DRUUMM minister here March 12 to meet with BIPOC UUs
Rev. Joseph Santos-Lyons, Community Minister of DRUUMM (Diverse & Revolutionary Unitarian Universalist Multicultural Ministries), will be in Columbia on Thursday, March 12 and invites Black, Indigenous, and People of Color UUs to a hosted dinner gathering at UUCC at 6 that evening. The meal will be provided. RSVP by March 6.
DRUUMM is a national network cultivating spiritual grounding, leadership development, and multiracial solidarity within Unitarian Universalism and beyond. Rev. Joseph is visiting 10 cities in the region March 11-20 to build relationships ahead of the Sept. 17-20 “DRUUMM Village: Beloved Gathering” at Unity Village, the network’s major in-person conference held every 5-10 years.
The dinner at UUCC is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. March 12 and will be hosted by Rev. Molly. Those unable to attend in person may request a call or Zoom conversation by email to Rev. Joseph.
Those who would like to learn more sooner can explore DRUUMM’s upcoming online programs and gatherings at http://druumm.org/events.
Sermon-writing workshop will continue March 17 and 31
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Our Intern Minister, Monica Clark-Robinson, is presenting “That’ll Preach!” – a three-session sermon-writing workshop. Attendance at all three sessions is ideal, but we can flex a bit if necessary. Please register here to attend.
No previous sermon-writing or public speaking experience is necessary. All levels of experience and expertise will be welcome. The first workshop session was held March 3 via Zoom. The remaining two sessions are scheduled from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on these Tuesdays:
March 17 – via Zoom
March 31 – in-person (or Zoom if needed)
Participants will be encouraged but not required to deliver their sermons during our summer lay preaching series.
Reach out to Monica by email if you have any questions.
Help us build a time capsule to be opened in 2101
Jeanne Murphy and Lisa Fritsche are spearheading a project to build a time capsule to be opened on UUCC’s 150th anniversary in 2101.
Would you like to include a letter to our future congregation about your experiences at UUCC in the 20th and 21st centuries? Please write or type a one-page note on acid-free paper and bring it to church, or email it to timecapsule@uucomo.org and we will print it out for you.
Please get your thoughts to the Time Capsule Team by Sunday, March 29 so it can be included.
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“Weight of Injustice” training scheduled March 29
Join us after worship on March 29 for a training session on “The Weight of Injustice.”
This training will be led by Dr. Nancy Ellis Ordway and will address how UUs can promote social justice by addressing and eliminating weight bias in the world and in ourselves – through the lens of our first two principles.
See the flyer to the right and the QR code on the flyer for more information and materials.
“Little Free Pantry” comes to UUCC
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Have you noticed the Little Free Pantry yet? It sits on some pavers are located in the grass near the entrance to our parking lot.
Our pantry is for anyone who needs to use it. We will have a special focus on items that school-age kids can grab and use, but anyone is welcome to fill and use items from the pantry any time. You may begin donating or using items now.
Please leave only unexpired food donations in the pantry.
Questions or comments should be directed to April Rodeghero, Church Administrator — 573-442-5764
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. most Sundays from September through May except holiday weekends. On March 15 John Lyman, President of the Columbia School Board, will speak on the activities of the board. One topic he will focus on is the effort to establish charter schools in Boone County.
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
“Staying at the Table” – Rev. Dr. Molly Housh Gordon
How do we stay faithful to the liberation struggle when the going gets hard? How do we find joy in the struggle when the work of beloved community remains a struggle? Join us to ponder what it means to be in all this for the long haul.
10:30 a.m. – Youth Religious Education – Service Sunday – 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 – Care Team Meeting – Lower Level-Centering Room
Our Care Team will hold its regular monthly meeting at noon Sunday, Feb 15. All are welcome to participate. For more information, email the Care Team.
Noon – LGBTQ Collective – Greeting Area
The LGBTQ Collective meets on the third Sunday each month after worship. Childcare will be provided. If you have questions, email Heidi Shearer.
