For First UU, August is the time that we we work to finalize plans and set up classes and small group registrations, preparing for the official start to a new church year.

In that area, here are a few things to know:

1. Mark your calendars for Sunday, September 8th -we will be transitioning back to two Sunday services! Join us at 9:15 for our new, all-ages Nouurish service then enjoy some breakfast and community conversation before our traditional 11:00 service!
2. There’s still time to register for the Annual Labor Day Retreat which will take place Saturday August 31 – Monday September 2. See the announcement below for more information.
3. It’s time to let us know if you would like to be a Covenant Group Facilitator! Maybe you’ve participated in a Covenant Group in the past or you have experience facilitating.  If you are interested in facilitating or learning more about facilitating a Covenant Group, please let us know here and we will be in touch with you soon. Covenant Groups are an amazing way to meet and connect with other First UUers in a unique way that is only possible in small group settings. We will have sign ups for participating in a Covenant Group soon, so stay tuned!

Read further and stay tuned as we roll out all of the fun and exciting things we have planned!

When times are tough, what do you look towards? We’ll look to UU theologian Rebecca Parker’s conception of a “radically realized eschatology” as one possible tool for staying open hearted and hopeful in uncertain times.

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

Would you like to help with our Nourish or Expressive Worship services? Your time commitment can range from doing the chalice reading once or twice a month to helping write the upcoming services at a quarterly one-day workshop. If you’re interested in being a worship associate but aren’t ready for that role yet, come develop your talents with us (Or do both!)

For any questions, please contact Christine.

• Finance Committee: Wednesday, August 21, 7–9pm
• Board of Trustees: August 28, 7–9pm

Interested in how worship comes together? Want to learn more about worship theory and participate in worship services? Join our new Worship Associates program! A full training will be held on August 17, and we will meet throughout the year. Please fill out this form to let Rev. Terasa know about your interest and experience.

Beginning September 8, there will be two worship services:

• 9:15am: This service will be in our new, all-ages “Nouurish” format
• 11:00am: This service will follow our traditional format.

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

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 to ensure your group or team is represented in the catalogue. By doing so, you’ll help fellow congregants discover opportunities to engage more deeply with our vibrant community. Don’t miss this chance to showcase the wonderful work your group is doing!  Questions? Email Andi M!

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, and someone will be in contact with you soon.

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, 6:30–8:00 pm in the Worship Center. Please contact SOL’s director Michaela Brownwith questions.

Chalice Choir will resume rehearsals on Thursday, August 29, 7:30–9:30 pm in the Worship Center. Please contact Chalice Choir’s director Brandon Mosswith questions.

Sacred Song Circle is every Wednesday from 6:00–6:30 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!

Finally, get a head start on singing by joining us for our last Summer Choir of the season THIS Sunday, August 11 for the 10:00 am service. Simply show up at 9:00 am, learn a song taught and directed by our pianist Nathan Hamm, and sing it in the service! All are welcome and encouraged to bring a friend!

• Sun 8/18: Animal Blessing All Ages Service
• Sun 8/18: Caring and Share Time Bank Gathering
• Sun 8/25: RYA!
• Fri 8/23: Movie Night
• Tues 8/27: Expressive Worship
• Tues 8/27: Spirit of Life Choir Rehearsal
• Tues 8/27: Atheists Skeptics Humanists (ASH)
• Thurs 8/29: Chalice Choir Rehearsal & 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
• Sun 9/15: Fall Religious Exploration classes & activities begin

28 UU members and friends share “What Matters” to them. From nature, peace, family, joy, and more, we raise our visual voices. Take time to view this extensive exhibit and reflect on what matters to you.

A reception will be held Sunday, Sept.15, 12:15–1:30 in the Gallery and Worship Center.

This 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 activites for adults and children. While planning is well underway, the ArborFest committee is looking for sponsors, volunteers and community supporters to help staff and fund this event celebrating the flora and fauna of Columbus.  Visit Columbus ArborFest or contact Susan Carr for more information.

• 9:15–9:45am Breakfast (A/B) 
• 9:30–11:30am Infant and Toddler Care (Room 101)
• 10–11am Worship Service (Sanctuary)
• 10-11am Middle / High School Board Game Group (A/B, Beach Hall)
• 10:15-11am (after story) Early Ed / Elementary LEGO Class (201)
• Coffee Hour, Snack after the service (Beach Hall, A/B)