This summer, join UUCC leaders Kim Wade and Pack Mathews for a deep-dive book study of environmental historian Kate Brown’s groundbreaking new book, Tiny Gardens Everywhere: The Past, Present, and Future of the Self-Provisioning City.
Meetings will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays, June 17, July 8 and 22, and Aug. 5.
When crisis hits, our cultural narrative often tells us to hunker down, build walls, and protect what is ours. As UUers, we know that real security doesn’t come from isolation, but from radical welcome and deep connection. What if the most effective thing we can do to protect one another is to reclaim our commons and plant a garden?
The study group will explore the history of urban gardening not as a middle-class hobby, but as a vital strategy of resistance, mutual aid and self-empowerment. At the first gathering on June 17 at UUCC in the Centering Room, the group will plan accessible field trips, site visits and guest speakers to celebrate the wonderful initiatives right here in our community.
Copies of the book can be ordered from Skylark Bookshop at a 10% discount (mention the UUCC book study) and elsewhere.
To Participate: Email Pack or Kim to let them know you’re interested, and they will email you a link to a signup sheet. Or sign up directly at https://tinyurl.com/TinyGardensStudy.
UUJME seeks donations for Gaza silent auction fundraiser
Our Unitarian Universalists for Justice in the Middle East (UUJME) group is seeking donations for a silent auction on Saturday, July 25, that will be a fundraiser for people in Gaza.
Donations can be artwork, books, household items, services (meals, cleaning, yardwork, childcare, errands, transportation, etc.), or desserts (with ingredients listed). Please, no clothing unless it is something spectacular.
If you have questions or items to donate, please email Maha Libdeh. There will be a drop-off location at church for donations starting in July, but UUJME would like to know in advance what donations are planned.
Sacred Song Circles continue through June 24
If you want to sing with Music Director Violet Vonder Haar and friends, Sacred Song Circles are back and will continue weekly through June 24.
Circles will be held on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. at various locations. The UUCC Sanctuary will be the rain location.
Faith-to-Action nominations for 2026-27 open until July 1
Our Social Action Team is requesting nominations for the Faith-to-Action collection recipients for September 2026 through August 2027. The team is requesting that nominations be submitted by July 1, 2026. If a full set of nominations has not been received by that time, the team will continue to consider nominations that come in later, but nominations made by July 1 will be given priority.
Any member or friend of UUCC may submit a nomination. “Friend” is defined as a person who attends UUCC, participates in church activities, and supports the church financially. Click this button to make a nomination:
A new software module now powers our password-protected directory of members and friends, giving the directory a different, cleaner look. The new software includes a robust search feature and the ability to enlarge thumbnail photos by clicking on them. The old software was abandoned by the developer and was developing flaws because it was not being updated to reflect changes in the WordPress platform that powers our site.
Data was transferred from the old software to the new. Please check your listing and report any errors by email to the website administrator. In particular, a common error is listing mobile phone numbers as home phones, which resulted from a confusing data entry form in the old software. Also, if you want to update the photo that accompanies your listing, you can email a replacement photo to the website administrator.
Only registered users who log in to the website can view the directory. Register here if you have not already done so.
Church Administrator now has a new computer
Church Administrator April Rodeghero’s computer in the church office stopped working two weeks ago. A new computer has been installed, and April is still working it on setting it up. Please be patient if things are slower than normal.
In the meantime, if you have an urgent need, you can call April at the church office, 573-442-5764.
Selection Criteria: Nominees may be local, regional, national, or international organizations, programs, or agencies that align with our church mission and vision. Preference will be given to local or regional efforts wherein members of the congregation have an ongoing working relationship. Three months are initially reserved for nominees that have not been FTA recipients within the past three years. These months will be released for other nominees after July 1 if there are no “new” nominees. Note also that, at this time, the Social Action Team intends to contribute directly to the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee, so no nomination of the UUSC is needed.
Sabbatical Minister has reported for duty
Rev. Molly will be away from all UUCC work for her sabbatical from May 4 through Aug. 3, and Intern Minister Monica Clark-Robinson has stepped up to keep everything running smoothly as Sabbatical Minister.
Rev. Molly’s email address will not be monitored during her sabbatical. An auto-responder will provide information about how to reach appropriate people, and all messages sent to her email address during sabbatical will be deleted upon her return. Rev. Molly asks that any messages just for her be sent after she returns.
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 the dates Monica will be present in Columbia:
May 9-17
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. at Nourish Café.
After Monica completes her time as Sabbatical Minister, she will head to Wilmington, Del. where she has been called as the next Settled Minister of the First Unitarian Church of Wilmington.
