Friday News – January 26, 2024

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First Unitarian Universalist Church of Columbus is saddened and angered by the Ohio House and Senate’s decision to override the governor’s veto to pass House Bill 68, which creates overwhelming barriers for trans youth in Ohio to access gender-affirming health care and school sports. As Unitarian Universalists, we believe in the inherent worth and dignity of every person, and we pledge to replace systems of oppression that have created barriers for people based on their identities with ever-widening circles of solidarity and mutual respect. We believe this law, in creating barriers for trans youth and their families to access basic human rights, is an abuse of our elected officials’ power.

We are a gentle, angry people, and we will not keep silent about this abuse of power. We will continue to welcome, celebrate, and support the beauty and wholeness of trans youth, trans people, and their families in our congregation and across Ohio. And we will continue to spread a theology of love that proclaims that we flourish as a community only when everyone has the right to be their truest, most authentic selves.

The above statement is endorsed by the Board and Staff of First Unitarian Universalist Church of Columbus, Ohio. 
Greetings First UU,

In addition to the community vigil we hosted the day of the vote, First UU is taking action by mobilizing to support both our community partners and our congregants. In addition to our existing adult Trans Support Group, we plan to offer a similar group for our trans and nonbinary youth (middle and high school age), as well as a group for families with gender curious kiddos, and the family members, partners, parents, and allies who support trans loved ones. Want to learn more? Download a free copy of The Gender Book: Kindle / PDF.
We have also switched our Share-the-Plate recipients for February and June so that your donations will benefit Kaleidoscope Youth Centerwhen they are most needed. Here are some more ways to take action:
The First UU staff and our Board of Trustees want all those who are affected and their loved ones to know that we and this congregation support and care about you. Please don’t hesitate to be in touch regarding further support as we navigate these trying times together as a community.

Amber Scott (she/they)
Director of Religious Exploration
amber@firstuucolumbus.org
This Week
“Cycles of Growth and Change”

Sunday, January 28

Presented by Rev. Dr. Terasa Cooley

We often think of change as something that is linear: we go from here to there in a straight line. Actually our experience of change goes in cycles in which we have to come to terms with what we’ve lost before we can embrace what’s new. Drawing on the wisdom of William Bridges we will talk about how to navigate transitions.
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?
In Lieu of Coffee hour, 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
From the Staff & Board
Email us to attend any of the upcoming Church Governance meetings:
  • Finance Committee: Wednesday, February 21, 7pm
  • Congregational Mid-Year Mtg: Sunday, February 25, 11:30am (no RSVP)
  • Board of Trustees:  Wednesday, February 28, 7pm
Sunday Livestream Interruption
On Sunday, January 21 we lost internet at the church briefly during service, causing the live stream to stop. BUT! We have the technology, we can fix it! You can watch the recording of the service at the link below.
Watch “Journeying Together” Now
Classes and Groups
For a complete listing of our groups & contact information,
download a copy of our Fall Engagement Catalog. 
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.
Living the Pledge Anti-Racism Training
Saturdays 3–5pm
February 10 – March 23
(no class on March 2)
This training was developed by First UU Richmond members as they sought to transition from reading and talking about how to end racism to taking intentional actions. Come learn and commit to the work with others in our congregation!
We will cover the information in 6 modules, and each module requires about an hour of preparation ahead of time for participants, either reading or watching videos.

Registration required. Childcare will be provided.
Email Amanda Hays for more information.
Register Now
Personal Finance & Budget Class

Sunday Feb 11 at 11:30AM
or
Tuesday Feb 13 at 7PM
Freshen up your skills for your personal budget. We’ll talk about financial goals, budgeting, saving, spending, and various budget apps.

Meet us in Room 301. Lunch provided on Sunday after the service.

Email questions to Patricia Boughton.
Pathways to Membership
Saturday, February 3rd, 9–1pm (Breakfast at 8:30)

Do you have questions about what it means to be a member of First UU? Want to learn more about who we are and how you can connect and engage with this community? Join us for our next Pathways to Membership class.
We will explore various paths to involvement at First UU and connect you with groups and other members who share similar interests. There is no obligation to become a member. We invite everyone who has questions or is looking to find points of connection.

Email Debra or Rev. Kelli for more information.
Register Now
Upcoming First UU Events
You’re Invited to the 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 (Available during coffee hour)
Email Andi for more information
Justice & Volunteer Opportunities
Join Anti-Racist Allies (ARA) & Friends
in Bubble-Breaking Activities
Since the beginning of January, more than 30 ARA and friends have participated in a variety of bubble-breaking events. Black History Month will be full of opportunities:

February 1: Register for Not Your Grandmother’s Black History Lecture Webinar Series “Who needs Black History Month?” Dr. Holly Y. McGee brings a fresh perspective on the value of Black History Month, and why Black History happens 365 days a year!

February 4 3:00–4:30pm: Ta-Nehisi Coates, National Book Award-winning writer and former national correspondent for “The Atlantic,” together with Sophia Fifner, president and CEO of the Columbus Metropolitan Club, live at Upper Arlington Hight School. Tickets start at $25.

Contact ARA Members with suggestions for February Bubble-breakers. See photos of our events on the First UU Facebook page and post photos too!
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. Children of First UU members get priority when applying to attend.

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.
First UU Member Dianne Kadonaga
Recognized for Sustainability efforts
First UU Member Dianne Kadonaga is one of four local BIPOC farmers being featured in an OSU Exhibit entitled “Regenerative Champions: Elevating the voices of small-scale Black and Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) farmers” at the Thompson Library.

Dianne owns Sunny Glen Garden, and coordinates the Connecting Community Corridor for People Pollinators and the Planet (CCC for PPP), a share the plate partner with First UU.
Family Activities
Happening Sunday, January 28
  • 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)
  • 8th Principle Town Hall, Coffee Hour, snack after service
  • 11:30am-1:30pm Youth Group meeting (402)