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Give Back This Holiday Season

Holiday Benevolence Market December 8

UUFA has a long involvement with the Holiday Benevolence Market. Are you available to help at the market this year? The organizers are asking for volunteers from supporting organizations to help on the day of the event (details later) and to donate homemade treats for the refreshment table. Please let us know of your interest here.

For 30 years, Athens-area faith organizations have hosted the Holiday Benevolence Market, offering a single location to select gifts – in the form of donations — that support non-profit organizations. Kind-hearted shoppers can select symbolic gifts ranging from $5 to $150 and make a single payment at checkout. All donations are tax-deductible.

This year’s market will be held in Fellowship Hall at Covenant Presbyterian Church at 1065 Gaines School Road from noon-3 pm on Sunday, December 8. Refreshments will be provided.

“We are very excited to continue the tradition of the Holiday Benevolence Market,” said Reverend Margaret Davis, co-chair of the 2016 event. “Through the years the market has raised from $15,000-$30,000 in support of the missions of these local agencies, and we hope to reach that level again. The united effort of faith communities to support Athens nonprofits serving those most in need is a powerful testimony of faith to our city.”

The Holiday Benevolence Market is a popular idea for teacher gifts, church staff appreciation gifts and stocking stuffers.

Some of the agencies scheduled to participate: ● Books for Keeps ● Prevent Child Abuse Athens ● Action Ministries ● Athens Area Homeless Shelter ● Athens Neighborhood Health Center ● Family Promise of Athens ● Athens Wellness Clinic ● The Ark United Ministry Outreach Center

● Project Safe ● Athens Area Emergency Food Bank ● Athens Area Humane Society ● Athens Pride & Queer Collective ● Clarke County Mentor Program

● The Cottage – Sexual Assault Center and Child Advocacy Center ● Extra Special People ● Athens Community Council on Aging ● Athens Area Habitat for Humanity ● Children First

● Bigger Vision of Athens ● Athens Canine Rescue ● Athens Land Trust ● Economic Justice Coalition ● Bethlehem Ministry ● Athens Clarke Literacy Council ● Samaritan Center for Counseling and Wellness ● Casa de Amistad ● Jubilee Partners

Guest At Your Table (GAYT) All month

Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of UUSC’s Guest at Your Table (GAYT) 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, we are celebrating Guest at Your Table’s 50th anniversary with the theme “Expanding the Welcome Table.”

Learn more about Guest at Your Table, sponsored by the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC).  Learn more about the UUSC. Click here to give online. For more information about UUFA’s GAYT participation, email justice@uuathensga.org.

Donate online to GAYT here. 

Angel Tree Project

DFCS is still looking for some last minute sponsors for children who have just entered the system. Please let us know if you are still interested in participating by emailing clarkeangelproject@gmail.com.

Drop off at DFCS: December 6th 10am-2pm and 7th from 10am-12pm (The time for this date has changed.) Please come around the building to the back to drop off presents. There is a parking lot and a sign outside next to an open door.

DFCS is also sharing an Amazon Wish list, in case you or anyone you know of may want to purchase something instead of becoming a sponsor.

Winter Clothing Drive All month

The Social Justice Action Team (SJAT) invites you to donate new and gently used winter clothing to its Winter Clothing Drive being held from December 1 through December 31. The baskets at the Donations Table in the Gathering Hall are ready to accept needed items for all ages and all sizes such as coats, blankets, sweaters, hoodies, socks, gloves, winter hats, and hand warmers.  Items given will be donated to the Bigger Vision of Athens Community Homeless Shelter and the Athens Homeless Shelter. For further information:  justice@uuathensga.org.
 

August Share the Plate CotM Benefits Athens Immigrant Rights Coalition

AIRC, a UUFA Justice Partner, brings together people working with and supporting immigrants. AIRC works with Support For Immigrant Families In Crisis (SIFIC), Dignidad Inmigrante En Athens (DIA), U-Lead Athens, and the Interfaith Sanctuary Coalition. UUFA members and friends are invited to AIRC’s next monthly meeting on August 21 from 5:30 to 7 pm at the Oconee Street United Methodist Church. For more information contact justice@uuathensga.org.

2026-27 Cause of the Month Organizations Selected

UUFA voters have chosen the 2026-27 Share-the-Plate recipients: (* indicates a UUFA Justice Partner)

July                  ACC Center for Racial Justice and Black Futures 

August             Athens Immigrant Rights Coalition *

September     Athens Area Emergency Food Bank 

October           Project Safe

November       Athens Pride and Queer Collective *

December       The Ark

January           Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement *

February         U-Lead

March              Athens Wellness Center

April                 Athens Land Trust

May                  Economic Justice Coalition *

June                 Dignidad Inmigrante en Athens

Learn more from justice@uuathensga.org

Help with Food Insecurity through August CANtributions

Please continue to bring non-perishable food items to Fellowship Hall’s wicker baskets. While all CANtributions are appreciated, in August the Athens Area Emergency Food Bank is especially in need of more pork ‘n beans, plain white rice (preferably in 1 pound bags) and tomato sauces (not spaghetti sauce as that has its own category, but tomato sauces, tomato paste, manwich sauce, etc). To give by credit card, visit uuathensga.org/give and look for “Charitable Giving.” To give by check, make the check to UUFA and put “CANtributions 1-8016” in the memo line. To learn more, contact 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

AADM Hosts Saturday School Workshop on Court Navigation

Navigating the court system can be overwhelming, especially when you believe your civil rights may have been violated. This Saturday School session is designed to help participants better understand the court process, recognize potential civil rights violations, and learn the steps involved in filing a complaint or seeking legal assistance. Participants will receive guidance on how to organize documentation, understand court procedures, identify available legal remedies, and prepare questions before meeting with an attorney. The August 22 event at the Oconee Street UMC will run from 10 am to 12 pm. To register visit https://www.aadmovement.org/events/x857y2fuhe1rlbz0umdu06iuo3br11

Monthly Highlights

Scroll on for the

“Let’s Get Together” sections!

