Friday News – May 31, 2024

•
In honor of Pride Sunday and the kickoff to Pride month, I wanted to share a blessing with you all, written by Cricket Hall.
Rainbow Blessing
May the drag stage rise to meet you
May the world rise to accept and embrace you
May the rainbow of love enfold you
May your fluidity never be hindered
May your pronouns always be supported and your deadname forgotten
May those you invite into your life remain loyal
May your chosen family lift you up and catch you when you need it
May you be able to catch others when they need it
May you remember sensitivity is not weakness,
but instead a great strength welling up inside you
And until we meet again,
may you remember that you are loved and
you are divine.
I wish all of you, LGBTQIA+ and allies alike, to “remember that you are loved and you are divine.”

Blessings,
Rev. Kelli McNeal
This Week
Annual Pride Service 

Sunday, June 2, 10am

Presented by guest speaker, Jody Davis, RN, VA Hospital, local LGBT+ leader and activist, and members of First UU’s Rainbow Connexion.

How do the current and past political atmospheres affect the LGBT+ community? The PRIDE Service brings personal stories and general reflections of its struggles and successes.
Pathways to Membership Class:
It’s not too late to Join!
Saturday, June 1 9am, Room 301
(Light Breakfast available at 8:30)
If you are curious about how to become a member of First UU or considering becoming a member, consider attending our Pathways to Membership TOMORROW!

Even if you didn’t get a chance to Register online, we would be happy to have you join in on this informative class –  email pathways@firstuucolumbus.org to let us know you are coming!
Summer Choir this week!

Sunday June 2, 9am
Join us for our first Summer Pick-Up Choir opportunity of the season!! You do not need to be a member of one of First UU’s choirs—any and all who love to sing are welcome! Simply show up on Sunday morning at 9am before the service, learn a song, and sing as part of the service’s choir. Invite your friends!
Last Hurrah for Hot Breakfast!
Due to an oven mishap, we were unable to cook all the food this past Sunday, so… 

Sunday, June 2 will be the FINAL hot breakfast of the church year.  Come to Beach Hall at at 9:15am to enjoy your 8 dozen scrambled eggs, 12 pounds of bacon, 8 bags of tater tots, oatmeal, coffee, and Orange Juice.  Starting Next Week, we will be serving a continental breakfast of pastries, yogurt, fruit, orange juice, coffee, fellowship and FUN!

We suggest a donation of $3/person, maximum $10/family to help cover the costs of hot breakfast – but first-time visitors always eat free! 
First UU Youth Group Art Show
Fundraiser and Bake Sale

Sunday June 2, 11am
Join us for an inspiring event to support our youth! The First UU Youth Group is hosting an Art Show fundraiser to help raise money for their trip to the Summer Institute. This event will feature a bake sale and a gallery filled with art pieces created by our talented youth, each reflecting their unique ideas of community.
Anti-Racist Allies (ARA) & Friends Events:
Road Trip to Wilberforce

Friday, June 7, 9am–4pm
(Bring a packed lunch!)
What do Buffalo Soldiers, 2 HBCUs, a British abolitionist, and an F5 tornado have in common? Wilberforce, Ohio. Join us for a National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center visit, Ranger Roger talk on Charles Young, and Central College Campus tour. Flyers are also available at the JAM table.
Please sign up by June 5 using this form. Admission Cost is $6 for Adults, $5 for Seniors.

