Rev. Dr. Terasa Cooley

Developmental Minister

Sidewalk Talk Listening Skills Training and Bus Tour

Friday May 9

12–2pm Free Training – First UU

4–7pm Listening Stop outside 815 North High Street

7pm Potluck for Listeners at First UU

The Sidewalk Talk Listening and Bus tour will be in Columbus May 9! In a world filled with noise, listening is radical. Sign up for a free 2-hour immersive class to explore the art of heart-centered listening through a mix of science, story, and sidewalk-tested practices. The Class listening skills training is from 12–2pm here at First UU, and you can sign up to Listen from 4-7pm outside 815 N High St.

Can’t Attend? You can still support the project by responding to Share the story of Columbus!

Attention Justice Seekers!

Join First UU at the B.R.E.A.D Nehemiah Action!

Tuesday, May 13, 6:40pm

Celeste Center, Ohio State Fairgrounds

Bus departs from First UU 5:45pm ($5/Single, $10/Family)

Free Tickets available!

We’ll also advocate for tree protection in Columbus, aiming to increase the tree canopy, reduce flooding and heat, and improve air quality. Members from BREAD’s Environmental Justice Committee will discuss the private tree code status. Although Councilmember Nancy Day Achauer declined our invitation, we’ll announce plans to take action at the event.  Trees Protect Us! We Protect Trees!

P. P. S. Buy your yellow “Love” shirts on Sundays at First UU or online at the In Spirit Bookstore

Last Concert Series Events of 2024-25!

Chamber Music Connection:

May 16 7:15 pm

First UU Choirs Annual Spring Concert:

May 18 4:00 pm

Join us for our last two concerts of First UU’s 2024–25 Concert Series! On Friday May 16 at 7:15 pm, Chamber Music Connection and special guests Cavani String Quartet will be in concert (Suggested donations: $20/Adults, $10/Student, or $40/Family, but no one will be turned away).

Finally 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.

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 the Order of Worship, Friday’s News, and other communications. We would love to hear what you think! Don’t hesitate to email Becca with any ideas or opinions!

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:

Moderator

• Charles Williams

Board of Trustees

• Bill Fiorini (3-year Term)
• Kristen Hartman (3-Year Term)
• Tara Mullins-Cosme (2-year Term)

Nominating Committee (3 to be elected for a 2-year term)

• Matt Hollander
• Mark Krueger
• Gabby McDonald
• Denise Riffle
• Deborah Weaver
• Victoria Yanovich

Download this PDF to Learn more about our candidates and the election process!

Annual Pledge Campaign

Thank you to everyone who has submitted your FY 26 Pledge Form! We have received 37% of our expected pledge forms, but there’s still time! Submitting your pledge (even if you plan to keep it the same) helps us budget for the upcoming year. It only takes 2 minutes to submit your pledge in Realm or on First UU’s Website. We appreciate all you do to help us live into our shared values!

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.

We Need YOU for Rummage!

• Can you help sort, price, or place rummage items, or pick up items to deliver to the church?
• Want to help but can’t lift heavy things? We need pricers, helpers to direct traffic, and information booth workers during the sale!
• Missing your good old days in retail? We need Stockers, Cashiers, and lots of helpers on the day of the sale!

Fill out our handy dandy Signup Form or email our Rummage Team to join the team!

Senior Gathering

Our sincere thanks go to the many volunteers who provided their time and energy to make the May 8 Senior Gathering a success : Donna Adassa, Marilyn Beerman, Eve Catus, Sandy Coen, Joe Del Medico, Paula Egbert, Su Farnlacher, Barb Fiorini, Bill Fiorini, Kay Fisher, Clare Fried, Eddy Fried, Jack Holdford, Katie Holdford, Florence Jain, Karen Keenan, Carl Kilduski, Suzan McCrystal, Frank Phillips, Dave Richter, Karla Rinto, Chris Sullivan, Karen Thimmes and everyone else who spontaneously helped. A special thanks to the Recorders Underground who provided a musical program. Our own Betsy and Guy Smalley are part of this group.

Second Wednesday Book Club

Choose your own Science Book! May 14, 7pm

Body Wisdom Wednesdays: Mindful Movement Practice

May 21, 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.

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!

Free Online Lecture Series: Minns Lectures

This April-June, the 2025 Minns Lecture Series features vibrant conversations with several innovative thinkers to tell new stories about UU history! Minns Lectures are an annual series of free lectures on religious topics conducted under the auspices of the Minns Lectures Committee, whose membership is composed of ministers and members of First Church Boston and King’s Chapel in Boston. Read more about them!

This Sunday, May 11th!

*Children participating in Spirit Play classes need to remain with their parent or caregiver until after the story. Classroom drop off for Spirit Play begins after we finish the story and exit the service, so that teachers can set up. Thank you!

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 Worship Service incl. Time For All Ages (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)

1:00-2:30pm Navigators Scouting hike (offsite)

No Youth Group Today Due to the Holiday: Happy Mother’s Day!

Help needed: seeking volunteers to work w/ kiddos and teens, this year and next!

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