BEING IN COMMUNITY WHILE ENJOYING A FAVORITE ACTIVITY IS PART OF BEING AN MVUU MEMBER AND FRIEND.

For details on all the groups and activities, check out our newsletter.

MEETING VIA ZOOM DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Sunday Book Group

The Sunday Morning Book Group is a forum for learning and intellectual growth. We read current non-fiction works on history, philosophy, psychology, religion, science, Unitarian-Universalism, and other topics. We meet weekly for 1.5 hours to discuss one or two chapters in detail. Participants nominate candidate books. A majority of those present at a meeting when a vote is taken decides on our next book. Recent books discussed included  A World Without Work: Technology, Automation and How We Should Respond by Daniel Susskind and The Deficit Myth: Modern Monetary Theory and The Birth of the People’s Economy by Stephanie Kelton.

Sacred Poetry

The Sacred Poetry group isn’t primarily about “poetry,” as such, but about inspiration. We read such inspiring poets as Jelaluddin Rumi, Walt Whitman, and Mary Oliver, and share our responses to them. The sharing itself is often pretty inspiring. No previous background in poetry (or inspiration!) is needed.

Bookaholics Unanimous

This group of enthusiastic readers meet on the last Tuesday of the month at 2 pm. They select a variety of books based on what has intrigued members. The one who suggests the book generally leads the discussion of that book. Recent lively discussions were about The Bluest Eyes by Toni Morison, A Gentleman in Moscow by Armor Towles, and The Plague by Camus.

NOT MEETING UNTIL IT IS SAFE AGAIN AND THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC HAD SUBSIDED

Mah Jongg Mondays

Each Monday from 1 pm to 3:30-ish you’ll find from one to five tables of folks playing a friendly game (i.e., we don’t play for money) of American Mah Jongg at MVUU. We play tournament rules and use the current year’s Mah Jongg card. Occasionally we offer classes. Men and women, members and non-members join in the play. All who know the game are welcome!

Loft Movie Time

A fun and often thought-provoking monthly event. Members and friends meet at the Loft Movie theatre for a weekday showing of a preselected film, often preceded or followed by a meal at a close-by restaurant. Selected date, time, movie, and restaurant are announced in the newsletter.

Cholla Chowtime

For four months of each year, we enjoy a once-monthly evening of dining and conversation in members’ homes. It’s easy way for newcomers and old-timers to get to know each other in small group settings. After signing up for Cholla Chowtime, diners learn where they will share a potluck dinner for eight. The assignments are scrambled so diners meet new faces around the table. It’s all about the company, not about the food.

First Friday Hikes

First Friday Hikes are scheduled throughout the cooler months. These easy hikes are generally 2-3+ miles and are often followed by lunch. Sturdy shoes and hiking poles are suggested. Throughout the winter months, longer and more challenging hikes are organized occasionally.

Mesquite Madness

Our annual silent auction—Mesquite Madness—is usually held in January. It is a popular social event as well as our largest fundraiser. We meet in a large room to see what we can buy. Folks offer dinners, luncheons, museum tours, and interesting outings. Sometimes a hike with lunch thrown in draws lots of bids. Services can be bid on, such as pet-sitting, chauffeuring, or photograph enhancements. Everyone bids on these events and services in a silent auction. It’s a fun opportunity to meet new people and strengthen our community.

Other Dining Events

Every Sunday after services some folks gather at a local restaurant for lunch. Known as the Lunch Bunch, conversation ranges from the reflection just heard, current events, or many other topics. We’ve had dining groups that look for restaurants offering new or unusual foods to try or just get together. We are a bunch of foodies at MVUU.