Friday News – Oct. 23, 2026

•
This Sunday, I will be joined by First UU member Kristin Hehrer as we discuss the Americans with Disabilities Act. Parts of this pivotal, vital act are being dismantled, leading to Americans losing access to accessibility resources that they need to get through their daily lives.

We invite you to view Crip Camp, a powerful documentary produced by President & Mrs. Obama, which provides valuable insight into the history of disability rights activism and inspiration for the fight that is happening today.

Join us Sunday as we explore the church’s role in fighting against the ADA and the ways that we can make sure we don’t repeat those old behaviors.

Rev. Kelli McNeal

Minister of Congregational Life

Upcoming Events

Sunday, October 25

9:15 am Nouurish Service

Featuring: Embarrassed Ferret

written by Lisa Frenkel Riddioug

illustrated by Andrea Tsurumi

Presented by the

Alternative Worship Team

11:00 am “Equal Access”
Exploring how the Americans with Disabilities Act both succeeded and failed in providing accessibility for all americans.

Presented by Rev. Kelli McNeal

with Kristin Hehrer

Hot Breakfast for donation at 10am!

(Enjoy coffee or tea after both services)

Don’t Forget! Daylight Savings time ends next Sunday, November 1!

Costume Parade!

Sunday, October 25

Let’s have a parade! Young and old(er!) wear your Halloween costume to show off at church! All are welcome!

Artist Reception: Renee Wormack-Keels

“One Woman’s Journey — Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow”

Sunday, Nov.1, 12:30- 2:00pm.

Talk at 12:30pm
“I am a narrative art or story quilter. Quilting has been one of the most popular forms for Black women to tell our stories, sharing injustices and the lack of equality in this country. We will never stop telling our stories. The history of African American women in the United States often not included in the history of black men or women. Experience on woman’s story through fabric, color, memory, and tradition.”

Renee Wormack-Keels

First Friday Spaghetti Dinner

Friday, November 6, 6:30 pm

We’ll have salad, pasta, sauce, meatballs, garlic bread, and dessert, including vegetarian, gluten free, dairy free, and vegan options for different dietary opportunities. Bring a side to share if you’re able. All are Welcome!

Your first dinner is free! Subsequent $3 donations help fund the food. Spread the word, and come have a good time and some good eats with church friends!

Two Guided Meditation Classes

“Remembering Who You Are: Meditation as a Path Home”

November 7, 12:30-3:30pm

Register for Workshop

“Coming Home to Yourself: an 8-week Meditation Journey”

Weekly November 11 – January 27, 6:00-7:30

(No classes on holiday weeks)

Register for Class
In the busyness of daily life, it’s easy to lose touch with your inner voice and the greater knowing that it carries. Meditation is an invitation to reconnect with your true identity.

Join Patti O’Toole for one or both of these classes.

School for Young Children (SYC)

Scholarship Auction

November 14, 5:30 pm Live and Online Auction

School for Young Children is an outreach program of First UU. For more than 55 years, SYC has devoted the largest amount of class time to free play in alignment with the SYC Philosophy: to be responsive to each child’s needs, to encourage expression of feelings, and to foster self-discovery and self-worth.

SYC takes pride in our ability to help families overcome financial barriers to attendance at our school. Enjoy good food and drinks, while bidding on silent auction items, with connections old and new. As a community planned, funded, and executed event, 100% of the proceeds go to the SYC Scholarship Fund. Check out the SYC Auction!

Save the Dates!

“Let the Good Times Roll!”

Mardi Gras Fundraiser

February 20 – February 21, 2027

Have you marked your calendars for our biggest fundraiser on Mardi Gras weekend?

Saturday evening, ($15 ticket) — Break out your beads and masks for a Mardi Gras party featuring heavy appetizers, silent auction, raffle, drinks, and festivities.

Sunday, after the service (free!) – The live auction returns, no ticket needed! Enjoy a light lunch and drinks in Beach Hall, then parade back to the worship center for the live auction. There will be something for everyone!

The two-week online auction closes Friday, February 19 just before the Mardi Gras party kicks off.

The Auction Website is now open for 2027 donations! What would you like to donate this year?  If you have any questions, please contact our Auction Team

From First UU Leadership

Chalice Circle Signups are Open!

