Friday News – August 21, 2026

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I have always been a lover of all creatures, and had a wide range of pets growing up. But even so, when I first adopted a cat as a young adult I immediately transformed into a full on cat person with cat swag! When the looming polar vortex threatened the livelihood of our conversational neighborhood Siamese, I leapt into action. And the rest is history!
Kismet was so named because he was the cat of the moment, and his arrival in our lives was a moment of cosmic serendipity. He lived on the street for half a decade before enjoying his golden retirement with us, and overcame many things, including hunger, a broken leg that healed on its own, and later, completely losing his vision (and several related surgeries). A silver lining of the pandemic was the extra time we got to spend together. I was changed by his presence and shattered by his departure. I am grateful for the time we had together, and still, I remember.

This week’s service will celebrate the many animals who have touched our lives. Animals who can handle being around other pets and people are welcome to join in person! (On a leash or in a carrier, please). If your pet will be happier at home, bring their photo or a favorite toy, collar, etc. Photos of pets who have passed or other mementos are also welcome on our altar. I look forward to seeing you there!

Amber Scott

Director of Religious Exploration

P.S. Throughout this special issue of Friday’s News, you will meet the pets of First UU Staff. We are looking forward to seeing yours on Sunday!

Upcoming Events

Sunday Service

“Animal Blessing”

10am August 23, 2026
We celebrate all the animals in our life, and the joy and meaning that they bring us. (Pets and photos welcome)!

Presented by Amber Scott,

Director of Religious Exploration
All Ages Service: no children’s classes this week – so that families can participate in the Animal Blessing!

Infant/Toddler Care 9:30am-11:30pm

Upcoming Schedule Changes

On Sunday, September 6 (Labor day Weekend) at 11am: We will be screening the UU Church of Kent’s service, presented by teens who participated in the annual youth service trip to D.C. Youth from First Columbus also participate in these trips, and fundraise all year long! Those planning to watch the service online are asked to join directly via Kent’s Zoom. We will hold Coffee hour at 10am on September 6 instead of our regular service.

 

Fall Schedule Change: Beginning Sunday, September 13 we return to two worship services, at 9:15 and 11am!

UU Artists: “Freedom!”

Art Reception

Sunday August 23, 11:15am -1:00pm

Please join 34 artists and celebrate “Freedom !” with art, conversation and snacks.

What does Freedom mean to you?

Invite your friends and family!

This exhibit runs until Oct. 25.

email Deb Baillieul for more info.

“Freedom is Responsibility” Quilt by Sylvia Howe

Discover Yoga: Strength, Stillness, and Joy

Saturday Mornings at 10:00 AM
Explore time-tested yogic techniques that build core strength, flexibility, and balance while cultivating focus and breath control — all in a warm, non-judgmental space. This class blends physical postures (Asana), breathwork (Pranayama), laughter yoga, guided relaxation, and mindfulness to help you reconnect with your body and calm the mind.

No prior yoga experience is needed — just an open mind and a willingness to move, breathe, play, and laugh your way toward inner calm. Classes are led by certified and experienced yoga instructor Prasant Joshii with gentle instrumental music setting the tone for relaxation. Bring a yoga mat, your favorite props, and comfortable clothing you can move freely in.

Atheists-Skeptics-Humanists (ASH) Monthly Meeting & Program

Tuesday, August 25, 7 pm

August’s A-S-H meeting will feature Laura Savage, Executive Director of the Ohio Art League, the nation’s second oldest member-run art league in the country, started in 1909 and still going strong. Laura will talk about the League’s mission, future plans, upcoming exhibitions, and ways we can all engage with art.

September’s meeting program will feature Dr. Leo Taylor, Evolutionary Biologist and anti-theist, speaking on “Evolution and the adaptive basis of religion”.

Come Sing at First UU!

All are invited and welcome to sing in one of First UU’s choirs, which will begin regular rehearsals in the coming weeks! Currently, we have two adult choirs and a young children’s choir, and these choirs are open to anyone who loves to sing, no audition or choir experience necessary.

Chalice Choir weekly rehearsals will begin on Thursday, September 3, 7:30-9:30pm, Email Director Dr. Brandon Moss with questions.

Spirit of Life Choir weekly rehearsals begin on Tuesday, August 25, 6:30-8:00pm. We welcome Director Bruno Bush to First UU, and look forward to getting to know him in the coming year!