… And Also

If you made it to the Black Expo last weekend, come on Sunday, June 2, 11:30 in Room 301 to the Black Expo Debriefing: All who attended the Ohio Black Expo Riverfront Cultural Event on Memorial Day weekend will debrief their experience in this facilitated discussion.  Didn’t make it to the event?  Come to listen and learn more about it!
Life Skills Workshop: Powerful Questions
Tuesday, June 4 at Noon and 6:30
June 4 – Powerful Questions: The way we phrase or present an important question can have a huge impact on the kind of conversation we wish to create. The tool of Powerful Questions helps us learn how to identify assumptions that may be getting int he way of asking a question that will bring about creative and open questions
This class is offered at Noon and 6:30pm – Pick the time that works best for you!
Article 2 Town Hall Meeting
Wednesday, June 5 at 6:30pm
Online and in person, Room 301
Join Rev. Terasa for a virtual Town Hall to learn more and discuss Article II, the statement of the purpose, principles, and sources contained in the UUA Bylaws. Changing Article II is a multi-year process: a draft was created over 3 years with input from over 10,000 UUs received 86% support at General Assembly 2023, and the second required vote is scheduled for GA 2024.  It’s a big deal – and a bit complicated.
Rev. Terasa will hold the Town Hall online, and there will be an in-person group attending at church in Room 301, hosted by Debra Boyd.  Come for the snacks and the Town Hall, stay for the conversation!  Or if you’re curious and want to learn more now, check out this article in the UUA Newsletter.
From the Staff & Board
Upcoming Governance Meetings
Please Check the Lost & Found 
First UU’s lost and found area is overflowing! Please check out the items in the coat room to see if there are things that you have lost – anything not picked up after the Annual Meeting on June 9th will be donated! Come claim your winter clothing (coats, jackets, scarves, hats, gloves), jewelry, reusable coffee to-go mugs and water bottles, eye glasses, cookie tins and party platters, stuffed animals, paperback books, and binders / folders. Thank you!
Classes and Groups
Camping at Delaware State Park
Fri June 21 – Sun Jun 23
Join other First UU members for camping at Delaware State Park. $40 to share a spot for 2 nights. Communal food, campfires, swimming. fellowship. Great for singles, families, everyone.

Reserved spots 61–66. Contact Patricia Boughton for more info
Trans & Gender Non-Conforming Groups
on Summer Schedule

The Teen and Allies groups will not be meeting during the Summer months.  The Adult Group will be taking a break for June to attend Columbus Pride, and resuming their regularly-scheduled meeting in July.
Upcoming Events
First Friday Dinner – Picnic Style!
Friday, June 7 6:30pm
Over the Summer First Friday shifts from spaghetti dinner to a bring-your-own-picnic style gathering. This year instead of meeting in the park we’re going to meet on the Red Oak playground area on the South side of the building (this will give us access to running water and bathrooms). So bring a picnic and come enjoy the great outdoors and great company this Summer.

Image by Melania2016 from Pixabay
Join First UU at Columbus Pride
Saturday, June 14 and Sunday, June 15

Do you want to Sign Up To March with First UU this year in one of the largest Pride events in the mid-west? Or share our church community with festival attendees in Goodale Park and Help with the Festival Booth? It’s time to sign up! Not available for in person but still want to be supportive? You can Donate Water, Candy or Snacks! Be a part of the team!

We will again have a float, so if walking a mile and a half isn’t for you, there’s an option to ride. Parade step off is 10:30am on Saturday, June 15th. We have a limited number of spots to march so make sure you sign up soon — there are only 25 spots left!
Summer FUUN(draising)
Mark your calendars and join us for a summer of community, fun, and fundraising! Join us for our exciting community events and help support our initiatives while having a blast. Here’s what we have planned:
Community BINGO Nights (6–9pm)

  • June 14th
  • July 19th
  • August 16th (Glow Night)

Summer Movie FUUN Nights (7–10pm) 

  • June 28th
  • July 26th
  • August 23rd
Special Events:
  • June 23: “No Beach” Beach Hall Volunteer Appreciation Beach Party
  • August 10: Intergenerational “Crafternoon” Tea Party

