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.
Kahla’s Sabbatical Begins; Registration for June RE Camp Opens
Director of Religious Exploration Kahla Childers will be away April 1 through July 31. RE will continue to meet as regularly scheduled during April/May, and all ages will transition to our one-room schoolhouse offering over the summer. Youth, Young Adult and Membership Coordinator Meredyth Howard and guest speakers will lead a variety of activities in June and July. A full list of RE contacts during Kahla’s sabbatical, including her LEAF team, is available at Realm/Connect News. UUFA’s Childcare Provider and Art Educator Courtney Smith will work with staff and volunteers to present the June 8-12 Creative Exploration Under the Pyramid. Registration for ages 5-12 camp and middle and high schoolers’ Creative Leaders in Training is open here.
2026/2027 Cause of the Month Voting Begins April 6
Watch for paper and online ballots to select the next program year’s Causes of the Month from organizations nominated by UUFA members in February 2026. Voting runs from April 6 to April 27. After the Social Justice Action Team counts the ballots at its May 3 meeting, they will announce the results.
Flower Communion: The Tradition Continues
Everyone is invited to bring a flower from your yard, a roadside, or a market to the Sunday service on April 5 to exchange with one another, following a tradition started in 1923 when Norbert Čapek (1870-1942) introduced it to his Unitarian Church in Czechoslovakia. His wife Maja V. Čapek, also a minister, brought the tradition to America in 1940. Norbert Capek died during Nazi imprisonment in 1942. Learn more here: https://www.uua.org/worship/words/reading/story-norbert-capeks-flower-ceremony
Enjoy the Spring Egg Hunt
All are invited to our Spring Egg Hunt on April 5 after the worship service. Enjoy community and fellowship as we celebrate spring together. Learn more at dre@uuathensga.org
On Tyranny Study Tackles Authoritarianism
Join the Peace Advocacy Team to study On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century on April 4 and 18 from 9 am to noon in Fellowship Hall. Each meeting in the study will cover five chapters and allow for large and small group discussion. To learn more, contact Adrien Helm on Realm/Connect.
Polish UUFA Online Skills with Realm/Connect Café
Membership Coordinator Meredyth is available on April 8 and upcoming second Wednesdays during the Simple Supper potluck hour (5:30-6:30 pm) to answer your Realm/Connect questions! Bring your device (smartphone, tablet, or laptop) or just your questions. Reach out to Meredyth (Members@uuathensga.org) if you have Realm/Connect questions but aren’t able to come on Wednesdays.
Register by April 3 for Justice Jam at Emerson UU
UUs will gather in Marietta with the Emerson congregation on April 18 from 10:30 to 4:00 for a GA UU Music Justice event. Learn simple songs for use at social justice actions, participate in the nationwide movement “Singing Resistance,” share ideas for social justice activities across congregations, explore legal and safety protocols for engaging in social action, hear inspiring choir songs of social justice from various groups, and create connections with other UUs doing social justice work. When registering for this free event, you will have the option of ordering a lunch ($15.00), or you may bring your own. Whether or not a lunch is ordered, each person attending should register to facilitate planning. Register here.
For more information contact justicejam@emersonuu.org
Save April 25 for Lawn-A-Palooza!
This year we are combining our annual coffeehouse with an outdoor picnic and other activities. All are welcome to come and enjoy the show, perform, and enjoy your own picnic lunch on our lawn. To go with your picnic, UUFA will provide drinks (including coffee, of course!). Look for more details as we get closer to the date. We’ll also need volunteers to make this event run smoothly! Contact dre@uuathensga.org to learn more.
WACT Invites Worship Transformation
What is the point of worship? How does an inspirational quote, a spark of an idea, or a heartfelt connection become a worship service? If you enjoy writing as a spiritual practice, storytelling, or singing and dancing, or are just curious about Sunday services, please join members of WACT (Worship Arts and Celebration Team) for the concluding session using the UU Institute course Worship Transformation on April 26 following the service. For more information check with Leigh Harvey or Vivian Preston Sellars on Realm/Connect.
Clements Gallery Feature Works by Claire and Bob
Through May works from Cal Clements’ collection of his parents’ art will be shown with some available for purchase. Following shows will feature works from the Athens Fibercraft Guild and the Cotton Patch Quilters. Check with Scott Mason on Realm/Connect for details.
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.
Side with Love Offers Tools for Collective Action
Join UUs from around the United States on April 13 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 here for further information including registration.
Forum Gathers to Let the Sun Shine In on Micah’s Creek
Join UUFA member Laura Iyer at the April 19 Forum, held from 9:15 to 10:15 am in the AWE Room, as she shares information about the visionary Micah’s Creek neighborhood currently under development by Athens Habitat for Humanity. Laura leads the Bright Homes Energy Initiative, a project to add solar panels and batteries to all 63 houses.
National Day of Silence
The National Day of Silence is observed every year on the second Friday of April (April 10, 2026). This observance is led especially by the student community to bring awareness to the bullying of lesbian, bisexual, gay, and transgender students. On this day, students vow to be silent for the whole day as a symbolic representation of the silencing of the LGBTQ+ community. Sponsored by the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), the Day of Silence is one of the LGBTQ+ / TGQNB* Days of Observance. Learn more about UUA Welcoming Days of Observance and the Welcoming Congregation renewal process. UUFA was recognized by the UUA as a Welcoming Congregation in 1996.
UUFA Joins in Observance of Lesbian Visibility Day
The exact origin of this remembrance day is unknown, but it has been recognized since 2008 on April 26 as a way of acknowledging perceived erasure of lesbian spaces and the need to preserve and celebrate lesbian culture, distinct as it is from other gay, bi, trans, and queer experiences. Learn more about UUA Welcoming Days of Observance and the Welcoming Congregation renewal process.
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.” This month’s Justice activities also include the following. Look for details above in the Monthly Highlights section or the sidebar on this page.
- Share the Plate/Cause of the Month is Athens-Oconee Casa
- April 19: UUFA Forum — Micha’s Creek Project
- April 4 and April 18 at UUFA: Peace Advocacy hosts study sessions on On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century.
- Side with Love’s virtual meeting “The Gathering”
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 March 29 and subsequent fifth Sundays. Come 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.
Wednesdays, 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. All are welcome! No prior drumming experience is necessary, and you don’t even need to bring a drum.
Wednesdays, 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.
April 12, 12 pm – Singing Meditation MP in the AWE Room
✻ For Everyone
Wednesdays, 5:30 pm – Community Potluck Enjoy social time followed by a potluck dinner. Please bring enough food to share.
March 1, morning – Our Abundance Table: An Opportunity to Rehome All are invited to visit the Abundance Table 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.
April 8, 5:45 pm – Simple Supper All are welcome to enjoy a meal together. Bring a potluck dish to share or RSVP to Carley (Carley@uuathensga.org) for a simple provided meal. Include the number in your group and any dietary restrictions. Every second Wednesday!
✻ For Adults
Tuesdays, 8:30 am – Coffee Hour Two groups usually meet 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 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 Topic TBD.
Second Sundays at 1:00 pm – Book Talks V This month’s book is Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. 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.
