information, please call the church office.

Passover Seder

Join us for this wonderful celebration of the Jewish holiday of Passover. We share the traditions behind the holiday as we share a festive meal. Check the Westminster Chimes newsletter for more information as the time of Passover approaches. For contact information, please call the church office.

Thanksgiving Dinner

Share the blessings of the day with friends and family here at Westminster on Thanksgiving afternoon. We provide the turkey, cooked in our spacious kitchen. On the sign-up sheet posted in Fellowship Hall, you can indicate what Thanksgiving side dish you’ll bring to share with others. Come early and enjoy the conviviality of a bustling kitchen, followed by dinner in Fellowship Hall, looking out over our lovely grounds and church. For more information, see the Westminster Chimes newsletter, or contact the church office.

Artists and Friends Potlucks

Artists and Friends meet for potluck dinners in Fellowship Hall on the first Saturday in October, December, February, April, and June. Dinner follows a discussion of the works of art currently exhibited in the Woodbury Room. Participating artists include painters, sculptors, woodworkers, writers, photographers, poets, quilters, and others. Lively discussions of additional works of art take place after dinner. See the Westminster Chimes newsletter, or contact the church office for more information.

Neighborhood Potlucks

For great food, light yet meaningful conversation, and a time for building friendships, neighborhood potlucks are a comfortable, enjoyable, and delicious way to get to know other people. Neighborhood potlucks are usually held on Saturdays. For information about scheduled potluck dinners, see the Westminster Chimes newsletter, or contact the church office.

Circle Dinners

If you're looking for a potluck dinner with the intimacy of a small group, the Circle Dinners are for you. The dinners are limited to 6 to 9 adults and are held at a time, day, and place left to the discretion of the host or hostess. For more information, see the Westminster Chimes newsletter, or contact the church office.

Friday Night Flicks

Classic movies (those not running in the major movie complexes) are shown on the third Friday evening of the month, from October through April, in Fellowship Hall. Feel free to bring your own refreshments or some to share. See the Westminster Chimes newsletter, or contact the church office for more information.

Book Club

The spiritual book club, READ (Religious Ethical Animated Discussions), usually meets on the fourth Thursday of each month to discuss books with religious or spiritual themes. READ may meet on the third Thursday of November and December. The group chooses the year’s selections at the September meeting. For information about the current selections or meeting times, see the Westminster Chimes newsletter, or contact the church office.



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