Monthly Highlights
Scroll on for the “Let’s Get Together” section!
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.
UUFA Caregiver Support Group Here to Help Are you a caregiver? Feeling lost and forgetting your own identity as a caregiver is easy. You are not alone! The UUFA Caregiver Support Group is forming to provide mutual support for individuals who are caring for loved ones who are facing challenges such as aging, dementia, cancer, multiple sclerosis, and other conditions. The group meets on first and third Tuesdays from 1 to 2:30 pm at the Fellowship. For more information including signing up, contact uufa@uuathensga.org.
Celebrate the Economic Justice Coalition throughout February The congregation’s choice for February Cause of the Month is the EJC, an organization that is dedicated to promoting economic equity, advocating for living wages, and empowering communities through education, voter engagement, and worker support. Review EJC’s history and programs here: economicjusticecoalition.org.
Green Sanctuary 2030 Open House Input Session After the service on February 8, the Earth Ministry Team will host an open house to review ideas generated by the members of the Social Justice Teams, Ministry Council and Board of Trustees for five year goals and one year actions for the UUA Green Sanctuary 2030: Mobilizing for Climate Justice program. The Earth Ministry Team wants to hear from you before finalizing our program. You can add your ideas on a virtual white board here: https://tinyurl.com/3t996xz2 Look for a Zoom option on Realm/Connect under “Events”.
Coming Soon! Community Study of On Tyranny Watch for details of the four-part study of On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century by Timothy Snyder. Adrien Helm reports that participants in the recent study of Isabel Wilkerson’s Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents will be invited. Tentative plans call for sessions on alternate Saturdays in February and March at several locations. Check with Adrien for specifics as they develop.
Engaging with UUA’s 2025-2028 Congregational Study Action Issue (CSAI) Abolition, Transformation, and Faith Formation was selected as the UUA’s 2025-2028 Congregational Study Action Issue (CSAI). Read the entire CSAI and learn how to join these upcoming conversations at UUA.org/action/process. The conversations will be held on February 10 at 8 pm about “Using Restorative Justice with Children and Youth” and on February 23 at 6:30 pm about “From Principles to Practice: Restorative Justice in Oklahoma”. You can sign up for both at the links or Contact justice@uuathensga.org with any questions.
Nominate an Organization as a 2026-27 Cause of the Month Nominations for the 2026-27 Causes of the Month initiative can be submitted from February 8 through February 22, 2026. Any UUFA member may nominate an organization either online or by submission of a paper form (available at the Donations Table in the Fellowship Hall). View the criteria and procedures (including a timeline) for the 2026-2627 Cause of the Month program. Read more information about the UUFA Cause of the Month program. Questions? Email justice@uuathensga.org.
Practicing 30 Days of Love Side With Love enters this new year rooted in the same truth that has always guided it. Love is not passive. Love shows up. Love organizes. Love tells the truth and strains toward justice. That’s why SWL begins each year with 30 Days of Love, the annual invitation to practice love as a public, courageous, world-shaping force. Continuing from MLK Day on January 19 until February 14, congregations and individuals across the UU movement will be showing up for democracy, dignity, and collective liberation in ways both big and small. For more information about 30 Days of Love 2026: Love At The Center: Reimagining the World As It Could Be, visit sidewithlove.org/30daysoflove.
Rodney Grainger’s “Locking Up Our Own’ Honors MLK and Black History Month UUFA’s Claire and Robert Clements Gallery hosts Rodney Grainger’s exhibit through February. Grainger has said this about his works, “Race, gender and class are recurrent themes in my work as I seek to give voice to those in our collective history who are less often, if ever, heard. I am interested in creating an appealing aesthetic that accesses deeper levels of personal awareness rather than simply producing polemical or editorial statements.” He attributes his focus to his experiences growing up in a racially segregated Birmingham, Alabama during the 50’s and 60’s.
Coffee and Confections All are invited to Coffee and Confections on February 21 from 4 to 5:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall. Take a break, enjoy coffee and sweet treats, and connect and reconnect with others in our Fellowship as the Membership Team sponsors this get-together. For more information, contact Meredyth at members@uuathensga.org.
Candlelight Vigil for Those Affected by Detention and Deportation A candlelight vigil for those affected by detention and deportation is planned for February 22 from 6 to 7 pm at the U.S. Courthouse, 115 East Hancock Street. The vigil is sponsored by the Interfaith Sanctuary Coalition, of which UUFA is a part, and by the Interfaith Clergy Partnership of Greater Athens, of which Rev. Pippin is a co-chair. If possible, please BYOC (bring your own candle)! Check with justice@uuathensga.org to learn more.
Worship Transformation: An Invitation for Spiritual Stewards of the Congregation What is the point of worship? What is its purpose? 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, story telling, or singing and dancing or are just curious about Sunday worship services, this course is for you!
Due to the cancellation of last Sunday’s Introductory session, the Worship Arts and Celebration Team will have a table with information about the upcoming Worship Transformation course on Sunday February 8 following the worship service. The course discussion dates are February 22, March 22, and April 26 from 12:00-2:30. Zoom optional will be available for all sessions. Contact worship@uuathensga.org with questions.
