What to expect at “Brunch Church” this Sunday, March 22
This month’s worship theme declares that “Survival is not a tank. It is a potluck.”… pointing to the importance of deep community, connection, and nurture in the world we dream about. So, we’re adding an extra potluck! Please join us for All-Ages Brunch Church at our usual Sunday Service time at 10:30 a.m. this Sunday March 22.
When You Arrive: The Sanctuary will be set up with large tables and chairs instead of theater-style seating, and a long table along the back will serve to hold our brunch potluck dishes. We invite you to bring a dish to share if you are able and add it to the table in the sanctuary as you arrive (and please label with ingredients as usual) before finding a seat at one of the large tables. If time or resources or stress level make bringing food difficult, please do not let that be a barrier to your attendance! The church will be providing an array of dishes, including two “simple taste” tables with bagels and cream cheese, pastries, and fruit, including gluten free options. There will be plenty for everyone.
During the service: Rev. Molly and DRE Jamila Batchelder will prompt the usual opening rituals at the tables – making each table into a mini-church. You’ll each have your own small chalice and stones and water. After that, we will get food, table by table, and spend the rest of the service eating and talking and doodling together, with some facilitation. Those with dietary restrictions will be invited to get their food first, and parents with restless children may feed them at any time as needed. Due to the conversational nature of this service (and a broken printer that is awaiting a new part), there will be no print order of service for this service. We will, however, share some hymn lyrics at the table and on our website home page where the usual online order of service resides.
Concerns? If there are additional ways we can be sure this gathering is accessible to you, please do let me know by email.
Online Participants: Due to the conversational nature of our brunch church service, we invite our online attendees to join us in a Zoom Meeting rather than the usual webinar link. Be prepared to join in conversation with your fellow online attendees, and also perhaps plan to enjoy some brunch or snack foods at home! Below is the (different than usual!) link to join us for a conversational Zoom time from home. Please save it in your calendar. We also will not be live-streaming or recording the meeting, so that it may be a true space for the kind of intimate conversation that will be happening at the in-person brunch tables. This means there will be no Facebook livestream or YouTube post related to this service.
Zoom information for Brunch Church Zoom Link
Meeting ID: 834 5412 8770
Passcode: 375873 Join instructions
Rev. Molly will deliver Schiffman Lecture at Columbia College April 7
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Columbia College has honored Rev. Molly by selecting her to deliver the 2026 Schiffman Lecture in Religious Studies. Her lecture, titled “Progressive Religion and the Public Square” will take place at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7 in the Dorsey Gym at Columbia College, 1001 Rogers Street. Please note that the accessible entrance to Dorsey Gym is in the back of the building on the north side. Rev. Molly would love to see folks from UUCC there.
Created by John A. Schiffman in 2000, the Schiffman Lecture Series annually draws noted scholars to the college to lecture on the influence of religion in politics, culture and education, and ethics in society. In November 2000, John A. Schiffman, a member of the Columbia College Board of Trustees, gave a gift of $1.5 million to the college – the single largest contribution by a living donor at that time. He made the gift in honor of his late wife, Althea, a 1941 graduate of Christian College, member of the board from 1983 to 1987 and Distinguished Alumna ’85. In fulfillment of Schiffman’s wishes, the Schiffman Ethics in Society lecture series and the Lecture in Religious Studies series were created.
Trans Day of Visibility benefit concert planned at church March 29
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In-Tact and The Center Project have arranged to hold a benefit concert in the UUCC Sanctuary at 5 p.m. Sunday, March 29.
This family-friendly event will include live performances from a few local trans and nonbinary artists as well as Michelle Robyn Seat, Grace Honrad, Ernie Johns, and This Morning, This Evening.
The event will collect donations for The Center Project’s “Basic Needs Pantry.” Items neeeded are shampoo, conditioner, body wash, deodorant and shelf-stable food.
There will be a “Name Blessing,” and pizza from Pizza Tree (including gluten-free and vegetarian options) will be served. See the flyer at right for details.
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.
Sermon-writing workshop will continue March 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 two workshop sessions were held March 3 and March 17 via Zoom. The remaining session is scheduled from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, 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.
“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 22 John Lyman, President of the Columbia School Board, will speak on the activities of the board. One topic he will address 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
“Brunch Church” – All-Ages Brunch Potluck! – Rev. Dr. Molly Housh Gordon and DRE Jamila Batchelder
Join us on this first Sunday of Spring Break to live out our monthly theme – “Survival is not a tank, it is a potluck!” We will hold a rare fourth Sunday potluck during our Sunday service, featuring table-based chalice-lightings, stones and water, discussion, and more. Please bring a brunch dish to share if you can, but don’t let it be a barrier to showing up! We will ensure there is plenty to go around. See details above.
10:30 a.m. – No Youth Religious Education – All ages worship
The 10:30 a.m. worship service will be for all ages. There will be no children’s religious education classes. Children will be with us during worship – please welcome them and their families. 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 – Sanctuary
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.
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.
Noon – Milestones Circle – Lower Level-Forum Room/Library
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.
Noon – YRUU – Lower Level-YRUU Room
Members of YRUU, our high school youth group, will gather for the regular weekly meeting.
Noon – Finding Our Way Forward Team – Lower Level-Barton Classroom
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.
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
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.
