Participating in the business of the congregation allows each of us to actively live our theology and share our hopes and imaginings for the future of this beloved community. Be sure to check out our 2025-26 Annual Report and the 2026 Slate of Candidates. Join us on Sunday and see what we’ve done this past year as we envision a bright and lovely future together!

Rev. Kelli McNeal

Congregational Life Minister

P.S. This Sunday just after service, we will take a photo of our congregation outside the front entrance. Then we will take a quick break for everyone to grab snacks and check in for the meeting. We everyone is able to join us!

Meet Your Nominees!

The Nominating Committee is pleased to present our slate of candidates for election at the Annual Meeting this Sunday, June 7.

These members have been selected based on their demonstrated commitment to our congregation and values. Download this PDF to learn more about them and the election process!

Welcome Summer First Fridays!

Picnics in the Breezeway

Friday, June 5 at 6:30-8:00 pm

Pathways to Membership

Saturday, June 13, 2026 8:30 am

Registration Open on Realm (no login required)

If you are interested in the next steps to become a member of First Unitarian Universalist Church of Columbus we invite you participate in the next Pathways to Membership class. It is designed for newcomers and is always recommended before deciding to become a Church member. (Participation does not obligate you to join our church.) This class will acquaint you with our church and our faith before you consider a commitment of membership to First UU.

First UU Concert Event:

Tribute Concert to Peter, Paul, & Mary

Sunday June 14 at 4:00 pm

Join Bill Cohen, Joanne Blum, and Joe Lambert in a memory-filled tribute to Peter, Paul, & Mary on Sunday, June 14 at 4:00 pm. This concert will cover many of PP&M’s beloved songs, as well as feature trivia about the famed trio. A suggested $15 donation will be collected at the door, though all contributions are welcome. Half of all proceeds will go to benefit Columbus Food Rescue, which delivers surplus restaurant food to shelters and food pantries throughout the area.

“Rise Up, Sing Out!” Concert livestream

Watch Party

Sunday, June 14 7:00-9:00 pm

Guided Meditation Class

~ be where your feet are ~

Beginning June 16

Tuesdays From 6-7PM

Free and Open to All

(RSVP encouraged but not required)

Instructor: Patricia O’Toole, Ph.D., has been a dedicated student of meditation and life’s deeper questions for almost 20 years. A lifelong educator, Patricia currently teaches Mindfulness at Ohio Wesleyan University

IACO’S Main Event: Immigration in Central Ohio

Sunday, June 28, 2026 3- 5:30 PM

Bethel International UMC

1220 Bethel Rd. Columbus, OH 43220

Registration Open until June 22 ($15)

We welcome all who are interested in learning more and being part of constructive community dialogue.

Moderator Julie Carr Smyth, Panelists Vincent Wells (Immigration Attorney),

Dr. Dorothy Hassan, Ph.D (Executive Director of Our Helpers and CORRN), and Anisa Liban (Westerville City School Board Member).

Upcoming Member Memorials

Tomorrow, June 6, 1pm: Bob Letcher

(Attending Guests: Please wear blue jeans

and a hippie t-shirt in his honor)

Volunteer as First UU Outreach at

Stonewall Pride March and Festival

Sign Up for Booth: June 19 4pm – 10pm or June 20, 10:30am – 9pm

Sign up to March: June 20 by 10:30am (50 spots available)

Once again First UU has a spot at the Stonewall Pride March and Community Resource Festival. If you would like to be one of our 50 marchers/riders please reserve your spot! The march is on Saturday 6/20 and all participants are asked to be in place by 10:30. (We usually don’t start moving till noon though so come prepared to wait). We’re usually done around 1:30pm.

Volunteer for the tent to chat with passerby about who we are, bestow glitter blessings, hand out water and candy, and serve as compassionate listeners. We try to have 4 people at the booth each shift so you can do what you’re most comfortable with and everyone can take breaks. Questions? Ask christine@firstuucolumbus.org! If you’d like to do a thing but the slots don’t quite line up with your availability let us know – we can work it out!

