UUFA News

National UU Organizations–UUMFE & UUA Pres. Events

UU Ministries for the Earth (UUMFE)

UUMFE is excited to launch our first “long course”: Ecology as Scripture. The course will meet SIX TIMES, so please commit to attending all classes (although we do realize that things come up that may interfere with attendance)!

Class meets on Tuesday evenings at 7 PM EST/5CST/4PST. Dates are: January 31st, February 7th, February 21st, February 28th, March 21st, and March 28th. Led by Rev. Dr. Leonisa Ardizzone, we will explore interfaith/interspiritual teachings and practices that will guide us into personal, local, and global responses to climate chaos and environmental injustice.

This offering begins NEXT WEEK so make sure to register now.

Register for ‘Ecology As Scripture’ long course here.


February 2:  Federal Matters with Susan Frederick Gray

UUA President Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray has selected the start of the 118th Session of Congress to join Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice (UUSJ) for a reflection and then questions and answers focused on federal matters. This virtual fundraising event will be held on February 2 beginning at 8 p.m.  For further information….

UU Retreat Center in North Carolina

Located near Highlands, North Carolina, The Mountain is an exemplary retreat, camp, and learning center that celebrates Unitarian Universalist principles, inspires people of all ages, transforms lives, and builds a more compassionate world.  Read the latest Mountain Matters, published monthly, which provides information on programs and events at The Mountain. 

Upcoming at The Mountain: 

Register at www.themountainrlc.org.

International Convocation of Unitarian Universalist Women

Since March 31, 2020, more than 30 women have logged on for a cross-continental meeting, creating on computer screens a gallery of women’s faces from Australia, India, and Bolivia, to Kenya, Uganda, several European nations, and across the United States and Canada.

The global U*U women’s gatherings take place on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month at 10 a.m. EST.  Information on how you can take part, visit the ICUUW website.


UUA Monthly Board Meetings

One way the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) Board of Trustees serves the more than 148,000 members and over 1,000 member congregations of the UUA is through open communication and transparency in its own work.

To further encourage this open dialogue, the Board hosts monthly Open Houses. All are invited to attend and participate. Bring your comments, questions, and suggestions, and chat about the Board’s work and the Unitarian Universalist (UU) issues that matter most to you. Beginning at 7 p.m. EST, the Open Houses are generally the second Tuesday of each month (except on the third Tuesday in November 2022). 

Find the link to pre-register (required) for upcoming meetings dates on the UUA website.

What’s Up in the Southern Region?

Visit the news blog of the UUA’s Southern Region website and read the monthly updates here.

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.