Friday News – May 30, 2025

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It’s that time of year when we wind down our regular programming and go to one service at 10am. But that doesn’t mean we aren’t still offering great worship and programs!

Summertime gives us a chance to experiment with different styles of worship like we did last Sunday, and with different approaches to our ‘usual’ tasks. (For example, check your Sunday morning reminder email for the Order of Worship and Announcements!)

Each summer, we enjoy hearing from some of our community groups such Rainbow Connexions (this Sunday), ASH (Atheist, skeptics, and humanists) and our wonderful poets. Registration for Peace camp for kids is open now (camp at the end of July and beginning of August) and there will be adult programming throughout the summer.

One of the ministers will be available at each Sunday service, regardless of the style of sermon. Summer is a time when people typically visit a church for the first time, and we hope you will come share in the fun! Please plan on continuing to attend what I believe will be a vibrant summer at First UU!

Rev. Dr. Terasa Cooley

Developmental Minister

P.S. Be sure to come to First UU’s Annual meeting on Sunday, June 8! Watch for announcements from the board about how to attend online, how to vote, and more!

Upcoming Events

First UU Rummage Sale is ALMOST HERE!!!

June 2–5 10am–8pm Item Dropoffs

Bring your gently used art, jewelry, furniture, books, children’s toys, housewares, or electronics to be sold at rummage. (No clothing please).

Today is the FINAL DAY to RSVP for large item pick-up.

June 6, Noon–8pm: Double Dollar Day

Members & Friends only – you have the opportunity to get first pick on all the treasures – for only twice the price! Come get it before it’s gone!

June 7, 8am–3pm: Rummage Sale Open to Public

Come one come all to this exciting and fun fundraising event.

We Still Need Volunteers!

Got Realm? Click the links below to sign up to help!

Rummage Intake & Item drop-off (June 1–June 5)

Double Dollar Day (June 6)

Sale Date (June 7)

Email our Rummage Team with questions.

This Sunday, June 1

9:15 Light Continental Breakfast

9:15 Summer Short Session:

Guided Discussion: “The Spirituality of Decluttering”

10:00am Worship Service

Annual Pride Service: “Leaning In & Leaning On”

In these challenging times, the LGBTQIA+ community at First UU is “leaning in” to support one another and “leaning on” our wonderful congregation to lift us up and see us through.

Presented by

First UU’s Rainbow Connexions

Summer RE Begins this Week

Toddler care available at 9:30am

The Art of Pastoral Listening

Sunday, June 1, 2025 11:30–2pm
Register Now
Bring your lunch and join us for an introduction to the powerful practice of showing up for others. Those with prior experience are also welcome to refresh their skills.

We’ll explore how to offer support and spiritual care with real-life examples and hands-on learning. In a world where loneliness is on the rise, this is a space to learn how to be there—for someone else, and for yourself.

First Friday Picnic in the Breezeway

Friday, June 6 from 6:30-8 PM

We are still doing First Friday dinners over the summer, but for dinner, each family will bring their own picnic and we will eat outside, weather permitting.
Gather with friends and family for delightful evenings filled with laughter, good works, and the beauty of the great outdoors. (but with access to the church’s restrooms nearby. )

  • 6:30pm bring your own picnic
  • 7:00pm Write Postcards & Craft Protest Signs with the Democracy & Human Rights Team

There will be no First Friday gathering in July, due to Independence day. Join us again on August 1!

Book Group – Children of the Same God:

The Historical Relationship Between Unitarianism, Judaism, & Islam

Tuesdays throughout June, 7-8:30 PM, room 302
Rev. Susan J. Ritchie makes the groundbreaking historical argument that long before Unitarianism and Universalism merged in the United States, Unitarianism itself was inherently multi-religious. RSVP to join the class, and check out the Discussion Guide! Order a copy new via the UUA bookstore ($14 + shipping), or get the ebook ($10) or a used print copy ($4-$13) via Amazon.

