Weekly News Update

General Church News

Wednesday, April 8, 2026

Featured this week
Coming up Sunday
Announcements
What’s happening soon?
Joys and sorrows
More activities

Featured this Week

Rev. Molly’s sabbatical details announced

Rev. Molly will be away from all UUCC work for her sabbatical from May 4 through Aug. 2, and Intern Minister Monica Clark-Robinson will help keep everything running smoothly as Sabbatical Minister.

Rev. Molly’s plan is to spend the first two months of sabbatical working on a writing project that has been tugging at her spirit. The third month she and her family will travel to Ireland to visit some thin places, including the garden of Brigid, Celtic saint of blacksmithing, midwifery and poetry.

In August Rev. Molly will return – bringing the inspiration she has found – to launch another church year of blossoming and creating together.

Rev. Molly notes that a ministerial sabbatical is not only for a minister – it is also a time for a congregation to reflect on its own work and creativity, which exists tangled up with, but also separately from, that of its minister. This summer there will be so much creative work unfolding at UUCC, as some of those participating in Rev. Jordinn Nelson Long’s research with us carry forward the questions, ideas and skills that she has shared. Be on the lookout for opportunities for book studies, mapping exercises and relationship-building as we continue to map our congregation as a site of mutual aid, resilience and community creativity – a thriving garden of seeds rooting and blossoming.

Monica is delighted to have the opportunity to fill in as Sabbatical Minister. She will be working part-time, preaching two Sundays a month, and doing meetings, pastoral care, and staff supervision both in-person and virtually. She will have time for hospital and pastoral care visits during her in-person weeks. She will also be available for phone or Zoom call pastoral care during the weeks she is back in Arkansas.

Here are dates the Monica will be present in Columbia:

May 9-17 (and her ordination is on May 16 – she hopes you can come!)
June 13-21
July 4-12

Monica’s office hours will be on Tuesdays from 1 to 3 p.m. She will hold them at church when she is in Columbia and on Zoom when she is back home. And on Fridays when she is in Columbia, she will hold community office hours from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. – more info about location to come.

Feel free to reach out to Monica at any time by email if you have questions or even if you simply want to chat.

Rev. Molly delivered lecture at Columbia College on April 7

Rev. Molly delivered the 2026 Schiffman Lecture in Religious Studies at Columbia College on April 7. The lecture was well attended, and the audience included numerous UUCC members and friends.

The text of the lecture, titled “Progressive Faith and the Public Square,” is available here.

You can also view a video here.

Annual Giving Team announces increased pledges

As the Annual Giving Team wraps up final follow-ups from the 2026-2027 stewardship campaign, the team has announced that it is projecting total pledges of $355,000 from 129 families and individuals to fund the upcoming fiscal year’s budget. This is a 1.2% increase over last year’s pledging.

The team thanks all who have pledged and still intend to pledge, and thanks everyone for their support.

Intern Minister will be ordained at UUCC on Saturday, May 16

We have the rare and joyful opportunity to ordain a minister this spring as our beloved Intern Minister, Monica Clark-Robinson, completes her internship and enters the ministry. The ordination service will take place at 3 p.m. Saturday, May 16 in the Sanctuary and online at our usual Sunday worship link.

In Unitarian Universalism, the sacred right and responsibility of ordaining ministers rests in the body of the congregation. It is a beautiful affirmation of all that congregations and ministers do and create together. This may be the first time a minister has been ordained at UUCC.

At the Annual Congregational Meeting on Sunday, May 3, one of the agenda items will be a vote to ordain Monica.

Check us out on the UUCC Facebook Group Page

Coming up Sunday, April 12, 2026

For Forum meetings, meditation and worship,
drop-in childcare is provided. No reservation needed.

9 a.m. – Forum Discussion Group

The Forum Discussion Group meets at 9 a.m. most Sundays from September through May except holiday weekends. On April 12 Dave Gibbons will report on activities of the UUCC Sanctuary and Immigrant Justice Team, with reports on recent activities and prospects for Columbia immigrants.

