Events

More details can be found in each event’s individual entry on the church calendar on this website. All events are at the church unless stated otherwise.

INTRODUCTION TO OUR CHURCH – Sundays in July – 10:15-11:15 a.m. – This three-part series introduces participants to the history and work of the Unitarian Church of Baton Rouge. Though it was created with newcomers in mind, everyone is welcome to come learn more. Join one, two or all three sessions. (July 12, 19 & 26)

SUNDAY MIDDLE HOUR

Classes for all ages are held 10:15-11:15 a.m. every Sunday. Children and youth can gather for UU-based lessons and activities. Adults are invited to look for these three options: Faith in Action (social justice activities), Faith in Exploration (learn about Unitarian Universalism) and Faith in Practice (discuss spiritual practices of all kinds).

ONGOING

Meditation Class – Blue Lotus Meditation Center offers meditation sessions throughout the week at our church, their meditation center and online. … AT UCBR: Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 5 p.m. (Bring mats or floor pillows.) … AT 4084 LANIER DRIVE: 9:30 a.m. Saturdays. … ONLINE: Wednesdays at 7 p.m. (Select the “Virtual Mindfulness” event at this link to RSVP for access.)

OTHER EVENTS

Every Saturday, June 27-Aug. 1

  • Gospel Choir Rehearsals 10 a.m.-Noon – All are welcome to join the annual summer gospel choir! Led by church member Jared Robinson, this year’s music will feature some classics and some contemporary gospel songs. No experience necessary! Saturday morning rehearsals from June 27 to Aug. 1 (no rehearsal on July 4). The choir will perform at 9 and 11:30 a.m. for the Gospel Service on Sunday, Aug. 2!

Thursday, July 2

  • Retirement Support Group – First Thursday of the month – 10 a.m. – Most meetings are at La Madeleine on Jefferson Highway. (Also: Aug. 6)

Sunday, July 5

  • MIDDLE HOUR: Minister Meet & Greet – 10:15 a.m.  – Sit down with one of our ministers for a casual get-to-know-you chat, a deep discussion on theology, or any topic you’d like!
  • Open Circle Book Club – First Sunday of the month – 7 p.m. – This club meets in the church office. Upcoming titles are shown in the individual calendar entries for each event. (Also: Aug. 2)

Tuesday, July 7

  • Black Joy Collective – First Tuesday of the month – 6:30 p.m. – A supportive gathering space for Black members of UCBR. Our discussions provide an opportunity for sharing, learning, understanding, growing and becoming. Contact ucbrblack@gmail.com. (Also: Aug. 4)

Sunday, July 12

  • MIDDLE HOUR: Introduction to Our Church – 10:15 a.m. – This three-part series is designed to introduce attendees to the history and work of the Unitarian Church of Baton Rouge. Though it was created with newcomers in mind, all are welcome. Come to one, two or all three sessions. (July 12, 19 and 26)
  • MIDDLE HOUR: Social Justice Meeting – most Sundays – 10:15 a.m. – Getting Us vs. Them Wrong: The Environment as a Bipartisan Issue. Join an open discussion about communicating across political divides on environmental issues by focusing on empathy, respect, shared values and mutual understanding. (Led by Lauren Harter with help from others.)
  • Outreach Team – 1 p.m. – This team works to organize and plan many of the church’s outreach activities. Anyone interested in getting involved is welcome at the meetings. Room 5.
  • Compassionate Friends BR Chapter – 2:30-5 p.m. – This group provides highly personal comfort, hope and support to every family experiencing the death of a child or grandchild and helps others better assist the grieving family. (Also: Aug. 9)

Monday, July 13

  • Women’s Book Club – Second Monday of the month – 7 p.m. – This club meets at the church and on Zoom. Upcoming titles and Zoom links are shown in the individual calendar entries for each event.

