Friday News – October 30, 2026

Here we are (finally!!) a few days short of the midterm elections! I’ve heard a mixture of feelings about this: dread, excitement, fear, anxiety, hope; sometimes all of the above in a single moment. How do we hold all this intense confusion? What helps for me is to know that no matter the outcome, the sun will come up the next day. The constants of life will continue and we will still have work to do regardless.

And, most importantly, this community will be here to hold us. With so much in flux we do need one another and I remain grateful for each of you that uphold the values of Unitarian Universalism in the world: justice, equity, transformation, pluralism, interdependence, generosity and, of course, love! We will get through this together.

Rev. Dr. Terasa G. Cooley

Lead Minister

This Week

Don’t Forget to Turn Back Your Clocks! Daylight Savings Time Ends

Sunday, November 1!

This Sunday, November 1

9:15 am Nouurish Service

Featuring: Trudy’s Healing Stone

written by Trudy Spiller

Presented by the

Alternative Worship Team

Hot Breakfast for donation at 10am!

(Coffee or tea after both services)

11:00 am “Remembrance” (*All Ages)

Gather in community to honor the memory of those who have passed, and whose impact lives on. Please bring photos of your loved ones to add to our shared altar.

Presented by Seeker’s Grove,

First UU’s Chapter of the

Covenant of UU Pagans (CUUPS)

*Most Kids’ Classes Off This Week Except 5-7yr OWL*

Artist Reception:

Renee Wormack-Keels
“One Woman’s Journey —
Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow”

Sunday, November 1

Artist Talk at 12:30pm

12:30 – 2:00pm Reception

“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.”

“If it wasn’t for the blood”

Renee Wormack-Keels

First Friday Spaghetti Dinner

Friday, November 6, 6:30 pm

Join us for 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!

Anti-Racist Allies (ARA) Reunion

All are welcome! Join the Anti-racist allies teams for fellowship at First Friday for the community meal and discussion! Learn about First UU’s Anti-Racism events and activities, or participate in one of the breakout groups for rich and meaningful conversation. Whether you’re curious about ARA or a longtime reunion attendee, we hope you will join in and we look forward to seeing you.

Remembering Who You Are:

An Introductory Meditation Workshop

Saturday November 7, 12:30 – 3:30 pm

We’ll begin with a three-hour introductory workshop, an opportunity to step away from the busyness of daily life and reconnect with your inner voice and the deeper knowing it carries. Through gentle teaching, guided meditation, and chanting, we’ll explore eternal truths and begin the journey home to ourselves.

 

The workshop is perfect for anyone wanting to experience meditation before committing to the series, as well as those who would like a deeper foundation for the work we’ll do together.

From First UU Leadership

Board of Trustees Meeting Changes

In lieu of the holidays, the Board is shifting their upcoming meeting dates / days, and moving to Online Only for November and December:

7-9pm Tuesday, November 24, and 7-9pm Tuesday, December 15

Fill out this form to attend, or email the Board with any questions!

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.

Thanksgiving Dinner Hosts

& Community Cooks Needed!

Thursday, November 26,

4:30 – 7:30pm

November is just around the corner, and First UU is hoping to continue our tradition of offering a community Thanksgiving meal. For this to happen, we need folks willing to act as point people to coordinate and prepare main dishes (turkey and a veg/an option). Email to Volunteer!

 

Once we have leads in place, church staff will support by promoting the event and collecting RSVPs (for a head count and what sides/desserts folks plan to bring). Thank you for your help continuing this wonderful tradition!

Ohio Roller Derby’s Skatemare Before Christmas!

4 PM Saturday, November 21

Kasich building, Ohio Expo Center

Tickets are now on sale for the final roller derby home game of 2026! Come see our Director of Religious Exploration, Amber Scott, skate in the annual matchup between the Bells (team Christmas) and the Ghouls (team Halloween)! Image by JL Bermudez Photo.

Justice and Volunteering

Book Drive Donations Needed!

Throughout November

Check your bookshelves! Our middle school Justice Seekers class is collecting new and gently used books for all ages, which will be donated to Feed and Read Ohio and local Little Free Libraries. Do some decluttering while helping us promote literacy in our wider community! Donations can be left in the copy / mail room.

