Weekly News Update

General Church News

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

Featured this week
Coming up Sunday
Announcements
What’s happening soon?
Joys and sorrows
More activities

Featured this Week

Board of Trustees issues public statement on our commitments in these times

Members of our Board of Trustees unanimously adopted a public statement regarding our commitments in these times at their March meeting. The statement was circulated by email to church members and friends on April 29. View a video version of the statement. The statement also was published on April 29 on the editorial page of The Columbia Missourian.

Annual Congregational Meeting scheduled May 18

The 2025 Annual Congregational Meeting has been scheduled after worship at noon on Sunday, May 18 in the Sanctuary and via Zoom.

Business to be conducted at the meeting will be:

Approval of the proposed 2025-26 operating budget
Election of members of the Board of Trustees
Receipt of annual report(s)
Interim report from the Mission and Vision Task Force

Church bylaws provide that members who joined at least 60 days before the meeting (that is, on or before March 19) are eligible to vote. Members unable to attend in person or via Zoom can submit a proxy vote.

Treasurer Fred Young and Rev. Molly will conduct a budget presentation meeting at 7 p.m. May 13 via Zoom for anyone who wants to take a deep dive into the budget before the congregational meeting.

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89411646638?pwd=6ij842VGa6kKn2KuyWARjqNNR90uZr.1
Meeting ID: 894 1164 6638
Passcode: 610040

Board candidates selected by the Nominating Committee are Shannon Mulvania-Beck, Sarah Oldfather and Jeff White.

Details Here

Board approves contract to repave parking lot

At a special meeting of our Board of Trustees on Sunday, May 4, the board approved a contract with Christensen Construction for $32,332.50 to repave the church parking lot.

The cost of the repaving will be paid from the Building and Grounds Accrual Reserved Fund.

May Searchlight now available

In case you missed earlier announcements, the May issue of our monthly online newsletter, The Searchlight, is available on the Current Newsletter page. The issue also is linked on the Monthly Newsletter page along with past issues.

Check us out on the UUCC Facebook Group Page

Coming up Sunday, May 18, 2025

9 a.m. – Forum Discussion Group – Lower Level-Forum Room/Library

The Forum Discussion Group is an adult issues-and-answers discussion program that meets from 9 to 10 a.m. most Sundays from September through May.

On May 18 UUCC member Diane Suhler, who will have just returned from Jamaica, will report on her experiences in the Peace Corps helping Jamaican farmers learn about the use of credit.

9 a.m. – Mindfulness Meditation – Fire Circle or Lower Level-Centering Room

Mindfulness Meditation takes place at 9 a.m. every Sunday. Beginners and experienced meditators are welcome. If the outside temperature is 55° F. or higher and weather permits, meditation will take place at the Fire Circle behind the church. Otherwise, meditation will be in the Lower Level-Centering Room. For more information, email Anna Lingo or Susan Pereira.

10:30 a.m. – Worship Service – Sanctuary

Youth Sunday – YRUU High School Youth Group

Join us for this favorite Sunday every year when YRUU, our high school youth group, takes over the chancel… and the pulpit. Come be inspired by our incredible young people!

Online worship links – Zoom • Facebook

Submit Joys and Sorrows by 8:30 a.m. Sunday before worship:

Joys and Sorrows Submission

Online Donation or Pledge Payment

Visitors participating in our online worship services are invited to fill out our Visitor Connection Card:

Visitor Connection Card

10:30 a.m. – Youth Religious Education – No Classes – All-Ages Worship

After a centering time in the Sanctuary at the beginning of worship, the children will go downstairs for a Service Sunday project instead of their usual classes. Free nursery care for infants to 3-year-olds will be available until 11:45 a.m. Read about our Youth Religious Education program.

11:30 a.m. – Coffee Hour – Greeting Area

Enjoy beverages and chat in the Greeting Area.

Noon – Annual Congregational Meeting – Sanctuary

The 2025 Annual Congregational Meeting has been scheduled after worship at noon on Sunday, May 18 in the Sanctuary and via Zoom.

Business to be conducted at the meeting will be a vote on the proposed 2025-26 operating budget, election of members of the Board of Trustees, receipt of annual reports, and an interim report from the Mission and Vision Task Force. Board candidates selected by the Nominating Committee are Shannon Mulvania-Beck, Sarah Oldfather and Jeff White.

All are welcome to attend, but church bylaws provide that only those members who joined at least 60 days before the meeting (that is, on or before March 19) are eligible to vote. Members unable to attend in person or via Zoom can submit a proxy vote.

Details Here

Noon – YRUU – Lower Level-YRUU Room

Members of YRUU, our high school youth group, will gather for their regular weekly meeting.

2 p.m. – LGBTQ Collective – Sanctuary

The collective will meet in the Sanctuary to discuss future plans, pride plans and a pen pal program. For information email Heidi Shearer mailto:heidishearer@gmail.com.

