UUFA News

Board Reflection – May 2022

As UUFA considers “Building a New Way through Partnership” as our May theme, I am looking back at the almost two years Rev. Lisa has partnered with us on the Board and throughout the Fellowship. What comes to mind first is her ability to share her experience and expertise in the larger UU world – so important as we have responded to the pandemic, grappled with issues facing General Assembly, and sought a settled minister candidate. Equally important, Rev. Lisa has helped us through a major goal of interim ministry – envisioning a fresh future by letting go of some of the past. 

Speaking of freshness – Rev. Lisa has really engaged us with her energetic sermons based in deep understanding, bringing us together even as we were separated by the pandemic for well over a year of her ministry. Her overseeing the growth of our Sunday worship tech team helped make all those virtual services not only possible but also a standout among congregations.

Rev. Lisa’s participation with the Communications Team has also helped us CT’ers understand how to deliver a message of welcome in fresh images and language. As a member of the website development team, I particularly appreciate her commitment to focusing on developing an engaging design and adding depth to the discussions that fill the new website.

Her partnering with us has been essential to the Transition Team and the Settled Minister Search Committee. I am sure many of us can think of other moments when our partnership with Rev. Lisa has helped lead us to where we are today as we look forward to partnering with our next settled minister, Rev. Pippen.

Susan Curtis

Happenings in a List!


Special events are indicated in bold italic below, for details of these and the many recurring committee/team meeting details.

Check the “This Month & Beyond” page (to the left or at uuathensga.org/UUFA and make sure to join your groups on Realm/Connect. so you can communicate with other group members, as well as have easy access to Zoom links for virtual happenings. 

Information on justice-focused meetings, events, and teams is available This Month & Beyond, but to see only justice meetings, you can find visuals announcements here & the UUFA Justice Calendar here

Need help with Realm/Connect!? Contact Meredyth@uuathensga.org


February 

  •   1  First Sunday Forum: Resist with Love First Sundays
  •   1  Abundance Table First Sundays
  •   1  Conversation Cafe First & Third Sundays
  •   1  Social Action Justice Team First Sundays
  •   1  Historical Jesus Book Discussion First & Third Sundays
  •   2 Every Monday Peaceful Protest First Mondays
  •   3 Caregiver Support Group First & Third Tuesdays
  •   7 Lead with Love, UUA Southern Region, Greenville, SC
  •   8  Nominations Open for 2026-27 Share the Plate Cause-of-the Month Organizations 
  •   8  Getting to Know You Second Sundays
  •   8  Book Talks Second Sundays
  •   8  Earth Ministry Team- Green Sanctuary 2030 Input Session
  •   9 Every Monday Peaceful Protest
  • 10  Second Lookers Second Tuesdays
  • 10  Adult RE (Religious Exploration) Opportunity:  Are We Too Violent?
  • 10 Engaging with the 2025-28 CSAI
  • 11 Simple Supper Second Wednesdays during Potluck!
  • 12  Racial Justice Team Second Thursdays
  • 15 Forum Third Sundays
  • 15  Conversation Cafe First & Third Sundays
  • 15  Historical Jesus Book Discussion First & Third Sundays
  • 15 Singing Meditation
  • 16 Every Monday Peaceful Protest
  • 19  Board of Trustees Meeting Third Thursdays
  • 20  Justice Partner event:  AIRC Meeting
  • 21 Coffee and Confections New Membership Meet and Greet
  • 22  Nominations Close for 2026-27 Share the Plate Cause-of-the Month Organizations
  • 22 Worship Transformation- An Invitation for Spiritual Stewards of the Congregation
  • 22 Candlelight Vigil for Those Affected by Detention and Deportation
  • 22 Alphabet Family Fourth Sundays
  • 23  Earth Ministry Team Fourth Mondays
  • 28 AADM Social Justice Awards Gala 2026

Scroll on for future months. 


Share the Plate Cause of the Month

The Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement (AADM) is this month’s Share-the-Plate Cause of the Month.

During January, this organization will receive one half of all undesignated offerings.

The Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement (AADM) i s a grassroots organization that advocates against systemic discrimination and racial injustices through education, advocacy, and direct action.

From the 2025-26 program year (July 1 through June 30),  $12,854.53 has been given to five different Share-the-Plate Cause of the Month organizations because of the generosity of members and friends of UUFA.  Thank you.


February CANtributions

You can help with food insecurity in our community. Bring non-perishable food items to be donated to the Athens Area Emergency Food Bank (AAEFB) on Sunday mornings. 

Want to contribute financially?  Visit uuathensga.org/give and look for “Charitable Giving”. To give by check:  Make the check out to UUFA and put “CANtributions 1-8016” in the memo line. You may also contribute to the Athens Area Emergency Foodbank directly through their website: athensfoodbank.org. For further information:  justice@uuathensga.org

If you are experiencing food insecurity or know someone in our UUFA community who is, please contact Rev. Pippin (revpippin@uuathensga.org).


UUFA Justice Partner Highlights

You are encouraged to visit the websites of this year’s Justice Partners to learn more about how you can support them in their important work in the Athens community. While you’re there, sign up for their individual newsletters so you can stay informed. 

Here are highlights of some of their activities in January:

Justice Partner News: 

Athens Immigrant Rights Coalition (AIRC) Meeting

All are welcome to attend the next meeting of the Athens Immigrant Rights Coalition – a UUFA Justice Partner – on February 20 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Oconee Street United Methodist Church. For more information:  justice@uuathensga.org

AADM Hosts Social Justice Awards and Gala 2026

The Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement (AADM), a UUFA Justice Partner, invites everyone to their Social Justice Awards and Gala 2026 on February 28 from 6 to 9 pm at Hotel Indigo to honor the organization’s past, uplift today’s champions, and build momentum for the next generation of justice leaders. For ticket and other information, click aadmovement.org/events/39584


Looking Ahead


March

Diaper Drive All Month

  •   1   Abundance Table First Sundays
  •   1   Conversation Cafe First & Third Sundays
  •   1   Social Action Justice Team First Sundays
  •  1  Historical Jesus Book Discussion First & Third Sundays
  •   8   Singing Meditation
  •   8   Getting to Know UUFA Second Sundays
  •   8   Book Talks Second Sundays
  • 10   Second Lookers Second Tuesdays
  • 11   Simple Suppers Second Wednesdays
  • 12   Racial Justice Team Second Thursdays
  • 15   Conversation Cafe First & Third Sundays
  • 15   Historical Jesus Book Discussion First & Third Sundays
  • 19   Board of Trustees Meeting Third Thursdays
  • 22   Worship Transformation- An Invitation for Spiritual Stewards of the Congregation
  • 22   Alphabet Family Fourth Sundays
  • 23   Earth Ministry Team  Fourth Mondays
  • 29   Justice Action Collaborative Fifth Sundays

Rather see this as a calendar grid?  Visit uuathensga.org/calendar.