August Highlights
Check the uuathensga.org/upcoming-uufa-events online calendar and uuathensga.org/news page for updates.
Small Group Ministry (SGM) registration is open!
Looking for true community? Craving more meaningful conversations and deeper friendships? Look no further!
Join Small Group Ministry (SGM) for the 2025-26 program year. Groups consist of 8-12 people who meet 1-2 times per month to discuss personal topics and grow together. Child care available. Groups meet from September through May.
Registration open August 3-24. Click here to register.
Backpack Blessing + Ice Cream
Are you or someone in your family starting a new school year? Bring your backpack, tote bag, or whatever you will use in the upcoming year for our annual Backpack Blessing on August 10. Following the service everyone is invited to an ice cream social.
Side With Love Invites You to The Gathering
The Gathering, a monthly virtual event from UUA’s SWL, is designed to offer spiritual grounding, political analysis, and organizing with others to block anti-democratic forces and build a just and loving world. To register for the August 11 session from 8 to 9 p.m., click sidewithlove.org/the-gathering
2025-26 Circle Supper Kickoff
All are invited to attend the kickoff gathering on August 16 beginning at 5 p.m. for the 2025-26 Circle Suppers. Please BYOB and a hearty appetizer to this party, which will be held at Creekside Cottages Clubhouse, 1730 Orchard Circle, Watkinsville (off Jimmie Daniel Rd. in Creekside subdivision). UUFA Circle Suppers involve small groups meeting monthly September through May with different individuals hosting in their homes, UUFA, restaurants, parks, or other venues. For more information email uufa@uuathensga.org.
UUFA Leadership Summit (2025-26)
The Ministry Council and Board invite all leaders of committees, groups, and teams at UUFA to a Leadership Summit at UUFA on August 23 from 9 a.m. to noon. Register at tinyurl.com/UUFA-LS-2025 .Have questions? Contact the Ministry Council at MC@uuathensga.org.
Common Read Continues
All are invited to a discussion of the 2024-25 Common Read Authentic Selves: Celebrating Trans and Nonbinary People and Their Families on August 24 beginning at noon in the Heritage Room. Even if you haven’t read the book, you are invited to join in the discussion. For more information including reserving a copy of the book, email justice@uuathensga.org.
Helping Neighbors during Family Promise Week
UUFA support of Family Promise Week begins August 24 as we partner with Holy Cross Lutheran Church to serve Family Promise of Athens, a non-profit organization that provides immediate shelter and guidance to homeless families with children due to the impact of misfortunes they face. Once families are accepted into the program, Family Promise provides food, shelter, daycare, and transportation. UUFA members and friends serve as hosts and provide meals. Learn more from justice@uuathensga.org.
UUFA Justice Partner Highlights
UUFA Community Friend Concrete Jungle Okra Harvest
On August 8 Concrete Jungle volunteers will gather at 9 a.m. at the UGArden to harvest okra for neighbors in need. To register, visit concrete-jungle.org/volunteer/athens.
AADM Dance 4 Justice
Get ready to kick up your boots for a cause that counts! Join UUFA Justice Partner the Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement for a night of fun, unity, and purpose at the annual Dance for Justice: Line Dancing Fundraiser August 9 from 7 to 10 p.m. at Hotel Abacus. Details and tickets available here or go to aadmovement.org/event.
Athens Immigrant Rights Coalition Meets August 22 & September 18
Our new Justice Partner, AIRC, invites UUFA members and friends to its next meeting from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Oconee Street UMC. For more information, contact justice@uuathensga.org.
Athens Pride and Queer Collective Hosts Planet Queer Prom
UUFA Justice Partner APQC invites you to celebrate the universe wearing your best alien extravaganza on August 23 at the 40 Watt Club from 8:30 p.m. to midnight. Click here for more information including purchasing tickets or visit AthensPride.org.
Let’s Get Together
Virtual Only – V Multi-platform – MP
All are welcome at these UUFA meetings and events!
Sunday Mornings
Sunday Services, 10:30 a.m. – Access Zoom through the weekly e-news, Realm/Connect, or at tinyurl.com/UUFAservice. MP
Community and Conversation, Sundays following the worship services, 11:30 a.m. MP
Exploring
Children, YUU and COA (Youth Coming of Age) meet in a one-room schoolhouse on August 3, 17, and 24 with All Ages services on August 3 and 17. The RE year officially starts on September 7.
August 10, 12 p.m. – Back to RE Family Info Session in the AWE Room.
August 24, 12 – 3 p.m. – RE/Youth Volunteer Training. All RE and Youth volunteers are invited.
✻ For Children – Contact Dir. of Religious Exploration Kahla (DRE@uuathensga.org) to receive updates.
✻ For Youth and Young Adults – Contact Coordinator Meredyth (YYA@uuathensga.org) to receive updates.
✻ For Adults
Wednesdays, 8:30 a.m. – Morning Meditation V
Book Talks and Second Lookers are on summer break.
