September Highlights
Check the uuathensga.org/upcoming-uufa-events online calendar and uuathensga.org/news page for updates.
September Cause of the Month
The September Share-the-Plate Cause of the Month – the Center for Racial Justice and Black Futures – will receive one half of all undesignated offerings for the entire month of September and 100 percent of all monies designated specifically for this Cause. The Social Justice Action Team (SJAT) will match all September Cause of the Month monies over $2000 up to $1000! Contact justice@uuathensga.org for details.
Forum to Host ACC Center for Racial Justice and Black Futures
The September 7 forum will give members and friends the opportunity to hear Hattie Whitehead, author of Giving Voice to Linnentown, speak about the September Cause of the Month. The center’s mission is “to illuminate the rich and diverse histories of African Americans in Athens, Georgia and surrounding communities, to ignite a steadfast commitment to justice and truth-telling, and to inspire our youth to become architects of a fair and inclusive future.” The forum begins at 9:15 a.m., both in person and via Zoom. Learn more from justice@uuathensga.org.
Celebration of the Life of Virginia “Gini” Seixas Carter
All who knew Gini Carter are invited to attend the September 6 service at 10 a.m. To join virtually or receive more information, contact the Fellowship office at uufa@uuathensga.org to receive the link.
Annual Ingathering Worship Service
September 7 will feature our annual ingathering service. Welcome back!
SJAT’s Priceless Sale Continues
All are invited to stop by the Social Justice Action Team priceless sale on September 7 in the Welcome Hall before and after the worship service. Available items reflect UU values, raising awareness of justice issues such as Black Lives Matter and LGBTGIA+ rights. Proceeds support SJAT initiatives. Take what you like; give what you want. Email justice@uuathensga.org for details.
Food for Life Class
All are invited to this class on September 7 from noon to 2 p.m. at UUFA. The class is hosted by the UUFA Food Justice Team and taught by Susan Bleyle. For more information email justice@uuathensga.org.
Discover UUFA and Its UU Roots at the Journeys Class
You’ve found your way to the UUFA, but perhaps you’d like to know more? The Membership Team invites you to participate in the Journeys Class to learn more about UUism and UUFA on September 7 from noon to 2 p.m. in the AWE Room. Let team members know you are attending and whether you need childcare by emailing membership@uuathensga.org.
Heads up, UUFA artists! It’s time for the annual invitational exhibit
Once again the Claire and Robert Clements Gallery will host an Invitational Art Exhibit, this year during September and October. The theme is the Bounty of the Land. Possible subject matter for 2-D art: Pastoral landscapes, fruits and vegetables, barnyard animals, fields of flowers, fishing scenes, barns, hay rolls, milking pails and berry baskets; you get the idea! Look through your current artwork or create something new! We’re eager to see our congregation’s talent as we celebrate Earth’s beauty and abundance. Drop-Off Times: All artwork must be delivered to the Fellowship on September 7 from 10 to 10:30 and 11:30 to 12:30 p.m. and on September 8 from noon to 1 p.m. Works will need to be picked up on October 28.
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 September 8 session from 8 to 9 p.m., click https://sidewithlove.org/the-gathering
Join the Capital Campaign Celebration
Following the September 14 service, we will celebrate the success of the recent capital campaign and dedicate the Fellowship Hall and Social Action Corner.
Young Adult Meet Up Coordinator Meredyth Howard invites YA’s from 18-36 years old to meet up at Ted’s Most Best on September 20 at 1 p.m.
March of Faith in Resistance to Mass Deportation Poster Making and Marching
On September 21, the International Day of Peace, both the Interfaith Sanctuary Coalition and the Interfaith Clergy Partnership of Greater Athens are sponsoring the March of Faith beginning at 2 p.m. at 595 Prince Street and marching to the Federal Courthouse on Hancock. During the Community and Conversation time at the Fellowship at 11:30, you are invited to create posters for the march with materials provided. A great day to wear your UUA or UUFA t-shirt or button! To learn more, contact justice@uuathensga.org.
Welcome Autumn – Celebrate in Dance and Song
On September 21 at 2:00 pm, the UUFA Goddess Group will host the Autumn Equinox Dance for Peace with singing and dancing in Fellowship Hall. All voices are welcome, and no dance experience is needed. Light refreshments will be available, but you may want to bring your own water bottle.
Celebrate Bisexuality Day, a UUA Welcoming Day of Observance September 23
Bisexuality Day, marked since 1999, is one of 14 days or months observed by the UUA Welcoming Days of Observance. These days and seasons are important to LGBTQ+ / TGQNB communities because they bring visibility and affirmation after generations of invisibility and erasure. UUFA became a UUA Welcoming Congregation in 1996 and has participated in the renewal process since 2020.
2nd Annual Invitational Art Exhibit Opening Reception
All are invited to the 2nd Annual Invitational Art Exhibit Opening Reception in the Claire and Robert Clements Gallery on September 26 th at 5:00-7:00pm. The show “The Bounty of the Land” focuses on the Earth’s beauty and abundance and will be displayed through September and October. Come celebrate the bounty of talent in our congregation!
Everyone Is Welcome to Our Drum Workshop
Tom Harris will lead UUFA’s drum workshop on September 27. After a potluck lunch from noon to 1, the workshop will run from 1 to 3 p.m. Palms of Fire has several extra drums to share. Check with Amber for details.
UUFA Justice Partner Highlights
POSTPONED! AADM’s End the School to Prison Pipeline Conference
Look for updates to be shared soon.
