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.
There’s Still Time to Fuel Our Values for 2026-2027
Help us live out our values and meet our visionary 2026–2027 budget by making your pledge today. Go to tinyurl.com/uufa-2027 to make your pledge or visit the pledge table in the Fellowship Hall after worship services through April 19. Reach out to the Pledge Drive team with any questions or concerns through UUFA Vice President Anna Ray (vp@uuathensga.org). Your pledge is your best guess of what you can contribute in the upcoming fiscal year. If you’re a current pledger and would like to continue your pledge through the upcoming fiscal year, you may let us know by emailing bookkeeper@uuathensga.org.
Celebrate Summer’s Beginning with Beltane UUFA’s Coven Craft Group invites all to celebrate Beltane, a Gaelic May Day festival celebrating the beginning of summer, on May 2 from 2 to 4 pm at the Fellowship. This event will feature planting a Maypole and weaving ribbons around it. For further information, contact uufa@uuathensga.org.
A Facilitated Discussion with Sheriff John Q. Williams
On May 3 from 12:30 to 1:30 pm Sheriff John Q. Williams will visit UUFA for an after-service discussion concerning visitation for prisoners at the ACC jail. On that day UUFA could present to him items for the Programs Division of the Sheriff’s Office, which collects donations for the prisoners. At present, they are in need of paperback books, clothes and shoes. The requirements are that “paperback books must not be X rated or gang related and
clothing should be clean, washed, and free of stains, odors, holes, or tears. Shoes of all kinds are welcome including tennis shoes, sandals, and boots. Men’s clothing and shoes are especially needed.” If you have items you wish to donate, please bring them to UUFA on or before May 3. There will be donation collection boxes in the Gathering Hall for your contributions. Learn more from justice@uuathensga.org.
Every Monday Peaceful Protest
All are invited to join other UUFA members and friends and Athens-area community members at “Every Monday” Peaceful Protests on May 4 and following Mondays from 12:30 to 1:30 pm at the corner of Alps and Baxter Streets. Learn more by contacting justice@uuathensga.org.
Solo Aging and Planning Ahead
Join Abbie Vogt, Aging Life Care Professional and OLLI presenter, on May 4 at 1 pm in the AWE Room as she shares ways for solo old folks to find support, connection and peace of mind.
Coffee and Confections: Meet and Mingle
All are invited to Coffee and Confections on May 9 from 4 to 5:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall. Take a break, enjoy coffee and sweet treats, and mix and mingle with others in our Fellowship. This relaxed gathering is sponsored by the Membership Team as a way to strengthen the feeling of connection and community.
Straight White Male Book Discussion
Join in a book discussion focused on exploring how we can live with intention and integrity in an unequal world on Sunday, May 10, from noon to 1:30 p.m. 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.
Registration NOT required. Grab a free copy of the book from Rev. Pippin’s box in the admin office while supplies last. 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.
Side with Love Offers Tools for Collective Action
Join UUs from around the United States on May 11 for The Gathering, a monthly virtual event from Side with Love designed to offer Spiritual Grounding to strengthen your heart and spirit for the work ahead, Political Analysis to understand the threats to democracy and justice, and Collective Action to organize with others to block anti-democratic forces and build a just and loving world. Go to sidewithlove.org/the-gathering for further information including registration.
Journeys Class
This May 16 class for anyone who wants to learn more about Unitarian Universalism and UUFA specifically covers the Fellowship’s vision, mission, covenant, and values and includes discussing opportunities for involvement at UUFA. While it is geared primarily for those new to UUFA, the Membership Team also invites anyone who may have attended UUFA for a while and wants to learn more. The class will be held 9:45 am to noon in the AWE Room.
UUFA Board Hosts Budget Town Hall and Annual Meeting in May
Get a close look at the 2026-2027 Budget after the service on May 17 in preparation for the Annual Meeting to be held on May 31. Watch for details.