  • June 3rd – Foreword, Introduction, and Chapter 1
  • June 10th – Chapter 2
  • June 17th – Chapter 3
  • June 24th – Chapter 4 and Conclusion

Around The Corner

  • 6/3, 6/10, 16/7, 6/24 Book Group, Children of the Same God: The Historical Relationship Between Unitarianism, Judaism, and Islam
  • 6/4 & 6/18 Body Wisdom Wednesdays: Mindful Movement (Register)
  • 6/6 Rummage Sale Double Dollar Day (Members and Friends)
  • 6/7 Rummage Sale Open to the Public
  • 6/7 First Friday Picnic in the Breezeway
  • 6/8 First UU Annual Meeting
  • 6/11 Vespers at Westerwood
  • 6/13-14 Columbus Stonewall Pride March and Booth
  • 6/15 Anti-Racist Allies Monthly Lunch Outing (Drelyse)
  • 6/16–20 First UU Main Offices Closed (UUA General Assembly)
  • 6/18 Barcelona! Travelogue Screening (with Bill & Jane Miller)
  • 6/18 Finance Committee (RSVP)
  • 6/20–22 Camping at Delaware State Park
  • 6/21 All Soles Contra & Square Dance (more)
  • 6/21, 8/2, 9/13 Ohio Roller Derby Home Games (offsite)
  • 6/24 Atheists, Skeptics, Humanists
  • 6/25 Board of Trustees (RSVP)
  • 6/26 Expressive Worship (Now on the 4th Thursday!)

Weekly events:

  • Tai Chi for Balance (Tuesdays, 10am)
  • Sacred Song Circle (Wednesdays, 6pm)
  • Co-Working Space (Fridays, 9:30am)

Save the Date:

  • Sundays, August 10–August 24 “Responding to the Anti-Trans Movement for UU’s” RSVP

Planning ahead? Check our online calendar for additional events!

From First UU Leadership

See Amber Skate: Roller Derby Tickets On Sale!

Tickets are now available for Ohio Roller Derby’s next three games, at Heatwave Arena (a small venue on the edge of Dublin / Plain City), and we expect them to quickly sell out! Join us Saturday, June 21st, August 2nd, and September 13th!

Meet your Nominees!

The Nominating Committee is pleased to present our slate of candidates for election at the Annual Meeting on Sunday, June 8. These members have been selected based on their demonstrated commitment to our congregation and values.

We will vote on the following candidates:
Moderator

  • Charles Williams

Board of Trustees

  • Bill Fiorini (3-year Term)
  • Kristen Hartmann (3-Year Term)
  • Tara Mullins-Cosme (2-year Term)
Nominating Committee (3 to be elected for a 2-year term)

  • Matt Hollander
  • Mark Krueger
  • Gabby McDonald
  • Denise Riffle
  • Deborah Weaver
  • Victoria Yanovich
Download this PDF to Learn more about our candidates and the election process!

Justice & Volunteering

Connect with our Justice team and other First UU’ers on the Signal App

by joining the First UU Signal Group (app required).

Donations needed

for Rummage’s Bake Sale!

Drop off your Baked Goods any time on Friday, June 6

Items will be sold on June 7

All those deals sure make people HUNGRY! Help First UU raise money by sharing your favorite baked goodies for us to sell: cookies and single-serve treats are your best bet, but we’ll take pies, cakes, or anything you want to make!

Please label your baked goods with your name, email/cell phone, and ingredients / allergens. Drop them off in first UU’s kitchen any time on June 6 (Double Dollar day for members and friends!) We will package and price them for sale on June 7!

Last rummage bake sale was a huge success due to the great goodies that were donated. Email Pat Hoffman with any questions!

Stonewall Pride March Sign-ups

Pride Festival: June 13 & June 14

Pride March: June 14 10:30am–2pm

First UU will once again participate in the Stonewall Pride March and festival in the park! The march is Saturday June14th! Marchers must gather for step-off by 10:30, and we’re usually moving from about 12:30 to 2pm. Please sign up to march!

Booth shifts are Friday June 13th: 3pm-7 and 6-10pm and Saturday June 14th: 10:30am-2:30pm(biggest need) 2-6pm, and 5:30-9:30pm. If you are interested in staffing the booth, please email Christine or sign up in Beach Hall on Sunday.

If you’re not able to attend, but would like to support the efforts, please consider donating bottled water, jugs of water, bags of non-melting candy, and snacks for the marchers. Bring them to the church office at any time!

FILA–Fund for Immigration Legal Assistance

FILA, First UU’s Fund for Immigration Legal Assistance provides assistance for residents of Central Ohio to pay immigration legal and medical expenses. The cost for an initial consultation with an immigration lawyer is around $200, which prevents many from having access to these essential services.

To support our local immigrants, Click the “Donate” button on our web page and choose “FILA Immigration.” Preference for funding is given to DACA-aged young people, parents of families with minor children, and persons who are members of a persecuted group.

