Are you considering joining our congregation as a member? If so, please register for the Sept. 13 “Getting to Know UU Newcomers Retreat and Dinner.” Learn more about the history of Unitarian Universalism and about the rich story of our own church. Current members will join in for the potluck dinner at 6 p.m.
This will be our last new member retreat in 2026. It will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Sept. 13 at the church. Please register here.
Forum is an adult issues-and-answers discussion program that meets from September through May from 9 to 10 a.m. each Sunday. The meetings are held in the Forum Room/Library at the southeast corner of the lower level. The lower level is wheelchair-accessible by elevator.
Leadership Convening set at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 12,
Church leaders (including those who self-identify as such) will meet in the Centering Room downstairs. This will be an opportunity as the church year kicks off to connect with one another as leaders, chat about our direction for the year, and build synergy between our programs. A morning snack and coffee will be provided. Childcare will be available upon request, and we’ll have a Zoom option, link below.
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).
All-Congregation Retreat set on Saturday, Sept. 19
Our staff and Rev. Jordinn Nelson Long, affiliated community minister for this program year, have been working to plan a fun and meaningful All-Congregation Retreat at church on Saturday, Sept. 19 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to kick off the year with deep time together. We really hope you will join us, and we ask for your RSVP by September 9 so we can plan well. The retreat will include:
The UUCC Care Team is in need of volunteers for the following upcoming events/projects:
Volunteers interested in making food dishes for the Linda Lou Brown memorial service on Saturday, Sept. 26.
Volunteers willing to be support staff during the Linda Lou Brown memorial service on Saturday, Sept. 26. Time will be approximately 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
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.
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. On Sept. 13 Carolyn Hunt will lead a discussion on “Turning Point (New Day Columbia),” which has moved to its new location on the Voluntary Action Center Opportunity Campus on Bowling Street. Carolyn is a retired Westminster College professor of English.
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
“You are here. We are here.” – Rev. Dr. Molly Housh Gordon
This year, our worship arc invites us to re-locate ourselves in a time of disorientation, and to root ourselves in place and earth. Join us for a service introducing the arc and reflecting on what it means to deeply connect with and deeply love a place and its people.
10:30 a.m. – Youth Religious Education – Service Sunday
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.
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.
Noon – UUJME – Lower Level-Centering Room
Unitarian Universalists for Justice in the Middle East (UUJME) meets after worship on second Sundays. For information about the team and its work, email the chair, Margaret Tyler.
Noon – YRUU – Lower Level-YRUU Room
Members of YRUU, our high school youth group, will gather for their regular weekly meeting.
4 to 7 p.m. – Prospective Members Retreat – Sanctuary and Greeting Area
Are you considering joining our congregation as a member? If so, please register for the Sept. 13 “Getting to Know UU Newcomers Retreat and Dinner.” Learn more about the history of Unitarian Universalism and about the rich story of our own church. Current members will join in for the potluck dinner at 6 p.m.
This will be our last new member retreat in 2026. It will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Sept. 13 at the church. Both prospective and current members are asked to register here. If a virtual option is needed, please email our minister or the Membership Team.
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.
2026-27 church officers selected
At its July 16 meeting, the Board of Trustees selected church officers for 2026-27. Jeremy Duke, selected by the previous board as President-Elect, will be the 2026-27 President. Other 2026-27 officers will be:
President-Elect – Mark Price. This means Mark will be the 2027-28 President.
Secretary – Shannon Mulvania-Beck. This will be her second year as Secretary.
Treasurer – Jeff White. This will be his second year as Treasurer.
Siding replacement start date delayed
The siding replacement project at UUCC originally was set to begin Aug. 5, but due to supply chain issues, it now appears the work will not begin until September. All the work will take place outside, and the building will remain accessible. However, on dates to be announced, the electricity will be turned off.
Siding replacement is necessary because last fall it was discovered that the existing siding, original to the more than 30-year old parts of our building, is suffering from dry rot decay.
The Board of Trustees has approved a contract for about $105,000 with TAPS Exteriors to perform the work.
The proposed new siding is an innovative product made of recycled carpet fibers, is rot-resistant, mimics the look of wood, and can last up to 50 years. The siding is available in a color and style similar to our current siding, enabling us to maintain the appearance and charm of our beloved building.