May 17 Monthly Forum: John Jeffries, the first Black A-CC Commissioner, is our special guest.
UUFA Joins in Observance of International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia
The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) officially recognizes the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) held annually on May 17 as part of its commitment to LGBTQ+ justice, inclusion, and advocacy. This day is observed annually on May 17 to raise awareness of LGBTQ rights violations and stimulate interest in LGBTQ rights work worldwide. Learn more about UUA Welcoming Days of Observance and the Welcoming Congregation renewal process in which UUFA participates.
GA Primary Voting
Early voting is underway with the primary election day on May 19.
Hiking Our Values Hosts Sandy Creek Park Hike
Join in an easy three-mile hike through the forest along the east side of Lake Chapman at the Sandy Creek Park, 400 Bob Holman Road, Athens on May 21. We will hike about 1.5 miles and then back across a couple creeks and beautiful rock formations along the lake. To enter the park, pay a small fee if you live outside Clarke County and nothing if you are a Clarke County resident. After the entry station, follow the road toward the dam at the east side of the lake. About 1.4 miles after crossing the dam at Campsite Drive, you will see a small parking lot on the left with restrooms beside it. Map – accgov.com, For more info: Debbie (dkh3061@gmail.com 706-338-5287) Anne (anneshenk@gmail.com 706-201-8261)
UUA General Assembly (GA) Registration Now Open
You can join the June 14-21 GA from home, gather with your congregation, attend a Satellite Site, or be part of the live audience at the Studio Site in Louisville. Find out more at tinyurl.com/UUAGA2026. UUFA members: Watch for future UUFA communications about how you might be a delegate representing UUFA for this gathering of UUs from across the country.
SUUSI Arrives July 19
Registration is open for the 2026 Southeast Unitarian Universalist Summer Institute to be held at the Radford University campus from July 19 through July 25. Begin your all-ages planning to attend here: https://webdev.suusi.org/. Early bird discount runs through May 15.
Justice Action Collaborative Meeting
The fifth Sunday collaboration for members of Justice Teams and others interested in social action will be held on May 31 at 12:15 to 2:00 pm in the AWE Room.
Look for virtual links in Realm/Connect under “Events.”
Let’s Get Together
There are many ways to be together in community at UUFA. Read on below to learn more.
Virtual Only – V Multi-platform – MP
All are welcome at these UUFA meetings and events!
Sunday Mornings
Sunday Services, 10:30 a.m. – at UUFA in the sanctuary. MP*
Look for this month’s theme exploration in worship at uuathensga.org/upcoming-worship.
Community and Conversation, Sundays following the worship services, 11:30 a.m. MP*
*Access Zoom through the weekly e-news or on Realm/Connect under “Events”.
CLICK THE HEADINGS
BELOW FOR MORE!
Need more info? Visit the Social Justice Action Team at uuathensga.org/justice or contact Justice@uuathensga.org.
Serving Justice
Part of UUFA’s mission is to “serve justice.”
The gatherings below meet weekly or monthly and are open to all.
- Social Justice Action Team meets first Sundays at noon–in person and via Zoom.
- Racial Justice Team meets second Thursdays at 7 p.m., via Zoom.
- Peace Advocacy Team meets third Sundays at 11:45 am at UUFA.
- Earth Ministry Team meets fourth Mondays at 7 p.m., via Zoom.
- Justice Action Collaborative meets on fifth Sundays. Come May 31 for an overview of all the current UUFA Justice initiatives and participate in planning for the future!
- Every Monday Peaceful Protest All are invited to join other UUFA members and friends and Athens-area community members at “Every Monday” Peaceful Protests on Mondays through February from 12:30 to 1:30 pm at the corner of Alps and Baxter Streets. Learn more at justice@uuathensga.org.
Questions about Justice at UUFA? Email justice@uuathensga.org.
Questions? Contact Music Director Amber Fetner at MD@uuathensga.org.
