As scary and disheartening it is to see this devolution to racial oppression, I find it hopeful that so many have risen up in protest, even when that protest is dangerous. May we use this time of reflection to boldly recommit to supporting racial equity in all realms of our society, in whatever way we can do so.

Rev. Dr. Terasa Cooley

Lead Minister

A Word from Paisha about the Sermon

I have enjoyed working closely with everyone involved in ARA Planning and ARA Curriculum, and getting to know all of you as I complete my field education here at First UU while I attain my Master of Divinity at MTSO. I would like to share some links for your enjoyment that you’ll hear more about in my upcoming sermon:

• When: A song I wrote and recorded with Willy Phoenix
• Land of the Freed: A documentary produced by Ohio History Connection about my ancesters and their struggle for justice.
• A Madman’s Will: A book published in 2023 about John Randolph and the long fight over his will. My name is mentioned in the forward of that book!

Join the Anti-Racist Allies

for Lunch at SC Bar & Kitchen

Sunday, January 18

For January, we will be trying SC Bar & Kitchen for our ARA lunch. Everyone is welcome to come! Carpool from the church around 12:45 pm or meet us at 1 pm at the restaurant. It is located at 1921 State Route – 256, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068.

Owl Video Conference Equipment Training

Sunday, January 18, 12:30-2pm

Conflict Transformation Workshop

January 24, 1-4pm (Registration Open)

In person and online via Zoom

While challenging conflicts seem to escalate more and more these days, it is possible to find ways to redirect conflict into healthy interactions, even transformative ones. In this workshop, Rev. Terasa will draw upon the work of her book: Transforming Conflict: The Blessings of Congregational Turmoil. While her book addresses conflict in congregational settings, the philosophy applies to any kind of relationships whether it be family or work. You will gain skills in identifying your own pattern of responding to conflict and tools for engaging in difficult conversations. Please contact Rev. Terasa with any questions you may have.

Pearl Diving!

Donation Deadline February 11

Online Auction bidding opens February 14

In just 35 days you can bid on Excellent Stuff!

• Start pearl diving at home.
• What treasures are you ready to part with?
• Is there pirate’s gold buried in your basement?

Describe your treasure and enter a photo at firstuucolumbus.org/auction. For Assistance go to the Auction Table on Sunday or email the Auction team.

“The heart of man is very much like the sea,

it has its storms, it has its tides,

and in its depths, it has its pearls too.”

–Vincent van Gogh, Artist.

A Message from Rev. Amanda

Dear First UU,

I didn’t think I’d be writing to you this soon, but a big thing is going on for me, and with your ministers’ blessing, I wanted you to know about it.

I’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer. It’s stage 2 and it’s a less aggressive type, but still… it’s cancer. I have surgery scheduled on January 22. It’s possible I won’t need chemo, but I know I will need radiation and long term medication, so this is going to be a significant journey.

At the moment, I’m getting a lot of support from family and friends and doing well emotionally most of the time. We have a plan in place, and there’s not a lot I can do right now that would make any difference to the outcome, so I’m focusing on being in the moment 💕

I have a Caring Bridge site set up where you can find more information and continued updates if you’d like. For now, I am not in need of any additional support, but this is going to be a long journey, and I will reach out if I need help.

Love you all!

Rev. Amanda Hays

A Message from Your Board:

Vote to Amend the Constitution

Mid-Year Meeting on Sunday, February 8

Hey First UU Members! This Wednesday, you should have received a message with the subject line “A Message from your Board” notifiying you about an upcoming vote to amend First UU’s Constitution to increase the size of our Board from six members to nine members.

It is our responsibility to inform members of the exact text of the proposed amendment. Currently, Constitution Art. V.1.A. states, in part:

“The government of this church, including the conduct and control of its corporate powers, business, and property, shall be vested in a Board of Trustees consisting of six elected members, two of whom shall be chosen by the members of the church at each Annual Meeting to serve for three years each.”

We propose that this sentence be amended to state the following:

“The government of this church, including the conduct and control of its corporate powers, business, and property, shall be vested in a Board of Trustees consisting of nine (9) elected members, three (3) of whom, or more, as necessary, shall be chosen by the members of the church at each Annual Meeting to serve for three (3) years each.”

