Social Groups
OPEN HEART CIRCLE
The OPEN HEART CIRCLE is an intimate group that has heartfelt discussions about the many differences in our world and the way in which we can open our hearts to others. generally meets on the first Monday of each month at 7:00 PM CT. At the present time, this circle is only open to ZLMC Members and is online only. Stewards: Diane Bejcek and Jacquelyn Weiner-O’Shea.
For more information on this circle, please email Jacquelyn at jwomft@gmail.com.
POETRY CIRCLE
Join the POETRY CIRCLE to explore and share the wonders of poetry weekly. Fridays 8-9 AM CT.
Zoom Link Contact Group Steward: Mark Gelula at mgelula@gmail.com for more information.
WOMEN’S CIRCLE
The Women’s Circle is on hiatus. Contact Roshi June if interested June.tanoue@zlmc.org.
PEOPLE OF COLOR CIRCLE
The PEOPLE OF COLOR CIRCLE fosters a sense of community and comradery for those who identify as people of color.
We are on hiatus until the new year. Zoom Link. Contact Circle Steward: Roshi June Tanoue at june.tanoue@zlmc.org for more information
LITURGY CIRCLE
This new circle is just being formed to explore ways to improve our current liturgy by putting some of our sutras to music. Meetings are yet to be scheduled by the Circle Steward, Roshi Robert Joshin Althouse. Click here to hear some examples of how this has been done by the River Zen Temple of Holland.
This circle is only open to ZLMC Members. If you are a member and are interested in participating, please contact Roshi Robert at robert.althouse@zlmc.org
INTERFAITH CIRCLE
The INTERFAITH CIRCLE will meet the third Thursday of each month at 7:00 PM. The group plans to explore the relationship between our Zen studies and our religion, faith and philosophy of birth, heritage, and choice . . .
Meetings are online only.
For more information, please contact the Circle Steward, Ken Hillman at ken.hillman@me.com
STUDY CIRCLE
The STUDY CIRCLE is currently on a break until January 2025.
Circle Steward: Skye Lavin- skyelavin@gmail.com
STITCHING SUTRA CIRCLE
Join the STITCHING SUTRA CIRCLE for our ‘crafting for a cause’ circle! Anyone interested in the fabric arts (knitting, sewing, crocheting) is welcome! No experience is necessary. We will work together to create beautiful handmade items for donation to good causes.
In the first year of the Pandemic, inspired by the history of generations of women working with their hands, we invited anyone who wanted to knit, crochet, or sew to help us create a group. Although we had to meet primarily online at that time, in 2022 we were able to donate a beautiful knitted patchwork afghan to Housing Forward. In both 2022 and 2023 we also donated hand-knitted scarves for the annual ZLMC auction to help raise money. In 2023 we also donated another beautiful knitted afghan to Sarah’s Inn. It was a communal effort. For more information and if you’re interested in joining us, please contact Robin Sheerer at: robinsheerer@gmail.com. Beginners are welcome.
We meet on the fourth Monday of the month 7-8:30 PM CT in-person or online. Zoom Link
EARTH STEWARDS CIRCLE
The Earth Stewards Circle is committed to exploring and promoting ways for the sangha to combat global warming and protect our earth's precious resources.
Heads up: The circle meets the second Monday of each month @ 8:00 am. Click here for zoom link.
For more information on the circle, contact Circle Steward, Blair Barbour at blairbarbour22@gmail.com.
JUST PICK IT UP
Video “Just Pick it Up” by Marni Curtis, a ZLMC member and member of the Earth Stewards Circle. She describes here her practice of picking up plastic. The Earth Steward Circle also sponsors a plastic collection program that turns plastic into park benches which are donated to local non-profits.
“Forever chemicals,” also known as PFAS, are everywhere. They’re in our water, our soil and in everyday items like cookware, mascara or waterproof clothing.
And there’s mounting evidence that this family of thousands of synthetic chemicals can increase the risk of some types of cancer, developmental and fertility issues, and other health problems. So it makes sense to limit our exposure to them.
That’s easier said than done.