25 volunteers still needed for Loaves & Fishes this Sunday, Sept. 21
Our Social Action Team still needs 25 volunteers to provide food and/or serve and clean up for our monthly turn to serve the evening Loaves & Fishes meal this Sunday, Sept. 21, as follows:
3 volunteers to bring 20 servings of a meat item (ham, chicken, beef, pork, etc.)
6 volunteers to bring 20 servings of a rice or potato dish
6 volunteers to bring 20 servings of a vegetable (broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, etc.)
6 volunteers to bring 20 servings of cornbread
4 adult volunteers to set up, serve and clean up from 4 to 6:15 p.m.
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.
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. If you have questions, email Fred Young or Gregg Suhler of the Social Action Team.
Visiting research minister will preach this Sunday, Sept. 21
Rev. Jordinn
Join our visiting research partner minister, Rev. Jordinn Nelson Long, as she grounds us in our shared work of mapping our interdependence this Sunday, Sept. 21.
In her sermon “Mapping Survival” she will pose these questions: What does it mean to be place-rooted, as a human in a body? What does it mean to be place-rooted as a church in wider community with a city? Are we all, as UUs, called to be geographers and theologians?
Rev. Molly announced in August that Rev. Jordinn, a cultural geographer, will be visiting with us during the 2025-2026 church year to support her research on thriving progressive faith communities. Rev. Jordinn will be with us for most of September and from January to mid-March. She will be embedding herself in the congregation, meeting many of us, and learning what we’re up to. She will also lead us through some reflection about our community connections and the impact of our work.
Being in community might just be the most important thing we can do right now for ourselves and for each other.
As a small-group ministry of our church, Chalice Circles are designed to build that community, foster connections between members, and provide opportunities to share your heart in a safe, brave space.
These groups of no more than 10 members are led by fellow UU volunteers and topics are planned to complement the monthly themes of the church year. A Chalice Circle commitment is for one cycle of eight or nine sessions, though some chalice groups may elect to continue in some form over the summer. Groups will meet once or twice a month for one and one-half hours, from September or October 2025 to May 2026.
If you have questions, you are welcome to email the Chalice Circles Leadership Team that consists of the Rev. Dr. Molly Housh Gordon, Gretchen Maune and Crystal Paddock Buffaloe, or call or text Crystal at 573-289-9705 (please leave a message!).
We look forward to a fun, connected, meaningful year ahead!
With Gratitude,
Crystal, Gretchen, and Rev. Molly
Please take the Mission/Vision survey
During the 2024-2025 church year, the Board’s Mission/Vision Task Force held a series of cottage meetings about our mission and vision to gather information from the congregation in preparation for updating these guiding statements. The executive summary from those meetings was shared at our May 2025 annual meeting, and can also be found here on our website.
Now, we have reached the final information-gathering phase of the Task Force’s work: A survey available to all UUCC members, friends, visitors, partners, and affiliates. We hope to hear from as many of you as possible!
We estimate this survey will take between 5-25 minutes to complete, depending on whether and how deeply you’d like to engage the open-response questions. The deadline to complete the survey is 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21.
For those who prefer to fill out a paper survey, paper copies will be available at a bistro table in the greeting area on Sundays, Sept. 7, 14 and 21.
If you have any trouble accessing the online or paper survey or need any assistance, please email the Mission/Vision Task Force.
With Thanks,
Rebecca Graves & Rev. Dr. Molly Housh Gordon, on behalf of the Task Force
“Wild Wonder” playground campaign announced
What: An accessible wooden tree deck surrounded by natural play materials to connect our kids with our grounds and each other in imaginative play.
When: To be built this fall!
Where: In the shade on the east side of the grounds – look for the newly poured concrete sidewalk!
How: The contributions of our community! We need to raise $25,000, and we’ve already received $5,000 in leadership gifts. You can:
Make a gift at uucomo.org/give by selecting Children’s RE Reserved Fund in the dropdown menu
Look out for fundraisers after church held by our kids – including a lemonade stand this Sunday
Buy a handprint for your child in the planned decorative concrete border alongside the sidewalk, or donate in honor of a family who might not be able to purchase a handprint. $100 per print. Fill out this form to purchase handprints or to request a donated handprint!
Who: All of us! We’ll be holding great big family workdays to build the deck in October. Stay tuned for more info.
CROP Walk set this Sunday, Sept. 21
Mark your calendars for the annual interfaith CROP (Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty) Walk to raise funds to relieve hunger here in Columbia and mid-Missouri, across the US, and around the world. This event is sponsored by Church World Service. Local programs that will receive financial support from the Columbia Crop Walk are Loaves and Fishes Soup Kitchen’s nightly community meal program, Russell Chapel Community Food Pantry, Destiny Worship Center Food Pantry, and Fifth Street Christian Church’s Feed the Community monthly meal program and food pantry.
This year the event will be take place at 1 p.m. Sept. 21 at the Stephens Lake Park Gordon Shelter. Kids are welcome, and the walk is designed for all levels of ability. You can sign up for the walk, find out more information, and donate at the Columbia CROP Walk website.
Email Allie Gassmann for more information and if you would like to walk together as a UU group.
For Forum meetings, meditation and worship,
drop-in childcare is provided. No reservation needed.
9 a.m. – Forum Discussion Group
The Forum Discussion Group meets at 9 a.m. Sundays from September through May. On Sept. 21, Beth Koster will present a “Keep Your Keys’“ program.
