Friday News – October 18, 2024

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As I talked about in last Sunday’s sermon, our emotions are all over the place now and anxiety is high as we draw closer to Election Day. I hope you all have voted! Doing something concrete helps, especially in the presence of our sibling citizens.

We will be holding an Election Night Watch party on November 5, from 7pm to 10pm. Even though we probably won’t have firm results that night, it will help to be in community and know that our support for one another will continue, regardless of the results.

Please take care of your spirit in whatever way is best for you: walking, meditating and breathing intentionally works for me! We are in this together.

Blessings,

Rev. Terasa

Developmental Minister

Upcoming Events

Please join us for the Ordination

of Justice Minister Amanda Hays

Saturday November 2, 2pm (Reception to follow)

at First Unitarian Universalist Church and online!

The theme of the ordination service will be Cracking Open. Join us to ordain Amanda and explore how, like a seed sprouting, cracking open in our lives can be painful but also allows new possibilities to flourish.

In our tradition, ordination is the formal recognition of entry into service as a UU minister, and only congregations have the authority to ordain. This ritual of ordination bestows ministerial authority on our clergy and allows the minister to use the title Reverend.

People of all ages are welcome to join in this ritual and celebration that is vital to our faith tradition! The first half of the service will be intergenerational, and childcare will be available throughout. There will also be multiple options for children and youth to be present for the more adult-centric second half of the service.

Get Spooky and Wild

The Fall Festival is HERE!
TOMORROW, October 19, 4–9pm

$5 Entry at the door (wristband)

Additional fees for select activities

Join us for adventures in everything fun and fall. Dress up for the costume contest or come as you are. There will be lots to do for everyone—pumpkin carving, face painting, a haunted forest, bouncy obstacle course, cakewalk, food trucks, bake sale, silent auction and more. Bring your family and friends!
If you are bringing treats for the bake sale, drop off starts at 3:30. Be sure that foods are labeled if vegan, gluten free, etc. No nuts please. Deliver goodies on plastic covered paper plates, aluminum containers, or other packaging that is disposable.

This Sunday, October 20

9:15am Nouurish Service

Featuring:

This is a Poem that Heals a Fish,

by Jean-Pierre Siméon

Presented by members of the Alternative Worship Team with members of our First UU Community.

Hot breakfast is served at 10am,

Coffee & tea available after both services

11am Service:

“Love’s Local Algorithms”

The relationships we choose – and the ones that choose us – shape who we are. Our new shared values of Unitarian Universalism, with love at the center, lay out a practical theology of how we embrace our universal interdependence. We learn to side with love as a daily practice. In times of challenge and crisis, let the courage and compassion of our faith communities be a guiding light.

Presented by Carey McDonald, Executive Vice President of the UUA

Going Wild
Reception: Sunday October 20 12:15–1:30

On Display: October 16–January 5, 2025

How do we help keep our 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.

Come see the newest exhibit at First UU, presented by the Art Quilt Alliance. Please join us for art, conversation and snacks right after the Sunday service this weekend.

“Lepidopterist’s Delight”

Jean Weissman

Join the Anti-Racist Allies for Lunch

and a Taste of Haitian Cuisine
Sunday, October 20 after Services

T-Co Islands Restaurant

4466 Cleveland Ave

Anti-Racist Allies will be having lunch at T-Co Islands Haitian restaurant. We’ll gather in the lobby after the service for carpooling. This lunch is a continuation of our monthly excursions to BIPOC-owned area restaurants, sponsored by the ARA. All are welcome!
Image by Franz Bachinger from Pixabay

Election Night Watch Party

November 5, 7pm–10pm

While we may not know the results of the elections on election night, it will be good to gather together to be in community to watch the beginning of the results coming in. Please bring your own snacks and libations.

From the Staff and Board

Upcoming Governance Meetings

Board of Trustees: October 23, 7–9pm

Finance Committee: November 20, 7–9pm

All are welcome! Email using the links above with any questions

for the board or finance, or to request a zoom link.

First UU Concert Series

Sunday, October 27 at 2:00 pm

Join First UU Music Staff Michaela Brown, Nathan Hamm, and Brandon Moss for a recital on Sunday, October 27. The concert, entitled Echoes of Twilight, will feature an array of songs for the spooky season!

All donations will benefit the First UU Concert Series.

A word from Andi…

I have been away from work for 5 weeks due to health issues, and I want you all to know that the staff have been passing along your messages, cards, and good wishes. I appreciate knowing that you are all thinking of me as I recover from my heart attack and prepare for surgery. I have been cherishing this time with my family, and I hope to be healthy and back with you in January!

