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Coming in
September - October  2008:


IMAGINATION
 

In support of this years Spirit & Place Festival theme, well explore imagination: Where does it reside? Who or what cultivates it? When are boundaries appropriate? What is needed to unleash public imagination in ways that benefit our communities economic, social and cultural health? (Spirit & Place will be held Nov. 114, in Indianapolis.) 

Everything you can imagine is real.
(Pablo Picasso, Spanish painter and sculptor)

Sometimes questions are more important than answers.
(Nancy Willard, American poet and writer)

Without this playing with fantasy no creative work has ever yet come to birth. The debt we own to the play of the imagination is incalculable.
(Carl G. Jung, Swiss psychologist and psychiatrist)

Deadline for the
September - October  issue is August 10.

Articles and artwork:
editor@branches.com

Advertising: apple@branches.com

317/255-5594

 


Trimmings
(return to home page)

These meetings and events are listed as a public service. No endorsement by the publisher is intended or implied.

Submit your free event or meeting for Trimmings, the BRANCHES calendar, by e-mailing editor@branches.com or mail to P.O. Box 30920, Indianapolis, IN 46230 by the deadline.

PLEASE NOTE: Listings are for FREE events and meetings only. No exceptions.

Upcoming Events

Through AUG. 16 A solo exhibition of work by Hoosier photographer John Bower, author of many photography books about historic and backroads Indiana, at Arts Place, 131 E. Walnut St., Portland. 260/726-2081. 

Through SEPT. 7 Memory, more than 40 exhibits and demonstrations that explore human memory, reflecting both personal experience and new breakthroughs in cognitive science, at the Indianapolis-Marion County Central Library, 40 E. St. Clair St., Indpls. 317/275-4022.  

A series on natural and holistic wellness is offered at 6:30 p.m. on alternating Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Westfield Washington Public Library, 333 W. Hoover St., in Westfield. 317/896-9391.

  7/24 Vitamins, Herbs & Nutrition

  7/29 Crystal Energy &  Healing Theories

  8/7 Healing Movement & Exercise

  8/12 Natural Holistic Lifestyle  

MONs. 7/21 through 8/25 7 to 8 p.m. Mind Sound Technology, intelligence enhancing program at Shakti Alternative Healing Therapies, 6224 N. College Ave., Ste. 6220, Indpls. Free but preregistration required: Quinn Hartman, 317/709-2939.

AUG. 1-29 Memories in the Making, an exhibit of artworks created by those in the early and middle stages of Alzheimers disease, in the Atrium of IMCPLs Central Library, 40 E. St. Clair St., Indpls. 317/275-4022. 

MON. 8/1 11 a.m. to noon or FRI. 8/4 7 to 8 p.m. Gentle stretching and guided imagery meditation with Cheryl Kaper, M.S., at the Human Relations Center, 970 Mill Pond Rd. North, Ste. C, Valparaiso. Free but preregistration required: 219/462-6109 or cheryatsu@aol.com. 

SUN 8/3 11:30 a.m. Jeanne and Bob Olson lead a series of programs called Rites of Becoming. The Church Within, 1125 Spruce St., Indpls. Jeanne,317/908-9999. 

SAT. 8/9 - 2 p.m. How Memories Are Made. In conjunction with IMCPLs exhibit Memory, Dr. Laurel Clark, of the School of Metaphysics, will discuss the inner workings of the minds memory, in the Riley Meeting Room of Central Library, 40 E. St. Clair St., Indpls. 317/275-4022. 

SUN. 8/10 3 to 5 p.m. Sound Art Intention, a short meditation followed by sound, music and visuals to inspire creations such as sacred artwork, manifestation board and personal power symbols. Shakti Alternative Healing Therapies, 6224 N. College Ave., Ste. 6220. Bring materials for intention art. Cheryl Lo, 317/437-4910 or cheryl_love@att.net.

SUN. 8/10 6 to 7:30 p.m. Open discussion of calling angels, guides and deities for specific times and intentions, Shakti Alternative Healing Therapies, 6224 N. College Ave., Ste. 6220. Cheryl, 317/437-4910 or cheryl_love@att.net.    