Noon – UUJME – Lower Level-Forum Room/Library
Unitarian Universalists for Justice in the Middle East (UUJME) will meet on March 15, one week later than usual because of the True/False Film Festival. The group will be planning its next event, a silent auction that will be a fundraiser for Gazans. For more information, please email the chair, Margaret Tyler.
Noon – YRUU – Lower Level-YRUU Room
Members of YRUU, our high school youth group, will gather for the regular weekly meeting.
Noon – Mapping Session Follow-Up – Sanctuary
Following up on her “Diverse Economies” workshops the first two Sundays in February, Rev. Jordinn Nelson Long, our visiting research minister, will lead a follow-up “Mapping Session” after the worship service. Lunch will be provided. The first mapping session was held after the potluck on March 1. Rev. Long’s research explores the role of progressive faith communities like UUCC as a site of alternate economy, counter-cultural mutuality and community-building.
4 to 6:15 p.m. – Loaves & Fishes – 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.
Rev. Molly announces sabbatical – and her first book
Rev. Molly has announced her upcoming sabbatical and her first published book:
I am writing to announce an upcoming sabbatical for summer/fall of 2026, at the end of my 14th year of service to the UU Church of Columbia and before the beginning of my 15th.
Sabbatical is intended to be a time of rejuvenation and re-inspiration for congregation and minister alike, so that we can continue our work together with renewed clarity and energy. UU ministers earn one month of sabbatical per year of service and can accrue up to eight months. A sabbatical may be taken after five years of service.
I plan to take a four-month sabbatical starting in May 2026, but I will be splitting off one month of that time to take in October 2026.
Here’s why…
In Fall 2026, my first picture book will come out from Skinner House Press! Dance Together, Spin Apart is a lyrical exploration of mortality, grounded in particle physics. It gives children and parents a beautiful image of our cosmic reunion with all that is, alongside plenty of wonder and mystery. I have shared the text before from the pulpit, and I am excited for you to see the beautiful art the illustrator has created. We will have a launch party for the book once it’s out, and then I’ll be taking it (briefly) on the road!
In order to allow for a refreshing sabbatical, a good church year start up in 2026, and a small book tour, I will be taking my sabbatical in two parts.
First, I will be away from May 4 to Aug. 3, 2026 for the more traditional sabbatical time – tackling a new writing project and traveling with my family. I will return Aug. 3 to work with leaders and staff to plan and launch the 2026-2027 church year.
Then, I will be away for another 3-4 weeks in October 2026, traveling to UU churches and bookstores around the country to launch my book.
This congregation has already had one very successful experience with sabbatical during my tenure, when we partnered with the late Rev. Dr. CW Dawson, of blessed memory, to lead us through my 2020 sabbatical (delayed to 2021 by Covid-19).
This time around, I am delighted to share that our sabbatical ministry will be led by our amazing Intern Minister, Monica Clark-Robinson, who has agreed to stay on with us through July. We’ll share more details about Monica’s sabbatical ministry this spring.
If you have any questions for me about sabbatical, my plans, or my book, please don’t hesitate to ask! I am grateful to share this ministry with you.
See you in church,
Rev. Molly
Chalice Circles signups still 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!
With Gratitude,
Crystal Buffaloe, Gretchen Maune and Rev. Molly
“Coming Back to Life” programs planned on Saturdays
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.
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
Additional information is available from Karen Dwyer, or contact the church office.
Crafting Group – 1 p.m. Thursdays
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.
Sacred Song Circle with Violet Vonder Haar – 6:30 p.m. Thursdays- To start again this Spring
Join Violet for group singing. No experience or RSVP required. Just come join the group and sing. Sacred Song Circles are held on Thursdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. except the first Thursday of each month and on holidays. If you are interested in participating, please sign up here for the weekly email. The Sacred Songs program is co-sponsored by UUCC and Compass Inc. For questions, contact Violet by email.
“Coming Back to Life” – 9 a.m. Saturdays
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.
Scheduled events coming soon
Conversations, Etc. – 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 11 – 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 – 6:30-8 p.m. Friday, March 13
For the March Junior Youth meeting, the youth will be playing board games! If you have a game you love at your home, feel free to bring it. RSVP by Wednesday, March 11.
