November
Look for virtual links in Realm/Connect under “Events.”
You Can Help Angel Project 2025 Succeed! November 30 Deadline
Once again, UUFA members and friends are invited to participate in the DFCS (Division of Family and Children Services) Angel Project throughout November. More than 300 children are currently living in foster care in Clarke and Oconee counties. Each holiday season, these children receive few, if any, gifts. UUFA individuals and groups have bought gifts or contributed money for these children for several decades. You are invited to sign up to sponsor a child (or children. To give monetarily to the Angel Project, go to onrealm.org/UUFA/give/charity, and choose “Holiday Angel Project” from the pulldown menu. To learn more, contact the Social Justice Action Team (SJAT) at justice@uuathens.ga.org.
Join Beto Cacao and UUFA Musicians for an Evening of Music
Enjoy Voces y Versos at the Fellowship on November 1 at 7 p.m. Free and open to all. Childcare is available.
It’s Time to Support Guest at Your Table
From November 9 through December 31, all are invited to participate in this year’s GAYT (Guest at Your Table), an annual intergenerational program to raise support for and awareness about key human rights issues.
Since it began in 1975, the Guest at Your Table program has introduced generations of Unitarian Universalists to grassroots partners working for justice around the world with your support. This church year, Guest at Your Table is celebrating its 51th anniversary with the theme “Plant the Seeds of Justice.” Learn more about Guest at Your Table, sponsored by the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC). You can give online through UUFA by going to onrealm.org/UUFA/give/GAYT . For details, email SJAT at justice@uuathensga.org.
Adult RE (Religious Exploration) Opportunity: Are We Too Violent?
We are surrounded by violence in many areas of our lives – crime, TV, wars, domestic violence, and much more. We are distressed by school shootings and don’t know what to tell our children. The religious exploration class seeks to understand why our culture is violent. Classes are structured as open discussions where participants are free to express a variety of views. At each session participants will be invited to read sections from books and online articles to prepare for discussions. Exploration of this topic will be held from 7-8 p.m. in person and via Zoom November 11, December 9, January 13 and 27, and February 10. Register to receive information throughout the course under “Events” on Realm/Connect. Contact Karen Solheim and DeEtte Waleed for more information.
Rev. Pippin will be leading a 45-minute five-senses sitting meditation at the State Botanical Gardens on Sunday, November 9 at 2:00 p.m. All are invited to join. Meet at the ADA accessible Oconee River seating (see map; accessible parking is nearby). Go to tinyurl.com/UUFA-sitting to sign up to ensure we have adequate seating and to receive updates in case of inclement weather. NOTE: From the Gardens entrance off Milledge, take your second right and follow it all the way down to the parking lot by the river. You’ll find a map at the registration link above.
Israeli and Palestinian Neighbors: Finding humanity through shared stories
Thursday, November 6, all are invited to attend An evening of listening, storytelling, and open dialogue. Come with your questions, your curiosity, and a willingness to connect! UUFA at 6 p.m. Free, but please register here.
Help with loss of SNAP benefits
- Food Bank of Northeast Georgia: Volunteer to sort donations or help with mobile pantries. Contact the food bank directly for opportunities.
- Athens Area Emergency Food Bank: Find volunteer opportunities through its network of supporters, including organizations like St. Gregory the Great Episcopal Church and First Christian Church Athens.
- City of Refuge Athens: Help with meal distribution or packing food bags for children, especially through school partnerships.
- Our Daily Bread: Assist with curbside meal distribution or help prepare meals.
- UGArden: Volunteer at this student-run farm that donates its sustainably grown produce to the Campus Kitchen at UGA program.
- The Campus Kitchen at UGA: Engage in volunteer opportunities to help reduce food waste and hunger.
Donate to support organizations
- Food Bank of Northeast Georgia: Donate money or food to help them distribute food to 14 counties.
- Athens Area Emergency Food Bank: Support their emergency food pantry with donations. November needs include green beans, small bags of cornmeal mix, and canned soups. For details check with uufa@uuathensga.org.
- City of Refuge Athens: Donate to help them provide meals and food bags to local children.
