Friday News – Jan 23, 2026

Last week a call went out to religious leaders from around the country to gather in Minneapolis this weekend to protest the ICE violence and occupation. Thousands are heeding the call, including many UU ministers. It pains me, almost literally, to not be able to go. Due to my recent knee surgery it simply isn’t possible for me. Though I am recovering well — extremely well, in fact — I don’t yet have the stability to stand or march for long periods of time. I am proud of my colleagues, especially those who have been there on the front lines for weeks. I have been in dangerous protests before, and I know the fear that comes from facing people in riot gear who treat me as the enemy. But I also know that finding the courage in that moment strengthens the spirit. I pray that all will be as safe as possible.

I want to give a shout out to those who stayed after service last Sunday to assemble more than 400 whistle kits! Amazing! It shows that protesting can have many forms and can happen in many places. Jay Caspian Kang recently wrote in the New Yorker: “I do not believe that there can be any abiding movement for social change in this country without leadership and support from the church.” I agree wholeheartedly and am gratified we are doing our part in whatever way we can.

Rev. Dr. Terasa Cooley

Lead Minister

Upcoming Events

Services Cancelled

Sunday, January 25th

Due to the probability of heavy snow accumulation and extended below freezing temperatures Saturday and Sunday, First UU has decided to cancel Sunday services and activities this week.

On Saturday, Rev. Terasa’s 1pm Conflict Transformation workshop will move to Zoom only.

All Soles Contra Dance will continue as planned, in person, 1:30-4:30pm. Please be mindful of potentially worsening road and parking lot conditions. (Check here for cancellation status).

We hope you and yours stay safe and warm this weekend!


Conflict Transformation Workshop

January 24, 1-4pm

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.


All Soles Dance

Saturday, January 24, 2026

Beginners’ Session 1:30 to 2:00 PM

Dancing 2:00 to 4:30 PM

Cost: $10 for adults,

$5 ages 12-25

New Time – Afternoon dance!

For at least the first 6 months of 2026, All Soles is moving to an afternoon time! And, we are inviting all dancers to join us for dinner at Olive and Lime (in the church’s back parking lot) after the dance.

Join us for an afternoon of contra dancing with calling by Liz Burkhart, from Cincinnati, and the music of The Pegheads. The Pegheads, consists of Mike Eberle and Andi Carter (fiddle), Barry Chern (mandolin), Liz Harzoff (banjo), Bonny Shiplet (guitar), Bethany Schellin (piano), and Jody Dorrell (bass).

We hope you’ll come dance with us.

New to dancing? A beginners’ session, from 1:30 to 2:00 PM, will get you started. You will learn some basic figures that will be repeated. All dances will be taught and no partner is needed. Dancing is from 2:00 to 4:30 PM.

Please bring a refillable water bottle. (More Info)


Personal Finance / Budget 101 Class

Tuesday, January 27 at 7pm, Library

Discuss Personal Finance and Budgeting. The new year is a great time to review your personal financial goals. Snacks will be available! Contact Patricia Boughton with questions.


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.


No Fishing Required!

Celebration and Live Auction

Saturday, February 28, 6-9 pm

Tickets go on sale Sunday!

  • Ticket includes appetizers, beverage, choice of entree, music, and free babysitting!
  • Come for the Silent Auction, Dessert Dash, Live Auction and fun.
  • Purchase tickets ($30) by February 19
Dinner by Milo’s Catering

Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken or Butternut Squash Ravioli

with Maple-Dijon Green Beans, Salad, and Garlic Sticks.

Enter Donations by February 11

Need assistance? Go to the auction table in Beach Hall on Sundays or email the Auction team.

“A life on the ocean wave, a-home on the rolling deep

Where the scattered waters rave and the winds their revels keep.”

–Anonymous, (sea shanty)


Planning ahead? Check our online calendar for additional events!

From First UU Leadership

In Case you missed it

In case you missed the Note from Rev. Amanda In Last Week’s News, we wanted to give you an update that she had surgery yesterday (Thursday) and is doing fine. You can sign up for updates and reach out to wish her well on her Caring Bridge Page.


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!


A Message from Your Board:

Your Board of Trustees encourages you to stay active in the life of the church & lend your voice to our shared future! Please mark your calendars for the following opportunities to connect with us & participate in our democratic process:

  • monthly business meeting: Wednesday January 28 at 7 p.m., we will be discussing ongoing operations & strategic goals
  • mid-year membership meeting Sunday February 8 after the 11 a.m. service, a key gathering for all members to receive updates on our governance projects, financial goals, & initiative to amend the Constitution to add 3 members to the 6-member Board of Trustees. (Snacks Provided!)

Thank you for being an essential part of our congregation. We look forward to seeing you! And always feel free to contact us with questions at board@firstuucolumbus.org.


Upcoming Governance Meetings

  • 1/28 Board of Trustees (RSVP)
  • 2/8 Mid-Year Congregational Meeting
  • 2/18 Finance Committee (RSVP)

Justice & Volunteering

Feed and Read Ohio

We are in immediate need of these cold weather items: gently used winter coats all sizes for children and adults and blankets, also in need of feminine pads adolescent to adult. They can be brought to Jacques at the Feed & Read Ohio table in Beech Hall or left under the blue tarp at his home 617 Woodsfield Dr. Columbus.


Bake Sale for Kaleidoscope

Sunday, February 8

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, First UU’s Rainbow Connexion group is hosting a church-wide bake sale before and after the 11am service on February 8, and we need your help! 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 your tasty treats labelled with a list of ingredients directly to the table in Beach Hall day of, or leave them in the copy / mail room in advance. Thank you for your generosity!


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!


Save the Date:

BREAD Nehemiah Action

Tuesday, May 12, 6:40 PM

at The Celeste Center, Ohio State Fairgrounds

BREAD (Building Responsibility Equality and Dignity) is holding this year’s Nehemiah Action on Tuesday, May 12 at the Ohio State Fairgrounds. You’ll hear more about BREAD in the coming months, but please mark your calendars now!

We’re aiming to turnout 2250 people, including 200 from the First UU community, to push local officials to protect our tree canopy, defend renters from predatory landlords, and address the problems of low-wage workers in our community. Email our BREAD Team to get involved at a deeper level!

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

Men’s Spiritual Group (MSG)

Wednesdays 10:30-12:00

(Online and In person)

The Men’s Spiritual Group (MSG) is currently open to new members. The group has existed for over 25 years and aims to develop a richer spiritual life in men and wiser men through sharing and discussion of life experiences. (MSG is not a self help group.) Contact Ron Bruder to join.


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.


Crafting & Conversations in

Creative Community

2nd & 4th Mondays at 6:30 pm

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

  • 1/26 Crafting in Creative Community (Drop-in, 2nd and 4th Mondays)
  • 2/14 Pathways to Membership 8:30am-1pm (Register)
  • 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

New Artist 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: “An Egrets Portal”


Sukkat Shalom Tu B’Shvat Seder

February 1, 3:30-5:30pm

Join Sukkat Shalom as we celebrate Tu B’Shvat – the Jewish birthday of our friends, and co-creators of life on Earth, trees! Don’t miss this chance to learn more about this little-known holiday and journey through the four worlds of Kabbalah and four seasons of the year.

Please RSVP and find out what fruits, nuts, juice and wine we still need to fill the table.


Save the Dates: 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).

Family Activities

All Religious Exploration Classes and Activities

are Cancelled this Sunday, January 25