For Forum meetings, meditation and worship,
drop-in childcare is provided. No reservation needed.
9 a.m. – Forum Discussion Group – No Meeting
The Forum Discussion Group takes a break from June through August. Forum meets at 9 a.m. Sundays from September through May except holiday weekends.
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
Annual Pride Service – LGTBQ Collective and Rev. Monica Clark-Robinson
Come, come, whoever you are to our annual Pride service where we will celebrate each other in our individual uniqueness. Members of our LGTBQ Collective will lead this all-ages service with Rev. Monica, and we will have a “Glitter Blessing” as part of the service.
10:30 a.m. – Youth Religious Education – No Classes – All-Ages Worship
Children and their families will join us for worship this Sunday. Please welcome them. 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 – Lower Level-Latimer 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 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.
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.
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. Also being planned is the annual Chili Supper fundraiser on Oct. 17. For more information, please email the chair, Margaret Tyler.
The 2026 Annual Congregational Meeting was held in the Sanctuary and via Zoom after worship at noon on Sunday, May 3, 2026.
After preliminaries including recognitions, presentation of the Minister’s Annual Report and an update on the process of revising our Mission/Vision statements, the members present voted to approve:
The ordination of Intern Minister Monica Clark-Robinson
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.
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
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 Thursdays (except first Thursdays)
Additional information is available from Karen Dwyer, or contact the church office.
Sacred Song Circle with Violet Vonder Haar – 7:00 p.m. Wednesdays (May 20 through June 24)
Join Violet for group singing. No experience or RSVP required. Just come join the group and sing. Sacred Song Circles are held on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. except 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
Men’s Group – 8:30 a.m. Saturday, June 13 – 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, June 13
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!
20s-30s Group Pool Party – 5:30 p.m. Saturday, June 13
The 20s-30s Group is planning a UU Young Adult Pool Party from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. June 13 at the Lake of the Woods Pool. Members are invited to come and bring a friend for a fun and relaxing evening by the pool. Light snacks and beverages will be provided.
Book Discussion Group – 6:30 p.m. Saturday, June 13 – online
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.
20s and 30s Group – Noon Sunday, June 14
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.
Sanctuary and Immigrant Justice Team – Noon Sunday, June 14
Unitarian Universalists for Justice in the Middle East (UUJME) – noon Sunday, June 14
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. Also being planned is the annual Chili Supper fundraiser on Oct. 17. For more information, please email the chair, Margaret Tyler.
Conversations, Etc. – 3 p.m. Wednesday, June 17 – 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.
Tiny Gardens Everywhere Summer Book Study – 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 17
This will be the first of four sessions of a summer book study of environmental historian Kate Brown’s new book, Tiny Gardens Everywhere: The Past, Present and Future of the Self-Provisioning City. At the first meeting in the Centering Room, the group will plan field trips, site visits and guest speakers. Additional sessions are scheduled from 6:30 to 8 p.m. July 8, July 22 and Aug. 5. Copies of the book can be purchased at Skylark Bookshop at a 10% discount (mention the UUCC book study). To participate, email Pack Matthews or Kim Wade, and they will email you a signup link. Or, sign up directly at https://tinyurl.com/TinyGardensStudy/.
Board of Trustees – 7 p.m. Thursday, June 18
Our Board of Trustees will hold its regular monthly meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 21. Per church bylaws, church members are welcome to attend and observe board meetings.
Life Writer’s Group – 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 20
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, June 20
Join Kaleidoscope as the group celebrates Litha, the summer Solstice. The longest day and the shortest night are here. The Sun stands in his glory and full strength. Glory with him, this bringer of warmth, light, and hope. Gather with us at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 20 at the church. We will join in ritual, followed by a finger food potluck and friendship. All are welcome, no matter what their personal paths.
Care Team – Noon Sunday, June 21
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, June 21
The LGBTQ Collective meets on the third Sunday each month after worship. Join us to celebrate Pride Month. Childcare will be provided. The group is working on a new ritual format for meetings including candle lighting and a question of the month. Join us as we develop these new plans. Also, please complete the LGTBQ Collective survey. For any questions, email Heidi Shearer.
Loaves & Fishes – 4 p.m. Sunday, June 21
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.
Men’s Group – 8:30 a.m. Saturday, June 27 – 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, June 28
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, June 28
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. On June 28 the group will be brainstorming topics for the 2026-27 program year. For more information, contact Kathie Bergman by email.
Finding Our Way Forward Team – Noon Sunday, June 28
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 – 12:15 p.m. Sunday, June 28
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.
