AE Lunchitarians

This is a recurring virtual meeting every Wednesday from noon - 1:30 PM.

Thoreau Lunchitarians discuss books, or other matters arising

Check your email for topic details and the Zoom link!

Interested in joining this discussion? Get in Touch!

October 11 – Blessing of the Animals

Held at Pecan Grove Park, 800 Pitts Road, Richmond (next to the MUD building)

Bring your creatures big and small, for the Thoreau Blessing of the Animals. Everyone is invited to bring their pets (or if they prefer, pictures or belongings of their pets) to be blessed. Dogs must be on a leash. Cats must be in a carrier. Snakes, lizards, small mammals, fish, and birds must be contained to keep them safe. NO REACTIVE DOGS PLEASE!  We will be meeting under the trees in the park just next to the MUD building. After the presentation of the animals, we will have a potluck lunch, so bring a food to share.  Extra points if you bring a vegetarian dish in honor of the animals we are blessing.

Join us in person for our weekly gathering at Pecan Grove MUD Building in Richmond, TX while our building undergoes renovations.

Kids & Youth Religious Exploration (K–8)
Kids & Youth Religious Exploration is offered at the same time and at the same location for children and youth in grades K–8.

Interested in joining us in person? Get in Touch!

Saturday, October 9th,  6:00-9:00 pm 🎲 Thoreau Game Night 🎲

Join us for an evening of fun, connection, and friendly competition at 9ers Grill in Richmond, TX! Whether you’re a board game enthusiast, a card game casual, or someone who just enjoys good company, this night is for you.

We’ll have a variety of games available, and you’re welcome to bring a favorite to share. Come solo, bring a friend, or make new ones as we gather for laughter, low-pressure play, and community building.

No prior game experience is needed—just bring your curiosity and your playful spirit.

When: Saturday Oct 3rd, 6:00-9:00PM

Where:
9ers Grill
1800 Fm 359
Richmond, TX 77406

👉 Interested in attending? Get in Touch!

We can’t wait to play with you!

2nd Friday Discussion Group will meet on October 9th at Becks Prime:
1822 SH-6 S, Sugar Land, TX  77478.  
Near the Sugar Land Whole Foods.  
Here’s the menu: https://www.becksprime.com/menu/menu.pdf

TOPIC: TBD

Reoccurring monthly on the Second Friday.

Interested in joining this discussion? Get in Touch!

AE Lunchitarians

This is a recurring virtual meeting every Wednesday from noon - 1:30 PM.

Thoreau Lunchitarians discuss books, or other matters arising

Check your email for topic details and the Zoom link!

Interested in joining this discussion? Get in Touch!

The Things We Never Say by Elizabeth Strout.

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • In this “profound, resplendent novel”* from Pulitzer Prize–winning author Elizabeth Strout, a chance incident sparks a powerful realization in a beloved teacher’s life.

LONGLISTED FOR THE BOOKER PRIZE • ONE OF BARACK OBAMA’S FAVORITE BOOKS OF THE SUMMER

“Strout’s capacious empathy and rigorous attention to the nuances of human behavior and psychology are as evident as ever.”—The Boston Globe

“Artie Dam is someone you may never be able to forget.”—Financial Times*

Artie Dam is living a double life. He spends his days teaching history to eleventh graders, expanding their young minds, correcting their casual cruelties, and lending a kind word to those who need it most. He goes to holiday parties with his wife of three decades, makes small talk with neighbors, and, on weekends, takes his sailboat out on the beautiful Massachusetts Bay. He is, by all appearances, present and alive. But inside, Artie is plagued by feelings of isolation. He looks out at a world gone mad—at himself and the people around him—and turns a question over and over in his mind: How is it that we know so little about one another, even those closest to us?

And then, one day, Artie learns that life has been keeping a secret from him, one that threatens to upend his entire world. Once he learns it, he is forced to chart a new course, to reconsider the relationships he holds most dear—and to make peace with the mysteries at the heart of our existence.

