Friday News – January 12, 2024

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Happy New Year, First UU!

I am back from some much-needed leave during the holiday season. Thanks for your patience and understanding with me and all of our staff as we are being intentional in taking time to rest after the wild ride of the past few years.

I’m glad to say that coming back to work after taking time to rest and reconnect with myself and my community has been making me feel more energized and fired up. I love working for justice with all of you!

I also wanted to take this opportunity to let you know that I will again be taking leave for about 12 weeks at the end of June for a much happier reason – Jim and I are expecting our second child!

In faith and action,
Amanda Hays
Justice Minister at First UU Columbus
This Week
Please note: The Church Offices will be Closed on Monday, January 15 in Observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.  
“In Sickness and in Health”
Sunday, January 14

Presented by Rev. Dr. Terasa Cooley

We all live somewhere in the spectrum between health and illness, yet we often treat them as though they are complete states: either / or.  Can we find renewal no matter where we are on the spectrum?
All Soles Dance
Saturday, January 13th
Beginners’ Session:  7:30–8:00pm
Dancing:  8:00–10:30 PM

Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for ages 12-25.
We will dance to the calling of Beth Mast and the music of Firefly Trace. Firefly Trace consists of Carol Metheny, Karen Mortland, and Mark Scurci (fiddle), Pat Wilcox (piano), Jennie Kinsley (hammered dulcimer), and Frank Phillips (guitar). Karen and Frank are members of First UU.

Masks are now optional. We welcome new dancers. All dances will be taught and no partner is needed. Snacks will be available in the kitchen area and contributions to the snack table are welcome. Please bring your own refillable water bottle.

Learn more about Contra Dancing and check out our schedule online!
☕️ Coffee Brewer Training ☕️

Christine Davidson is brewing up some fun!

This Sunday
January 14, 11:15–11:40am

Join us for a brief training on our new professional coffee brewers during Coffee Hour. See you there!
“Sanctuary 2” Fiber Art
by Marty Kotter and Deb Baillieul
Exhibition  January 3–February 28

How precious is our planet, flora, fauna, oceans, rivers, forests, mountains, grasslands and deserts?  We sustain our ecosystems through wildlife sanctuaries, national, state and local parks, and our own back yards.  Come and see Marty’s and Deb’s interpretation of our fragile planet at First UU. Embrace the UU 7th principle and consider how you honor our earth.
From the Staff & Board
Email us to attend any of the upcoming Church Governance meetings:
Town Hall Event:
8th Principle: What Would it Mean for Us?
We have been talking for many months about the Congregation endorsing the 8th Principle. While doing so would put us in the company of hundreds of other UU congregations, the question remains: What would it mean for us? What would we do differently? How would it impact the congregation and perhaps change the way we view the larger community?
Join us on January 28 after the service with your open questions, your hopes and your concerns, as we discuss the possibility of committing to an antiracist, anti-oppressive, and multicultural learning as a congregation through adopting the 8th Principle.

-Rev. Terasa Cooley and Amanda Hays
Take the 8th Principle Survey
Musical Notes
It’s not too late to join one of First UU’s adult choirs!

Spirit of Life Choir rehearses Tuesdays, 6:30–8:00pm, and Chalice Choir rehearses Thursdays, 7:30–9:30pm, both in the Worship Center.  All are welcome, regardless of experience or music reading ability.

Please contact Dr Brandon Moss with questions.
Classes and Groups
For a complete listing of our groups & contact information,
download a copy of our Fall Engagement Catalog. 
Sourdough Class Rescheduled
Due to Rev. Terasa’s hand surgery, she has to postpone the sourdough class until April. If you did not receive an email from her please send her a note so she can give you a more complete update.
FCACO End of Life Presentations
January 21, 2024 at 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.
Funding Our Faith
Have you ever wondered how much it costs to provide the space and staffing for our shared religious home? Or pondered where the funds come from to cover those costs? Join our current Treasurer & Ex Officio Board member Debra Gray Boyd and Board Member Su Farnlacher to explore our budget and funding sources. You might be surprised that our primary funding source is you and your pledge. Join us on February 4, 11:30–1:00 with your snack or lunch to learn  all about it.

Email Debra Boyd with questions or to request a link to attend by zoom.
Upcoming First UU Events
Lost and found: Last Chance! 
Once again First UU’s Lost & Found is totally out of control! On Monday, January 22, unclaimed items will be taken to Volunteers of America.