Or if you can’t come, help us assemble prizes on Sundays in June or you can donate snacks, 1-3 gallon jugs of water (for refilling water bottles) or money to help offset the cost of the event. Thank you!

Building and Ground Update:

New Fencing!

A new wooden fence has been installed along the west side of the church property near the main driveway and around the dumpsters to replace an old one which had rotted and partially fallen down. It was entirely built onsite, and the curves in each slat were hand cut by workers prior to installation. Bravo!

Be a Delegate for First UU at General Assembly!

Online June 14-21, 2026

General Assembly 2026 registration is officially open. GA 2026 will be a fully virtual experience that brings Unitarian Universalists together in new and inspiring ways. Join from home, gather with your congregation, connect at a satellite site, or take part in the live audience at our Studio Site in Louisville. See the Full GA Schedule at uua.org. Registration is still open – register to attend! And tell a Board Member if you’d like to be a Delegate!

Stamped from the Beginning

ARA Congregational Read

May to October

Discussion Registration Open

The Anti-Racist Allies invite you to read Stamped from the Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi to participate in the congregational group read this Summer and fall. This important work has several versions appropriate for a variety of ages and reading levels. Monthly Zoom book discussions will begin in June, (7pm on June 16, July 21, August 25, Sept 29) and more activities connected with the book will be announced for the Fall. We hope you will be able to join us!

Tasty Way to Support Columbus’ Hispanic Community:

Columbus Taco Fest (21+ only)

Saturday, June 6 Noon to 10 pm

Sunday, June 7 Noon to 8 pm

Feed And Read Ohio

As of this week we have delivered 4027 bags of food to Latino families since December 22, 2025, the date I.C.E. began intense presence in Franklin County. Part of our success with Latino families is that we respect families to act as network partners as they pass food on to other family members and neighbors. One woman who provides hair cuts to the neighborhood helps by giving food to client neighbors, extending our impact on the needful community.

Special donation needs for June: Bags of white rice, Pinto beans, cooking oil, Sardines, Tuna, Salmon, Peanut butter, pretty socks, and feminine pads. Get a Green Bag on Sunday for your donations and sign up for weekly updates from the Feed & Read Ohio website

Eco-tip: Consider a natural lawn this summer

Natural lawns are an eco-friendly alternative to traditional turf grass. Instead of relying on a single grass species that requires frequent mowing and watering, natural lawns use a mix of native grasses and low-growing flowering plants that work with nature, not against it. The result? A healthier, more resilient landscape that supports pollinators, uses less water and still looks beautiful. Getting started can be simple. Try mowing less often and overseeding with native grasses. Small changes can make a big difference in creating a more natural, sustainable yard!

Dinner & Conversation

Sign up by June 24 for

July, August & September

before Wednesday, June 24, Noon

This sign up is for the third quarter of 2026, July, August, September. Please email Marcia if you want to participate.

Calling all UU Artists and Friends for “Freedom!”

Registration Open!

Drop off art August 9 – 11

Our annual members and friend Fall Art Show is called “Freedom!” What does this mean to you? Take in is August 7-9. See details and Registerto submit on our website.

Be “Free as a Bird” as you create!

Happening This Sunday, June 7th!

*Sign up for future Coffee & Continental Breakfast shifts on Realm or via email!

9:30am-11:30pm Infant and Toddler Care 3mos-3yrs (101)

*Per safety policy, children/youth need to be supervised while on church grounds.

9:15am-12:15pm Teen/Tween Board Games! Rising 6th Grade & Above (A/B)

10:00-11:00am Worship Service (sanctuary)

10:15-11:15am (After Story) Early-Ed/Elementary Summer Class 3-11yrs (201)

Kiddos w/fam in service: use Busy Bags or quiet toys in Wee Worship/Slowter!

11:00-11:30am Coffee/Tea – Pending Volunteers!* (A/B, Beach Hall)

11:30am-1:30pm Congregation’s Annual Meeting: Member Quorum Required

Snacks and Cake Served in Worship Center for Attendees! + Childcare

Coming Soon: Fall Class Registration and Volunteer Teacher Recruitment!