Happy Friday, & Happy Independence Day!

I’ve been visiting friends and colleagues in Boston this week which has been a lovely reconnection for me, especially with some of my elderly friends whom I haven’t seen for a while. One of those is the Rev Carl Scovel who was minister at King’s Chapel for 35 years.

Now 93, he brings wisdom to every conversation. A group of us ‘youngsters’ were trying to remember an author of a piece that was meaningful to us, and we all whipped out our phones to google the answer– All but Carl, who gently said, “It used to be enough just to wonder.” What a wonderful reminder of the power of questions without definitive answers! So please join me in ‘wondering’ this Sunday!

Rev. Dr. Terasa G. Cooley

Developmental Minister

Come sing with us THIS Sunday!

Please join us for the first Summer Choir, this Sunday, July 6! No choir membership or experience is necessary; all are welcome! Simply show up at 9:00 am to learn the music for the 10:00 am service! We hope to see you then! The next Summer Choir session will be August 3.

Interfaith Association of Central Ohio (IACO)

and partners Present:

The Sacred and the Sustainable:

Where Religion Meets Ecology

Sunday, July 6 at 2 pm

Here at First UU

Peace Camp Openings – Register Now!

We still have space for both weeks of camp! We need more kiddos to sign up in order for this program to be a success. Now accepting 5 year-olds for session A, and 12 year-olds for session B! Tell your friends! Share this link:

https://bit.ly/peacecamp2025

Session A for 5-8 years: Monday-Friday, 7/28-8/1, 9am to Noon

Session B for 8-12 years: Monday-Friday, 8/4-8/8, 9am to Noon

Justice Action Ministry Survey

Please take a moment to fill out a quick survey about Share the Plate Partners for 2025 and beyond. Each month, our congregation divides our offering plate between the congregation and one of our partners. Here’s a little info on how Share the Plate Partners are chosen:

Our JAM Council, made up of at least one leader from each JAM Team chooses partners in collaboration with staff for the congregation to approve, based on several factors:

• Congregational Survey – we select partners working on the issues that First UUers care most about
• Collaboration – we select partners that we can collaborate with in ways beyond giving money
• Depth – if a partnership is going well, we often stick with a partner for many years. This allows us to develop a deeper working relationship with a partner, developing familiarity with each other and learning how we can best work together.

In the fall, we will put out a second survey about what issues are important to you and activities you would like to participate in. Learn more about our JAM Teams using our handy Guide!

Facilities Update

A big thank you to Chris Jones, who completed a landscaping project using antique Ohio paver bricks from Nelsonville and Logan Ohio!

The history of these pavers is fascinating. Chris collected these bricks from fellow collectors who have gathered them from the Nelsonville Brick Company and the Hocking Brick Company. The bricks are 10 lbs each (800 lbs total), salt-glazed and practically indestructible. Southeast Ohio was the paver brick capital of the world from 1880–1930 due to the availability of clay, coal and train lines. A lot of labor rights were developed in those companies through strikes and labor actions.

If you’ve been to Athens, Ohio (Ohio University) you’ve seen the numerous brick-lined streets, and they also are found throughout historic Columbus neighborhoods. They were used to pave the world and now they edge the tree beds in our front yard!

Brian Hagemann

Director of Administration

P.S. One of the wonderful things about being on staff is witnessing first-hand how our many community members work to share their passions and create our physical and spiritual space together! What passions do you want to share with us? Let me know!

Rally for Democracy

Friday, July 4, Noon to 4 PM

Come to the Ohio Statehouse to on people from across the state and rally for democracy. Organized by Ohio 50501

July Feed and Read Collection

During July, we will be collecting school supplies for local students who would otherwise have difficulty buying these supplies. Please stick to the supplies listed so that siblings can receive similar supplies. During our second annual Backpack Blessing service on August 3, we will work together to put all the supplies into backpacks. Our goal is 100 backpacks this year, so please be generous!

Petitions for a Community Crisis Response System

The Columbus Safety Collective is gathering signatures for a ballot initiative for a comprehensive non-police crisis response system in the city of Columbus. Community Crisis Response Amendment would create a system to respond to non-violent situations, including mental health crises and wellness checks, with social workers, EMTs, and other appropriate responders. If you’re a Columbus resident, you can can sign a petition at the JAM table in Beach Hall after service.

Good Trouble Lives On: Save the Date!

Thursday, July 17, 4:30–6:30pm

at the Statehouse

Good Trouble Lives On is a national day of action to respond to the attacks on our civil and human rights by the Trump administration. Together, we’ll remind them that in America, the power lies with the people.

The civil rights leaders of the past have shown us the power of collective action. That’s why on July 17, five years since the passing of Congressman John Lewis, communities across the country will take to the streets, courthouses, and community spaces to carry forward his fight for justice, voting rights, and dignity for all.

“Beat the Heat” Fan Donation Drive

LifeCare Alliance

Eco-Tip: How to Recycle those Hard-to-Recycle Plastics

Potato Chip Tasting

July 12, 2:30 to 5:30 pm

$25 Donation / Adult, $12 / Child

We have extra seats available for this awesome, amazing, crunchtastic potato chip tasting! The suggested donation supports the First UU’s mission including social justice work, religious education, music, staff salaries, building operations, and more. Community friends are welcome. (Please email your RSVP to Erin Reilly-Sanders.)

Join us for a tasting menu of close to 30 courses, each of a different type of potato chip! From cheesy to tangy and sweet to savory, we’ll try to identify some favorites. The chips will be offered in themed sets, complete with tasting notes. Palate cleansers (veggies and apple slices) and a tart popsicle at the end round out the experience. Join this completely non-alcoholic, family-friendly event with plenty of room to move around in Beach Hall at church.

New this year: Almost all new flavors, minimal Pringles, and only a couple spicy flavors! Ingredient lists will be available for those with dietary restrictions.

UU Christian Fellowship

New Study beginning July 21

Monthly on the Third Monday Online, 6:30-8 pm

(July 21, August 18 Sept. 15)

Our next study will be a little different! Rather than following a Study Guide, we will create one! Together, we will read Christ for Unitarian Universalists, which

“…seeks to stimulate dialogue about Jesus Christ, whether or not we find him central to our faith life. It aims to build bridges and cross the great cultural gulfs in our society. It addresses frank questions with integrity and intellectual honesty.”

Read the full description or purchase the book at inSpirit, the online UU bookstore! After reading it, we will work together to create a study guide based on our conversations. Email Rev. Kelli with questions or or assistance purchasing the book.

Body Wisdom Wednesdays:

Meditative Movement + Dance

1st & 3rd Wednesdays

Next Class: July 23, 6:45–8:15pm

Calling all UU Artists: “Connections”

Drop-off Sunday, September 21 after Worship (12–1pm)

Exhibit September 24 – November 2

What connects us, you, to the earth, to each other, to other cultures, to our inner selves? Is it the majesty of a mountain, the food we eat, the songs of Central America, the fabrics of Japan, the love within us, the colors of the sunset, or the vastness of the stars?

Enter 1 or 2 pieces! (Age High school – Adult, please.)

This Sunday, July 6th!

*No Classes This Week – Enjoy Your Holiday Weekend!*

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)

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