UUFA Athens

Unitarian Universalist

Fellowship of Athens

HOW DO I?

UUFA News

Back to all News

Reflecting on This Month’s Theme

Sunday Morning Worship

Sunday morning worship begins at 10:30 a.m. at UUFA.

Submit a Joy, Sorrow or Milestone here.  (Please note: Items submitted after 8 a.m. Sunday may be shared the following week.)

For the link to join virtually on Sunday or access the archives, reach out to members@uuathensga.org or contact the administrator at admin@uuathensga.org.

The Fellowship offers many opportunities and invitations to explore and practice the theme. We will be exploring the theme through out the month in worship and Religious Exploration.

March 1 “To Shelter Us All” with Rev. Dr. Pippin Whitaker

Shelter is a physical, emotional, and spiritual human need. We deserve a place to nurture what we long for, whether it is safety, peace, friendship, growth, or joy. Whether we need a physical shelter to protect from the elements and care for family or the spiritual shelter of a community that affirms you, we all need some form of shelter. How shall we shelter all in our community?  

March 8  “Framing and Reframing Narratives” with Rev. Dr. Pippin Whitaker

Unitarian Universalist theology proclaims that all genders are whole, holy, and good. How shall we respond to public narratives that attempt to reframe human gender identities and expressions as the subject of moral judgment or social evil? Let us pay attention to narratives that demean human dignity and discern paths toward liberation.

March 15 “If We Must Err“ with Rev. Misha Sanders

As the Islamic holy month of Ramadan comes to a close, let’s reflect on how our pluralistic values can help us reach across theological and cultural divides to foster true friendships.

March 22 “Spring Emerges from Thriving Underground” with Matt Chesney and Rev. Dr. Pippin Whitaker

Stories have the power to shelter and pass along seeds for liberation. Join in this worship service as we explore the legacy and possibilities embedded in Irish folktales told and retold during English occupation.


March 29 “Attending Spring” with Rev. Dr. Pippin Whitaker

Are you seeking more ways to explore this month’s theme? 

Reflection Ideas and Questions

Consider reflecting on these quotes:

Instructions for living a life:
Pay attention.
Be astonished.
Tell about it. – Mary Oliver

The land is the real teacher. All we need as students is mindfulness. Paying attention is a form of reciprocity with the living world, receiving its gifts with open eyes and open heart.  – Robin Wall Kimmerer

Pay attention to the things that bring a tear to your eye or a lump in your throat because they are signs that the holy is drawing near. – Frederick Buechner

I think it pisses God off if you walk by the color purple in a field somewhere and don’t notice it. – Alice Walker

Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity. – Simone Weil

Some questions you may use as a prompt for conversation or for a journal entry follow:

  • Wise ones tell us that we become what we give our attention to. What has more of your attention – and more of you – than you want?
  • As you’ve aged, what new things have grabbed your attention in a way they haven’t before? 
  • Where in your life would it help to say, ‘Look what’s happening!’ rather than ‘Look what’s happening to me!’?
  • Have you ever given your attention so deeply to something that you suddenly felt one with it?  How did it change you? 
  • Are you paying enough attention to yourself?

Happenings in a List!

Special events are indicated in bold italic below, for details of these and the many recurring committee/team meeting details.

Check the “This Month & Beyond” page (to the left or at uuathensga.org/UUFA and make sure to join your groups on Realm/Connect. so you can communicate with other group members, as well as have easy access to Zoom links for virtual happenings. 

Information on justice-focused meetings, events, and teams is available This Month & Beyond, but to see only justice meetings, you can find visuals announcements here & the UUFA Justice Calendar here

Need help with Realm/Connect!? Contact Meredyth@uuathensga.org

March

All Month:

  • Annual Pledge Drive
  • Diaper Drive
  • CANtributions Drive
  • Cause of the Month / Share the Plate

On these dates in March:

