If you have not yet heard, I have some big news to share with you: I will soon end my time at First UU as your Justice Minister.

I am so grateful for you! I could not have asked for a better community in which to work, grow, and learn during the past 8 years, nor for a warmer welcome for my family. And, over the course of this spring, I have realized that at this time in my life, I long to take some years away from paid work to focus on my children.

My final office hours here at First UU are Wednesday, August 20 from 10–12, and my last work day is on Sunday, August 24. We will also have a good-bye gathering on Sunday, September 28 at noon after the Sunday service.

After our goodbyes, I will be away from First UU for a number of years. Although I will miss you all terribly, this is an important part of the process of a ministry ending and comes straight from our UU Ministers Code of Conduct. It allows for the congregation (and the minister!) to find a new way forward.

I have great faith that you will continue our vital work for justice and anti-racism!

Rev. Amanda Hays

Justice Minister

Guess the Pets!

Sprinkled throughout this week’s Friday’s news,

you will find pictures of the pets of your First UU Staff.

See if you can guess whose pets are whose –

Check your guesses at the bottom!

ARA invites you to

CBUS Soul Fest!

August 15 & 16 4–10 pm

Labor Day Retreat

Saturday, August 30 – Monday, September 1

at Camp Oty’Okwa in beautiful Hocking Hills

Wonderful for families, couples, singles. Everyone!

Adults (26+): $135

Teen / Early YA (13–25): $110

Children (5–12): $95

Toddlers (2–4): $25

Children Under 2: Free

Register Now – or no later than August 25. Join us for our traditional Peek, Talent show, hike, hammock hang, and more. This fun annual retreat is a great chance to host activities and also just to spend time with each other. Scholarship funds are available. Please contact Patricia Boughton for more information.

Backpack Blessing Service

We held our our 22nd annual backpack blessing on August 3 – what a success! A huge thank you to members of the First UU community who helped fill the 162 backpacks that were delivered. Many thanks to Jacques Angelino with Feed and Read Ohio, Karen Howard, and Claudia Bowles who all helped distribute them to community members and also to North Linden Elementary school, who also received any extra supplies to use throughout the year.

Columbus 50501 Community Aid Fair and Picnic

Saturday, August 16, 1-3 PM

Washington Gladden Social Justice Park

Join Columbus 50501 at Washington Gladden Social Justice Park (404 E. Broad St) for a mutual aid fair and picnic! Learn about some wonderful organizations within the community, bring your own picnic, and make connections with people! This is a family friendly event! We will have activities for the kids like free face

painting!

We will also have a donation drive, if you are able to do so, please

bring Menstrual products and Toiletries to benefit Motherful and other local groups in need.

Sustainable Fashion Tips!

1. Don’t feel pressured to buy lots of clothes – reject the hype for the “latest” color and cut.
2. Go for quality and durability in what you buy.
3. Take up “Thrifting”; thrift stores and discount outlets have lots of really nice clothes with a lot of life left in them – for cheap!
4. Don’t throw away – mend! You don’t have to be a seamstress or tailor to learn basic mending skills.
5. Seek out vendors that have sustainable practices.

• Hudson Valley Textile Project, a natural-textile supply chain that aims to break free from the global fashion industry.
• Good On You, a website that monitors and rates fashion brands’ sustainability.

Where do We Come from? What Are We?

Where are We Going?

On Display August 1st through 27th

The Archives Team has worked hard to collect and put together the history of our congregation. Glance, read, enjoy our journey of 85 years! Panels are in the Gallery and Worship Center.

Join the Worship Service on August 24 to hear the stories and learn more!

First UU Artists: submit your artwork to be displayed in our Connections Exhibit, beginning September 24. (Drop-off September 21.)

A Word of Thanks

I want to express my appreciation and gratitude to everyone who participated in the worship service this past Sunday, whether in front of the congregation or behind the scenes:

Amanda, Amber, Becca, Ben, Brandon, Desmond, Gabby, Galen, Josh, Kelli, Michaela, Myra, Nathan, Niki, Noe, Sage, Summer Choir members, Tara, Violet, Wren and Ryan and all the other “Chicks”, Yesh  …and anyone I’ve overlooked.

Thank you! You made it so much fun!

Dennis Frazier

Interactive Art Installation

Member Whitney Dawn Pyles will have her award-winning, interactive art installation The Zone of Authenticity on display this weekend! It’s a whimsical, reflective space that invites play, connection, and creative self-expression. Come check it out!

• Friday, August 15 | 5–8 pm – In front of Global Gallery during the Clintonville Jamboree
• Saturday, August 16 | 9 am–12 pm – Studio 18 Saturday Arts Market, in the alley behind the Clintonville Farmers Market

Celebrating All Who Work:

Bill Cohen’s Labor Day Concert

Sunday August 31 at 4 pm

Columbus Mennonite Church

Join Bill Cohen as he sings songs made famous by a wide variety of folks: Woody Guthrie, Sam Cooke, Dolly Parton, Pete Seeger, Bruce Springsteen, Alabama, James Taylor, etc. Powerful vocal harmonies will be added by veteran Columbus musicians Phil Hart and Teresa Schleifer. Come to listen and to hear a bit of inspiring labor union history, and some fun trivia questions about workers.

Suggested Donation of $15 per person donations at the door, to be shared between the musicians, crew, and the Central Ohio Worker Center, which advocates for low-income and immigrant workers.

This Sunday, August 17th!

*No Classes Sunday – Bring Your Pets (or Photos) for the Animal Blessing!

• 9:15-9:45am Continental Breakfast and Activities (A/B, Beach Hall)
• 9:30-11:30am Infant and Toddler Care (101)
• No Classes This Week
• 10-11am All Ages Animal Blessing Service (sanctuary)
• 11am-12noon Snacks and Coffee / Tea, After Service (Beach Hall)