For those of you who, like me, may be physically unable to attend rallies, there are other options that I’ll mention on Sunday. But a small one that I can name right now is the option to contribute to the amazing resistance work in Minneapolis. The Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee (MIRAC) is a grassroots, all volunteer group that is one of the organizers of the peaceful protests. I plan to make a contribution and invite those who are able to do the same.

It is terrifying to witness the violence, and yet I find my spirit strengthened by also witnessing the courage and fortitude of those who stand up for justice. I hope you find sources of sustenance for yourself as well.

Rev. Dr. Terasa Cooley

Lead Minister

Join us for

First Friday Spaghetti Dinner!

February 6, 2026, 6:30-9 pm

The Millennial Covenant Group is hosting a fun night with good food, good Millennial music and Jeopardy-style Millennial Trivia!

Dinner is served at 6:30. Your first time is free! Our happy repeat customers are asked for a suggested donation of $3.00 per person to help pay for the food.

Interested in Hosting one month this year? Please email us to hop onto the Host schedule! We need hosts for April and May – we do the shopping, and you or your group just show up to follow the schedule!

Attend the Mid-Year Meeting

February 8 at 12:30 PM

We invite you to stay rooted in the life of the church & lend your unique voice to the future we’re growing together! Please mark your calendars to attend the mid-year membership meeting on Sunday February 8 after the 11 am service. Not only will there be snacks, it’s an opportunity to connect with us on governance projects, sustainable funding goals, and the vote to amend the Constitution to increase our leadership.

Please also watch for exciting news about ways to participate in the new Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Committee, charged with ensuring First UU is inclusive, accessible, and accountable to our beloved community. Thank you for being an essential part of our congregation and always feel free to contact us with questions at board@firstuucolumbus.org.

Bake Sale for Kaleidoscope – Sweets Needed!

Sunday, February 8

To raise funds, First UU’s Rainbow Connexion group is hosting a church-wide bake salebefore and after the 11am service on February 8, and we need your help! Donate home-baked goods, come buy some, or give here! Get something tasty just in time for Valentine’s Day while supporting this vital community program! Drop off your tasty treats labelled with a list of ingredients directly to the table in Beach Hall day of, or leave them in the copy / mail room in advance. Thank you for your generosity!

First UU Auction –

Click the Links!

Click the new links at the top of the auction website to buy Live Auction tickets or join the volunteer team!

• Enter donations by February 11
• We need about 350 donations to make the auction successful
• Bake splendid cakes, torts, or pies for the Dessert Dash

Week 1: Excellent Stuff! Online bidding February 14-20

Week 2: Food Fun Frolic! Online bidding February 21-27

Celebration & Live Auction Saturday, February 28

Last Day to buy tickets Thursday, February 19

“A smooth sea never made a skillful sailor.”

–Franklin D Roosevelt, Asst Sec of Navy, US President

How to Spot Scams / Phishing Messages

This week First UU members were targeted by scammers. It is heartbreaking that these attacks continue. If you have any questions about email you receive on behalf of First UU, please reach out to us directly before responding. We want to share a few tips with you about how to spot suspicious emails:

Check the email address.

• First UU staff email addresses always end in @firstuucolumbus.org – they NEVER include gmail, yahoo, etc.
• The name or position of the person is in the email address – “amber@firstuucolumbus.org” or “dre@firstuucolumbus.org“

Look at the language / content:

• First UU will never ask for money or gift cards in a direct email.
• We will never ask you not to call us (in fact, we love hearing from you!)
• We don’t end our emails with “Blessings,” “Peace and Grace” or “God Bless”

If you receive a scam / phishing email, here are some actions you can take:

• Click the “Report Spam” button to report it to your email provider. This helps stop or slow them down.
• Report Fraud at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/
• Forward the email to office@firstuucolumbus.org so we are aware congregants are being targeted.

NEVER forward directory copies or personal information to ANYONE! Emails asking for other community members’ personal information or copies of a directory are a common attack trying to steal our congregation’s personal information. If someone asks you for contact information, direct them to use Realm, or to contact Becca at office@firstuucolumbus.org.

Barbara Rose Johns

Civil Rights Leader at Age 16

This week, we want to celebrate Barbara Rose Johns, who, at the age of 16, organized a school-wide action that would change the trajectory of our American school system. What began as an endeavor to gain the same basic necessary educational supplies and learning conditions for the students at Robert Russa Moton High School as their white peers had access to eventually became part of the legal fight that led to change for this country: the US Supreme Court case Brown v Board of Education of Topeka.

Barbara’s story is amazing, and we encourage you to read her Biography at Moton Museum’s website or watch this 12-minute PBS Documentary on YouTube to learn more about this amazing civil rights leader!

Want to share a story about an inspiring black author, artist,

change-maker, or innovator? Submit using our announcement request form!

We will publish one article each week, so your article may not be published the same week you submit it.

Feed & Read Ohio

Feed and Read Ohio helped feed 750 latina families over the past week with your help, and with the help of other Central Ohio Citizens! Thank you!

For February our primary donation items are listed to the right. Pick up a list and a green bag at first UU, and bring these needed staples back the following week.

Sunday morning helpers needed! Help with sorting items during coffee hour, and Jacques especially welcomes help carrying bags to his van in these frigid temperatures.

Submit your Nominations!

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!

Men’s Spiritual Group (MSG)

Wednesdays 10:30-12:00

(Online and In person)

The Men’s Spiritual Group (MSG) is currently open to new members. The group has existed for over 25 years and aims to develop a richer spiritual life in men and wiser men through sharing and discussion of life experiences. (MSG is not a self help group.) Contact Ron Bruder to join.

Sukkat Shalom Tu B’Shvat Seder

Sunday, February 1, 3:30-5:30pm

Please RSVP and find out what fruits, nuts, juice and wine we still need to fill the table.

Current Art Exhibit:

Lela Lint: “Dreamscapes of Flight and Form”

On display until February 23

Enjoy these paintings which use fluid acrylic showing life’s unpredictability while her birds add beauty and grace to each piece. Lela encourages the viewers to appreciate the present moment.

Image: “Colorful Ascent”

This Sunday, 2/1

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)

10:55am-12:15pm 10-11year Our Whole Lives (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 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 w/fam during service: use Busy Bags or quiet toys in Wee Worship / Slowter!

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

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