Friday News – July 19, 2024

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Happy Friday,

I hope this message finds you all well and enjoying the summer.

I want to take a moment to thank you all for the incredible impact of your participation in our volunteer activities and fundraising efforts.

Your investment in our church community through time, talent, and financial support is the heartbeat that keeps us thriving. Our events, like the Fall Festival and Bingo nights, are not just about raising money; they build connections and create joy for our surrounding community, inviting everyone in. Volunteering to support these events and attending them strengthens the bonds that make our congregation a family.

As we look ahead to our upcoming year, I encourage each of you to be involved. Your presence and enthusiasm fuel our continued growth and connection. Together, we can ensure our community remains a place of warmth and inspiration.

Let’s make this upcoming year one of vibrant connection and shared purpose.

With gratitude,

Andi Mocharski,
Events and Hospitality Manager
First UU of Columbus
This Week
10:00am Sunday Service
“Practicing Gratitude with Poetry”

Presented by Members of First UU Columbus

Studies show being grateful inspires people to be more generous, kind and helpful, strengthens relationships (including romantic relationships), and may improve the climate in workplaces.

A continental breakfast will be served starting at 9:15am. Coffee and tea remain available after the service.
Join us for Bingo TONIGHT!

Beach Hall, 6:00 pm
(Age 18+ only)

Cash Prizes!

The cost is $25 for a full night of Bingo fun.

Concessions available: walking tacos, snacks, and treats!

Save the date of August 16, 6pm and the second and fourth Fridays of each month starting in September.  
Ethiopian Lunch Outing

Sunday July 21, Noon
Anti-Racist Allies invite you to sample the food and culture of Ethiopia on Sunday, July 21 at noon at Addis Restaurant, 3750 Cleveland Avenue. Vegetarian, vegan and meat entrees are available. Carpools will form in the lobby following the service.

This is one of a series of ARA-sponsored Sunday lunches at local BIPOC-owned restaurants.
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! 
Rummage Sale Item Drop-Off

July 27, 10am–3pm (by appointment)

Our last Ruummage Sale was so popular that we are already gearing up for our next one!  Save the date for next year’s sale on June 7, 2025 and Keep your eyes and ears open for the announcements! Meanwhile…

We are ready to accept donations at our storage unit!  Email Myra Hartmann to set up a time on July 27 between 10 and 3 to drop off your gently loved furniture or household items.  We will meet you at Life Storage, 4735 Evanswood Dr 43229, with volunteers on hand to help you unload your vehicle and price your items.

Calling all volunteers!  If you are available to join our Rummage Sale team, or just donate some time once in a while, please email Myra.
It’s time to Register for the
Annual Multi-Generational
Labor Day Retreat

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

The Labor day retreat is a great opportunity to forge deeper connections with each other. Recharge your spirit and be inspired by the collective wisdom of our diverse community. Take Nature walks and attend worship, campfire gatherings and sing-a-longs.
You can also enjoy time for personal reflection, meditation, and relaxation. Also, happy hour, a talent show, and PEEK!

Registration is open! Would you like to host a workshop or activity?  Contribute your own ‘flavor’ to the retreat?  Need information about giving to or receiving from the Labor Day Scholarship funds?  Please contact Patricia Boughton.
From the Staff & Board
Upcoming Governance Meetings
All Governance meetings are online & in person.  Email the links above in advance to request a link to attend. 
Join us for another spectacular
Summer Fun Movie Night!!
featuring the hit film
“Barbie.”

Directed by the talented UU filmmaker Greta Gerwig!

Mark your calendars: July 26th at 8:15 PM

Come early for the Pajama Pre-Show starting at 7 PM, where we’ll be screening classic cartoons like The Gummy Bears.

Enjoy delicious concessions at family-friendly prices.

Wear your comfiest pajamas and get ready for a night of fun and entertainment!

See you there! – Andi M
Justice & Volunteer Opportunities
Join the Alternative Worship Team!
Would you like to help with our Nourish or Expressive Worship services? We have various roles available, such as presenting readings, leading songs or meditations, sharing stories, sourcing content, creating interactive worship pieces, creating playlists, scheduling participants, and creating and distributing promotional materials.
Your time commitment can range from doing the chalice reading once or twice a month to helping write the upcoming services at a quarterly one-day workshop. If you’re interested in being a worship associate but aren’t ready for that role yet, come develop your talents with us (or do both!)

Our first quarterly workshop is Saturday, August 10 from Noon–5pm at the Columbus Metropolitan Library.

For any questions, please contact Christine.

Image by Prawny from Pixabay
Heat Emergency: Fans Needed!

