Groups

Adult Children of Aging Parents

Adult Children of Aging Parents, a group under the Pastoral Care Ministry, meets the 2nd Sunday of each month, from 12:30-2:30 p.m., usually in the Education Building Library. This open group is for everyone who finds him/herself in the role of an adult child trying to help an aging parent.

The group structure is similar to that of a covenant circle and, while not a support group, there is support in sharing the discussion.

Topics suggested by participants range from:  How does this role overlap or fit with my other relationships?  How do my siblings and I share this role?  How do my parents feel about this role? What is the role like if you live close vs a. state or more away?  And how can we all better communicate in these new roles?

For questions or more information contact: Trish Hunter or Jean Sillers.

Awakening Joy

Chalice Players

Do you like to act, sing, dance?  How about artwork, set design, costume creation?  Or working with adults and children to put on theatrical performances?

Perhaps writing is your talent and you want to write a play for adults and/or children.  Many of our plays are written by East Shore members, with music composed by members as well.

Dorothea Dix Support Group

Coming together more that a decade ago, the Dix support group is made up of parents, siblings and friends of those who have been afflicted with mental illness, developmental disabilities or other forms of brain disorders.

The Dix group is devoted to providing understanding and emotional support for people whose family members need assistance. We intentionally care for and support one another.

While there is no established program, no organizational chart or set of officers, we do provide on-going support and advice for those of our church community who participate in the support group.  All who would like to join with us are welcome at any time.

We meet in the church North Room for potluck dinners at 6 p.m. on the first Wednesday of the month.

Earth and Spirituality Discussion Group

We will come together monthly to celebrate our connection to and reverence for our planet Earth and the natural world.  Meetings will include poetry readings, topic and book discussions, nature walks, and spiritual practices that connect us to the Earth or nature. Join us and share how planet or nature plays a part in your life and spirituality.   We are an all-age inclusive discussion group, so bring your children and their grandparents.  Contact the church for meeting times.

Fourth Wednesday Book Club

The 4th Wednesday Book Club is a jolly group of people of various ages who meet monthly on the 4th Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. in the Library, room E-102. Important to the fun of discussing our favorite books is the thoughtful, reflective quality of the interchange, the good humor, and the wit and wisdom of the group.  The book list for the year is available in the church bookstore and all are welcome.

Grief Support Group

Humanist Books Group

Our group had a very exciting series of monthly meetings in this, our fourth year, with new people joining us frequently. We've read and discussed five books total over ten months (half a book per month). We have become a friendly support group for the agnostics and atheists within the congregation. Our topics include evolution, logic-based ethics, Bible scholarship, atheism, cosmology, social justice, and free thought. We typically have about six members at each meeting.  

Group f/5.6

Group f/5.6 is an informal organization open to anyone with a serious interest in taking or printing photographs as an art form. Group f/5.6, part of East Shore’s Adult Programs, has existed for 15 years beginning when four East Shore members met to form a group dedicated to supporting photography as an art form. It has an ongoing agreement to maintain the gallery space in the Administration Building lobby as a venue for showing the work of its members.  

Meditation Groups

Mindfulness meditation is becoming increasingly accepted and widely practiced throughout all levels of society.Its popularity is supported by a growing body of empirical evidence which demonstrates a wide array  of physical, psychological and spiritual benefits.  If you are interested in exploring or developing a personal meditation  practice, East Shore provides several group sessions during the week, on Tuesday evenings and Sunday mornings. Both sessions generally  follow the same format of an opening check-in/support, guided meditation, and silent meditation. You are welcome to attend  either or both sessions, whether on a drop-in or regular basis. Everyone is welcome, regardless of experience.  Please join us!

Sunday Morning Meditation, 8:30 a.m. - 9:15 a.m., Room M 108, Contact:  Kristi Adler
Tuesday Evening Meditation, 7 p.m. - 8 p.m., South Room, Contact:  Robert von Tobel

Men’s Breakfast Group

We meet on Saturday mornings for breakfast, socializing, and support.  Occasionally we have potlucks with partners.

Men’s Support Group

Our goal is to create a space where men can explore their feelings, make friends and get support.  New members are welcome when there is an “open” night.  Call to find out when that will be.

The Military History Group

We meet to discuss major battles that have affected the history of the world as we know it.  We look at:

• the political and strategic causes of a particular battle;
• the tactical operations, turning points, and outcomes;
• the technology and logistics that played a part in the battle;
• the impact on individuals, whether they were combatants, officers, or civilians;
• how the battle could have been avoided; and
• the impact on history if the outcome had been different.

Like a book club, battles are chosen ahead of time by a leader who has a particular interest in that topic.  The leader researches the battle, provides an overview at the beginning of the meeting, and leads the discussion. We meet the second Thursday of each month, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m., Room E-208.

P-Patch

Join us in redeveloping our retired farm parcel next to Holly House, in support of the earth and our community. A weedy tangle of vines is giving way to delightfully productive garden space through our efforts. Our gardening methods are naturally sustainable, conserving water, soil and wildlife resources. Half of our produce is donated to social justice causes of the gardeners’ choice. Check out the Pea Patch; interact and join if you like.

Recovery Group

We offer support to addicts and to those affected by another's addiction, and help raise awareness of addiction and recovery within our congregation.  We are available to meet people on a one-on-one basis or with a small group outside of our regular meetings.  Our group is available for the ministers to refer people to us.  Every year, we prepare and lead a Sunday morning service on the topic of addiction and recovery.  We collect information on local support groups.  We donate books on the subject of addiction to the church library. Our regular meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month.  Attendance and the content of our meetings are held in confidence.  Contact the church office at (425) 747-3780 for more information.

Seabeck Memorial Day Retreat

For more than 20 years, we have gathered at Seabeck on Memorial Day for fellowship and fun.  Part retreat and part social event, Seabeck puts  a uniquely Unitarian spin on the American custom of “Church Camp."

Sno-Valley Funsters Group

This is a recently organized group planning quarterly get-togethers for all ESUC families and friends who live in the hinterlands of North Bend, Snoqualmie, Fall City, Preston, Redmond, Sammamish, outer Issaquah, and the surrounding areas. Anyone and everyone who wants to join in is certainly welcome, though! You can join this group on East Shore Connect.

Third Saturday Bridge Club

Join us once a month from 6:45-10:15pm.  We welcome players of all skill levels. However, beginners should have at least taken a few lessons.  Call the East Shore office at (425) 747-3780 for details.

Women’s Perspective

We encourage all women to join together for mutual support, personal growth and spiritual enrichment in order to use our combined vision and strengths to promote human dignity, environmental balance and world peace. Monthly meetings and a yearly retreat provide a variety of opportunities to connect, learn and take. Please see Women’s Perspective brochures, available in the church foyer for program details.

Young Adults Group

Young adults in their 20s and 30s explore their spirituality together through social, educational, and other activities. Click on the link to learn more.