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

“No Ends, All Seeds” – Rev. Dr. Molly Housh Gordon

We are steeped in a dominant western culture that sees time as a straight line with a beginning and an end. We are living on an earth (and amid indigenous cultures) of life and death in never-ending cycles. What happens when we let go of the end and opt in to the cycle?

Livestream options – 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 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 – Sanctuary & Immigrant Justice Team – Lower Level-Forum Room/Library

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.

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. Please email Rev. Molly to request childcare or ask any questions.

Noon – UUJME – Lower Level-Centering Room

Unitarian Universalists for Justice in the Middle East (UUJME) will hold their regular monthly meeting. All are welcome to participate. The group is planning its next event, a silent auction on July 25 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 their regular weekly meeting.

Noon – Tree Deck Playground Workday

The Facilities team is coordinating four workdays in April for volunteers to help us complete the Tree Deck installation. The Team mostly needs help with dirt removal from around the Tree Deck and then the relocation of a big pile of mulch to the Tree Deck base area. It would be helpful if volunteers could bring a shovel and/or a mulching fork from home, but some tools will be available on-site. The first workday was April 4. After April 12, remaining workdays will be Saturday, April 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday, April 25 from noon to 3 p.m.

Announcements

“Little Free Pantry” comes to UUCC

Click to enlarge

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

Living Earth Meditation resumed April 4

Weekly Living Earth Meditation sessions – 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 home of Peter and Casey Holmes. 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. The intentions are:

To seek deep, embodied, joyful relationship with ourselves, each other, and all the rich diversity of beings that comprise our Living Earth.
To awaken to the realization that we are all connected, that we are all part of a constantly changing Mother Earth. To become aware that to consider humans as separate and independent is a dangerous illusion that causes immense suffering in this world.
To live into the awareness and the mystery of constantly changing, complex life system (Gaia) that sustains us and is one of the wonders of this Universe.
To realize that all we love arises inseparable from Earth and from the living Earth community in ways endless and unfathomable. To pay respects to the lands, waters, creatures, and rooted ones of each place. To be grateful for the rich life that we share with all earthly beings.

This is a collaborative program of UUCC, the Columbia Friends Meeting and Show Me Dharma.

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:

- 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.

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

Junior Youth Group – 6:30-8 p.m. Friday, April 10

At the April Junior Youth Group meeting, the youth will be playing D&D. RSVP by Wednesday, April 8.

Men’s Group – 8:30 a.m. Saturday, April 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.

Writing (and Reading) for Spiritual Sustenance – 2 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, April 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 – 6:30 p.m. Saturday, April 11 – online

The Book Discussion Group will meet via Zoom to briefly discuss books that each has read. For information email Pam Springsteel.

20s and 30s Group – after worship Sunday, April 12

Sanctuary and Immigrant Justice Team – noon Sunday, April 12

Unitarian Universalists for Justice in the Middle East (UUJME) – noon Sunday, April 12

Tree Deck Workday – noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, April 12

- Saturday, April 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Saturday, April 25 from noon to 3 p.m.

Conversations, Etc. – 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 15 – 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.

Board of Trustees – 7 p.m. Thursday, April 16

Our Board of Trustees will hold its regular monthly meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 16. Per church bylaws, church members are welcome to attend and observe board meetings.

Tree Deck Workday – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 25

The Facilities team is coordinating four workdays in April for volunteers to help us complete the Tree Deck installation. The Team mostly needs help with dirt removal from around the Tree Deck and then the relocation of a big pile of mulch to the Tree Deck base area. It would be helpful if volunteers could bring a shovel and/or a mulching fork from home, but some tools will be available on-site. The first two workdays were April 4 and 12. Remaining Workdays will be:

- Saturday, April 25 from noon to 3 p.m.

Life Writer’s Group – 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 18

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.

