On Wednesday morning I learned that one of my colleagues, Rev. Dr. Natalie Fennimore, died quite suddenly after a very short illness. Those of you who attended General Assembly in 2021 would have heard her give the sermon at the Service of the Living Tradition. She was the Lead Minister of the UU Congregation at Shelter Rock. She began her career as a religious educator so it was quite remarkable for her to make that transition so successfully, and she was one of our foremost African American ministers.

One of the things that Natalie taught me is that we need to minister to people wherever they are, recognizing that we all have pastoral and spiritual needs no matter our circumstances, and of course we should. But it’s easy to forget that when it feels like people are more powerful than ourselves. And for Natalie, as a Black minister who grew up economically disadvantaged, serving one of the most wealthy UU congregations we have, it might have been easy for her to forget that as well, but she didn’t. She stood steadfast to her ministerial calling and I will forever respect her for that.

Lead Minister

P.S. Please bring a flower to share for our flower ceremony this Sunday, a tradition inaugurated by the Czech Unitarian Minister, Norbert Ćapek, who served as a defiant voice to the Nazis and died in a concentration camp. It’s a noble story and I hope you will come to hear more. If you don’t bring a flower we will have one for you!

Upcoming Events

This Sunday, April 19th

9:15
Nouurish Service

Join us for this interactive and inherently multigenerational community worship experience!

Our featured story this week:

Echo

by Adam Rex

Presented by Alternative Worship Team & Members of this Community

Infant / Toddler Care is Available 10:30-12:30

11:00

“How Lovely Our Garden Grows: Diversity in Community

Join us for a fun and interactive Earth Day service, and participate in a beloved spring tradition by bringing cut flowers to share! (We will have plenty of extras for everyone)!

Flower Ceremony!

All Ages Service!

Presented by Rev. Dr. Terasa Cooley and Amber Scott

Sunday, April 19, is our Flower Communion All Ages Service (no classes)!

Please bring cut flowers to share for this beloved UU tradition!

Upcoming Member Memorials

TODAY! April 17, 2pm: Tom Tucker, Wesley Glen Retirement Community

Hosted at First UU:

April 18, 3pm: Chuck White

May 2, 2pm: Tom Roberts

June 6, 1pm: Bob Letcher

Final Week for the current Art Exhibit!

“What Makes Me Happy”

by Nikki Nwosu

Now through April 26

Take time to see Nikki Nwosu’s wonderful art in the worship center . this is the last week! Nikki Nwosu rescues lost fabrics, discarded clothing, old lace and creates fascinating textures and movement in unexpected combinations. Nikki plays! How do you play?

All are Welcome!

Anti-Racist Allies Lunch at Hoyo’s Kitchen

Sunday, April 19, 12:30 pm

North Market, 59 Spruce St. Columbus, OH 43215

Join other First UU’ers for this ARA-sponsored lunch outing! Customers can build their own bowls, wraps, or salads with staples like rice, lentils, and cabbage at this family-owned Somali eatery. We will meet at the kiosk in the church gallery at 12:30 pm to carpool.

Help Make a Difference:

Join these Social Action events organized by BREAD

Stop Predatory landlords!

Protect renters now!

Monday, April 20, 5:30 pm

Columbus City Hall, 90 W. Broad St.

Meet at City Hall or carpool from First UU’s Weisheimer lot at 4:45 pm.

Come to the Columbus City Council VOTE on the rental registry that BREAD has been working for!

Attend to:

• Counter the pressure from landlords and lobbyists

• Ensure Columbus adopts a system that protects families, not negligent landlords.

• Demonstrate that people power is stronger than special interests!

Trees Protect Us,

We Protect Trees

Wednesday, April 22, 10 am-12 pm

Did you know that:

• Columbus has only a 22% tree canopy compared to similar cities, e.g., Cincinnati, Pittsburgh.

• Columbus is the fastest growing urban heat island in the U.S.?

• Heat is the #1 weather-related killer in the U.S.?

Come to BREAD’s Earth Day Forum to learn more at Congregation Tifereth Israel, 1354 E. Broad St.

Email First UU’s BREAD Team for more info!

Save the Date!