This Sunday, January 14 and NextSunday, January 21 all Items will be on display in Beach Hall during coffee hour, or check out this Google photo album of lost items. Get them before they are gone!
Anahata Collaborative Ensemble
Holocaust Remembrance Concert
January 27 at 7:30pm

Come to First UU Church for this 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!
Save the Date – Enchanted Forest Ball
Friday, February 16 at 6:30 pm 

Step into a magical realm at our All Ages Enchanted Forest Valentine’s Ball, hosted by the First UU Youth Group. Nestled in the heart of our community, this whimsical event invites individuals of all ages to celebrate love, unity, and the enchanting spirit of Valentine’s Day.

Dress in your most magical attire and join the festivities as we come together to raise funds for our summer youth trip.  More details to come!
Justice & Volunteer Opportunities
January 15 Bubble-Breaker Events
from Anti-Racist Allies (ARA)
Do you ever feel like you’re living in a bubble, not really experiencing the world outside our walls?  A sure cure is to try some of these bubble-breakers on January 15 suggested by ARA to expand our perspectives.
  • Free: Join Bethel International UMC for an antiracism rally from 4:00 to 5:00 at 1220 Bethel Road. Make a sign or come as you are!
  • Free: Attend the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration at the Ohio History Center from 11:00 to 4:00. Enjoy musical and theatrical performances, art activities and an art exhibition! Register online or call the Ohio History Connection at 800.686.6124.
  • $35.00: Breakfast and Dr. King’s Legacy Today: A Discussion with NYT Bestselling Author, Nic Stone author of Dear Martin, 8–10am at Villa Milano Banquet & Conference Center. Reserve your Tickets now.
Want more ideas for January? Check the First UU Facebook page or website. There are opportunities for art, music, conversation and foods all month long!
Community News
Dine to Donate event for SYC
Dine to Donate! Order food from Rusty Bucket tavern in Clintonville on January 17, use code SCHOOL17 when ordering to donate 15% of the bill to SYC’s scholarship program.  (OR, you can submit your receipts online after your meal.)
UUA Central East Region
Winter Institute
Registration Is Open!

CER Winter Institute 2024
February 16 – 19
Salt Fork State Park & Lodge in Cambridge, OH
Winter Institute might better be described as a relaxing Winter Retreat – an opportunity to gather with our extended Beloved UU Community with scheduled times for morning and evening worship services and meals, but lots of unstructured time for impromptu indoor and outdoor activities.  The WI planning committee invites all to either return to this idyllic weekend, or treat yourself to a wonderful and enriching get-away by joining us. Early registration with the best pricing for WI and the Salt Fork Lodge WI room block ends January 15, so don’t delay!

For more information on this year’s Winter Institute and to register early visit the Winter Institute 2024 – General Information website.

See you all at Salt Fork!
Questions?  Email Patricia Boughton
Register by January 15
CER Leadership Skill Ups
Practices of Intergenerational Connection
The Central East Region (CER) team is excited to announce monthly Leadership Skill Ups for Changing Times series! These are drop-in calls for all congregational leaders where you can learn a new skill – or fine tune an old one – with CER staff and other leaders doing similar work in other congregations. Calls alternate monthly between Tuesdays and Thursdays – mark these dates on your calendars and stay tuned for topics as they emerge – and let us know what topics would be helpful to you. All times are 7–9 pm ET.
  • Thursday, February 1 – Practices of Intergenerational Connection
  • Tuesday, March 5 – What is Shared Ministry, Really?
  • Thursday, April 5 and Tuesday, May 7 – Watch This Space! Topic to be determined when we see what the world is like in 2024
Link: Join the Zoom Meeting. Meeting ID: 996 0084 2058, Passcode: 493257
In Celebration
Let’s Celebrate! Submit announcements to celebrate each other together.
Mitten tree donations received a warm welcome at the CRC
Dozens of mittens, hats, and socks were donated to the Clintonville Community Resource Center. The CRC thanks everyone who covered our holiday tree with warmth and love.
Family Activities
Happening Sunday, January 14
  • 9:15-9:45am Breakfast (A/B) 
  • 9:30-11:30am Infant and Toddler Care (room 101)
  • 9:30-11am 13-14yr OWL (rm 302)
  • 9:40-11am Neighboring Faiths (301)
  • 10-11am 6-7yr OWL class (402), Worship Service
  • 10:15am-11am (after story until service ends), 3-6yr Spirit Play (102), 7-9yr Spirit Play (201), and 10yr-MS/HS Tools for the Journey (401)
  • Coffee Hour, snack after service
  • 11:30am-1:30pm Youth Group meeting (402)
  • CANCELED Due to Poor Weather: Navigators Scouting Hike