Trivia fundraiser for Honduras ministry set Nov. 14
The annual Honduras Ministry Trivia Night to raise funds for the El Pital Health Clinic and other partner projects in Honduras is scheduled at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14 at church.
Tickets are $30 per person or $15 for students/low income. Tickets can be purchased in advance (email Allie Gassmann) or at the door.
If you like, bring soup or chili to share by 5:45pm. Childcare will be provided.
The event will include a silent auction and 50-50 raffles. Join us for a night of fun, prizes, and good food!
Choir to perform “WAILS” on Nov. 18
The All Voices UUCC Choir will present “WAILS: Songs for Grief” by Alexandra “Ahlay” Blakely on Wednesday, Nov. 18. “WAILS” is a sacred musical vessel and offering created to hold, witness and honor grief, together, in community. Listen and learn more.
The circle will open at 6:30 p.m., and the musical offering will begin at 7 p.m. A love offering of $5-25 is encouraged to go toward our musicians and Blakely’s work.
The performance will be directed by Violet Vonder Haar, Director of Music Ministry, with instrumental support by Victoria Joy, Sarah Davis, Erica Kallis, Sam Shin, Tony Lotven and Sam Buffaloe. Rev. Molly will provide pastoral support.
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Siding replacement virtually complete
Our siding replacement project – delayed from August by supply-chain issues – finally began in late October and was virtually completed last week. Workers are still doing caulking and other minor work this week. At first the color of the new siding may seem too red, but it is expected to age to match the color we are used to.
The work required electricity to be turned off last week, resulting in closure of the church office and cancellation of Gentle Yoga.
Siding replacement was necessary because last fall it was discovered that the existing siding, original to the more than 30-year-old parts of our building, was suffering from dry rot decay. The Board of Trustees approved a contract for about $105,000 with TAPS Exteriors to perform the work.
Signups now open for 2026-27 Chalice Circles
Signups are now open for 2026-2027 Chalice Circles. This button will take you to the signup page:
Chalice Circles are small group ministries that meet regularly to deepen and strengthen interpersonal connections, encourage spiritual growth, and provide open, supportive and nurturing spaces. Read more.
The intimacy of Chalice Circle groups enriches members’ lives with greater depth of meaning. This regular spiritual practice complements our Sunday morning services as it builds on the monthly themes set by the minister and worship team. It is a place to share deeply with each other, to build lasting and caring relationships, and to strengthen our church’s sense of community.
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 2026 through May 2027.
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).
Care Team seeks volunteers
The UUCC Care Team is in need of volunteers for the following upcoming events/projects:
Folks to write cards for joys & sorrows. This is a monthly task that entails writing cards for each Sunday during the month. The care team will supply cards, stamps & instructions. Church attendance is not required to help.
Volunteers to help with our annual Friendsgiving event, which provides a meal to anyone in the UUCC community the day after Thanksgiving. Time will be approximately 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Do any of these seem like things you could help with? Please reach out to Natalie Hanson at 425-205-7289 or by email or the Care Team by email.
The Care Team thanks our community for the food donations and volunteers for the Linda Lou Brown memorial service.
For Forum meetings, meditation and worship,
drop-in childcare is provided. No reservation needed.
9 a.m. – Forum Discussion Group – Lower Level-Forum Room/Library
The Forum Discussion Group meets at 9 a.m. Sundays except holiday weekends from September through May. The Nov. 8 speaker will be Deb Finley, Chair of Boone County Democratic Central Committee.
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
“Start in Your Own Back Yard” – Rev. Dr. Molly Housh Gordon
Join us to hold one another post-election, as we reach the other side of one of the most consequential election cycles of our lifetime. What’s next? No matter the outcome, we can be sure there is plenty of loving work to be done in our very own backyard
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 – YRUU – Lower Level-YRUU Room
Members of YRUU, our high school youth group, will gather for their weekly meeting.
Noon – 20s-30s Group – Sanctuary
The 20s-30s Group meets on second Sundays in the Sanctuary after worship for a potluck lunch and activities. UUs and visitors in their 20s and 30s are welcome. For information, email the minister.
Noon – UUJME – Lower Level-Centering Room
Unitarian Universalists for Justice in the Middle East (UUJME) meets after worship on second Sundays. For information, email chair Margaret Tyler.
Philosophy Club welcomes everyone interested in discussing ideas more deeply. No philosophical training is needed and all worldviews are welcome. Members may propose topics. The group meets on second and fourth Sundays after worship. For information, email Wade Schuette (leader on second Sundays) or Ben Schulz (leader on fourth Sundays).
The “Little Free Pantry” we installed at church last year is in need of restocking. The pantry is by the drive at the east end of the parking lot. In the true spirit of mutual aid, this pantry is for everyone in our community to use when they need it and stock up when they have a little extra to share.
