Board Welcome Kathleen Fowler
Opening Hymn “All God’s Critters Got a Place in the Choir”
Indigenous Land Acknowledgment Rev. Kelli McNeal
Centering Words Amber Scott
“Blessing of the Emotional Support Animals”
by Ebony C. Peace
Congregational Greeting
Bringing in the Light Nathan Hamm
“Aquarium” from Carnival of the Animals
by Camille Saint-Saëns
Chalice Lighting
by Rev. Terasa Cooley
Time for All Ages
Rodney Was a Tortoise
written by Nan Forler & illustrated by Yong Ling Kang
Affirming Our Children #395 “Sing and Rejoice”
Share the Plate Fund for Immigration Legal Assistance (FILA)
Offertory Etude Op. 25 no. 5 “The Cricket and the White Moth”
by Frederic Chopin
Pastoral Meditation Grateful for Creatures from A to Z
by Gary Kowalski
Special Music Steve Molk, Vocalist
“I Bought Me a Cat”
trad. American song, interpreted by Aaron Copland
Ritual: The Blessing of the Animals
We bless these animals we love.
We pledge to care for them tenderly and faithfully,
and to remember that we are not alone on the earth.
Hymn #128 “For All That Is Our Life”
Benediction & Extinguishing the Chalice
Postlude “Finale” from Carnival of the Animals
by Camille Saint-Saëns
Announcements
For 8/23/2026
Today: Democracy Action Hour: Making Whistle Kits! Email our contact-democracy@firstuucolumbus.org for more ways to get involved.
Today! 11:15 Reception for UU Artists & Friends Show “Freedom!” Please join 34 artists and celebrate with art, conversation and snacks.
Come Sing at First UU! All are invited and welcome to sing in one of First UU’s choirs! Rehearsal begin soon, Email Brandon Moss for information.
Atheists-Skeptics-Humanists (ASH) Program Tuesday, August 25 at 7 pm Featuring Laura Savage, Executive Director of the Ohio Art League.
ARA Congregational Read: Stamped from the Beginning. Read or watch Ibram X. Kendi’s book and participate in the congregational group read. Sign the posters near A/B & Register to attend the next discussion (August 25th).
Expressive Worship August 26 at 7pm Join this Spiritual Practice centered around personal creative process. August’s theme is “Harvest.”
First UU’s Board of Trustees will meet on Wednesday, August 26 at 7pm. Members are welcomed and encouraged to join our business meetings: Please fill out the meeting attendance form to RSVP and get our zoom link. We hope to see you there!
Building Safety Tour on Sunday, August 30 at 11 AM. Join our Safety Team on this tour of our primary safety exits, designated tornado shelter areas, emergency medical kits, & more. While this tour is to refresh staff and volunteers’ knowledge, All are welcome and we hope you join!
Discover Yoga: Strength, Stillness, and Joy Saturdays at 10:00 AM. Bring a yoga mat, props, & comfortable clothing. (18+ only, Sliding-scale fees)
Register for our annual Labor Day Retreat by Tuesday! September 5 – 7 at Camp Oty’Okwa in beautiful Hocking Hills. Join us for our traditional Peek, Talent show, hike, hammock hang, & more. Host a workshop or activity!
Find details in this week’s Friday’s News and
check our online calendar for upcoming events!