Central Ohio has been experiencing record temperatures over the past few weeks. For people living without air conditioning, this is life-threatening. The Life Care Alliance is calling for donations of fans to be distributed to families and individuals in need. It’s simple: buy a new fan (used are not accepted), and take it (them) to your local Fire Station for drop-off. Your could be saving a life.

Questions? Email Tom Baillieul.
Take Action through Mutual Aid for Trans Rights
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.
Classes and Groups
Embracing Interdependence as a Congregation – Exploration of Solar Panel Expansion

Monday, July 22 7–8pm online
Tuesday, July 30, 6–7pm online
(email Tom Tichenor to request additional session times)

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.
Upcoming Events
All Soles Dance
Summer Potluck & Dance

Saturday, July 27th 6:15 PM

You know and love the All Soles Contra Dance – Join us July 27 for a fun and friendly potluck before the dance!

Check back next week for details on musicians and who will be calling the dance.
UU Artists: “What Matters?”

Art Drop-off Sunday, August 4, 11:15–12:30
Exhibit August 11 – October 14

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?”
You can make a statement or honor what is important to you. (Please remember we are family friendly). Let’s use our visual voices – Submit your art to participate! Contact Deb Baillieul with your intention to participate and/or questions, or to arrange an alternate drop-off time if August 4 doesn’t work for you.

Image: “Banned Books: What are they afraid of?” How important are books, stories, histories, pictures to you?
Photo and Quilt by Deb Baillieul
Community News
North UCC Concert for a Cause:
Rockin’ the Rainbow

July 27, 2024, 7–9 pm
Doors open at 6:30 for silent auction
North Congregational UCC launched its Concerts for a Cause in 2018 to raise awareness and financial support for national and local justice concerns. After a four-year break due to the COVID pandemic, they’re back! Their upcoming concert, Rockin’ the Rainbow, will benefit the Kaleidoscope Youth Center and the North UCC church.

Performers: Donna Mogavero, Joyful Noises Celebrate Self, and Made of the Mist
Tickets at the door:$20 recommended donation
2040 West Henderson Road, 43220
Ohio Feminist Art Museum:
Artist Event with Evangelia Philippidis
July 27, 2024 from 2:00–6:00pm
Suggested Donation: $30

Come meet artist/illustrator, Evangelia Philippidis — see her work, listen to music by The Velvet Sirens, and enjoy food and drinks. If you don’t know Evangelia, her work celebrates her two passions, nature and dynamic women.
Evangelia was an editorial illustrator for the Columbus Dispatch for 22 years and an instructor at CCAD. Her award winning work has been recognized nationally. Through images that reflect both her Greek heritage and modern influences, she strives to bring visual life to the written word and draw the viewer into the story – to be moved, to be amused or provoked, or simply to stop and reflect.
Suggested Donations of $30 help pay for the event and support the Ohio Feminist Art Museum.
Family Activities
Peace Camp: Only 5 Spots Left for 8-12yrs! 

Tell your friends to Register Now! Week Two of camp is now open to age 12! Confirmation emails and info about payment will continue to go out to families this week.

  • 8-12years, 9am-12noon M-F, 8/5-8/9 – Only 2 Spots Left!
  • (Week one, 7/29-8/2, for 5-8years is FULL / waitlisted!)
Family Activities This Sunday
  • 9:15-9:45am Breakfast (A/B) 
  • 9:30-11:30am Infant and Toddler Care (room 101)
  • 10-11am Worship Service (sanctuary)
  • 10-11am Middle / High School Board Game Group (A/B, Beach Hall)
  • 10:15-11am (after story) Early Ed / Elementary LEGO Class (201)
  • Coffee Hour, Snack after the service (Beach Hall, A/B)
Upcoming First UU Events
  • TODAY Fri 7/19 – Bingo
  • Tues 7/23 – Expressive Worship
  • Fri 7/26 – Movie Night
  • Mon 7/29-Fri 8/2 – Peace Camp A (5-8 years)
  • Fri 8/2 – First Friday Picnic
  • Sun 8/4 – Backpack Blessing All Ages Service and Justice Project
  • Mon 8/5-Fri 8/9 – Peace Camp B (8-11 years)
  • Sun 8/10 – Intergenerational Crafternoon Tea Party
  • Fri 8/16 – Bingo Glow Night
  • Sun 8/18 – Animal Blessing All Ages Service
  • Fri 8/23 – Movie Night
  • Tues 8/27 – Expressive Worship
  • Sat 8/31-Mon 9/2 – Labor Day Retreat
  • Sun 9/1 – No RE classes (enjoy your holiday!)
  • Sun 9/8 – Water Ceremony, All Ages Ingathering Service
  • Sun 9/15 – Most fall RE classes and activities begin

*RE is short for Religious Exploration, aka Sunday school programming