4 to 6:15 p.m. – Loaves and Fishes Dinner – Ashley Street Center

Our Social Action Team organizes volunteers to provide the evening meal at the Loaves and Fishes Soup Kitchen on the third Sunday each month. Click the button below to sign up to prepare food for this meal and/or to help set up, serve, and clean up.

May 18 Loaves & Fishes Signup

Please submit receipts for all food items, and some or all of your expenses may be reimbursed by the church. Email the Church Administrator to obtain the church’s sales tax exemption certificate to use when purchasing food for Loaves and Fishes. Both the volunteers providing food and those who will serve and clean up are asked to be at the Ashley Street Center,1509 Ashley St. (view map) between 4 and 4:15 p.m. The meal will be served at 4:30 p.m. Cleanup is expected to be complete by about 6:15 p.m.

If you have questions, email Fred Young or Gregg Suhler of the Social Action Team.

Announcements

Stewardship campaign was a big success

Annual Giving Chair Christine Heath and Rev. Molly report that our stewardship campaign for the 2025-26 fiscal year was extremely successful. The total pledged exceeded the aggressive goal of a 9% increase over current year pledges, allowing us to increase our budget from $327,000 this year to more than $356,000 for the next fiscal year starting July 1. Here is a summary of pledging for 2025-26:

Total pledges increased from $306,811 to $351,101, an increase of 12.5%.
The number of pledging units increased from 118 to 128. Of the 128 pledges, 18 were first-time pledges, and more than 60 were increased pledges.
The 68 online pledges included 7 first-time pledges and 40 increased pledges
66% of those who pledged online increased their pledges between 5% and 15%.

The goal of a 9% increase in giving sought to fully fund our congregation’s growing budgetary needs, including a long-deferred compensation increase for our staff. With the actual pledging increase of 12.5%, we will be able to not only live our values well as an employer, but also meet increasing required costs like insurance and utilities, and provide funds for new, revitalized, and emerging ministry programs.

Rev. Molly said: “I am especially moved by this result as it stands in stark contrast to the deadly austerity and cuts to social services we see at the state and federal level this year. Our congregation has responded to that reality with courage and commitment. This result, created by every single gift of every size, communicates a sense of abundance and an investment in the way we want to live together, with love at the center and care for the collective reaching out. It shows us that we can thrive together, even and especially now.”

Christine and Molly thanked the congregation you for its support. Rev. Molly also thanked the entire Stewardship Team for the successful campaign, and she gave extra big thanks to Christine for chairing the team and to Kevin Fritsche for coordinating an extremely effective steward follow-up process.

SIJT plans “rights training”

Be on the lookout for a “Know Your Rights and Accompaniment Training” organized by the Sanctuary and Immigrant Justice Team (SIJT).

We all have certain constitutional and legal rights in this country, no matter whether we are U.S. citizens or not. It is important for all of us to know what our rights are.

The SIJT has decided that the best way we can support our migrant neighbors is by educating ourselves about our rights and passing our knowledge on. We want to be allies and companions to our migrant neighbors. What this will look like exactly is still evolving, but we would love to have you be a part of the conversation!

If you would be interested in joining us, please get in touch!

Allie Gassmann and Dave Gibbons, Co-Chairs

What’s happening soon?

Weekly and bi-weekly recurring events

Gentle Yoga with Karen Dwyer – Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday

Gentle Yoga takes place at the church from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Fridays and from 6 to 7:15 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays (except the first Thursday each month). Additional information is available from Karen Dwyer, or contact the church office.

Minister’s Office Hours – Tuesdays and Fridays

The Rev. Dr. Molly Housh Gordon’s office hours are:

- 2:30 to 4 p.m. Tuesdays at church
- 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fridays at Uprise Bakery downtown

Other meeting times are available by appointment. Schedule an appointment online. If you can’t find a time that fits your schedule, email Rev. Molly and she may be able to work you in at a different time.

Choir Rehearsals – Wednesday evenings

Choir rehearsals with Music Director Violet Vondar Haar take place at 7 p.m. Wednesday evenings in the Sanctuary at church. All singers are welcome, regardless of experience and vocal part.

Crafting Group – 1 to 3 p.m. Thursdays

The crafting group meets from 1 to 3 p.m. every Thursday in the Greeting Area from September through May. The group is recruiting new members and can help with any projects you may have. Beginners are welcome, and there is no hard commitment – come when you can. For more information, email Bonnie Johnson.

Living Earth Meditation – 9 a.m. Saturdays

With the arrival of warmer weather, Living Earth Meditation has resumed weekly sessions at 9 a.m. Saturdays at 1400 Gary St. It is facilitated by Peter Holmes, Ph.D., Jared Belden, M.A., and Tricia Straub. Sign up to attend by email. During cold weather months, the Living Earth Study Group meets on first and third Saturdays from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Show-Me Dharma, 1600 West Broadway. It is facilitated by Peter Holmes, Ph.D. and Jared Belden, M.A. Sign up to attend by email. The meditation and study group programs are a joint project of UUCC, the Columbia Friends Meeting and Show-Me Dharma.

