Friday News – January 9, 2026

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Happy Friday!
I was talking to my therapist about all of the ways I’m hoping to work on myself in 2026, and she offered a suggestion: instead of focusing on the traditional New Year Resolutions, what if I focused on setting 2026 intentions? Instead of saying “I will go to the gym three days a week” (which, if I’m honest will never happen) I set the intention of prioritizing my physical and mental health in 2026. From there I can create a plan of how I want to do that, leaving space for that plan to grow and change throughout the year, as my needs change. This way, I don’t feel like a failure two weeks into the new year for already not hitting a specific, frankly unrealistic, resolution.

On Sunday, we’ll talk more about this and we will have an opportunity to symbolically release whatever may be holding us back from setting and leaning into those intentions. I hope you’ll join us for our annual Fire Communion during the 11:00 service!

Rev. Kelli McNeal

Congregational Life Minister

Upcoming Events

This Sunday, January 11th

9:15
Nouurish Service

Featuring

Frederick

written by Leo Lionni

With the Alternative Worship Team

11:00

“Fire Communion”

Instead of making new year resolutions, we will share in a ritual of releasing what we do not want to bring with us into 2026.

Presented by Rev. Kelli McNeal

Pathways to Membership – It’s not too late!

January 11, 2025, 8:30am – 2pm

Register Online
You can still join our next Pathways to Membership class, designed for newcomers. This class is recommended before deciding to become a Church member. (Your participation does not obligate you to join our church.)

This class will acquaint you with our church and our faith before you consider a commitment of membership to First UU.

Crafting & Conversations in Creative Community

6:30pm 2nd and 4th Mondays, rm 301, starting 1/12

Do you like to craft but just can’t seem to make the time? Do you want to make something but don’t know where to start? Bring your projects and craft with us! Knit, crochet, cross stitch, paint, make snowflakes, color in coloring books, create cards… the possibilities are endless. Bring your clothes to mend, your scrapbooks to fill, mosaics to make, or anything you like! Exercise your creative spirit and enjoy conversation and community. Limited supplies are available, so we encourage you to bring your own. We hope to see you here!

Join the Anti-Racist Allies

for Lunch at SC Bar & Kitchen

Sunday, January 18

For January, we will be trying SC Bar & Kitchen for our ARA lunch. Everyone is welcome to come! Carpool from the church around 12:45 pm or meet us at 1 pm at the restaurant. It is located at 1921 State Route – 256, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068.

Conflict Transformation Workshop

January 24, 1-4pm (Registration Open)

While challenging conflicts seem to escalate more and more these days, it is possible to find ways to redirect conflict into healthy interactions, even transformative ones. In this workshop, Rev. Terasa will draw upon the work of her book: Transforming Conflict: The Blessings of Congregational Turmoil. While her book addresses conflict in congregational settings, the philosophy applies to any kind of relationships whether it be family or work. You will gain skills in identifying your own pattern of responding to conflict and tools for engaging in difficult conversations. Please contact Rev. Terasa with any questions you may have.

UU History & Theology Book Group

7pm 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, starting 1/20

Now reading Prophetic Sisterhood: Liberal Women Ministers of the Frontier, 1880-1930. Let Dana Reynolds know if would like to participate. Contact Amber if you need assistance getting a copy of the book. Likely hybrid meetings!

Dive for Treasure!

Online Auction

Donation Deadline February 11

Bidding February 14 – 20

One month to explore your home for Excellent Stuff! Begin by searching for treasures:

  • special items needing a new home,
  • unused appliances,
  • handmade crafts, or
  • gift cards or gift baskets.

Take a photo of your treasure and enter your donation at firstuucolumbus.org/auction.

“We must free ourselves of the hope that the sea will ever rest.

We must learn to sail in high winds.” – Aristotle Onassis, shipping magnate

Planning ahead? Check our online calendar for additional events!

From First UU Leadership

A Message from Your Board:

Vote to Amend the Constitution

Mid-Year Meeting on Sunday, February 8

Hey First UU Members! This Wednesday, you should have received a message with the subject line “A Message from your Board” notifiying you about an upcoming vote to amend First UU’s Constitution to increase the size of our Board from six members to nine members.

It is our responsibility to inform members of the exact text of the proposed amendment. Currently, Constitution Art. V.1.A. states, in part:

“The government of this church, including the conduct and control of its corporate powers, business, and property, shall be vested in a Board of Trustees consisting of six elected members, two of whom shall be chosen by the members of the church at each Annual Meeting to serve for three years each.”

We propose that this sentence be amended to state the following:

“The government of this church, including the conduct and control of its corporate powers, business, and property, shall be vested in a Board of Trustees consisting of nine (9) elected members, three (3) of whom, or more, as necessary, shall be chosen by the members of the church at each Annual Meeting to serve for three (3) years each.”

If you are a member and did not receive the email, please reach out to our staff to make sure that we have your correct email address on file! The vote will be conducted online, and we want you to have the opportunity to vote. Feel free to contact us with questions at board@firstuucolumbus.org.

Chalice Circle Leaders Needed!

Looking for a way to get more involved and meet people? Are you comfortable leading a group or facilitating conversations? We need your help!

