Midweek UUpdate 9/3/25

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Join Us September 7.

Midweek Update September 3, 2025
Save the Dates (follow links for information)

FYI 
 

Call for Kids’ Pics
Do you have photos of your kids from Black Lives Matter protests? Loren is collecting them for this Sunday’s Moment for All Ages. Please send them her way!
 

Share the Plate This Sunday
On September 7, we will share half the funds collected during the offering with BLUU (Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism) in honor of the memory of our long time member Audrey Little, who also regularly participated in BLUU’s virtual worship and online events. Since its founding, BLUU has established a popular virtual worship space for Black people, hosted a symposium centering Black UU theology, organized UU congregations to donate and organize for bailout funds; and started a vibrant youth ministry. In addition to tending to the spiritual lives of its members, BLUU also started a Cooperative Housing Initiative project that embodies our commitment to improve the material conditions of Black lives as an act of our faith.
 

Children’s RE 
A note from DRE, Loren: We’ve had a ball with the kids this summer during the celebration of life every Sunday. now the new church year begins –  Religious Exploration classes begin Sunday September 7th!  Children are NOT required to attend every Sunday- just come as you are able.

The Fall Children’s RE Classes begin this week! It is important that caregivers complete a registration form for each child. You can click here to do so.  Here are the Classes:

  • The Nursery: Tadpoles will be open for babies and pre-k  from 9:30am-12:15pm on Sundays.
  • The Raccoon Room: Pre-K – Grade 2. Room 212. Teacher: Ms. Loren & guest teachers will begin in the sanctuary with their families and then head upstairs with their teacher after the Moment for All Ages. Class ends at noon, parents will come up and get their children following the service.
  • The Fox Hole: Grades 3 and up Room  202. Ms. Christina & guest teachers will begin in the sanctuary with their families and then head upstairs with their teacher after the Moment for All Ages. Class ends at noon, parents will come up and get their children following the service.
  • Youth Group: Grades 5 and Up We hope to meet on a regular basis at the church and around town.

Please complete one registration form for each child you would like to participate in Religious Exploration in the coming year. This includes the nursery.
 

Central Louisville Community Ministries
CLCM has 2 exciting announcements to share.

  • The long-time manager of CLCM’s affiliate food pantry, Margaret Dickinson, has been chosen as a 2025 Bell Award winner! Margaret’s 50+ years of dedication to the pantry is truly remarkable.
  • Give for Good is CLCM’s major fundraiser each fall. This is a wonderful opportunity for member congregations (like us!) to support CLCM’s work with downtown neighbors in need of emergency rent or utility assistance, food, clothes and more. A donation can be made on Give for Good day, Sept 18, here.  Prefer to avoid online donations?  Your check can be mailed at any time to CLCM, 809 S 4th St, Louisville KY 40203 – any amount is greatly appreciated.
Women’s Alliance Fall Meeting-Saturday, September 20
10-11:30am in the Social Hall.
The Women’s Alliance invites ALL First U women to its Fall Meeting and Brunch.  Our guest speaker will be Margaret Dickinson, a recent Bell Award recipient. She is a member of Calvary Episcopal Church and the founder and coordinator of the Food Pantry located at Calvary and a part of the services provided by Central Louisville Community Ministries (CLCM). Margaret will be sharing her experiences and the lessons learned during the 50+ years of her life that she has dedicated to serving neighbors living in the 40203 zip code, one of poorest urban zip codes in the United States.
  • In support of her work, attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to this gathering.
  • In order to make it easier for mothers of young children to attend, childcare will be offered beginning at 9:30 am. Those needing childcare must RSVP to the office by Saturday, September 13th.
The Women’s Alliance has been in existence in various forms since the 1830’s.  Its Mission is to advocate for women, children and families within our congregation, our community and beyond. We carry out our mission by giving financial support and volunteering to organizations that are centered on the needs of women and children and offering programs that promote the self-care for our members. More information about the Alliance can be found at the First U website under the “Connections” tab.
 

Meeting with Rev. Liz
If you’d like to meet with Rev. Liz to get to know each other or about something at church, pick a time. If you want to meet for pastoral care, please email her for an earlier time. If you have an urgent pastoral need (new illness or injury, bereavement), please call her cell (available in the church directory).
 

Transformative Action People
Are you interested in making our church a more spiritual and intentional force for good in our community and world? We are seeking members to join us in this task.  Interested? Send an email or sign up at church during coffee hour to learn more.
 
Chalice Circles  
Learn More   

Register here, by scanning the QR code or complete the paper registration. Forms are available on the counter in the Volunteer Office area. See the Participant’s Guide for more details.
Email the Organizers Nancy M or Jim H. Days and times of meetings will be determined based on registrations received by Sunday, September 7.
 

Beyond the Bridge: A Solution to Homelessness – September 4
 

First U Glitter Blessings at Louisville Pride – Saturday, September 6 updated
When you go to Louisville Pride this coming Saturday, be sure to stop by the First U booth for a free (biodegradable) Glitter Blessing! First U’s booth (J-3) is at the front of Sherwin-Williams, across from the Mid-City Mall. Stop by and hang out with the First U team!  The booth is organized by the First U Ministry Council. Contact the office if you have questions.
About the Louisville Pride Festival From the CJ: Highlighting the diversity and spirit of Louisville’s LGBTQ+ community, the 2025 festival will feature over 100 vendors, two stages with musical and drag performances and a wellness and family activity tent.  For information about the festival, click here.