2026-27 Faith-to-Action recipients announced
Our Social Action Team received a more-than-sufficient number of nominations for 2026-27 Faith-to-Action recipients by the July 1 deadline, and the team has now announced the recipients for the church year starting in September. They are:
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
Conversations, Etc. – 3 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9 – 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.
All 6th, 7th and 8th graders are invited to attend our first planning meeting of the year. We will be eating pizza, playing some games, and brainstorming what we will be doing in Junior Youth this year. Come with ideas, we would love to try some new things this year! RSVP by email by Wednesday, Sept. 9 so we can make sure we have enough pizza for everyone.
Men’s Group – 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 12 – 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.
Leadership Convening – 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 12,
Church leaders (including those who self-identify as such) will meet in the Centering Room downstairs. This will be an opportunity as the church year kicks off to connect with one another as leaders, chat about our direction for the year, and build synergy between our programs. A morning snack and coffee will be provided. Childcare will be available upon request, and we’ll have a zoom option, link below.
Writing (and Reading) for Spiritual Sustenance – 2 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12
Join us monthly 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. Please join us!
Book Discussion – 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12 – 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.
UUJME – Noon Sunday, Sept. 13
Unitarian Universalists for Justice in the Middle East (UUJME) meets after worship on second Sundays. For information about the team and its work, email the chair, Margaret Tyler.
Sanctuary and Immigrant Justice Team – Noon Sunday, Sept. 13
“Getting to Know UU” New Member Retreat – 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13
Are you considering joining our congregation as a member? If so, please register for the Sept. 13 “Getting to Know UU Newcomers Retreat and Dinner.” Learn more about the history of Unitarian Universalism and about the rich story of our own church. Current members will join in for the potluck dinner at 6 p.m.
This will be our last new member retreat in 2026. It will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Sept. 13 at the church. Both prospective and current members are asked to register here. If a virtual option is needed, please email our minister or the Membership Team.
Chalice Circle Facilitators’ Meeting – 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15
Chalice Circle facilitators will meet with the Chalice Circle Leadership Team to discuss plans for this church year and make assignments for preparation of the monthly orders of service.
Board of Trustees – 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17
Our Board of Trustees hold its regular monthly meetings at 7 p.m. on the third Thursday each month. Per church bylaws, church members are welcome to attend and observe board meetings.
Join us for a fun and meaningful day for all ages, launching our church year with singing, meditation, art, local foods potluck lunch, storytelling, special activities for kids, and more.
Life Writer’s Group – 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 19
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.
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. 19 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.
UUCC Care Team – Noon Sunday, Sept. 20
Our Care Team holds its regular monthly meetings at noon on third Sundays. All are welcome to participate. For more information, email the Care Team.
LGBTQ Collective – noon Sunday, Sept. 20
The LGBTQ Collective meets on the third Sunday each month after worship. All are welcome to join the group in making plans for Columbia Pride Sept. 26-27. For information email Heidi Shearer.
Loaves and Fishes – 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20
Our Social Action Team needs volunteers to prepare servings of various dishes and other volunteers to serve the meal and clean up afterward. The new location of Loaves and Fishes is the Voluntary Action Center Opportunity Campus at 1300 Bowling St. (view map). The meal time is now 5 p.m. Both the volunteers providing food and those who will serve and clean up are now asked to be at the Ashley Street Center between 4:40 and 4:55 p.m. Cleanup is expected to be complete by about 6:45 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. 26 – 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.
Philosophy Club – 11:45 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 27
Philosophy Club 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 meets from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. on second and fourth Sundays. For more information, email Wade Schuette, leader on second Sundays, or Ben Schulz, leader on fourth Sundays.
Milestones Circle – Noon Sunday, Sept. 27
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 by email.
Finding Our Way Forward Team – Noon Sunday, Sept. 27
The Finding Our Way Forward (FOWF) Team, consisting of James Gordon, Dottie Mathews, Lindsey Saunders, Mark Price and Kim Wade, meets on the fourth Sunday of each month after worship. The team is working on a plan for where its efforts will be focused going forward. All are welcome to participate.
Disability Justice and Inclusion Team (DJIT) – 12:15 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27 – online only
DJIT meets via Zoom at 12:15 p.m. on the fourth Sunday each month to share space, support each other, discuss issues, and more. RSVP and direct any questions to Gretchen Maune and/or Marcie Brennan.
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.
