Small Groups
Note: The most up-to-date list of our virtual programming can be found on our virtual events calendar.
With a church as large as Middle, small groups are the way to get plugged in. Our groups range in size, meeting structure and location, but all value deep connection and the desire to build, organize, and sustain ourselves as we work to bring about love and justice in the world.
Read below for an overview of our small group offerings, and contact Reverend Amanda if you’re wondering what small group might be best for you, to begin receiving information, or sign up for the group. And click here for a list of our new fall classes!
Acting Class
Mondays • 6:30–8:00 pm • Zoom
Contact: Harold Slazer
Grow your acting chops and your public presentation skills in a safe and joyful environment. Work on scenes, monologues, movement, dance, music, as you develop and workshop pieces together. Led by Middle member Harold Slazer. Click here to join the next meeting!
BIBLE in the Middle
Sundays • 10:30–11:40 am
Contact: Amanda Hambrick Ashcraft
Explore scripture through the lens of Love. Period. Clergy and lay teachers create a safe space for asking the questions in our hearts, and seeking answers for a life of faith today.
Creative Writing
Thursdays • 6:30–8:00 pm • Zoom
Contact: Harold Slazer
Move your ideas from your imagination to the page in a supportive, creative, and fun environment. Learn from colleagues as you share your work with one another. Led by Middle member Harold Slazer. Click here to join the next meeting!
¡Hablamos!
1st and 3rd Saturdays • 2:00-3:00 PM • Zoom
Contact: Bianca Michalczak
Our Spanish language social club! Through monthly discussion, lectures, food, film and art, we’ll explore our collective voice on the issues facing our Latinx community. ¡Ven como tú eres! (¡Come as you are! All levels are welcome.) Click here to join the next meeting!
Heart & Soul
On Hiatus
Contact: Reverend Amanda Hambrick Ashcraft
Heart & Soul gathers an hour of body-focused activity every month. Sometimes we do yoga or other exercise, other months we may do a class focused on physical wellness or embodied meditation. Please note: Due to COVID-19 restrictions, this small group is currently on hiatus.
Middle Out Loud
1st Sundays • 1:00–2:00 pm • Zoom
Contact: Elise Tiralli
A monthly small group with queer and LGBTQIA+ identified folks and committed allies to have fun, build connections, and discuss pertinent issues to our communities. Click here to join the next meeting!
New Adventures
Thursdays • 2:00–3:30 pm • Zoom
Contact: Elise Tiralli
If you are retired, semi-retired, between jobs, or happen to have Thursday afternoons free, you are welcome. Share time with new friends, pray for your Middle family, and live into what adventures lie ahead! This group is primarily for seniors, generally age 65 and above, but open to anyone looking for community!
Queer Black Men
2nd and 4th Wednesdays • 7:30–9:00 PM
Contact: Keith Allen
Queer Black Men in the Middle redefines the intersectionality of black gay spirituality and experience. Our mission is to unconditionally love, affirm and support queer black men through honest dialogue and thought-provoking content that creates and renews our commitment to ourselves and to our community. Click here to join the next meeting!
Reparations Task Force
2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Contact: Reverend Amanda Hambrick Ashcraft
What are reparations? What are reparations for Middle Church? Why should people of faith care about reparations? What is the daily practice of repairing? How can we grapple with the Collegiate Church's historical complicity to slavery and indigenous genocide? Join a group digging into Middle's history to determine how we can begin to repair its harm. Click here to join the next meeting!
Revolutionary Parenting
4th Sundays • 10:45–11:30 AM • Zoom
Contact: Reverend Amanda Hambrick Ashcraft
Conversations and community at the intersection of parenting, faith, and the belief that we can raise a just, liberated, and ethical generation.
Ukuleliacs
1st and 3rd Wednesdays • 7:00–8:30 PM • Zoom
Contact: Kaede Helck
This is a group of Ukulele beginners who gather to learn introductory chords and delight in making music together!
Voter Reform Project
2nd and 4th Sundays • 10:00 AM • Zoom
Contact: Reverend Amanda Hambrick Ashcraft
This is the most important election in our lifetimes. Right now, and always, fighting for voting rights and ensuring fair and equal elections is God's work. Our work Voter Reform Project focuses on voter registration, Census 2020, and ending voter suppression. To date, we have already written more than 27,000 personal postcards to voters in swing states, encouraging them to register and vote!
Virtual Dinner Party
Sundays • 7:00 - 8:00 PM
Contact: Gloria Moy
Each week, Gloria hosts a virtual dinner party. If you need connection and community right now, look no further!
Virtual Chat and Chew
Sundays • 12:45 PM - 2:00 PM
Contact: Zoom link
Now that we're in a virtual space every week, we don't want to miss the opportunity to see each others faces and hear each others voices! Beginning Sunday, May 24th, we invite you to join us from 12:45 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. for a sermon talk-back, and opportunity to gather in community.
Young Adults Small Group
4th Sundays • 1:00 - 2:00 PM • Zoom
Contact: Elise Tiralli
Join other 20- and 30-somethings to engage the connections between real life, faith, and justice. Share stories, ask questions, or wrestle with career and relationships in a safe and supportive space. Click here to join the next meeting!