Siding replacement start date is this coming Monday, Oct. 12
The siding replacement project at UUCC originally was set to begin Aug. 5, but due to supply chain issues, the new start date is Oct. 12. All the work will take place outside, and the building will remain accessible. However, the electricity will be turned off Oct. 19-23. When the electricity is off, the office will be closed, and Gentle Yoga will not take place.
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.
The proposed new siding is an innovative product 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.
Our “Little Free Pantry” needs to be fed
The “Little Free Pantry” we installed at church last year is in need of restocking. The pantry is by the drive at the east end of the parking lot. In the true spirit of mutual aid, this pantry is for everyone in our community to use when they need it and stock up when they have a little extra to share.
As school has gotten into swing, the pantry is seeing more use, and we could use UUCC contributions – especially spread out over time. Maybe you can bring a few items with you on a Sunday once a month or on some other convenient schedule! When you do, you can put them directly into the pantry. Please make sure contributions are shelf-stable and in-date. Here are some popular items:
Single serve snacks and meals that kids can make: pretzels, dried fruit, nuts, boxed mac and cheese
Cereal
Pasta
Pasta sauce
Beans
Canned proteins, with a pop top lid if available
Non perishable items that could be used a side dish for a main course dinner – boxed pasta salad kits etc.
Granola bars
Peanut butter crackers
Fruit cups
Instant oatmeal
Juice boxes
Spices
Oil
Salt and pepper
Baking kits
Shampoo
Deodorant
Toothpaste
Toilet paper
If you’d like to make a financial contribution instead of stocking items directly, we occasionally will restock the pantry using the Minister’s Discretionary Fund. You can make a gift here by selecting Minister’s Discretionary Fund in the drop-down menu.
See 25 photos of our PrideFest paraders and booth
Our annual participation in PrideFest is fun, meaningful, and absolutely essential for those seeking an LGBTQ-celebrating spiritual community. This year’s PrideFest where we had a booth and participated in the Sunday morning parade was held Sept. 26-27. See photos of parade and booth.
Rev. Molly using remainder of sabbatical time Oct. 2-19
On Friday, Oct. 2, Rev.Molly started the remainder of her sabbatical time to go on a small book tour for her picture book Dance Together, Spin Apart. She will be away Oct. 2-19.
Rev. Molly will not be monitoring her email while gone, but she will be available for emergencies – pastoral emergencies or any other kind of church emergency. If you have a pressing pastoral need or urgent church concern, text her on her mobile home (get the number in the online directory by searching for “Rev. Molly”).
Music Director invites choir participation
Violet Vonder Haar, our Director of Music Ministry, extends an invitation to sing with our choir this year. Sign up to sing here. The choir rehearses in the Sanctuary from 7 to 8:15 p.m. each Wednesday.
Last fall the choir sang songs from “WAILS: Songs for Grief” by Alexandra “Ahlay” Blakely, a song leader, whale dreamer, artist and community organizer from Washington State. These songs were from a larger body of work she released in 2024. The album is more than just a collection of songs – it is a ceremony that takes you through the five gates of grief, inspired by Francis Weller’s book The Wild Edge of Tomorrow, and it is deeply moving. Listen to the album here. We will present the full album at UUCC at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18 as well as excerpts for our Remembrance Sunday on Nov. 1.
Signups now open for 2026-27 Chalice Circles
Signups are now open for 2026-2027 Chalice Circles. This button will take you to the signup page:
Chalice Circles are small group ministries that meet regularly to deepen and strengthen interpersonal connections, encourage spiritual growth, and provide open, supportive and nurturing spaces. Read more.
The intimacy of Chalice Circle groups enriches members’ lives with greater depth of meaning. This regular spiritual practice complements our Sunday morning services as it builds on the monthly themes set by the minister and worship team. It is a place to share deeply with each other, to build lasting and caring relationships, and to strengthen our church’s sense of community.
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 2026 through May 2027.
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).
Care Team seeks volunteers
The UUCC Care Team is in need of volunteers for the following upcoming events/projects:
Folks to write cards for joys & sorrows. This is a monthly task that entails writing cards for each Sunday during the month. The care team will supply cards, stamps & instructions. Church attendance is not required to help.
Volunteers to help with our annual Friendsgiving event, which provides a meal to anyone in the UUCC community the day after Thanksgiving. Time will be approximately 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Do any of these seem like things you could help with? Please reach out to Natalie Hanson at 425-205-7289 or by email or the Care Team by email.
The Care Team thanks our community for the food donations and volunteers for the Linda Lou Brown memorial service.
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. Sundays except holiday weekends from September through May. On Oct. 11 Pat Powell will discuss the Daniel Boone Regional Library and especially its board. Pat has been a member of the library board for more than 40 years.
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
“Life Cycle of A Sunflower” – Heidi Shearer, Lay Leader
Join us to reflect on the lessons of sunflowers and the wisdom of the earth’s cycles with Worship Associate Heidi Shearer.
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 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 – YRUU – Lower Level-YRUU Room
Members of YRUU, our high school youth group, will gather for their weekly meeting.
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.
