Spring flowers are blooming around the building and there’s so much happening! I can’t wait to experience the Flower Ceremony with all of you in a few weeks, and so many other special events! This Sunday, our family Spring Festivaland Egg Hunt will be happening during the service in lieu of regular Sunday school classes. (Children and family members are invited to meet in room 201 after the story ends). If you have Nut / Peanut Free Candy donations, please leave them in the copy room before the service begins.
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At 11:30am (after the service), all are welcome to participate in or come watch Throwing Color (in the style of the Hindu celebration Holi) out on the SYC playground!
As Unitarian Universalists we are called to find wisdom in a variety of sources and world traditions. We recognize that Easter may feel complicated, and that we as a community come from many paths: from those who were harmed by Christian traditions, to those who feel better served by other beliefs and practices (folks who may identify as humanist, pagan, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, atheist, and more), to those with a more Christian idea of divinity who may not feel fully welcomed here. Together in worship this Sunday, we hope to reflect on the wisdom tale that is the Easter story, and to see what we may glean from it that is still relevant today.
This Sunday is also the International Transgender Day of Visibility, and we plan to acknowledge this important observance as part of this week’s service. We recognize that Easter celebrations and our traditions as a congregation are imperfect, and we aspire to better grow into our call to be a truly welcoming community of many traditions. We realize that attending this service may feel vulnerable or risky for some. We are grateful that First UU can be a supportive place to be brave and interrogate what more is needed together.
If you have ideas or would like to be more involved in our church’s worship services and special celebrations, you are always welcome to reach out to an individual staff member, or to email the worship planning staff. Thank you for your thoughtful contributions to this community!
Amber Scott (she/they)
Director of Religious Exploration
amber@firstuucolumbus.org |
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“The Empty Tomb”
Sunday, March 31
Presented by Rev. Dr. Terasa Cooley
and Rev. Kelli McNeal
The Easter story is often told in the Christian tradition as the story of bodily resurrection. But the oldest gospel, the Gospel of Mark, leaves us with just the empty tomb. What can resurrection mean in the spiritual sense?
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Presentation: Neurodiversity, It’s About Time
Saturday, March 30 1–2:30pm
Elizabeth Cook, PhD and Psychologist at the OSU Wexner Medical Center offers this free presentation on Neurodiversity, including Neurodiversity issues such as ADHD and Autism Spectrum disorders. We welcome UU staff, SYC & Red Oak staff, parents and everyone who is interested in this topic!
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Join us for First Friday!
Friday, April 5, 6:30pm Skip making dinner; come hang out with fellow First UUers and let us do the cooking! All ages are welcome. We’ll have salad, pasta, sauces, garlic bread and cookies. Vegan/gluten free/dairy free options available. Dinner is served at 6:30 and chatting/games/movies often go till 8:30-9.
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| Your first time is free! There is a suggested donation of $3.00 per person to help pay for the food for all of our happy repeat customers. Spread the word and come have a good time and some good eats with friends. 🙂 Click the button to help make it happen! |
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Registration is Open for General Assembly (GA)
General Assembly (GA) is the annual meeting of our Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). Participants worship, witness, learn, connect, and make policy for the Association through the Democratic process. GA will occur online from June 20–23 via WHOVA. Interested in becoming a Delegate? Contact your Board of Trustees! |
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See Amber Skate Tomorrow!
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Upcoming Governance Meetings
Email our Board or Finance committee to inquire about attending:Â
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Saturday, April 13, 9–1pm
Room 301, online upon request
(Light Breakfast available at 8:30)
Do you have questions about what it means to be a member of First UU? Do you 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. |
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| 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. |
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| Everything that First UU offers our community is possible due to generous donations from our congregants. Our Annual Spring Giving Campaign kicks off onSunday, April 7. We invite you to join us for a meal to hear more about how your contributions make a difference to our community. |
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- Thursday, 4/11, 6:00pm – Dinner in Room 301
- Sunday, 4/14, Immediately after Worship – Lunch in Room 301
- Tuesday, 4/23, Noon – Lunch in Room 301
- Tuesday, 4/23, 5:30pm – Dinner in Room 301
If you are able, please RSVP which event you plan to attend to help us in planning.