SIJT Tamale Fundraiser – noon Sunday, April 19

The Sanctuary and Immigrant Justice Team (SIJT) has announced the formation of a Rapid Response Fund and a fundraiser after worship on April 29 to raise money for the fund – the team will be selling tamales. This Rapid Response Fund will be available for UUCC to more quickly respond to requests for financial assistance from our immigrant neighbors during a time when their financial needs are urgent. The fund will be managed by Rev. Molly and Rev. Dottie.

LGBTQ Collective – noon Sunday, April 19

The LGBTQ Collective meets on the third Sunday each month after worship. Childcare will be provided. If you have questions, email Heidi Shearer.

Care Team – noon Sunday, April 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.

Loaves and Fishes – 4 p.m. Sunday, April 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.

“Getting to Know UU” Newcomers’ Retreat – 4 p.m. Sunday, April 19

Sunday, April 19, from 4 to 7 p.m. is the next “Getting to Know UU” Newcomers’ Retreat and Dinner. Those interested in becoming members are strongly encouraged to attend the retreat from 4 to 7 p.m. Members, friends, and visitors who are not yet members are invited to meet the newcomers at the potluck from 6 to 7 p.m. Please register here for the retreat and for the potluck dinner: For more information on how to become a member, see the How to Join page.

Sunday, May 3, will be Joining Sunday (previously known as Ingathering Sunday). Those who have attended a Newcomers’ Retreat and have decided they want to become members will be welcomed into membership during worship. Please register here so we can have your new name tag and your welcome gift ready.

Men’s Group – 8:30 a.m. Saturday, April 25 – 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.

Spring Convening of Church Leaders – 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 25

This will be the third convening of church leaders this church year. From 10:30 a.m. to noon, leaders will discuss what’s coming up at church, troubleshoot issues, and affirm our culture of shared ministry. All leaders, as self-identified, are welcome to attend. Each ministry team is asked to have a representative present. Also, folks who want to get more involved in leadership or who are working on a new idea are welcome. Snacks and coffee will be served.

Tree Deck Workday – noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 25

The Facilities team is coordinating four workdays in April for volunteers to help us complete the Tree Deck installation. The Team mostly needs help with dirt removal from around the Tree Deck and then the relocation of a big pile of mulch to the Tree Deck base area. It would be helpful if volunteers could bring a shovel and/or a mulching fork from home, but some tools will be available on-site. The last of the four workdays is scheduled from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 25.

Philosophy Club – 11:45 a.m. Sunday, April 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 fourth Sundays. For more information, email Ben Schulz.

Finding Our Way Forward Team – noon Sunday, April 26

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, April 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. The April 26 topic will be, “Did the pandemic open new doors for you?” “Closing Doors?” For more information, contact Kathie Bergman by email.

Volunteer Fair and Really, Really Free Market – noon Sunday, April 26

Join us for the 2026 Volunteer Fair and Really Really Free Market event from noon to 3 p.m. April 26 at church. Groups and teams will have tables with snacks, enthusiasm, and information about how to get involved. Our first-ever “Really, REALLY Free Market” will be part of the fun. You are invited to GIVE away just about anything – knowledge, snacks, kitchen wares, plants, food, books, garden tools, etc. We request that all items be in good working order, AND, we request that anything not taken goes home with you because we do not have the capacity to store or find donation sites.

Disability Justice and Inclusion Team (DJIT) – 12:15 p.m. Sunday, April 26

The Disability Justice and Inclusion Team (DJIT) meets on the 4th Sunday of each month in person at church and via Zoom. DJIT contacts are Gretchen Maune and Marcie Brennan.

Kaleidoscope Pagan Gathering – 2 p.m. Saturday, May 2

Join Kaleidoscope as we celebrate Beltane, better known to most of you as May Day. We used to weave paper baskets, fill them with dandelions, and hang them on peoples’ doors. Do you remember? Celebrate fertility, joy, and (at last) fresh greens to eat. Gather with us at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 2, at the church. We will join in ritual, followed by a potluck and friendship. All are welcome, no matter what their personal paths.

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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Unitarian Universalist Church of Columbia, Missouri

Unitarian Universalist Church

Sunday Services: 10:30 a.m.