It’s time to register for Chalice Circles! Register to participate in this rewarding small group ministry that deepens and broadens personal spiritual growth. Groups typically consists of 8-10 members who meet at each others’ homes or the church once a month to discuss spiritual or religious topics and get to know each other.

Help shape our congregation’s future!

Join the Ministerial Search Committee!

Apply to join by October 25!

The Board of Trustees is forming a Ministerial Search Committee to identify our new minister. If you’re passionate about our community & wish to serve, or wish to provide feedback about what our congregation needs in a new minister, please visit our Ministerial Search page to learn about the process and volunteer!
Thanks to a generous donor all New Pledges or Increased Pledgesreceived during the month of October are matched, up to $10,000! Please consider pledging or increasing your commitment to take advantage of this generosity.

Upcoming Classes / Small Groups

Eco-Tip: Walking in Nature

Friday Mornings 9:30am

Highbanks Metropark Nature Center

Living in an urbanized setting we often don’t think much about the natural world beyond where the sidewalk ends, even though our lives depend on it. We invite you to join the First UU Walkers to get out in the woods for a little “forest bathing” as the colors change.
Can’t make that time? Central Ohio has an abundance of parks and natural areas where you can reconnect with Mother Earth.

Rising Young Adults (RYA)

2nd & 4th Sundays 12:30 – 2:30 pm

Next Meeting October 25

Are you a Young Adult aged 18-24? RYA are a welcoming group of people that can help you through this transitional period of your life while we’re all just trying to figure out how to be adults in this world. Meetings this year will include self care, fundraising plans, and presentations from community members on “How to Adult.”

PS: If you’re NOT Age 18-24, but have specialized knowledge in How to do Taxes, How to change a tire, or Job Hunting tips, please Email us and consider doing a presentation to our group!

Atheists-Skeptics-Humanists (ASH)

Tuesday, October 27, 7pm

For our October meeting, Jennie Long, League of Women Voters Vice President of Voter Services will be our program speaker, as we head into one of the most important elections of our time. Come learn about the League’s history and current activities.

Stamped from the Beginning

Book Discussion

October 27 at 7 pm via Zoom

Register

The Anti-Racist Allies invite congregants of all ages to read Stamped from the Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi and participate in the congregational group read!

The final monthly Zoom book discussion covers1963-today. We hope you will be able to join us!

Movie Screening

November 8 12:30

Don’t Miss the screening of Stamped from the Beginning by Netflix (2023), (85 minutes) on Sunday, November 8 after service in Room 301!

This will be the final session linked to ARA’s sponsored read by Ibram X Kendi. Whether or not you’ve read one of the four versions, this film will inspire and inform. All are welcome.
Contact Erin Reiley-Sanders or Susan Carrwith any questions.

Pathways to Membership

Sunday, November 8, 8:30-1pm

If you are interested in the next steps to become a member of First Unitarian Universalist Church of Columbus you are cordially invited to register and participate in the next Pathways to Membership class. It is designed for newcomers and is always recommended before deciding to become a church member. Your participation in the class does not obligate you to join our church.

The Pathways to Membership class will acquaint you with our church and our faith before you consider a commitment of membership to First UU. Registration

Justice and Volunteering

Dates with Justice

  • 10/24, 1pm: Unshackle Springfield Rally supporing the Haitian communityRegister Here
  • Now! Early Voting at you county Board of Elections Saturday 8 AM-4 PM; Weekdays next week 7:30 AM-7:30 PM (to 8:30 PM on Tuesday)

Join the First UU Columbus Protesters chat on Signal App

or email our Justice Team for more information.

Voter Outreach National Phonebank:

Your Voice is Needed!

Sunday, November 1, 7 – 9:30 pm

Optional Potluck 6:15 PM
Join the First UU community to participate in Advocates For Trans Equality (A4TE) voter outreach phonebank. We’ll contact voters in states with anti-trans ballot measures to share information about the measures and upcoming elections.

What to Expect:

• Training and scripts will be provided. A4TE leaders will help us get started before we make calls or send texts together in Room 301. No experience required.

• Bring an internet-connected device, a computer, tablet, or phone is all you need.

• Your personal information will be protected. People you contact won’t see your phone number, email address or other identifying information.

Register and set up your account in advance.

