General Church News
Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2026
Featured this week
Coming up Sunday
Announcements
What’s happening soon?
Joys and sorrows
More activities
Featured this Week
Come to the Valentine’s Day Dance on Friday, Feb. 14
The YRUU High School Youth Group invites you to our annual family-friendly, all-ages Valentine’s Day Dance on Saturday, Feb. 14 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
The youth will be raising money for Minnesota Together, an organization supporting immigrant communities and mutual aid in Minnesota. Help us spread some love with donations of any amount!
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
Check us out on the UUCC Facebook Group Page
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Coming up Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026
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 Feb. 8 Steve Mudrick, UUCC member and professor emeritus of atmospheric sciences at MU, will lead a discussion of Great Decisions 2025, Chapter 5, “International Climate Cooperation in an Era of Geopolitical Turmoil.”
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 – Potluck Sunday!
“What Are We Doing Here?” – Rev. Jordinn Nelson Long
Join our visiting research minister, Rev. Jordinn Nelson Long, as she returns to our congregation to spend this winter season learning with us.
Rev. Long writes, “As a social science researcher who is also a UU minister, I spend a lot of time explaining what church is and what it can be. I will confess, though, that the edges of what is known, for sure, definitely, about who we are together are closer than I thought. This means that I spend a lot of time thinking also about who and what we might be. What is church in 2026, as so much of what we have institutionally known falls away? Where is the magic, and what are the dangers?”
Online worship links – Zoom • Facebook
Submit Joys and Sorrows by 8:30 a.m. Sunday before worship:
Joys and Sorrows Submission
Online Donation or Pledge Payment
Visitors participating in our online worship services
are invited to fill out our Visitor Connection Card:
Visitor Connection Card
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 Service Sunday project. 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 – Lower Level-Centering Room
The 20s-30s Group meets on the second Sunday each month 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 – Minister’s Office
Unitarian Universalists for Justice in the Middle East (UUJME) will hold its regular monthly meeting at noon Sunday, Feb. 8.The group will be making plans for the next year. If you have questions, email Margaret Tyler, UUJME Chair.
Noon – YRUU – Lower Level-YRUU Room
Members of YRUU, our high school youth group, will gather for the regular weekly meeting.
Noon – Community Economies Workshop-Part B – Sanctuary
Our visiting scholar, the Rev. Jordinn Nelson Long, has returned to UUCC for her research project on thriving progressive faith communities. The first part of her “Community Economies Workshop” took place after potluck on Feb. 1. The second part of the workshop is scheduled from noon to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 8. Lunch will be provided. 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.
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Announcements
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.
You can learn more here or go ahead and sign up here!
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.
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What’s happening soon?
Weekly and bi-weekly recurring events
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.
Choir Info & Signup
Gentle Yoga with Karen Dwyer – Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays
Gentle Yoga is offered at the church:
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- 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.
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- “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
Guidebook to the Garden – 6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6
Join us the first Friday of each month during this church year for “Guidebook to the Garden,“ an all-ages workshop to engage the worship theme of the month with creative prompts. You’ll get a blank book to fill up with inspiration over the course of the first year. Come get inspired with us!
Life Writer’s Group – 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 7
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.
20s and 30s Group – noon Sunday, Feb. 8
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!
Community Economies Workshop-Part B – noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 8
Our visiting scholar, the Rev. Jordinn Nelson Long, has returned to UUCC for her research project on thriving progressive faith communities. The first part of her “Community Economies Workshop” took place after potluck on Feb. 1. The second part of the workshop is scheduled from noon to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 8. Lunch will be provided. 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.
UUJME – noon Sunday, Feb. 8
Unitarian Universalists for Justice in the Middle East (UUJME) will meet in the Minister’s Office. The group will be making plans for the coming year. If you have questions, email Margaret Tyler, UUJME Chair.
Sanctuary and Immigrant Justice Team – noon Sunday, Feb. 8
The 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.
Conversations, Etc. – 3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb, 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 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13
At the February Junior Youth meeting, the youth will be baking and exchanging valentine’s day cookies. Youth should bring the ingredients for a sweet treat they can prepare in about an hours time, and a mixing bowl! RSVP by Wednesday, Feb. 11.
Valentine’s Day All-Ages Dance – 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14
Join us for our annual Valentine’s Day Dance, hosted by our high school youth group. Fun, family-friendly dance with good music and tasty snacks and lots of silly dancing! You do not want to miss it! The youth group will be collecting donations of any amount for their favorite charity (TBD).
Men’s Group – 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 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, Feb. 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, Feb. 14 – online
The Book Discussion Group will meet via Zoom to briefly discuss books that each has read. For information email Pam Springsteel.
LGBTQ Collective – noon Sunday, Feb. 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.
Care Team – noon Sunday, Feb. 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 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15
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.
Board of Trustees – 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 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, Feb 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.
Finding Our Way Forward Team – noon Sunday, Feb. 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, Feb. 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 Feb. 22 topic will be “Reflecting on Your Personality.” For more information, contact Kathie Bergman by email.
Disability Justice and Inclusion Team – 12:15 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22
The Disability Justice and Inclusion Team (DJIT) meets on the 4th Sunday of each month in the Centering Room and via Zoom. DJIT contacts are Gretchen Maune and Marcie Brennan.
The Finding Our Way Forward Team plans another “Dinner and Book Club” on Friday evening, Feb/ 27. A communal meal will be prepared. Cooking will start at 5:30 p.m. You can come then to help cook or arrive at 6:30 with your appetite and curiosity. The book to be discussed is Mutual Aid: Building Solidarity During This Crisis and the Next by Dean Spade. RSVP and ask questions by email to the FOWF Team. Childcare will be provided if requested.
Men’s Group – 8:30 a.m. Feb. 28 – 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.
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Joys and sorrows
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.
Read Joys and Sorrows
You can submit joys and sorrows online by clicking this button:
Submit Joys and Sorrows
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More activities
View Online Calendar
View Upcoming Events Page
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