Image by Rev. Cooley
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Upcoming Concerts at First UU
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Here are *Just a Few* of the additional upcoming Events anyone can enjoy:
- April 7 & 14, 11am – Getting to Know the Library
- April 7, 11:30am Trans Allies & Families Support group, Trans & Gender non-confirming Teen Support Group
- April 14, 11:30am Emerging Young Adults
- Every Wednesday at 6pm – Sacred Song Circle
- Every Saturday at 8:30am & Tuesday at 7pm – Zen Meditation.
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| Justice & Volunteer Opportunities |
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Investing with First UU
The First UU Finance Committee is looking for a few volunteers to help us with our investment opportunities. If you have investment experience and are interested, or would like to know more information, please email the Finance team! |
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Opportunities with BREAD
(Building Responsibility, Equality and Dignity)
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- Watch the full The Lincoln School Story documentary
- Monday, April 15, 7:00pm BREAD Rally, Congregation Tifereth Israel, 1354 E Broad St
- Tuesday, May 14–15th, 8AM-3:30PM Columbus City Schools Intensive 2-day training from International Institute for Restorative Practices.  Register to attend using the Online registration form.
- Tuesday, May 21, 6:40pm  BREAD Nehemiah Action, Celeste Center at the Fairgrounds
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| Go to the BREAD website and check out the latest BREAD newsletter! Or Email the BREAD Team for more information. |
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Check here each week to read a Diversity and Inclusion highlight from
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Contemporary Artist Bisa Butler
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Just like a tapestry or quilt, diversity weaves together different threads or pieces to create a rich and interconnected whole. Each individual thread or piece brings its own unique texture, color, and pattern, contributing to the overall beauty and strength of the tapestry or quilt. Similarly, diversity celebrates the richness of different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, creating a vibrant and inclusive society.
Bisa Butler is a contemporary artist known for her vibrant quilted portraits that celebrate African American identity and culture. Butler’s art explores themes of history, race, and personal narrative, inviting viewers to engage with stories that are both deeply personal and universally resonant. Through her mastery of textile art, she creates stunning pieces that challenge traditional notions of portraiture and contribute to a broader conversation about representation in the art world.
Learn More about the Bisa Butler on YouTube |
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TASO Youth Interfaith Ramadan Dinner Invitation
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Join us for an evening of unity and great food at the TASO Youth Interfaith Ramadan Dinner! This special event is open to all high school juniors, seniors, and college students, regardless of faith or background. So bring a friend and come hungry! It’s a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue, learn about others, and make new friends in the spirit of Ramadan. As we share a meal, we’ll also share stories, discuss diverse traditions, and foster a community built on understanding and respect. Don’t miss this chance to experience the warmth of interfaith fellowship. Remember, everyone is welcome, and every voice is valued. See you there!
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Spring Festival! Egg Hunt! Throwing Color!Â
Please leave any donations of Nut/Peanut Free Easter Candy in the copy room before the service begins. Spring Festival activities and our family Egg Hunt will be happening during the service in lieu of regular Sunday school classes. Children and family members are invited to meet in room 201 after the story ends. At 11:30am (after the service), all are welcome to participate in or come watch Throwing Color (in the style of Holi) out on the SYC playground!
- 9:15-9:45am Breakfast (A/B)Â
- 9:30-11:30am Infant and Toddler Care (101)Â those who can toddle / walk are welcome to participate in the Spring Festival and Egg Hunt!Â
- 10-11am Worship Service
- 10:15am-11:30am (after the story ends) Family Spring Festival and Egg Hunt (meet in 201)
- 11:30am Throwing Color (SYC playground) all are welcome to participate, or come watch!Â
- Coffee Hour, snack after service
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