Tuesday Talk

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Red Oak School students learned about raptors with Joseph P. Dorrian, Director at the Ohio School of Falconry.

Tuesday Talk

Happy New Year!

In 2006, Elizabeth Gilbert wrote a memoir, Eat, Love, Pray. A few years later, Julia Roberts starred in a film version. I enjoyed the book and the movie, but I have a whole new take on the title.

Eat, love, play!

With a puppy at home, I have rediscovered the joy of play. Little Fiona is a never ending source of energy. She has boundless excitement for games of fetch, chase the cat, and herd the human. I have a new appreciation of parents with young children!

Unintentionally, I might have also discovered my New Year’s resolution: play, play, play. Who says we need to grow up? Life is too short.

What has inspired you for the New Year? In the mix of typical diet, workouts, and things to do, I hope it includes fun and rejuvenation.

I don’t necessarily recommend a puppy, but puppy love is a real thing. So is an insatiable need to eat and play. And of course, the need for training. Oh yes. Don’t we all need to learn our manners and do a few tricks.

This year, I promise to play more. And because Maddie Cattie is jealous, I also promise to pay attention more.

In this world that is so hard right now, what are you paying attention to? And have you included enough time to play?

Blessings,
Rev. Marian
Red Oak students watching the Falcon fly…

SHOUT OUTS!
Opportunities and Reminders

Labyrinth hosts, musicians, volunteers, and walkers…
Thank you to all who organized, set-up/take-down, hosted, performed, and participated.
Huge appreciation to Cath Saveson for organizing; Michael Greenman for logistics; Rev. Eric, Barb Fisher, Pat Hurley, Karen Torvik, Pat Hurley, Cath Saveson, Susan Clossen, Karla Rinto, Paula Egbert, and Lisa Brandt for hosting; and Wahru Cleveland and Joyce (hand drums), Kristin Figg (piano and medieval harp), Karen Thimmes (comtemplative piano), Cath Saveson (meditative chants and songs), Isa Mauch (violin), Jennifer Evans and Richard Kinsley (hammered dulcimer and guitar), and Patricia Wilcox (flute and piano, English Country Dance Music) for performing. Special thanks also to all those who helped set up and take down the labyrinth. You all made such a wonderful experience possible for 160–170 walkers (with 48 on New Year’s Day).

Registration opens this weekend!
Beloved Conversations
Retreat: Jan. 31–Feb. 1
Sessions: every other week for 8 weeks
A small-group program that helps congregations talk about race and ethnicity, and explore how we can use this experience to help create a more just world.
Childcare provided upon request.
$75, scholarships available.
If you have any questions, email Rev. Eric or call him at 614/267-4946.

From our Auction Team…
Our First UU Auction: Come Fly with Me!
Saturday, February 22 at 5 pm.
We need many donations in order to make our auction “take off”! Donations must be received by January 26 to appear in the printed catalog. You can enter your items online or by filling out a form at our auction table in Beach Hall after each service. At the auction table you can also sign up for childcare, to bring an appetizer, to volunteer, and to get your questions answered. Can’t think about what to donate? Ask us! We have lots of suggestions.

Is an Intern in our future???
Contribute a Teaching Share to the Intern Fund 
If we would like to have a ministerial intern in the coming years, we have to put the funds in place now. In order to say ‘yes’ to a school and a potential intern, we have to know that we can uphold our promise. If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Rev. Marian soon.

***Middle Hour…Middle Hour…Middle Hour***
This Sunday (Jan. 12th)
10:15–10:45am
FORUM
Room 301
Passing the 28th “We the People Amendment” – the essential first step to reversing the climate crisis”
Led by Michael Greenman
New Year’s Day take down crew for the labyrinth.
Thank you!

THIS WEEK

For additional churchwide activities and events, please see First UU News (emailed on Fridays and in the Sunday Order of Service).

For information about family and child-focused events and classes, see the RE News (emailed to families and in the Sunday Order of Service).

Wednesday, January 8th, 7pm, Room A/B
Long Strange Trip: Our UU History, Parts IV
Led by Dana Reynolds, retired UU minister
This is a great way to learn about our UU development throughout the centuries. It’s ideal for those new to UUism, but promises new surprises for longtime UUs. All are welcome.

Friday, January 10th, Beach Hall
7:30pm – Beginner’s session
8–10:30pm – Dance
All Soles Contra and Square Dance
Local caller, Andy Shewmon, will lead the dances. Firefly Trace, a local band, will provide the music.
We welcome newbies…at the beginners’ session, all dances will be taught and no partner is needed.
Free childcare is available in a nearby classroom.
Cost is $8 for adults; $4 ages 12-25; and free for those under 12.
For more information, visit:
www.firstuucolumbus.org/all-soles, bigscioty.com

Sunday, January 12th, 9am & 11am, Sanctuary
“Inherited Racism: Update 2020” with Rev. Marian
Rev. Marian will share stories from her dissertation on inherited racism. She will also share how things have changed and evolved since publication.