Peace Pals (our young children’s choir) rehearsals begin Sunday, September 27th, 12:30-1:00pm, scheduled for the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month, Email Director Erin Rothert for more information.

Stay posted for some exciting musical opportunities for older youth this year. All choirs rehearse in the Worship Center. We hope to see you there and look forward to singing with you!

Expressive Worship

Thursday, August 26 7-8:30 pm

Harvest: You are invited to experience a different kind of spiritual practice centered around the personal creative process. There are readings and songs guided by a monthly theme which inspires our individual artwork.

Labor Day Weekend Retreat

Saturday, September 5 – Monday, September 7

Camp Oty’Okwa in beautiful Hocking Hills

Register by August 27th. Join us for our traditional Peek, Talent Show, Hike, Hammock Hang, and more. You can even host a workshop or activity: contribute your own ‘flavor’ to the retreat! Please contact Patricia Boughton for more information on hosting activities or about scholarship funding.

If you would like to participate in Sunday morning worship at the retreat by reading, helping to lead a song, or playing an instrument, contact Dennis Frazier

Safety Team Building Tour:

Know Your Way to Safety

Sunday August 30, 2026

Ever wonder where our emergency exits lead, or where the closest first-aid kit is located? Join our Safety Team immediately following the 10 AM service. We will walk through the building together to locate our primary safety exits, designated tornado shelter areas, emergency medical kits, and more! This quick, family-friendly tour will give everyone peace of mind and ensure our community stays safe and prepared. We will meet in the Worship Center right after the service concludes. See you there!

Planning ahead? Check our online calendar for additional events!

From First UU Leadership

This message serves as a recap of the announcement sent by the Board on Monday, August 10 regarding upcoming transitions at First UU.

An Update from the Board of Trustees

Rev. Terasa announced last week that she will be leaving First UU at the end of this church year due to health concerns. While we will deeply miss her, we are incredibly grateful for her dedicated service. We will cherish this final year together as we prepare to search for our next minister. The Board is already collaborating with the Unitarian Universalist Association’s (UUA) Transition Team to guide this upcoming search. We are seeking a contract-to-call minister. You can learn more about how this specific process works UUA.org.

Our first step is to gather vital input from both our congregation and staff to help define the ideal characteristics for our new leader. This fall, we will select a Search Team from within our congregation to lead the effort in finding the right match for our community. Within the next few weeks, we will begin gathering your feedback through structured listening sessions and casual conversations at the Board table after Sunday services. We earnestly hope you will share your thoughts with us.

Our next business meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 26 at 7 PM. Members are always welcome and encouraged to attend. Please fill out the meeting attendance form to RSVP for in-person attendance, submit an issue or idea for board discussion, or request the Zoom link. We look forward to listening to your ideas and navigating this next chapter together as a community.

Please note: First UU’s office will be closed Thursday, 9/3 for a staff retreat.

Siggy (Rev. Terasa)

Lily (Rev. Kelli)

Vivi ( Rev. Terasa)

Arnold (RIP) & Jasper (Brian)

Miles (Brandon)
image_p1.jpg

Eilley & Strikey (Robin)

Justice and Volunteering

Join the First UU Columbus Protesters chat on Signal App

or email our Justice Team for more information.

Democracy Action Hour

Sunday, August 23, 11:30 AM

Each week after the service we do something together in community to respond to the attacks on our democracy. This Sunday we’re making whistle kits, focusing on versions in Haitian-Creole. If you are able to come this Sunday, please bring small ziplock bags, as we finally ran out!

To date we have made over 1400 whistle kits.

Eco-Tip – “Say NO to single use plastic”

The country is awash in single-use plastic; we can all pay more attention to what we buy. Take reusable bags when you go shopping; carry you own water bottle rather than grabbing a throw-away type. Wash take-out food containers and reuse them for food storage. And recycle as much as possible. The church participates in the Hefty Bags “Renew” program for hard to recycle plastics – and you can too.
This tip brought to you by First UU’s Eco Justice team. Are you interested in taking action to reduce the environmental impacts on marginal communities caused by human activities? Email Tom Baillieul to join us or make suggestions!