Noon – UUJME – Lower Level-Centering Room
Unitarian Universalists for Justice in the Middle East (UUJME) meets after worship on second Sundays. For information about the team and its work, email the chair, Margaret Tyler.
Noon – 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 after worship on second and fourth Sundays. For more information, email Wade Schuette, leader on second Sundays, or Ben Schulz, leader on fourth Sundays.
Noon –Sanctuary & Immigrant Justice Team – Lower Level-Forum Room/Library
Aitriona Peterson-Ramey will be joining the UUCC staff this year as our religious education Social Justice Coordinator, DRE Jamila Batchelder has announced. Aitriona will be helping in our classrooms Sunday mornings and leading our Service Sundays once a month.
Aitriona is an experienced teacher, currently teaching English at Battle High School. She has a Master’s in character education and a doctorate in educational leadership, with certification in special education.
Jamila said she met Aitriona more than a decade ago when she was Jamila’s intern in the City of Columbia CARE Art Gallery, an arts program for under-served youth. “She impressed me with her passion for the work, her dedication and her care for the youth, as well her energy, upbeat attitude and sense of humor. She is also an incredible artist!”
From Aitriona: “I’m excited to join the team at UUCC because I love working with young people. In my day-to-day as a high school teacher I’m constantly reminded that we have a duty to give students the content and help them navigate life. I’m excited to be a part of the team and learn with the kids, volunteers, and the rest of the congregation! I have such fond memories of my own experiences with youth group and look forward to using my gifts to give back to the community.”
Jamila hopes to recruit some great volunteers for our Service Sunday team to support Aitriona in her work. Let Jamila know if you are interested.
Gentle Yoga takes place at the church at these times:
10 to 11:15 a.m. Tuesdays and Fridays
6 to 7:15 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays (except the first Thursday each month)
Note: Electricity is expected to be turned off at church Oct. 19-23 due to the siding replacement project. Yoga will not take place when the electricity is off.
The UUCC Choir rehearses at 7 p.m. Wednesdays in the Sanctuary. If you are interested in joining the choir, click the link below to learn more and sign up.
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.
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 – 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9
All 6th, 7th and 8th graders are invited to our Junior Youth meeting where will be playing minute-to-win-it games – and of course eating pizza! RSVP by Wednesday, Oct. 7 so we can make sure we have enough pizza for everyone.
Men’s Group – 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 10 – 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, Oct. 10
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, Oct. 10 – 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. For more information, email the minister.
Philosophy Club – Noon Sunday, Oct. 11
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 after worship on second and fourth Sundays. For more information, email Wade Schuette, leader on second Sundays, or Ben Schulz, leader on fourth Sundays.
UUJME – Noon Sunday, Oct. 11
Unitarian Universalists for Justice in the Middle East (UUJME) meets after worship on second Sundays. For information about the team and its work, email the chair, Margaret Tyler.
Conversations, Etc. – 3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14 – 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, Oct. 15
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.
Life Writer’s Group – 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17
The UU Life Writers’ Group meets on the first and third Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. in the Centering Room at church. The group meets to write and share. For Information email Mary Herde.
UUJME Chili Supper – 5 p.m. Oct. 17
The annual Chili (and soup) Supper sponsored by Unitarian Universalilsts for Justice in the Middle East will take place at 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17. To volunteer to bring chili, soup, or desserts, please email Win Scott. Proceeds from the event will be donated to a charity dedicated to helping Palestinians/Gazans.
UUCC Care Team – Noon Sunday, Oct. 18
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, Oct. 18
The LGBTQ Collective meets on the third Sunday each month after worship. For information email Heidi Shearer.
Loaves and Fishes – 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18
Our Social Action Team needs volunteers to prepare servings of various dishes and other volunteers to serve the meal and clean up afterward. The new location of Loaves and Fishes is the Voluntary Action Center Opportunity Campus at 1300 Bowling St. (view map). The meal time is now 5 p.m. Both the volunteers providing food and those who will serve and clean up are now asked to be at the Ashley Street Center between 4:40 and 4:55 p.m. Cleanup is expected to be complete by about 6:45 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.
Men’s Group – 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24 – 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.
Philosophy Club – Noon Sunday, Oct. 25
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 after worship on second and fourth Sundays. For more information, email Wade Schuette, leader on second Sundays, or Ben Schulz, leader on fourth Sundays.
Finding Our Way Forward Team – Noon Sunday, Oct. 25
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.
Milestones Circle – Noon Sunday, Oct. 25
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.
Disability Justice and Inclusion Team (DJIT) – 12:15 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25 – online only
DJIT meets via Zoom at 12:15 p.m. on the fourth Sunday each month to share space, support each other, discuss issues, and more. RSVP and direct any questions to Gretchen Maune and/or Marcie Brennan.
Men’s Group – 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 31 – 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.
Kaleidoscope – 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31
Samhein (saw-win), Year’s Ending, and the veil between the worlds of the living and the dead grows thin. Now is the time to remember those who have passed, and explore within ourselves those changes we need or want to make in our lives. Gather with Kaleidoscope at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31. We will join in ritual, followed by a finger food 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.