-Andi

Justice & Volunteering

Coffee Volunteers Needed
Image by 旭刚 史 from Pixabay
Sundays, 10:15–1pm (before and after service)

Do you enjoy having a cuppa and chatting with friends in Beach Hall? Please consider volunteering once a month from 10:15–1:00pm to help us continue this tradition. Volunteers would help grind, brew, and make sure that the coffee and accoutrements are available during coffee hour.

Email the Coffee Team to volunteer!

Amazing Congregational Participation! Write On!
Feelings of solidarity and hope as we surveyed tables full of UUs writing for the 4th week of our campaign to inform voters. Can you do this one more week? Join us after each service at the tables with the Vote Yes on Issue 1 signs. Last week dozens of you wrote over 200 postcards to remind voters to vote YES on Issue 1. The Citizens, not Politicians, amendment is clear, but the ballot language is NOT. Be proud of YoUUr efforts!

–First UU Democracy & Human Rights

BREAD Listening Sessions
October 19, 20 & 27

 

We need to hear your voice!

Sign up for one of First UU’s BREAD listening sessions at the JAM table in Beach Hall after church, or email our First UU Bread Team to sign up.

To invest in BREAD’s work for justice and to learn more, check out breadcolumbus.com.

Classes & Groups

First UU Christian Fellowship

October 21 6:30pm, Online and in-person

(and the 3rd Monday of each Month)
Image by Παῦλος from Pixabay
Join us for our first meeting of the First UU Christian Group! We will be discussing what direction we would like to take the group (book study, Bible study, spiritual practices, etc). This group is for anyone interested in discussing Christian texts or practices: you don’t need to consider yourself a UU Christian in order to participate. All are welcome!
Email Rev. Kelli with questions and for the zoom link if you would like to participate online.

A-S-H October Meeting and Program

Tuesday, October 22, 7 PM, Room 301

October’s meeting will feature a “Book Report”. What have you read recently that you think other A-S-H members might enjoy? Come prepared to talk (5 minutes) about your chosen book. Podcasts are fair game, too.

Serenity Flow Yoga

Saturdays, 10:30–11:30am in Beach Hall

Suggested Donation $5–15/Class

No Reservation Needed

Join Serenity Flow Yoga with Liz Mannon for a trauma-sensitive yoga class designed to cultivate a safe and supportive space for healing. This class focuses on building a strong mind-body connection through gentle movements and mindful breathing.

Whether you’re new to yoga or seeking a practice that honors your personal healing journey, Serenity Flow offers a compassionate and economical approach to restore balance and inner peace.

Community News & Events

Around the Corner

  • 10/22 Expressive Worship
  • 10/22 Atheists Skeptics Humanists (ASH)
  • 10/23 Board of Trustees
  • 10/23 Auction Team Meeting
  • 10/26 Rummage Sale Drop-off Day (offsite)
  • 10/26 All Soles Contra & Square Dance (see more)
  • 11/01 First Friday Dinner
  • 11/01 Youth Group Late Night
  • 11/02 Ordination for Amanda Hays!
  • 11/03 Trans & Gender Non-Conforming Support Groups (Allies and Teens)
  • 11/05 Election Watch Party
  • 11/06 Let’s Get Better Together Urban 4H Club
  • 11/08 Community Bingo Night
  • 11/10 Youth Group
  • 11/10 Navigators (Offsite)
  • 11/13 CUUPS Gathering
  • 11/15 Rainbow Connexion

These are some of the events you can look forward to in the next few weeks! Don’t see your group? Email Becca to add your event info!

Red Oak’s Magical Fundraising Machine!

Have you stopped by the vending machine in Beach Hall? It’s a fundraising project run by the students at Red Oak Community School! Kids choose what goes in the machine and set the prices, and they also stock the machine and perform weekly inventory. The student body also chooses how to spend the funds they raise, with their sights currently set on play area improvements – including an inclusive treehouse! Donations are accepted via cash or Venmo.

Family Activities

This Sunday, October 20th

9:15am-10am Nouurish Service (sanctuary)

10-10:30am Breakfast, and Coffee until 11am (A/B, Beach Hall)

10:30am-12:30pm Infant and Toddler Care (room 101)

10:30am-12:15pm 13-14yr OWL (302)

10:45-12:15pm 6-7yr / K-1st OWL (402)

10:55am-12:15pm 10-11yr OWL (404)

11am-12:15pm Coming of Age (401)

11am-12:15pm Building Your World MS/HS (301)

11am-12noon Worship Service (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-1pm Snack and Coffee (Beach Hall, A/B)

12:15-1pm Caregivers of Young Children (101)

12:30-1:00pm Peace Pals children’s choir, 5-12yrs (sanctuary)

1-2:30pm Navigators scouting meeting, 5-12yrs (201/playground)

Register for classes and activities! Fill out this form to volunteer!