Friday News – Sept 6, 2024

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Happy Friday!

We are so excited to be welcoming everyone to our new church year this Sunday! Our new Sunday format gives you lots of options to choose from – read more about them below. If you will be coming in person, please bring a small sample of water that symbolizes something that was meaningful to you this summer.

Right now it is more important than ever to remember that we are not alone, that we can lean on each other when we are struggling and provide a shoulder of support when we feel strong. Relying on each other is how we create a new vision of community, bound not by creed but by purpose, with love at the center.

And we also remember that we are one community among many – Our larger movement of Unitarian Universalism around the world is here with and for us. We invite you to watch the video below from our UUA President, the Rev. Dr. Sofia Betancourt, that welcomes us to the work we are all doing together.

Rev. Terasa

Developmental Minister

Rev. Kelli

Minister of Congregational Life

Ingathering Message from Rev. Dr SofĂ­a Betancourt

UUA President the Rev. Dr. SofĂ­a Betancourt shares greetings and welcome, as well as some of her deepest hopes for meeting the moment in the coming year. As we come together again, may we remember that joining together in community is a significant expression of faithfulness in such divided times.

Upcoming Events

This Sunday: Ingathering

Both services will have Water Ceremonies, please bring a small amount of water to symbolize meaningful experiences from your summer.

9:15am: Nouurish Service

Featuring The Circles All Around Us by Brad Montague

Presented by members of the Alternative Worship Team

Christine Davidson, Myra Hartmann, Sarah Mayabb, Kristen Hartmann,

and by Members of the First UU Community

11am Traditional Service: “From Me to We”

Presented by Rev. Dr. Terasa Cooley

and Rev. Kelli McNeal

“From Me to We” What does it mean to be part of a religious community? In this annual “Ingathering” service we will use ritual to help us explore coming together as something greater as a whole.

No Religious Exploration Classes.

We will be serving breakfast between the services at 10am.

Coffee and tea will be available after the service.

First Friday Picnic

TODAY, September 6, 6:30pm

Bring your own picnic tonight and meet us at the Picnic Tables on the south side of the church (by the Red Oak entrance). Hope to see you there!

Image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay

Fall Sunday Worship Schedule
Beginning September 8, there will be two worship services:

9:15am: Nouurish worship services are in a new, inclusive & intergenerational format.

11:00am: Traditional worship format.

Breakfast and coffee will be served from 10:00–10:45am between the services, and there will be Coffee and Fellowship at Noon following the second worship service.

We can’t wait to start the new church year with you! If you have any questions, please email our Worship Team.

Community Bingo is Back

with Cash Prizes!

Friday September 13, 6:30pm

18+ only, Child care provided

Join us in Beach Hall for an exciting evening of Bingo!

For just $25, you can enjoy a full night of fun and the chance to win big.

Concessions are available at reasonable prices: Indulge in walking tacos, snacks, and treats available for $2–3 each to satisfy your cravings.
Interested in helping make it happen? We would love your help with Concessions, Game support, and Checkins! Email Andi to help make our Fundraising efforts a success!

Ohio Feminist Art Museum (OFAM) Concert:

Tret Fure, folksinger/songwriter

September 14, doors open at 4pm,

Concert begins at 6pm

JOIN US for an afternoon/evening of MUSIC and ART!
The Ohio Feminist Art Museum (OFAM) is hosting a concert at the First Unitarian Universalist Church featuring folk singer/songwriter and Women’s Music icon, Tret Fure! We are also hosting an art gallery exhibit featuring 5 artists: Debb Cusick, Lisa Morris, Evangelia Philippidis, Melissa Thompson, and April Sunami. Meet the artists, enjoy the art exhibits; sample food and drinks, and socialize from 4:00pm – 6:00pm. The concert featuring Tret begins at 6:00pm.
Tickets are available on the OFAM Website for $10–$50.

Food and drinks will be available for purchase during the event from 4:00pm – 7:00pm.

Artists Reception: What Matters

September 15, 12:15–1:30pm

What Matters? Come and Meet First UU’s Artists and find out. Tell us what matters to you. Join us for conversation, snacks and art on Sunday Sept 15 after the second service.

Image: “Ofrenda for the Earth”, byTom Baillieul, currently on display in the Worship Center

From the Staff & Board

Upcoming Governance Meetings

Finance Committee: September 18, 7–9pm

Board of Trustees: September 25, 7–9pm

All members are welcome! Email using the links above to request a zoom link.

Announcing First UU’s Concert Series 2024–2025
We are pleased to announce First UU’s Concert Series 2024-25! This year’s offerings include a diverse set of concerts from singer-songwriters and cover artists to chamber music and local choirs, as well as our continuing relationship with the world-renowned Carpe Diem String Quartet. Check out this year’s Concert Series brochurefor dates, times, and admission/donation information. We hope to see you at one (or all!) of our concerts!

Join us for the First UU of Columbus

Engagement Fair Series

This year we will host 4 events to help you connect with meaningful opportunities in our community:

Sunday, September 22 we will kick off the series with the Religious

Exploration Engagement Fair. Explore programs that promote spiritual growth and learning for all ages.

September 29 the Groups Engagement Fair, offers a chance to discover First UU groups that align with your passions and interests.

Stay tuned for more information on all 4 events!

We invite you to complete our Community Volunteer Questionnaire, to find volunteer opportunities that fit your skills, interests, and availability. We hope everyone in our community can find ways to contribute that are both fulfilling and impactful.

