Happy October!

I hope you all have been enjoying the nice autumn weather we have been having.

This month, we turn our attention to the theme of Deep Listening. May we enter the season with open minds and open hearts. As we explore together how the practice of deep listening can enrich our lives and build bridges to heal relationships, I share this poem written by John Saxon.

Blessings friends,

Rev. Kelli

Minister of Congregational Life

Friday, October 11 6:30pm

18+ only. Childcare provided

Join us in Beach Hall for an exciting evening of Bingo!

For just $5 per game, you can enjoy a full night of fun and the chance to win big.

Concessions are available at reasonable prices: Indulge in snacks and treats for $2–3 each to satisfy your cravings.

Carpe Diem at First UU!

Sunday, October 13 at 2:00 pm

Join us as we welcome Carpe Diem String Quartet for their first concert of the year in our first Concert Series event of 2024–25! First UU members receive a $10 discount for tickets, or a $40 discount for all 4 concerts. Get tickets online at csdq.org. This concert, titled “Ubuntu”, features a world premiere by Columbus composer Mark Lomax II, as well as works by Prokofiev, Gibson, and Arensky.

Fall Festival is

Just Around the Corner

October 19 from 4–9:00pm

Step around the corner into Beach Hall after Sunday services and sign up for a fun fall day. Have a Wild and Spooky time setting up the haunted forest, calling Big Room Bingo, or mixing drinks in the mixology lab. Volunteering is almost as much fun as attending, so do both! Email Candee Rothert to sign up and join in the adventure.

UUA Announcement: Disaster Relief Fund

The scale of destruction in the wake of Hurricane Helene has been utterly devastating to many communities in the southeastern United States. Some Unitarian Universalist congregations have been seriously impacted and others are still trying to assess the damage. You can help support Unitarian Universalists and their communities as they recover from this storm by giving generously to the UUA’s Disaster Relief Fund.

Now Hiring Dishwashers!

Earn money washing breakfast dishes and coffee mugs on Sundays (plus occasional opportunities for other special events). Per Ohio law, teens must be age 14+ to be eligible for paid employment.

We especially need Dishwashers on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month!

Email Becca if you are interested in learning more!

From Director of Music Brandon Moss

Many in attendance at last Sunday’s service asked me to share the poem for “Holding the Light”, Chalice Choir’s anthem, as it is a truly special and poignant text. Here it is!

Fall is the season for House meetings, or “Listening Sessions,” when Leaders in BREAD congregations ask their members to discuss problems that have weighed on their heart this past year. Hundreds of stories are shared to identify the biggest problems facing our community, and narrowed to three by democratic vote of BREAD team members. All network members will vote to select one of the three problems for research and action at BREAD’s Annual Assembly.

For the last two Sundays, UUs have written letters to young Ohio voters encouraging them to vote. Come to Beach Hall this Sunday after the services to write 60 more letters to help us reach a grand total of 250!

Sending personalized letters is one of the most effective ways to increase voter turnout. We are writing to voters from underrepresented communities to encourage them to vote in this critical election. Your time can make a big impact!

Organized by First UU Democracy & Human Rights working with UU the Vote & Vote Forward.

(Light Breakfast available at 8:30)

Are you Curious about how to become a member of First UU? Are you considering becoming a member, but just not sure yet? Are you wondering about how to connect and engage with this community? Pathways to Membership is for you!

Email our Pathways to Membership teamfor more information or Register online!

Trans / Gender Non-Conforming Youth

& Allies Support Groups

Sunday, October 6 after the 11:00 service

Meetings are beginning again for these two community support groups.

The Trans / Teen Support Group will meet in a new location for this week only, in Slowter Lounge. (Anyone 18 or younger is welcome.)

The Trans Allies and Families Support Group will meet in Room 302 at the same time. This group is for parents and anybody supporting trans people in their lives

These groups will meet on the first Sunday of each month, and the Adult Trans / GNC group will continue to meet on the third Sunday of the month. Email Emily Henry with questions.

Caregivers Group Reconvenes

Monday, October 7, 7pm (Online only)

It is with great pleasure that we announce that the Caregivers Group will begin meeting again. Many thanks to Rev. Sylvia Howe for starting the group – Clare Fried will now be facilitating this monthly meeting. The group is open to anyone providing care to a loved one and to those who have done so in the past who would like to share their life stories. We will meet each month on the first Monday, beginning October 7. Please email Clare Fried or Rev. Kelli with questions or to request a zoom link.

Serenity Flow: A Trauma-Sensitive Yoga Class

Weekly on Saturday Starting Saturday, October 12, 10:30–11:30am in Beach Hall

Join Serenity Flow Yoga With Liz Mannon for a trauma-sensitive yoga class designed to cultivate a safe and supportive space for healing. Led by an experienced mental health professional with over 12 years in the field and 15 years of yoga practice, this class focuses on building a strong mind-body connection.

Specializing in trauma, anxiety, and depression, Liz guides participants through gentle movements and mindful breathing, helping you feel more at ease within your body. Whether you’re new to yoga or seeking a practice that honors your personal healing journey, Serenity Flow offers a compassionate approach to restore balance and inner peace.

Cost: Sliding scale $15–$40 monthly fee

Fall is Here, & so is

Ribbit! Magazine

Check out this new Columbus community nature magazine for kids ages 8 to 14! Their inaugural issue highlights the Sunny Glen Garden, where First UU was recognized as a supporter of the Rusty Patched Bumblebee Mural.

Download your free digital copy today!

UUA Mosaic Conference

Our Antiracist Allies Planning Team is recommending you consider virtually attending the UUA’s Mosaic Fall Conference 2024: Fostering Belonging and Liberation. This event will bring together congregational leaders (we can all be leaders in the effort to end racism) dedicated to building multicultural communities with love at their center. The main work of the conference is October 18 & 19 from 11:00-4:30 and the cost is $25. Learn more and register online at UUA’s Mosaic Fall Conference website.