Friday News – August 7, 2026

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It’s wonderful to be back with you as I return from my study leave. This Sunday our ASH group will be presenting a lay-led service and we are having a ceremony afterward to celebrate the Solar Panels coming online. I hope to see you all there.

Looking forward, we are deep into plans for the fall including Chalice Circles, small groups, Realm educational opportunities and so much more. Stay tuned!

Next Sunday, I will be talking about the “work of rest” and its far-reaching benefits. I am a firm believer in sharing resources and tips of what works for us and I would love to hear how you find rest in your life. Please email me your ideas and you just might hear them in the service!

Blessings,

Rev. Kelli McNeal

Congregational Life Minister

Upcoming Events

Sunday Services

August 9, 2026

10am “Good without God”
On Sunday, August 9th, the Atheists-Skeptics-Humanists (A-S-H) Group will present their annual lay-led service. This Sunday, they will reflect on the inner sense of morality that lead all people to perform acts of compassion and kindess, regardless of their beliefs.

Presented by the Atheists-Skeptics-Humanists (A-S-H) Group
Infant/Toddler Care 9:30am-11:30pm

Early-Childhood/Elementary Class for 3-11yrs after the story (start in worship)

Teen/Tween Board Games for rising 6th grade and up before and during service
And don’t forget to join us for a short ceremony and reception to celebrate our solar power system coming online! There will be cake and coffee with details about the system and how it’s working to offset over half of our electric usage. Get a referral to put solar power on your home roof!

Fun in the Summertime

First Friday!

TODAY! August 7 at 6:30 pm in the Breezeway

Relax and Enjoy the Outdoors!

Bring your own meal and beverages

Build Community Right Here at First UU!

Gather with friends and family for delightful evenings filled with laughter, conversation, and the beauty of nature.

Discover Yoga: Strength, Stillness, and Joy

Saturday Mornings at 10:00 AM

beginning August 8

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 instructors Prasant Joshii and Melissa Sullivan, with gentle instrumental music setting the tone for relaxation.

Bring a yoga mat, your favorite props, and comfortable clothing you can move freely in. Classes are donation-based, there is no set fee and no one will be turned away for non-payment. Donations will be shared between the instructors and First UU.

Backpack Blessings

On Sunday, August 2 we celebrated our third annual Backpack Blessings in support of Feed and Read Ohio’s 23rd annual school supply and backpack drive.

The goal for this year’s drive was 200… but we ended up stuffing 319 backpacks total, with additional supplies left to go to Linden Elementary school!

A huge thank you to everyone who donated, helped stuff, and to Jacques Angelino for the important work he does in our community.

Feed and Read Ohio

Summer Choir Sunday,

August 16

Everyone is invited to come sing as part of our last Summer Pick-Up Choir!

 

We will meet at 9:00 am to learn and rehearse the song for the 10:00 am service. All are welcome–no experience necessary! We look forward to seeing you there!

Labor Day Weekend Retreat

Saturday, Sept. 5 – Monday, Sept. 7

Camp Oty’Okwa in beautiful Hocking Hills

New this year! Day Pass: $15 per meal

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
Register Now

Planning ahead? Check our online calendar for additional events!

From First UU Leadership

Parking Lot Resurfacing

Starting Monday

The parking lots here at First UU will be resurfaced. From August 10-14, there will be limited parking. Visitors may need to walk around the sidewalks to enter the building.

Justice & Volunteering

Join the First UU Columbus Protesters chat on Signal App

or email our Justice Team for more information.

Democracy Action Hour

Sunday, August 9, 11:30 AM

For this week’s Democracy Action Hour, we’ll be writing letters to at-risk voters for VoteRiders. This is a great way to inform voters about voter ID requirements and direct them to resources that can help them with any ID issues. Feel free to bring stamps and envelopes if you’d like!

On the Journey

Happening in Columbus

This Haitian restaurant near Worthington offers both vegetarian and meat entrees, with a specialization on flaky patties. Meet at the JAM table for carpooling at 11:30 am or meet at the restaurant 6086 Huntley Road, Columbus OH 43229 just before noon.

The August/September ARA Calendar

Stamped Discussion Group

August 25 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!

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.

 

Register

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.

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

originally published March 13. Please consider submitting a mini-bio about an inspiring black author, artist, change-maker, or innovator.

Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson

Columbus Artist and MacArthur Genius

Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson was a visionary artist whose work turned the history of Columbus, Ohio, particularly the Poindexter Village neighborhood, into a sacred, universal narrative. Born and raised in Columbus, she dedicated her life to documenting the African-American experience through what she called “RagGonNons:” monumental, multi-media tapestries that combined fabric, needlework, paint, and found objects.

In 2004, she was awarded a MacArthur Genius Grant, one of the highest honors in the arts. Her work has been exhibited at prestigious institutions like the Brooklyn Museum and the Smithsonian, yet she remained deeply rooted in our community, living and working in her modest home on Sunbury Road.

Robinson’s legacy resonates with our First UU values of dignity and interconnectedness. She viewed her art as a bridge between the ancestors and future generations, practicing a philosophy of “Sankofa:” reaching back to move forward. Upon her passing in 2015, she left her estate to the Columbus Museum of Art, which now hosts a residency in her home to support new generations of artists. Her life was a testament to the power of storytelling as a tool for social justice and spiritual preservation.

We encourage you to read her comprehensive biography or explore her life’s work through the interactive Aminah’s World website, and watch her 1990 d’ART interview (7:30) or the Broad and High documentary (26m) to learn more about this amazing, local arts icon.

Thank you, Cara Seidt for submitting this article!

Community News

Festival of Faiths and Nations

on the Worthington Village Green NW

Sunday, August 9 1PM – 5 PM

Celebrate the rich diversity of our community! Hosted by WIN Worthington Interfaith Neighbors, this free, family-friendly event will feature representatives from more than 20 faiths and countries, with cultural displays, music, dance, hands-on activities, games, prizes, and more.First UU will have a table to tell our story and try to grow our First UU family. Please stop by our table to say hi!

The festival will take place alongside Sunday Funday, offering monthly themed dining, shopping and entertainment in Worthington’s historic district, where our Director of Religious Exploration, Amber Scott, will be part of the costumed entertainment (on skates!) from 1-3pm!

Annual Members and Friends art show “Freedom!”

The Reception for our exhibit at First UU is Sunday August 23, 11:15-1:00. Invite your friends and family.

Please bring a finger food snack to share if you wish.

Reminder: Drop off is Sunday, August 16 after the service (in Beach Hall). Make sure your piece is marked on the back with title and your name.

This exhibit runs until Oct. 25. Please do not take your artwork earlier.

Register or email Deb Baillieul for more info.

Banned Books: What Are They Afraid OfQuilt by Deb Baillieul

Family Activities

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

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

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

9:15am-12:15pm Teen/Tween Board Games! Rising 6th Grade & Above (A/B)

10:00-11:00am Worship Service (sanctuary)

10:15-11:15am (After Story) Early-Ed/Elementary Summer Class for 3-11yrs (201)

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

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

Coming Soon: Fall Class Registration and Volunteer Teacher Recruitment!