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!


For details on many of these, check out the Highlights section of “This Month & Beyond” (either on the left of this page or here).

While this may not a comprehensive list of everything happening at UUFA, we hope it accurately reflects upcoming special events and recurring events that are open to all! 

For regular committee and team meeting info, check the “Let’s Get Together” section of “This Month & Beyond,” and make sure to join your groups on Realm/Connect, so you will receive updates, and reminders directly to your inbox and have easy access to zoom links for virtual happenings. Need help!? Contact Meredyth@uuathensga.org .


All month in December!


December

  •  5 Athens Pride and Queer Collective–UUFA Justice Partner–Operation Transformation
  •  7 Forum: Exploring Our Community Response to Food Insecurity in Recent SNAP Crisis
  •  7 Conversation Cafe
  •  8 The Gathering from Side with Love
  •  9 Second Lookers 
  •  9 Adult RE (Religious Exploration) Opportunity: Are We Too Violent?
  • 14 Book Talks
  • 20 Solstice Service 7 p.m. “Light is Returning”
  • 21 Third Sunday Forum Topic TBD
  • 21 Conversation Cafe
  • 24 Christmas Eve All ages. 6:30 p.m. Fellowship Hall

January

All Month — Winter Clothing Drive

  •   4 Conversation Cafe
  • 11 Conversation Cafe
  • 13 Second Lookers
  • 13 Adult RE (Religious Exploration) Opportunity:  Are We Too Violent?
  • 15 Justice Partner event:  AADM Social Justice Awards and Gala 2026
  • 19 MLK Day Parade (3 p.m., Washington & Hull)
  • 27 Adult RE (Religious Exploration) Opportunity:  Are We Too Violent?

February 

  •   1 Conversation Cafe
  •   7 Lead with Love
  •   8 Nominations Open for 2026-27 Share the Plate Cause-of-the Month Organizations
  • 10 Second Lookers
  • 10 Adult RE (Religious Exploration) Opportunity:  Are We Too Violent?
  • 15 Conversation Cafe
  • 22 Nominations Close for 2026-27 Share the Plate Cause-of-the Month Organizations

Rather see this as a calendar grid?  Visit uuathensga.org/calendar.


Justice Partner Highlights

Athens Pride and Queer Collective Hosts Operation Transformation

Join Athens Pride and Queer Collective, a UUFA Justice Partner, on December 5 from 8 to 11 pm at Live Wire Athens for an unforgettable night of drag, art, and community. All proceeds from the event will directly fund APQC’s Gender-Affirming Care Grant, which provides financial assistance to individuals across Georgia seeking gender-affirming surgeries and care. Visit athenspride.org/events for tickets and details.

Athens Area Paine College Club Presents Thurgood

The Economic Justice Coalition, a UUFA Justice Partner, is one of several organizations to benefit from the proceeds of the production of George Stevens’ Thurgood set for the Morton Theatre on December 6 at 3 pm and December 7 at 4 pm. For tickets and details visit   www.mortontheatre.com/events  When you purchase your tickets, please put EJC in the code box located on the payment page.

Reggae Vibes Fundraiser: Georgia for Jamaica Hurricane Relief 

Supporting Families Impacted by Hurricane Melissa

December 11. Doors open at 6pm. @Hendershots 237 Prince Ave. Athens, Ga

Join us for an uplifting and meaningful night as Georgia comes together to support Jamaica! Reggae Vibes Fundraiser is a celebration of culture, community, and compassion all to raise funds and gather practical resources for families recovering from Hurricane Melissa.

Whether you can attend in person or simply want to make a donation, your contribution will make a direct impact on rebuilding lives. Join AADM to support recovery efforts and donate funds and supplies to help families rebuild. aadmovement.org/events