No Drum and Choir on May 6 and 27.
May 13, 5:30 pm – Palms of Fire Drum Circle, under the guidance of Amber, focuses on West African drumming although other musical traditions and instruments are also explored. May 4-10 about 20 Drum Circle members will attend the West African Drum and Dance camp in North Carolina, learning from West African master musicians.
May 13 & 20, 7 pm – 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. May 5 some of our UUFA choir members will be singing with Beto Cacao at Hendershots at 5:30 pm.
✻ For Everyone
Wednesdays, 5:30 pm – Community Potluck Enjoy social time followed by a potluck dinner. Please bring enough food to share.
May 13, 5:45 pm – Simple Supper All are welcome to enjoy a meal together. Bring a potluck dish to share or RSVP to Meredyth for a simple provided meal. Include the number in your group and any dietary restrictions. Every second Wednesday!
May 13, 5:30 pm – Realm/Connect Café Join Meredyth (Members@uuathensga.org) to get answers to your Realm/Connect questions Bring your device (smartphone, tablet, or laptop) or just your questions.
Through May – Visit the Clements Gallery to view art by Claire and Bob Clements from their son Cal’s collection.
✻ For Adults
Tuesdays, 8:30 am – Coffee Hour Two groups usually gather off site. Want to meet up? Contact uufa@uuathensga.org to learn the locations.
May 24, 7 pm – 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.
✻ 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, 8:45 am – Morning Meditation V Find the link to join in the group on Realm/Connect or contact the office (uufa@uuathensga.org).
First & Third Tuesdays, 1-2:30 pm – Caregiver Support Group provides mutual support for individuals who are caring for loved ones facing challenges such as aging, dementia, cancer, multiple sclerosis, and other conditions. For details contact Chaplain Michelle at chaplain@uuathensga.org
First & Third Sundays at 11:45 am – Conversation Café to chat about the Sunday service topic. At the table under the question mark.
First & Third Sundays at 12:30 pm – Historical Jesus Book Discussion Want to learn more about the person known as Jesus of Nazareth? Then join the group led by Paul Gurian. Books discussed include The Resurrection of Jesus: Apologetics, Polemics, History by Dale C. Allison, Jr. It is not necessary to have read the material to attend meetings, so come and visit any session!
Second Tuesdays at noon – Second Lookers MP in the AWE Room. Hear Janice Simon speak on “Frida Kahlo (1907-1954): A Life Well Painted” in the AWE Room. Bring a sack lunch. Drinks and dessert are provided. For more information, join the group in Realm/Connect or contact secondlookers@UUAthensGA.org
Third Sundays at 9:15 am – UUFA Sunday Forum MP John Jeffries, the first Black A-CC Commissioner is our guest this month.
Second Sundays at 1:00 pm – Book Talks V This month’s book is Travelers to Unimaginable Lands by Dasha Kiper. Book Talks is an informal group that meets the second Sunday of the month to discuss books selected by the members. Don’t stay away if you haven’t finished the book or haven’t read it at all. Your comments are always welcome. Find the titles for this year at uuathensga.org/booktalks. For more information and the link to join virtually, contact the office (UUFA@uuathensga.org or 706-546-7914, ext. 5).
Third Sundays at 2 pm –The Goddess Group All people who identify as women are invited to join the group to discuss Session 3 in the Dreamers, Devisers and Doers curriculum. This session focuses on women from around the world that lived in different time periods who were leaders and spoke out for themselves and their people. Attendees will learn, share, and support each other. Contact: goddess@uuathensga.org
✻ For Everyone
April 14, 6:30 pm – Worship Arts & Celebrations Team V
April 16, 6:00 pm – 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.
For easy access to the virtual meeting links, join these groups in Realm/Connect (onrealm.org/UUFA) -OR- request them from email justice@uuathensga.org).
If you have questions or haven’t received your Realm/Connect invitation yet, contact Meredyth at welcome@uuathensga.org.
