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.
Athens Fiber Craft Guild Show
Don’t miss the reception for the opening of this fantastic show. Friday, June 5 at 4 pm. In the Claire and Robert Clements Gallery at UUFA.
UUA On the Side of Love and UUSC to Offer UU Solidarity Sessions
On 1st and 3rd Fridays at 2 pm Solidarity Sessions will be an opportunity for folks working for immigrant justice to connect with one another, take action, and learn about the most recent changes in immigration laws and policies. First Fridays will include top-level updates and time for connection and shared learning. Third Fridays will be deeper dives into the administrative updates and the impact the changes will have on folks seeking immigration relief. (Ex: Naturalization, DACA, asylum, TPS, victim’s services, etc.) Sign up for June 5 or Sign up for June 19
Mark Your Calendars for Athens PrideFest!
On June 6 UUFA Justice Partner Athens Pride & Queer Collective will host their annual PrideFest. Whether you come for the music, the parade, or the incredible sense of community, PrideFest is a day to celebrate love, authenticity, and pride. Please sign up to walk in the parade and/or help at the UUFA booth. The festival will be open to the public at 3 pm and is free of charge. The parade will begin promptly at 5 pm and will finish on Hancock Avenue around 5:30. Directly following the parade, attendees will be directed to East Washington, where they will enter the festival zone to enjoy vendor tents, food trucks, a kids zone, and a stage where performers will provide entertainment until 10 pm. To learn more, email justice@uuathensga.org. Sign up at tinyurl.com/UUFA-Pride-2026
Forum Centers on AADM’s Housing Initiative
The Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement (AADM), a UUFA Justice Partner, is actively promoting a comprehensive affordable housing ordinance in Athens. Join AADM member Broderick Flanigan on June 7 from 9:15 to 10:15 am in person or online as he provides an update on what AADM is doing and how UUFA can be involved. To learn more, email justice@uuathensga.org.
LGBTQ+ /TGQNB Days of Observance
June is celebrated as Pride Month in honor of the Stonewall Riots, though Pride events occur all year round. June also marks the month that same-sex marriage was legalized in the United States. During June UUFA members and friends join other Unitarian Universalists to observe the Pulse Night of Remembrance on June 12 to commemorate the loss of 49 people in the Pulse Nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida on June 12, 2016 and June 28, the date of the Stonewall Riots described as the start of the Trans and Gay Liberation Movement in the United States.
Mokah Jasmine Johnson to Discuss AADM’s Time to Open Jail Campaign
Mokah Jasmine Johnson, founder of UUFA’s Justice Partner Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement, will lead a facilitated discussion at UUFA on June 14 from 12:15 – 1:30 pm in the AWE Room to discuss AADM’s Time to Open the Jail Campaign. All in the UUFA community are invited to attend this discussion. Learn more by emailing justice@uuathensga.org.
On Tyranny, Revisited
Join in a single, one hour discussion of the book On Tyranny on Zoom on June 14 at 1:00 pm. Tune in to the discussion whether or not you were able to participate in the earlier study group. With Books Talks on summer break, the discussion will use the Book Talks Zoom link available on RealmConnect.
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 UUFA communications about how you might be a delegate representing UUFA for this gathering of UUs from across the country.
Primary Run-off Arrives June 16
Athens Clarke County plans to have sample ballots available at its website before early voting begins June 8. Oconee County’s election website offers sample run-off ballots currently.
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.
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, go here.
Side with Love’s The Gathering to Engage with US 250th Anniversary
On June 8 The Gathering will mark this milestone in U.S. history by asking with spiritual clarity: What are we building for the future of democracy? Through declaration, witness, and shared action, we join in the sacred work of building a democracy that serves all of us. This is more than reflection. It is a faithful act of proclamation. Our spiritual traditions remind us that prophecy is not about predicting what will come but courageously speaking truth into the present and calling new worlds into being. Register here for the 8 pm event: https://sidewithlove.org/the-gathering
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 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.
June 3 & 10, 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.
June 3 & 10, 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.
June 12, 6 pm – Palms of Fire and the Chalice Choir will sing for the Gospel Extravaganza at First A.M.E Church as part of the Hot Corner celebration.
June 20, 6 pm – Summer Solstice Celebration in Song and Dance in Fellowship Hall.
June 27, 11 am – 3 pm – Drum tuning, potluck and workshop with Tom Harris in Fellowship Hall. It’s free and open to anyone, but not ideal for people who are new to drumming. It’s kind of a part 2 from his fall workshop. Tom is from Douglasville and trains people in therapeutic drumming based in traditional West African drumming. He has spent most of his career working with children and youth who are dealing with serious emotional and behavioral issues in a residential treatment center.
No drum circle or choir in July. Both will resume on August 5.
✻ 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.
✻ 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.
✻ 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, noon – Second Lookers is on summer break.
Third Sundays, 1 pm – Book Talks is on summer break.
Third Sunday, 2 pm – Goddess Group celebrates summer with an offsite “Sheros Ice Tea Party.” For details on location, what to wear as your favorite shero, and what to bring, email Vivian Preston Sellers at vpsellers@gmail.com. Following a July session centering on the current curriculum, in August the group will host a book discussion with author Julia Park Tracey on her book, SILENCE, a historical fiction novel centered on a woman in Colonial Massachusetts.
✻ For Everyone
June 9 6:30 pm – Worship Arts & Celebrations Team V
June 15 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.