August 3 & 17, 12:30 p.m. – Historical Jesus Book Discussion Based on historical research, much is now known about Jesus’ life and teachings and how they fit into the context of his time. Gather at the Fellowship to learn the latest.
August 17, 2 p.m. – Goddess Group, a circle of persons who identify as female, gathers monthly to study “Thealogy,” the feminine aspect of the Divine, and to engage in ritual, conversation, sharing, and caring. The group will meet in the AWE Room. In August the speaker will be a representative of the Jeannette Rankin Foundation. Receive Goddess Group updates through the group leaders listed on the Goddess Group page in Realm.
✻ For Everyone
August 12, 6:30 p.m. – WACT (Worship Arts and Celebrations Team) V
August 19, 7 p.m. – UUFA Board meeting. Check with the Board secretary (secretary@uuathensga.org) to be put on the agenda if you would like to speak at the meeting.
Making Music
Questions? Contact Music Director Amber Fetner at MD@uuathensga.org.
Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m. – Palms of Fire Drum Circle, under the guidance of Amber, focuses on West African drumming although other musical traditions and instruments are also explored. All are welcome! No prior drumming experience is necessary, and you don’t even need to bring a drum.
Wednesdays, 7 p.m. – Chalice Choir in the Sanctuary sings many different kinds of music and welcomes all singers. If you’re thinking about trying it out, please email Amber.
✻ For Everyone
August 3, 12 p.m. – Singing Meditation Reach out to Amber if you need more information or just show up for a session of singing meditation in the AWE Room at noon.
Fun and Fellowship
✻ For Children and Youth
August 10, 10:30 a.m. – Annual Backpack Blessing during the Sunday service with an ice cream social to follow.
✻ For Everyone
Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m. – Community Potluck Enjoy social time followed by a potluck dinner. Please bring enough food to share.
August 13, 5:45 p.m. – Simple Supper All are welcome to enjoy a meal together. Bring a potluck dish to share or RSVP to Kahla for a simple provided meal. Include the number in your group and any dietary restrictions. Every second Wednesday!
✻ For Adults
Tuesdays, 8:30 a.m. – Coffee Hour Two groups usually meet off site. Want to meet up? Contact uufa@uuathensga.org to learn the locations.
Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. – Tai Chi Flow Class V
August 10, 11:30 a.m. – Getting to Know UUFA Newcomers are welcome after the service in the AWE Room.
August 24, 6 p.m. – Alphabet Family and Friends V The Alphabet Family invites UUFA folx who identify anywhere on the LGBTQIA+ spectrum to gather for fun and fellowship, usually on the fourth Sunday evening of every month.
Seeking Justice
Visit uuathensga.org/justice and click on the link at the top right corner for a roundup of upcoming and ongoing Justice meetings and events. Need more info? Justice@uuathensga.org.
In addition to the SJAT-sponsored events listed in the Highlights above, all are invited to participate in the SJAT teams below. Learn more about and join the teams on Realm.
August 3, 12 p.m. – Social Justice Action Team business meeting MP
August 14, 6:30 p.m. – Racial Justice Team V
August 25, 7 p.m. – Earth Ministry Team V
The Peace Advocacy Team is conducting business through email consultation at present. Watch for meetings of the Food Justice Team.
CANtributions Needed for AAEFB
Throughout August please consider supporting the Athens Area Emergency Food Bank by bringing non-perishable food to Fellowship Hall or by making a monetary donation directly to AAEFB through their website or through UUFA on Realm or in the offering plate on Sunday.
Top needs in August: cold breakfast cereals, hamburger helper, instant mashed potato pouches/boxes, and paper grocery bags. Find more information at athensfoodbank.org
Looking Ahead to September
September 7
- Forum welcomes a new Cause of the Month–The Athens-Clarke County Center for Racial Justice and Black Futures at 9:15 a.m. Hattie Whitehead, author of Giving Voice to Linnentown, will speak on the vision for this project becoming a reality.
- Sunday service Ingathering and Water Communion
- Journeys Newcomers’ Class at noon
- Food for Life Class by Susan Bleyle at UUFA, noon to 2. Food Justice Team hosts.
September 8 and 9: Artist Dropoff for the Invitational Art Exhibit to be held in the Clements Gallery in September and October
September 12 to 14: UUFA Gathering at The Mountain! Register here: themountainrlc.org/event/uu-fellowship-of-athens-retreat Contact Melanie Hennings for details.
September 13: AADM’s Ending the School-to-Prison Pipeline Conference & Workshop at Hotel Abacus. Details here: aadmovement.org/event/estpp-conference
September 14: Capital Campaign celebration and Dedication of Fellowship Hall and Social Action Corner
September 20: Latinxfest 2025 from Dignidad Imigrante from 11 to 8 on Washington Street. Information here: facebook.com/LatinxFestAth
