Spring 2025 SMALL GROUPS
The Small Group sign up is now closed. For questions or more info on small groups, contact communications@sanctuaryic.org.
College/Young Adult Sunday Brunch Club
- Led by James & Steph Tutson. Enjoy brunch at the Tutson’s post-church! Connect with other college students and young adults and enjoy a home-cooked meal. Meets twice a month on Sundays after church, 12pm at James and Steph Tutson’s house, east side of IC. This group is for college students and young adults.
Winter Playgroup
- Led by Lianna Cornally. Join others for some winter playgroup days at Sanctuary on 1/23, 2/7, 2/28, 3/13, and 4/4 from 8:30-10:30 AM. Connect with other parents and enjoy snacks & beverages. Toys and games for little ones will be available.
Slaying Giants, Walking on Water, and Loving the Bible Again: an Inspired Book Study
- Led by Greg Teets & Valerie Keffala. Join us for an 8-week book study of Inspired by Rachel Held Evans to rediscover a “living, breathing, captivating book that is able to equip us to join God’s loving and redemptive work in the world.” Meeting Thursdays from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Sanctuary Church, starting Feb 20th for 8 weeks. A virtual attendance option will also be available.
Craft n’ Chat
- Led by Nicola Reynolds. Join others in working on a craft of any kind while enjoying good company and snacks. Meets at Sanctuary, days and times TBD.
Good Sex
- Led by David BG. This group will involve a series of discussions around spirituality and sex. We’ll read sections of the book Shameless by Nadia Bolz-Weber, explore some of the latest sex research, and consider sex-positive and body-positive values that resonate with the ethics of Jesus. We’ll also discuss how we might talk about sex with children and teens in age-appropriate, body-positive ways. All readings will be provided. Meets once a month on Sunday mornings: 2/9, 3/9, 4/6, 5/4 at 8:30 a.m. at Sanctuary.
Family Field Trips
- Led by Amy Kraber. This is an intergenerational group for those of us who enjoy stories, potlucks and exploring art and nature. Everyone is welcome! Our activities are planned for people of every age, and this spring will include an abbreviated, docent-lead visit to the Stanley Museum, exploring the Devonian Fossil Gorge, a potluck gathering at church, and a bonus outing to Amy's favorite event of the year: The Cedar Valley Gem, Mineral and Fossil Show at Hawkeye Downs. Let's explore together! 2/16: Valentines Potluck, service projects & story 3/9: Stanley Museum Tour (belated Black History Month) 3/22 or 3/23: Rock and Gem Show at Hawkeye Downs 4/27: Earth Day exploring the fossil gorge 5/18: picnic & play
Sanctuary Teens + Neighbors of Iowa City
- Led by Kate Thrams & Steph Tutson. Sanctuary and Neighbors will be collaborating to host a fun group for teens this Spring. We will have dinner, play games, sing, and enjoy small groups. This group is for middle school and high school students. Meets monthly on Monday evenings, 7-8:30 p.m. at Sanctuary. Dates: 2/24, 3/31, 4/28, 5/19.
Archiving the Self - Creative Documentation of Everyday Life
- Led by Terri Draper, Valerie Keffala, & Lori Chasse. By using prompted journaling and creative writing best practice, everyone will have the opportunity to engage in a writing practice that best helps them engage with and investigate what is truly alive in their lives and how they can use that for both current and future inspiration and growth. Meets Saturdays or Sundays, dates and times TBD.
New Nigeria County - Book Discussion Group
- Led by Athena & Nathan Eilers. “Written and performed by TikTok star Clare Brown, New Nigeria County is a whip-smart, full-cast satire tackling race, gender, and nationalism in today’s world. When a white family moves into an affluent Black community, a ‘misunderstanding’ between neighbors escalates until the entire town is swept up in the drama.” We will discuss one episode per session, ending with a game night/party at the end! Join us for a fun and in-depth discussion about racism and our role in addressing it. Meets at Sanctuary on Monday nights, 7:00-8:30 PM, on 2/10, 2/24, 3/10, 3/24, 4/7, 4/21.
Trying Courage On For Size
- Led by Sadie McDowell. What if we practiced courage like we do other skills? What would 10,000 hours of courage create in your life? Maya Angelou said, “Courage is the most important of all the virtues, because, without courage, you cannot practice any other virtue consistently.” Join a five week curious conversation around courage and jump start an intentional practice of this important virtue to resource yourself on the most incredible journey into the unknown: your life. Meets Wednesday evenings at Sanctuary, 6 - 7:15 PM, February 12th through March 12th.
R.A.I.N. Spiritual Practice
- Led by Margy Towers. This group will explore the RAIN (Recognize, Allowing, Investigate, Nurture) practice of self-compassion and forgiveness as elaborated by Dr. Tara Brach and the connection to the teachings of Jesus. Tara has been formed by both Eastern and Western spiritual and intellectual traditions, and her approach to meditation maps well with Sanctuary. A YouTube video will be shared with the group in advance of each meeting, and we’ll then discuss the content and put it into practice. Meets at Sanctuary at 8:30 AM on Sundays 3/30, 4/6, and 4/13.
Hiking Group
- Led by Lori Chasse and Paul & Judy McRoberts. Join others from Sanctuary on a variety of walks and hikes, every Saturday from late March to October. Each week we pick a different park in the area (mostly in Johnson County) and hike for 2 to 5 miles. Times vary from morning to afternoon, depending on weather. Everyone is welcome to join us. We'll let you know every week where we are going, so you can decide if the hike is for you.
Serving Realness: a Queer Masc Group
- Led by Rich McGrath & Greg Teets. A group for queer, gay, bi, trans men exploring the intersections of our Queer and Christian identities, fostering a healthier masculinity, and doing life together. We may share reflective readings before some of the meetings. Meeting dates and times TBD.
Spiritual Practices Group
- Led by Adey Wassink. In light of our current day challenges, this group is for those who wish to experiment and explore different spiritual practices that we could weave into our daily rhythm. Dates and times TBD.