The location of Loaves and Fishes is now the Voluntary Action Center Opportunity Campus, 1300 Bowling St. (view map). The meal time is 5 p.m.Both the volunteers providing food and those who will serve and clean up are asked to be at the VAC Opportunity Campus between 4:30 and 4:45 p.m. Sept. 20. Cleanup is expected to be complete by about 6:45 p.m.
Please submit receipts for all food items, and some or all of your expenses may be reimbursed by the church. Email the Church Administrator to obtain the church’s sales tax exemption certificate to use when purchasing food for Loaves and Fishes.
Training on Conversations for Trans Youth – noon this Sunday, Sept. 20
Join PROMO and IN•TACT for training from noon to 2 p.m. on Sept. 20 at UUCC. PROMO is Missouri’s LGBTQ+ public policy and advocacy organization and has been deep canvassing on Amendment 3 around the state, using honest conversations with our neighbors to help fight misinformation and humanize our trans community. Amendment 3 will be on the November ballot, and would ban abortion access and gender-affirming procedures for trans minors. The Missouri legislature is targeting transgender youth in its ongoing fight against bodily autonomy. The message is clear – our freedom to exist, make decisions about our own bodies, and live with dignity is under threat.
This two-hour training is aimed at helping you be able to connect with neighbors, share stories, and shift hearts and minds – one honest conversation at a time. It’s powerful, and it works! Bring a friend. Show up as you are. Let’s build power – together.
This training will prepare you for deep canvassing conversations, which center on listening deeply, sharing personal stories, and exploring the experiences, values, and beliefs that shape how people see an issue. Future dates will be scheduled for those interested in participating in formal canvassing in our community.
All-Congregation Retreat set this Saturday, Sept. 19
Our staff and Rev. Jordinn Nelson Long, affiliated community minister for this program year, have been working to plan a fun and meaningful All-Congregation Retreat at church on Saturday, Sept. 19 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to kick off the year with deep time together. We really hope you will join us, and we ask for your RSVP by September 9 so we can plan well. The retreat will include:
Singing
Meditation
Art
Local Foods Potluck Lunch
Storytelling
Special Activities for Kids
And more…
Please sign up for PrideFest booth and parade
Our annual booth at PrideFest is fun, meaningful, and absolutely essential for those seeking an LGBTQ+ Celebrating spiritual community. This year PrideFest is on Sept. 26 and 27, and we need volunteers to staff the booth.
Not sure what it’s like to help out at the booth? Join us for a brief Volunteer Training for UUCC Pridefest Volunteers after church this Sunday, Sept. 20. We’ll convene at the conference table in the Greeting Area and have you ready to go in about 30 minutes. All volunteers are encouraged to join the training.
Not available to be at PrideFest? You can still help! We will be doing final prep for the PrideFest booth and parade items this Sunday, Sept. 20, immediately after worship. Please come and join us in making sure we are ready. Snacks and childcare will be provided.
We will also be marching/wheeling/rolling in the PrideFest Parade on Sunday, Sept. 27 at 11 a.m. downtown – in place of and as our worship service. PrideFest organizers have moved the time of the annual Pride Parade earlier in the day, so we are taking church to the streets. Rather than joining us at church, please join us in the parade. Gather in the Armory parking lot at 10:30 a.m. and find us by looking for our 40-foot rainbow banner. You can fill out UUCC’s parade registration form online to let us know about any access needs you may have.
There will be a small, informal gathering at the church on Sept. 27 for those who are unable or prefer not to join in the parade. There will be no livestream that Sunday.
Why You Should Volunteer in our Religious Education Program this Year
Jamila Batchelder, our Director of Religious Education, has four reasons you should consider volunteering to help in R.E. this year and emphasizes it’s not an every-Sunday commitment. Read more.
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:
Volunteers interested in making food dishes for the Linda Lou Brown memorial service on Saturday, Sept. 26.
Volunteers willing to be support staff during the Linda Lou Brown memorial service on Saturday, Sept. 26. Time will be approximately 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
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.
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 Sept. 20 Laura Wacker will lead a discussion on “Surveillance in Columbia – Cameras Abound.” Laura is the leader of Earth Day in Columbia and has a radio program on KOPN.