THURS. 8/14 7 to 9 p.m., a program on the path of sharing, justice and peace presented by Dr. George Catlin, psychology professor at the University of Massachusetts and author of The Way to Happiness and The Long Journey Home. The Church Within, 1125 Spruce St., Indpls. 317/637-5683, tcwoffice@sbcglobal.net. 

SUN. 8/17 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sufi poetry reading and discussion led by Farzad and Dr. Mary Ann Fadae, The Church Within, 1125 Spruce St., Indpls. 317/637-5683, tcwoffice@sbcglobal.net.

THURS. 8/21 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wise Choices about Energy Use in Your Home,presentations on financial impact; sustainability; energy, water, exterior landscaping; new HVAC technologies; lighting; window treatments. Fellowship Hall, St. Lukes United Methodist Church, 100 W. 86th St., Indpls., 317/846-3404. 

SAT. 9/6 - 10:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Creative Writing Workshop. In conjunction with IMCPLs exhibit Memory, writing instructor Susan Lawson will help adults tap into their memories and find their writers voice, in the Goodrich-Houk Meeting Room of Central Library, 40 E. St. Clair St., Indpls. Free but preregistration required: 317/275-4022.  

MON. 9/8 7 to 8 p.m. Gentle stretching and guided imagery meditation with Cheryl Kaper, M.S., at the Human Relations Center, 970 Mill Pond Rd. North, Ste. C, Valparaiso. Free but preregistration required: 219/462-6109 or cheryatsu@aol.com.


 

Ongoing Meetings

HEALTH & WELL-BEING


NETWORKING


SPIRITUAL
PRACTICE

STUDY
GROUPS

SUPPORT
GROUPS

VOLUNTEERS


Health &         (return to top of page)
Well-Being

“Food for Thought” is a lunchtime gathering every Tuesday at noon at Sunspot Market, 500 Sagamore Parkway W. Topics include health, sustainability and the importance of local food. For details and a complete schedule call Kathy: 765/464-1555.

The Marion County Health Department offers an ongoing series of four-week self-management programs on “The ABC’s of Diabetes” at various times and locations of the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library. Details: 317/221-2094.

“Intro to Energy Work 101,” an overview class on complementary healing therapies, will be offered from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturdays, May 17 and June 21, and from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursdays, May 22 and June 19, at Shakti, 6224 N. College Ave., Suite 6220, Indpls. Cheryl, 317/437-4910, cheryl_love@att.net.

Hoosiers for a Commonsense Health Plan
want everyone in Indiana to have health coverage through a universal plan. Chapters meet throughout the state to work toward this goal. Details: www.hchp.info.

Pilgrimage Healing Process, combining presence, intentionality, listening, prayer and touch, is offered by appointment at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 100 W. 86th St., call 317-846-3404, x442.

Vegan potlucks are held the third Friday each month at locations in Indianapolis, featuring macrobiotic, organic whole foods prepared without animal byproducts, refined sugars or flours. macromary205@comcast.net;  317/255-0051.

Southside Reiki interested in a once-a-month Reiki share. murr@acsplus.com; 317/881-8709.

Vicki Peterson offers public presentations on the Transcendental Meditation program in Muncie. 765/289-0292; muncie@globalcountry.net. To schedule a TM presentation in Indianapolis: Richard and Lois Neate, 317/225-4390; indianapolis@globalcountry.net.

Holistic Living Class is offered by Hendricks County Holistic Health from 7 to 8 p.m. the first Thursday each month at 2424 E. Main St., Plainfield. Dane, 317/432-7426.

The American Holistic Nurses Association meets in Indpls. 317/876-8298.

Networking    (return to top of page)


The Shire of Afonlyn, part of the Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc., researches and reenacts medieval/renaissance history. Fighter practice held from 5 to 8 p.m. Mondays at Westside Park in Muncie. Classes held the second and fourth Thursdays each month. new2afonlyn@yahoo.com or 765/212-2886.

Strawberry Dolphin Sound Pod, a community of sound healers using different instruments and modalities to enhance peace of mind, body and spirit, meets from 2 to 5 p.m. the last Sunday each month (7/27 and 8/31) at Shakti, 6224 N. College Ave., Suite 6220, Indpls. Cheryl, 317/437-4910, cheryl_love@att.net. 

