Happy Friday!

Soul Food originated in the American south, when enslaved West and Central Africans adapted their culinary traditions to the harsh limitations of slavery. They took ‘the worst’ foods they were limited to, (chitlins, pot liquor, ham hocks, collard greens, etc.) and combined them to make something amazing. Food can be deeply uniting, and also deeply divisive – just last week 70 or more people argued on my facebook page about whether grits should be eaten sweet, or savory – rather than uniting on the fact that grits are delicious.

In the same way that soul food resulted from adaptation, much of gospel music was an adaptation of enslaved peoples taking their own beliefs and religious tradition and combining them with christianity. This week, I’m excited to share with you the cultural traditions that my musical colleagues and I grew up with in our UU Gospel Service. I hope you will come share the joyous music with me in this week’s sermon, where you will learn about Gospel music as being not so much tied to religion as it is to resilience, resistance, subversion, survival and joy!

Paisha Thomas

Justice & Equity Student Minister

Upcoming Events

This Sunday, February 1st

9:15
Nouurish Service

Featuring

Home

written by Matt De La Pena,

illustrated by Loren Long

Presented by

the Alternative Worship Team

with Members of this Community

11:00

“A UU Gospel Service”

A Gospel service which includes a Gospel message by Paisha Thomas, and Gospel music presented by the Black Liberation Community Choir. Sponsored by JAM and ARA

Presented by

Justice and Equity Student Minister

Paisha Thomas

First Friday Spaghetti Dinner

Cancelled due to Weather

There will be no spaghetti dinner tonight. It is currently a Level one snow emergency in both Franklin and Delaware counties, and the snow is still falling. We don’t want anybody to be unsafe over spaghetti, so this month’s event is cancelled. Fear not! Millennial Covenant Group will still host a fun night with good food, good Millennial music and Jeopardy-style Millennial Trivia – In a future month.

Attend the Mid-Year Meeting

THIS Sunday at 12:30 PM!

Please attend the mid-year membership meeting this Sunday, Feb. 8 after the 11 am service. We hope to connect with you & share information about governance projects, sustainable funding, & the proposal to amend the Constitution to increase the Board leadership from six to nine members.

A personalized link to vote online will be sent to each member via email after the meeting concludes. Please be sure to watch for an email from OpaVote with a link to your confidential ballot. If you do not receive the email by the end of the day Sunday, please send your name, email, and phone number to the voting team at ballot@firstuucolumbus.org to be able to vote. Thank you for being an essential part of our congregation and always feel free to contact us with questions at board@firstuucolumbus.org.

Bring Sweets: Kaleidoscope Bake Sale!

This Sunday!

Rainbow Connexion is hosting a church-wide bake sale benefitting Kaleidoscope Youth Center before and after this week’s 11am service! Donate home-baked goods, come buy some, or give here! Get something tasty just in time for Valentine’s Day while supporting this vital community program! Drop off tasty treats labeled with ingredients in Beach Hall day of (or copy rm before).

Catastrophic funding cuts resulted in serious cutbacks in KYC staff and programming, and their housing program for trans and queer youth will be closing come July. Kaleidoscope needs additional funds to transition their youth in residence to other housing before their facility closes. Thank you for your generosity!

First UU Auction –

Enter your Donations by Wednesday!

Online Bidding Starts Saturday, February 14!

We need a HUGE WAVE of events and items by February 11.

Log into the auction website to donate, buy Live Auction tickets or join the volunteer team!

Email the Auction team or go to the auction table in Beach Hall on Sundays for more information.

Week 1: Excellent Stuff! Online bidding February 14-20

Week 2: Food Fun Frolic! Online bidding February 21-27

Celebration & Live Auction Saturday, February 28

Last Day to buy tickets Thursday, February 19

“Life is like the ocean. Waves will try to knock you down and push you back to where you started but once you fight through them, the entire ocean is yours.”

–Anonymous

Register Now for Peace Camp This Summer!

Session A for 5-8 years, Monday-Friday 7/27-7/31 from 9am-12noon
Session B for 8-12 years, Monday-Friday 8/3-8/7 from 9am-12noon

Peace Camp is a time for elementary aged children to gather together at First UU and explore concepts related to “Peace.” At Peace Camp we invite children to be their true selves. It is a space for all to be welcomed and valued. Together we explore what peace means, looks like, and how it connects us.

