October 2021
Your monthly news & updates

NUUC Reopened for face to face Worship on September 12, 2021

connecting via Zoom will remain an option
Vaccination (for 12+ only) and face masks required


We reopened our building for worship on September 12. Since then we've had an in person attendance of 25-35 persons, with a greater percentage of attendees remaining online.

A reminder of our protocols: we require vaccination (only for those 12 years and older) in addition to the already established requirement for masking while on church property. While vaccination will be a community expectation, we will not be asking for proof. In making this recommendation, we are following the most current guidelines of the Unitarian Universalist Association. We will continue to offer virtual attendance at worship through Zoom for those who either cannot, or prefer not, to attend in person. We are not currently singing, but if the Covid Now risk level for Franklin and Delaware Counties drop a level, we will introduce masked singing into the worship.

There will be a greeter at the main entrance every Sunday with a supply of masks for those who haven't brought their own. Due to the mask requirement, we will not be having coffee, food or drinks after the service.

As we greet each other in person again, please be aware that our comfort levels will differ, and obtain consent before touching others. Red stickers will be provided that can be put on name tags as a visual cue to others to keep as much distance as possible, if that is what you choose.

We will continue to monitor the number of COVID cases in Franklin and Delaware Counties. If the risk level becomes severe, or if some other aspect of the situation changes to reflect new dangers, we will return to offering virtual services only, and reopen again when it is safer to do so.

Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns! board@nuuc.org

P.S. Greeters Wanted!

We are looking for greeters for once we reopen for face to face worship. We'll have one greeter at the front door, and one at the back. You can sign up to greet using this link.

Ways to Connect
Creative Fellowship
Are you longing for connection in these difficult times? Do you have unfinished craft/art/sewing/knitting or other projects that you would like to work on but haven’t? If so please join Commissioned Lay Minister Teri Cornell in Creative Fellowship! We will have a zoom meeting once a month (the first Thursday of each month from 6:30PM-8:00PM) and we can work on our projects, exercise our creativity, and talk about whatever is on our minds and hearts. No need to sign up, just drop by using the same Zoom link that we use for regular NUUC worship service (see below).

The Second Morning Covenant Group
While many covenant groups begin with a definite end date in mind, this group has lasted for seven and a half years! They enjoyed discussing intriguing topics and growing closer as friends. Now, however, members have decided to discontinue, everyone moving on to other interests.


Wednesday Noon Check In
Join us using the regular NUUC zoom connection at noon everyday Wednesday for informal check- ins and chat with your fellow members. Use the regular Sunday morning Zoom login, or write minister@nuuc.org for a direct link.
NUUC's Women's Group meets the last Sunday of the month at noon. This group has decided to continue meeting by Zoom. At noon on Sunday, October 24, participants will catch up with one another and chat, seeing where the conversations guide them. They plan to read Caste, by Isabel Wilkerson, and will begin discussing it in November. Questions or need the zoom link: contact martykeith@zoho.com

Interested in the Once a Month Brown Bag Books? The next meeting will be Tuesday, October 19, at noon, at the church. The group will talk about God Help the Child, by Toni Morrison.

Soul Matters Small Groups
We currently have three different Soul Matters Small Groups virtually meeting, for regular in depth check ins, and for exploring together different spiritual themes. New members are welcome at any time, write to minister@nuuc.org
Mowing at NUUC: We Need Some Help

The mowing season has gone very well this year and is nearing completion. The Building & Grounds Committee is requesting help with the mowing to supplement B&G’s mowing efforts. We would like to get 1-2 volunteers each month from the congregation to mow just one time during the season through November. The other weeks will be handled by B&G Committee volunteers.  

We have a zero-turn riding mower, which can be used for almost all of the mowing. For a few small, tight areas, which the zero-turn mower cannot handle, we then use a self-propelled push power mower. Using a zero-turn mower is fun and allows the mowing to be done in about half the time. If you are not familiar with using a zero-turn mower, we will give you some brief training for about 15 minutes that gets you familiar enough with the mower to comfortably mow the main parts of the yard. You will still trim the edges of the yard with the self-propelled push mower. But, some people prefer to use the push mower to mow the entire yard instead of the zero-turn mower.  

Please consider volunteering to mow one time this season. If you would like to help the church handle the mowing, you can see the mowing sign-up schedule posted at this weblink: tiny.cc/NUUC-mowing . To get scheduled, just pick a date that works for your schedule and then contact Bob Keith at bobkeith@zoho.com or 740-369-1919. You also can contact Bob if you have questions or would like more information.

SOCIAL JUSTICE NEWS

UU JUSTICE OHIO NEWS

OCTOBER LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: Wednesday, Oct. 20,2021 at 7:00 pm
At a time when our democracy is being threatened, it is especially important to be informed about the legislation being proposed by our state representatives and to make our voices heard. The Ohio Legislature is debating a number of major issues right now: reproductive choice, voting rights, new election districts, First Amendment rights to speech, protest and assembly, COVID and mask mandates, and so much more. It can be very confusing, so let's talk and try to clear up some of the questions we might have. Please join UUJO Board member Tadd Pinkston of Pinkston Law and UUJO Leadership for an informal, brief and clarifying discussion of what is happening at the Ohio Statehouse. Register at: https://us02web.zoom.us/.../tZEuc... After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Trying to Get From Here to There: Transportation Justice; An online event on SUNDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2021 AT 5 PM. Many Ohioans are kept from full participation in our communities because they lack a car. Citizens will share their stories of attempting to use the existing transit options and how the lack of efficient public transportation is impacting their lives. Developing a modern public transit system is essential for Ohio’s future. From Ohio Statewide Transit Needs study in 2015. “In 2013, Ohio had the 14th highest transit ridership in the country with 115 million trips per year. By 2025, demand is expected to increase to more than 250 million trips. Demographic shifts contribute to increased need: An older population, increased poverty, and many millennials’ preference for public transit over owning a car.” Ohio ranks eighth lowest in the nation on spending for public transportation. Join us as we discuss ways of encouraging our state and local government to plan and fund public transportation. Register at: https://us02web.zoom.us/.../tZ0tce2vqDosGdz9CFg3j0s9hxdHf.


INTERFAITH ASSOCIATION OF CENTRAL OHIO (IACO)

OPEN POSITION ON IACO COUNCIL: The Interfaith Association of Central Ohio (IACO) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to create an interfaith community based on understanding, friendship, and trust. IACO puts this mission into action by:
 Educating the public about customs and practices of different faith traditions.
 Advocating for social justice, peace, and human dignity.
 Promoting interfaith gatherings and events that address local and global concerns.
 Partnering with other faith and peace-focused organizations.

IACO is made up of nine member faiths including: Bahá’i, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Islam, Jain, Jewish, Sikh, and Unitarian Universalist. IACO’s council serves as its policy board. This group is made up of three representatives from each of the member faiths. The council meets every other month to discuss current issues to which IACO can take positive action and to plan interfaith opportunities.

Currently there are 2 UU representatives from First UU Congregation serving on the IACO Council. NUUC has provided the third representative in previous years and has the opportunity to fill the current vacancy. If you are interested in interfaith work and serving on the council, contact Pam Patsch for more information at bealight2010@icloud.com. You can also visit the IACO Facebook page to learn more about how the organization is fulfilling their mission.


 
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