Taizé-inspired Prayer Service Join the service on February 24 at 6:30 pm in the sanctuary to experience music from the Taizé community (https://www.taize.fr/en/), silence, and candle lighting. Childcare is available. Contact Amber for details.
Take a Walk of Five Senses Meditation Reverend Pippin will be leading a 45 minute ‘Five Senses Meditation’ walk in the state Botanical Garden on February 25. While all are invited, please be advised the terrain is a moderate hike. Meet outside the Gift Shop at 12:50 for the 1 pm walk. Register here: tinyurl.com/uufa-nature to attend and to receive updates in case of inclement weather:
UUA General Assembly (GA) Registration Now Open You can join this event to be held June 14-21 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 UUA.org/GA: Watch for future UUFA communications about how you might be a delegate representing UUFA for this gathering of UUs from all across the country.
Learn the Latest on GA Legislature’s Actions With the 2026 Georgia General Assembly underway, please consider signing up for action alerts from the UU GA LAN (Legislative Action Network) at uugalan.org/. UU GA LAN is a coalition of Georgia Unitarian Universalist congregations that advocates for justice by evaluating state legislation and government actions against UU principles, mobilizing members to contact legislators, and focusing on issues like climate justice (especially utility reform), voting rights, and reproductive justice. You can register here: https://secure.everyaction.com/oL3jt6_x9UiM0DPO9xQ9sw2
UUA Announces Common Read Our next Common Read is Social Change Now: A Guide for Reflection and Connection by Deepa Iyer. Learn more about the choice here: deepaiyer.com/home/social-change-now and watch for UUFA plans to discuss it.
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.” The teams below meet 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
- Earth Ministry Team meets fourth Mondays at 7 p.m., via Zoom
- Justice Action Collaborative meets on 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.
February 15, 12 pm – Singing Meditation MP
February 24, 6:30 pm – Taizé-inspired Prayer Service. (See details in the Highlights section.)
✻ For Everyone
Wednesdays, 5:30 pm – Community Potluck Enjoy social time followed by a potluck dinner. Please bring enough food to share.
February 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.
February 11, 5:45 pm – 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 am – Coffee Hour Two groups usually meet off site. Want to meet up? Contact uufa@uuathensga.org to learn the locations.
Thursdays, 9:30 am – Tai Chi Flow Class V
February 8, 11:30 am – Getting to Know UUFA Newcomers are welcome after the service in the Welcome Hall.
February 22, 7 pm – 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.
Children, YUU and COA (Youth Coming of Age) meet on January 11, 18, and 25.
✻ 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 am – Morning Meditation V
February 1 – Forum MP Meet in the AWE Room and on Zoom (tinyurl.com/uufa-forum) at 9:15 am. Community activist Beto Mendoza will offer suggestions on how we can train ourselves to Resist with Love and support our immigrant neighbors as we set an example of nonviolent resistance. Rev. Pippin will continue the topic during the monthly SJAT meeting following the service.
February 1 & 15, 11:45 am – Conversation Café to chat about the Sunday service topic. At the table under the question mark.
February 10, 7 pm – Are We Too Violent? What do we do now? V The last weeks have answered our question: YES, WE ARE TOO VIOLENT. Now the question is HOW CAN WE CHANGE? Bring all your ideas (and frustrations) to share.
This religious exploration class seeks to understand why our culture is violent. Classes are structured as open discussions where participants are free to express a variety of views. Contact DeEtte Waleed or Karen Solheim for more information.
February 1 & 15, 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!
February 10, noon – Second Lookers MP 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
February 15, 9:15 am – Third Sunday Forum MP The Compost Crew Wants You! Hear Abigail Sawyer, Composting Specialist for the ACC Government explain compost and how you can help.
February 15, 1:00 pm – Book Talks V The group will discuss The Color of Water by James McBride. 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).
February 15, 3 pm –The Goddess Group will gather in the Fellowship Hall to watch the movie Just Mercy, the story of Bryan Stephenson, founder of the Equal Justice Initiative, led by UUFA SJAT along with other partnering churches. Some will gather at 2:00 in the AWE room for conversation and fellowship.
✻ For Everyone
February 10, 6:30 pm – Worship Arts & Celebrations Team V
February 19, 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 Everyone
February 8, following worship — Worship Transformation- An Invitation for Spiritual Stewards of the Congregation What is the point of worship? What is its purpose? 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, story telling, or singing and dancing or are just curious about Sunday worship services, this course is for you!
Due to the cancellation of last Sunday’s Introductory session, the Worship Arts and Celebration Team will have a table with information about the upcoming Worship Transformation course on Sunday February 8. The course discussion dates are February 22, March 22, and April 26 from 12:00-2:30. Zoom optional will be available for all sessions.
February 19, 6:00 pm – UUFA Board meeting. Info at secretary@uuathensga.org
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.
