January Services at a glance -11:00 AM – Sundays -184 Longview Hts. Athens OH 45701
1/5 – “Symbiotic Spiritual Hybrid
Sunday’s presentation will compare the creation, evolution, (and occasional extinction) of Christian groups with living things and the changes they undergo as time passes. Special attention will be paid to those traits needed by faith groups and biologic species to ensure they survive in an ever changing world. The presenter will assess why Unitarian Universalism is positioned to continue to thrive in the dynamic times ahead. Richard Thieret will conduct Sunday’s service. He is a life-long UU, a retired science teacher and current President of the UUFA.
1/12 – Useless Beauty – Pete Mather
Behind the busy-ness of life are assumptions about what gives us meaning and purpose. The allure of success, productivity and efficiency can obscure much of the beauty that is present in the everyday. Drawing from personal experience from a year-long camping adventure and from contemporary social science, Pete Mather’s reflection will guide us in embracing what is beautiful and sacred as we seek to enrich our personal lives and communities.
1/19 – Canceled due to ice covered parking lot.
1/26 – The Intersection of Eating- Lish Greiner
The Intersection of Eating: Religion, Animals, Environmental Justice & Your Wellbeing.
Guest At Your Table Reminder – Annual Unitarian Universalist Service Committee
Thank you to those who collected funds or would like to make a donation to the UU Service Committee, please bring to the last service in (January 26) if you’d like your donation to be sent as a congregation – if you have already dontated on-line, please let Barb Harrison know so that we can report your donation as a part of our congregation. Thank you for your support of this important organization. Follow the link below to give directly , please be sure to include that you are part of the Athens, Ohio Fellowship.
https://www.uusc.org/resources/congregations/gayt/
UUFA Executive Board Summary for December 14, 2024- submitted by Marilyn Zwayer
The board of the UUFA meets once per month on a Saturday morning, via Zoom. If you would like to join, you are welcome anytime. Let Richard or any board member to be included in the next meeting. Here is what the board discussed at the December 14th board meeting.
In attendance (by Zoom): Richard Thieret (President), Nellie James, Jessie Roberson, Roberta Roberson, Barb Harrison, Susan Westenbarger (Treasurer), Marilyn Zwayer (Recorder)
Susan reports that finances remain steady, income and outgo. Building use is good. We need to secure the sound system so that no one (but us) can change settings. It is frustrating to have technical problems on Sunday mornings when all was previously working well. Richard will take our fire extinquishers for their annual check. The boiler has been checked and given the okay for another year. We continue to pursue ADA compliance. It’s an expensive task. A stair lift was looked into but is unlikely to work for us. Any assistance with the issue is welcomed. Members are working with SEORA on their annual toy give-away to families in need, on Dec.21. The Worship Team (Nellie, Anna Mather, Jessie, Roberta and Barb) works steadily to keep programs coming for each and every Sunday. They would love to have members and attendees willing to present programs. Talk to anyone on the team. The ongoing sale on the tables in the back of the hall was fairly successful. We’ll consider other ways to raise money, to be used for some much wanted but expensive needs, such a ministerial presence and ADA work. Our next meeting (by Zoom) will be on Jan. 11 at 10:30am.
SEORA Updates
On Saturday, December 21st our partners SEORA held their 2nd annual toy giveaway . The group worked to identify families in our community who could use assistance with toys for their kids. it was a wonderful event held from 3-6 pm. The families were notified of the time of the event and could shop for their kiddos downstairs while kids enjoyed slime making , popular holiday movies on the big screen, hot chocolate / coffee station, and “grinch” kabobs ! The highlight of the event was Santa and Ms. Sandy Claus arrival. They engaged children in games such as “duck, duck, goose” and “ pop up ping pong table”. Thanks to SEORA for making this possible.
Special thanks to UUFA members who volunteered their time and energy – Susan Westenbarger (Elise and Pepper), Homer Elliot, Robin Barnes, Fred Snell, Jeff Wunderly, Wenda Sheard, Richard Thieret and others who made cookies and preparation ahead of time.
UUFA in the News for New Year Cleansing service
The local Athens News did a story on our News Years service. Many thanks to Roberta Roberson for excellent service and interview with the reporter. Follow the link below to view the article.
UUFA Person of the Month – January 2025 – Susan Westenbarger – We appreciate you for all that you are !
Susan Westenbarger and Anna Mather representing the Fellowship at the Juneteenth Day Celebration 2024
Recognizing Susan Westenbarger our UUFA Treasure for her ongoing commitment to this important role at the fellowship! Did yall know this includes checking the mail at the Athens, P.O.? The treasurer duties include keeping track of bills, paying them, keeping track of member and friends financial contributions. Susan has also been outstanding in serving as our liaison with SEORA! Thank you Susan for all that you do.
Unitarian Universalist Association
Happy New Year and we hope to see you soon at 184 Longview Hts.