Friday News – July 26, 2024

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Happy Friday,

The highs and lows of the past few weeks have felt a lot like a roller coaster! I am feeling hopeful about our future, and I want to honor our President for making a selfless decision to step away from a reelection bid. As many commentators have noted, it was a great act of putting the interests of the country ahead of his own.

Humility is not a virtue that our culture encourages, unfortunately. But a big part of living life with healthy boundaries often means accepting our own limitations. One could say it is a spiritual discipline. May we all learn from the example.

Rev. Terasa Cooley

First UU of Columbus
This Week
10:00am Sunday Service
“A.S.H. Service: Storytelling”

Presented by Members of First UU Columbus

As far as we know, we are the only species that intentionally makes art, and the only one that tells stories.  What is your story and, when it is written, what will it say?

A continental breakfast will be served starting at 9:15am. Coffee and tea remain available after the service.
Join us TONIGHT for Another spectacular
Summer Movie Fun Night! 

Pajama Pre-Show at 7PM
Barbie will show at 8:15pm

Enjoy The Gummy Bears, Rainbow Brite, and My Little Pony at 7pm.

Delicious concessions at family-friendly prices! Get ready for a night of fun and entertainment!

Suggested $5 donation for movie tickets, and $2 for popcorn, candy, and soda.
Now Accepting Rummage Items!

First Drop-off TOMORROW July 27, 10am–3pm
By appointment or drop-in

Our last Ruummage Sale was so popular that we are already gearing up for our next one!  Save the date for next year’s sale on June 7, 2025 and Keep your eyes and ears open for the announcements! Meanwhile…

We are ready to accept donations at our storage unit!  Email Myra Hartmann to set up a time between 10 and 3 to drop off your gently loved furniture or household items.  We will meet you at Life Storage, 4735 Evanswood Dr 43229, with volunteers on hand to help you unload your vehicle and price your items.

Calling all volunteers!  If you are available to join our Rummage Sale team, or just donate some time once in a while, please email Myra.
All Soles Dance
Summer Potluck & Dance

Saturday, July 27th
Potluck 6:15 PM
Beginner’s Session 7:30–8pm
Dancing 8–10:30pm

The All Soles Summer Potluck and Dance Returns!

We hope you will join us for an evening of community, food, and dancing.

Liz Burkhart, from Cincinnati, will call the dances and The Old Grey Cats will provide the music. Liz has an engaging sense of humor that brings pure joy to the dance floor. The Old Grey Cats consists of Dave Notman (fiddle), Margaret Goodman (flute and whistle), and Harold Cheyney (piano). Their mix of New England contra, Irish, and old time tunes will keep us moving.

New dancers are always welcome. All dances will be taught and no partner is needed. Please bring a dish to share and your own refillable water bottle. Plates and utensils will be provided.
Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for ages 12-25.

Future All Soles Dance dates:
September 28th
October 26th
November 23rd
December 14th

For more information see us on First UU Columbus, and we hope to see you tomorrow with your dancing shoes on!
Attention Rising Young Adults (RYA)!

July 28 and
2nd & 4th Sundays at 11:30 in Room 302

RYA is a group for emerging adults age 18-26 looking for a group of peers to connect and learn with! From life skills (adulting 101) and discussions to craft and game days, there is something for everyone! The Rising Young Adults group meets twice a month after church. Please reach out to Cameron Mangin-Betts to be added to the GroupMe!
UU Artists: “What Matters?”

Art Drop-off Sunday, August 4, 11:15–12:30
Exhibit August 11 – October 14

Hi Art Friends–

It is time to start thinking about the Annual UU members and friends art exhibit “What Matters?” which begins in August this year.

With election, climate change, racial justice, LBGTQI+ support, telling our own stories, and more, it is difficult to choose a theme. So I have chosen the title “What Matters?”
You can make a statement or honor what is important to you. (Please remember we are family friendly). Let’s use our visual voices – Submit your art to participate! Contact Deb Baillieul with your intention to participate and/or questions, or to arrange an alternate drop-off time if August 4 doesn’t work for you.

Image: “Banned Books: What are they afraid of?” How important are books, stories, histories, pictures to you?
Photo and Quilt by Deb Baillieul
From the Staff & Board
Upcoming Governance Meetings
All Governance meetings are online & in person.  Email the links above in advance to request a link to attend. 
Peace Camp Donations Needed!
Peace Camp needs “spare parts” materials to build and create with – but please, NO styrofoam or egg cartons! Leave donations in the copy room. We still have a few openings for week two (August 5th-9th, for 8-12years)! Thank you!
https://bit.ly/peacecamp2024
  • Scrap wood pieces: approx 1” to 12” in size, any shapes
  • Boxes: Shoebox size and smaller
  • Unusual shape cardboard pieces (often seen in packaging of things)
  • Tubes: paper towel, wrapping paper
  • Lids, bottle tops / caps, and 6-pack plastic carrier lids
  • Tin cans (if clean, and not too sharp, preferably no label)
  • Yogurt / similar tubs- cleaned
  • Corks
  • CDs
  • Streamers (crepe paper) and ribbons
  • Pipe cleaners
  • Tissue Paper
  • Fake flowers / leaves are great for collage
  • Other collage materials: Pretty much anything that seems you could add to construct / decorate with.
  • LEGO blocks
Justice & Volunteer Opportunities
Join the Alternative Worship Team!
Would you like to help with our Nourish or Expressive Worship services? We have various roles available, such as presenting readings, leading songs or meditations, sharing stories, sourcing content, creating interactive worship pieces, creating playlists, scheduling participants, and creating and distributing promotional materials.
Your time commitment can range from doing the chalice reading once or twice a month to helping write the upcoming services at a quarterly one-day workshop. If you’re interested in being a worship associate but aren’t ready for that role yet, come develop your talents with us (Or do both!)