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
“Take it to the Water” – Rev. Jordinn Nelson Long and Rev. Dr. Molly Housh Gordon
The poet John O’Donohue writes: “I would love to live like a river flows, carried by the surprise of its own unfolding.” Join us to ponder what lessons the water of Grindstone Creek can speak into our lives.
10:30 a.m. – Youth Religious Education – No Classes – 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.
Noon – Care Team Meeting – Lower Level-Centering Room
Members of YRUU, our high school youth group, will gather for their regular weekly meeting.
Noon – LGBTQ Collective – Sanctuary
The LGBTQ Collective meets on the third Sunday each month after worship. All are invited to join the group on Sept. 20 to help prepare for Columbia PrideFest Sept. 26-27. For information email Heidi Shearer.
Noon – Training on Conversations for Trans Youth – Lower Level-Forum Room/Library
PROMO and IN•TACT will provide training from noon to 2 p.m. on Sept. 20 on conversations for trans youth. PROMO is Missouri’s LGBTQ+ public policy and advocacy organization and has been deep canvassing on Amendment 3 around the state, using honest conversations with our neighbors to help fight misinformation and humanize our trans community. Amendment 3 will be on the November ballot and would ban gender-affirming procedures for trans minors as well as abortion access. This two-hour training is aimed at helping you be able to connect with neighbors, share stories, and shift hearts and minds – one honest conversation at a time. It’s powerful, and it works! Read more.
4:30 to 6:45 p.m. – Loaves and Fishes Dinner – 1300 Bowling St.
Our Social Action Team organizes volunteers to provide the evening meal at the Loaves and Fishes Soup Kitchen on the third Sunday each month. Click the button below to sign up to prepare food for this meal and/or to help set up, serve, and clean up.
The location of Loaves and Fishes is now the Voluntary Action Center Opportunity Campus, 1300 Bowling St. (view map). Both the volunteers providing food and those who will serve and clean up are now asked arrive between 4:30 and 4:45 p.m. The meal will be served at 5 p.m. Cleanup is expected to be complete by about 6:45 p.m.
Please submit receipts for all food items, and some or all of your expenses may be reimbursed by the church. Email the Church Administrator to obtain the church’s sales tax exemption certificate to use when purchasing food for Loaves and Fishes. If you have questions, email Fred Young or Gregg Suhler of the Social Action Team.
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.
2026-27 church officers selected
At its July 16 meeting, the Board of Trustees selected church officers for 2026-27. Jeremy Duke, selected by the previous board as President-Elect, will be the 2026-27 President. Other 2026-27 officers will be:
President-Elect – Mark Price. This means Mark will be the 2027-28 President.
Secretary – Shannon Mulvania-Beck. This will be her second year as Secretary.
Treasurer – Jeff White. This will be his second year as Treasurer.
Siding replacement start date delayed
The siding replacement project at UUCC originally was set to begin Aug. 5, but due to supply chain issues, it now appears the work will not begin until September. All the work will take place outside, and the building will remain accessible. However, on dates to be announced, the electricity will be turned off.
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.
2026-27 Faith-to-Action recipients announced
Our Social Action Team received a more-than-sufficient number of nominations for 2026-27 Faith-to-Action recipients by the July 1 deadline, and the team has now announced the recipients for the church year starting in September. They are:
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
Board of Trustees – 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17
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.
Join us for a fun and meaningful day for all ages, launching our church year with singing, meditation, art, local foods potluck lunch, storytelling, special activities for kids, and more.
Life Writer’s Group – 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 19
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.
M’bon, the Second Harvest, and the Equinox. Once again, the Earth stands for just a moment in perfect balance, then, as always, falls to the side, this time into darkness.
Gather with Kaleidoscope at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19 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.
UUCC Care Team – Noon Sunday, Sept. 20
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, Sept. 20
The LGBTQ Collective meets on the third Sunday each month after worship. All are welcome to join the group in making plans for Columbia Pride Sept. 26-27. For information email Heidi Shearer.
Loaves and Fishes – 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20
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, Sept. 26 – 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 – 11:45 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 27
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, Sept. 27
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, Sept. 27
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 (DJIT) – 12:15 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27 – 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.
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.
