Effective July 6, 2026, the location of the Loaves and Fishes meals was changed to the Voluntary Action Center Opportunity Campus at 1300 Bowling St. (view map). Read more in this Columbia Missourian article.
Our next third-Sunday turn to serve the Loaves and Fishes meal is Sunday, July 19. Please sign up here.
2026-27 Faith-to-Action recipient nominations now closed
Our Social Action Team received a more-than-sufficient number of nominations for 2026-27 Faith-to-Action recipients by the July 1 deadline, so nominations are now closed.
The team will work with the minister to select the recipients and schedule Faith-to-Action collections before the new church year begins in September.
Tiny Gardens Everywhere book study – next session this evening
This summer, join UUCC leaders Kim Wade and Pack Mathews for a deep-dive book study of environmental historian Kate Brown’s groundbreaking new book, Tiny Gardens Everywhere: The Past, Present, and Future of the Self-Provisioning City.
Meetings are planned from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays, June 17, July 8 and 22, and Aug. 5.
When crisis hits, our cultural narrative often tells us to hunker down, build walls, and protect what is ours. As UUers, we know that real security doesn’t come from isolation, but from radical welcome and deep connection. What if the most effective thing we can do to protect one another is to reclaim our commons and plant a garden?
The study group will explore the history of urban gardening not as a middle-class hobby, but as a vital strategy of resistance, mutual aid and self-empowerment. The group will plan accessible field trips, site visits and guest speakers to celebrate the wonderful initiatives right here in our community.
Copies of the book can be ordered from Skylark Bookshop at a 10% discount (mention the UUCC book study) and elsewhere.
To Participate: Email Pack or Kim to let them know you’re interested, and they will email you a link to a signup sheet. Or sign up directly at https://tinyurl.com/TinyGardensStudy.
Siding replacement set to begin Aug. 5
The siding replacement project at UUCC is set to begin Aug. 5 and is expected to be finished by Aug. 24. All the work will take place outside, and the building will remain accessible. However, on Aug. 10 and 11, the building will have no power.
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.
At the Annual Congregational Meeting on May 3, the congregation approved borrowing up to $60,000 from the church’s Endowment Fund for the project. Other funding will come from donations and building maintenance funds set aside in our annual budgeting process.
The proposed new siding is an innovative product that is 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.
Sabbatical Minister here for her last in-person week
Our Sabbatical Minister, Rev. Monica Clark-Robinson, is in Columbia through this coming Sunday, July 12, for her final in-person time here.
Rev. Monica says she still has time this week for any pastoral care needs or office visits – contact her by email to schedule a time.
Rev. Monica also notes that our Church Administrator, April Rodeghero, is on vacation this week, so save any non-urgent emails and phone calls for April until next week. If you need something urgently, please reach out to Rev. Monica for help.
Rev. Monica’s community office hours this week will be Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Range Free. And this Sunday will be her last sermon at UUCC during her time as Sabbatical Minister. She will still be working virtually and on-call for any emergencies until the end of July.
Our settled Minister, the Rev. Dr. Molly Housh Gordon, will return from her sabbatical on Aug. 3.
After Rev. Monica completes her time as Sabbatical Minister, she will head to Wilmington, Del. where she has been called as the next Settled Minister of the First Unitarian Church of Wilmington.
For Forum meetings, meditation and worship,
drop-in childcare is provided. No reservation needed.
9 a.m. – Forum Discussion Group – No Meeting
The Forum Discussion Group takes a break from June through August. Forum meets at 9 a.m. Sundays from September through May except holiday weekends.
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
“Imaginable: Dreaming the Future We Want” – Rev. Monica Clark-Robinson
With a sense of “urgent optimism,” what can we dream up for our future as a congregation, community, faith movement, country, even world? What future seems impossible today, but might one day become our shared reality?
10:30 a.m. – Youth Religious Education – Summer R.E.
The summer religious education focus is on fun, friendship, and community building. We will spend time at the park, on our new play structure, or indoors on those days that are just too hot or rainy for outdoor play. We will have a few structured activities and a lot of free play. It is a great chance for kids to get to know each other better and form connections. 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.
11:45 a.m. – Philosophy Club – Lower Level-Classroom
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.
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.
The 2026 Annual Congregational Meeting was held in the Sanctuary and via Zoom after worship at noon on Sunday, May 3, 2026.
After preliminaries including recognitions, presentation of the Minister’s Annual Report and an update on the process of revising our Mission/Vision statements, the members present voted to approve:
The ordination of Intern Minister Monica Clark-Robinson
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
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 Thursdays (except first Thursdays)
Additional information is available from Karen Dwyer, or contact the church office.
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
Tiny Gardens Everywhere book study – 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 8
This will be the second of four sessions of a summer book study of environmental historian Kate Brown’s new book, Tiny Gardens Everywhere: The Past, Present and Future of the Self-Provisioning City. The first session was held on June 17. The last two sessions are scheduled from 6:30 to 8 p.m. July 22 and Aug. 5. Copies of the book can be purchased at Skylark Bookshop at a 10% discount (mention the UUCC book study). To participate, email Pack Matthews or Kim Wade, and they will email you a signup link. Or, sign up directly at https://tinyurl.com/TinyGardensStudy/.
Men’s Group – 8:30 a.m. Saturday, July 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.
Life Writer’s Group – 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 11
Because July 4 is the first Saturday, the UU Life Writers’ Group will meet on the second and fourth Saturdays in July at 10:30 a.m., a change from the usual first and third Saturday schedule. The group meets to write and share at the church. For Information email Mary Herde.
Writing (and Reading) for Spiritual Sustenance – 2 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, July 11
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 Group – 6:30 p.m. Saturday, July 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.
Philosophy Club – 11:45 a.m Sunday, July 12
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.
Sanctuary and Immigrant Justice Team – noon Sunday, July 12
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.
UUCC Care Team – noon Sunday, July 19
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, July 19
The LGBTQ Collective meets on the third Sunday each month after worship. The group will make plans for Columbia Pride Sept. 26-27. Snacks and childcare will be provided. For information email Heidi Shearer.
Loaves and Fishes – 4 p.m. Sunday, July 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.
Tiny Gardens Everywhere book study – 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 22
This will be the third of four sessions of a summer book study of environmental historian Kate Brown’s new book, Tiny Gardens Everywhere: The Past, Present and Future of the Self-Provisioning City. The first two sessions were held on June 17 and July 8. The final session is scheduled from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Aug. 5. Copies of the book can be purchased at Skylark Bookshop at a 10% discount (mention the UUCC book study). To participate, email Pack Matthews or Kim Wade, and they will email you a signup link. Or, sign up directly at https://tinyurl.com/TinyGardensStudy/.
Men’s Group – 8:30 a.m. Saturday, July 25
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.
Life Writer’s Group – 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 25
Because July 4 is the first Saturday, the UU Life Writers’ Group will meet on the second and fourth Saturdays in July at 10:30 a.m., a change from the usual first and third Saturday schedule. The group meets to write and share at the church. For Information email Mary Herde.
Philosophy Club – 11:45 a.m. Sunday, July 26
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, July 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. For more information, contact Kathie Bergman by email.
Finding Our Way Forward Team – Noon Sunday, July 26
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 – 12:15 p.m. Sunday, July 26
Kaleidoscope Pagan Gathering – 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1
Lughnassad, the Feast of the First Harvest. Juicy ripe tomatoes, and zucchini everywhere. The Earth once again gives of Her bounty. We join to celebrate Her gifts. Gather with Kaleidoscope at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug 1 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.
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.