As school has gotten into swing, the pantry is seeing more use, and we could use UUCC contributions – especially spread out over time. Maybe you can bring a few items with you on a Sunday once a month or on some other convenient schedule! When you do, you can put them directly into the pantry. Please make sure contributions are shelf-stable and in-date. Here are some popular items:
Single serve snacks and meals that kids can make: pretzels, dried fruit, nuts, boxed mac and cheese
Cereal
Pasta
Pasta sauce
Beans
Canned proteins, with a pop top lid if available
Non perishable items that could be used a side dish for a main course dinner – boxed pasta salad kits etc.
Granola bars
Peanut butter crackers
Fruit cups
Instant oatmeal
Juice boxes
Spices
Oil
Salt and pepper
Baking kits
Shampoo
Deodorant
Toothpaste
Toilet paper
If you’d like to make a financial contribution instead of stocking items directly, we occasionally will restock the pantry using the Minister’s Discretionary Fund. You can make a gift here by selecting Minister’s Discretionary Fund in the drop-down menu.
Music Director invites choir participation
Violet Vonder Haar, our Director of Music Ministry, extends an invitation to sing with our choir this year. Sign up to sing here. The choir rehearses in the Sanctuary from 7 to 8:15 p.m. each Wednesday.
Last fall the choir sang songs from “WAILS: Songs for Grief” by Alexandra “Ahlay” Blakely, a song leader, whale dreamer, artist and community organizer from Washington State. These songs were from a larger body of work she released in 2024. The album is more than just a collection of songs – it is a ceremony that takes you through the five gates of grief, inspired by Francis Weller’s book The Wild Edge of Tomorrow, and it is deeply moving. Listen to the album here. We will present the full album at UUCC at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18 as well as excerpts for our Remembrance Sunday on Nov. 1.
R.E. Social Justice Coordinator announced
Aitriona
Aitriona Peterson-Ramey will be joining the UUCC staff this year as our religious education Social Justice Coordinator, DRE Jamila Batchelder has announced. Aitriona will be helping in our classrooms Sunday mornings and leading our Service Sundays once a month.
Aitriona is an experienced teacher, currently teaching English at Battle High School. She has a Master’s in character education and a doctorate in educational leadership, with certification in special education.
Jamila said she met Aitriona more than a decade ago when she was Jamila’s intern in the City of Columbia CARE Art Gallery, an arts program for under-served youth. “She impressed me with her passion for the work, her dedication and her care for the youth, as well her energy, upbeat attitude and sense of humor. She is also an incredible artist!”
From Aitriona: “I’m excited to join the team at UUCC because I love working with young people. In my day-to-day as a high school teacher I’m constantly reminded that we have a duty to give students the content and help them navigate life. I’m excited to be a part of the team and learn with the kids, volunteers, and the rest of the congregation! I have such fond memories of my own experiences with youth group and look forward to using my gifts to give back to the community.”
Jamila hopes to recruit some great volunteers for our Service Sunday team to support Aitriona in her work. Let Jamila know if you are interested.
The UUCC Choir rehearses at 7 p.m. Wednesdays in the Sanctuary. If you are interested in joining the choir, click the link below to learn more and sign up.
The crafting group meets from 1 to 3 p.m. every Thursday in the Greeting Area from September through May. For more information, email Bonnie Johnson.
Living Earth Meditation – 9 a.m. Saturdays
Weekly Living Earth Meditation – silent meditation outdoors with an opportunity to share insights and reflections – resumed on April 4 and will be held at 9 a.m. every Saturday at 1400 Gary Street. The sessions will be facilitated by Jared Belden, M.A., Peter Holmes, Ph.D., and Tricia Straub. The focus of the sessions is to be at home in nature while building a connection between spiritual practice and ecological awareness. This is a collaborative program of UUCC, the Columbia Friends Meeting and Show Me Dharma.
Scheduled events coming soon
Life Writer’s Group – 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7
The UU Life Writers’ Group meets on the first and third Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. in the Centering Room at church. The group meets to write and share. For Information email Mary Herde.
Sanctuary and Immigrant Justice Team – Noon Sunday, Nov. 8
The 20s-30s Group meets on second Sundays in the Sanctuary after worship for a potluck lunch and activities. UUs and visitors in their 20s and 30s are welcome. For information, email the minister.
Philosophy Club – Noon Sunday, Nov. 8
Philosophy Club welcomes everyone interested in discussing ideas more deeply. No philosophical training is needed and all worldviews are welcome. Members may propose topics. The group meets on second and fourth Sundays after worship. For information, email Wade Schuette (leader on second Sundays) or Ben Schulz (leader on fourth Sundays).
UUJME – Noon Sunday, Nov. 8
Unitarian Universalists for Justice in the Middle East (UUJME) meets after worship on second Sundays. For information, email chair Margaret Tyler.
