Events | firstunitarianchurchofomaha

Upcoming Events

The church building is open for Sunday services. You can attend in-person or via Youtube.

Click here for more information. If you're a first time visitor with us, click here.

Let's Get Out the Vote!

This is an invitation to help out with a "Postcard Preparation Party" (gotta love alliteration.). The UUtheVote team will be working on attaching name labels and stamps to prepared postcards on Sunday, October 9 right after the service in the Whitney Young Room. These cards will go out to members as part of our "Get Out the Vote" efforts. Questions? Contact Linda Hess or Dave Richardson.

Halloween Heart & Hand Auction Party: Oct 28th, 6-9 pm. Mark your calendars.

The Halloween Heart & Hand Auction returns as a hybrid on-line auction and in-person party and auction!! Fun and funds--this is our major annual FUNdraiser for the church operating budget.

Get all the details: Click here to check out the Auction website (how bidding will work, the costume contest, the Fall Favorites potluck, and more) or stop by the Auction Table at church on Sunday. Click here to get a flyer to print for your refrig!

Volunteer to help! The Auction is a big deal-many moving parts. Please say “yes” if you are asked to help—or better yet, contact the Ministry Team Council (MTC) to see what needs doing: Email: MTC@firstuuomaha.org. (Immediate need—help pick up donations.)

Donate! In addition to temping physical items, we encourage sharing of talents and skills, and social events (yes!) at people’s home or at church. (Guidance from our Re-opening Task Force: donors can offer whatever auction events they wish, as long as COVID-related protocols are stated clearly. We hope for a variety of events for people with all levels of Covid-safety needs.)

To donate on-line click here, email donation details to auction@firstuuomaha.org or get a paper donation form during coffee hour at church.

Questions: email auction@firstuuomaha.org.

October's CommUUnity Night:

Bonfire at Bellevue Berry Farm, Saturday, October 8, 2:00 to 6:00pm. This intergenerational event is open to everyone! We’ll provide the hotdogs and fixings for smores. We encourage you to bring picnic style foods. When you purchase your ticket ($15/person) at the gate, please ask the attendant which bonfire site number has been assigned to First Unitarian Church and meet us there. If you need confidential financial assistance to attend this event, please contact Christina Strong at dre@firstuuomaha.org.

More information about the Bellevue Berry Farm can be found online here:
https://bellevueberryfarm.com/faq
Save a $1: Bring in one can of food and receive a $1 off admission any day of the week. Your donation will benefit the local food banks. Limit of one can per person, this cannot be combined with other coupons.

First Steps: A Gathering for Visitors

Sundays, Oct. 2, Nov. 6, and Dec. 4 at 12pm in the Merritt Lounge. You are invited to join us as we gather together to get acquainted with the basics of Unitarian Universalism and our vibrant community. There are many ways to connect with the church and we look forward to discussing the unique opportunities offered by First Unitarian Church of Omaha. Grab a coffee and snack and meet us after the service.

Questions? Please contact Melissa, our Membership Coordinator, at coordinator@firstuuomaha.org

The Compassionate Communication Group

Hybrid meetings will be on first and third Tuesdays at 7pm in the Common Room starting October 4.

(Contact Suzanne King nvcsuz@gmail.com for Zoom link)

During our practices, we learn to transform the thinking, language and moralistic judgments that keep you from the enriching relationships and start to resolve conflicts with more ease, learn to ask for what you want in ways that ensure you’ll receive it, begin to hear the true needs of others with less effort, strengthen your personal and professional relationships and start living to your full potential.

Everyone is welcome. No prior experience needed.

THE EARTH IS CRYING FOR OUR HELP!
COME JOIN US!
Come as we introduce ourselves and build a community of AHA (Atheists, Humanists, and Agnostics).

Join people who are exploring how to make the 7 PRINCIPLES part of our everyday lives.

Our first meeting will focus on the 7th Principle:

“RESPECT FOR THE INTERDEPENDENT WEB OF ALL EXISTENCE OF WHICH WE ARE A PART.”

We believe that climate change is real and needs to be addressed NOW!

Join AHA at 7pm on October 6, 2022

via Zoom (https://zoom.us/j/93203577582)
to discuss
SUSTAINABILITY 101 — ECOLOGY AS THEOLOGY

First Friday Art Show

John Hruska will host a showing of his recent paintings on the First Friday, October 7 at 5:30pm in the Common Room. He does acrylic landscaping paintings and has also produced some watercolor botanicals. The hope is to present art shows by other church members in coming months. Rev. Sarah Voss will read from her new poetry collection at 7:30pm. She will have copies of her book available for sale.

Please join us! All are welcome.