Men’s Group – 8:30 a.m. Saturday, March 14 – 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.
Writing (and Reading) for Spiritual Sustenance – 2 p.m. Saturday, March 14
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, March 14 – online
Following up on her “Diverse Economies” workshops the first two Sundays in February, Rev. Jordinn Nelson Long, our visiting research minister, will lead a follow-up “Mapping Session” after the worship service. Lunch will e provided. The first mapping session was held after the potluck on March 1. Rev. Long’s research explores the role of progressive faith communities like UUCC as a site of alternate economy, counter-cultural mutuality and community-building.
LGBTQ Collective – noon Sunday, March 15
The LGBTQ Collective meets on the third Sunday each month after worship. Childcare will be provided. If you have questions, email Heidi Shearer. Want to be a part of an upcoming book read within the collective over the winter time? If you have a suggestion for a great book for the LGBTQ Collective to read and discuss, please send recommendations to Heidi.
UUJME – noon Sunday, March 15
Unitarian Universalists for Justice in the Middle East (UUJME) will meet on March 15, one week later than usual because of the True/False Film Festival. The group will be planning its next event, a silent auction that will be a fundraiser for Gazans. For more information, please email the chair, Margaret Tyler.
Care Team – noon Sunday, March 15
Our Care Team will hold its regular monthly meeting at noon Sunday, Feb 15. All are welcome to participate. For more information, email the Care Team.
Loaves & Fishes – 4 to 6:15 p.m. Sunday, March
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.
This will be the second session (via Zoom) of a three-part sermon-writing workshop led by Intern Minister Monica Clark-Robinson. Participants will explore sermon writing and are encouraged (but not required) to preach during the summer lay-preaching series. The third and final session will be held at 7 p.m. March 31 in-person (or Zoom if needed). Please register here. For more information, see Monica’s column in the March Searchlight or send her an email.
Board of Trustees – 7 p.m. Thursday, March 19
Our Board of Trustees will hold its regular monthly meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19. Per church bylaws, church members are welcome to attend and observe board meetings.
Life Writer’s Group – 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 21
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.
Kaleidoscope Pagan Gathering – 2 p.m. Saturday, March 21
Come celebrate the rebirth of the Earth, bunnies and eggs and Nature courting. Celebrate all things new and joyful and wonderful. Gather with us at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 21 at the church. We will join in ritual, followed by a simple finger food potluck and friendship. All are welcome, no matter what their personal paths.
Philosophy Club – 11:45 a.m. Sunday, March 22
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 will meet at church from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. on fourth Sundays. For more information, email Ben Schulz.
Finding Our Way Forward Team – noon Sunday, March 22
The Finding Our Way Forward Team, consisting of James Gordon, Dottie Mathews, Lindsey Saunders, Mark Price and Kim Wade, meets on the fourth Sunday of each month after worship. All are welcome to participate.
Milestones Circle – noon Sunday, March 22
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 March 22 topic will be “Closing Doors?” For more information, contact Kathie Bergman by email.
Sanctuary and Immigrant Justice Team – noon Sunday, March 22
The Sanctuary and Immigrant Justice Team will hold its regular monthly meeting. The meeting was rescheduled from the usual second Sunday because of the True/False Film Festival. For more information, email either of the team’s co-chairs, Allie Gassmann or Dave Gibbons.
Disability Justice and Inclusion Team – 12:15 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22
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.
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“The Weight of Injustice” Training – noon Sunday, March 29
This training will be led by Dr. Nancy Ellis Ordway and address how UU’s can promote social justice by addressing and eliminating weight bias in the world and in ourselves, through the lens of our first two principles.
See flyer and QR code to the right for more information and materials.
Sermon-Writing Workshop (“That’ll Preach!”) – 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 31 – in-person or online
This will be the third and final session of a sermon-writing workshop led by Intern Minister Monica Clark-Robinson. Participants will explore sermon writing and are encouraged (but not required) to preach during the summer lay-preaching series. This session will be held at 7 p.m. March 31 in-person (or Zoom if needed). Please register here. For more information, see Monica’s column in the March Searchlight or send her an 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.
