This Month (& beyond!) at UUFA
October Highlights
Check the uuathensga.org/upcoming-uufa-events online calendar and uuathensga.org/news page for updates.
Check out the new show in the Claire and Robert Clements Gallery – Enhanced Paintings from Photos Exhibit by Lori Hammer!
CARES*: Election Safety and Anxiety Workshop Join us for a community workshop in Athens discussing election anxiety and safety rescheduled to October 5 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Refreshments and lunch will be served! Click here to RSVP to receive additional information and reserve lunch. The location will be sent ahead of the event to RSVPs.
*CARES (Community Advisory, Resource & Education Centers) from AU’s Polarization & Extremism Research & Innovation Lab, School of Public Affairs, and the Southern Poverty Law Center
Pumpkins! Join fellow young adults to decorate pumpkins from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, October 6. All young adults are welcome, and pumpkins will be provided to those who rsvp to Meredyth at yya@uuathensga.org or (706) 540-8444.
All Congregation Simple Supper, a potluck with open invite, is Wednesday, October 9 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Additional food will be brought if folx RSVP.
Community Singing, Choir & Potluck meets Saturday, October 19 in UUFA Fellowship Hall. Come sing, eat and build community! The morning session (10-12 a.m.) will be simple songs you can learn without sheet music. After the noon potluck lunch, from 1:00-2:30 p.m. the choir will go over music for the December music service. We will use sheet music. All are welcome!
The Athens Black Market (ABM), a vibrant platform for minority-owned businesses, is set to return October 19 at 12 p.m. on College Square in Downtown Athens. This free event, open to the general public, is an exciting opportunity to experience a marketplace that honors and celebrates culture, diversity, and entrepreneurship. The event features offerings from local artisans, retailers, nonprofits, and food vendors. UUFA Partner Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement (AADM) sponsors the Athens Black Market.
The Forum series, Democracy in the Crosshairs: Project 2025, continues on October 20 at 9:15 a.m. and through the election on third Sundays. MP Click here for details: uuathensga.org/events/forum-democracy-in-the-crosshairs-project-2025/
Capital Campaign to Burst the Balloon Loan and Raise the Roof Update Following the October 20 service, in the sanctuary hear a brief update on our campaign to raise donations to pay off the 2016 expansion balloon loan, repair sections of the roof, and improve sanctuary and Fellowship Hall acoustics. October Cottage Meetings are planned on Oct. 7 at 6 p.m. at Wesley Woods, on Oct. 10 at 6:30 p.m. at Creekside Cottage Clubhouse (check with Barb Schell on opening the gate), and on Oct. 20 at 5:30 p.m. at Greystone Clubhouse. For campaign details visit uuathensga.org/capital
The Economic Justice Coalition’s annual JusticeFest is set for October 26 at the Fellowship. The EJC’s annual fundraising event, set for 4 p.m., is a time for the community to come together and celebrate the work of EJC’s staff and volunteers. EJC is a UUFA Partner.
All Congregation Fall Festival, featuring Chili, Trunk or Treat, and more, welcomes everyone on October 27 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Fellowship.
Let’s Get Together in October!
Virtual Only – V Multi-platform – MP
All are welcome at these UUFA meetings and events!
Sunday Mornings
Sunday Services, 10:30 a.m. – MP
Sundays following the worship services, Community and Conversation, 11:30 a.m. – MP
Exploring
Children, YUU and COA (youth Coming of Age) are meeting on October 6, 13, and 20 to participate in 10:30 a.m. religious exploration. The All Ages service is Oct. 27.
The RE Meet-Up (all RE, YUU, and COA families) is October 6, 11:45-12:15 in Fellowship Hall. A Zoom option is set for Tuesday, October 15 from 5:00-5:30 (email Kahla for the link).
Join fellow young adults to decorate pumpkins from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, October 6. Details above.
✻ 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
October 6, 9 a.m. – Writing as a Spiritual Practice MP WSP explores UUFA’s monthly worship theme through various written genres on first Sundays onsite in the Heritage Room and virtually. Facilitator Myrna Adams West provides prompts for thinking and/or writing about the theme before the session. Contact Myrna to receive the suggested prompts and the link to join virtually. Please attend even if you have written nothing. The group offers a safe space for sharing written and spoken thoughts.
October 6 & 20, 12:30 p.m. – Historical Jesus Book Discussion Do you want to learn more about the historical Jesus? Based on historical research, much is now known about his life and his teachings and how they fit into the context of his time. In this group we read and discuss various perspectives by scholars about the historical Jesus. We do not address Christian theological questions; those are matters of faith, not history.
October 8, 12 p.m. – The Second Lookers return. The group centers on folx who are older members of the Fellowship who have retired from jobs but most certainly not from life. All are welcome at this monthly meeting. This year’s coordinators are Pat Adams and Martha Phillips. For more on Second Lookers email secondlookers@UUAthensGA.org. MP
October 13, 1 p.m. – Book Talks V 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 welcomed. Book Talks has met at UUFA for over twenty years! The tradition continues. For questions about the group, contact the office (UUFA@uuathensga.org).
October 20, 4 p.m. – Goddess Group MP meets third Sundays. The meeting will be offsite. The group is a circle of persons who identify as female that gathers monthly to study “Thealogy,” the feminine aspect of the Divine. The group uses curricula designed by the UU Women’s Federation and other women-centered organizations and individuals to explore their inner goddess. They engage in ritual, conversation, sharing, and caring as a ministry to each other and others within the greater community. Contact the facilitators at goddess@uuathensga.org for more information and specifics about the gatherings and other activities.
✻ For Everyone
October 1, 6:30 p.m. – WACT (Worship Arts and Celebrations Team) V
October 15, 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
Sound & Singing Meditation is scheduled for October 6 from 12:15 to 1 p.m. in the Rainbow Room (at the end of the RE hall). This meditation form uses singing bowls, simple chants, breath and silence. You are invited to bring a cushion or yoga mat or sit in a chair or on the floor. This is a hybrid event; you can join on Zoom through the UUFA website.
Community Singing, Choir & Potluck meets Saturday, October 19 in UUFA Fellowship Hall. See above for details.
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. We sing many different kinds of music and welcome all singers. If you’re thinking about trying it out, please email Amber (md@uuathensga.org).
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.
All Congregation Fall Festival, featuring Chili, Trunk or Treat, and more, welcomes everyone on October 27 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Fellowship.
✻ 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 13, 11:30 a.m. – Getting to Know UUFA Newcomers are welcome after the service in the AWE Room.
October 27, 7 p.m. – Alphabet Family V This group for folx who identify anywhere on the LGBTQIA+ spectrum gathers virtually on fourth Sundays.
Seeking Justice
Need more info? Visit uuathensga.org/justice or contact justice@uuathensga.org
October 6, 12 p.m. – Social Justice Action Team (SJAT) MP
October 3, 6 p.m. – Racial Justice Team V
October 20, 9:15 a.m. – FORUM Democracy in the Crosshairs: Project 2025 MP
October 20, 4:30 p.m. – Food Justice Team