BREAD 2026 Nehemiah Action

Tuesday, May 12, 6:40-8:30 pm

2,250 are people needed at the Celeste Center for this major event to hold public officials accountable for the above matters of social justice. Free tickets and bus signups at JAM table after Sunday services.

Expressive Worship

Thursday, April 23, 6:30 pm

Come and experience a different kind of spiritual practice centered around the personal creative process! Readings and songs are guided by a monthly theme which inspires our individual artwork. At the end of the evening those who wish to share their work are welcome into a sharing circle. All ages and abilities are enthusiastically welcomed. April’s theme is “Embracing Possibility.”

See images of Mandalas from March’s theme of “Paying Attention.”

UUJO Spring Gathering

Saturday, April 25, 9 AM-5 PM

Join UUs from across the state for the Unitarian Universalist Justice Ohio (UUJO) Spring Gathering, hosted here at First UU. Pablo DeJesus, the Executive Director of UUs for Social Justice, will give the keynote, “Faithful Defiance in Times of Democratic Trial.” Afternoon workshops will be offered on immigration, trauma and resilience, coalition / network building, Statehouse advocacy and more!

Registration: $65 (includes lunch) contact Rev. Dr. Alice Diebel for scholarship support.

A Peek Ahead

4/26 – UU Justice Ohio speaker Pablo DeJesús
5/1 – First Friday Spaghetti Dinner – Hosted by Rev. Terasa and Marco

Planning ahead? Check our online calendar for additional events!

From First UU Leadership

Spring is Stewardship Season

Our UU community is one of those rare spaces where people can breathe deeply, reconnect with their values, and remember that they are not alone. Consider what this place means to you and if you can deepen your financial support this year. Set up recurring ACH or Credit card donations here or Pledge online Or stop by table in gallery next few Sundays to pick up your packet and talk to the team.

Thank you for your generosity!

Solar Power Project Nears Completion

Installation of solar panels and electrical components on the church roof has been completed. After some testing and adjustments, AEP will be asked to give its approval. Then the system will be turned on, producing up to 61% the church’s daily electrical needs from the sun. Look for this to happen in the next few weeks.

Director of Administration Brian Hagemann in a rooftop review of the panels. Photo by Dave Richter.

Sign Up: HS Grad Recognition 5/3!

Does your family include a teen who is graduating from high school or homeschool, or who you want affirmed by the congregation as they transition from youth to young adulthood?

Bridging seniors receive gifts from the congregation! Graduating youth and their families are invited to attend in person – so that we can honor you as a congregation – but this is not required.

*The form is due by midnight the Tuesday before the ceremony, April 28th!*

Decolonizing the Mind:

Racial and Environmental Justice

Please share Paisha Thomas’ Faithify Campaign

First I want to emphasize how great an experience it has been to work with you and to witness your absolute commitment to making First UU an anti-racist congregation. I want to share with you about my plans to study for a semester in Namibia in an educational program called “Decolonizing the Mind: Racial and Environmental Justice” this fall. In addition to helping me complete my educational journey, this program will enable me to continue my collaborative life-work, a multi-media art project called “Reunion, A Vessel for Pan-African Unity.”

If you would like to learn more about my work and the global research that I will be completing, please read about it on my Faithify Campaign. I would like to ask that you share the campaign with everyone you know, because through many small donations we can accomplish big dreams!

Learn More on Faithify Campaign

Upcoming Governance Meetings

4/22 Board of Trustees (RSVP)
5/20 Finance Committee (RSVP)
6/7 Congregational Annual Meeting

Nominate someone to be on the Board of Trustees or Nominating Committee (NomCom) using our Nomination Form (or email NomCom!)

Justice & Volunteering

Join the First UU Columbus Protesters chat on Signal App

or email our Justice Team for more information.

Help Plant Trees at Spruce Run Nature Center!

Saturday, April 18, 9:30 AM-2:00 PM

Seeking a dozen or more volunteers to help plant bare root trees – that will provide shelter for animals, oxygen for all beings, and pollen for pollinators for decades to come! Families and teens welcome! (Children younger than age 16 must be accompanied by an adult chaperone). RSVP on Realm!

