Friday News – November 17, 2023

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Happy Friday!

On Sunday, I shared a reading from the website Spirituality and Practice. This resource has been so helpful for me as I am thinking about a particular topic and I want to understand that topic from a deeper level. I’ve been thinking a lot about this resource this week and I realized that this resource may not be familiar to many in our community!

Spirituality and Practice is a multi-faith, inter-spiritual resource for anyone interested in exploring spiritual practices or looking at a topic from a different angle. I invite you to visit the website, click “search” in the top right of the screen and search anything that comes to mind. As an example, a search for “nature” found over 5,000 resources including art, books, movies, practices, quotes, etc. This weekend, explore and see what you may learn, what you might want to try, or just new things to think about. It’s fascinating and wonderful what you can find!

Blessings friends,
Rev. Kelli
Minister of Congregational Life
This Week
“Next Steps on the Journey”
Sunday, November 19
with Rev. Dr. Terasa Cooley and Rev. Sunshine
Our congregation is embarking on what we call “Developmental Ministry” which is Rev. Terasa’s role but also the congregations. Rev. Terasa & Rev. Sunshine Wolfe will share their hopes for this process and invite you into this shared ministry.

Join us in person or online at 10am! Our monthly theme for October is Generosity, and our Share-the-Plate recipients are Native American Indian Center of Central Ohio (NAICCO)
NOM COM: May the Force Be With You!
As Yoda said, “Decide you must how to serve them best.”  Every year we, as a congregation, elect or affirm a Moderator, two Members of the  Board of Trustees, and three members of the Nominating Committee. We need members to serve in these positions to govern our church. Volunteer or nominate someone you think would be a good fit, who would bring good will and skills to these vital church committees.
Not sure what skills you need? Check out the descriptions using the links above or in person at the NOM COM table during coffee hour. Make your nominations there or by clicking the button below. Whichever way you choose, “May the Force be with you.”
Nominate Now
Trans and Gender Non-Conforming Support Group
Our Trans and Gender Non-conforming Support Group is a compassionate and accepting community where people of all gender identities come together to share, learn, and support one another. We believe that everyone deserves a space where they can express their authentic selves, free from judgment and discrimination.
The first meeting is this Sunday, November 19, 2023 at 11:30 in the Library.
Contact Emily Henry for more information
Saying Goodbye to Judy and Bob
Saturday November 18, 6:00 pm

Judy Kleen and Bob Mills are moving in early December to Newtown, PA, to be closer to their families. We will miss them!  Over the years, Bob and Judy have been engaged in countless activities at First UU. Chalice Choir is hosting a pizza and potluck going-away party in Beach Hall at 6 pm on Saturday November 18. We invite you all to join us in wishing them well. Feel free to bring a potluck dish to share. Cards are welcome.
Thanksgiving Potluck Dinner
Thursday, November 23rd, 2023, 4:30-6pm
Beach Hall
Staying in town and have no plans for Thanksgiving?

Join us for a holiday potluck dinner; turkey, vegetarian and vegan protein options will be available.

If possible, please RSVP by Tuesday, November 21.  Questions? Contact Laura at 305-77S-9636
RSVP
Expressive Worship
Thursday, November 23 6–7:30pm

Experience a different kind of worship service centered around individual expression through art. All ages and mediums are welcome, supplies provided or you are welcome to bring your own. 4th Thursdays from 6-7:30pm in Beach hall, each month we explore a different theme, Novembers is Gratitude. For more information contact Christine
From the Staff
Upcoming Leave
During the holiday season, some of our Staff members will be on leave to rest, recharge and spend time with their families.

Amanda Hays will be on leave November 20–January 6.
Andi Mocharski will be on leave November 26–December 26.
Office Hours
The Church offices are open from 9am–2pm Monday through Friday.  Minister and Full time staff office hours vary, please contact us to make an appointment as needed.

