Happy Friday!

I’ve just learned that for the first time in history, Columbus ranks among the 200 happiest cities in the world! It may be hard to think “happy” is the word for how we feel right now, with the world seeming to be on fire. But I do recognize that we have advantages in Columbus that have certainly made it more livable and enjoyable for me compared to the other major metropolitan cities I’ve lived in.

And, I do believe that we contribute to that by providing a community that is a source of spiritual and mental support, learning and growth. Sometimes it helps to remember that some things are good. I count this community first among them.

Terasa Cooley

Developmental Minister

First UU Concert Series Event

Aaron Nathans & Michael G. Ronstadt

Saturday, March 29 at 7:30 pm

Donations will be accepted at the door for the artists. The concert will also be live-streamed.

Chili Lunch to celebrate Annual Pledge Campaign

Sunday, March 30 after Worship

Join us for chili lunch (meat and veg) in Beach Hall after service as First UU kicks off the 2025–26Annual Pledge campaign. This congregation is only possible due to contributions from our members. Pick-up your pledge packet and celebrate how we all contribute to this community.

Upcoming First Friday Excitement

April 4: Paper, Pots & Packets: Origami for Green Thumbs

In this fun, hands-on workshop, Dianne Kadonaga will teach us how to craft biodegradable plant pots from recycled newspaper, and to fold perfect little seed packets from scrap paper – origami style – without scissors, tape, staples, or glue! These eco-friendly creations are perfect for sharing with your community—or upping your zero-waste gardening game. Join us and let’s get folding, planting, and spreading the green love! During crafting, Dianne will give updates on Connecting Community Corridor for People Pollinators and the Planet (CCC for PPP) projects that First UU supported via Share the Plate donations.

May 2: Coffee House! Open Mic Talent & Variety Show

Come one, come all to the First Friday Coffee House in May! Get ready to show off your skills, because First UU’s Got Talent! Tune up your Instruments, practice your juggling or musical acts, polish up your poetry – and get ready to have some fun! In the interest of time, participants will be asked to present one three-minute act.

First UU Christian Fellowship

1st and 3rd Mondays, 6:30–8:00pm on Zoom

Schedule:

March 31: Romans 12

April 14: 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13

April 28: Wrap up of Faith Working Thru Love Study

Realm Update

At the mid-year meeting, We invited all members to access your information in our new Member Management database, Realm. You can now verify and update your personal information, edit your security settings, view your giving information, and connect with other First UU Members online!

If you missed your invitation, have questions, or need help please email us at realm@firstuucolumbus.org, call Becca (614-267-4946, ext 0), or stop in during office hours!

Roller Derby Tickets Still Available for Tomorrow!

This will be our last home game for a few months! Amber will be working the fan engagement table during the 5pm A game, and then skating in the 7pm B game. We are currently accepting donations of children’s breakfast cereal for Motherful!

Trans Day of Visibility

Transgender Day of Visibility is next Monday, March 31! On this day, we celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of transgender and gender-expansive people while raising awareness about the discrimination and violence they still face.

For those who are trans and expansive, this is a day to celebrate being the wonderful and beautiful person you are! Our Unitarian Universalist Association is hosting a virtual service that will include time and space to celebrate who we are and show our support and love for each other as trans/nonbinary+ UUs and friends:

For allies, this is a day to educate yourself and take action! You can learn more about how to be an ally at Glaad.org.

One timely way to take action is to tell your school board to use trans students chosen names, rather than the names on their birth certificates. Columbus City Schools just reverted trans students’ names in their databases, even though this is not even required by the recently passed ant-trans legislation, Ohio House Bill 8. (Learn more in this story from nbc4i.com) You can call or email your school board to let them know your concerns. The Columbus City School Board can be reached at 614.365.8888 and customerrelations@columbus.k12.oh.us. They are meeting on April 1 at 6pm.

Learn!

Our Unitarian Universalist Side with Love Campaign puts out a wonderful update every Tuesday full of ideas, encouragement, and timely news:

Protest!

There are lots of protests going on but one coming up that is likely to be big is the next 50501 & Indivisible Protest at the Statehouse on Sat April 5 from Noon-3pm. People will be protesting in the capitols of all 50 states and many additional cities, at least 5 cities in Ohio!

One good way to stay connected at protests is to wear a bright yellow “Side with Love” shirt (or something else bright yellow). If you would like to buy a shirt, they are $25 at the JAM Table in Beach Hall after services, or you can buy one from InSpirit, the UUA online store.

Boycott!

Some reading about boycotts, including the Feb 28 Blackout that some First UUers participated in – and how we can build on it.

This is a tracker for different boycotts, with tracking for which boycotts have all the elements that Choose Democracy thinks are necessary to make them successful:

I encourage you to try Target Fast, which is the currently running boycott that Choose Democracy has rated as having all the necessary components. It is a boycott against Target from March 5 to April 17, with these four demands:

• Honor the 2 billion dollar pledge to the black business community through products, services, and black media buys
• Deposit 250 million amongst any of our 23 black banks
• Completely restoring the franchise commitment to DEI
• Pipeline community centers at 10 HBCU to teach retail business at every level

This Sunday, March 30th!

9:15am-10am Nouurish Service (sanctuary)

10-10:30am Breakfast, and Coffee until 11am (A/B, Beach Hall)

Caregivers of Young Children eat together (Beach, near the piano)

10:30am-12:30pm Infant and Toddler Care (101)

10:30am-12:15pm 13-14yr OWL (302)

11am-12:15pm Coming of Age (401)

11am-12:15pm Building Your World MS/HS (301)

11am-12noon Worship Service (sanctuary)

11:15am-12:15pm (starts after story) 3-6yr Spirit Play (102)

11:15am-12:15pm (starts after story) 7-10yr Spirit Play (201)

12noon-1:00pm Snack and Coffee (Beach Hall, A/B)

Help Needed: seeking scout troop & Youth Group volunteers! Email Amber, or fill out this interest form! Families: please register here.

Register Now for Peace Camp in August!

We can’t wait to see you this summer! More info, and registration here!

• Session A: for 6-8 years, Monday 7/28 – Friday 8/1, 9am-12noon
• Session B: for 8-11 years, Monday 8/4 – Friday 8/8, 9am-12noon