The heart and work of UCC Missoula happens through many varied small groups, classes, and special events. We foster a culture of trust and care by building relationships through these dynamic activities and need-based groups. These include peace and justice groups, book studies, contemplative groups, service projects, support groups, and progressive Christian classes and workshops.
Women’s Book Group
This women’s book group meets weekly on Friday mornings (9:45 a.m. – 11 a.m.) for spirited, thoughtful, in-depth discussion of timely books, from fiction and nonfiction to poetry. We currently meet over Zoom, with in-person social gatherings (often at the church) planned between books, every four to five weeks. All are welcome. For more information, contact Connie Running, ccrunning3335@gmail.com.
Congregational Connections Ministry
The Congregational Connections Ministry fosters intentional relationships within the UCC community through church-wide events and extravagant welcome. We include the Welcome Team (ushers and greeters) and coffee hour hosts, and we coordinate opportunities to build community through festive occasions and events. Join the fun – contact Terri Herron (herronmt@msn.com).
The Prayer Shawl Ministry
The Prayer Shawl Ministry invites knitters and crocheters to create beautiful prayer shawls for people in our faith community who are experiencing difficult life situations. Please contact Susan Lauren (pasulauren@gmail.com) for further information.
Green Team
he Green Team commits to find ways to give back to Mother Earth both within our Church and out in the community. The objectives of our team center on the Creation Justice Covenant that we developed and had affirmed by the UCC Missoula Congregation. A recent example is the solar panel system that is now on the roof of the church. We currently meet by Zoom the first Tuesday of every month from 6:45 pm to 8:00 pm. We welcome anyone who wants to work with us. If you are interested, please contact John Menson at 406-239-5025 or other members of the Green Team.
Book Club
The Book Club meets in the Bay Window Room every Wednesday from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm September through May (excepting holidays). We take turns selecting books, recommending three books we have read and then having the group vote on one to read. We find it fascinating to select books that we might not normally choose on our own; these choices actually end up providing more enjoyment and expanding our reading library. We welcome anyone whether a participant at UCC or not. If you are interested, please contact Phill Guay at 503-740-1456, any member of the Book Club, or just show up at our scheduled time.
Justice and Witness
Living in a broken world, the Justice & Witness team exists to empower people to live in truth, to work for justice, and to meet local and global needs. We collaborate with the UCC Green Team and Truth and Healing around Colonization Interest Group, as well as with local organizations like Family Promise. We are also involved in legislative advocacy initiatives and in supporting LGBTQIA2S+ rights. We welcome anyone who wants to partner with us. If you are interested, please contact Beth Ann Rothermel at brothermel721@gmail.com or other members of the J & W Team.
The UCC Truth and Healing Around Colonization Group
Our group is working to help our congregation better understand the effects of colonization on Indigenous peoples and to foster better relationships. Central to that work is finding ways to live into our UCC People and Land Acknowledgement–to give authentic expression to what we say and commit ourselves to allyship and action. For more information, contact either Beth Ann Rothermel at brothermel721@gmail.com, or Robin Abeshaus at robinabeshaus@gmail.com.
Adult Engagement
The Adult Engagement Ministry offers pathways for lifelong learning as part of our Progressive Christian community. Look for one-time seminars, extended classes, book studies, forums on community and global issues, workshops, and discussions. Our mission is to widen faith and mission development while listening and learning from each other. Contact Joyce Hocker, joycehocker20@gmail.com, with ideas or ways to become involved.