Talk Saves Lives: Training Opportunity

Saturday, October 22 at 12:30pm in the Common Room

Talk Saves Lives is AFSP’s standardized, 45-60 minute education program that provides participants with a clear understanding of this leading cause of death, including the most up-to-date research on suicide prevention, and what they can do in their communities to save lives.
Participants will learn common risk factors and warning signs associated with suicide, and how to keep themselves and others safe.
Topics covered include:
• Scope of the Problem
• Research
• Prevention
• What You Can Do

An RSVP is appreciated, but not required.

sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409054da8ab2aa3fb6-talk
Presenter: Community Alliance

It's Real: Teens and Mental Health

Saturday, October 22 at 2pm in the Common Room

Intended for high school classes or community settings with groups of teens, ages from 14 to 18, It’s Real: Teens and Mental Health is a 45-minute program that provides young people with mental health education and resources. The program raises awareness about mental health issues, how to start a conversation about mental health, the importance of self-care, and how to reach out for help. Parents and educators are welcomed to attend or join their teen!
Attendees will learn:

What mental health is and how it's both similar to and different from, physical health
How to notice signs of someone needing help
Tips and strategies for having a caring conversation with someone they might be worried about
Methods of self-care for mind, body, soul, and surroundings
Examples of trustworthy resources
How reaching out to trusted adults can help teens manage their mental health

An RSVP is appreciated, but not required.
Sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409054da8ab2aa3fb6-its

Presenter: Community Alliance

Both trainings are open to members and friends of First Unitarian, 2nd Unitarian and Clair Memorial.

3F Book Bonanza Group
This group meets monthly at 7pm in the Merritt Lounge on the 2nd Wednesday of the month. 3F Book Bonanza will meet next on Wednesday, October 12 at 7pm in the Merritt Lounge. Please email questions to Sheri Conner at ksvortex@msn.com. Books for this year:

October - Severance by Ling Ma
November - My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry by Fredrik Backman
December - The Year of the Flood by Margaret Atwood
January - The Midwife of Venice by Roberta Rich

Welcome Renewal Effort Meeting (online)

The Welcome Renewal Committee will meet to review the Welcome Renewal steps as we seek to update our Welcoming Congregation status. We encourage your input and help with our planning to ensure that all people in the LGBT community feel welcomed and included.

Please come to the Zoom meeting on Thursday, September 29 from 7-8:30pm.
Please contact Carol Ramsey with any questions: carolramsey@cox.net or 402-720-3074.

Zoom meeting link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83174878721
Meeting ID: 831 7487 8721

Progressive Omaha Film Screenings in October

Monday, October 3 at 7pm in the Common Room. We will watch the film Columbus in America

Go here for the Facebook event: https://fb.me/e/1KT39n8C6

Monday, October 17 at 7pm in the Common Room. We will watch the film Dark Waters.

Go here for the Facebook event: https://fb.me/e/2SQHH35Rm

The First Unitarian Book Club

Our next meeting is Monday, October 24 at 7pm via Zoom. Our October selection is Wake: The Hidden History of Women-Led Slave Revolts by Rebecca Hall and Hugo Martinez. Please consider joining us on zoom. For zoom link and other info on the book club, please contact Dave at drichardson821@gmail com.

Let's Get Out the Vote!

Making Friends with Conflict

The Omaha Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) often uses the church for meetings and events. As a show of gratitude and to share a bit about what we do, AVP is offering a free 2 hour mini-workshop on Sunday Oct 30 from 2:30 - 4:30. Everyone - friends and family -are welcome.

Imagine a movie without conflict - the plot would quickly dull. The same is true with our lives - conflict adds depth and meaning, but it doesn't have to turn life into a tragedy. Join us for the Making Friends with Conflict mini-workshop as we explore ways to turn conflict into nonviolent win-wins for ourselves and others.

Preregistration/questions contact Suzanne King avp.outreach@gmail.com

The CUUPS Book Circle

The CUUPS Book Circle meets the third Thursday of each month in the Merritt Lounge at 7pm.

The next meeting is Thursday, October 20 and the book we will read is "When God was a Woman" by Merlin Stone. (https://a.co/itB4cmj).

Telia is the organizer of this group. If you have questions, please email T.marie686@gmail.com

The Women's Religious Studies Group

The WRSG is reading Margaret Fuller, A New American Life by Megan Marshall. Please join us as you are able. For more information, contact Linda at lparkerlib@gmail.com.

Morning Reflections

Happening online, Tuesdays & Thursdays, 8:15am to 8:45am.

Join church members Kim Dunovan and Sharon Conlon for a period of reflection and silent meditation/prayer on Zoom. Whether you’re seeking a regular spiritual practice, or just wake-up some mornings needing a little extra support and connection to our church community. This is an informal drop-in and all are welcome! Each gathering will open with a short reading, followed by shared reflections and time for silent meditation/prayer.

Zoom Link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81630843110?pwd=R0xpM2JTaGpxVDBpWDZ0S1JmdU5qdz09

Meeting ID: 816 3084 3110

Passcode: 371480

Questions? Email Kim at kimberly.dunovan@gmail.com.