Fava (Bruno)

Bean (Bruno)

Tabitha Twinkletoes Crumplebottom(Myra)

Mario Lanza (Robin)

Tallulah Trixiebelle Crumplebottom (Myra)

Singer (Robin)

On the Journey
Read about the 8th Principle and First UU’s anti-racism efforts on our websiteand email Becca to learn more about submitting articles for this section, and check out The August/September ARA Calendar

August 22 & 23: Festival Latino

¡Festival Latino! is a free, family-friendly event celebrating family and community with two days of children’s activities, music, food, fashion, art, and dance from the heart of Latin America.

Located at the Columbus Commons & Ohio Theatre on Saturday, from noon to 8 pm and Sunday from noon

to 7 pm.

 

More Info

Stamped Discussion Group

August 25 from 7-8:30 pm

Anti-Racist Allies invites congregants of all ages to read or watch Stamped from the Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi and participate in discussion! Register

This important work has several versions for different ages and reading levels. Monthly discussions on Zoom Tuesdays, August 25 (Parts 3 & 4: 1826-1863), September 29 (Part 5: 1868-1963) ; October 20 (1063-today) w/ more activities TBA for fall.

We hope you enjoy this “replay” of our first On the Journey Celebration,

originally published March 27. Please consider submitting a mini-bio about an inspiring black author, artist, change-maker, or innovator.

Elijah Pierce:

Preacher, Barber, Wood Carver,

& National Heritage Artist

Elijah Pierce was recognized as America’s foremost wood carver of 20th century folk art by Dr. Robert Bishop, founding Director of the Museum of American Folk Art. Born in Baldwin, Mississippi, in1892 and raised on a farm, Pierce began to carve at age seven when given his first penknife. His uncle, a chair and basket maker, taught him how to work with wood. In 1920, Elijah was issued a preacher’s license and followed his future wife, Cornelia Houeston to Columbus where he opened a barber shop in 1923. Pierce carved a small elephant as a gift for his wife. Seeing that she liked it so much he carved an entire zoo and other sculptures during spare moments.

He believed God had given him the talent to carve images based on scenes from the Bible. During the 1930s and 1940s, he preached throughout the Midwest and South at carnivals and fairs, often bringing his carvings with him to use as teaching tools. Among his carvings were African-inspired fables, Freemasonry symbols, African-American heroes, including Martin Luther King, Jr. and Joe Louis. Eventually his repertoire of subjects expanded to chronicle the uneasy racial and political environment associated with the Civil Rights movement, the Vietnam War, and Watergate. Pierce’s wry wit and keen insight into the temptations of modern life is evident in many of his carvings.

In 1982 the National Endowment for the Arts awarded him a National Heritage Fellowship as one of 15 master traditional artists. In 2020 there was a retrospective exhibit of his work at the Barnes Institute in Philadelphia. After his death, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Performing and Cultural Arts Complex recognized his work by naming the Elijah Pierce Gallery in his honor. The Columbus Museum of Art (CMA) owns over 80 of his pieces.

We hope you will Visit the CMA to view several relief carvings installed in Gallery 4 that depict political, religious and moral commentary and several animal carvings in the “Cats” gallery. Learn more about Elijah Pierce on the National Endowment for the Arts website, check out these articles from Forbes, NPR, Columbus Monthly, or watch this video (18 min) on folkstreams.net

Thank you, Jeannie Sperling, for submitting this article!

Community News

Eliza and Alex (Becca)

Mic Mac Aussie (Robin)

Patches and Onyx (Amber)

Cleo (Robin)

Rose (Niki)

The Honorable

Elliott HeartWings (Robin)

Family Activities

See What Peace Camp Created Together!

Happening This Sunday, August 23rd!
9:15am Coffee/Tea (A/B, Beach Hall) *Volunteers Needed! – Email Robin!

9:30am-11:30pm Infant and Toddler Care 3mos-3yrs (101)

No Classes Today Due to All Ages Animal Blessing Service

*Per safety policy, children/youth need to be supervised while on church grounds.

10:00-11:00am All Ages Animal Blessing Service (sanctuary)

Animals who can handle being around other pets and people are welcome to join in person! (On a leash or in a carrier, please). If your pet will be happier at home, bring their photo or a favorite toy, collar, etc. Photos of pets who have passed or other mementos are also welcome on our altar.

11:00-11:30am Coffee/Tea – Pending Volunteers!* (A/B, Beach Hall)

Coming Soon: Fall Class Registration and Volunteer Teacher Recruitment!

Gus (Robin)

Topper (Robin)