Happy Friday!
Here we are at the brink of Christmas – It’s hard to believe how time has flown by during my first five months with you. I’ve enjoyed getting to know many of you, and look forward to more!
Over the holidays all staff will be taking the week between Christmas and New Year’s off. The office will be closed, and staff will be available by appointment and/or for emergencies only. I’m so glad we’ll have that time of respite. I will also be working from home the first week of January as I’ll be recovering from wrist surgery that will take place on December 26 – it’s not the best way to spend a holiday, but I look forward to the healing process. You’ll be seeing me in a brace for the next three months. Rev. Kelli will be available while I am recovering if you have need of a minister.
I hope everyone can find some time of rest and renewal as we begin to face a new year together. Happy Holidays!
Rev. Terasa |
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| Holiday Services and Office Hours
There will be no morning services, classes, or breakfast on Sunday, December 24th and Sunday, December 31st.
The church office will be closed December 23rd through January 1st. |
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5pm Family Christmas Eve Service
Sunday, December 24
Presented by Amber Scott, Rev. Kelli McNeal, and Rev. Dr. Terasa Cooley
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Families with children of all ages, and those young at heart, are invited to join us for an interactive Christmas story! Sign up for a Pageant Part here!
Show up between 4:30 and 4:45pm to get your “come as you are” pageant costume for the 5pm service! EVERYONE is invited to wear festive holiday clothes – including Christmas sweaters, Santa hats, and costumes (especially angels and animals for the manger)! Children are invited to bring along a favorite stuffed animal if they wish!
If you don’t see a part available, please email Amber – we may be able to use some extra shepherds, sheep, angels, animals, drummers, and so on. Thank you! Any parts not filled will be recruited for in person. To go hot cocoa available in the kitchen! |
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9pm Candlelight Christmas Eve Service
Sunday, December 24
Presented by Rev. Kelli McNeal and Rev. Dr. Terasa Cooley
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| Come celebrate the season together – with carols, contemplation, and candlelight. Wear your holiday best, and visit the kitchen for some to go hot cocoa before or after the service! |
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It’s not too late to Sign Up to host, play music, or help tear down the labyrinth! Several time slots are still available! Musicians are invited to perform contemplative music to provide a meditative environment for labyrinth walkers.
Contact Patricia Boughton for more information.  Thank you in advance, and Have a Happy and Contemplative New year! |
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Labyrinth walking is an ancient practice used for spiritual centering, contemplation, and prayer. Come walk the “Chartres Cathedral Labyrinth” in the Worship Center during any of the following times:
Tuesday, December 26 3–7pm
Wednesday, December 27 3–7pm
Thursday, December 28 3–7pm
Friday, December 29 3–7pm
Saturday, December 30 3–7pm
Sunday, December 31 7pm–9pm
Monday, January 1 10am–3pm
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Expressive Worship
Monthly lay-led worship service
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Thursday, December 28, 2023, 6pm
Join us for a different kind of worship service centered around artistic practice. Every month we explore a different theme in readings and song and participants create their own works of art as we move through our time together. All ages and abilities welcome, bring your own supplies or use those provided. There is an optional sharing circle before we say goodbye. Contact Christine DÂ for more information.
December’s theme is Mystery, service will be at 6pm in Beach Hall on Thursday the 28th. |
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2023 Year-End Pledge Update
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The end of 2023 is upon us! If your contributions to First UU Church will affect your tax filings, please submit them before December 31. We will be emailing end of year statements to you in January.
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If you would like more information about donating stocks to us, email or call Frank Phillips at (614) 330-8407.  Many thanks for your generous support to our collective Church home, and a Happy New Year. |
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| Amber Scott will be one of the performers providing ambiance, as a roller skating snowflake, during Conservatory Aglow on Wednesday, December 27th, and Friday, December 29th, from 6-8pm!
Ohio Roller Derby season passes are also for sale for our 2024 home game season! Come see Amber play, at the Ohio Expo Center state fairgrounds, on February 10th, March 30th, April 27th, May 25th, and June 15th! |
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- Finance Committee: Wednesday, December 27 at 7pm
- Board of Trustees:Â Wednesday, January 3 at 7pm (Online only)
- Congregational: Sunday, February 25 at 11:30am
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For a complete listing of our groups & contact information, download a copy of our
Fall Engagement Catalogue.Â
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Sunday, January 7th, 1–4pm
Do you have questions about what it means to be a member of First UU? Want to learn more about who we are and how you can connect and engage with this community? Join us for our next Pathways to Membership class.
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We will explore various paths to involvement at First UU and connect you with groups and other members who share similar interests. There is no obligation to become a member. We invite everyone who has questions or is looking to find points of connection.
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FCACO End of Life Presentations
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January 21, 2024 11:15 am
The Funeral Consumers Alliance of Central Ohio provides information about end-of-life issues to individuals through consumer education outreach, including group presentations, printed materials, personal consultations, local price surveys and membership benefits. Join them for End of Life Presentations to become better prepared for the inevitable.
Email Cathy Elkins for more information. |
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| A Look Ahead: First UU Events |
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Upcoming Concerts at First UU
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On January 27, the Anahata Collaborative Ensemble will be in concert at First UU with its Holocaust Remembrance Concert, a special evening of music and poetry written chiefly by artists who either perished in or survived the Holocaust. Co-hosted by First UU, Kehilat Sukkat Shalom, and Jewish Columbus (who is generously sponsoring this performance), the concert is free and open to all; however, all attendees must register beforehand at jewishcolumbus.org. Space is limited, so register soon! |
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| Justice & Volunteer Opportunities |
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Tired of the Same Old New Year’s Resolutions?
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Consider adding some 8th Principle Opportunities to your 2024 resolutions. The 8th Principle has us “ journeying . . .  to build a diverse multicultural Beloved Community by our actions that accountably dismantle racism. . . .” This worthy journey may be difficult at times, but it also can be entertaining, interesting, enlightening, and fun. We can all share a variety of activities and events with the congregation, including art, music, discussion, conversation, foods, festivals, reading, seminars, service opportunities, and field trips.
Check out the list of January Events from ARA. Join us or attend with a friend or create your own experience. At the end of each month, share what activity you did in the pursuit of the 8th principle. |
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Happening This Sunday, 12/24
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