Friday News – August 16, 2024

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Happy Friday!

It’s that time of year when school is starting back up, and we as a congregation take some time to think about the blessings that animals bring into our lives. I look forward to seeing many of you with your pet/s or their photos on Sunday, and I encourage those who plan to attend online to post your pet pictures in the church Facebook group! My household is blessed with two cats, Onyx and Patches, and I like to take time to remember the past pets who also brought us joy.
As part of the service, there will be an altar for photos of departed pets. We are currently fostering another cat, Hazy, until we can find her a quiet forever home (or long term foster) where she can thrive as a solo pet and house cat in training. (Feel free to email me if you know someone looking to adopt)! Having a guest cat in the house has been both rewarding and challenging, and a great reminder of how each creature is just as much of an individual as people are. It has also shown me that love is an absolute necessity. Blessings upon you, and all the animals who have been part of your story!

Amber Scott

Director of Religious Exploration

PS: Our Sunday school program is gearing up for the fall, and I’d love to hear from you if you’re interested in volunteering with our children and teens! Reach out to me if you are interested! Thank you!

Upcoming Events

This Sunday – Animal Blessing

Service at 10am

Presented by Amber Scott, Director of Religious Exploration

and Rev. Dr. Terasa Cooley, Developmental Minister

We celebrate all the animals in our life, all those who have or are currently bringing joy to our lives. Bring your animal or a photo. We will also honor those pets that are no longer with us, so please bring photos to place on our altar.

A continental breakfast will be served starting at 9:15am. Coffee and tea remain available after the service.

Community GLOW BINGO Night

TONIGHT, Friday, August 16th 6 pm

Age 18+ only

Join in and bring your friends to raise money for our congregation and win cash prizes!  Our final Summer FUUN Series Bingo game is this Friday.

The cost is $25 for a full night of Bingo fun, and concessions are available at reasonable prices.

Due to Ohio law, Bingo events are limited to participants age 18 and over. We are seeking Volunteers, and have Paid Childcare positions available beginning in September.

Join the Anti-Racist Allies (ARA)

Way Down Yonder

Sunday, August 18

after the Worship Service

Anti-Racist Allies will take us back to New Orleans with an encore visit to Way Down Yonder, a NOLA-style restaurant at 3847 S. High St. Gather with us in the lobby after the service for carpooling!

Each month the ARA hosts an excursion to a different BIPOC-owned area restaurants. If you can’t attend this weekend, join us next month!

Care & Share Timebank (CSTB) Monthly Potluck

Sunday, August 18, 6:15pm gathering,

Potluck at 6:30

Bring a dish to share and learn about services available in Franklin County from our Guest speaker from the Franklin County Office on Aging. CSTB members can collect credits by coming to help set up at 6pm!

We will have a “Sharing” table – bring a gently used item for others to take, and browse to see if there’s something you would like. This gathering is open to all of First UU – enjoy the potluck and learn more about the CSTB!

Contact Vilvi Vanek or go to the Care & Share Timebank site for more information about this potluck and other CSTB happenings.

Final Summer Movie FUUN Night

Friday, August 23

7pm: Pajama Pre-Show: The Transformers (cartoon)

8:15pm: Ocean’s 8

Ocean’s 8 is a stylish heist film where an all-female crew, led by Debbie Ocean (Sandra Bullock,) plans and executes a daring jewelry robbery at the Met Gala!

Wear your comfiest pajamas and get ready for a night of fun and entertainment!

Enjoy delicious concessions at family-friendly prices.

$2 per candy, popcorn, or drink

Suggested $5 entry donation

Rummage Sale Donation Drop-Off

Saturday, August 24 10am–3pm

We currently accepting donations for our 2025 Rummage Sale! Email Myra Hartmann to set up a time to drop off your gently loved furniture or household items at Life Storage, 4735 Evanswood Dr 43229, with volunteers on hand to help you unload your vehicle and price your items.

Calling all volunteers! If you are available to join our Rummage Sale team, or just donate some time once in a while, please email Myra

Labor Day Retreat

Saturday, August 31 – Monday, September 2

at Camp Oty’Okwa in beautiful Hocking Hills

Adults (26+): $135

Teen / Early YA (13–25): $110

Children (5–12): $95

Toddlers (2–4): $25

Children Under 2: Free

Register Now – or no later than August 25. It’s not too late to 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.
Register Now

From the Staff & Board

Upcoming Governance Meetings

Finance Committee: August 21, 7–9pm

Board of Trustees: August 8, 7–9pm.

All members are welcome! Email using the links above to request a zoom link!

Fall Sunday Worship Schedule

Beginning September 8, there will be two worship services:

9:15am: Nouurish worship services are in a new, inclusive & intergenerational format.

11:00am: Traditional worship format.

Breakfast will be served from 10:00–10:45ambetween the services. We can’t wait to start the new church year with you! If you have any questions, please email our Worship Team.
Image by valentinsimon from Pixabay

Image from Pixabay

Calling all Groups and Teams! Engagement Catalog Registration is Open!

We are excited to announce the launch of our First Unitarian Universalist Church Engagement Catalog, a comprehensive resource to help our congregation connect, grow, and serve together. Whether you’re part of a Small Group, Justice Team, Music Group, Service Team, Social Group, or Spiritual and Pastoral Group, we want to include your group in this vital directory.

If you are a group leader, please take a moment to fill out the form by Monday, August 19 to ensure your group or team is represented in the catalogue. This is a great way to showcase the wonderful work your group is doing and help others engage more deeply with our vibrant community!