Unity Church of Indianapolis offers Christian music and meditation from 6 to 7 p.m. the second Saturday each month (5/10, 6/14) and a spiritual film the fourth Friday each month (5/23, 6/27) at 907 N. Delaware St., 317/635-4066; www.unityofindy.com 

Meet others who value logic and reason over dogma. Freethought groups are active throughout Indiana. Contact the Center for Inquiry Indiana (www.centerforinquiry.net/indy) for information on groups in Bloomington, Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, Lafayette, and Muncie/New Castle. Freethinkers of Montgomery County meet from 6:30 to 8 p.m. the first and third Thursdays each month in the basement of the Crawfordsville Public Library (todd@happybartons.com). Students, faculty and staff at IUPUI in Indianapolis have a campus group, the IUPUI Freethinkers (www.iupuifreethinkers.org). In east-central Indiana, contact the Richmond Area Free Thinkers Society (http://richmond-freethinkers.org).

Take an easy 5- to 6-mile walk along the Canal downtown
any Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. with members of the Indianapolis Hiking Club. Park at the White River Park Visitors Center on West Washington St. across from Victory Field. If the weather is bad, call first to find out if the hike has been cancelled. Led by Reba Wooden, 317/797-5892.

A New Thought film series of motivating and uplifting movies is offered at 6:45 p.m. the third Friday each month at ClearView Church, 5060 E. 62nd St., Suite 148, Indpls. Details: www.clearviewchurch.org.

The Kokomo Pagan Group meets at 6 p.m. the second Saturday each month. Details: Kelley or Amanda, paganmeetup@hotmail.com

"Be the Change," a networking/power group for holistic business people whose goals are to be successful and to make a powerful/positive change in society, meets once a month near Avon. Kim Woods, 317/409-4981, or Amy Hayden, 317/441-2111.

A Women’s Gathering meets from 7 to 8 p.m. the second Thursday each month at 2424 E. Main St., Plainfield, to focus on loving and trusting themselves and life more.  Dane, 317/432-7426.

Banda Beats, a drum circle, meets on the north side of Indpls. 317/578-1357; ryanta1972@yahoo.com.

Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans (CUUPS)
meets from 7 to 9 p.m. the second and fourth Thursdays each month for teaching or discussion and ritual or celebration at Unitarian Universalist Church, 615 W. 43rd St., Indpls. Colleen Kelly, 317/603-0026 or 317/283-4760.

The Indy Sustainable Food Alliance
meets quarterly (Dec., March, June, Sept.) to promote and develop sustainable community-driven food solutions. www.indysustainablefoodalliance.org or 317/709-3440.

The Indiana chapter of the ManKind Project offers an introduction to men's work at 7 p.m. the third Thursday each month at Church of the Savior United Methodist Church, 6205 Rucker Rd., Indpls. 317/441-8703 or http://indiana.mkp.org. 

A women’s drumming circle meets at 4 p.m. the second Sunday of each month and a chanting circle meets from 7 to 8 p.m. the first and third Tuesdays each month at Sophia’s Portico, 2000 N. Wells St., Fort Wayne. 260/447-1033.

A Michigan City drumming circle is held at 2 p.m. CST on Sundays every two weeks beginning Feb. 4 at 213 Bies St. Each gathering includes sacred fire and a Medicine Wheel. Michael, 219/210-3346 or 219/512-6001; coyote_blue1947@yahoo.com.

“Drummunity” gatherings promote drumming for fun and community-building; no musical ability required. Meetings are held twice a month at the Center for Spiritual Wholeness, 10 miles west of Danville off Highway 36. 765/522-1526.

The Center for Inquiry Community of Indiana
works to defend reason, science and freedom of inquiry through education, socialization and activism. 317/423-0710; www.centerforinquiry.net/indy.

The Indianapolis chapter of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, an organization that works to preserve religious freedom, meets at 7 p.m. the third Monday each month (March, May, July, Sept., Nov.) in the Southport Library, 2630 E. Stop 11 Rd., Indpls. 317/888-3041; auindy@aol.com; http://auindy.org.

A reiki practitioners group meets from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays in Lafayette. 465/447-9658.

Simple Living Group of Anderson meets at 7 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month at Grace House of Madison County, 2709 E. 38th St. 765/778-3493 or 765/642-1560 or slloyd@iquest.net.