Elizabeth Strout, as we have come to expect, delivers a moving exploration of the human condition—one that brims with compassion for each and every one of her indelible characters. With exquisite prose and profound insight, The Things We Never Say takes one man’s fears and loneliness and makes them universal. And in the same breath, captures the abiding love that sustains and holds us all.

Books are selected by the members of the Women’s Book Club

Reoccurring monthly on the First Monday, starting at 1:00 PM; we meet in members’ homes.

Interested in joining this discussion? Get in Touch!

October 4 – “Finding Greater Meaning Through UU Values”

Held at Pecan Grove MUD building, 751 Pitts Road, Richmond.

It's a nearly-universal human trait to try to construct a narrative story which allows us to find a degree of satisfaction about how our lives have brought meaning to the world.

Like a bent penny, our Emeritus Minister Rev. Dan King follows our Thoreau congregation to yet another location to share reflections on how we may find greater meaning by living our lives consistent with Unitarian Universalist values and principles.

Join us in person for our weekly gathering at Pecan Grove MUD Building in Richmond, TX while our building undergoes renovations.

Kids & Youth Religious Exploration (K–8)
Kids & Youth Religious Exploration is offered at the same time and at the same location for children and youth in grades K–8.

Interested in joining us in person? Get in Touch!

October 4 – “The Long Road to MAGA-land”

Held at Pecan Grove MUD building, 751 Pitts Road, Richmond

The current administration did not drop, fully developed, from the sky. It is the result of more than fifty years of careful planning by ideologues, moneyed interests, and pliable politicians. We'll trace the obscured path and note significant markers toward the destination. Our speaker is Prof. Garna Christian.

Interested in joining this discussion? Get in Touch!

AE Lunchitarians

This is a recurring virtual meeting every Wednesday from noon - 1:30 PM.

Thoreau Lunchitarians discuss books, or other matters arising

Check your email for topic details and the Zoom link!

Interested in joining this discussion? Get in Touch!

September 27, 11am - “Walking with Rosemary: Faith, Power, and Who Gets to Interpret”
Rosemary Radford Ruether spent much of her life asking uncomfortable questions about Christianity. What happens when we look beneath inherited religious teachings and ask who interpreted them, whose voices were included, and whose were left out? And what happens when ideas about God become entangled with ideas about power?  Amanda Ayles will be our speaker presenting this topic.

Join us in person for our weekly gathering at 9er’s BBQ in Richmond, Texas while our building undergoes renovations.

Kids & Youth Religious Exploration (K–8)
Kids & Youth Religious Exploration is offered at the same time and at the same location for children and youth in grades K–8.

Interested in joining us in person? Get in Touch!

AE Lunchitarians

This is a recurring virtual meeting every Wednesday from noon - 1:30 PM.

Thoreau Lunchitarians discuss books, or other matters arising

Check your email for topic details and the Zoom link!

Interested in joining this discussion? Get in Touch!

September 20, 11AM - "Interfaith Examination of UU: How Would YOU Answer These Questions About UU?"

At the recent Fort Bend Interfaith Dinner, each table had people from a mix of faith communities, and the groups were asked to discuss a series of questions about their faith. How would you answer some of these big questions about Unitarian Universalists? Lead by Cassey Crouch.

Join us in person for our weekly gathering at 9er’s BBQ in Richmond, Texas while our building undergoes renovations.

Kids & Youth Religious Exploration (K–8)
Kids & Youth Religious Exploration is offered at the same time and at the same location for children and youth in grades K–8.

Interested in joining us in person? Get in Touch!

Please join us for the Men's monthly dinner group.

Location: Beck’s Prime 1822 Hwy 6 Sugar Land, TX 77478

Let us know to look out for you! Get in Touch.

AE Lunchitarians

This is a recurring virtual meeting every Wednesday from noon - 1:30 PM.

Thoreau Lunchitarians discuss books, or other matters arising

Check your email for topic details and the Zoom link!

Interested in joining this discussion? Get in Touch!

