October
First Thursday Intergenerational Event: Crafts!
Get together with all ages on October 2 at 6 p.m. for our second monthly event to get creative with crafts at the Fellowship.
Art Show by Our Talented Congregation
The UUFA Invitational Art Exhibit is now showing in the Claire and Robert Clements Gallery. Check out this impressive display of talent! Thirty-three artists contributed nineteen art pieces to the show, the Bounty of the Land. Works will need to be picked up on October 28.
October 5 , 9:15 a.m. — First Sunday Forum: Challenging Times for Our National Parks
Join UUFA member Amanda Griffis at 9:15 a.m. on October 5 for a discussion on current threats to our shared historic sites and natural lands in Georgia and beyond. What can we do to support the people and programs that steward our irreplaceable legacy? Sponsored by the Earth Ministry Team, this forum is available both in person and via Zoom (look for the link under “Events” on Realm/Connect or email uufa@uuathensga.org). Learn more from justice@uuathensga.org.
Introducing the Abundance Table: An Opportunity to Rehome
All are invited to visit the Abundance Table on October 5 in the Fellowship Hall before and after the worship service. Bring items that are clean, functional, and in good condition that no longer serve you. Take items from the table that you need and/or want. Any items not claimed or reclaimed will be donated. For further information contact Kahla at dre@uuathensga.org.
No Kings National Day of Mobilization
The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) has signed on as an official partner of the No Kings National Day of Mobilization happening on Saturday, October 18. By saying NO KINGS, we reassert our founders’ Declaration of Independence.
Because October 18 is a football Saturday in Athens, several different options are planned, but UUFA members and friends are invited to join the Banner Brigade and Sign Waving from noon to 2 p.m. along the Prince Avenue/Jefferson Road overpass and along Prince Avenue heading downtown. Parking is available in the Homewood Village Shopping Center parking lot.
Go here for more info and to register to receive updates.
UUFA Musicians Performing in the Community!
On October 3, the Oldies but Goodies Ukulele Band will give a concert at Wesley Woods at 1:30 p.m.
On October 4, Marty Winkler performs at OCAF. Learn more here.
And on October 19, when Porchfest returns to porches throughout Northwest Athens, Fellowship members and friends will make music, singing with Beto Cacao at 3 p.m. at Pancho’s Taco & Tequila at 675 Pulaski Street, while UUFA member Mike Patton’s band, Gebidan, will also perform at 3 p.m. at 151 Lyndon Avenue. Many UUFA members will be playing with the Oldies but Goodies Ukulele Band at 1160 Boulevard Street at 4 p.m.
Trunk or Treat and More!
Fun arrives on October 26 with our annual Fall Festival right after the Sunday service, 11;30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wear a costume, come trunk or treat, eat chili, and play! Groups and individuals are encouraged to host trunks for our Trunk or Treat. Contact Kahla at dre.kahla@uuathensga.org for more information!
UUFA Coven Craft Group Celebrates Ancestors and Oracles
On Halloween Night, October 31, beginning at 5:30 p.m., the Coven Craft Group is welcoming everyone to discuss ancestors and oracles and then enjoy a potluck supper. The evening will include an altar space on which to place tokens of loved ones for honoring and a discussion of types of divination such as Tarot cards and tea leaves with some demonstration. If you need childcare or would like to participate in the leadership for this gathering, please email uufa@uuathensga.org.
Celebrate LGBT History Month in October
First celebrated in 1994 in October, LGBT History Month was declared a national history month by Barack Obama in 2009.
Our denomination, the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) also celebrates two Welcoming Days of Observance in October:
- National Coming Out Day on October 11 and
- Intersex Awareness Day on October 26.
UUFA became a UUA Welcoming Congregation in 1996 and has participated in the renewal process since 2020.
Of Interest
Step into the Season of Change: October 2025 Update from Side With Love
As autumn arrives, the turning leaves remind us of the truth at the heart of our faith: change is constant, and transformation is possible. Just as the seasons shift, so too can our world- when we act together with love and courage.
Side With Love is the Unitarian Universalist Association’s Organizing Strategy Team, a network of organizers, leaders, and justice partners, rooted in the power of love and committed to building a world where all people can thrive.
Read the Side with Love October 2025 Update.
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 October 13 session from 8 to 9 p.m., click https://sidewithlove.org/the-gathering
UUFA Congregational Retreat Update
UUFA will hold its congregational retreat in fall 2026 at The Mountain.
During the worship service on September 21, UUFA Vice President Anna Ray shared information about why this decision was made to return once again to this location.
UUFA Tabling Team
Many thanks to everyone who served as a tabler at Latinxfest 2025.
If you would like to be part of the UUFA Table Team to be a tabler at other community events, schedule permitting, please sign up.If you have questions, email the communications team for more info at communications@uuathensga.org. .
