Rev. Dr. Terasa G. Cooley, AIM

Developmental Minister

P.S. Please attend this Sunday’s Coming of Age Service! I will be so sorry to miss it as I will be out of town, but as I said in my sermon last Sunday, it is the highlight of my year! It’s wonderful to hear our young people grapple with the meaning of life!

Two Final Concert Series Events of 2024–25!

TONIGHT! Chamber Music Connection:

May 16 7:15 pm

First UU Choirs Annual Spring Concert:

May 18 4:00 pm

On Sunday May 18 at 4:00 pm, First UU’s Choirs will present their annual Spring Concert, featuring Peace Pals, Spirit of Life Choir, and Chalice Choir. This concert is free, but donations of any size will be accepted at the door to benefit First UU’s Concert Series.

All Soles Dance

Saturday, May 17th

Beginners’ Session 7:30–8:00 PM

Dancing 8:00–10:30 PM

We will be dancing at All Soles this coming Saturday, May 17th.

Michael Hamilton, from Akron, will call the dances and Root Cellar String Band (from Northwest Ohio) will provide the tunes. Root Cellar String Band is comprised of Lucy Long (fiddle), Dave Strickler (guitar), Steve O’Regan (banjo), and Will Strickler (bass).

We hope you’ll come dance with us – New dancers are always welcome! All dances will be taught and no partner is needed. Please bring your own refillable water bottle.

Cost: $10 for adults, $5 for ages 12-25.

Upcoming dates: June 21st, July 19th (Summer Potluck & Dance), August 23rd, September 20th

LGBTQ+ Estate Planning Workshop

Wednesday, May 21 6 pm

Please RSVP by May 19

Planning for the future is essential, especially for LGBTQ+ individuals or families who want to ensure their rights and wishes are protected. Join us for this free Estate Planning Workshop in partnership with ALH Law Group, where you’ll learn about trusts, powers of attorney, living wills, and other key legal protections.

Summer Worship Schedule

Beginning May 25, 10am

Summer is around the bend! Beginning May 25, we will present a single worship service at 10am.  A light continental breakfast will be served at 9:15am, coffee and tea will be available both before and after the service.

Summer is a time that First UU staff uses to try new ideas and prepare for the coming church year, so you may notice some changes in our programming and communications. We will feature an online-only order of worship, and other ‘experiments,’ and we would love to hear what you think! Don’t hesitate to email Becca with your thoughts!

Meet your Nominees!

The Nominating Committee is pleased to present our slate of candidates for election at the Annual Meeting on Sunday, June 8. These members have been selected based on their demonstrated commitment to our congregation and values.

We will vote on the following candidates:

Bravo, Breakfast Team!

Ross Baker

Jeff & Patricia Boughton

Kari Garnes

John Grinstead

Kari Hicks

Jack Holdford

Katie Holdford

Dave Merrill

Mic Thompson

Debra Boyd & Mark Merchant

Christine & Billy Davidson

Protesters, Know Your Rights!

Protest plays an important role in our society to make sure human rights are acknowledged by institutions with power. In the U.S., you have the First Amendment right to peacefully assemble to protest. However, the current political environment where individuals are being detained & deported without due process of law for engaging in First Amendment-protected activities is concerning from a legal standpoint. Visit the ACLU of Ohio website for valuable information about your right to protest and what to do if you are confronted by a police officer during a protest.

BREAD Call to Action:

Trees Protect Us! We Protect Trees!

We also set framework for the Trees Protect Us! We protect Trees! campaign by continuing to press City Council Member Nancy Day-Achauer to introduce legislation for private tree canopy by December 1, 2025. This includes completing a working group by June and monthly meetings with BREAD. See the call to action for contacting Council Member Nancy Day-Achauer here:

Contact City Council Member Nancy Day-Achauer(614-645-5292) to help protect the trees: You might say something like:

“Hello, I am calling with a message for Council Member Day-Achauer. Columbus Desperately needs an ordinance to protect trees on private property. It is a matter of health and safety for our neighborhoods and their residents. Please introduce legislation by December 1, 2025. Thank you”.

Body Wisdom Wednesdays: Mindful Movement Practice

May 21 & June 1, 6:45–8:30pm

1st & 3rd Wednesdays

Offered sliding scale, by Whitney Dawn Pyles! Please register if able, suggested donation $15–$40 per class. Join us for an evening of somatic exploration to cultivate a kinder relationship with the body, nervous system, and self. Mindful Movement supports presence, engages curiosity, invites expression, and encourages connection. In a world that often pulls us away from ourselves and one another, this is a chance to pause, move, and remember that healing, play, and community are all still available to us.

This is an 18+, beginner-friendly space for nervous system support, creative exploration, and meaningful connection. After the session, we’ll hold informal space to gather—feel free to bring a non-alcoholic drink or snack for yourself or to share. Option to request childcare available.

The Art of Pastoral Listening

Sunday, June 1, 2025 Noon–2pm

We’ll explore how to offer support and spiritual care with real-life examples and hands-on learning. In a world where loneliness is on the rise, this is a space to learn how to be there—for someone else, and for yourself.

Responding to the Anti-Trans Movement for UUs

Available online now

Or in-person at First UU in August:

August 10, 17, and 24

11:30am–12:30pm

(Childcare Available)

Interested in helping to facilitate? Email Rev. Amanda!

Prefer to access the course on your own now? Register through the Transforming Hearts Collective.

Annual Meeting, Presenter Franklin County Coroner Dr. Nathaniel Overmire

Saturday, May 31, 2025 at noon

The Funeral Consumers Alliance of Central Ohio invites you to our Annual Meeting at the 1st UU Church . This is an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow members, enjoy a meal, and learn valuable information from our esteemed guest speaker, Franklin County Coroner Dr. Nathaniel Overmire.

Whether you’re a longtime member or new to FCACO, this is a must-attend event for anyone interested in understanding the important work of the Coroner’s Office. Space is limited, so be sure to RSVP by phone or email: 614-263-4632 or info@funeralsohio.org

Presentation: “Planning Ahead – What You Need to Know About Final Arrangements”

Sunday, June 1st at 12:30 PM (Room 301)

Join fellow 1st UU members Cathy Elkins and Jack Holdford for a helpful, down-to-earth conversation about making thoughtful end-of-life arrangements. Whether you’re planning ahead for yourself or helping someone else, this presentation will provide essential insights and tools to help you:

• Make your wishes known
• Understand your rights and options
• Reduce stress for your loved ones
• Learn how FCACO can support you

This is not a sales pitch—just real talk about real choices, presented with care and clarity. Bring your questions, your curiosity, and a friend. Let’s take the mystery out of planning and replace it with peace of mind. All are welcome!

This Sunday, May 18th!

Last day of spring classes / end of year class parties! (Popsicles on playground). Summer schedule: one service at 10am. No classes 5/25 (Memorial Day holiday).

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

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

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 Coming of Age Service (sanctuary) sibs / fam invited to stay

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

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

*Children in Spirit Play need to remain with their adult until after the story.

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

12:30-1:00pm Peace Pals choir (sanctuary)

4:00-5:30pm Spring Choirs Concert incl. Peace Pals! (sanctuary)

No Navigators Today Due to the Spring Campout

Help needed: seeking volunteers to work w/ kiddos and teens for September!

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