We look forward to seeing you and helping you deepen your connection with First UU! Thank you for being a valuable part of our community,

Andi M

Justice & Volunteering

Eggcellent Volunteer Opportunity

The Breakfast Team is looking forward to cooking once again this year. We are looking for some folks to join in the fun. Do you:

1 – Enjoy making people happy? (everyone is happy when you make them breakfast)

2 – Not mind showing up early one Sunday a month. (Each cooking team cooks once per month)

Send Cliff a message for more info!
Image by Erika Varga from Pixabay

Connect with Caring Cards

The Caring Team encourages you to sign the Caring Cards each Sunday. They will be available at the Caring Table in Beach Hall after the first service and will remain on the table for signing until after the second service. If you would like to receive a caring card, or if you know someone who would, please fill out the Joys and Sorrows form found on our website under the Connections Menu.

Image by Mediamodifier from Pixabay

Classes & Groups

Registration is now open for the

Living the Pledge to End Racism 2-day Workshop

Saturdays October 5 & 12, 2024

10am–5pm
This curriculum was developed by First UU Richmond members as they sought to transition from reading and talking about how to end racism to taking intentional actions. Come learn and commit to the work with others in our congregation!

The training consists of 6 modules, and each requires about an hour of preparation ahead of time for participants, either reading or watching videos. This class provides an academic framework to help us examine our experiences with and about racism in our lives and in our society. Email questions to the Living The Pledge Leaders.
Register Now

Navigators USA Scouting

Join the Navigators USA scouting troop, Chapter 147, based here at First UU for family friendly scouting with UU values. Meetings for September are:

Sunday, September 8, 1–2:30pm, Welcome & Fun And Games meeting at First UU

Sunday, September 15, 1–2:30pm, ~1 mile hike at Blendon Woods Metro Park

Sunday, September 22, 1–2:30pm Badge work at First UU

There is a cost of $55 per child, with a family maximum of $160, however no family will be turned away due to finances. Meetings generally follow the schedule: 1st Sunday of the month: Fun & Games, 2nd Sunday: optional hike, 3rd Sunday: badge work.

Our Fall Camping Trip is Friday Sept 27 – Sunday Sept 29 at Alum Creek State Park. Our scout year runs from September 2024 through May 2025 and we will have other great scouting activities throughout the year while the kids earn badges, learn skills, and HAVE FUN!

Email us for more information or Check us out on Facebook – We hope to see you there!
Image by Martin Eklund from Pixabay

Trans and Gender Non-Conforming Youth & Allies Groups

October 6 at 12:30pm Meetings Resume

The Trans and Gender Non-Conforming groups for youth and supportive allies will resume meeting on October 6. The groups meet on the first Sunday of each month at 12:30. The youth group meets in the library and the allies will be in room 302.

Email Mrs. Emily Henry for more information.

Community News & Events

Around the Corner

  • 9/8 & 9/22: Rising Young Adults (RYA!) (2nd & 4th Sundays)
  • Sun 9/15: Fall Religious Exploration classes & activities begin
  • Sun 9/22: Engagement Fair Weekend 1 – Religious Exploration
  • Tue 9/24: Expressive Worship
  • Tue 9/24: Atheists Skeptics Humanists (ASH)
  • Sat 9/28: All Soles Contra & Square Dance
  • Sun 9/29: Engagement Fair Weekend 2 – Groups
  • Mon 9/30: SYC Author Talk, Kelsie Olds. “You Need Me and I Need Space”
  • Friday 10/4: First Friday Spaghetti Dinner
  • Sat 10/5 & 10/12: Living the Pledge to End Racism Workshop (10am–5pm)
  • Sun 10/6: Trans Allies and Families Support Group
  • Sun 10/6: Trans and Gender Non-Conforming Support Group for Teens
  • Fri 10/11: Community Bingo Night
  • Sun 10/13: Carpe Diem String Quartet Concert

These are some of the additional events you can look forward to in the next few weeks! If your group is open to drop-ins or you are currently seeking new members, email Becca to add your event info.

2024 Universalist Convocation

September 20–22

Universalist Church of Eldorado, OH

$25–$35 Registration Fee

Since 1990, Universalists have been holding an annual convocation to holdfast the spiritual roots of American Universalism. Keynote speaker is Rev. Dr. Susan Richie, the minister at North Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Lewis Center, Ohio. Shewill present on the topic “How Universalists Have Talked About Principles and Faith.” There will be a panel discussion on “Principles, Sacred Language, and the Future We Build” with panel members are Rev. Dr. Joel Tishken, Rev. Derek Parker, Rev. Richard Trudeau, and Rev. Dr. Susan Richie.

See more details and register on the Universalist Covocation website.

Family Activities

New Sunday Schedule Starts this Week!

  • 9:15–10am Noourish Alternative Worship Service (Sanctuary)
  • 10–10:30am Breakfast, and Middle Hour until 11am (A/B, Beach Hall)
  • 10:30–12:30am: Infant and Toddler Care (Room 101)
  • 11–Noon: Ingathering / Water Ceremony: All Ages Traditional Worship Service (sanctuary) – bring your water if you collected some!
  • No Classes During Service today – Many begin Next Week!
  • Coffee & Fellowship, Snack after the service (Beach Hall, A/B)
  • 12:30–2:30 Teacher Orientation (301) and Youth Group (402)
  • 1–2:30 Navigators Scouting (201/playground)

Classes Begin Next Week: Are You Signed Up?

Register today! Some capped classes like OWL are getting full, while others may be be rescheduled pending more interest. Go see Niki at the yellow table out in the gallery – before or after the 11am service – to sign up in person!

Seeking Teen-Friendly Board Gamers and More!

Autumn is a great time to get involved in our family programs!

  • Explore UU values through games with our middle and high schoolers
  • Support our teens as they explore their beliefs in Coming of Age
  • Build confidence and access to vital information in Our Whole Lives
  • Nurture young community values and collaboration in Spirit Play

Please fill out this form, or email Amber ASAP if you are interested! Thank you!