Questions? Contact Dr. Leo Taylor or 607-229-7760 (text)

Democracy Action Hour – Election Opportunities

Sunday, October 25, 12:30 PM

We have just over a week until the midterm election, and there are a lot of ways to get involved. At this week’s Democracy Action Hour, learn about the many different non-partisan ways you can still volunteer. We’ll have information on canvassing, text-banks, phone-banks, poll-standing, election protection, and more and everything you need to sign up to take action.

Next week: Sunday, November 1 is the only opportunity to vote early on a Sunday. We’ll have a carpool to the Board of Elections for anyone who needs it. More information to come.

First UU Environmental Action Week

Please invite friends and family to our Environment week events:

  • Tuesday 11/10 Groundswell Movie Night 7 p.m
  • Sunday 11/15 America Recycles Day Eco-Service 11 a.m.
  • Sustainability Community Mixer after service during coffee hour
\We show our care for the Earth with solar energy, rain gardens, wildlife habitat, eco-justice, education, partnerships and more. Many people care about our planet and want a chance to act with others. First UU is a welcoming, green group that they might want to join. Our environmental leadership serves the wider community and can help us grow. New members can bring participation, friendship, volunteer energy, financial support and greater impact. (Details on facebook)

Eco-tip “Leave the Leaves!”
Seeing leaves pile up in your yard? Consider leaving some where they fall! Fallen leaves provide important habitat for overwintering pollinators, insects and microorganisms while insulating your soil from cold temperatures.
As leaves break down, they return nutrients to the soil, creating a natural fertilizer and reducing the need for mulch and fertilizer in the spring. It’s an easy way to support wildlife and create a healthier landscape right at home. Learn more at xerces.org

Community News

IACO’s 2026 Annual Prayer Gathering

November 8, 2026 3:30 pm to 7pm

Lord of Life Lutheran Church

2480 W Dublin-Granville Rd

Register (free)
All are welcome to attend IACO’s (Interfaith Association of Central Ohio) annual prayer gathering. This year’s theme is Compassion: With Our Heads, Hearts and Hands.

Please register in advance.

The 4pm Prayer Service will be followed by a vegetarian potluck dinner at 5:30pm. If you are attending the dinner, please bring a covered vegetarian main dish, salad, side dish or dessert that will serve 8 people. Join in the opportunity for fellowship and spiritual conversation.

Family Activities

This Sunday! 10/25

Happy autumn! First UUers of all ages are invited to wear their Halloween costumes to church this week!

Peace Pals children’s choir will be performing a Halloween medley in the 11am service, and our kiddos who participate in bringing in the light will get to paradedown the aisle in costume for the congregation, before the time for all ages story.

See you there!
9:15am Nouurish Service (sanctuary)

10:00-10:45am Breakfast! (A/B) Cooks Needed: Email Robin!

10:30am-12:30pm Infant/Toddler Care 3mos-3yrs (101) Now Hiring!

10:30-12:00pm 13-15yr OWL – closed cohort (302)

10:45am-12:15pm 5-7year OWL – closed cohort (402)

10:45am-12:15pm Coming of Age – closed cohort, 14yrs-HS senior (301)

11am-12:15pm Justice Seekers (MS wizardry & social action) 11-14yrs (401)

HS invited to attend service, play games in Beach, work tech, or volunteer in RE.

10:45-11:00am Peace Pals Children’s Choir Performance Warmup (sanctuary)

11am-12noon Worship Service & Halloween Costume Parade (sanctuary)

11:15ish-12:15 Spirit Play 3-6yrs: Start in Service Until After Story (102)

11:15ish-12:15 Spirit Play 7-10yrs: Start in Service Until After Story (201)

12:30 Snack! Coffee and Tea (A/B, Beach) Help Brew and Serve: Email Robin!

12:30pm No Peace Pals Rehearsal Today! Due to 11am Performance 🙂

12:30-2:30pm Youth Group! Meeting 12yrs-HS senior (404)

1:00-2:30pm Navigators Scouting Badge-Work Meeting (201, playground)

Next Sunday, 11/1: annual All Ages Remembrance Service led by CUUPS (Covenant of UU Pagans) – most classes are off that day, except 5-7yr OWL

Register Now: https://firstuucolumbus.org/learning/sunday-school/