Dignidad Imigrante Hosts 16th Latinxfest
Everyone is invited to celebrate the richness, joy, and diversity of Latin culture on September 20 from 11 a.m. to 8 on Washington Street with traditional foods, music, dance and handicrafts. UUFA, a gold-level sponsor, will host a table. To serve as a tabler, sign up here. For more info about Latinxfest, click here. For more info about tabling, email justice@uuathensga.org.
Athens Immigrant Rights Coalition Meets September 18
Our newest Justice Partner, AIRC, invites UUFA members and friends to its next meeting from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Oconee Street UMC. For more information, contact justice@uuathensga.org.
September Charitable Giving Through UUFA
Food Bank CANtributions You can help with food insecurity in our community by bringing CANtributions of non-perishable food items to UUFA to be donated to the Athens Area Emergency Food Bank (AAEFB). Look for the donation table in the Welcome/Fellowship Hall
While all CANtributions are appreciated, AAEFB is especially in need of the following items for August
- cold breakfast cereals
- canned soups
- plain white rice
A BIG thank you to everyone who is “cantributing” food items or financially. The Athens Area Emergency Food Bank received $1609.62 as the Share the Plate July Cause of the Month. In addition, $247.54 in specific financial contributions.
If you are experiencing food insecurity or know someone in our UUFA community who is, please contact Rev. Pippin (revpippin@uuathensga.org).
Diapers Drive This Month
UUFA is hosting a diaper drive the entire month of September in honor of National Diaper Need Awareness Week, September 15-21, a time that draws attention to the issue of diaper need in the U.S. One in two U.S. families struggles to provide enough diapers to keep a baby or toddler clean, dry, and healthy.
Please bring diaper donations to the donation table in the Fellowship Hall throughout September. All diaper donations will be shared with the local immigrant community through SIFIC (Support for Immigrant Families in Crisis), a part of AIRC which is a UUFA Justice Partner.
Want to contribute financially to either of these drives? You may contribute directly to the food bank by card or check at their website here or to the food bank and/or the Diaper Drive through UUFA’s website here (look for “Charitable Giving”). You can also donate to either drive by check to UUFA, memo “Food Bank” and/or “Diapers”.
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, Realm/Connect, or at tinyurl.com/UUFAservice. 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 September 7, 14 and 21 with an All Ages service on September 28. This year registration for RE is on Realm. Check the Realm Events page for an August 31 post from Kahla with details on registering and on a new opportunity: Cooperative Family Volunteers!
September 7, 11:30 a.m. – Youth Group Info Session for youth and parents
✻ 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.
September 20, 1 p.m. – Meet up Coordinator Meredyth Howard invites YA’s from 18-36 years old to meet up at Ted’s Most Best
✻ 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.
September 7 & 14, 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.
September 9, noon – Second Lookers Sarah Gordon will share her poetry. Gordon is the author of widely published poems and two previous collections of poetry: Distances and The Lost Thing as well as Flannery O’Connor: The Obedient Imagination and A Literary Guide to Flannery O’Connor’s Georgia. Gordon is professor emerita of English at Georgia College & State University. Bring a sack lunch. Drinks and dessert are provided. For more information, join the group in Realm/Connect or contact secondlookers@UUAthensGA.org.
September 14, 1 p.m. – Book Talks The group will discuss The Rooftops of Tehran by Mahbod Seraji. 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 more information, contact the office (UUFA@uuathensga.org or 706-546-7914, ext. 5).
September 20 & 21 – The Goddess Group, in addition to hosting the Autumn Equinox celebration on September 21 listed above, is also invited to tour Brilliant Exiles: American Women in Paris 1900-1939, a Smithsonian Institution exhibit currently showing at the Georgia Museum of Art on September 20. Group members need to email tour organizer Diane Saarinen at dianesaarinen@gmail.com to join the tour as soon as possible for planning purposes. Receive Goddess Group updates through the group leaders listed on the Goddess Group page in Realm.
September 21, 9:15 a.m. – Third Sunday Forum.
✻ For Everyone
September 9, 6:30 p.m. – WACT (Worship Arts and Celebrations Team) V
September 16, 7 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
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.
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.
September 27, 1-3 p.m. – Drum workshop! Details above.
Fun and Fellowship
✻ For Everyone
September 4, 6-7 p.m. – Game Night kicks off a new activity, First Thursday Intergenerational Events. Everyone is welcome! Check with Kahla for details.
September 10, 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
September 14, 11:30 a.m. – Getting to Know UUFA Newcomers are welcome after the service in the AWE Room.
September 28, 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.
In addition to the SJAT-sponsored events listed in the Highlights above, all are invited to participate in the SJAT teams below. Learn more about and join the teams on Realm.
September 7, 12 p.m. – Social Justice Action Team business meeting MP
September 11, 6:30 p.m. – Racial Justice Team V
September 22, 7 p.m. – Earth Ministry Team V
The Peace Advocacy Team is conducting business through email consultation at present. Watch for meetings of the Food Justice Team.
Looking Ahead to October
October is LGBT History Month.
October 5: First Sunday Forum sponsored by the Earth Ministry Team featuring Glenn Donnahoe
October 11: National Coming Out Day, a UUA Day of Observance
October 12: Singing Meditation
October 19: Third Sunday Forum – Exploring the ACC Jail with Kendra Kline
October 25: EJC Justice Fest
October 26: Intersex Awareness Day, a UUA Day of Observance