The Fort Wayne Pagan Alliance holds study circle meetings every Monday to unite the pagan community and dispel myths about pagans. Details: 260/485-4366; fwpaganalliance@yahool.com.

 
Spiritual     (return to top of page)  
Practice

Northern Indiana

New Leaf Oasis in DeMotte offers a “Reiki Share — Heal the Healers Night” the third Thursday each month, open to Level I and higher Reiki energy practitioners or the equivalent thereof. 219/987-4324; www.newleafoasis.com

Christian mantra meditation group meets at 6 p.m. each Wednesday at the Horton VNA Hospice Center, 2404 Valparaiso St., Valparaiso. bkasarda@gmail.com or 219/926-4316.

Sage Spirit Terra in Michigan City offers a shamanic journey drum circle at 7 p.m. on all New Moons and sacred days of the Earth calendar. 219/879-3906 or www.sagespiritterra.org.

Earth Spirit Circle meets at Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Fort Wayne on Saturdays closest to the full moon and on the eight major Sabbats. debjsd@yahoo.com. 

The South Bend Dharma Center meets from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays at 52547 Heatherfield Dr., South Bend, to practice sitting and walking meditation in the Buddhist tradition. Eduardo Zambrano, sbdharma@gmail.com, 574/243-1667, http://home.comcast.net/~meditationsouthbend.

Unity in the Dunes, Center for Practical Christianity, offers study groups at 7 p.m. each Tuesday at the Memorial Opera House, 104 Indiana Ave., Valparaiso. 219/762-7459; UnityintheDunes.org.

Symmetry Circle meets at 6 p.m. Sundays in South Bend for inspiration, attunement and fellowship. 574/289-1003

Akashic Record practice sessions are held the fourth Monday evening of each month at locations in Lafayette and Rensselaer. 219/866-0132 or 765/447-9658.

The Peacemakers’ Sangha
meets at 7:15 p.m. Tuesdays and at 8:30 a.m. Sundays for meditation as practiced by Vietnamese Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh, in the Dancing Feet Yoga Studio inside the Long Beach Community Center. Details and directions: Kathy Zmuda, 219/872-4836, kwzmuda@comcast.net; or Pat Maguire, 269/469-4156, PatMaguireNB@aol.com.

Central Indiana

A Buddhism study group meets from 6 to 7:30 pm 7/3, 7/17 and 8/7 in the Elm Room of the West Lafayette Public Library, and 8/21 at the Unitarian Church in West Lafayette.  Larry, 765/427-7849.

A Sahaja Yoga Meditation group offers meditation classes from 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday, 7/3 and from 3 to 4 p.m. 7/13, 7/20 and 7/27 at the Southport Branch Public Library, 2630 E. Stop 11 Rd., Indpls. Prashant, sahaja_indy@yahoo.com; www.sahajayoga.org 

A crystal blessings and meditation program is offered from 2 to 4 p.m. the third Sunday each month (7/20, 8/17) at Shakti, 6224 N. College Ave., Suite 6220, Indpls. Cheryl, 317/437-4910, cheryl_love@att.net. 

Unity Church of Indianapolis offers a transformational healing energy circle at 6:30 p.m. the third Wednesday each month (5/21, 6/18) at 907 N. Delaware St. Free but preregistration required: 317/635-4066; www.unityofindy.com.

Madison County Dharma Group meets from 6:45 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays near Anderson for mindfulness meditation and dharma study.  Details: Stephanie Grissom, 765/779-5059 or madcodharma@insightbb.com

A Shambhala Sitting Meditation Group meets from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursdays in the Avon-Washington Township (Hendricks Co.) Public Library, 498 North SR 267, Avon. 317/272-4818.

Natural Rhythms Drumming Circle
meets from 7 to 8 p.m. the third Wednesday each month at 2424 E. Main St., Plainfield. Dane, 317-432-7426.

A Clan Mother Gathering is held at 7 p.m. the Thursday closest to the full moon, near Cloverdale, to share the teachings of the 13 Original Clan Mothers. 765/721-0339.

A shamanic drumming circle
meets at 7 p.m. Thursdays in Lafayette for healing and teaching. 765/420-7328 or 765/446-0625.

Service of Healing and Anointing
is a quiet, contemplative tradition of the early church held at 4 p.m. the fourth Sunday each month at the Center for Spiritual Wholeness, 10 miles west of Danville off Highway 36. Details: 765/522-1526.