September 13, 11AM - "Creative Aging: Lotería Intergenerational: Reimagining Aging, and End of Life Legacy with Joy”

In this presentation, Diana Muniz, Thoreau’s new Director of Family Programs, will share the vision and heart behind Lotería Intergenerational™ . Through this reimagined version of the traditional Mexican game, Diana will facilitate a trauma-informed "bridge" to lower barriers and invite healing conversations about creative aging, life cycles and family legacy. Discover how a beloved cultural ritual can turn into a "Sanctuary of Dialogue" where different generations can share wisdom and build civic solidarity as we approach life's deepest transitions.

For more information on Diana  and her Loteria game follow this link: https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/N7vaL8f2UP43h

Join us in person for our weekly gathering at 9er’s BBQ in Richmond, Texas while our building undergoes renovations.

Kids & Youth Religious Exploration (K–8)
Kids & Youth Religious Exploration is offered at the same time and at the same location for children and youth in grades K–8.

Interested in joining us in person? Get in Touch!

2nd Friday Discussion Group will meet on September 11th at Becks Prime:
1822 SH-6 S, Sugar Land, TX  77478.  
Near the Sugar Land Whole Foods.  
Here’s the menu: https://www.becksprime.com/menu/menu.pdf

TOPIC: TBD

Reoccurring monthly on the Second Friday.

Interested in joining this discussion? Get in Touch!

AE Lunchitarians

This is a recurring virtual meeting every Wednesday from noon - 1:30 PM.

Thoreau Lunchitarians discuss books, or other matters arising

Check your email for topic details and the Zoom link!

Interested in joining this discussion? Get in Touch!

The Life Impossible by Matt Haig. 

When retired math teacher Grace Winters is left a run-down house on a Mediterranean island by a long-lost friend, curiosity gets the better of her. She arrives in Ibiza with a one-way ticket, no guidebook and no plan.

Among the rugged hills and golden beaches of the island, Grace searches for answers about her friend’s life, and how it ended. What she uncovers is stranger than she could have dreamed. But to dive into this impossible truth, Grace must first come to terms with her past.

Filled with wonder and wild adventure, this is a story of hope and the life-changing power of a new beginning.

Books are selected by the members of the Women’s Book Club

Reoccurring monthly on the First Monday, starting at 1:00 PM; we meet in members’ homes.

Interested in joining this discussion? Get in Touch!

Saturday, September 5th,  6:00-9:00 pm 🎲 Thoreau Game Night 🎲

Join us for an evening of fun, connection, and friendly competition at 9ers Grill in Richmond, TX! Whether you’re a board game enthusiast, a card game casual, or someone who just enjoys good company, this night is for you.

We’ll have a variety of games available, and you’re welcome to bring a favorite to share. Come solo, bring a friend, or make new ones as we gather for laughter, low-pressure play, and community building.

No prior game experience is needed—just bring your curiosity and your playful spirit.

When: Saturday Sept 5th 6:00-9:00PM

Where:
9ers Grill
1800 Fm 359
Richmond, TX 77406

👉 Interested in attending? Get in Touch!

We can’t wait to play with you!

AE Lunchitarians

This is a recurring virtual meeting every Wednesday from noon - 1:30 PM.

Thoreau Lunchitarians discuss books, or other matters arising

Check your email for topic details and the Zoom link!

Interested in joining this discussion? Get in Touch!

August 30, 11am – “The Quieter We Become, the More We Are Able to Hear”

In this TalkBack service, our Emeritus Minister, Rev. Dr. Dan King, will explore how Nonviolent Communication, Emotional Intelligence, and UU principles can help us communicate more effectively and strengthen our efforts to create Beloved Community. Following his presentation, the service will open for questions, comments, and discussion.

Join us in person for our weekly gathering at 9er’s BBQ in Richmond, Texas while our building undergoes renovations.

Kids & Youth Religious Exploration (K–8)
Kids & Youth Religious Exploration is offered at the same time and at the same location for children and youth in grades K–8.

Interested in joining us in person? Get in Touch!

AE Lunchitarians

This is a recurring virtual meeting every Wednesday from noon - 1:30 PM.

