Happy Friday!

Last week we heard the incredibly touching and inspiring stories from our youth about the meaning that Unitarian Universalism brings to their lives. This Sunday will feature members of our BREAD team speaking about what this community and justice commitment has meant to them. These are core ministries of First Church: religious exploration and social justice. Not only do these services help us better understand what is happening in these arenas, they also invite us into an ongoing conversation about how our stories intersect with theirs. Please come this Sunday to honor this important work!

Rev. Terasa (she/her)
Developmental Minister

“Transformation Through Perseverance”
Sunday, March 10
Presented by the BREAD Team and Amanda Hays

There are so many ways we would like to see our community and our world transform to become a more loving, just, and inclusive place! It often takes perseverance, consistency, and working together over a long period of time to make these transformations. Come hear inspiring stories of how transformation can happen!

Raising Race Conscious Children Workshop
Sunday, March 10, 7:00-8:30pm, Online

We often avoid talking about race with our young children but research has shown that children notice similarities and differences between people. When we are silent, they are left to draw their own conclusions about what “different” means. Without coaching or support, their conclusions often reflect and reinforce biases. Fortunately – when we are intentional – we can impact the ways that our children see, categorize, and make meaning about race.

The SYC Committee invites SYC and First UU Parents/Caregivers and Staff to attend this 1.5 hr online workshop. The conversation will focus primarily on young children, but people who spend time with older children are welcome as well. In this workshop, you will: Develop confidence to talk about race with young children. Practice various strategies to proactively talk about race with young children. Strengthen children’s ability to become a change-maker.

March Senior Gathering
Thursday, March 14, 10:30am Gathering & Conversation,
11am Program Begins

Our next Senior Gathering is almost here! Come share muffins, fruit, and coffee with your friends….those you know and those whom you haven’t met yet!   RSVP by March 9 by sending an email to Marilyn Beerman or leave a voicemail at 614-282-8440.

🐣 Easter Candy Needed! 🐣
Sunday, March 8 before Worship

Email our Board or Finance committee to inquire about attending: 

First UUers age 18-28 years are invited to join us in the Library to talk about what’s next! We’ll brainstorm where to from here for our twice monthly meetings – happening the second and fourth Sundays of the month! Facilitated by Cassia Mangin.

Did you miss signing up for a Covenant Group but would still like to try one out? Join us for our drop in group this Sunday after the service in Slowter Lounge. We will be discussing Centering in Our Gifts. Any questions? Please contact Christine.

Sign up to enjoy Dinner & Conversation with fellow First UUers!  Quarterly potluck groups of 6–8 members meet in participants’ homes once per month to have a good and get to know each other. Attendees commit for one quarter at a time and negotiate the meeting dates and times among themselves.  The host organizes the dinner and picks a topic for conversation!

First UU Art Exhibit and Events
Seeds of Change: The Power of Women’s Voices

Exhibition: March 3 – March 31, 2024
Presentations & Discussion: Sunday, March 17, 11:30am–1pm

We invite you to this compelling new exhibit, reception, and discussion here at First UU, to learn more about these three women and their incredible passion to challenge the status quo in their communities. Free and open to the public.

Celebrating the Pastoral Care Volunteer Team
Reception: Sunday, March 17, 11:30am

First Unitarian Universalist Church trains and installs Pastoral Care Team members to work in our congregation. These volunteers receive training in caregiving, listening techniques, grief, maintaining boundaries, confidentiality and more. They support this one-on-one ministry by regularly contacting their assigned member of our congregation who needs TLC.

We would like to honor the hard work of our Pastoral Care team: Betsy Smalley, Barb Fiorini, Barbara Warner, Chris Sullivan, Dana Reynolds, Karla Rinto, Kathleen Fowler, Karen Nekervis, Ben Blee, David Carr, Denise Deschenes, Caroline Mocharski, Michael Greenman, Sylvia Howe, Sharon Hammersley, Pat Snyder, Su Farnlacher, and Nancy McDonald-Kenworthy.

If you are interested in learning more about what pastoral care volunteers do or becoming a volunteer, please reach out to Rev. Terasa Cooley or Rev. Kathleen Fowler.  Consider joining us on Sunday, March 17 for a reception to honor their hard work.