We need leaders for our 10am Sunday and 7pm Monday Circles. We plan to open more Circles, so let us know if you can lead a group at another time, or online. Curriculum and Leader Guide provided! Email Rev. Kelli and Robin Lawson.

Register Now for UUA General Assembly!

UUs across the globe will come together online, June 14-21, in new and inspiring ways! Registration includes access to livestreams, worship, on-demand learning, and more! View the full schedule online. Please let the Board know if you are interested in attending as a delegate!

Upcoming Governance Meetings

  • 1/21 Finance Committee (RSVP)
  • 1/28 Board of Trustees (RSVP)
  • 2/8 Mid-Year Congregational Meeting

Justice & Volunteering

Submit your Nominations!
Interested in joining church leadership? Know someone who would be a great leader? Each year, the Nominating Committee (NomCom) finds members for First UU to elect as leaders (Board of Trustees, Nominating Committee, Board Moderator) during our Annual Meeting.

Fill out our Nomination Form online or email nominating@firstuucolumbus.orgto let us know you’re interested, to tell us who you think could be a great candidate, or for more information!

Special Education Volunteers Needed!

Our congregation includes a diverse group of young people, and we need more volunteers with relevant experience to act as special needs aides in our classrooms. References and background check required. Email Amber!

January Feed and Read Ohio Collection

This month’s collection for the Feed and Read program is high protein staples, Wool Socks and Laundry Detergent sheets! Pick up a green bag outside the Worship center and return it next week with items you have purchased.

All are welcome to help pack and load on Sundays at 12:45, or See Jacques Angelino on Sundays in Beach Hall during Breakfast and Coffee hour for more information.

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

by joining the First UU Columbus Protesters (app required).

Classes & Groups

OWL Video Conference Equipment Training

Sunday, January 18, 12:30-2pm
Do you or someone you know run a meeting on Zoom? Our OWL Conference camera could help! Come to room 301 after service on January 18 for a demonstration of how to use the equipment. You may bring your own laptop or tablet with Zoom installed to see it on your own screen. No need to register – just come!

Personal Finance / Budget 101 Class

January 25 at 12:30pm or

January 27 at 7pm (attend either)

Discuss Personal Finance and Budgeting. The new year is a great time to review your personal financial goals. A light Lunch will be available on Sun Jan 25, Snacks on Tues Jan 27. Contact Patricia Boughton with questions!

Photo by Dithira Hettiarachchi on Unsplash

New! Ehlers Danlos (EDS) Support Group

January 26th at 7pm via Zoom

and Every 4th Monday of the Month

This new online support & discussion group is for people who are affected by EDS, a rare group of inherited conditions that affect connective tissue. We will connect with each other and discuss our shared experiences. Join us if you think you or a loved one has this life-changing disorder, and you would like to connect with others who have the same experiences. To Join this group, contact Su Farnlacher.

Atheists-Skeptics-Humanists (ASH)

January Meeting & Program

Tuesday, January 27 at 7pm, Room 301

January’s program will feature Maya Hammond who will talk to us about SWACO (Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio) – what it is, what it does, and its plans for handling the projected growth in the Greater Columbus region. We’ll also learn about what we can do individually to reduce the amount of waste we send to the landfill.

Additional Classes

  • 1/19 Keep On Keeping On chronic pain support 7pm Zoom (RSVP)
  • 2/14 Pathways to Membership 8:30am-1pm (Register)
  • Tai Chi for Balance 10am Tuesdays
  • Sacred Song Circle 6pm Wednesdays

Community News

Save the Dates: Ohio Roller Derby’s Home Season!

2026 home games will be played Saturdays at the Ohio Expo Center: join usFebruary 28, March 14, April 4, May 9, and May 23. (See Amber in 7pm B games).

Family Activities

This Sunday, 1/11

9:15-10am Nouurish Multigenerational Worship Service (sanctuary)

10:00-10:45am Hot Breakfast and Coffee, Tea (kitchen, A/B, Beach Hall)

10:30am-12:30pm Infant and Toddler Care 3mos-3yrs (101)

10:30am-12:15pm 13-15year Our Whole Lives (302)

10:30am-12:30pm 10-11yr Our Whole Lives First Class and Required Caregiver Orientation (404)

10:45am-12:15pm Neighboring Faiths 11+yrs (301)

11:00am-12:15pm Roots and Wings 13+yrs: HS Spirituality and Big Q’s (401)

11:00am-12:00pm Fire Communion Worship Service (sanctuary)

11:15ish-12:15 Spirit Play 3-7yrs: Start in Service Until After Story (102)

11:15ish-12:15 Spirit Play 7-12yrs: Start in Service Until After Story (201)

Kiddos staying w/fam during service: grab Busy Bags in the gallery, explore quiet toys in Wee Worship & Slowter Lounge, or crafts/games in cabinets by the kitchen!

12noon-1pm Snack & Coffee, Tea, Conversation (A/B, Beach)

12:30-1:00pm Peace Pals Choir 5-12yrs (sanctuary)

1:00-2:30pm Navigators Scouting Badge-Work Mtg 5-12yrs (201/playground)

12:30-2:30pm Youth Group! 12yrs-HS senior (402)

12:30-2:30pm Rising Young Adults! 18-28yrs-ish (302)

Register Here! 🙂 https://firstuucolumbus.org/learning/sunday-school/