Conversations, Etc. – online – 3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11
All 6th, 7th and 8th graders are invited to our Junior Youth meeting where will be watching “The Princess Bride.” RSVP by Wednesday, Nov. 12 so we can make sure we have enough pizza for everyone.
Men’s Group – online – 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 14
The UUCC Men’s Group meets via Zoom on second, fourth and fifth Saturdays. For information, contact Wiley Miller at 573-864-8574 or by email.
Planned Giving – 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 14
The Planned Giving sub-group of our Stewardship Team will meet. All are welcome.
Gather to read poetry, respond to writing prompts inspired by the monthly spiritual theme, work on individual writing and share in a supportive setting. Writers of all genres, interests and experience levels are welcome.
Honduras Trivia Night – 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14
The annual Honduras Ministry Trivia Night to raise funds for the El Pital Health Clinic and other partner projects in Honduras is scheduled at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14 at church. Tickets are $30 per person or $15 for students/low income. Tickets can be purchased in advance (email Allie Gassmann) or at the door. If you like, bring soup or chili to share by 5:45pm. Childcare will be provided. The event will include a silent auction and 50-50 raffles. Join us for a night of fun, prizes, and good food!
Book Discussion – online – 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14
The LGBTQ Collective meets after worship on third Sundays. For information, email Heidi Shearer.
Loaves and Fishes – 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15
The Social Action Team needs volunteers to provide food, serve the meal and clean up at the Voluntary Action Center Opportunity Campus, 1300 Bowling St. See the location map. Meal service starts at 5 p.m. Food and serving volunteers are asked to arrive between 4:40 and 4:55 p.m., with cleanup to be finished by about 6:45 p.m. Please volunteer here. Donations designated for the “Loaves and Fishes Fund” are also welcome. For information, email Fred Young or Gregg Suhler.
Conversations, Etc. – online – 3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18
Wails for Grief Concert – 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18
The All Voices UUCC Choir will present “WAILS: Songs for Grief” by Alexandra “Ahlay” Blakely on Wednesday, Nov. 18. “WAILS” is a Sacred musical vessel and offering created to hold, witness and honor grief, together, in community. The circle will open at 6:30 p.m., and the musical offering will begin at 7 p.m. A love offering of $5-25 is encouraged to go toward our musicians and Blakely’s work. “WAILS” is a concept album by Blakely, entirely dedicated to grief. It includes an opening and closing song and an opening and closing invocation/prayer/spell. Listen and learn more.
Board of Trustees – 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19
Our Board of Trustees holds regular monthly meetings on the third Thursday. Under church bylaws, church members may attend and observe.
Coming of Age Class – 6:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20
This will be the first meeting of the “Coming of Age Class,” a program for 8th-9th graders to reflect on the big questions of life, meaning and purpose, and find their own answers. In the process, they also learn how to create a spiritual community with their peers in which they support each other’s growth. The classes will not be held during the regular Sunday RE time. Participants will receive more information by email before each class.
Life Writer’s Group – 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 21
The UU Life Writers’ Group meets on the first and third Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. in the Centering Room at church. The group meets to write and share. For Information email Mary Herde.
Philosophy Club – 11:45 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 22
Philosophy Club welcomes everyone interested in discussing ideas more deeply. No philosophical training is needed and all worldviews are welcome. Members may propose topics. The group meets on second and fourth Sundays after worship. For information, email Wade Schuette (leader on second Sundays) or Ben Schulz (leader on fourth Sundays).
Finding Our Way Forward Team – Noon Sunday, Nov. 22
The Finding Our Way Forward (FOWF) Team, consisting of James Gordon, Dottie Mathews, Lindsey Saunders, Mark Price and Kim Wade, meets after worship on fourth Sundays. The team is developing plans for its future work. All are welcome.
Milestones Circle – Noon Sunday, Nov. 22
Milestones Circle is an open, drop-in group for older adults to share thoughts, concerns, support and friendship. It meets after worship on fourth Sundays in the Forum Room/Library downstairs. Bring a brown bag lunch. Milestones materials are available here. For information, email Kathie Bergman.
Disability Justice and Inclusion Team (DJIT) – online only – 12:15 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22
DJIT meets via Zoom on fourth Sundays to share space, support one another and discuss issues. RSVP or ask questions of Gretchen Maune or Marcie Brennan.
Care Team Friendsgiving – Noon to 1:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27
Our Care Team will host a Potluck Friendsgiving meal at noon Friday, Nov. 27, the day after Thanksgiving, at the church. All are welcome to come and share a meal, conversation and community. The church will provide turkey and drinks. The rest of the meal will be potluck style. Plan to bring one or two dishes to share along with an ingredient list. Email questions to the Care Team.
Men’s Group – online – 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 28
The UUCC Men’s Group meets via Zoom on second, fourth and fifth Saturdays. For information, contact Wiley Miller at 573-864-8574 or by email.
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.
