Friday News – Dec 12, 2025

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This Sunday will be a special holiday treat for music lovers! The service will be a “Lessons and Carols” service with a UU spin! Unlike traditional Christian lessons and carols, this one will feature readings about all the holiday traditions, and different readers for each, as well as our fabulous choirs doing amazing holiday music. The music program has been working hard to put this terrific program together and you won’t want to miss it.

Rev. Dr. Terasa Cooley

Lead Minister

Upcoming Events

This Sunday, December 14th

9:15 “Nouurish Service”

Featuring

Sing a Song: How Raise Every Voice and Sing inspired generations

by Kelly Starling Lyons

Presented by members of the Alternative Worship Team with members of our First UU Community.

*No Sunday School Classes This Week – We Return From Holiday Break Sunday, January 4th!*

11:00 “Lessons and Carols”

Enjoy festive performances by First UU’s Spirit of Life, Chalice, and Peace Pals choirs!

Presented by

First UU Director of Music and Chalice Choir Director, Dr. Brandon Moss, with Spirit of Life Choir Director, Michaela Jones, Peace Pals Director, Erin Rothert, and

pianist, Nathan Hamm.

Holiday Cookie Fair This Sunday!

Bring in Your Dozens, and Get Ready to Buy!
Raise money for Youth Group summer trps and our church’s Holiday Appeal! Drop off cookies labeled with allergens (ie nuts, dairy, eggs, wheat, etc.) in Beach Hall before the 11am service. The sale will commence after the service! Thank you for your generosity! You can also donate online!

Due to the presence of peanuts and tree nuts, as a precaution we recommend that those with severe and airborne allergies carry your epi-pen.

Gift Wrapping Fundraiser for Kaleidoscope

After the 11am service on Sunday, 12/14

Kaleidoscope Youth Center has experienced a catastrophic cut in funding, resulting in serious cutbacks in staff and programming, and the pending closure of their housing program for trans and queer youth in July, 2026. Kaleidoscope needs additional funds so the youth they serve can be appropriately transitioned to other housing before their facility closes.

To fundraise, Rainbow Connexion will be offering holiday gift wrapping after the 11:00 service on 12/14, for a suggested donation of $5-$20. Or donate here! Bring your gifts to room A/B (by the kitchen) and let the Rainbow Connexion elves wrap them for you – all while supporting this vital community program! Helpers, wrapping paper, and curling ribbon wanted! Contact Shirley Lange.

Handmade Holidays

Monday evenings thru 12/22, 6:30-8:30 PM, room 301

Come craft together and build creative community! Make holiday gifts for loved ones or work on a project. Bring your own materials or use those provided. We have supplies to make cards, ornaments, hand crafted books, yarn and bead crafts, and wrapping paper. For more info, or to donate supplies contact Christine.

December Music

  • TONIGHT! Friday, Dec. 12 at 7:00 pm Otterbein University Concert Choir with choirs from Big Walnut HS, Hilliard Davidson HS, and Upper Arlington HS (free concert)
  • Saturday, Dec. 13 at 7:00 pm The Magpie Consort, “An American Christmas”; American-composed folk, gospel, jazz, and classical music of the season (suggested donation $0-$20, as able)
  • Sunday, Dec. 14 at 11:00 am Music Sunday service, “Lessons & Carols.”
  • Saturday, Dec. 20 at 3:00 pm Carpe Diem String Quartet, “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”, featuring music by Mendelssohn and holiday favorites (tickets $35 / $25 for church members)

Upcoming Memorials

  • 12/13 Member Memorial: Jim and Judy Tough
  • 12/14 Member Memorial: Pat Larson

Other Upcoming Events

Planning ahead? Check our online calendar for additional events!

From First UU Leadership

There’s Still Time To Give: Support Our Holiday Appeal!

Supportive community, social justice outreach and spiritual home are the essence of First UU. What other gifts make our lives more precious and meaningful while also helping the world around us?

Your donation of $500 or even $5 is greatly appreciated. Please help us reach our goal of $20,000! Donate online, write a check, or consider donating via an IRA.

Winter Weather Policy Reminder

When Franklin County declares a Level 2 Snow Emergency, First UU cancels events and services. Otherwise individuals and groups can use their own judgment regarding conditions and whether to continue with an event or activity as planned. Be mindful of potentially slick surfaces in the parking lot, and stay warm out there!

Seeking Infant / Toddler Sitters and Dishwashers!

First UU needs a few more paid helpers to keep Sunday mornings running smoothly! Interested in becoming a dishwasher? Email Robin!

We also need more caregivers to assist our littlest congregants. A background check and references are required! Applicants age 18+ can email Amber!

Upcoming Governance Meetings

  • 12/17 Finance Committee (RSVP)
  • 1/28 Board of Trustees (No meeting in December)
  • 2/8 Mid-Year Congregational Meeting

Justice & Volunteering

Special Education Volunteers Needed!

Do you have relevant experience companioning children with special needs? Our congregation includes a diverse group of young people, and we need more Sunday morning volunteers who can act as aides in our classrooms. References and background check required. Please email Amber!

Feed and Read Ohio’s December Wishlist!

