May Highlights
Check the uuathensga.org/upcoming-uufa-events online calendar and uuathensga.org/news page for updates.
Celebrate Summer’s Beginning on Beltane
UUFA’s Coven Craft Group invites all to celebrate Beltane, a Gaelic May Day festival celebrating the beginning of summer on May 3 from 2 to 4 p.m. This event will begin with discussion of the word ritual in many of its varied meanings and will be followed by planting a Maypole, weaving ribbons around it, and placing a hope to grow. Childcare is available. For further information, contact uufa@uuathensga.org.
AADM Hosts Athens Black Market
The Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement (AADM) — a UUFA Justice Partner – invites you to “come vibe with us at College Avenue Square for a day full of music, shopping, food, and culture” at the Athens Black Market on May 3 from 1 to 5 p.m. on College Square.
First Sunday Forum Centers on the Anti-Trans Movement
The May 4 forum will examine the current political assault on trans people, how to respond to anti-trans information, and how to create more safety and belonging for trans people and their families in our congregation. All are invited to attend this multi-platform event from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. For more information, contact justice@uuathensga.org.
Food for Fitness Food for Life Class
Nutrition information, plant-based cooking demo, and delicious recipes for athletes or individuals with active lifestyles are among the topics to be covered during the May 4 Food for Life class hosted by the UUFA Food Justice Team from 12 to 2 p.m. in the AWE Room. All are invited. Please register in advance.
Final Feedback Opportunity on UUA Congregational Study Action Issue
The following three proposed Congregational Study/Action Issues (CSAI) all received the required “yes” votes in the Congregational Poll to be admitted to the agenda for UUA General Assembly 2025 (where one will be selected for three years of study, reflection, and action). The choices are Abolition Is Faith Formation; Fat Liberation: Building Justice and Inclusion for Larger Bodies; and Housing: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The final feedback session, on Housing: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, will take place May 5 at 7:30 p.m. To register for this session and to learn more about CSAIs, the social witness process, and the Commission on Social Witness, click on uua.org/socialwitness.
Cooking & Serving Dinner for the Bigger Vision Shelter
Several times through the year, the Food Justice Team prepares meals and serves them at the Bigger Vision Community Shelter of Athens. You are invited to join in the next meal prep, done at UUFA, or the meal serving on May 16. Contact justice@uuathensga.org to learn more.
Stand with Immigrant Neighbors at May AIRC Meeting
The UUFA Social Justice Action Team invites all to stand in solidarity with our immigrant neighbors. All are welcome to attend the next meeting of the Athens Immigrant RIghts Coalition on May 16 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. For more information, contact justice@uuathensga.org,
Midwives of Justice: Hospitality and Resistance in an Era of Mass Deportation
Gather on June 7 at 12 p.m. at Millage Avenue Baptist Church for Midwives of Justice. The event will be followed by a meeting of the Interfaith Sanctuary Coalition, a faith-based group drawn from a cross-section of congregations dedicated to offering hospitality, safety, and opportunities for all immigrants, regardless of status.
UUFA Board Hosts Annual Meeting
On May 18 following the Sunday service, join Fellowship members to vote on the 2025-2026 budget, bi-laws changes, and nominations during the Annual Meeting. Watch for details.
Forum Focuses on Community Accompaniment Program With Asylum Seekers
The UUFA Forum on May 18, scheduled from 9:15 to 10:15 in the AWE Room, will feature Jessica Sapalio, coordinator of UUSC’s Community Accompaniment Program With Asylum-Seekers (CAPAS). CAPAS’s mission is to support communities of faith as they host and accompany individuals and families seeking safety through the process of obtaining legal asylum in the United States. For more information, contact justice@uuathensga.org.
Young Adults Meet May 25
The young adults will gather from 2 to 3 p.m. on May 25 for fun and fellowship. Check with Meredyth for details.
Family Promise Week
UUFA support of Family Promise Week begins May 25 as we partner with Holy Cross Lutheran Church to serve Family Promise of Athens, a non-profit organization that provides immediate shelter and guidance to homeless families with children due to the impact of misfortunes they face. Once families are accepted into the program, Family Promise provides food, shelter, daycare, and transportation. UUFA members and friends serve as hosts and provide meals. Learn more at justice@uuathensga.org.
2024-25 Common Read at UUFA
UUFA’s discussion of UUA’s 2024-2025 Common Read, Authentic Selves: Celebrating Trans and Nonbinary People and Their Families, is tentatively scheduled to begin May 25 at 12 p.m. Watch for details.
Nethie Lockwood’s “Pets and Places” Exhibit
The show continues through June in the Clements Gallery. Visit her website at www.nethielockwood.com.
Looking Ahead to June
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. APQC is UUFA’s May Cause of the Month.
Creative Exploration Under the Pyramid
Our summer camp for 5 to 12 year-olds runs from June 9 to 13. Creative Leaders in Training invites middle and high school youth to take part that week. Registration is now through Realm. Contact Kahla for details at (DRE@uuathensga.org).
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 18-21 annual conference, email president@uuathensga.org or visit https://www.uua.org/ga.
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) are meeting on May 4, 11 and 18 at 10:30 a.m. to participate in religious exploration. We will celebrate the Bridging ceremony for Youth and YA on May 4 during the Sunday service. An All Ages service is set for May 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 a.m. – Morning Meditation V
May 4 & 18, 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.
May 11, 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. Regular attendees are encouraged to join the group on Realm/Connect to ensure access to the link, or contact the office (UUFA@uuathensga.org or 706-546-7914, ext. 5).
May 13, 12 p.m. – The Second Lookers MP The group of older Fellowship members meets second Tuesdays for a bag lunch with drinks and dessert provided. In May Greg Davis will speak on the recently concluded GA legislative session and what’s next. For more information, email secondlookers@UUAthensGA.org.
May 18, 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. Contact the facilitators at goddess@uuathensga.org for more information.
✻ 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
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
May 11 – Bob Clements Art Show at the State Botanical Gardens opens from 12-2 p.m.
May 14, 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.
May 11, 11:30 a.m. – Getting to Know UUFA Newcomers are welcome after the service in the AWE Room.
May 25, 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.
May 4, 12 p.m. – Social Justice Action Team business meeting MP
May 1, 6:30 p.m. – Racial Justice Team V
May 18, 12 p.m. – Peace Advocacy Team V
May 26, 7 p.m. – Earth Ministry Team V