If you are a member and did not receive the email, please reach out to our staff to make sure that we have your correct email address on file! The vote will be conducted online, and we want you to have the opportunity to vote. Feel free to contact us with questions at board@firstuucolumbus.org.

Chalice Circle Leaders Needed!

Looking for a way to get more involved and meet people? Are you comfortable leading a group or facilitating conversations? We need your help!

We need leaders for our 10am Sunday and 7pm Monday Circles. We plan to open more Circles, so let us know if you can lead a group at another time, or online. Curriculum and Leader Guide provided! Email Rev. Kelli and Robin Lawson.

Submit your Nominations!

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!

January Feed and Read Ohio Collection

This month’s collection for the Feed and Read program includes the staples of rice and pinto beans, canned meats, wool socks and laundry detergent sheets. Pick up a green bag outside the Worship center and return it with your donated items

Help is always welcome to pack and load donations on Sundays at 12:45. See Jacques Angelino on Sundays in Beach Hall during Breakfast and Coffee hour for more information.

We helped 20 families to give 44 children Christmas gifts and have a joyful day this past Christmas. Many thanks to Don Merrill, Rev. Kathleen Fowler, and Myra and Kristen Hartman in helping to wrap Christmas presents.

Personal Finance / Budget 101 Class

January 25 at 12:30pm or

January 27 at 7pm (attend either)

Discuss Personal Finance and Budgeting. The new year is a great time to review your personal financial goals. A light Lunch will be available on Sun Jan 25, Snacks on Tues Jan 27. Contact Patricia Boughton with questions!

Photo by Dithira Hettiarachchi on Unsplash

New! Ehlers Danlos (EDS) Support Group

January 26th at 7pm via Zoom

and Every 4th Monday of the Month

This new online support & discussion group is for people who are affected by EDS, a rare group of inherited conditions that affect connective tissue. We will connect with each other and discuss our shared experiences. Join us if you think you or a loved one has this life-changing disorder, and you would like to connect with others who have the same experiences. To Join this group, contact Su Farnlacher.

Atheists-Skeptics-Humanists (ASH)

January Meeting & Program

Tuesday, January 27 at 7pm, Room 301

January’s program will feature Maya Hammond who will talk to us about SWACO (Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio) – what it is, what it does, and its plans for handling the projected growth in the Greater Columbus region. We’ll also learn about what we can do individually to reduce the amount of waste we send to the landfill.

New Artist Exhibit: Lela Lint

“Dreamscapes of Flight and Form”

On display until February 23

Reception Sunday, Jan 18, 12:15-2:00

Please join artist Lela Lint for art, conversation, and refreshments. Her paintings use fluid acrylic showing life’s unpredictability while her birds add beauty and grace to each piece. She encourages the viewers to appreciate the present moment. Enjoy live music from O & M Acoustic Duo during the reception.

Image Right: “Silent Watch”

“Time Banks 101” at the

Care and Share Time Bank Potluck

Sunday January 18th at 6:30pm

Have you been meaning to find out more about the Care and Share Time Bank? Come to our January potluck and let’s explore how we can help each other make the most of our shared network of skills, talents, and goodwill.

Bring a dish to share if you can. Since we have such a wide range of dietary restrictions, please write out a simple list of the ingredients in your dish. Please bring everything you’ll need for the potluck for yourself: plate, cutlery, cup, napkin.

After our meal we’ll learn about our time bank:

• How to browse for someone offering services you need
• How to post requests for services
• What skills you might offer
• How to post an offer for service
• How to earn hours and how to spend them

We’ll walk through it together in a relaxed, friendly environment. Bring a dish to share, bring your questions, and bring your curiosity. (Learn More Here)

This Sunday, 1/18

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)

11:00am-12:00pm MLK Worship 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-1pm Snack & Coffee, Tea, Conversation (A/B, Beach)

12noon-2pm First UU Artist Reception: Lela Lint, ft. live music! (gallery, sanctuary)

1:15-2:30pm Navigators Scouting 5-12yrs Indoor Nature Center Exploration at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park, 1415 Darby Creek Drive, Galloway OH 43119

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