  • Where: On Bardstown Road, in the Highlands, between Longest Avenue and Grinstead Drive
  • When: Saturday, Sept. 6, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Cost: Free
 

UU Campout – September 12-14 (New Deadline to sign up: Wednesday Sept.10)
The campout at Wyandotte Woods Group Campground is Friday to Sunday morning, September 12 (3:30) to 14 (noon). Day visitors welcome.
Includes:

  • Bunkhouses with lots of space, electricity, fans, single & bunk beds, & restrooms
  • Meals – Friday evening, Saturday (3), and Sunday continental breakfast
  • Saturday: In- and out-door games, workshops: theater, movie making, tie dye & crafts, Art Therapy, and a hiking scavenger hunt
  • Friday-Saturday Evening Campfire – story-telling, music, plays

What to bring:  single bed linens, white t-shirts (etc). for tie dye, musical instruments, flashlight, an adventurist spirit.
Costs: Overnighters ($30 single, $50 family). Day visitors ($20 single, $30 family)
Park Entrance: $7-$9 per car.
Signup at Church or at the attached link. – Checks and cards accepted
Questions? Email Connections.
 

First U Book Club:  Monday, September 8 at 6pm
It’s never too late to join the First U Book Club! We meet every month, (usually) on the second Monday at 6 pm in the church’s library (the room between the offices and the sanctuary). At our September 8 meeting, we’ll be discussing this month’s book, Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Come, even if you haven’t read the book, and see what we’re all about!
 

Free Yamaha Baby Grand Piano GC1 to any student, school, or church. Contact the office.

Join Us Sunday, September 7, at 11:00am
 
Honoring Sanctuary

Following the murder of Breonna Taylor, protesters from around Louisville took to the streets. For five days during that time, First U Lou opened our doors in support, culminating in providing overnight Sanctuary when a curfew was declared.
First U Lou opened our doors in support, culminating in providing overnight Sanctuary when a curfew was declared. We will remember First U Lou’s role in those days. The service is followed by lunch and a workshop  (1:00—2:30 pm) to continue the conversation. All are welcome.

Our Black Lives Matter banner above the sanctuary windows.
taken by Del Ramey in 2023.
 

BLM Sanctuary Workshop: 5 Years Later
Sunday, September 7, 1:00-2:30 pm In the sanctuary
After Breonna Taylor’s death in 2020, First U Lou joined with Black Lives Matter protesters. Our support included opening our doors to provide overnight sanctuary when curfew was declared. This workshop is a time to remember those days. All are welcome, whether you participated or not. Come share your stories or learn from your fellow congregants. Community members who participated are warmly invited as well. Let’s honor this time together.
 

For the zoom link, Click here. The Meeting ID is 4508929882 if you can’t attend in person.  You will not need a password. Contact the volunteer desk if you have trouble getting online.

RE: Religious Exploration
Contact Loren Crawford, Director of Religious Exploration (DRE)
Learn About More Upcoming RE Opportunities Here
Families Welcome / Childcare Available beginning at 9:30
Contact Jim for Adult RE class information
Click here for Fall Children’s Classes
Adult Religious Exploration (RE)

  • Every Sunday – 10 am – in the Library / Check-ins start at 9:45
  • No preparation. No homework. No RSVP needed.
  • Members, friends, visitors, curious people, and people lost in the building are all welcome.
  • Childcare is available beginning at 9:30 am. Children are welcome with us in the Library, too.
  • Click here for more information

September 7: Paganism Primer for First U and Louisville, hosted by Lady Vanessa and Ron Zorn.

Justice Information
 

Following the film, Mayor Craig Greenberg will join filmmakers Tim Hashko and Don Sawyer as well as James Mathy and Eric Collins from Milwaukee County to discuss ways that the city and each of us as citizens can support a permanent supportive housing model in Louisville.
NEW: Just Creations Board Opportunities
Do you support Fair Trade? Like shopping local? Enjoy being a part of a community that is helping to make the world a better place? If any of these speak to you, then Just Creations, Louisville’s Fair Trade Marketplace, wants to talk to you! Just Creations is seeking new members for the Board of Directors. Volunteers with an interest in finance, development, community engagement, and communications would be appreciated. Meetings are monthly with special events throughout the year.

For more information contact Joan Frisz at  502-897-7319 or click here to email. Information sessions will be held in September and October. Inquiry deadline is September 20, 2025.  Facebook

Joan C. Frisz, Executive Director
502-897-7319
Just Creations – 2722 Frankfort Ave Louisville, KY  40206

Just Creations is a not-for-profit Fair Trade store that has been providing unique, handmade products to the Louisville Community since 1990. In addition to selling products to provide support to artisans and farmers worldwide, we educate the public about Fair Trade through our educational outreach and community engagement programs. We invest in people and build relationships with like-minded organizations, trading partners, and individuals to create change around the world.
 

La Casita News: La Casita Center works intentionally to build a thriving community based on mutual support and respect built on the vision of connecting people through solidarity, to be one community. Priority needs; ways to give; jobs, internships, and volunteer opportunities.
 

Request of Gift Cards from Kentucky Refugee Ministries
Kentucky Refugee Ministries, a local organization that resettles refugees and provides services to immigrants, is currently asking for donations of gift cards.  These cards are a great help to immigrants who are experiencing a slowdown in finding employment caused by employers’ reluctance to hire immigrants under this new Administration. The grants KRM once had access to for gift card aid has dried up due to federal withdrawal of funds.  Gift cards to Aldi, Walmart, Kroger, or Visa gift cards in $50 donations would be appreciated and can be delivered to KRM, attn. Joseph Caminiti: 969-B Cherokee Rd, Louisville, KY 40204.