Friday News – January 19, 2024

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Happy Friday!

Brrrrrrrrr!!!! I hope you all have been able to find times of warmth and cozy this past week. Times of snow fall always bring me into a time of reflection and introspection as I look out my window and try to focus on one flake at a time. I find that I’m often looking to Robert Frost in these times and came across this short poem that made me smile this week:

The way a crow
Shook down on me
The dust of snow
From a hemlock tree

Has given my heart
A change of mood
And saved some part
Of a day I had rued.

May we all find moments of introspection and surprising joy in this week ahead.
Blessings,
Rev. Kelli
kelli@firstuucolumbus.org
This Week
“Journeying Together”
Sunday, January 21

Presented by Justice Minister Amanda Hays,
Rev. Kelli McNeal & Rev. Dr. Terasa Cooley

What would it look like if we made a commitment to anti-racism as a congregation? How have other UU congregations committed to this journey?
Community Vigil for House Bill 68
January 24, 6pm
Anticipating the decision of House Bill 68, we invite the community to gather for a vigil, reflecting on the impact of the legislative outcome. The vigil will be a space for solidarity, shedding light on the challenges and discrimination faced by the transgender community. As candles are lit, the vigil will be a symbol of hope and determination to continue fighting together for equality.
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.
Lost and found: Last Chance! 
This Sunday, 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!

On Monday, January 22, unclaimed items will be taken to Volunteers of America.  
Expressive Worship
Monthly lay-led worship service

Thursday, January 25, 2024, 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. January’s theme is Liberating Love. Contact Christine D for more information.
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
Membership Database Rollout
It’s almost time to roll out our new membership database! Want to get a sneak peak and be one of the first people to pop in and give it a try? We are looking for Beta testers to log in, play around, ask questions and help us put the finishing touches on this new system. Email Rev. Kelli for an access link!
Updates From Amber
Earlier this week, I had surgery on one of my eyelids to hopefully correct a stretched out tendon (likely a side effect of long term contact lens use before I got LASIK). I am recovering well, but still have visible stitches and a lot of bruising. If you see me wearing colorful sunglasses Sunday morning, that’s why!

Someone left this beautiful scarf / shawl for me around the holidays, but there was no card in the bag, so I’m not sure who to thank! I would love to hear more about it, if you’re willing to reveal yourself! Thank you for thinking of me!
Ohio Roller Derby’s first home game is happening Saturday, February 10th! Individual game tickets are now available, in addition to season passes. Doors open at the Ohio Expo Center at 4pm, followed by the A team game at 5pm, and the B team game (which I play in!) around 7pm. Our other game dates are 3/30, 4/27, 5/25, and 6/15. I look forward to seeing you there!
Classes and Groups
For a complete listing of our groups & contact information,
download a copy of our Fall Engagement Catalog. 
Upcoming A-S-H Meeting
(Atheists, Sceptics and Humanists)
“What Inquiring Minds want to know about Water in Columbus”

January 23, 7pm in Room 301

Our water – where does it come from? What happens to it before it gets to us? How safe is it? Where does it go after we use it?  How much is there and what are the future demands? What can we do to help keep water flowing from our taps?
Learn the answer to these questions and more as we listen to Stacia Eckenwiler, Assistant Administrator with the City of Columbus Department of Public Utilities, Division of Sewers and Drains.
All A-S-H meetings are 7:00pm on the 4th Tuesday of the month. Join us February 27 for “Lords of the Arctic vs. Climate Change.”
First UU Young Adults (18-35)

Next Meeting: January 28
Please join us after service on the2nd and 4th Sundays each month for a Young Adult spiritual group! Due to the ephemeral nature of our age group you are not expected to attend every meeting but we’d love to see you as often as you’re available

Email Gale Callaghan 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 Sunday, February 4, 11:30–1pm 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 Events
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.

Dress in your most magical attire, pose under the twinkling lights in the photo booth, and enjoy some delicious treats as we come together to dance and raise funds for our summer youth trip.

Tickets: $10.00 each
Justice & Volunteering Opportunities
☕️ Brew up Some Fun ☕️
First UU is fuled by great folks and great coffee. Sign up to help host our Sunday Coffee Hour. Volunteering to support our Sunday Morning Team is a fantastic way to meet new people and support our growing community.
More January Bubble-Breakers
from Anti-Racist Allies (ARA)
Try some of these bubble-breakers offered by ARA to expand your world:
  • Lunch: 11:30 Sunday, January 21, Meet in Room 301 We will carpool from church to Dabakh Restaurant for Senegalese food and adventure.
  • Literature: $40.00 ticket includes admission to the Conversation with Michele Norris, a Q&A, book signing, plus one copy of OUR HIDDEN CONVERSATIONS. Thursday, January 25 at 7:00 at the King Arts Complex.
Contact the Anti-Racist Allies with Questions about the 8th Principle or suggestions for February Bubble-breakers! Check out photos from UU Bubble-breakers on the First UU Facebook page or website.
Community News
SYC Now Accepting
2024-25 School Year Applications
SYC’s 2024-25 school year application and scholarship application are now available on Jovial. Submit applications by noon on February 16, 2024 for best possible placement and tuition assistance. Children must be at least 2 years old by September 30, 2024 in order to attend SYC.

If you are new to SYC or it’s been a while since you’ve been to SYC, call the SYC office at 614-267-0254 to set up a day and time for a tour.

Please visit the Enrollment Page on the SYC website for more information.
In Celebration
Let’s Celebrate! Submit announcements to celebrate each other together.
Celebrating… You!
There are many volunteers who work countless hours to make everything our First UU community offers a success! We want to extend a huge thank you to everyone, including the Welcome Team, RE classroom teachers and volunteers, the Breakfast and Coffee Teams, the Worship Team, our office helpers, the Caring Team, Pastoral Team / Council, the Archives Team, Building and Grounds, Finance and Personnel committees, our Board of Trustees, Justice Action Ministry groups, Stewardship, Senior Gathering Volunteers, Memorial Garden Helpers, and more!

If you volunteer in any capacity to make First UU events, programs, and community happen – Thank you!
Family Activities
Happening Sunday, January 21
  • 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 (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)
  • 11am Coffee Hour, snack after service
  • 12:30am-2:00pm Navigators Scouting badgework meeting (201)