“Getting to Know UU” newcomers retreat and potluck set this Sunday
What a joy it was to participate in PrideFest this past weekend! Unfortunately, we had to cancel our usual first Sunday potluck after church on Sunday due to the timing of the Pride Parade, but fear not, we have another potluck opportunity for you this coming weekend.
At 6 p.m. this Sunday evening, Oct. 12, everyone who’d like to join us is welcome to attend a potluck dinner at the end of our newcomer retreat so that everyone – newcomers, long-timers, and everyone in between – can have the chance to meet, connect, and break bread with one another. RSVP here for the potluck if you can please, but if you’re not sure of your plans yet, you’re still welcome to just show up with a dish to share and a list of ingredients.
Additionally, if you are new to the congregation or considering membership after visiting for a while, the newcomer retreat before the potluck – starting at 4 p.m. – is for you! This retreat will give you all the information you need to become a member, connect you with a cohort of other newcomers and prospective new members, and help you feel grounded in UU history and the ongoing legacy of our congregation. We’d love to see you there. Please register here so we can adequately plan.
Newcomer/prospective member retreat starts at 4 p.m.
Potluck dinner for everyone starts at 6 p.m.
See you in church!
Rev. Molly
Exploring mutual aid and radical neighboring
Thirty-six UUCC members and friends gathered to explore possibilities for radical neighboring and mutual aid following our worship service and Rev Molly’s sermon on “Mutual Aid, Labor and Faith: A History” on Sunday, August 31.
The theme that afternoon was “What forms of radical neighboring and mutual aid do we want and need? How might we begin?”
Folks then proposed and hosted small group exploratory discussions on these topics:
Childcare collective
Farming and gardening work sharing
Meal sharing
Goods & services exchange / skills sharing
Barn-raising-style yard work and home repair
Peer- or co-counseling, self-resourcing and self-care
Local “rapid response” political activism
Want to know more and how you might be part of next steps? If so, read on.
“Coming Back to Life” programs planned on Saturdays starting Nov. 1
A collaborative program of UUCC and two other faith groups will offer a “Coming Back to Life” series of programs on Saturday mornings from November through March with a theme of “Empowerment in the Fact of Planetary Suffering.”
UUCC members and friends are invited to share their care for the earth and engage in relational and earth mindfulness practices in these sessions that will take place from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Saturdays beginning Nov. 1.
“Living Earth Dialogos” will take place on first and third Saturdays at Show Me Dharma, 1600 East Broadway. Read more about what is planned.
“The Work that Reconnects” will take place on second and fourth Saturdays at UUCC. Read more about what will be covered.
You can sign up for these programs and ask questions by emailing livingearth1400@gmail.com. The sponsors are UUCC, Show Me Dharma and Columbia Friends Meeting.
Chalice Circles signups now open
Need community? We’ve got you.
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!
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! Workdays have been scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon Nov 1, 8, 15 and 22.
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.
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 Oct. 12 Casey Twidwell will speak on Heart of Missouri CASA – Court-Appointed Special Advocates. Last year 379 advocates devoted more than 8,000 hours to help needy children, mostly in foster families.
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
“What Do We Do with All This Rage?” – Rev. Dr. Molly Housh Gordon
So much is being destroyed, on purpose, by those who care nothing for all they are stomping underfoot. Perhaps you, like me, find yourself swallowed by anger at the cruelty of it all. And perhaps, like me, that anger scares you a bit. What do we do with all this rage? Let’s feel it out together.
10:30 a.m. –Youth Religious Education – Lower Level
After a centering time in the Sanctuary at the beginning of worship, the children will go downstairs for their regular 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.
After Worship – Coffee Hour – Greeting Area
Enjoy beverages and conversation in the Greeting Area after worship.
Noon – 20s-30s Group – Sanctuary
The 20s-30s Group meets on the second Sunday each month in the Sanctuary after worship for a potluck lunch and activities. All UUs and visitors in their 20s and 30s are warmly welcomed. Please email Rev. Molly to request childcare or ask any questions!
Noon – UUJME – Lower Level-Centering Room
Unitarian Universalists for Justice in the Middle East (UUJME) will hold its regular monthly meeting at noon Sunday, Oct. 2. in the Lower Level-Centering Room. If you have questions, email Margaret Tyler, UUJME Chair.
Noon – Middle School D&D – Lower Level-Latimer Classroom
Middle schoolers gather on the second and fourth Sundays each month to play Dungeons & Dragons.
Noon – YRUU – Lower Level-YRUU Room
Members of YRUU, our high school youth group, will gather for their weekly meeting.
Noon – Sanctuary & Immigrant Justice Team – Forum Library
Our Sanctuary and Immigrant Justice Team will hold its regular monthly meeting. All are welcome to participate. For more information, email either of the team’s co-chairs, Allie Gassmann or Dave Gibbons.
4 to 7 p.m. – “Getting to Know UU” Newcomer Retreat and Potluck – Greeting Area and Sanctuary
The Membership Team will host its final “Getting to Know UU” Newcomers’ Retreat of the calendar year from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12 in the sanctuary. Those wishing to learn more about the church and about Unitarian Universalism (with the possibility of becoming members during an Ingathering on Oct. 19) will attend the entire retreat. Current members and friends are invited to attend the potluck from 6 to 7 p.m. This is our chance to meet and welcome newcomers. We hope you will put this on your calendar and register here for the retreat and the dinner. Questions? Please email Patty Daus.