- Athens Land Trust: Support their initiatives that use the Williams Farm and other resources to battle food insecurity by growing produce for the community.
If you are experiencing food insecurity or know someone in our UUFA community who is, please contact Rev. Pippin (revpippin@uuathensga.org).
Save the Date — Spiritual Direction Groups in 2026
Registration is now open for two group spiritual direction groups that will run January through May, 2026. Spiritual Direction groups are designed to support and encourage depth of relationship with spirit, and involve deep listening, reflection on different spiritual practices, and periods of reflective silence. Each session will last approximately 90 minutes, and attendance at all five sessions is extremely important for mutual support and spiritual growth.
–Cohort 1 will meet on third Wednesdays from 1 :00 to 2:30 p.m. in the Heritage Room.
–Cohort 2 will meet on fourth Wednesdays from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. in the Heritage Room.
For more information on what these groups are, please reach out to Rev. Pippin. Up to eight individuals may register. Registration link coming soon, for now, please email Rev. Pippin (revpippin@uuathensga.org).
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 November 10 session from 8 to 9 p.m., click https://sidewithlove.org/the-gathering
UU GA LAN (Legislative Action Network) Third Annual Conference
All are invited to UU GA LAN conference on November 15 and 16 in Savannah, Georgia. Please register for this event. For details check with SJAT at justice@uuathensga.org.
Transgender Day of Remembrance
The Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 20 began in 1999 as a time set aside to memorialize those who were killed due to anti-transgender hatred and prejudice. The day is one of the UUA Welcoming Days of Observance. UUFA became a UUA Welcoming Congregation in 1996 and has participated in the renewal process since 2020.
Celebrate Endowment Sunday!
Join us on November 23 at 11:30 to anticipate UUFA’s future.
Join the UUFA Justice Action Collaborative
Want to know more about justice opportunities that are happening as a result of the various UUFA justice teams? Attend the inaugural meeting of the UUFA Justice Action Collaborative on November 30 beginning at 12:15 in the AWE Room. Learn about and be a part of the collaboration possibilities that can occur! Email SJAT at justice@uuathensga.org for details.
UUFA Justice Partner Highlights
Celebrate AADM’s BIG Block Party
To jumpstart their 10-year anniversary, AADM (the Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement) is throwing a BIG Block Party on November 1. You can enjoy a vibrant celebration of culture, creativity, diversity, and community where music fills the air, art and fashion line the streets, and neighbors gather to uplift local talent at College Avenue Square. Get details here. To subscribe to AADM’s newsletter, click here. To participate in UUFA’s tabling at the party, click here.
AADM NEG Black Business Expo
The first annual Northeast Georgia (NEG) Black Business Expo, hosted by the Northeast Georgia Black Business Alliance, emerges from a clear and growing need: to shine a spotlight on Black owned businesses, amplify their voices, and cultivate the support networks that drive sustainable growth. All are invited to attend this event sponsored by the Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement (AADM) on November 15 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Georgia Square Mall. Visit aadmovement.org for more information.
Athens Immigrant Rights Coalition Meets November 15
Justice Partner AIRC invites UUFA members and friends to its next meeting from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Oconee Street UMC. AIRC member, Support for Immigrant Families in Crisis, is the Fellowship’s November Cause of the Month. For more information contact SJAT at justice@uuathensga.org.
AADM People’s Movement Assembly
Our communities are under attack from systemic racism, economic inequality, state violence, and policies that strip us of our basic rights. In this critical moment, we must come together to build collective power and align ourselves around a shared strategy to resist injustice and create the world we all deserve. All are invited to the People’s Movement Assembly on November 23 from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Athens-Clarke County Library. Together, we will outline community priorities for this upcoming election cycle with an emphasis on housing, policing, and community safety at this event sponsored by the Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement. For more information about this event, click here.
Community Friend News
Get Tickets for Rock the Ark 2026
On November 3 tickets go on sale for the Ark’s January 24, 2026 Rock the Ark headlined by Wim (Tapley) and the Crowns. Sign up for early access to tickets here.