Sanctuary of Light Spiritualist Church offers a development and meditation class at 6:30 p.m. Mondays, 7 p.m. Wednesdays and 5 p.m. Saturdays at 6391 Cherry St., Williamsburg. 765/277-6818; www.solspiritualistchurch.com

Muncie Meditation & Dharma meets at 6:45 p.m. Sundays at the Muncie Unitarian Universalist Church, 4800 W. Bradford Dr., for Buddhist meditation and dharma study. MuncieMeditationDharma@gmail.com.

The Kokomo Buddhist Meditation and Study Group meets twice a month. Details: 765/452-3341; KokomoDDMBA@aol.com

A vipassana meditation group meets twice a month in Lafayette. 765/447-4922.

Indianapolis

A shamanic journeying group meets at 7 p.m. the second and fourth Fridays each month to meditate and journey for healing. hotaru_rose@yahoo.com, 317/253-9232.

“Inside Out” meets from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays for kirtan practice followed by meditation, then teaching and discussion of various topics focusing on how we affect the world through interdependence. Topics vary from theological and philosophical to hands-on active practices. Facilitated by Rev. Darren Chittick (darren@thechurchwithin.org), The Church Within, 1125 Spruce St., Indpls.  317/637-5683, tcwoffice@sbcglobal.net. 

Re-formed Congregation of the Goddess–Zionsville meets on Solstices, Equinoxes and the Cross-Quarter Holy Days (3/21, 5/3 and 6/21) at the Circle UU Fellowship in Indpls. Details: 317/387-0590.

A meditation/discussion/healing and drumming circle meets from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays at All My Relations, 1008 Main St., Speedway. 317/227-3925; http://allmyrelationsindy.com/

Learn about and practice the Quaker form of meditation at 3:30 p.m. the second and fourth Sundays each month. First Friends Meeting, 3030 E. Kessler Blvd., Indpls. 317/255-2485; indyfriends.org.

Gathering Spirit is an interfaith group
that meets for teachings from 7 to 8 p.m. the first and third Wednesdays each month at Inner Path, 7673 Shelby St., Indpls. 317/603-0026.

Dromtonpa Buddhist Center in Fountain Square offer weekly chanted prayers and meditation 3:30 p.m. Sundays and 5 p.m. Thursdays at 1052 Woodlawn Ave. www.meditation-indianapolis.org or 317/374-5281. 

A message and meditation program is held from 10 to 11 a.m. one Sunday each month (7/13 and 8/10) at Source Yoga in Fishers. John Hoopes, 317/913-9670; jhoopes2@comcast.net.

Inner Peace Yoga offers a program of chants from all faiths one Friday each month (7/18 and 8/22, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.) at 5038 E. 56th St., Indpls. 317/257-9642.

Science of Spirituality, Indianapolis Group, meets from 7:30 to 8:45 p.m the second and fourth Tuesday each month. Program includes silent meditation, video excerpts and readings of the Teachers of Sant Mat, or Surat Shabd Yoga. 317/826-4399; jmcgrew@iupui.edu. 

Experienced meditators can join others for group meditation from 5:30 to 6:00 p.m. Mondays (except 7/21) at Inner Peace Yoga Center, 5038 E. 56th St. 317/257-9642.

Dances of Universal Peace (also called Sufi dancing) are held at 7:30 p.m. the first Saturday of the month at 6506 Ralston. 317/257-0537 or 317/466-9773.

Friends of Awakening Sangha meets at 11 a.m. Sundays for sitting/walking meditation and dharma inquiry. www.friendsofawakening.net

Humanity In Unity meditation group meets twice monthly to study and practice the teachings of Sai Maa Lakshmi Devi. 317/915-8444; 317/566-8863; IndyHIU@cs.com.

Many Hearts, One Spirit group meets from 6:30 to 8 p.m. every Monday (except holidays) for meditation, discussion and a healing circle at Inner Path, 7673 S. Shelby St., Indpls. 317/883-1100.

Self-Realization Fellowship – Indianapolis Meditation Circle meets 7 to 8:15 p.m. Thursday evenings in the Broad Ripple/Nora area for SRF students and those interested in Raja Yoga meditation. 317/259-9159 or secretary@srf-indy.org. 