You are welcome to explore Spruce Run’s 50 acres before or after planting trees! Bring hiking shoes, a water bottle (can be refilled on site), and a snack or sack lunch if desired. We ask that you spend an hour and a half helping to plant trees (or longer, if you like)! Questions? Contact Dana Reynolds!

4175 Sunbury Rd, Galena, OH 43021

Democracy Action Hour

Weekly at 12:30 on Sunday

April 19 – Canvassing for Issue 5 with Indivisible

April 26 – Whistle kit and sign making for May Day

Each week we do something together to support democracy and resist what’s going on. This Sunday we’ll be knocking on doors in Clintonville with Indivisible to get out the vote for Issue 5, a non-police crisis response system for the City of Columbus. The event begins at 1:30 PM at another location; we’ll meet at the church to arrange carpooling over. If you’d like to go directly there at 1:30 PM, register here or email us at contact-democracy@firstuucolumbus.orgfor the location. If you’ve never canvassed before, this is a great opportunity to start!

Feed and Read Ohio – New

Website & Volunteer Sign-Up Form

Feed and Read Ohio has a new website, and even more excitingly, a new volunteer sign up form! Visit the new site and check it out by using the same address as before:

feedandreadohio.org

While you visit, make sure to click the “Volunteer” button and fill out the Volunteer Sign-Up Form to get added to our weekly shopper call-out list. On Mondays, you can opt in to shop the list for that week by clicking the link in the call-out email. Drop off the meal kits to church on Fridays between 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM or Sunday between 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM.

Help us keep the amazing work of Feed and Read Ohio going by becoming part of a community of dedicated volunteers.

Home Hospitality Hosts Needed

April 24-26, 2026

First UU Columbus is hosting the UUJO Spring Assembly on Saturday, April 25th. UUs from throughout Ohio will be coming to Columbus, and some will be needing home hospitality for Friday night, Saturday night, or both. Do you have some extra space you would be willing to offer to a visitor?Hosting visitors is a wonderful way to get to know other UUs and deepen connections within our UU world. And, it’s quite fun — Click the button and sign up to host! Email us with questions.

Become a Host

Interfaith Association of Central Ohio

IACO (the Interfaith Association of Central Ohio) is looking for interested First UUs who want to be involved in interfaith work. Our organization represents nine diverse faiths who have come together for one purpose: to create an interfaith community based on understanding, friendship, and trust. IACO offers its members visits to different faith traditions, hosts a community service weekend, sponsors webinars, the main event, and an annual prayer gathering. Please contact with Karen Dawson or Danya Furda if interested.

Email us to Volunteer!

Eco-tip Earth Day

Earth Day is officially April 22nd, but there are many opportunities to celebrate and support the planet all through the month. In fact, there are too many opportunities to list here, so you are invited to find an event near you by going to Earth Day Columbus to learn about them!

Dates with Justice

5/1: May Day national day of action (details to come)
5/5: Primary Election Day
5/12: BREAD Nehemiah Action (Email for info)

Join the First UU Columbus Protesters chat on Signal App

or email our Justice Team for more information.

Classes & Groups

Additional Groups & Classes

Sacred Song Circle: 6pm Wednesdays
Creativity Mondays: 7-9pm, 1st/3rd Mondays Expressive Collage, 2nd/4th Mondays Creative Community Crafting
Keep On Keeping On chronic pain support: 3pm 4/20 Zoom (RSVP)

On the Journey

Join us in the journey towards anti-racism by celebrating

black innovators, creators, and change-makers each week.

Read about the 8th Principle and First UU’s anti-racism efforts on our website.

Victor Green

Postal Worker, Entrepreneur, Innovator

This week, we want to celebrate Victor Green, creator of the “Green Book”. From the 1940s through the 1970s, Black American travelers were restricted from many of the hotels, attractions, services and restaurants that catered to the larger, white population. Green’s travel guide specialized in providing information to travelers who were people of color during the Jim Crow era. The book warned Black American drivers about routes to avoid and promoted positive recreation experiences for Black Americans traveling the nation’s highways. Eventually, as with public transit and the larger college industrial complex, travel accommodations & services expanded to African Americans in part because providers realized although their skin was black, their money was still green. In this way, Victor Green helped African Americans force their way into the American dream of leisure, travel, and the open road.