Scheduled events coming soon

Board of Trustees – 7 p.m. Thursday, May 15

Our Board of Trustees will hold its regular monthly meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 15. Per church bylaws, church members are welcome to attend and observe board meetings.

Art GroUUp – 6:30 to 8 p.m., Friday, May 16

If you love art and making connections, the new Art GroUUp is looking for you! We will be meeting at the church from 6:30 to 8 p.m. every third Friday of the month. Meetings may include BYO craft nights, art therapy prompts related to monthly sermon topics, collaborative creations to beautify the church, and service projects. Open to all skill levels and experience!

Life Writer’s Group – 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 17

The UU Life Writer’s Group meets from 10:30 a.m. to noon on the first and third Saturdays of the month to write and share at the church. For questions email Mary Herde.

Annual Congregational Meeting – Noon Sunday, May 18

The 2025 Annual Congregational Meeting will be held after worship at noon on Sunday, May 18, 2025. Business to be conducted at the meeting is:

- Approval of the proposed 2025-26 operating budget
- Election of members of the Board of Directors
- Receipt of annual report(s)
- Preliminary report by the Mission and Vision Task Force

More information is available on the Annual Meeting page.

LGBTQ Collective – 2 p.m. Sunday May 18

The collective will meet in the Sanctuary to discuss future plans, pride plans and the pen pal program. Please join us!

Loaves and Fishes – 4 p.m. Sunday, May 18

Our Social Action Team needs volunteers to prepare servings of various dishes and other volunteers to serve the meal and clean up afterward.

The location of Loaves and Fishes is the Ashley Street Center, 1509 Ashley St., behind the city power plant (view map). The meal time is 4:30 p.m.

Both the volunteers providing food and those who will serve and clean up are asked to be at the Ashley Street Center between 4 and 4:15 p.m. Cleanup is expected to be complete by about 6:15 p.m. Please sign up here.

You can also support this effort by making a donation to the church specifying “Loaves and Fishes Fund.” For more information, email Fred Young or Gregg Suhler.

Men’s Group – 8:30 a.m. Saturday, May 24 – online

The UUCC Men’s Group meets online via Zoom on the second, fourth, and fifth Saturdays of each month. For more information, contact Wiley Miller at 573-864-8574 or by email.

Milestones Circle – noon Sunday, May 25

The Milestones Circle is an open, drop-in small group for older adults to meet, share thoughts and concerns, and receive support and friendship in a UU setting. The group meets each month on the fourth Sunday after the worship service in the Forum Room/Library on the lower level of the church. Bring a brown bag lunch and help explore the spirituality in your life.

Milestones materials are available here. For more information, contact Kathie Bergman at 573-999-3938 or by email.

UUJME – noon Sunday, May 25

Unitarian Universalists for Justice in the Middle East (UUJME) will hold a regular meeting at noon Sunday, May 25, in the Lower Level-Centering Room.

The Unitarian Universalist Association’s list of Actions of Immediate Witness for 2024 includes the call to be “in solidarity with Palestinians” through acts of public witnessing, education, organizing, and advocacy. In response to this call, UUJME of UUCC sponsored a showing of the movie “Where Olive Trees Weep” on Sunday, May 4 in the UUCC Sanctuary.

For more information email UUJME Chair Margaret Tyler.

Men’s Group – 8:30 a.m. Saturday, May 31 – online

The UUCC Men’s Group meets online via Zoom on the second, fourth, and fifth Saturdays of each month. For more information, contact Wiley Miller at 573-864-8574 or by email.

Newcomer Retreat – 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, June 8

The Membership Team‘s next “Getting to Know UU” Newcomer Retreat will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, June 8. If you are considering becoming a member of the UUCC, we strongly encourage you to attend. Retreat participants will learn about Unitarian Universalism and our own church, connect with newcomers, dine with UUCC members/friends, and share a bit of their stories. Register here by June 1. For more information, see the How to Join page.

UUCC members, friends, and those who have previously attended a retreat or new member class are encouraged to bring a dish (please list ingredients) and meet the newcomers starting at 6 pm. Register here by June 1.

Childcare is available with a registration. For questions email the Membership Team.

Kaleidoscope Pagan Gathering – 2 p.m. Saturday, June 21

Join Kaleidoscope at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 21, as we celebrate Litha, the summer Solstice. The longest day and the shortest night are here. The Sun stands in his glory and full strength. Glory with him, this bringer of warmth, light, and hope.

We will join in ritual, followed by a finger food potluck and friendship. All are welcome, no matter what their personal paths.

Joys and sorrows

You can read the Joys and sorrows shared with the congregation by clicking the button below. The page is also accessible from the Members/Friends drop-down menu. The Joys and Sorrows page is password-protected, so you must be logged in as a registered user of our site to see it. If you have not already registered, you can do so here.

Read Joys and Sorrows

You can submit joys and sorrows online by clicking this button:

Submit Joys and Sorrows

More activities

View Online Calendar

View Upcoming Events Page