A Wiccan/Dianic Circle is forming in Indpls. to meet for informal study, rituals and discussions focusing on feminist spirituality. 317/388-9062.

A meditation group meets at 6:30 p.m. Mondays in the Spiritual Life Center; an indoor labyrinth walk is held from 5 to 7 p.m. Fridays; a Drumming for Wholeness Circle meets from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. the fourth Wednesday each month in the Modular Bldg.; and an outdoor labyrinth is available during daylight hours (access from behind Luke’s Lodge in the northeast back parking lot) at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 100 W. 86th St., Indpls., 317/846-3404; www.stlukesumc.com.

The Indianapolis Zen Center holds an open house, including orientation to practice, starting at 6 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month at 3703 N. Washington Blvd. 317/921-9902; www.indyzen.org.

Sahaj Marg (Natural Path) meditation group meets at 9 a.m. Sunday mornings and 7 p.m. Wednesdays. janmariec@comcast.net; 317/259-9437.

Southern Indiana  

Energy share group starting in the Bloomington area. Debbie, debshealingenergy@gmail.com or 812/360-2729.

Satsang Bloomington meets the first and third Wednesday evenings each month to study renowned contemporary enlightened teachers, including Eckhart Tolle, Byron Katie, Adyashanti and Gangaji. Meetings include meditation and audio/video presentations. Doug, 812/322-6202.

A Raha Yoga (Sahaj Marj) meditation is conducted weekly at the Lynda Mitchell Yoga Studio in Bloomington. jrspollock@gmail.com  


Study    (return to top of page)
Groups


An ongoing A New Earth – Eckhart Tolle study group meets from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays in Luke’s Lodge, NE corner of the back parking lot at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 100 W. 86th St., Indpls., 317/846-3404.

Edgar Cayce–based spiritual study groups meet weekly in the Indpls. area. Details: 317/373-1987.

The Politics of Food discussion group meets from 7 to 8:30 p.m. the third Tuesday each month (1/15, 2/19) at First Mennonite Church, 4601 Knollton Rd., Indpls. Download reading lists from indysustainablefoodalliance.org (click on Events). 317/709-3440; safariang@yahoo.com.

Free Thinkers Book Club meets from 10 a.m. to noon one Saturday each month at the Putnam County Library in Greencastle. Angelia, 317/370-3024; angeliaspirit@netscape.net.

The Miracles Study Group offers classes at 7:30 p.m. the first and third Wednesdays each month designed to present the principles from A Course in Miracles, at the Unity Center for Spiritual Growth, 4001 S. Rogers St., Bloomington. 812/333-2484 or www.unityofbloomington.org.

The Great Turning discussion group meets at 7 p.m. the third Monday each month starting Jan. 15 at the Caldwell Center (ECO Center), 323 S. Walnut St., Bloomington, to consider the myths of empire and solutions for a New Beginning. conarddesign@yahoo.com

A New Earth-Eckhart Tolle study group meets in Fishers one Saturday morning each month (7/12 and 8/9). John Hoopes, 317/913-9670 or jhoopes2@comcast.net.  

A Rudolf Steiner study group meets from 10 a.m. to noon on alternate Wednesdays in northeast Indianapolis. 317/580-0453 or steinergroup_IN@yahoo.com.

A Waldorf Education study group meets in the Indianapolis area. indywaldorf@netscape.net or 317/580-0453.

Unity Church of Anderson’s Course in Miracles group meets from 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays at 2425 Mounds. 765/642-4463.

A Gurdjieff and Ouspensky discussion group meets in Bloomington. Details: 812/330-1143.

A creative visualization focus group meets from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. the third Tuesday each month to design treasure maps, meditate to create and explore various ways to manifest wishes, at New Age Studies Universal Center, 2004 S. 11th St., Niles, Mich. 269/684-6490; www.newagestudies.com

Urantia Book study groups meet at various times and locations in Indianapolis, Westfield, Plainfield, Beech Grove and Lafayette. 317/815-4612.

A Course in Miracles study group meets from 7 to 8:30 p.m. the first and third Mondays in West Lafayette. Renee Buckingham, 765/463-3753, or Marge Skeel, 765/497-0806.