Look for virtual links in Realm/Connect under “Events.”

What’s a monthly highlight? It’s a meeting or event that doesn’t not usually recur at UUFA. You might see a special call out to a community event in this section or a new offering that will recur but is just getting started. 

After the Highlights section, Let’s Get Together showcases the many recurring meetings and events that happen at least monthly at UUFA. Under the sections below–Seeking Justice, Making Music, Fun and Fellowship, and Exploring–you will find information such as the monthly topics for Second Lookers, Book Talks, and Forum, as well as the standing meetings of Justice groups at UUFA, Chalice Choir and Palms of Fire drum choir.

How We Can Partner with Jubilee Partners

While many of us have actively opposed Trump’s immigration policies, we now have the opportunity to assist one family who is caught up in the throes of such policies. Jubilee Partners is looking to form a working relationship with UUFA, beginning with the permanent settlement of a Congolese family in the Athens area. Take a look at some ways you might help. For more information contact  justice@uuathensga.org.

Cooking for Bigger Vision Community Shelter

This month the Food Justice Team will be preparing a meal for the Bigger Vision homeless shelter on July 7 beginning at 3 pm in the UUFA kitchen. You are invited to be part of this cooking team. To learn more contact justice@uuathensga.org.

LEAF Hosts Pool Party

LEAF (Learning, Exploring, and Affirming our Families) invites everyone to gather at the Green Acres – Crestwood Pool (635 Brookwood Drive) on July 18 from 7:00 to 10:00 pm for an evening of swimming, eating pizza, and hanging out! Please use the following Google Form link to select your pizza option: ORDER PIZZA HERE

Sign Up Now for SUUSI: one week. one community. all ages. all in.

The Southeastern Unitarian Universalist Summer Institute runs from July 19 to 25 at the Radford University campus in Radford, Virginia. Get registration information here: https://solis.suusi.org/register.

Food Justice Team Opportunity

Join members of the UUFA Food Justice Team at the UGA Research Horticulture Farm in Watkinsville as they help to provide fresh fruits and vegetables that are delivered to both the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia and the Athens Area Emergency Food Bank. They work most Monday and Thursday mornings year round. Contact Kathy Larson with questions and/or to get on the volunteer list. All are welcome. 

Annual Ice Cream Sunday Sign-Up

The Annual Ice Cream Sunday, one of our long-cherished traditions, is scheduled for August 9. We need your help! Please sign up here to bring ice cream and toppings, volunteer to serve, or help with set up or clean up.  We can’t wait to see you there!

Fibercraft Exhibit Runs through August 31

Be sure to view the Claire and Robert Clements Gallery’s current exhibit by artists of the Athens Fibercraft Guild. Over more than fifty years AFG members have worked in a variety of disciplines, including weaving, spinning, rug making, knitting, crochet, lace making, quilting, embroidery, baskets, paper crafts, beadwork, and silk painting. For more information see www.athensfiber.org. Watch for the gallery’s exhibit featuring UUFA’s Mystery Pet Portraits arriving in September.

Straight White Male Book Discussion

Join in the second of two discussions focused on exploring how we can live with intention and integrity in an unequal world on August 9 from noon to 1:30 pm in the AWE Room. The book is Straight White Male: A Faith-Based Guide to Deconstructing Your Privilege and Living with Integrity by Chris Furr, William Barber II, Melissa Florer-Bixler, and Roberto Espinoza. While the book is written with straight, white men in mind, the conversation will be meaningful for anyone interested in reflecting on privilege, identity, and how we live out our values in community.

Looking Ahead to the 2026-2027 Leadership Summit 

This year’s Leadership Summit will take place August 29 from 9 to 12 pm. All group, team, and committee leaders are urged to attend this vital annual startup. All members are welcome to attend. The Leadership Summit is an opportunity to get to know who does what in the congregation (staff and volunteers), how to access what you need, relationship building, and more. 

Covenantal Conflict Workshop Series Set for September

Diverse viewpoints and identities strengthen our congregation, our society, and our world. When differences are embraced, they can foster affirmation, creativity, and growth. Yet differences can also create conflict, even when no harm is intended. Learning how to address conflict constructively is some of the most important work we can do as individuals and as a congregation. Rev. Pippin and the Covenantal Conflict Panel will offer workshops on the mornings of September 12 and 19 to provide practical tools for navigating conflict within the Fellowship and beyond. To learn more, visit https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xcS-83fITTwxF6iESFaFZjwSK7WCgRjOIeW77m_9ehI/edit?tab=t.0