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.
First Steps: A Gathering for Visitors -- Sunday, Feb 5
Melissa invites first-time guests, regular visitors, and long-time friends to join her Sunday, Feb 5 for First Steps: A Gathering for Visitors. The meeting will start about 15 minutes after the service ends -- head downstairs to the Common Room for some coffee, snack, and chat, and then up go to the Merritt Lounge. We'll get to know each other a bit better and learn more about First Unitarian and the Unitarian Universalist denomination.The meeting is about an hour long.
Questions? Please contact Membership Coordinator Melissa Gibson at coordinator@firstuuomaha.org.
CommUUnity Night
We meet at 6pm in the Common Room the 1st Friday of each month. Our next meeting is Friday, Feb. 3.
If you haven’t participated before, CommUUnity Night is a fun, laid-back all church event. We gather for a potluck and we don't worry about who is bringing what. Kids are free to play. If you can't bring anything or you are feeling too rushed to grab or make something last minute COME ANYWAY!
There is always plenty of food and what we really want is YOUU!
Transforming Power Workshop
Perhaps you were moved by the Inherent Worth and Dignity service presented by Omaha Alternatives to Violence Project or participated in a Making Friends with Conflict mini-workshop and want to learn more. During each we mentioned AVP's transforming power concept. At the heart and soul of AVP, it's the power in each of us to transform violent and destructive situations into liberating and constructive experiences.
To explore how transforming power lives in you and others, Omaha AVP is offering a free 3-day Transforming Power workshop on February 4, 11 & 25 from 9-4 in the Common Room (attend all 3 days).
We do appreciate a $25 donation towards food/lunches.
Please contact Soulful Suzanne to register or more information/flyer: avp.outreach@gmail.com.
Protect Abortion Access in Nebraska
Next Side With Love (Social Justice) Team Meeting
Sunday, February 5 at 4:30pm
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84088390423?pwd=ZnNWaktHYktqeXIrMnBxNnBGcVFPZz09
Join us! The Unicameral is in session and abortion access in Nebraska is in serious jeopardy. We hope to have a special guest, Nyomi Thompson, from I Be Black Girl. Nyomi is one of the leading advocates in the fight to protect abortion access in Nebraska. We will also be discussing new bills introduced this session related to voting, anti-racism and equity for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Go to the Side With Love webpage for a list of what you can do RIGHT NOW to protect abortion access in Nebraska:
www.firstuuomaha.org/sidewithlove
Questions? Email sidewithlove@firstuuomaha.org
Adult RE Class! Building Your Own Theology (BYOT)
Sunday afternoons, 1:00-2:00pm (8 workshop series)
Dates: Feb 5, Feb 19, Mar 5, Mar 19, April 2, April 16, Apr 30, May 7
Facilitated by: Christina Strong, DLRE and Denise Allain
Unitarian Universalists are accustomed to speaking out and sharing their diverse views, but sometimes we find it difficult to say just what our individual thologies are. This class will explore participants' evolving individual and collective theological perspectives by reflecting on personal religious experiences, raising questions of ultimate reality, ethos, religious meaning, human nature, the sacred or holy, good and evil, suffering, community, authority, death, immortality and our UU Principles. The aim of the course is to come to a deeper understanding of "where we stand" as individuals and as a community of seekers. Participants will develop their personal credo through writing-based reflection and theological conversation.
Enrollment: Minimum 5, Maximum 12. Slots will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis, with the minimum of 5 needed by Feb 3 to make this a go. To register, please drop an email to admin@firstuuomaha.org with subject line "BYOT" or call the church office during business hours. For questions or to see the syllabus, please contact Christina Strong (dre@firstuuomaha.org). Childcare may be requested via childcare@firstuuomaha.org.
Family & Friends Game Night
We meet the 2nd Friday of each month at 6pm in the Common Room. Our next meeting is Friday, Feb 10. All are invited to join in the fun. Bring snacks and board games. Questions? Email: aha@firstuuomaha.org.
Fiber Arts Night
Do you crochet? Knit? Sew? Embroider? Count stitches? Do you like to play with yarn, fabric or string? If so come join the newly created First U Fiber Arts Night. We will meet to chat, share ideas and work on our individual projects. Come share your talent with others, learn from each other and get to know your fellow fiber artists. We will meet the 2nd Sunday of each month in the Common Room from 6pm to 9pm.
Please direct any questions to Denise Allain or Catherine Plumlee. Next meeting: Feb. 12
Young Adult Gathering
Please join us on 2nd Sunday at 9:30 AM in the common room for a Young Adult get together before the service. We are eager to rekindle old connections and form new ones as our congregation is growing. The UUA defines Young Adults as Ages 18-35. Questions? Contact Sarah at youngadults@firstuuomaha.org.
