Beginning this week, you can come to the church at 9:00 for a continental breakfast, participate in “Summer Shorts” – rotating small group activities such as discussions, song circles, listening sessions. Worship service begins 10am, and we start our new Summer RE Program next week. After the service you can enjoy coffee and conversation.

As we take the opportunity to try new things (such as an online order of worship) we appreciate your flexibility and patience. As always, we would love to hear what you think! Kindly send me an email with your thoughts, or drop into the office to chat!

Becca Morse

Office Manager

History Workshop

Sunday, May 25 11:30 (After Worship)

Come and share stories. Hear about our First UU history. We are re-visiting 2000–2015: Rev Mark Belletini, Rev Wendy Fish and Rev. Eric Meter. How did we respond to Y2K, 9/11, the Iraq War? How did we support each other, whether marching for Gay Marriage, Reproductive Rights, the Homeless, or the Hungry?

Remember the newly acquired property and the “Sunbubble” (and its demise)? The RE rooms and bathrooms and kitchen were remodeled…finally! The Youth raised $3000 for the homeless!!!

Sunday come and share your memories 12:30 in the Worship Center this Sunday.

Expressive Worship

Tuesday, May 27 6:30pm

You are invited to experience a different kind of spiritual practice centered around the personal creative process. There are readings and songs guided by a monthly theme which inspires our individual artwork.

At the end of the evening those who wish to share their work and how they were inspired are welcome into a sharing circle. All ages and abilities are enthusiastically welcomed.

May’s theme is “Imagination”. You may choose to do the themed project or create anything you wish! Bring your own materials or use what we have on hand.

ASH (Atheists, Skeptics, and Humanists)

Tuesday, May 27 7pm

As we move into Spring, we will hear from Columbus’ Forester – and new member of First UU – Rosalie Hendon. She’ll give us an update on the city’s Urban Forest Master Plan, the regulations passed by City Council to protect our trees, and ways we can get involved.

Book Group, Children of the Same God: The Historical Relationship Between Unitarianism, Judaism, and Islam

Tuesdays throughout June, 7-8:30 PM

In Children of the Same God, Susan J. Ritchie makes the groundbreaking historical argument that, long before Unitarianism and Universalism merged in the United States, Unitarianism itself was inherently multireligious. She demonstrates how Unitarians in Eastern Europe claimed a strong affinity with Jews and Muslims from the very beginning and how mutual theological underpinnings and active cooperation underpin Unitarian history but have largely disappeared from the written accounts.

With clear implications for the religious identity of Christians, Jews, and Muslims as well as Unitarian Universalists, and especially for interfaith work, Children of the Same God illuminates the intertwining histories and destinies of these traditions.”

RSVP here to join this class! Meeting Tuesday nights, throughout June 2025! Order your copy today! Available new via the UUA bookstore ($14 + shipping), or get the ebook ($10) instant download or a used print copies ($4-$13) from Amazon.

Discussion Guide (facilitated by Rev. Dana Reynolds and Robin Lawson)

• June 3rd – Foreword, Introduction, and Chapter 1
• June 10th – Chapter 2
• June 17th – Chapter 3
• June 24th – Chapter 4 and Conclusion

First Friday Picnic in the Breezeway

Friday, June 6 from 6:30-8 PM

We are still doing First Friday dinners over the summer, but for dinner, each family will bring their own picnic and we will eat outside, weather permitting.

• 6:30pm bring your own picnic
• 7:00pm Write Postcards & Craft Protest Signs with the Democracy & Human Rights Team

There will be no First Friday gathering in July, due to Independence day. Join us again on August 1!

See Amber Skate: Roller Derby Tickets On Sale!

Tickets are now available for Ohio Roller Derby’s next three games, at Heatwave Arena (a small venue on the edge of Dublin / Plain City), and we expect them to quickly sell out! Join us Saturday, June 21st, August 2nd, and September 13th!

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:

Stonewall Pride March Sign-ups

Pride Festival: June 13 & June 14

Pride March: June 14 10:30am–2pm

First UU will once again participate in the Stonewall Pride March and festival in the park! The march is Saturday June14th! Marchers must gather for step-off by10:30, and we’re usually moving from about 12:30 to 2pm. Please sign up to march!

Booth shifts are Friday June 13th: 3pm-7 and 6-10pm and Saturday June 14th: 10:30am-2:30pm(biggest need) 2-6pm, and 5:30-9:30pm. If you are interested in staffing the booth, please email Christine or sign up in Beach Hall on Sunday.

If you’re not able to attend, but would like to support the efforts, please consider donating bottled water, jugs of water, bags of non-melting candy, and snacks for the marchers. Bring them to the church office at any time!

Attend the Press Conference for

“Trees Protect Us! We Protect Trees!”

Tuesday, May 27 at 3pm Good Shepherd Baptist Church

1555 E. Hudson St. Columbus, OH 43211

Join fellow BREAD justice seekers at the Trees Protect Us! We Protect Trees! Press Conference. We are working for legislation to protect private tree canopy in Columbus. Read more about the campaign in this fact sheet.

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.

Body Wisdom Wednesdays: Mindful Movement Practice

June 1, 6:45–8:30pm

1st & 3rd Wednesdays

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. Offered sliding scale, by Whitney Dawn Pyles! Please register if able, suggested donation $15–$40 per class. J

Contact Patricia Boughton to save a spot!

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 25th!

*No Classes This Week: Enjoy Your Holiday! Summer Service Time Begins*

9:15-9:45am Continental Breakfast and Community Activities (A/B, Beach Hall)

9:30-11:30am Infant and Toddler Care (101)

10-11am Nouurish Multigenerational Service (sanctuary)

11am-12noon Snack and Coffee (Beach Hall, A/B)

11:30am-1:30pm Youth Group! End of Year Party & Lunch (402)

Help needed: volunteer to work w/ kiddos and teens starting in 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