June Highlights
Check the uuathensga.org/upcoming-uufa-events online calendar and uuathensga.org/news page for updates.
Celebrating Pride Month
June is celebrated as Pride Month in honor of the Stonewall Riots although Pride events occur all year round. June also marks the month that same-sex marriage was legalized in the United States. Pride Month is part of 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. These days remind us all that “All of who you are is sacred. All of who you are is welcome.” UUFA became a UUA Welcoming Congregation in 1996 and has participated in the renewal process since 2020.
Forum: How to Ensure Your Congregation Is Truly Trans Welcoming
The June 1 forum completes a three-month series exploring the current political assault on trans people, how to respond to anti-trans information, and now how to create more safety and belonging for trans people and their families in our congregation. This multi-platform (in person and via Zoom) event begins at 9:15 a.m. in the AWE Room.
Let’s Make Pride Posters
On June 1 all are invited to make posters for those participating in the Saturday, June 7 Pride Parade. Unleash your creativity in the Fellowship Hall before or after the worship service. Materials will be provided.
William Lum brings “Slices of My Life” to the Clements Gallery
Award-winning watercolor artist William Lum brings his show “Slices of My Life” to the Clements Gallery in June and August. After gaining an appreciative following in California, Lum moved to Athens where he is a member of the Athens Art Association, WOW (Wonders of Watercolor) at OCAF, Athens Regional Plein Air, and the Georgia Watercolors Society. Lum hopes his images of daily life “enable people to see what is beautiful around them and to realize there is much joy in many simple things.” An opening reception is planned for June 6, 5 to 7 p.m. in the Clements Gallery.
Midwives of Justice: Hospitality and Resistance in an Era of Mass Deportation
All are invited to attend this workshop on June 7 from 9 a.m. to noon with Anton Flores from Georgia based Casa Alterna. A meeting of the Interfaith Sanctuary Coalition, of which UUFA is a member, will follow this event that will be held at Milledge Avenue Baptist Church. Please register. Learn more from justice@uuathensga.org
Pride Parade and Pride Festival = PrideFest!
Athens Pride & Queer Collective is merging its annual Pride Parade and Pride Festival into one giant extravaganza – PrideFest! – in downtown Athens on June 7 from 3:00-10:00 PM with the parade at 5:00. To volunteer an hour or two to help with UUFA tabling between 3 and 8, sign up here or visit the PrideFest Realm page. Children and youth are welcome to volunteer with supervision.
Morton Theatre Worship Service Led by Rev. Pippin
Our Rev. Dr. Pippin Whitaker has been asked to lead worship at the Morton at 6:30 p.m. on June 11 as part of a city-wide revival during the annual Hot Corner Celebration. Members of the UUFA choir will also be participating. All UUFA members and friends are encouraged to attend!
UUA Day of Observation: Pulse Night of Remembrance
June 12 is annual day of remembrance for the loss of 49 people in the Pulse Nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida, on June 12, 2016.
Bigger Vision Meal Provided by UUFA
Throughout the year, the Food Justice Team prepares meals to serve at the Bigger Vision Community Shelter of Athens. You are invited to join in the next meal prep, done at UUFA from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., or the meal serving at 5:30 p.m. on June 13. Help is also needed with transporting the food from UUFA to Bigger Vision by 5:30 p.m. Contact justice@uuathensga.org. to learn more.
Rev. Brandan Robertson to Sign His Recently Published Book
Rev. Robertson, Pastor of Sunnyside Reformed Church in New York City and founder of The Devout Foundation, will join the community of PFLAG Athens for a moderated discussion about his new book, Queer and Christian: Reclaiming Our Bible, Our Faith, and Our Place at the Table, at UUFA on June 13 at 6 p.m. Learn more from alphabetfamily@uuathensga.org
Forum: Welcoming the Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement
The June 15 forum will give members and friends the opportunity to get to know the AADM and its mission. We will also take a look at UUFA’s commitment to our justice partners at the 9:15 a.m. meeting in person and via Zoom. Learn more from justice@uuathensga.org
Statewide Special Primary for Georgia Public Service Commission
On June 17 a statewide Special Primary for Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) will be held prior to a November election. Each member elected to the PSC shall be required to be a resident of the PSC District they represent and is elected statewide.