Email Andi M for more information!
Submit Group Information

Justice & Volunteering

Sign up to be a Covenant Group Facilitator!

Have you participated in or facilitated a Covenant Group in the past? Now’s the time to let us know of your interest to facilitate our 2024-2025 Covenant Groups! Fill out the Covenant Group Facilitator Registration!

Possibilities: Solar Panel Expansion Project

The Solar Power Team (part of the church’s Justice Action Ministry) recently sent requests to five solar power installation companies for proposals to maximize church usage of solar produced electricity. After months of meetings and vetting dozens of possibilities, the team selected these five vendors with the size, reputation, capitalization, and stability needed for the project. To select the vendor we developed stringent criteria based on financing options, roof space, solar panel costs, timing, and more.

Increasing the church’s use of solar power is part of First UU’s long term goal of becoming carbon neutral. It reflects the principles expressed in Article 2 of the UUA bylaws, that states we should show “respect for the interdependent web of all existence“ and reverence for our place in it.

Contact any members of the Solar Power team for more information:Tom Tichenor, Bruce Smith, Dave Richter, Tom Baillieul and Brian Hagemann.

Classes & Groups

Sing with Us at First UU!

August is here, and that means our First UU Choirs will be starting up again soon! The beginning of the church year is a great time to join a choir for the first time and for members on a break to return! All who love to sing are welcome, regardless of age, musical background, or music-reading ability.

Spirit of Life Choir will resume rehearsals on Tuesday, August 27, 6:30–8:00pm in the Worship Center. Please contact SOL’s director Michaela Brown with questions.
Image by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay
Chalice Choir will resume rehearsals on Thursday, August 29, 7:30–9:30pm in the Worship Center. Please contact Chalice Choir’s director Brandon Moss with questions.

Sacred Song Circle is Every Wednesday from 6:00–6:30pm in the Worship Center if at least 3 people can join. Contact coordinator Debra Boyd to be added to the email confirmation list – or just come, no RSVP required!

Community News & Events

Free Outdoor Music

“The Moonbats”

Sunday August 18, 5–8pm

88 Sheffield Road

Spend a Sunday evening with the Moonbats and some First UU Neighbors. Bring a lawn chair, Park at First UU, and Walk over to enjoy the music.

Celebrating All Who Work:

A Concert to Restore Meaning to Labor Day

by Bill Cohen & Friends

Sunday September 1 at 4 pm

Columbus Mennonite Church,

35 Oakland Park Avenue, 43214

Join Bill Cohen and his musical friends, as they sing songs thanking all the workers who make our lives easier and richer by doing their everyday jobs – factory workers, miners, teachers, truckers, crop pickers, plumbers, and more. Teresa Schleifer and Phil Hart will add powerful and beautiful vocal harmonies.

We’ll recall some labor history, when union struggles sparked reforms like the minimum wage and workplace safety. And we’ll hear inspiring sayings about the dignity of work.

$15 donations are suggested at the door. The musicians and tech crew will split the proceeds with the Central Ohio Worker Center, which advocates for low-income and immigrant workers.

Columbus ArborFest

Saturday August 24 from 1-5 pm

The first-ever Columbus ArborFest is free and will be held in Whetstone Park. This fun event will feature live music, food trucks, local exhibitors, a native plant sale and activities for adults and children.

Visit Columbus ArborFest or contact Susan Carr for more information.
Here are some of the events you can look forward to in the next 3–4 weeks! If your group is open to drop-ins or you are currently seeking new members, email Becca to make sure your information is listed in future editions of Friday’s news!

Around the Corner

  • Fri 8/23: Movie Night
  • Sun 8/25, 9/8 & 9/22: Rising Young Adults (RYA!) (2nd & 4th Sundays)
  • Tues 8/27: Expressive Worship
  • Tuesdays beginning 8/27: Spirit of Life Choir Rehearsal
  • Tues 8/27: Atheists Skeptics Humanists (ASH)
  • Thursdays beginning 8/29: Chalice Choir Rehearsal
  • Thurs 8/29: Chalice Choir Welcome Back Dessert party
  • Sat 8/31–Mon 9/2 – Labor Day Retreat
  • Sun 9/1: No RE classes (enjoy your holiday!)
  • Friday 9/6: First Friday Spaghetti Dinner
  • Sun 9/8: Water Ceremony, All Ages Ingathering Service
  • Sat 9/14: OFAM Concert by Tret Fure, Tickets $10–$50
  • Sun 9/15: Artists’ Reception for “What Matters” Exhibit, on display until October 14
  • Sun 9/15: Fall Religious Exploration classes & activities begin
  • Sun 9/22: Engagment Fair Weekend 1 – Religious Exploration

Family Activities

Family Activities This Sunday

9:15–9:45am: Breakfast (A/B)

9:30–11:30am: Infant and Toddler Care (room 101)

10–11am: Animal Blessing Service! – All Ages / No RE Classes (sanctuary)

Coffee Hour & Snacks after the Service (Beach Hall)

Teachers Needed!

These classes are in danger of not happening unless we have more volunteers:

  • Coming of Age (9th grade / 14-15years)
  • 10-11year Our Whole Lives sexuality education (5th grade)
  • Middle / High School Games Class (11-18yrs)
  • Early Spirit Play (3-6years)
  • High School Get Real Sexuality Curriculum (10th-12th grade)
  • Sun AM Toddler Care / Event Sitters (paid opportunity!)

Please fill out this form, or email Amber ASAP if you are interested! Thank you!