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.
Fuel Our Values: Annual Pledge Drive Begins!
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 the worship services through April 19.
Each year, UUFA asks members and friends to consider what they can give in the upcoming program year (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027) to fuel the mission and vision of the congregation. Reach out to the Pledge Drive team with any questions or concerns through UUFA Vice President Anna Ray (vp@uuathensga.org).
UUFA Forum: UU GA Legislative Action Network
The Georgia General Assembly is scheduled to end its forty days of convening on April 2. At the March 1 Forum beginning at 9:15 a.m., let’s look at current legislation that the UU GA LAN–Legislative Action Network–a lay-led organization created three years ago by concerned members of several active UU churches including UUFA–is following to see what we need to do as citizen lobbyists in the next month.
The mission of UU GA LAN is to educate and mobilize Georgia Unitarian Universalists in the state legislative process to amplify the needs and voices of Georgia residents who are the least represented in the state government. Learn more and sign up for alerts at uugalan.org
Journeys Class Introduces UUism and the Fellowship
On March 1 from noon to 2:00 pm gather in the AWE Room for an opportunity to meet with others who are interested in learning about Unitarian Universalism in general and the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Athens in particular. Your questions are welcome, and we will provide you with written information to take with you. All are welcome here! Contact Lorri or Membership Coordinator Meredyth (members@uuathensga.org) on Realm/Connect for details.
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 March 2 and following Mondays from 12:30 to 1:30 pm at the corner of Alps and Baxter Streets. Learn more by contacting justice@uuathensga.org.
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 formed 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. Led by Chaplain Michelle, the group meets March 3 and on following first and third Tuesdays from 1 to 2:30 pm at the Fellowship. For more information including signing up, contact Michelle at chaplain@uuathensga.org.
On Tyranny Study to Tackle Authoritarianism
Join the Peace Advocacy Team to study On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century on March 7 and 21 as well as April 4 and 18 from 9 am to noon in Fellowship Hall. Dr. Timothy Snyder’s 2017 book (4 x 6 inches in size and only 126 pages long) sets out in brief chapters lessons for resisting authoritarianism, thus protecting democracy. Each meeting in the study will cover five chapters and allow for large and small group discussion. This will be a multi-congregational and generational study. Please consider attending. All are welcome for all or fewer sessions. To learn more, contact Adrien on Realm/Connect.
Get an Early Start March 8 &
“Be Prepared, Not Scared!” UUFA Fire Drill
With 2026’s Daylight Saving Time comes the need to Spring Forward, get up an hour early, and be ready for UUFA’s Sunday activities, including a FIRE DRILL!
Please be happily aware that the leadership at UUFA has scheduled a fire drill following the regular Sunday service on March 8. Please come join in on this very important safety practice. The actual alarm system will not be triggered so that we can calmly learn the exit plan.
Children and youth will also be included in the drill. They will exit their rooms and meet parents or guardians at the far end of the Rambling road parking lot. Fire drills are quick and simple and can save lives. Be prepared, not scared.
Hiking Our Values
While deepening UU values of inclusivity and love, and growing our faith, we will expand our relationship with others and nature through this and upcoming hikes. The next hike is Sunday, March 8, at 12:30 p.m. at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. Join Debbie H. and Anne S. for a two-mile hike through the Native Flora Garden, along the Oconee River and up a beautiful creek on the Orange Trail where we will see many early spring wildflowers including trillium, hepatica, bloodroot and more! We will meet at the smaller of the two water fountains in front of the Visitor Center. Visit botgarden.uga.edu for more information about the Garden and location.
Contact Debbie or Anne through Realm/Connect. Sign up at tinyurl.com/uufa-nature to be contacted about weather or other cancellations.
Side with Love Offers Tools for Collective Action
Join UUs from around the United States on March 9 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 to sidewithlove.org/the-gathering for more.
Polish UUFA Online Skills at the Realm/Connect Café
Membership Coordinator Meredyth is available on March 11 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.
Third Sunday Forum: Proposed ICE Detention Center in Social Circle
Begins at 9:15 a.m. Join Forum online at tinyurl.com/uufa-forum Learn more at no-ice-socialcircle.org
Celebrate the Spring Equinox with Song and Dance
On March 20 at 6:30 pm, UUFA members and friends of all ages will circle to celebrate the changing of the seasons as people of all faiths have through time. Singing and moving together, as willing and able, we will use simple sacred songs drawn from Dances of Universal Peace (dupna.org) and other sources. Light refreshments are available. Contact Music Director Amber (musicdirector@uuathensga.org) to learn more.
The Worship Arts and Celebration Team (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 for sessions using the UU Institute course Worship Transformation on March 22 and April 26. For more information check with Leigh or Vivian on Realm/Connect.
Clements Gallery to Feature Works by Claire and Bob
During March 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 M. 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 UUA.org/GA. UUFA members: Watch for future UUFA communications about how you might be a delegate representing UUFA, either in-person or virtually, for this gathering of UUs from across the country.
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 book at deepaiyer.com/home/social-change-now
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.
- Month-long diaper and Food Bank donations drives
- Share the Plate/Cause of the Month is U-Lead Athens
- March 1 & 15: UUFA Forums
- March 7 and 21: Peace Advocacy hosts study sessions on On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century
- March 8: 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.
March 7, 6 pm – Palms of Fire plays at Fireflies Parade. Along with other musicians, the drummers will play at ACC Leisure Services’ Flight of the Fireflies Lantern Parade. Participants will gather at Dudley Park at 6 pm with the parade starting at 7 pm. Learn more here: www.accgov.com/10599/Flight-of-the-Fireflies-Lantern-Parade
March 8, 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.
March 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
March 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.
✻ 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
March 1 – Forum MP Meet in the AWE Room and on Zoom at 9:15 am. This month’s topic is UU GA Legislative Action Network. Details in the “Monthly Highlights” section above.
March 1 & 15, 11:45 am – Conversation Café to chat about the Sunday service topic. At the table under the question mark.
March 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!
March 10, noon – Second Lookers MP in the AWE Room. Hear Don Randall discuss “How Values Replace Doctrines, Even as Emotional Connections to Our Religious Past Endure” 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
March 15, 9:15 am – Third Sunday Forum MP Topic TBD.
March 15, 1:00 pm – Book Talks V The group will discuss All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely. 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).
March 15, 3 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
March 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
March 22 and April 26 — Worship Transformation Workshops For details, check “Monthly Highlights” above.
March19, 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.