Cost: $100 suggested per child

Please share this info with other families! https://bit.ly/peacecamp2026

Biblical Literacy Class

Beginning February 16, 6:30-8:00pm

First and Third Mondays on Zoom

(Register to receive link)

Join the First UU Christian Fellowship as we dive into an 11-session class which explores the Bible and how we as Unitarian Universalists approach the text. Participants learn about the structure and development of the Bible, explore its stories, and reflect on its connection to their own lives and to Unitarian Universalism historically and in our time.

It is preferred, but not required to attend all sessions.

Upcoming Governance Meetings

2/8 Mid-Year Congregational Meeting
2/18 Finance Committee (RSVP)
2/25 Board of Trustees (RSVP)

Planning ahead? Check our online calendar for additional events!

On the Journey

First UU began the process of discussing the proposed 8th Principle of Unitarian Universalism in 2022, and voted to adopt it in June 2024. It reads:

“We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote journeying toward spiritual wholeness by working to build a diverse multicultural Beloved Community by our actions that accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions.”

On any journey, we need snacks! Here’s a little multicultural “snack” for you to enjoy in a series called “On the Journey.”

Sister Rosetta Tharpe

The Godmother of Rock ‘N Roll

This week, we want to celebrate Sister Rosetta Tharpe, who pioneered the guitar techniques and vocal style that inspired many gospel, jazz, and rock artists, shifting the music scene of the world. An NPR Essay dated August 24, 2017 begins

“Rock ‘n’ roll was bred between the church and the nightclubs in the soul of a queer black woman in the 1940s named Sister Rosetta Tharpe. She was there before Elvis, Little Richard and Johnny Cash swiveled their hips and strummed their guitars. It was Tharpe, the godmother of rock ‘n’ roll, who turned this burgeoning musical style into an international sensation.”

In 2007, Rosetta was inducted posthumously into the Blues Hall of Fame, and in 2017 she was elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as an Early Influence. We encourage you to read the above-referenced NPR Essay, listen to this 2009 episode of All Things Considered, or peruse this YouTube playlist.

Want to share a story about an inspiring black author, artist, change-maker, or innovator? Submit 2-3 links using our announcement request form or email us.

Please note: we will publish one article each week, so your article may not be published the same week you submit it.

Anti-Racist Allies Calendar: February

Every Tuesday, 12-1pm: Free historical performances celebrating Black History Month at the Ohio Statehouse.
2/10 at Noon: Lifeline Ohio presents BLACK: Past. Present. Future – an annual observance of hope.
2/15 Monthly Lunch outing at Creole Kitchen

See details on this month’s Anti-Racist Allies Calendar!

Justice & Volunteering

Join in the Auction Crafting Party Fun!

February 7, 2-4:30pm

February 11, 12-3pm

February 21, 5-8pm

This year’s Auction is going to be a very special night but we need YOU to help make it happen! Your creative and industrious hands are invited to make waves of excitement for the Auction Celebration. Bring a friend!

Skills will involve scissors, glue guns, and painting as well as your creativity.

Check out a few examples of the things we will be making on this pinterest board. We hope You can make it to one of the above-listed crafting parties!

We also need volunteers to help set up on Thursday(26th), Friday(27th), and Saturday(28th) before the event, and during the auction itself for short time slots. You can sign up by logging into the auction website, or Email the Auction teamfor more information.

Feed & Read Ohio

Feed and Read Ohio helped feed 750 latina families over the past week with your help, and with the help of other Central Ohio Citizens! Thank you!

For February our primary donation items are listed to the right. Pick up a list and a green bag at first UU, and bring these needed staples back the following week.

Sunday morning helpers needed! Help with sorting items during coffee hour, and Jacques especially welcomes help carrying bags to his van in these frigid temperatures.

Submit your Nominations!

Interested in joining church leadership? Know someone who would be a great leader? Each year, the Nominating Committee (NomCom) finds members for First UU to elect as leaders (Board of Trustees, Nominating Committee, Board Moderator) during our Annual Meeting.

Fill out our Nomination Form online or email nominating@firstuucolumbus.orgto let us know you’re interested, to tell us who you think could be a great candidate, or for more information!