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
Conversations, Etc. – 3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8 – online
Conversations, Etc., the UUCC senior women’s group, will meet via Zoom. We gather together to enjoy the company of women friends. If you would like to join us, email Pam Springsteel.
Junior Youth Group – 6:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10
All middle schoolers (6-8th grade) are invited to our Junior Youth Group. We will eat some pizza, and then play some sardines and flashlight tag. Youth should bring a flashlight, though we have a few extra in our R.E. supplies if anyone forgets. RSVP by Wednesday, Oct. 8.
Men’s Group – 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 11 – 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.
Join us at church from 2 to 3:30 p.m. on the second Saturday each month to listen to the “still small voice within” and to write in response. We are a group of writers of all genres (journaling totally counts), levels of experience, and interests. We set aside time to read poetry together, share writing prompts related to the spiritual theme of the month or work on our own projects – and also share with one another in affirmation.
Book Discussion Group – 6:30 p.m. Saturday Oct. 11 – online
The 20s-30s Group meets on the second Sunday each month in the Sanctuary after worship for a potluck lunch and activities. All UUs and visitors in their 20s and 30s are warmly welcomed. Please email Rev. Molly to request childcare or ask any questions!
UUJME – noon Sunday, Oct. 12
Unitarian Universalists for Justice in the Middle East (UUJME) will hold its regular monthly meeting at noon Sunday, Oct. 2. in the Lower Level-Forum Room/Library or Centering Room. If you have questions, email Margaret Tyler, UUJME Chair.
Sanctuary and Immigrant Justice Team – 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12 – online
The Membership Team will host its final “Getting to Know UU” Newcomers’ Retreat of the calendar year from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12 in the sanctuary. Those wishing to learn more about the church and about Unitarian Universalism (with the possibility of becoming members during an Ingathering on Oct. 19) will attend the entire retreat. Current members and friends are invited to attend the potluck from 6 to 7 p.m. This is our chance to meet and welcome newcomers. We hope you will put this on your calendar and register here for the retreat and the dinner. Questions? Please email Patty Daus.
Board of Trustees – 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16
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 Writers Group – 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 18
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.
New Member Ingathering – During Worship Sunday, Oct. 19
New members will officially join the church during an Ingathering Ceremony as part of the 10:30 a..m. worship service on Sunday, Oct. 19.
LGBTQ Collective – Noon Sunday, Oct. 19
The LGBTQ Collective meets on the third Sunday each month after worship. On Oct. 19 there will be a book discussion open to all UUers about Jim Obergefell’s book, Love Wins: The Lovers and Lawyers Who Fought the Landmark Case for Marriage Equality. In reading the book, you will find that some Unitarian Universalists were directly involved in this landmark case. The discussion will be led by Dr. Mark Price, a UUCC member and Columbia College professor. Childcare will be provided. The Columbia Public Library has this book available for check-out in multiple formats: https://dbrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S18C674736. If you have questions, email Heidi Shearer.
Loaves & Fishes – 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19
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.
LGBTQ Collective – 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23 – Columbia College
At 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, join the LGBTQ Collective in attending a lecture by Jim Obergefell at Launer Auditorium on Columbia College’s campus. A reception with Obergefell will follow the lecture. Learn more about Obergefell here: https://www.ccis.edu/events/schiffman-lecture/ethics. If you have questions, email Heidi Shearer.
Men’s Group – 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 25 – 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, Oct. 26
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 Oct 26 Milestones Circle will be reflecting on this topic: Are you feeling off balance because of the current popular culture? How can we maintain our grounding in the present that we find ourselves in? For more information, contact Kathie Bergman by email.
Pumpkin Carving Party – noon to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26
All families are invited to our annual pumpkin carving party, hosted by our high school youth groups. We will have a chili lunch followed by pumpkin carving and a few other activities planned by the high schoolers. We will provide the pumpkins! RSVP by Oct. 22 so that we know how many pumpkins to get.\
Disability Justice and Inclusion Team – 12:15 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26
Play Area Workdays – 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 1, 8, 15 and 22
Mark your calendars for family workdays to build our tree-deck play area this fall! We will gather from 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 1, 8, 15 and 22 when weather allows. If you would like to financially support this playground project, we are still inviting your gifts. You can make a gift at https://uucomo.org/home/stewardship/give/ by selecting Children’s RE Reserved Fund in the dropdown menu.
Join Kaleidoscope for Samhein (sa-win): Year’s Ending, and the veil between the worlds of the living and the dead grows thin. Now is the time to remember those who have passed, and explore within ourselves those changes we need or want to make in our lives. We’ll gather at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1 at the church. We will join in ritual, followed by a finger food potluck and friendship. All are welcome, no matter what their personal paths.
UUJME Chili Supper Fundraiser – 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1
On Saturday, Nov. 1 from 5 to 8 p.m., Unitarian Universalists for Justice in the Middle East (UUJME) will be holdings its annual fundraiser Chili Supper to help Palestinian children who are struggling with the effects of war, famine and loss. Everyone is welcome, including families with young children. The chili supper is free for everyone, but donations are welcome and will go directly to the Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF). There will be a short program at about 7 p.m. If you would like to help by donating chili or sides, or in some other way, please email Margaret Tyler or text Win Scott at 573-823-8400. Please plan to join us for this fun event and great cause.
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.