The Church Offices will be closed for the following:
Thanksgiving Holiday – November 22–24
Christmas Holiday – December 25–29
Music Notes
Here are some upcoming Musical Events happening at our Church:

  • December 8, 7:30pm – Beki Test, Mike Neely, and Al Smyth’s FBnCC. (Donations Accepted)
  • December 16, 4pm – Carpe Diem Concert (Tickets available online)
  • December 17, 10am – Music Sunday (Worship service)
Classes and Groups

For a complete listing of our groups & contact information, download a copy of our
Fall Engagement Catalogue.
Grief Recovery MethodⓇ Program
All of us have experienced grief throughout our lives, but rarely do we have the proper “tools.”  The Grief Recovery Method of working with grief is an “action program” for unlocking and respecting the emotional experience of our grief. Rev Kathleen Fowler, a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist, is offering an 8 week program that is evidence based, beginning on Monday, Nov 27, 1 to 3 pm at First UU. For further information and to register, Please call or email Kathleen Fowlerat 614-264-8364.
Register Now
Spiritual Practices Class
Spiritual Practices class is offered every
Wednesday at 6:00pm.
This 10–session course helps participants develop regular disciplines or practices of the spirit that help us connect with the sacred. Spiritual Practice offers a forum for learning, sharing, and growth that can enrich our personal faith journeys. Each class session is created to stand alone. Please join in anytime.

Contact Andi Mocharski for more information.

Register Now
Upcoming Events
Add to Our Stone Soup!
We will be serving hot, homemade soup and mulled apple cider after the service on 11/26! You are invited to please drop off any chopped vegetables to go in the soup, along with any other NUT FREE, allergen-labeled potluck items to our volunteers in the kitchen before the service on 11/26. Thank you!
8th Annual Interfaith Prayer Gathering & Potluck
Sunday, December 3 at 3:30pm
The Interfaith Association of Central Ohio (IACO) invites you to attend its 8th Annual Interfaith Prayer Gathering & Potluck here at the First Unitarian Universalist Church.  Doors will open at 3:30 pm, and our service will begin at 4 pm, with the potluck dinner immediately following the service.  This year’s theme is Living our Faith and Spirituality: With Our Heads, Hearts, and Hands.  Please bring a vegetarian dish to share that will serve around 8 people.  Registeronline by November 25, 2023.
Register Now
Senior Gathering
Thursday, December 7, 2023 10:45am

Our holiday gathering for Senior members of our congregation will be held on Thursday, December 7, 2023. Piano music will start at 10:45am in the Worship Center with a program at 11am, followed by lunch in Beach Hall. Please RSVP by December 1 by sending an email to Marilyn Beerman OR leave a voicemail at 614-282-8440.
Justice & Volunteer Opportunities
Thirsty for knowledge…Thirsty for water
Rev. Kate Walker recently visited a Unitarian School in India and returned with a mission – help support the education of these amazing children by removing a barrier created by climate change. The Annie Margaret Barr School is located in the remote agricultural Khasi Hills region of North East India, a region that is no longer able to collect enough rainwater so that all in the school and community have reliable water.
The First Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh is hoping to raise $20,000 to help support a new underground rainwater harvesting facility to better meet the needs of this community. Visit Faithify to learn more and to donate to this important cause.
Donate via Faithify
Family Activities
Happening This Sunday, 11/19
  • 9:15-9:30am Breakfast for donation (A/B) arrive on time!
  • 9:30-11:30am Infant and Toddler Care (room 101)
  • 9:30-10am Playground available until service
  • 9:30-11am 13-14yr OWL (rm 302)
  • 9:40am Peace Pals choir warm up (Slowter / sanctuary)
  • 9:40-11am 10-11yr OWL (404), Neighboring Faiths (301)
  • 10-11am Worship Service w/ Peace Pals performance, 6-7yr OWL (402)
  • 10:15am-11am (after story until service ends), 3-6yr Spirit Play (102), 7-9yr Spirit Play (201), and 10yr-MS/HS Tools for the Journey (401)
  • Coffee Hour, snack after service ends
  • 11:30-12noon Peace Pals Rehearsal for Dec. Concert (sanctuary)
  • 12:30-2pm Navigators Scouting Badgework (SYC Playground / 201)

Next Sunday (11/26) there are no RE classes due to the holiday weekend, and we will be acting out the Stone Soup story together in the service. Drop off chopped vegetables and any NUT FREE potluck items to the kitchen before the service that day, so we can enjoy homemade soup and hot cider together after the service!