What’s UUp 3/29/26

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Hello First Unitarian Family,
We are in the final stretch!
Our annual stewardship campaign concludes at the end of March, and we are feeling the momentum of a congregation truly dedicated to “Growing the Light.” 

To date, 65 individuals and families have stepped forward, contributing $189,210.70 toward our goal.
 

We are inspired by this generosity, but we still have a journey ahead of us to reach our goal of 150 pledges and $250,000.
Why your pledge matters right now: Our budget isn’t just a document; it is the fuel for everything we do, from the music that lifts our spirits to the community support and social justice work we do outside our walls. To sustain our vibrant community and remain a beacon of hope in the coming year, we need to hear from you this week.

There is a place for everyone in this goal:

  • Participation is Power: Remember, not everyone needs to “row the boat” if you’re in a difficult season, a dollar can connect you to the mission. My (Tim’s) mother used to say, “Sometimes you have to plunk the plate” (hit it/“thump it” with a finger to make the sound of money going in!). Been there! … However, some can do more. No matter what, your pledge ensures you are “in the budget” and counted as a vital part of our future.
  • The “Stretch” Gift: If you are in a position to increase your pledge or offer a “heavy lift” contribution, please know that your contribution helps us do more than just survive, it helps us thrive.
We are so close to the finish line. Let’s ensure First Unitarian can continue to be the active, involved, and loving community we all value.
Thank you!
The Stewardship Committee
 

Forms are available in the church office, or pledge here.

March 29: Celebration of Life – 11:00am 
Palm Sunday… And Confrontation Monday!
Guest Speaker: Rev. Robert Owebs

Today, you may know is Palm Sunday, but lesser known is the next day, “Confrontation Monday,” the day that begins “Holy Week,” and the inexorable path to Jesus’s death and betrayal.
We will explore how they both tie into the theme of justice, and therefore into the upcoming CLOUT Nehemiah Action.

CLOUT, Citizens of Louisville Organized and United Together is one of First U’s major advocacy efforts in Louisville. As a member of CLOUT, First U works with 24 interfaith congregations (Protestant, Catholic, Jewish) to work for justice in Louisville.

Contact Jane Buckley or Trish Ramey if you have any questions about CLOUT and what you can do to help us succeed in our justice mission.
 
About Our Speaker:
Rev. Robert Owens

Rev. Robert Owens is a retired ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA). He was also the founding organizer of CLOUT (Citizens of Louisville Organized & United Together), and served as its Lead Organizer for 32 years, from 1991-2023.
He is married to Cindy Weber, the retired Pastor of 39 years of Jeff St. Baptist Community at Liberty, and they are the parents of two fine young men of whom they are very proud. In retirement, Robert continues to stay active as a Network Member of CLOUT, and in various other work for justice. He also enjoys spending more time with his hobbies of playing the guitar and building and restoring guitars and other instruments.
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.

The Order of Service (Bulletin)
Gathering Music           Ethan McCollum

Welcome and Introduction of Guest Speaker      Jane Buckley

Prelude        Ethan                                                                                                         
Lighting the Chalice & the Black Lives Matter Candle   
Bev Daly and Jane

Opening Words    Who is CLOUT?         Jane

Hymn #1018        Come and Go with Me        Ethan
Words and music: African American spiritual

Moment for All Ages     Something, Someday    Trish Ramey
Amanda Gorman

Song for Our Children        Ethan
Go in love, our hearts go with you.
Go in joy, our hopes go too.
Learn in love and grow in wisdom.
Shine your light in all you do.

Our Mission and Covenant (unison)     Trish
We are a church of reason and spirit,
that witnesses for progressive faith,
nurtures our community and transforms our world.

Love is the spirit of this church, and service is its law.
This is our great covenant: to dwell together in peace,
to seek the truth in love, and to help one another.

Stewardship Testimonial

Joys and Sorrows         Jane

Musical Response     Ethan
#1009   When I Breathe In
Words and Music by Mimi Bornstein

Meditation       On the Power of We       Trish
Elandria Williams
Musical Response     Be Ours a Religion     First U Choir
Words: Theodore Parker; music: Thomas Benjamin

Invitation to Generosity       Jane

Offertory        Let the Light Shine Through     First U Choir
Words and Music: Carl Strommen

Sermon           Rev. Robert Owens
           Palm Sunday… and Confrontation Monday!

Remarks    Why CLOUT Matters This Year       Trish and Jane

Hymn #134     Our World is One World   Ethan, Choir, Congregation
Words and music: Cecily Taylor

Extinguishing the Chalice       Jane
We extinguish these flames, but not the light of truth,
the warmth of community, or the fire of commitment.
These we carry in our hearts until we are together again.
                                   Elizabeth Selle Jones

Closing Words            Jane

Postlude          Imagine       First U Choir
John Lennon

Benediction       Trish
Words by John Murray