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
“Mapping Survival” – Rev. Jordinn Nelson Long
What does it mean to be place-rooted, as a human in a body? What does it mean to be place-rooted as a church in wider community with a city? Are we all, as UUs, called to be geographers and theologians? Join our visiting research partner minister, Rev. Jordinn Nelson Long, as she grounds us in our shared work of mapping our interdependence.
After a centering time in the Sanctuary at the beginning of worship, the children will go downstairs for their 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 conversation in the Greeting Area after worship.
Noon – LGBTQ Collective – Sanctuary
The LGBTQ Collective meets on the third Sunday each month after worship. For more information email Heidi Shearer.
Noon – Care Team Meeting – Lower Level-Centering Room
The UUCC Care Team has been re-launched with new members and new focus. Meetings will be held at noon on the third Sunday each month at noon in the Centering Room. Feel free to drop in or reach out for more info. You can sign up to help by completing this form. For more information, contact the team by email.
Noon – YRUU – Lower Level-YRUU Room
Members of YRUU, our high school youth group, will gather for their weekly meeting.
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.
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.
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. If you have questions, email Fred Young or Gregg Suhler of the Social Action Team.
The UUCC Care Team is being re-launched with new members and new focus. Are you interested in embracing radical neighboring? Please join the UUCC Care Team!
The group has several areas we are focusing on:
Meals: After a birth, surgery or illness, etc.
Rides: To church, medical appointments, etc.
Memorial Services: For UU Members
Cards: Joys, Sorrows & Support
Are you Interested in joining us to build community? We need more willing volunteers to grow our team and expand our mission.
Meetings will be held on the third Sunday of the month at noon in the Centering Room. Feel free to drop in or reach out for more info.
You can sign up to help by completing this form. For more information, contact the team by email.
Monthly worship theme workshops planned on first Fridays
Join us on the first Friday each month from September through May for Guidebook to the Garden, an all-ages workshop to engage the theme of the month with creative prompts. Participants will receive a blank book to fill up with inspiration over the course of the year. Come get inspired with us!
New Philosophy Club will meet on fourth Sundays
Philosophy Club, led by Michael Davis, is a group for anyone interested in discussing a topic more deeply with others. No philosophical training is needed, all worldviews are welcome, and any member can submit a subject to be discussed from spirituality to sociology, psychology, ecology, science and anything else. The group will meet at church from 11:50 a.m. to 12:50 p.m. on fourth Sundays.
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fridays at Uprise Bakery downtown.
If you need to meet at some other time, you can schedule an appointment by emailing Rev. Molly.
Choir Rehearsals – 7 p.m. Wednesdays
The UUCC Choir rehearses at 7 p.m. Wednesdays in the Sanctuary. If you are interested in joining the choir, click the button below to learn more and to sign up.
Gentle Yoga with Karen Dwyer – Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays
Gentle Yoga is offered at the church:
10 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Fridays
6 to 7:15 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays
Effective the week of Sept. 15, Gentle Yoga is no longer offered on Thursday evenings. Additional information is available from Karen Dwyer, or contact the church office.
Living Earth Meditation – 9 a.m. Saturdays
Living Earth Meditation holds weekly sessions at 9 a.m. Saturdays at 1400 Gary St., 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, Sept. 18
Our Board of Trustees will hold its regular monthly meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21. Per church bylaws, church members are welcome to attend and observe board meetings.
Life Writer’s Group – 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 20
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.
M’bon, the Second Harvest, and the Equinox. Once again, the Earth stands for just a moment in perfect balance, then, as always, falls to the side, this time into darkness.
Gather with Kaleidoscope at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20 at the church. We will join in ritual, followed by a finger food (i.e. simple snacks) potluck and friendship. All are welcome, no matter what their personal paths.
LGBTQ Collective – noon Sunday, Sept. 21
The LGBTQ Collective meets on the third Sunday each month after worship. The next meeting will be Sunday, Sept. 21.
All UUers – Please be on the lookout for details about how you can help as CoMo Pride (Oct. 5 and 6) approaches.
More information is coming about an upcoming book club for those interested to discuss Love Wins: The Lovers and Lawyers Who Fought The Landmark Case for Marriage Equality in preparation to hear the plaintiff Jim Obergefell speak on Oct. 23 at Columbia College.
Pen Pal Program with Fulton State Hospital – The LGBTQ Collective is piloting this program and is in need of Ally volunteers. Volunteers will receive 1-2 pen pals from the hospital’s LGBTQ group. Please email Rev. Molly if you are interested in being a pen pal to get connected with program organizers.
CROP Walk – 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21
Mark your calendars for the CROP (Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty) annual interfaith walk to raise funds to relieve hunger here in Columbia and mid-Missouri, across the US, and around the world. This event is sponsored by Church World Service. Local programs that will receive financial support from the Columbia Crop Walk are Loaves and Fishes Soup Kitchen’s nightly community meal program, Russell Chapel Community Food Pantry, Destiny Worship Center Food Pantry, and Fifth Street Christian Church’s Feed the Community monthly meal program and food pantry.
This year, the event will take place at 1 p.m. Sept. 21 at the Stephens Lake Park Gordon Shelter. Kids are welcome, and the walk is designed for all levels of ability. You can sign up for the walk, find out more information, and donate at the Columbia CROP Walk website. Email Allie Gassmann for more information and if you would like to walk together as a UU group.
Loaves & Fishes – 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21
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, Sept. 27 – 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, Sept. 28
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. The Sept. 28 topic is “What’s your source of inspiration?” For more information, contact Kathie Bergman by email.
Disability Justice and Inclusion Team – 12:15 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28
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.