Learn more about it at the Jam table on Sunday mornings or email fila@firstuucolumbus.org.

Eco-tip: reuse those bags!

We all know that single-use plastics are a bad idea (in all but a few uses). Did you know that you can reuse those Zip-Loc® type resealable bags? Just turn them inside out and wipe thoroughly with a soapy sponge, rinse, and hang up to dry. It’s possible to get 3, 4, or even 5 uses out of one bag.

 This tip brought to you by First UU’s Eco Justice team. Are you interested in taking action to reduce the environmental impacts on marginal communities caused by human activities? Email Tom Baillieul to join us or make suggestions!

Classes & Groups

Learn more in our Engagement Catalog, and reach out to join!

Feeling disconnected, stuck, burnt out,

or mentally exhausted?

Body Wisdom Wednesdays:

Mindful Movement Practice

1st & 3rd Wednesdays

Next Class: June 4, 6:45–8:30pm
Mindful Movement is a guided practice that helps you reconnect with your body and feel more grounded. We begin with gentle awareness and stretching, then explore rhythm, play, and self-expression through movement, always at your own pace. Each session ends in an optional community reflection circle. No experience needed! Just bring your curiosity and come as you are!

Option to request childcare available: Please Request 1 week in advance, we will confirm 48 hours before class if available. Please register if able, suggested donation $15–$40 per class.

Contact Whitney Dawn Pyles with questions.

Community News

Camping at Delaware State Park

Fri June 20 – Sun Jun 22
Join other First UU members for camping at Delaware State Park. Communal food, campfire, swimming, & fellowship. Great for everyone! Reserved spots 54-59, $45 for 2 nights.

Contact Patricia Boughton to save a spot!

Meadville Lombard Theological School Free Lecture

June 10th – 6:30 p.m. CT – Virtual Public Lecture – Considering Purity Culture Now: Iterations, Impacts, and Interventions

Meadville Lombard’s virtual programming is free and registration is open to all ~ our lectures, vespers, and presentations are wonderful hours of learning and community.

Read about other light programming from MLTS on their website!

Funeral Consumers Alliance of Central Ohio (FCACO) has two exciting upcoming events:

Annual Meeting, Presenter Franklin County Coroner Dr. Nathaniel Overmire

Saturday, May 31, 2025 at noon

The Funeral Consumers Alliance of Central Ohio invites you to our Annual Meeting at the 1st UU Church . This is an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow members, enjoy a meal, and learn valuable information from Franklin County Coroner Dr. Nathaniel Overmire.

Space is limited, so be sure to RSVP by phone or email: 614-263-4632 or info@funeralsohio.org

Presentation: “What You Need to Know About Final Arrangements”

Sunday, June 1st after Worship (Room 301)

Join fellow 1st UU members Cathy Elkins and Jack Holdford for a helpful, down-to-earth conversation about making thoughtful end-of-life arrangements. This presentation will provide essential insights and tools to help you prepare.

This is not a sales pitch—just real talk about real choices, presented with care and clarity. Bring your questions, your curiosity, and a friend. All are welcome!

Family Activities

This Sunday, June 1st!

*Families, Teens, and Children Start in the Service Before Class.

Class Ends, & Children Should Be Picked Up Shortly After Service Lets Out*

9:15-9:45am Continental Breakfast and Community Activities (A/B, Beach Hall)

9:30-11:30am Infant and Toddler Care (101)

10-11am Worship Service (sanctuary)

After the Story, Until Service Ends

10:15-11:15ish Early Childhood / Elementary Summer Class (202)*

10:15-11:15ish MS / HS Summer Games Group (A/B, by the kitchen)*

11am-12noon Snack and Coffee (Beach Hall, A/B)

11:30am-12:30pm Trans and Gender Non-Conforming Teens (Library)

11:30am-12:30pm Trans/GNC Families, Parents/Caregivers, & Allies (302)

Help needed: seeking volunteers to work w/ kiddos & teens starting in September!

Register for Peace Camp!

More Info, & Registration Here!

  • Session A: for 6-8 years, Monday 7/28 – Friday 8/1, 9am-12noon
  • Session B: for 8-11 years, Monday 8/4 – Friday 8/8, 9am-12noon

Time for All Ages story: Be Strong. Written by Pat Zietlow Miller, and illustrated by Jen Hill.