In the question box service that I led last Sunday there were any number of questions that dealt with the despair many of us feel right now. I offered Anne Lamott’s wisdom in last week’s newsletter, and in the service I talked about Brian McLaren’s book Life After Doom which takes on the subject in more detail. I highly recommend it if this is your struggle right now. In the fall I’ll be holding a three hour session using his formulation so we can talk about it together.

In the meantime, know that this community is here for you. Reach out to one another as we continue to take steps into an unknown future.
I will be on vacation from July 14 – 25th, but Rev Kelli and others will be here covering things.
I hope you can find ways to cultivate the awareness that beauty still surrounds us, even in the heat of the summer.

10:00am Sunday Service
“Nouurish”Presented by Members of First UU Columbus

Curious about First UU Finances? 

Wednesday July 24, 7pm

In lieu of a Board meeting in July, Debra Boyd will lead a Financial Orientation meeting for new board members and anyone else who would like to attend.  This meeting will be a deep dive into the details about the structure of our finances and the fiduciary governance obligations of our Board of Trustees.  All are welcome! 

At First UU, we have held vigils this year to mourn the anti-trans legislation passed by the Ohio Statehouse and their impact on our First UU community as well as state-wide. Ohio was unfortunately not alone as a total of 85 anti-trans bills were passed across the US in 2023, the fourth consecutive record-breaking year for anti-trans legislation in a row.

Because of these laws, trans people in the United States could meet the definition of Internally Displaced People, or IDPs, by the United Nations. Hundreds of thousands of trans people and their families have already fled their homes to safer states with more than a million considering doing so.

In this moment, we have an opportunity to do more than mourn, to act by joining UUs and organizers across the country in welcoming and affirming trans people who might be permanently relocating or leaving their homes temporarily to access gender-affirming care or for another reason through the new Pink Haven Coalition.

The Pink Haven Coalition is a joint project between frontline trans organizers, the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC), the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), other progressive faith groups, and mutual aid networks across the country. Learn more about it in this UUWorld Website Article.

If you think you might be interested in offering a homestay or another form of mutual aid such as assisting with transportation or connecting with other First UU members to find creative mutual aid solutions, please reach out to pink-haven@firstuucolumbus.org.

Embracing Interdependence as a Congregation – Exploration of Solar Panel Expansion

Sunday, July 14, 11:30am Room 301,
Monday, July 22 7–8pm online,
Tuesday, July 30, 6–7pm online
(links to be provided in future Friday News)

The long June heat wave and severe flooding throughout the midwest and elsewhere and the prediction that the 2024 hurricane season could be one of the most active in history remind us that it is imperative that we address global warming and environmental justice. The First UU Ecojustice group is exploring reducing First UU’s building carbon footprint through the expansion of our solar panel system.Tom Tichenor will present an overview of this effort and respond to your questions and concerns. We are still in the early stages, but our approach and possible scope will be presented. Solar Panel systems normally pay for themselves over time, and there are attractive government incentives available, so we are optimistic about attaining a budget-friendly path to expansion, including no-cost options.

Attention Rising Young Adults (RYA)!

2nd & 4th Sundays at 11:30 in Room 302

RYA is a group for emerging adults age 18-26 looking for a group of peers to connect and learn with! From life skills (adulting 101) and discussions to craft and game days, there is something for everyone! The Rising Young Adults group meets twice a month after church. Please reach out to Cameron Mangin-Betts to be added to the GroupMe!Note: RYA will not be having its usual meeting on July 14th, our next meeting will be on July 28th. 

The Aaron Reed Men’s Spirituality Group

Wednesdays at 7:15–9:45pm

The Aaron Reed Men’s Spirituality Group meets every Wednesday at 7:15 PM via Zoom, and is currently open to new members. The group seeks to encourage and facilitate spiritual growth through  sharing of life experiences and discussion of a topic (usually selected by the individual leading the discussion) on any given week. It is not intended to be a self-help group. For more information email Bob Papps or Ron Bruder.

UU Artists: “What Matters?”

Art Drop-off Sunday, August 4, 11:15–12:30
Exhibit August–October

Hi Art Friends–It is time to start thinking about the Annual UU members and friends art exhibit “What Matters?” which begins in August this year.

With election, climate change, racial justice, LBGTQI+ support, telling our own stories, and more, it is difficult to choose a theme. So I have chosen the title “What Matters?”

First UU is now an Official Charitable Bingo site in the state of Ohio. Save the dates to raise money for our congregation and to win cash prizes!  Community Bingo Nights are:

Annual Multi-Generational Labor Day Retreat

Saturday, August 31 – Monday, September 2
at Camp Oty’Okwa in beautiful Hocking Hills

Adults (26+): $135
Teen / Early YA (13–25): $110
Children (5–12): $95
Toddlers (2–4): $25
Children Under 2: Free

July 27, 10am–3pm
And the Last Saturday of each month!