Thoreau Lunchitarians discuss books, or other matters arising

Check your email for topic details and the Zoom link!

Interested in joining this discussion? Get in Touch!

Sunday August 23, 11am – “UBI (Universal Basic Income) – Possible or Utopian Pipe Dream?”

What if everyone had enough income to meet their basic needs, regardless of employment? Jim Curtis will lead this TalkBack service exploring Universal Basic Income, its potential to address economic insecurity, and the questions and challenges surrounding the idea. Come learn, think, and share your perspective on whether UBI is a practical possibility or a utopian dream.

Join us in person for our weekly gathering at 9er’s BBQ in Richmond, Texas while our building undergoes renovations.

Kids & Youth Religious Exploration (K–8)
Kids & Youth Religious Exploration is offered at the same time and at the same location for children and youth in grades K–8.

Interested in joining us in person? Get in Touch!

Please join us for the Men's monthly dinner group.

Location: Beck’s Prime 1822 Hwy 6 Sugar Land, TX 77478

Let us know to look out for you! Get in Touch.

AE Lunchitarians

This is a recurring virtual meeting every Wednesday from noon - 1:30 PM.

Thoreau Lunchitarians discuss books, or other matters arising

Check your email for topic details and the Zoom link!

Interested in joining this discussion? Get in Touch!

Sunday, August 9th, 11 am - Summer Interest Groups

Join us at our temporary summer home as we conclude our 2026 Summer Interest Groups!
9er's BBQ
1836 FM359,
Richmond, TX 77406

Here are your options this week:

What the Heck is Christian Science?

Valerie Tolman

Valerie Tolman will discuss growing up as a Christian Scientist and talk about some of the religion’s more controversial beliefs. Organized during a time of great interest in metaphysics, some of the tenets of this unusual religion are supported by today’s science.

 Useful Mental Health Practices

Lindi Kohn

What has been your experience with Mental Health Therapy or specific practices that have helped you through a difficult time in your life.

Children & Youth’s Interest Group

Exploring the variety of human emotions through various forms of art.
The kids and youth are also welcome to attend any of the other discussions.

Interested in joining this service in person? Get in Touch!

2nd Friday Discussion Group will meet on August 14th at Becks Prime:
1822 SH-6 S, Sugar Land, TX  77478.  
Near the Sugar Land Whole Foods.  
Here’s the menu: https://www.becksprime.com/menu/menu.pdf

TOPIC: TBD

Reoccurring monthly on the Second Friday.

Interested in joining this discussion? Get in Touch!

AE Lunchitarians

This is a recurring virtual meeting every Wednesday from noon - 1:30 PM.

Thoreau Lunchitarians discuss books, or other matters arising

Check your email for topic details and the Zoom link!

Interested in joining this discussion? Get in Touch!

Sunday, August 9th, 11 am - Summer Interest Groups

Join us at our temporary summer home as we conclude our 2026 Summer Interest Groups!
9er's BBQ
1836 FM359,
Richmond, TX 77406

Here are your options this week:

Mental Health Practices: Can Religion Influence Mental Health Practices? led by Lindi Kohn

What is your experience, positive of negative, involving mental health practices you’ve learned from being UU or from your former religious communities.

Idioms, Adages and Parables led by Cassey Crouch

Idioms, Adages and Parables:What are the differences? Come share your favorites, learn some new ones and discuss what role they play in sharing knowledge and wisdom. 

Growing Together: Welcome and Connection led by Deirdre Hammons

Come share your ideas and help us create a more welcoming, connected, and informed Thoreau community.

Children & Youth’s Interest Group

Exploring the variety of human emotions through various forms of art.
The kids and youth are also welcome to attend any of the other discussions.

Interested in joining this service in person? Get in Touch!

AE Lunchitarians

This is a recurring virtual meeting every Wednesday from noon - 1:30 PM.

Thoreau Lunchitarians discuss books, or other matters arising

Check your email for topic details and the Zoom link!

Interested in joining this discussion? Get in Touch!