Happy Friday

The School for Young Children (SYC), an outreach program of the church, has been operating for 55 years, enrolling an average of 150 2-5 year old children. Many may not know that SYC was founded here because another pre-school program in Clintonville refused to allow black children to attend.

From its inception, the school developed ground-breaking practices that recognized a child as a whole being with emotional and social needs that most pre-schools neglect. Their methodology has won world-wide recognition, and a book they have recently published has brought even greater attention to their innovations.

One thing I particularly appreciate about SYC is that they recognize that learning is a life-long enterprise, and they help adults, both parents and teachers, learn alongside the kids. All of us could use a lesson in how to be emotionally healthy and good citizens of the world! Please come on Sunday to learn more about SYC’s unique approach and their impact in this community.

Rev. Dr. Terasa G. Cooley

Developmental Minister

Two Celebrations of Life:

Claire Bauza & David MacDonald

You are invited to attend two memorial Services:

Claire Bauza’s Memorial Service will be held Sunday, July 13 at 3pm.

Dave MacDonald’s memorial service will be held at the church Saturday, July 19 at 2 pm.

A reception in Beach Hall will be immediately following both services.

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!

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 Keeps 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

A-S-H meeting program

Come check out the next 3 discusstions hosted by First UU’s Atheists, Skeptics, and Humanists group:

Tuesday, August 26 – An evening with Reverend Dr. Teresa Cooley to look at the history of Atheists and Humanists in Unitarian Universalist churches.

Tuesday, September 23 – OSU post-doc, Jason Chen, will talk about his research and practice in Bio-ethics.

All are welcome!

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 13th!

*Children start in the service before class. Dress for the weather / outdoor play! Bring your water bottle (labeled w/ name), if that will help you stay cool! 🙂

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 – led by SYC! (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)*

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

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