The Service Auction is Coming May 4!!!

Time to Submit Your Donations!

 Rat-a-tat-tat ---what's that sound I hear? It's the background music for our annual service auction May 4, 2025. We will be enjoying hearty appetizers as we bid on items at our live auction after church. We will also have a silent online auction that will run April 27-May 4.

The April 20 deadline for donations is just a few weeks away. So, it is time to put on your thinking hats and let your imaginations run wild as you think of items you could donate. Donations of things are welcome, but what we really would like to see are donations that let us have fun with one another. For instance, for those who love the water -- you could take folks out for an afternoon on the water with light snacks or teach someone the joys of kayaking. You could lead a guided bike hike with snacks or have an Earth Day gathering on your deck. How about summer salads on the patio or hosting a banana split making party? You could offer to rake leaves, help plant a garden or even do some weeding. For the picky pet owner you could offer to pet sit while they are out of town. If you like to play cards, how about a card party? Better yet, offer to teach someone how to play Euchre or Pinochle. For the OSU fans you could host a game-watching party with snacks. The crafty set could share their skills by offering to teach someone to knit or cross stitch. The options are endless and we would love to have the donations in our catalog. This is your chance to share your talents and to connect with others.

Write a description of your donation on the donation form which is available by clicking here.  You can register to bid at the auction, and also look at a past catalog for ideas about donations, by clicking here.

And if you would be willing to contribute an appetizer to share for us to enjoy immediately previous to and during the live auction, please sign up by clicking here.  

When you write out your donation idea, take some time to tease and to please with your description. If we have any problem understanding your donation, we will be sure to contact you -- and don't forget to include the value of the item, even if it is priceless. How do you price donkey petting? Especially when one of them sings!  Once we have all of the donations the committee will divide the items into two categories, live and silent. You will be able to check out this year's catalogs starting April 27. Even better, you may start bidding on silent auction items a week before the live auction (April 27). Thanks to our new computer system, we will be able to let you know when you have been outbid on an item so you may change your bid. We will also offer auto-bidding up to a preset maximum price....who could ask for anything more? We are looking forward to a lively, fun-filled event with lots of good food, laughter and of course, great bidding. Looking forward to seeing you at the auction on May 4!

Drum Circle to Be Held Sunday, April 6, 2025 at 12:15PM

The Beyond Words Covenant group has rescheduled - yet again - a drum circle to be led by Iggy Garcia. Iggy will be “in the house” Sunday, April 6 at NUUC from 12:15 - 2:00pm. (note new time) To recap briefly: Iggy leads drum circles all around Central Ohio and beyond - at Reiki centers in Columbus, Westerville, Bellefontaine, Hillsborough and Delaware; Grief and Healing circles sponsored by Ohio Health; and as the weather gets warmer, convenes large, outdoor drum gatherings. Feel free to bring your own percussion instruments; Iggy will also have instruments to share. No experience necessary. A pow wow and meditation will also be included, which can be done seated or bring a yoga or other mat to lie on the floor. $10 freewill donation suggested. 

Religious Exploration at NUUC

Volunteers for Summer Teaching Teams

This summer, we plan to continue to offer two classes - to do so, we need your help! Be a part of a teaching team to facilitate classes for either teens or children. This would involve teaching about 1-2 per month in June, July, and August. For more information, contact Morgan at morgan@nuuc.org.

First Friday for Families - April 4 @ 6pm

Bring the whole family to NUUC for some casual community time. We'll provide dinner, play a movie (probably a Studio Ghibli film) for kids, and have time for adults to chat. Please RSVP with the number of people attending and any dietary needs to Morgan at morgan@nuuc.org by April 2.

D&D Group Meets on April 27

After service, join our adventuring party on a thrilling campaign. No experience or sign up necessary! Grab coffee and a snack and head to Room 1.

Trail Blazers: NUUC Summer Camp Aug. 4-8

For the first time, NUUC is hosting a summer camp! Learn more and register. We would love it if you helped us spread the word by sharing with your networks. In addition, we will need volunteers during the week of camp. Email Morgan at morgan@nuuc.org if you would like to volunteer.

Thanks!

Morgan Patten, Director of Religious Exploration

Ongoing Ways to Connect

Social Justice Book Group We meet on the 4th Sunday of each month after service for an hour. (about noon to 1) in Classroom 3, to read and discuss books about authortarianism and tyranny. Rev Joan Van Becelaere (retired), facilitator. Email: uujoanvanb@gmail.com

Mindful Writing meets monthly, with members sharing a variety of written pieces and thoughts. All are welcome! Please contact Marty Keith if you're interested in joining the group so she can send you time and the Zoom link. martykeith@zoho.com

Brown Bag Books Discussion Group meets monthly at noon on the Third Tuesday of each month, in Room 3 at church.  Upcoming books are as follows: 

April       Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson

May       Upon the Hush of Night by Tony Marconi

Beyond Words Covenant Group Pam Spence is coordinating a new covenant group, "Beyond Words." The group will explore a variety of paths that help deepen spiritual connection focused on "whole body" experience by participating in local initiatives. Experiences we will pursue might include, singing bowls/sound baths, drum circles, chanting, labyrinth walking, heart-centered meditation, Dances of Universal Peace, animal assisted prayer and meditation - depending on the interest of the group. We will each be responsible for any fee involved and, of course, you are not obligated to participate in any of the events. Contact: pammy.spence@gmail.com or text at 740-816-1905 for further information. Pam holds a MA in Transformational Theater/ Sacred Drama from Antioch University and is a commissioned community minister through the Federation of Christian Ministries, licensed through the state of Ohio.

Life has a way of rushing by. Sometimes we feel the need to pause or to reflect more deeply. Join me for a virtual half hour of mindful contemplation that is inclusive, non-judgmental and expectation free. I’ll bring a mix of poetry, music, breathwork, silence, or meditation to create a space for you to relax. Participants are muted. Feel free to turn your video off. Please engage in whatever way feels most meaningful to you. A Space for Reflection is freely offered the third Wednesday of the month at 7:00pm on Zoom. Registration is required (link here).

As for me, Karen McGuire, the facilitator, I’m a lifelong Unitarian Universalist, a retired educator, and a trained Interspiritual Companion who finds it necessary to stop every once in a while, and pay attention.