Prairie Society has an informal style. It is very easy for members and friends to organize interest groups and special events. Some "special events" have been so popular they have become annual or recurring events. Here is a sampling of our adult and family activities:
Each year since 1970, Prairie members and friends have scheduled an annual retreat
in the fall. For the last several years the retreats have been at Pine Lake Camp near Westfield or Bethel Horizons, near Dodgeville.
Many retreats have also been at Camp Upham Woods near Wisconsin Dells. The retreat provides an opportunity for members and friends to join together in canoeing, nature walks, crafts, discussion groups, games, dancing, singing, meditation --you name it! The highlights of the weekend are the Talent Show on Saturday night and the Sunday morning service featuring a "key log ceremony."
Music making
Prairie appreciates musicians and encourages their talents. Most Sunday services include piano accompaniment or other musical performances. The most frequent performer is the Prairie Choir, which is open to any member who can carry a tune. Rehearsals are most Sunday mornings from 8:45 - 9:45 am during the school year. (The choir takes the summer off.) For more information contact the choir director, Barbara Park, at barpark@gmail.com.
Circle Dinners
Circle Dinners are groups of 6 to 12 people who meet approximately once a month for dinner and conversation at the home of one of the circle members. Circles are organized each fall, but new members can be added at any time. Some dinner groups include children, while others may be organized for adults only.
Prairie Unitarian Universalist Society is pleased to offer an array of classes and workshops designed to challenge and inspire adult learners on the journey of intellectual curiosity, spiritual exploration, moral development, faith formation, deepening of on-going social relationships, cultural enrichment, and other learning opportunities to strengthen your involvement in our Prairie Community.
Interest groups that meet monthly
Prairie Book Club
Members of this group read a different book each month, then meet to have lunch together and discuss the book. Meetings are at 11:30 or 11:45 am on a Sunday at the Meeting House. See our list of books and dates.
Women of Wonder (WOW)
This informal group offers women an opportunity to get to know each other better in a purely social setting. Participants schedule monthly meetings (usually on a Saturday) for a potluck meal and conversation.
Prairie Elders
This group for members 65 and older meets monthly on a weekday afternoon at Oakwood Village West. For information contact Donna Murdoch, Gordon Cunningham, Rosemary Dorney or Rose Smith.
Humanist Union
Prairie humanists meet once a month at the Meeting House, usually on the first Sunday of the month, to discuss a topic of particular interest to humanists. Meetings start with a potluck lunch at 11:45 am followed by the program from 12:30 to 1:30 pm. An outside speaker is sometimes invited to present the program. Time is always provided for discussion. Coming events are posted on the Events Page of the group's website, and links to recordings of some past programs are available in the Past Events Table on that page.
Social Action Committee programs
In addition to contributing an occasional Sunday service, from time to time Prairie's Social Action Committee organizes a program around a particular social issue at a different time. Such programs are listed on the committee's Past Events page. Links to transcripts, photos, or recordings of some of the past programs are available there.
Spanish Speakers' Potluck
This group is open to all who wish to practice their Spanish. It meets periodically in members' homes.
Prairie Playreaders
Meeting from time to time at the homes of different participants, this group reads from scripts of plays old and new for enjoyment. The group also attends local theatrical performances and holds an annual fish fry in the spring.
Our Meeting House
Members often use the Meeting House when they wish to celebrate special occasions in their lives. The Meeting House also can be rented for a reasonable fee by non-member individuals and other organizations. The parish Administrator arranges the schedule for use of the building.
Prairie Unitarian Universalist Society 2010 Whenona Dr. Madison WI 53711-4843 608.271.8218
