I hope that you consider coming to tomorrow’s in-person conversation at 9:00am (come at 8:30 for breakfast!) to help this important conversation move forward. The more questions you ask, the more informed we are at what information you have been pondering. If you can’t attend, or if you did and thought of new questions, please don’t hesitate to send me an email with questions and wonderings. Specifically, we would love to hear your reflections on the following questions:

1. What would be helpful for you to hear from leadership about FUU finances?
2. What provides you the greatest sense of connection within the congregation? What resources (financial, staff, etc) would be helpful in achieving this connection? (i.e., Where do you find connection and what resources are helpful for you to have and maintain those connection points?)
3. What is important when speaking about FUU finances?

Blessings,

Rev. Kelli

Congregational Life Minister

Congregational Conversations on Sustainable Funding

TOMORROW 9am–11am at First UU Church

Even if you haven’t registered, it’s not too late to attend! Your leaders would like to listen to your thoughts about First UU finances and what would be meaningful for us to share with you throughout the year. There will be a light breakfast with coffee available at 8:30.

We look forward to working together as a congregation to create a sustainable future.

School for Young Children (SYC) Scholarship Auction

TOMORROW 6:30pm Live Auction

At the SYC Scholarship Auction on November 16, enjoy good food, drinks, and time with connections new, old, and in between. Tables of treasures, experiences, services, and gift cards will go to the highest silent auction bidder. As a community planned, funded, and executed event, 100% of the proceeds go directly to the SYC Scholarship Fund.

Register to Participate or make scholarship fund contributions on our Auctria site. Thanks so much for being a part of this important work! Don’t hesitate to email uswith any questions!

From Joanie:

“Everywhere in the world people talk about the experience of living in a very divided society. We are all in need of support and healing on the road of reconnecting the disparate parts of this country. I hope you will come join me and sing along on Nov. 17 as part of the First UU 2024-25 Concert Series, as I share a pre-release concert for my upcoming album, “One Size Never Fits All” – songs of humor and heart.”

Donations for the concert will be taken at the door.

Join this brand new First UU Christian Group that is meeting on the third Monday of each month! You don’t need to consider yourself a UU Christian to participate. All are welcome! Email Rev. Kelli with questions and for the zoom link to participate online.

Expressive Worship

Tuesday November 19, 6:30pm

Monthly on the Fourth Tuesday

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. November’s Theme is Repair.

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; bring your own materials or use what we have on hand.

Contact Christine for more information.

First UU Potluck Thanksgiving Dinner

Gather together with Friends and Chosen family here at First UU on Thanksgiving! Bring a nut-free side to share, or just bring yourself. If you’re able, please RSVP to help us buy our turkey, vegetarian, and vegan entrees!

Transgender Awareness Week

Our Unitarian Universalist values teach us that all genders are whole, holy, and good, and that all bodies are sacred. Our tradition recognizes and celebrates the plurality of gender and gender experience. As Unitarian Universalists, we are called to support one another in our search for truth and meaning, and in the discovery and expression of our truest selves. Learn more about how to be inclusive and welcoming to our transgender friends at uua.org

Video Streaming Issues

Last Sunday we were having problems with our internet connection, and the 11:00 service was not available live online. You can watch it – or any of our past Sunday Services – in our Sunday Service Archive on YouTube.

Be sure to catch our next History workshop, where Rev. Terasa and the Archives team discuss our church history. This next workshop will focus on the 1960’s. Learn more about our church history, check out some church historical documents, and watch a recording of the 1940’s and 50’s workshop on our website under The Stories We Weave.

Ohio Feed and Read

This week we are again taking up collections for the Feed and Read program — hygiene items which are so necessary but so often unaffordable for those with few resources.

Bring your green bag back – or just bring items in a regular bag! And if you’re not able to shop but would like to contribute, Jacques could always use help in packing, loading, and distributing – Many hands make light work!

BREAD Non-Police Crisis Response System Town Hall

Monday, November 18 at 7pm

Let your voice be heard! BREAD and the Columbus Safety Collective will be holding a town hall about a proposed Non-Police Crisis Alternative Response initiative. Please join us and members of three other Clintonville congregations to learn more and give your input!

Solar Power Sustainability

As the church board and staff begin their work on sustainable funding and budget, the Solar Power Team (part of Justice Action Ministry) has been pursuing proposals to expand our solar arrays to help us save on energy costs, reduce our carbon footprint, and lift up our values around environmental stewardship.

We have narrowed the number of vendors and are now performing due diligence on several proposals and plan to make a recommendation to the board by the end of the year. We hope to get at least 51% (and possibly as much as 100%) of our electricity from the sun after new solar panels are installed.

We are considering several options, including some with no cost/capital expense from the church which would also yield significant savings in our electric costs. The solar power project is just one more way that we are seeking to lower our impact on the environment while reducing operating costs.

Reach out to members of the team (Tom Tichenor, Dave Richter, Bruce Smith, Tom Baillieul & staff member Brian Hagemann) with your questions!

Covenant Group Sign-ups

It’s Not too late to Register!

We have extended registration! If you are interested in joining one of our groups, please register on our website. Our curriculum for this year is a deep dive into our new UUA value statements!

Please email Rev Kelli with any questions.

The newest exhibit at First UU is presented by the Art Quilt AllianceNow through Jan 5. 2025.

How do we help keep out natural world alive and well? How do we help keep our air and water clean? How do we help make safe spaces for all living animals, bugs, birds, plants, seaweeds and more? Join the conversation.

Image: Spirit Moons, quilt by Becky Dickson on artist printed cotton