The Gurdjieff Foundation of Indiana study group meets weekly in Indianapolis. 317/334-0047; 317/228-9344.

A Course in Miracles study group meets from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays at Unity Church, 907 N. Delaware St., Indpls. Use back entrance adjacent to the parking lot. 317/635-4066.

Keeping On Course: A Course in Miracles Study Group facilitated by Resta Burnham meets from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays during March at The Church Within, 1125 Spruce St., Indpls. tcwoffice@sbcglobal.net, 317/637-5683.

Support Groups   (return to top of page)  

    

A support group for cancer patients and their families meets at 5:30 p.m. the first and third Wednesdays each month (except holidays) at Community Hospital East Professional Building, Suite 340, 1400 North Ritter Ave., Indpls. Deborah Pendleton, 317/355-5870. 

An Outrun the Sun support group for melanoma patients and their families meets from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. the first Monday each month at the Wellness Community of Indianapolis, 5150 W. 71st St. 317/253-2121.

The Indianapolis chapter of the Mankind Project holds an Indy Open Men's Circle to help men create passionate, powerful, authentic lives that work, from 7 p.m. Tuesdays in the retreat building behind Allisonville Christian Church, 7701 Allisonville Rd., Indpls. 317/441-8703 or http://indiana.mkp.org.

A bereavement support circle

A religion recovery support group meets at 7 p.m. Tuesdays at the Center for Inquiry Indiana, 350 Canal Walk, Suite A, Indpls. Share your experiences with fellow travelers in a supportive environment.   www.centerforinquiry.net/indy; 317/423-0710.

Eating Disorders Anonymous meets from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. every Sunday in Fairbanks Hospital, Room 725, 8102 Clearvista Parkway, Indpls.  317/340-7245.

A bereavement support group meets from 6 to 7 p.m. the first Monday of each month at St. Paul Catholic Center, 1413 E. 17th St., Bloomington. Scarlett, 812/340-0937 or Scarlett@ccnh.edu.

SMART RECOVERY, an alternative to Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-step groups for people in recovery from alcohol and/or drug abuse, meets at 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays in the conference room of the Meridian Tower Bldg., 201 W. 103rd, Indpls. (317/727-1149); and at 11 a.m. Sundays at the Goddard School, 116th St. and Brooks School Rd., Fishers (317/501-5857); www.smartrecovery.org.

The Indianapolis Chapter of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) meets the second Sunday each month for support, education and advocacy at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 100 W. 86th St., Indpls. www.indypflag.org.

A weekly support group for compulsive overeaters
(GSA — GreySheeters Anonymous) holds meetings in Indy at 6 p.m. Thursdays and 10 a.m. Saturdays. 888/473-9743; www.greysheet.org

Nicotine Anonymous
, a 12-step support group for people who want to stop smoking or using other forms of nicotine, meets from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Fridays in the St. Therese Room in the Parish Hall just east of Little Flower Catholic Church, 4720 E. 13th St., Indpls. 317/357-8352.

Full Circle Adoption Support Group of Indiana,
a peer group for adult adoptees and birth and adoptive parents, meets from 7 to 9 p.m. the third Thursday of each month in the English Foundation Building, 615 N. Alabama St., and the first Wednesday of each month at Autumn Glen Adult Day Care Center, 2250 N. German Church Rd., Indpls. 317/255-7135.

Adult Children of Alcoholic (dysfunctional) families (ACOA), a 12-step open discussion for adults abused or neglected as children, meets from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Mondays at Lucille Raines, 947 N. Pennsylvania, downstairs. Linda, 317/631-9544, or Jim, 317/938-4224.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Support Group meets from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. the first and third Mondays each month in IU Hospital’s Adult Psychiatry Clinic (Suite 3124), third floor, Indpls. Nancy, 317/509-7798.

A Sjogren’s Syndrome support group meets from 5:30 to 7 p.m. the fourth Wednesday of each month in Methodist Hospital Wile Hall Room 228, Indpls. Sjogren’s is an autoimmune disease, similar in many ways to lupus. Caregivers are also welcome, and can have their own session. dlkitten@hotmail.com or 317/205-9031. 

Food Addicts Anonymous is a 12-step fellowship of men and women willing to recover from the disease of food addiction. There are no dues or fees and the organization is not connected with any diet plan or weight loss program. Food Addicts Anonymous meets from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Fridays at the Riverside Avenue Baptist Church, 3700 W. Riverside Ave., Muncie (765/288-7549).