  • 1 First Sunday 
    • Forum: UU GA Legislative Action Network (first and third Sundays)
    • Abundance Table (first Sundays)
    • Conversation Cafe (first and third Sundays)
    • Social Action Justice Team (first Sundays)
    • Journeys Class
    • Historical Jesus Book Discussion (first and third Sundays)
  •   2 Every Monday Peaceful Protest (every Monday)
  •   4 Wednesdays at UUFA (Drum Circle, Potluck, Chalice Choir)
  •   7 On Tyranny Interfaith Book Discussion (also on the 21st and April 4 and 18)
  • 8 Second Sunday
    • Daylight Savings Time reminder
    • Fire Drill at UUFA “Be Prepared, Not Scared!”
    • Singing Meditation
    • Book Talks (second Sundays)
    • Hiking Our Values 
  •   9  Every Monday Peaceful Protest (every Monday)
  •   9  The Gathering from Side with Love (second Mondays)
  • 10  Second Lookers (second Tuesdays)
  • 11  Second Wednesday
    • Potluck & Simple Suppers (second Wednesdays)
    • Realm/Connect Cafe (second Wednesdays)
    • Palms of Fire and Chalice Choir Practice
  • 12  Racial Justice Team (second Tuesdays)
  • 15   Third Sunday
    • Third Sunday Forum: Proposed ICE Detention Center (first and third Sundays)
    • Conversation Cafe (first and third Sundays)
    • Historical Jesus Book Discussion (first and third Sundays)
  • 16   Every Monday Peaceful Protest (every Monday)
  • 19   Board of Trustees Meeting (third Thursdays)
  • 20   Spring Equinox Celebration in Song and Dance
  • 20    Justice Partner event: Athens Immigrant Rights Coalition (AIRC) Meeting
  • 21   On Tyranny Interfaith Book Discussion (also on April 4 and 18)
  • 22   Fourth Sunday
    • Worship Transformation- An Invitation for Spiritual Stewards of the Congregation
    • Alphabet Family (fourth Sundays)
  • 23   Every Monday Peaceful Protest (every Monday)
  • 23   Earth Ministry Team (fourth Mondays)
  • 29   Justice Action Collaborative (fifth Sundays)
  • 30   Every Monday Peaceful Protest (every Monday)
  • 31   UUA Welcoming Day of Observance: International Transgender Day of Visibility

March Share the Plate/Cause-of-the-Month: U-Lead Athens

During March, U-Lead (uleadathens.org) will receive one half of all undesignated offerings. U-Lead Athens is committed to providing equal access to higher education for students regardless of their immigration status. This group supports, guides, and empowers students to achieve their educational goals. For details, contact justice@uuathensga.org.

Help with Food Insecurity through March CANtributions

Please continue to bring non-perishable food items to Fellowship Hall’s wicker baskets. While all CANtributions are appreciated, the Athens Area Emergency Food Bank is especially in need of canned tomatoes and pork and beans during March. To give by credit card, visit uuathensga.org/give and look for “Charitable Giving.” To give by check, make the check out to UUFA and put “CANtributions 1-8016” in the memo line. You may also contribute directly to the AAEFB at their website: athensfoodbank.org   To learn more, contact justice@uuathensga.org. If you are experiencing food insecurity or know someone in our UUFA community who is, please contact Rev. Pippin (revpippin@uuathensga.org).

The Social Action Justice Team (SJAT) Holds March Diaper Drive

One in two U.S. families struggles to provide enough diapers to keep a baby or toddler clean, dry, and healthy. During the March drive, please place diaper donations in the wicker baskets at the Donations Table in the Fellowship Hall. All diaper donations will be shared with the local immigrant community through SIFIC (Support for Immigrant Families in Crisis), a part of AIRC (Athens Immigrant Rights Coalition), which is a UUFA Justice Partner. To contribute monetarily, visit the UUFA Giving page and look for “Charitable Giving” and choose “Diaper Drive” from the menu. For more information, email justice@uuathensga.org.

UUFA Justice Partner Highlights

Athens Immigrant Rights Coalition (AIRC) Meeting

All are welcome to attend the next meeting of the Athens Immigrant Rights Coalition – a UUFA Justice Partner – on March 20 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Oconee Street United Methodist Church. For more information contact justice@uuathensga.org.

You are encouraged to visit the websites of this year’s Justice Partners to learn more about how you can support them in their important work in the Athens community. While you’re there, sign up for their individual newsletters so you can stay informed.