Dates with Justice

  • Final Days for Early Voting: Saturday, 8 AM-4 PM, Sunday, 1-5 PM
  • 11/3: Election Day (polls open 7:30 AM-7:30 PM)
  • 11/7 at 10 am: UUJO Post-Election Conversation on ZoomNow! (Register)
  • 11/16 at 7 pm: BREAD Annual Assembly

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. No experience required.
  • Please bring an internet-connected device, computer, tablet, or phone.
  • Your personal information will be protected. People you contact will not see your phone number, email address or other identifying information.

Please Register and set up your account in advance.

Democracy Action Hour

Election Opportunities

Sunday, November 1, 12:30 PM

This Sunday is the last day to vote early (1-5 PM at your Board of Elections). Do you need a ride to vote or to drop off your absentee ballot? We’ll find you one.

If you have any other questions about voting, our Democracy Team will do our best to answer them for you. See us at the Justice Action Ministry Table.

First UU Environmental Action Week

Please invite friends and family to our Environment week events:

  • Tuesday, November 10 at 7 pm Groundswell Movie Night
  • Sunday, November 15 at 11 am America Recycles Day Eco-Service and Sustainability Community Mixer
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 congregation people might want to join. Tom Baillieul presented at the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission’s annual Summit on Sustainability, sharing our ongoing journey to act on our values. Our environmental leadership serves the wider community and can help us grow.

(Event Details on facebook)

Feed and Read Ohio

Feed and Read Ohio is collecting winter gear for the season. We can use new or gently used coats, scarves sweaters, and blankets. All sizes adult and child are needed and will be distributed to needy families. Collection will continue through January. Drop them off at the Feed and Read Ohio table with Jacques or during the week in the coat room.

Upcoming Events

Anti-Racist Alies (ARA) Sponsored Movie Screening

Sunday November 8, 12:30 pm

Come view Netflix’s excellent production of “Stamped from the Beginning”, 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.

Questions? Email Susan Carr

Groundswell Movie Event for Healthy Food,

Soil Health, and a Sustainable Planet!

Tuesday November 10, 7 – 9 pm

Register on Eventbrite

This award winning documentary shares a breathtaking journey across five continents showing how regenerative approaches can rebuild soil health, draw carbon from the atmosphere, revive biodiversity, improve the nutritional value of our food, and strengthen local economies.

Narrated by Demi Moore and Woody Harrelson, it is a hopeful call to action, inviting audiences to reimagine our relationship with the land and recognize regeneration as a unifying path forward. Connect with local organizations after the film!

This event is part of Ohio Soil Health Week, The Ohio State University Agroecology Management Program (AMP) events, and First UU Environmental Action Week. See details on our Facebook Event!

Coming Home to Yourself: An 8-Week Meditation Journey

Weekly November 11 – January 27

6:00 – 7:30 pm

(No classes on holiday weeks)

Open to beginners and experienced meditators alike, each weekly class builds on the last through teaching, guided meditation, and chanting. Drop-ins are always welcome, as each meditation is accessible on its own and offers something meaningful, regardless of how many classes you’ve attended.

School for Young Children (SYC)

Scholarship Auction

November 14, 5:30 pm

(Live and Online)

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. Be sure to check out the SYC Auction and donate!

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

Upcoming Classes / Small Groups

Community Music Night!

Wednesday, November 4, 7-9pm

Join us in the Worship Center for an evening of unscripted music and connection. Bring an instrument, your voice, your dancing feet, or just come to listen. This is not an open mic or a concert. It’s a shared musical experience where everyone belongs and co-creates. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s the joy of making music together.

Participants are welcome to lead a favorite song, teach something new, or improvise. A piano will be available; please bring any other instruments you’d like to play. All instruments, musical styles, and skill levels are welcome. No experience is necessary. Come and go as you wish.

Contact Dr. Leo Taylor with 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

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.

Community News

IACO’s 2026 Annual Prayer Gathering

November 8, 3:30 pm to 7pm

Please Register in advance (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.

The 4pm Prayer Service at Lord of Life Lutheran Church (2480 W Dublin-Granville Rd) 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! 11/1

Remembrance Service (All Ages): Most Classes Off Except 5-7yr OWL

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

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!

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

*Most Classes for Children/Teens Are Off This Week*

11am-12noon All Ages Remembrance Service led by CUUPS (sanctuary)

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