UUA General Assembly 2025 in Baltimore
Both GA registration and housing reservations for the multi-platform event are now open. To learn more about the June 18-22 annual conference, email president@uuathensga.org or visit https://www.uua.org/ga. Non delegates can access General Sessions and Sunday Morning Worship which will be streamed live on UUA.org and YouTube. The Ware Lecture, Service of the Living Tradition, and Synergy Bridging Worship will not be available for public live-stream or on-demand viewing.
Juneteenth Music and Arts Festival
The AADM and the Athens Clarke County Unified Government will host Athens’ Juneteenth Music and Arts Festival at the Athens City Hall on June 19 from 3 to 7 p.m. The free festival will provide education, art, and music to honor Black history, culture, and resilience while offering a day full of community engagement. Find more information from AADM.
Summer Solstice Celebration in Song and Dance
All are invited to the Summer Solstice Celebration in Song and Dance at 6:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall to sing and move together, as willing and able, with songs drawn from Dances of Universal Peace and other sources. Light refreshments will be available. Date TBA.
Compassionate Presence in Times of Strain
All are invited to attend the UUFA Pastoral Care Team workshop on June 22 from 2 to 4 p.m. How can you offer compassion instead of becoming swept up in another person’s storm, or numb to their situation? We will explore practices that promote inner centering and that offer compassionate presence to those around you. Contact the Pastoral Care Team at PC@uuathensga.org for more information.
UUA Day of Observation: Stonewall Riots Anniversary
June 28 is the annual day of remembrance of the Stonewall Riots that are described as the start of the Trans and Gay Liberation Movement in the United States.
Journeys Newcomers’ Class
The Journeys class will be on June 29 from noon to 2:30 p.m. Anyone interested is welcome, but we do ask that they sign up at the welcome desk or email Meredyth Howard at members@uuathensga.org
Looking Ahead to July
July 19 – Leading with Love: Leadership That Meets the Moment, a day-long UUA conference at UUFA.
July 20 – New Member Recognition
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 or on Realm MP
Community and Conversation, Sundays following the worship services, 11:30 a.m. – MP
Exploring
Children, YUU and COA (youth Coming of Age) meet in a one-room schoolhouse on June 8, 15, and 22. All Ages services are set for June 1 and 29. One-room schoolhouse is also scheduled for July 13 and 27.
✻ 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
Book Talks and Second Lookers are on summer break.
June 1 & 15, 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.
June 15, 2 p.m. – Goddess Group, a circle of persons who identify as female, gathers monthly to study “Thealogy,” the feminine aspect of the Divine, and to engage in ritual, conversation, sharing, and caring, will meet in the AWE Room. Ynza Morgan Star will be facilitating a program on gender. Receive Goddess Group updates through the group leaders listed on the Goddess Group page in Realm.
✻ For Everyone
May 6, 6:30 p.m. – WACT (Worship Arts and Celebrations Team) V
May 20, 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
In June the Drum Circle and the Chalice Choir and meet as usual for practice on June 18. The Choir will sing on June 11 at the Morton Theatre where Rev. Pippin will preach during a 6:30 worship service. All are invited to attend the service.
Palms of Fire will drum during the Pride Parade on June 7 and with Rites of Passage drumming at First AME Church for Juneteenth events. Also during June the Drum Circle will appear for Drumming for Recovery, at the Athens Community Council of Aging, and at Bettye Henderson Holston Elementary School.
Palms of Fire and the Choir will take a break in July and return on Wednesday, August 6th.
Fun and Fellowship
✻ For Everyone
June 11, 6 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 Reach out to Jackie Pierson (birdfeathr@gmail.com) to get on the email list for updates.
June 8, 11:30 a.m. – Getting to Know UUFA Newcomers are welcome after the service in the AWE Room.
June 22, 6 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
Need more info? Visit https://www.uuathensga.org/justice/ or contact Justice@uuathensga.org.
June 1, 12 p.m. – Social Justice Action Team business meeting MP
June 12, 6:30 p.m. – Racial Justice Team V
June 15, 12 p.m. – Peace Advocacy Team V
June 23, 7 p.m. – Earth Ministry Team V