Our first quarterly workshop is Saturday, August 10 from Noon–5pm at the Columbus Metropolitan Library.

For any questions, please contact Christine.

Image by Prawny from Pixabay
Let’s Get into Good Trouble – Necessary Trouble

Tuesday, July 30, 8–9pm online (Building a New Way Webinar)
& Tuesday, August 6, 7–9pm Hybrid (Organizing Event)

Starting on Tuesday, July 30 we have just 99 days until the  November 5 election – 99 days to get into “Good Trouble” together. In just four years, UU the Vote has transformed into a powerful mass activation of our faith. Register online or at the JAM table for UU the Vote’s webinar, “Building a New Way” to learn about opportunities to work for justice leading up to this election.

You can also help us become a Good Trouble Congregation by stopping at the JAM table to learn more and by signing up for our First UU Good Trouble hybrid event to be held August 6 at 7pm. We’ll be organizing for the election.

Stay tuned for more Good, Necessary trouble we can get into together!

Classes and Groups
Embracing Interdependence as a Congregation – Exploration of Solar Panel Expansion

Tuesday, July 30, 6–7pm online
(email Tom Tichenor to request additional session times)

The long June heat wave and severe flooding throughout the midwest and elsewhere and the prediction that the 2024 hurricane season could be one of the most active in history remind us that it is imperative that we address global warming and environmental justice. The First UU Ecojustice group is exploring reducing First UU’s building carbon footprint through the expansion of our solar panel system.

Tom Tichenor will present an overview of this effort and respond to your questions and concerns. We are still in the early stages, but our approach and possible scope will be presented. Solar Panel systems normally pay for themselves over time, and there are attractive government incentives available, so we are optimistic about attaining a budget-friendly path to expansion, including no-cost options.
Worship Associates Program
Saturday, August 17, 10am–1pm

Interested in how worship comes together? Want to learn more about worship theory and participate in worship services? Join our new Worship Associates program! A full training will be held on August 17, and we will meet throughout the year. Please fill out this form to let us know about your interest and experience.
Upcoming Events
Annual Multi-Generational Labor Day Retreat

Saturday, August 31 – Monday, September 2
at Camp Oty’Okwa in beautiful Hocking Hills

Adults (26+): $135
Teen / Early YA (13–25): $110
Children (5–12): $95
Toddlers (2–4): $25
Children Under 2: Free
Come to the Labor day retreat – This opportunity to forge deeper connections, recharge your spirit, and be inspired by the collective wisdom of our diverse community is deeply rewarding.

Nature walks and worship, campfire gatherings and sing-a-longs , and fun meals all foster a sense of togetherness and inspiration, while allowing time for personal reflection, meditation, and relaxation. And Let’s not forget happy hour, a talent show, and PEEK!

Registration is open! Would you like to host a workshop or activity?  Contribute your own ‘flavor’ to the retreat?  Need information about giving to or receiving from the Labor Day Scholarship funds?  Please contact Patricia Boughton.
Register Now
Community News
Community Concern
The Lavash Cafe, a Palestinian owned Middle Eastern restaurant in Clintonville, was recently vandalized with racist graffiti spray painted on its doors. We will be sending a pastoral care card, and we encourage you to support our neighborhood restaurant with your patronage to show that we care.
Ohio Feminist Art Museum:
Artist Event with Evangelia Philippidis
July 27, 2024 from 2:00–6:00pm
Suggested Donation: $30

Come meet artist/illustrator, Evangelia Philippidis — see her work, listen to music by The Velvet Sirens, and enjoy food and drinks. If you don’t know Evangelia, her work celebrates her two passions, nature and dynamic women.
Evangelia was an editorial illustrator for the Columbus Dispatch for 22 years and an instructor at CCAD. Her award winning work has been recognized nationally. Through images that reflect both her Greek heritage and modern influences, she strives to bring visual life to the written word and draw the viewer into the story – to be moved, to be amused or provoked, or simply to stop and reflect.
Suggested Donations of $30 help pay for the event and support the Ohio Feminist Art Museum.
Family Activities
Only 3 Spots Left for Peace Camp!

Tell your friends to Register Now!

  • August 5th-9th (M-F), from 9am-12noon, for 8-12years
Family Activities This Sunday
  • 9:15-9:45am Breakfast (A/B) 
  • 9:30-11:30am Infant and Toddler Care (room 101)
  • 10-11am Worship Service (sanctuary)
  • 10-11am Middle / High School Board Game Group (A/B, Beach Hall)
  • 10:15-11am (after story) Early Ed / Elementary LEGO Class (201)
  • Coffee Hour, Snack after the service (Beach Hall, A/B)
Upcoming First UU Events
  • TONIGHT – Movie Night
  • Mon 7/29-Fri 8/2 – Peace Camp A (5-8 years)
  • Fri 8/2 – First Friday Picnic
  • Sun 8/4 – Backpack Blessing All Ages Service and Justice Project
  • Mon 8/5-Fri 8/9 – Peace Camp B (8-12 years)
  • Sun 8/10 – Intergenerational Crafternoon Tea Party
  • Fri 8/16 – Bingo Glow Night
  • Sun 8/18 – Animal Blessing All Ages Service
  • Fri 8/23 – Movie Night
  • Tues 8/27 – Expressive Worship
  • Sat 8/31-Mon 9/2 – Labor Day Retreat
  • Sun 9/1 – No RE classes (enjoy your holiday!)
  • Sun 9/8 – Water Ceremony, All Ages Ingathering Service
  • Sun 9/15 – Most fall RE classes and activities begin

*RE is short for Religious Exploration, aka Sunday school programming