Learn more about the Green book at this virtual Green Book exhibit, and read about Victor’s story at the Federal Highway of Administration’s website, or watch the real story of the Green Book (4:16) on youtube, produced by Vox.com

Thank you, Don Merrill, for submitting this article!

Anti-Racist Allies Events & Calendar

April and May

Did you know that the Anti-Racist Allies events are for everyone? This group curates a list of fun and interesting activities that are open to the public that will both uplift and support our BIPOC community. You can download the list from First UU’s website to see what’s coming up in April and May. We hope you are able to enjoy some of the many activities here in Columbus!

Please suggest someone for us to feature in our weekly celebration mini-biographies. Interested in writing?

Email Becca to contribute to this weekly feature. Thank you!

Community News

Calling all UU Artists and Friends for “Freedom!”

Get ready to create! Our annual members and friend Fall Art Show is called “Freedom!” and we will accept 1-2 hangable pieces of art from all First UU members and friends, including youth! Intake is August 7-9: Keep an eye out in upcoming Fridays’ News editions for a signup and more information and Be “Free as a Bird” as you create!

Email Deb with questions!

“Free as a bird” Quilt by Deb Baillieul

The Interfaith Association of Central Ohio (IACO) Presents:

Interfaith Visit to Congregation Agudas Achim

Saturday, April 18 at 10:30 am (Please register)

IACO (the Interfaith Association of Central Ohio) invites you to an interfaith visit to Congregation Agudas Achim, a conservative Jewish synagogue, on Saturday, April 18 from 10:30 am until noon, with an option for lunch. We will observe a Sabbath service followed by a question and answer session with the rabbi. All are welcome, but registration is required. A photo ID for adults over 18 is required for security.

Columbus Women’s Chorus Spring Concerts!

7:00 PM Saturday, April 25 (6:30 PM doors open)

& 3:00 PM Sunday, April 26 (2:30 PM doors)

At a time of global unrest and deep division, the Columbus Women’s Chorus invites the community to come together through music that uplifts, empowers, and inspires action. Their spring concert series, “STAND UP!”, centers themes of justice, resilience, and collective care. Through a dynamic program featuring songs such as “What Happens When a Woman,” “Warrior,” “Justice,” and “Be the Change,” the chorus uses music to explore urgent social issues while creating space for connection and hope. The concert features “Dance the Wind,” a commissioned work with music by Assistant Artistic Director and Accompanist Sheena Phillips and lyrics by soprano Bobbie Brooks, highlighting the creative power within the chorus itself. “STAND UP!” reflects the chorus’s mission to use music as a tool for education, advocacy, and community-building—reminding audiences that even in difficult times, they are not alone.

Ohio Roller Derby Home Games!

2026 home games will be played Saturdays at the Ohio Expo Center; join us for the final 2 games of the season on May 9 & May 23.

Family Activities

Happening This Sunday, April 19th!

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)

***No Classes Today Due to Flower Communion Service – Bring Cut Flowers!***

11:00am-12:00pm All Ages Service: Flower Communion! (sanctuary)

Join us for this fun and interactive community ritual, “How Lovely Our Garden Grows: Diversity in Community!” Bring cut flowers to share as part of this beloved tradition (and we will have plenty of extras)!

Kiddos w/fam during service: use Busy Bags or quiet toys in Wee Worship / Slowter!

1:15-3:00pm No Navigators Hike: Go Hike or Bike on Your Own!

Check Out Peace Camp This Summer!

At Peace Camp we invite children to be their true selves, and make space for all to be welcomed and valued. We explore what peace means, looks like, and how it connects us. Cost: $100 suggested. Invite your friends! bit.ly/peacecamp2026

Session A for 5-8 years, Monday-Friday 7/27-7/31 from 9am-12noon
Session B for 8-12 years, Monday-Friday 8/3-8/7 from 9am-12noon

First UU Church of Columbus

First Unitarian Universalist Church

Sunday Services at 9:15 & 11