Helping Neighbors during Family Promise Week
UUFA’s support of Family Promise Week begins November 9 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. 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 SJAT at justice@uuathensga.org.
Athens Branch of Concrete Jungle to Plant Trees
Visit Comer on November 9 to help plant 200 native and fruit trees. Find details here. For more opportunities to volunteer with Concrete Jungle in November, click here. (Look for live links at uuathensga.org/UUFA
Welcome Eastern Standard Time on November 2
Fall back an hour at 2 a.m. or earlier to avoid arriving at the Fellowship an hour early.
Vote in Person at November 4 General/Special Election
Georgia’s November election includes two PSC seats for which voters throughout the state will vote. Visit mvp.sos.ga.gov to view your sample ballot and find your Election Day polling location. In ACC all precincts will be open from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. on election day.
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, on Realm/Connect, or contact the office (uufa@uuathensga.org) MP
Community and Conversation, Sundays following the worship services, 11:30 a.m. MP
Exploring
Children, YUU and COA (youth Coming of Age) meet on November 2, 9, and 16 with All Ages services on November 23 and 30. This year registration for RE is on Realm. Don’t use Realm? Contact Kahla at dre.kahla@uuathensga.org to register your family and join our weekly RE mailing list.
Weekly RE updates are posted here: uuathensga.org/uufa-RE
✻ 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 Join the group on Realm/Connect to find the link and for updates from the group.
November 2 & 16, 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.
November 9, 1 p.m. – Book Talks V The group will discuss How Lucky by Will Leitch. Book Talks is an informal group that meets the second Sunday of the month to discuss books selected by the members. While reading the monthly selection ahead of time is desirable, don’t stay away if you haven’t finished the book or haven’t read it at all. Your comments are always welcome. For the book list for this year, go to uuathensga.org/booktalks. Look for the link to join on Realm/Connect under “Events”.
November 11, noon – Second Lookers MP UUFA member Barb Schell will discuss learning how to navigate the medical network. Bring a sack lunch. Drinks and dessert are provided. For more information, join the group in Realm/Connect or contact secondlookers@UUAthensGA.org
November 16, 4 p.m. – The Goddess Group will meet offsite for Recipes of Our Spiritual Mothers. Anyone interested should contact Michelle Covi or Leigh Harvey for more information. The participation number is limited.
✻ For Everyone
November 11, 6:30 p.m. – WACT (Worship Arts and Celebrations Team) V
November 20, 6:00 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.
✻ For Everyone
November 2, 12 p.m. – Singing meditation in the AWE Room MP
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. Palms of Fire will not meet November 26.
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. The choir will not meet November 26.
Fun and Fellowship
✻ For Everyone
Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m. – Community Potluck Enjoy social time followed by a potluck dinner. Please bring enough food to share.
November 2 – Our Abundance Table: An Opportunity to Rehome
All are invited to visit the Abundance Table on November 2 in the Fellowship Hall before and after the worship service. Bring items that are clean, functional, and in good condition that no longer serve you. Take items from the table that you need and/or want. Any items not claimed or reclaimed will be donated. For further information contact Kahla at dre@uuathensga.org.
November 12, 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
November 9, 11:30 a.m.– Getting to Know UUFA Newcomers are welcome after the service in the AWE Room.
November 23, 7 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.
All are invited to participate in the SJAT teams below. Learn more about and join the teams on Realm.
First Sunday Forum: The Doctrine of Discovery: Unmasking the Domination Code
Join in watching and discussing an important piece of history that has been overlooked in the United States at this first Sunday Forum on November 2 at 9:15 a.m. The Doctrine of Discovery: Unmasking the Domination Code.
Third Sunday Forum: Exploring the ACC Jail
On November 16 at 9:15 a.m. join Imani Scott-Blackwell, a representative from the Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement (AADM) – a UUFA Justice Partner – to learn more about what is and is not happening at the Athens-Clarke County Jail.
Participate in forums in person or via Zoom. Learn more from SJAT at justice@uuathensga.org.
In addition to the SJAT-sponsored events listed above, you are invited to participate in the SJAT teams below. Learn more about each team on Realm.