Community Friend News
Sweet Olive Farm’s RIDE SOFAR Returns
On October 25 UUFA Community Friend Sweet Olive Farm Animal Rescue will be raising funds and awareness with a family bike ride of up to six miles along with adult rides of 25 and 50 miles starting at 9 a.m. at the farm, 880 Parkview Road, Winterville, GA. Wear your Wild Rumpus duds if you like – it’s the same day! For registration costs and deadline, visit sweetolivefarm.org/pages/ride-sofar-ride-to-the-rescue
UUFA Justice Partner Highlights
Athens Immigrant Rights Coalition Meets October 17
Our new Justice Partner, AIRC, invites UUFA members and friends to its next meeting from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Oconee Street UMC. On October 25 AIRC will host Education-Immigration Lawyers Education Forum. For more information contact justice@uuathensga.org.
Center for Racial Justice and Black Futures Hosts “Reclaiming Agency”
The ACC Center for Racial Justice and Black Futures invites everyone to the ACC Library on Baxter Street for “Reclaiming Agency: Keeping the Story Alive” on October 15. The 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. event will feature Michael L. Thurmond, Hattie Thomas Whitehead and Kelly Girtz. To learn more, email Hayden Kelley at HKelley@AthensTech.edu.
October Charitable Giving
You can help with food insecurity in our community by bringing 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
October needs include
- canned soup
- pork ‘n beans
- spaghetti sauces
A BIG thank you to everyone who is “cantributing” food items or donating financially. You may give directly to the foodbank on their website here or through UUFA at uuathensga.org/GIVE.
If you are experiencing food insecurity or know someone in our UUFA community who is, please contact Rev. Pippin (revpippin@uuathensga.org).
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, on Realm/Connect, or contact the office (uufa@uuathensga.org) 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 October 5, 12 and 19 with an All Ages service on October 26. This year registration for RE is on Realm. Check the Realm Events page for an October 5 post from Kahla with details on registering and on a new opportunity: Cooperative Family Volunteers!
Weekly RE updates are posted here: uuathensga.org/uufa-RE
✻ 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, 8:30 a.m. – Morning Meditation V Join the group on Realm/Connect to find the link and for updates from the group.
October 5 , 9:15 a.m. — First Sunday Forum: Challenging Times for Our National Parks
Join UUFA member Amanda Griffis at 9:15 a.m. on October 5 for a discussion on current threats to our shared historic sites and natural lands in Georgia and beyond. What can we do to support the people and programs that steward our irreplaceable legacy? Sponsored by the Earth Ministry Team, this forum is available both in person and via Zoom (tinyurl.com/uufa-forum opens the Zoom meeting or look for the link under “Events” on Realm/Connect). Learn more from justice@uuathensga.org.
October 5 & 19, 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.
October 12, 1 p.m. – Book Talks V The group will discuss Man’s Search for Meaning by Victor Frankl. 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).
October 14, noon – Second Lookers MP
Cathy Hope will speak at the October 14 meeting of Second Lookers on “How My Art Has Mirrored My Spiritual Journey.” That journey began a few years ago, when Cathy was living quite happily in New Mexico, in a community of friends she had formed over her thirty years there. Then, in seconds, that life was altered in an automobile accident that left her unable to drive.
After struggling to arrange transportation from her rural New Mexico community to doctors and medical facilities that were hours away, Cathy made the difficult decision to move to Athens to be near family.
Come and hear Cathy recount her spiritual journey as she continues to learn through all the changes and adjustments, finding her way, developing her art, and building a new community.
Please join us in the AWE Room at 12:00 noon on the second Tuesday, October 14, for this interesting and informative presentation.
Bring a sack lunch, if you would like; drinks and dessert will be provided. To receive updates directly to your inbox, join the group in Realm/Connect or contact secondlookers@UUAthensGA.org.
October 19, 9:15 a.m. – Third Sunday Forum: UU GA LAN – Legislative Action Network
The Georgia General Assembly will be in session on the second Monday in January. Will you be prepared? At the October 19 Forum beginning at 9:15 a.m., find out more about the UU GA LAN–Legislative Action Network, a lay-led organization spontaneously created three years ago by concerned members of several UU churches including UUFA.
All are invited to attend in person or via Zoom (look for the link under “Events” on Realm/Connect or contact the office at uufa@uuathensga.org.
October – The Goddess Group Check with Leigh Harvey or Michelle Covi for the date and location. Make sure to join this group on Realm/Connect to receive updates directly from Leigh and Michelle.
✻ For Everyone
October 13, 6:30 p.m. – WACT (Worship Arts and Celebrations Team) V
October 21, 6:30 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
Sunday, October 12, 12:00 p.m. – Singing Meditation Join Amber in the AWE Room.
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.
Fun and Fellowship
✻ For Everyone
Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m. – Community Potluck Enjoy social time followed by a potluck dinner. Please bring enough food to share.
October 2, 6-7 p.m. – Craft Night, a First Thursday Intergenerational Event. Everyone is welcome! Check above for details.
October 8, 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
October 12, 11:30 a.m. – Getting to Know UUFA Newcomers are welcome after the service in the AWE Room.
October 26, 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.
UU’s in the Community:
- October 3 Oldies but Goodies Ukulele Band concert at Wesley Woods, 1:30 p.m.
- October 4 Marty Winkler’s event at OCAF
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.
All are invited to participate in the SJAT teams below. Learn more about and join the teams on Realm.
October 5, 12 p.m. – Social Justice Action Team business meeting MP
October 9, 6:30 p.m. – Racial Justice Team V
October 27, 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.