The Pet Loss Grief Support Group meets from 2 to 4 p.m. the second Saturday of each month at the East 38th Street branch library, 5420 E. 38th St., Indpls. Details: 317/269-1868; www.inpetloss.org.    

The Wellness Community offers support groups for cancer patients and their loved ones at The Wellness Community, St.Vincent Hospital and St. Francis Hospital. Details: 317/257/1505.

Volunteers    (return to top of page)

 

AIM (Aftercare for Indiana through Mentoring) needs volunteers throughout Indiana to mentor incarcerated juveniles ages 12 to 19. For details, visit http://aim.spea.iupui.edu and complete an online application.

The Indiana Coalition Against Sexual Assault needs volunteers to work anytime from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday in the INCASA office in downtown Indianapolis on Monument Circle. Volunteer opportunities include helping with training and education projects, assisting with the enhancement of a resource library, creating new brochures, and data collection. Internships are available for marketing, media and law students. Kathryn, 317/423-0233 ext. 14 or kwoods@incasa.org.

The Humane Society of Indianapolis needs volunteers to work at its animal shelter. 317/872-5650, ext.112; www.indyhumane.org.

I-CAN nonprofit feline spay/ neuter clinic seeks volunteers to help with clinic tasks.
Flexible weekday hours, 702 N. Shortridge Rd., Indpls. 317/357-4226; www.spayneuter.net

The Vanderburgh Humane Society in Evansville needs volunteers to walk larger kennel dogs, socialize with puppies and cats, help bathe and groom animals, and help out at fundraisers throughout the year.  Children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult or guardian. 812/426-2563 or vhslifesaver@dynasty.net 

The Alliance for Responsible Pet Ownership (ARPO) is a no-kill rescue group in central Indiana. ARPO seeks animal lovers to provide foster care for cats and dogs. 317/774-8292; adoptarpo.com.

Sheltie Rescue of Central Indiana seeks foster homes for abused, abandoned or unwanted Shetland Sheepdogs awaiting adoption. 317/885-1838.

Help assist stray and feral cats
as a volunteer for IndyFeral, Inc., which provides medical care for 85 colonies of feral cats throughout Indiana. www.indyferal.org.

The Brown County Humane Society needs help with shelter maintenance, data entry, animal grooming and other tasks. To volunteer, e-mail volunteer@bchumane.org.

The Tippecanoe County Humane Society
relies on individual and group volunteers to help with special events and fundraisers as well day-to-day tasks at the animal shelter. 765/474-5222.

The Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence operates a statewide toll-free number — 800/332-7385 — answered 24 hours a day by crisis counselors who can help abused women find shelter and legal aid in their area. (In Marion County, call 317/205-4673. In Monroe Co. and south-central Indiana, 812/336-0846.)  The organization also provides old cell phones to domestic violence survivors so they can call 911. If your old phone can hold a charge, then clear out your auto-dial numbers, make sure the service is off, and drop it off at 1915 W. 18th St., Indpls.

Rehab Resource provides materials and assistance for the rehabilitation of substandard housing. Groups of volunteers are sought to help with projects. 317/637-3701 or 800/685-4686.

Second Helpings rescues unused restaurant food and turns it into nutritious meals for Indpls. shelters, senior centers and children’s programs. Volunteers over 21 are needed to deliver meals to agencies within Indpls. 317/632-2664, or apply online at secondhelpings.org 

VITAL volunteers help adults in Monroe County learn to read. 812/349-3173.

Indy Reads offers an orientation to literacy volunteer services from 7 to 9 p.m. the first Thursday of each month at the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library Services Center, 2450 N. Meridian St., Indpls. Register: 317/275-4040.

The St. Joseph County Literacy Council volunteers help adults in the Mishawaka area achieve their educational and employment potential through confidential, one-on-one tutoring. To volunteer, call 574/235-6229 or e-mail info@stjoereads.org.

The Fort Wayne Literacy Alliance matches adult students with one-on-one reading, writing or math tutors. Volunteers are provided intensive training on two consecutive Saturday mornings. 260/426-7323 or info@fwliteracyalliance.org

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