We can’t wait to see you there! Contact Heather Stone, our amazing Summer FUUN chairperson with questions!
Justice & Volunteer Opportunities
Are you Interested in Becoming
a First UU Delegate for General Assembly (GA)?
The Board is still looking for individuals interested in serving as delegates for the upcoming General Assembly of the UUA (Unitarian Universalist Association) on  June 20-23.  Please email us at Board@firstuucolumbus.org if interested!
Covenant Group Project:
Diaper Collection
You can help!  Babies need diapers all year long and diapers are expensive. For the next few weeks, the Tuesday Morning covenant group will collect diapers on Sunday mornings after the 10 am service. Monetary donations also accepted! Donations will go to Jacque’s Feed and Read Ohio or Bottom’s Up, depending on current needs and sizes donated.
Community News
FrackStock Grass Roots Ohio Festival
& Author Talk with Justin Nobel
June 2, 5–9pm Tickets and Food are free!
Concert Supporting Local Refuge
June 8th from 7:00–8:30pm
Columbus Mennonite Church

For years First UU has been an ally working with our neighboring Columbus Mennonite Church (CMC) in Clintonville to provide sanctuary, refuge housing and related support.  CMC is hosting the What is Home? Songs and Stories of Immigration concert. Edith Espinal and Kate Hauk will be speaking, with Music by Phil Hart, Steve Rolve, and Perry Leatherman.

Location: 35 Oakland Park Ave
Suggested donation of $10-$20.
All proceeds will support efforts to pay for food, clothing, legal expenses, health care, etc. for Asylum/Refugee guests living in the apartment at their church.
Family Activities
Tell Your Friends to Register for Peace Camp!
Registration for both weeks / age groups is still looking light, and we need more children to sign up – in order for this vital program to happen, and be successful this year! Thank you!
  • Peace Camp A (6-8yrs) 9am-12noon M-F, 7/29-8/2 Register Now!
  • Peace Camp B (9-11yrs) 9am-12noon M-F, 8/5-8/9 Register Now!
Happening this Sunday, June 2nd!
  • 9:15-9:45am Breakfast (A/B) 
  • 9:30-11:30am Infant and Toddler Care (room 101)
  • 10-11am Worship Service (sanctuary)
  • 10-11am Middle / High School Board Game Group (A/B, Beach Hall)
  • 10:15-11am (after story) Early Ed / Elementary LEGO class (201)
  • Coffee Hour, Snack after the service (Beach Hall, A/B)
  • 11am-12:30pm Youth Art Show & Bake Sale (gallery, sanctuary)
Upcoming First UU Events!
  • Sun 6/2 – Frackstock
  • Fri 6/7 – First Friday Picnic
  • Sun 6/9 – Annual Meeting
  • Fri 6/14 – Bingo
  • Sat 6/15 – Pride Parade march and tabling at festival
  • Sun 6/16 – No RE* classes (enjoy your holiday!)
  • Tues 6/18 – Expressive Worship
  • Weds 6/20-Sun 6/23 – General Assembly of the UUA
  • Sun 6/23 – Volunteer Appreciation Beach Party
  • Fri 6/28 – Movie Night
  • Fri 7/5 – First Friday Picnic
  • Sun 7/7 – No RE classes (enjoy your holiday!)
  • Sun 7/7-Sat 7/13 – Central East Region Summer Institute
  • Fri 7/19 – Bingo
  • Tues 7/23 – Expressive Worship
  • Fri 7/26 – Movie Night
  • Mon 7/29-Fri 8/2 – Peace Camp A (6-8 years)
  • Fri 8/2 – First Friday Picnic
  • Sun 8/4 – Backpack Blessing All Ages Service and Justice Project
  • Mon 8/5-Fri 8/9 – Peace Camp B (9-11 years)
  • Sun 8/10 – Intergenerational Crafternoon Tea Party
  • Fri 8/16 – Bingo Glow Night
  • Fri 8/23 – Movie Night
  • Tues 8/27 – Expressive Worship
  • TBD – Animal Blessing All Ages Service
  • Sat 8/31-Mon 9/2 – Labor Day Retreat
  • Sun 9/1 – No RE classes (enjoy your holiday!)
  • 9/8 – Water Ceremony, All Ages Ingathering Service
  • 9/15 – Most fall RE classes and activities begin

*RE is short for Religious Exploration, aka Sunday school programming
Painting by Ross Ravenwood, 2023
(hanging in the front office, come see it!)