Sunday, July 19

  • MIDDLE HOUR: Introduction to Our Church – 10:15 a.m. – This three-part series is designed to introduce attendees to the history and work of the Unitarian Church of Baton Rouge. Though it was created with newcomers in mind, all are welcome. Come to one, two or all three sessions. (July 12, 19 and 26)
  • MIDDLE HOUR: Social Justice Meeting – most Sundays – 10:15 a.m. – Join the social justice Action Krewe! Learn how easy it is to act as a liaison to a local service organization and to help UCBR to become more active in our community.
  • Postcard-Writing Campaign with Reclaim Our Vote – 1-3 p.m. – Join the Social Justice Team’s VOTE subteam in the Fellowship Hall to write postcards as part of a national nonpartisan voter outreach effort. No experience is necessary, and all are welcome to join this hands-on opportunity to support civic engagement.

Wednesday, July 22

  • Strategic Planning Informational Meetings – 7 p.m. – ZOOM – The Strategic Planning Steering Committee will offer several informational meetings for congregants to learn more about the proposed plans. The meetings will be offered in person and on Zoom to give everyone an opportunity to ask questions before the Aug. 2 Congregational Meeting where a vote on the plans will be held. For the Zoom link, see church emails or the dated entry in the website calendar.

Saturday, July 25

  • Strategic Planning Informational Meetings – 10 a.m. – IN PERSON – The Strategic Planning Steering Committee will offer several informational meetings for congregants to learn more about the proposed plans. The meetings will be offered in person and on Zoom to give everyone an opportunity to ask questions before the Aug. 2 Congregational Meeting where a vote on the plans will be held.
  • Drum Circle – 5:30 p.m. – Gather, Move, Make Noise! Join the monthly Community Drum Circle near our Peace Stones one Saturday each month. (Also: Aug. 22, Sept. 26)

Sunday, July 26

  • MIDDLE HOUR: Introduction to Our Church – 10:15 a.m. – This three-part series is designed to introduce attendees to the history and work of the Unitarian Church of Baton Rouge. Though it was created with newcomers in mind, all are welcome. Come to one, two or all three sessions. (July 12, 19 and 26)
  • Strategic Planning Informational Meetings – 10:15 a.m. and 12:40 p.m. – IN PERSON – The Strategic Planning Steering Committee will offer several informational meetings for congregants to learn more about the proposed plans. The meetings will be offered in person and on Zoom to give everyone an opportunity to ask questions before the Aug. 2 Congregational Meeting where a vote on the plans will be held.
  • TransUU: Living and Loving Others Amid the Gender Spectrum – Fourth Sunday of the month –1-2:30 p.m. – Join others for a discussion and relationship-building group for those with loved ones who are transgender, nonbinary or gender nonconforming. Open to all. (Also: Aug. 23)

Saturday, Aug. 1

  • Congregational Care Team Retreat – 10 a.m.-1 p.m. – The retreat is open to all CCT members as well as anyone interested in joining the group. For more information, email CCT@unitarianbr.org

Sunday, Aug. 2

  • Gospel Service – 9 and 11:30 a.m. – Our annual Gospel Service returns! Can’t be there in person? Catch the live stream with hosted chat at 9 a.m. on our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/@UnitarianBR

Sunday, Aug. 9

  • Ingathering and Bag Blessing – 9 and 11:30 a.m. – Not only can students get their backpacks blessed to start the new school year, but all ages are welcome to join in the blessing – purses, phones, briefcases – you name it. Whatever you need to be productive in the coming year. Can’t be there in person? Catch the live stream with hosted chat at 9 a.m. on our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/@UnitarianBR
  • Connections Fair – after both services – Visit with representatives of our volunteer teams before and find your passion. Our annual Connections Fair is your opportunity to mingle with team leaders and find the right fit for yourself in our shared ministry.

Sunday, Sept. 13

  • Congregational Care Team – Second Sunday/Odd months – 10:15 a.m. – The CCT meets at church and via Zoom to provide care to people in the church community who are in crisis. (Also: Nov. 8)
  • Sixth Source Sharing Circle – 1-2 p.m. – UU Pagans discuss their unique path. The group is dedicated to the UU principles and exploring their place in the natural world and their relationship with the gods. (Also: Dec. 13)

WATCH ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR THESE MEETINGS

  • Lunch Bunch – 1 p.m. – Select Sundays – Gather with other UUs after church for lunch at local restaurants. Locations and dates are announced in our weekly emails.