Lunch Bunch Offsite
Let's have lunch! The lunch bunch group is eating together on February 12 at Greek Islands in the party room after church! Arrive anytime after noon and preferably before 12:15.
Greek Islands is rated as one of the top 6 restaurants in the Omaha area by WOWT. It's a hop, skip, and jump away from the church at 3821 Center Street. Fan favorites on the menu are: Gyros (Vegetarian option), Greek Potatoes, Greek Salad, and Lasagna. The price range is $12 per meal and $2 for desserts. Check out their website and complete menu here.
Questions? Email Katrina at katrina.schmidt@gmail.com
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, Feb 8 at 7pm in the Merritt Lounge.
Please email questions to Sheri Conner at ksvortex@msn.com
Books for this year:
February - Inseparable by Simone de Beauvoir
March - 3F Book Bonanza doesn't meet
April - Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
May - Witches on the Road Tonight by Sheri Holman
June - Fever Dream by Samantha Schweblin
July - Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
August - The Intuitionist by Colson Whitehead
CUUPS Event
Join us on every third Friday at First Unitarian in the basement common room from 7-9pm, for our monthly CUUPS meeting. Next meeting: Friday, Feb. 17 at 7pm in the Common Room. During our meetings we will observe the Sabbats, have Divination Nights, and other fun activities. All paths and knowledge levels are welcome. Bring a dish, snack, or dessert as we will have time to socialize after our activity. We hope to see you there! We will have additional meetings on April 30th and October 29th at the same time and place.
Questions? Email CUUPS@firstuuomaha.org
FIRST & SECOND UNITARIAN WELCOMING CONGREGATION RENEWAL
Dinner / Movie / Discussion
Friday, Feb 17, 6 pm @ Second Unitarian
3012 S 119 St., Omaha
This event is one of a series of activities that our congregations will be offering as we pursue the renewal of our Welcoming Congregation certification. Being welcoming means striving for radical inclusion and creating spaces that honor every part of our identities, backgrounds, and experiences.
On Feb 17, the Welcoming Congregation host committee will provide a dinner at 6 pm for participants followed by the movie, Pay It No Mind: Marsha P. Johnson. After the movie, there will be a facilitated discussion about the impact made by this revolutionary trans activist.
Participants are asked to register at this link here
For questions, contact Cheri Cody at justice@2uomaha.org or Carol Ramsey at ceramsey25@gmail.com
YRUU Talent Show
The YRUU talent show will take place on February 24th this year at First Unitarian Church.
We are accepting live acts, pre-recorded acts, and works of art. Click this link to register and keep watching the e-news for more information: Talent Show registration form
The First Unitarian Book Club
We meet the fourth Monday of each month at 7pm via Zoom. For more information, please contact Dave at drichardson821@gmail.com
The CUUPS Book Circle
Meets the Fourth Tuesday of the month.
Next meeting: Tuesday, Feb 28 at 7pm in the Merritt Lounge.
For the month of February, the CUUPS Book Circle will be starting the Llewellyn Elements of Witchcraft series by reading "Air Magic: Elements of Witchcraft" by Astrea Taylor. Here is the synopsis:
"Inspire Your Craft with the History, Lore, and Practice of Air Magic
Filled with spells, rituals, meditations, and correspondences, this impressive entry in the Elements of Witchcraft series strengthens your connection to the element of air. Astrea Taylor presents amazing methods for activating the air energy within you and raising your practice to new heights.
Learn about the magical realm of air and how to transmit your intentions into it. Enhance your spiritual practice with a deeper awareness of the magic of words, incense, wind, sounds, and aromas. This enlightening book also features contributions from well-known writers, including Laura Tempest Zakroff and Phoenix LeFae. With captivating insights on air deities, animal guides, sacred sites, herbs, crystals, and more, Air Magic empowers you to harness the element of air and take flight."
Telia is the organizer of this group. If you have questions, please email T.marie686@gmail.com
Progressive Omaha Film Screenings this month
Monday, Feb 6. at 7pm in the Common Room.
We will watch the film Behind the Shield: The Power & Politics of the NFL
See the Facebook event here: https://fb.me/e/2BnukkUBT
Monday, Feb. 20 at 7pm in the Common Room.
We will watch the film Shut Up & Sing, an American documentary.
See the Facebook event here: https://fb.me/e/2bWOjMtk2
The Compassionate Communication Group
Hybrid meetings will be on first and third Tuesdays at 7pm in the Common Room
(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.
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.