UU Members were in strong attendance at the Athens Pride Festivities on June 8. Thanks to Susan Westenbarger, Jessie and Roberta Roberson, Lish Griener and Linda Sistrunk, Wenda Sheard, Kathy Tokarz, Anna Mather, Carolyn Sweeney, Amy and Daniel Trumble for representing our fellowship community !
Jessie Roberson & Daniel Trumble Wenda Sheard, Lish Griener, Susan Westenbarger, Carolyn Sweeney, Anna Mather & Linda Sistrunk
Jessie Roberson Amy & Daniel Trumble
General Assembly UUFA Delegates – Thank you for representing us Susan Westenbarger, from Baltimore and Richard Thieret, a virtual delegate. We appreciate your attending and representing our congregation at this annual event.
Here is a photo of our Susan in Baltimore, June 19-22, 2025.
Sunday services for July include:
July 6
Lish Greiner
UU Perspective in these troubled times.
July 13
Kim Keffer
Hands on appreciation of creativity with art. Kim Keffer is an artist who strives to help others tap into their creative self to express parts of themselves that may not have been given the opportunity in prior hands on experiences. Please join us. All are welcome.
July 20
Summer BBQ and Potluck
Please come together to have summer fun! Please bring a dish to share. Grilled items will be available accomodating various dietary needs.
July 27
Reflections on Africa
Pete Mather will share with us his experience in South Africa traveling with other ministerial scholars from the Methodist Theological Seminary.
August 3
H. Byron Ballard
Byron Ballard has called western North Carolina home since her birth. Her education includes a BA and MFA in theatre. She studies and practices Appalachian folk magic, a traditional folkway that she’s dubbed “hillfolks’ hoodoo.” Her research in its origins has led her to fieldwork throughout the British Isles.
UUFA Executive Board Summary from June 14, 2025
Submitted by Marilyn Zwayer, Recorder
In Attendance (by Zoom):
Richard Thieret (President), Pete Mather (President-Elect), Susan Westenbarger (Treasurer), Jeff Wunderly, Nellie James, Jessie Roberson, Roberta Roberson, Marilyn Zwayer
After the Pride Parade, we realize we need a new banner that more easily recognizes us as the UUFA. Nellie will work on some designs which she will bring to a service for member input.
After years of work as Worship team members, Barb and Roberta are stepping down. The team (Nellie James, Pete and Anna Mather, and Lish Greiner) could use another person to help.
We appreciate Wenda’s willingness to be with any children who attend services. It would be great to have Religious Education for children. That would require more funding, to hire someone (or two).
The passing of the torch of UUFA President from Richard to Pete will happen on July 13.
Our next meeting will be on July 12 at 10:30am.
Thank you Marilyn Zwayer for your service as our recorder
The UUFA board is looking for a recorder. Marilyn Zwayer is stepping down in her role and has suggested that we put a call out to all members to consider serving in this role. If you have an interest please speak with Pete Mather , incoming President as of July 1 or another member of the board. Board members include: Susan Westenbarger, Richard Thieret, Jessie or Roberta Roberson, Nellie James, Barb Harrison , Andy Ray and Jeff Wunderly.
UUA Condemns U.S. Military Action Against Iran (from UUA.org)
June 21, 2025
The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) condemns U.S. military involvement in the expanding conflict between Israel and Iran. The involvement of the United States will only escalate a deepening crisis of war in the region, lead to an even greater loss of life, and prevent diplomatic resolution to the region’s geopolitical challenges.
This action by the U.S. government represents a moral failure and Unitarian Universalists (UUs) are compelled through our religious beliefs to speak out against it. Throughout our 200-year history and especially in recent times, UUs have supported peacemaking efforts and addressing the root causes of conflict. This includes a General Resolution that UUs passed at our General Assembly in 1979 and a 2010 Statement of Conscience on Creating Peace, in which UUs expressed, “we repudiate aggressive and preventive wars, the disproportionate use of force, covert wars, and targeting that includes a high risk to civilians… We affirm a responsibility to speak truth to power, especially when unjust power is exercised by our own nation.” Additionally, in 2008, UUs opposed a U.S. attack on Iran in an Action of Immediate Witness.
We renew our opposition to attacking Iran in the wake of this action. Unitarian Universalists will continue to work for a world where our shared values of pluralism and interdependence are realized, and where the inherent dignity and worthiness of all people are recognized.
Thank you Richard Thieret for your service as President this past year! We appreciate your care, passion and time at the UUFA.
Jessie Roberson Amy & Daniel Trumble