Sunday, January 12th, 3:30–5:30pm, Sanctuary
“UU the Vote” Watch Party
We will host a group to watch the Zoom launch of the “UU the Vote” campaign, gathering as a virtual community of UUs across the country.
Kristen Figg playing medieval harp to accompany walkers on the labyrinth.
SAVE THE DATE…
Mid-Year Congregational Meeting
January 19th, 12:30pm, Sanctuary
Board of Trustees
We will gather as a community for our mid-year meeting to discuss the important business of the church. An agenda will be posted soon. Please attend: a quorum is required.First UU Auction: Come Fly with Me! 
Saturday, February 22, 2020
To really take off, we’ll need many donations to zoom in and take the bidding sky high! You can donate from the auction website or email.  We’ll have a table in Beach Hall starting near the end of November, then on January 5 and February 9 we will have Auction 101 sessions during Middle Hour to share auction information and answer questions.

Save your stuff!
Rummage Sale
May 2, 2020 (Saturday)
We will also need volunteers. Please contact Seth Kraut (614-477-0099) or Rachel Kraut (614-774-2362). We need household items (kitchen decor, small appliances, baskets, lamps), jewelry and accessories, working toys/games/puzzles, garden, travel and camping items. More information will follow.
Join us on Martin Luther King, Jr. Weekend for a special screening of the new film, “Just Mercy” with like-minded justice-seeking folks.
We urge everyone to see this film in the theaters (Opens Jan 10!), and if the time works for you, see it with us at a special discounted rate starting at
12:30pm on Saturday, January 18th at Cinemark Polaris.FEATURING: Welcome and introductory remarks by
Rev. Dr. Jack Sullivan, Jr.
Executive Director, Ohio Council of Churches
Board member, Journey of Hope… From Violence to Healing
Advisory Board, Death Penalty Action
Immediate past board chairman, Ohioans to Stop Executions

We have 191 seats to fill with justice and faith oriented people who would want to see the film together with like-minded friends and family. ADVANCE TICKET PURCHASE IS REQUIRED. Sponsorships Available – Click for details!

BONUS – In brief opening remarks you’ll hear about opportunities to create a more just justice system in Ohio. Following the film there will be an opportunity to sign up with co-convening central Ohio justice organizations, sign petitions, and learn about opportunities to support the work.

Co-conveners include:
Ohio Council of Churches
Faith in Public Life – Ohio
Unitarian Universalist Justice Ohio
Poor People’s Campaign – Columbus Chapter
Ohio Journey of Hope… From Violence to Healing
Death Penalty Action
Ohioans to Stop Executions

JUSTICE UPDATES

Monday, January 13th, 7–8:30pm, Room 301
Racial Justice & Immigration JAM Working Group Meeting  
Please come and hear what we’ve been doing and help us plan future actions. New people are always welcome. Contact Jan Phillips for more information.Meaningful Movie
Wednesday, January 15th, 7:00pm, Sanctuary
Human Flow, a Documentary by Ai Weiwei
Sponsored by: Racial Justice and Immigration JAM Working Group
We will gather to view and discuss this important film which highlights the massive scale of human movement due to war, climate change, and religious and ethnic discrimination.

Gift cards are needed to provide food for Edith Espinal, Miriam Vargas, and the Honduran family living at Just North. Kroger cards are preferred. Jan Phillips is collecting the gift cards. You may give them to her at church, or leave them with Rev. Marian.
THIS MOMENT IN UU HISTORY
Sponsored by the First UU Archives Group
January 1, 1817
Unitarian leader Henry Ware Jr. was ordained and installed as minister at Second Church (Unitarian) in Boston.January 1, 1821
The first issue of the Unitarian Miscellany and Christian Monitor,  the first Unitarian periodical in America, was published. This monthly publication contained articles, hymns, sermons, and letters. Editors included Jared Sparks and Francis William Pitt Greenwood. Its stated purpose was “to teach plain doctrines in a plain way.”

January 1, 1831
The Independent Messenger, a weekly Universalist publication, began as a means of supporting Restorationism in Universalism. It was launched by Adin Ballou, a distant relative of pioneering Universalist Hosea Ballou.

January 1, 1835
The first issue of The Boston Observer and Religious Intelligencer, a weekly edited by George Ripley, was published. Its caption was “a weekly paper devoted to free religion.” After June 25, 1835, it joined with the Unitarian periodical The Christian Register.