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!


For details on many of these, check out the Highlights section of “This Month & Beyond” (either on the left of this page or here).

While this may not a comprehensive list of everything happening at UUFA, we hope it accurately reflects upcoming special events and recurring events that are open to all! 

For regular committee and team meeting info, check the “Let’s Get Together” section of “This Month & Beyond,” and make sure to join your groups on Realm/Connect, so you will receive updates, and reminders directly to your inbox and have easy access to zoom links for virtual happenings. Need help!? Contact Meredyth@uuathensga.org .


All month in December!


December

  •  5 Athens Pride and Queer Collective–UUFA Justice Partner–Operation Transformation
  •  7 Forum: Exploring Our Community Response to Food Insecurity in Recent SNAP Crisis
  •  7 Conversation Cafe
  •  8 The Gathering from Side with Love
  •  9 Second Lookers 
  •  9 Adult RE (Religious Exploration) Opportunity: Are We Too Violent?
  • 14 Book Talks
  • 20 Solstice Service 7 p.m. “Light is Returning”
  • 21 Third Sunday Forum Topic TBD
  • 21 Conversation Cafe
  • 24 Christmas Eve All ages. 6:30 p.m. Fellowship Hall

January

All Month — Winter Clothing Drive

  •   4 Conversation Cafe
  • 11 Conversation Cafe
  • 13 Second Lookers
  • 13 Adult RE (Religious Exploration) Opportunity:  Are We Too Violent?
  • 15 Justice Partner event:  AADM Social Justice Awards and Gala 2026
  • 19 MLK Day Parade (3 p.m., Washington & Hull)
  • 27 Adult RE (Religious Exploration) Opportunity:  Are We Too Violent?

February 

  •   1 Conversation Cafe
  •   7 Lead with Love
  •   8 Nominations Open for 2026-27 Share the Plate Cause-of-the Month Organizations
  • 10 Second Lookers
  • 10 Adult RE (Religious Exploration) Opportunity:  Are We Too Violent?
  • 15 Conversation Cafe
  • 22 Nominations Close for 2026-27 Share the Plate Cause-of-the Month Organizations

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


Justice Partner Highlights

Athens Pride and Queer Collective Hosts Operation Transformation

Join Athens Pride and Queer Collective, a UUFA Justice Partner, on December 5 from 8 to 11 pm at Live Wire Athens for an unforgettable night of drag, art, and community. All proceeds from the event will directly fund APQC’s Gender-Affirming Care Grant, which provides financial assistance to individuals across Georgia seeking gender-affirming surgeries and care. Visit athenspride.org/events for tickets and details.

Athens Area Paine College Club Presents Thurgood

The Economic Justice Coalition, a UUFA Justice Partner, is one of several organizations to benefit from the proceeds of the production of George Stevens’ Thurgood set for the Morton Theatre on December 6 at 3 pm and December 7 at 4 pm. For tickets and details visit   www.mortontheatre.com/events  When you purchase your tickets, please put EJC in the code box located on the payment page.

Reggae Vibes Fundraiser: Georgia for Jamaica Hurricane Relief 

Supporting Families Impacted by Hurricane Melissa

December 11. Doors open at 6pm. @Hendershots 237 Prince Ave. Athens, Ga

Join us for an uplifting and meaningful night as Georgia comes together to support Jamaica! Reggae Vibes Fundraiser is a celebration of culture, community, and compassion all to raise funds and gather practical resources for families recovering from Hurricane Melissa.

Whether you can attend in person or simply want to make a donation, your contribution will make a direct impact on rebuilding lives. Join AADM to support recovery efforts and donate funds and supplies to help families rebuild. aadmovement.org/events