Dates with Justice

2/17: 50501 National Day of Action
3/28: No Kings protest
5/12 BREAD Nehemiah Action (Email to help)

Email with our Justice team and connect with First UU’ers on the Signal App

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

Classes & Groups

Join the

Second Wednesday Book Group

Second Wednesay evenings at 7pm

Next Meeting February 11

The First UU Wednesday Night Book Group will be meeting at 7 pm on February 11th. We are reading The Briar Club by Kate Quinn. We meet via Zoom; contact Ohma Willette for the link.

Pathways to Membership

February 14, 8:30am-1pm (Register)

If you are interested in the next steps to become a member of First Unitarian Universalist Church of Columbus you are cordially invited to register and participate in the next Pathways to Membership class. It is designed for newcomers and is always recommended before deciding to become a Church member. Your participation in the class does not obligate you to join our church.

This class will acquaint you with our church and our faith before you consider a commitment of membership to First UU.

Creative Community:

Crafting & Conversations

2nd and 4th Mondays at 6:30 pm

Next Meeting February 9

Do you like to craft but just can’t seem to make the time? Do you want to make something but don’t know where to start? Bring your projects and craft with us! Knit, crochet, cross stitch, paint, make snowflakes, color in coloring books, create cards… the possibilities are endless. Bring your clothes to mend, your scrapbooks to fill, mosaics to make, or anything you like! Exercise your creative spirit and enjoy conversation and community. Limited supplies are available, so we encourage you to bring your own. We hope to see you here!

Additional Groups & Classes

2/16 Keep On Keeping On chronic pain support 7pm Zoom (RSVP)
Tai Chi for Balance 10am Tuesdays (RSVP)
Sacred Song Circle 6pm Wednesdays

Community News

From UUA News:

UUA President Arrested

During DC Protest

UU World – Unitarian Universalist Association President Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt was arrested by Capitol Police on Thursday, January 29, as she protested the Department of Homeland Security budget with leaders from various religious traditions.

“There is no moral justification for voting for a budget that will put more resources toward the violation and dehumanization of our neighbors,” Betancourt said earlier Thursday, according to a UUA statement. “As religious leaders, we have an ethical obligation to show up and say that this will not be done in our name.”

Betancourt’s full remarks can be read at the UUA’s website on the In Good Faith blog. The full UUA statement is available online.

Current Art Exhibit:

Lela Lint: “Dreamscapes of Flight and Form”

On display until February 23

Enjoy these paintings which use fluid acrylic showing life’s unpredictability while her birds add beauty and grace to each piece. Lela encourages the viewers to appreciate the present moment.

Image: “Longing and Singing My Song, 1993”

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

2026 home games will be played Saturdays at the Ohio Expo Center: join us February 28, March 14, April 4, May 9, and May 23.

See Amber (“Peach”) Skate in the B games, starting at 7pm!)

Family Activities

This Sunday, 2/8

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

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

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

10:30am-12:15pm 13-15year Our Whole Lives (302)

10:55am-12:15pm 10-11year Our Whole Lives (404)

10:45am-12:15pm Neighboring Faiths 11+yrs (301)

11:00am-12:15pm Roots and Wings 13+yrs: HS Spirituality and Big Q’s (401)

10:00am-1:00pm Bake Sale Benefitting Kaleidoscope (Beach Hall)

11:00am-12:00pm Black UU Gospel Service (sanctuary)

11:15ish-12:15 Spirit Play 3-7yrs: Start in Service Until After Story (102)

11:15ish-12:15 Spirit Play 7-12yrs: Start in Service Until After Story (201)

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

12noon-12:30pm Gourmet Snacks, Coffee, and Tea (Gallery, Beach, A/B)

12:30-2:30pm Mid-Year Congregational Meeting (sanctuary)

12:30-1:00pm Peace Pals Choir 5-12yrs (meet in Gallery, then move to 103)

1:00-2:30pm Navigators Scouting Badge-Work Mtg 5-12yrs (201/playground)

12:30-2:30pm Youth Group! 12yrs-HS senior (402)

12:30-2:30pm Rising Young Adults! 18-28yrs-ish (302)

First UU Church of Columbus

First Unitarian Universalist Church

Sunday Services at 9:15 & 11