Board Welcome Kathleen Fowler
Opening Hymn #30 “Over My Head”
Indigenous Land Acknowledgment Paisha Thomas
Centering Words Rev. Dr Terasa Cooley
by Teresa Inez Soto
Congregational Greeting
Bringing in the Light Nathan Hamm
“I’ll Be Waiting” by Michael Franti
Chalice Lighting
Time for All Ages
“Where Are You From?”
Written by Yamile Saied Méndez, illustrated by Jaime Kim
Affirming Our Children “Sheltering Arms of Love” by Nancy Starr
Share the Plate Fund for Immigration Legal Assistance (FILA)
Offertory “Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman
Pastoral Meditation In the Cleaving by Jan Richardson
Special Music Mindy Sykes, Alto
“Deep River”
Traditional spiritual, arr. Harry T. Burleigh
Reading excerpt from “optimism and practice” blog (12/2019)
by adrienne maree brown
Meditative Hymn #1011 “Return Again”
Sermon Rev. Dr. Terasa Cooley
Closing Hymn #1018 “Come and Go with Me”
Benediction & Extinguishing the Chalice
Postlude Nathan Hamm
“Hymn to Freedom” by Oscar Peterson
Announcements
For 7/19/2026
Today! Join us at a farewell reception for Paisha Thomas, Justice and Equity Student Minister. Today is her last Sunday with us in this role. (Bring snacks if able, cake will be served!)
Please donate by August 1 for Feed & Read Ohio’s 23rd Backpack Drive! First UU’s 3rd Annual Blessing of the Backpacks at church on August 2. Help us fill 200 backpacks with the supplies children need to start the year! $50 buys one backpack with all the supplies for one child.
We are now seeking donations for Peace Camp activities! Bring items to the First UU Volunteer Workroom by July 27 We need: boxes (all sizes), Craft supplies, Yarn/string/ribbon, Fake flowers, Tin cans, yogurt cups, or anything to build villages / art creations. (No styrofoam please). Register Kiddos for Peace Camp! July 27-31 (6-8yrs) or Aug 3-7 (8-11yrs). https://bit.ly/peacecamp2026
ARA Congregational Read: Stamped from the Beginning. Read or watch Ibram X. Kendi’s book and participate in the congregational group read. Sign the posters near A/B & Register to attend the July 21st discussion. https://onrealm.org/FirstUnitarianU/
Expressive Worship July 23 at 7pm (New Time!) All ages and artistic inclinations welcome! Bring your own project or use materials provided to make paper bouquets as we ponder the theme “Flourishing Together.”
All Soles Contra & Square dance is July 25. Summer potluck: 12:30pm, Beginner’s session: 1:30, Dancing: 2 – 4:30pm. ($10/ adult, $5 ages 12-25)
Summer Pick-up Choir Sunday, July 26 at 9:00 am. We will learn and rehearse “O Love” by Elaine Hagenberg to sing at the morning service. No membership or experience necessary; just show up to sing! For an early look at the music, Email brandon@firstuucolumbus.org.
Community Music Nights begin August 5, at 7pm on the first Wednesday of each Month. Join us for music, connection, and joy. Bring an instrument, your voice, your dancing feet, or come to listen. No experience necessary!
Register to display your art in the UU Artists and Friends Show “Freedom”! Email Deb Baillieul or go to https://firstuucolumbus.org/rsvp/
Registration is Open for our annual Labor Day Retreat! September 5 – 7 at Camp Oty’Okwa in beautiful Hocking Hills. Join us for our traditional Peek, Talent show, hike, hammock hang, & more. Host a workshop or activity! https://firstuucolumbus.org/connection/labor-day-retreat/
Find details in this week’s Friday’s News and
check our online calendar for upcoming events!