Please bring return your green bag this month filled with these high need items:
  • Bags of Rice
  • Bags of Pinto Beans
  • Oatmeal
  • Peanut Butter
  • Canned Meats:
  • Tuna
  • Chicken
  • Salmon

Protect Clintonville Tree Canopy!

Clintonville Residents: Email the Clintonville Area Commission!

The City of Columbus is asking the Commission for feedback on major rezoning proposals throughout Clintonville and the city. These rezoning proposals (Phase Two of the Zone In project), will further weaken already weak Columbus private property tree protection regulations. Ed Hoffman, a B.R.E.A.D. team leader, is asking Clintonville residents to email the Commission and ask them to recommend pausing zoning changes until strong private property tree preservation regulations are adopted. B.R.E.A.D. has been advocating for these regulations for four years.

Twenty-one resident-based Area Commissions serve as recommending bodies to review projects (developments, zoning changes) and be a community voice.

Candlelit Labyrinth

First UU is hosting a labyrinth experience in the worship center between Christmas and New Year’s. We invite you to mindfully walk this 800+ year-old pattern from beginning to end, in candlelit contemplation.

Sign up to help facilitate this experience for your community! Come host, provide music, or both! Contact Kristen Hartmann.

Making Waves and Décor!

Auction February 2026

Sign up at the Auction table on Sunday!

  • Crafting parties—make décor items.
  • Volunteer opportunities—help in other ways.

You can also drop off recyclables, loan glass bowls, and ask questions about donations!

“Feelings are much like waves: we can’t stop them from coming, but we can choose which one to surf.”

– Jonatan Mårtensson, Author

Connect with our Justice team and other First UU’ers on the Signal App

by joining the First UU Columbus Protesters (app required).

Classes & Groups

Time to Register for Dinner & Conversation!

This quarterly potluck group meets in participants’ homes. Commit to one meeting per month in January, February, and March – as agreed upon by the group. The host organizes dinner and picks a topic for conversation. The goal is for the group of 6-8 people to have a good time while getting to know each other.

Let Marcia Canter know by noon Sunday, 12/28, if you’d like to participate!

Embodied Exploration of Religious & Spiritual Conditioning

Register Here! Sundays, Dec. 14th 5-7:30 & 21st, 4:30-7:30

How have your religious or spiritual experiences shaped the way you feel, believe, and belong today? This series offers a gentle, compassionate space for anyone curious about how religious or spiritual conditioning has shaped their beliefs, identities, or sense of belonging. We’ll focus on how these experiences live in our bodies and explore tools for grounding, presence, and reclamation.

This program is not a substitute for therapy, nor led by a licensed clinician. Facilitator Whitney Dawn Pyles is an accredited somatic coach. Pastoral care referrals are available as needed.

Additional Classes

  • 12/13 Pathways to Membership 8:30am-1pm (Register)
  • 12/15 Keep On Keeping On chronic pain support 7pm Zoom (RSVP)
  • 12/17 Community Movement Experience 6:30 (Register / Childcare)
  • Tai Chi for Balance 10am Tuesdays
  • Sacred Song Circle 6pm Wednesdays

Community News

Bill Cohen’s Solstice Concert – For a Brighter New Year

7pm Sunday, 12/21 @ 48 E. North Broadway Methodist Church

This concert will acknowledge the dark days we are in, then shift towards our hopes and prayers for the coming year, when we will recommit ourselves to working for peace, justice, friendship, and the freedom to be ourselves.

Current Art Exhibit:

Sharonah Laemmle

On Display until January 4

Artist Sharonah Laemmle’s exhibit, “Internal Necessity: 50 years of Creative Expression” will be on display until January 4. Sharonah uses the Hebrew word “Henini” meaning “I am here”. She uses what is at hand, paints, natural and found objects to focus on movement and space. By using her own personal and spiritual life, she hopes to stimulate the viewer emotionally.

Image: To the Light

Save the Dates for Ohio Roller Derby’s Home Season!

2026 home games will be played Saturdays at the Ohio Expo Center: join usFebruary 28, March 14, April 4, May 9, and May 23. (See Amber in 7pm B games).

Other Community Events

  • 12/5-12/7 KSS “Judaism Unbound” speaker (RSVP)
  • Co-Working Space (Fridays, 10am)

Family Activities

No Classes This Sunday, 12/14!

9:15-10am Nouurish Multigenerational Worship Service (sanctuary)

10:00-10:45am Hot Breakfast, Coffee, Tea (kitchen, A/B, Beach Hall)

10:30am-12:30pm Infant and Toddler Care 3mos-3yrs (101)

Cookie Drop Off and Choir Warm Up Before Service Begins! No Classes.

11:00am-12:00pm Worship Service: ft. all choirs incl. Peace Pals! (sanctuary)

Kiddos staying w/fam during service: grab Busy Bags in the gallery, explore quiet toys in Wee Worship & Slowter Lounge, or crafts/games in cabinets by the kitchen!

12noon-1:30pm Cookie Fair!!! (Beach Hall)

12noon-1:30pm Gift Wrapping Fundraiser for Kaleidoscope (A/B)

Register Here! 🙂 https://firstuucolumbus.org/learning/sunday-school/

*Classes are currently on holiday break, and will resume on Sunday, 1/4.*