Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Columbus, GA

Welcome Letter from 2025 President Amos Jones

Hello and welcome! We are thrilled to have you as part of our beloved community. Your presence and unique gifts are valued here. In our fellowship, we honor diversity, pursue truth, and advocate for justice. We welcome individuals from all backgrounds, beliefs, and identities. Here, you will find a nurturing and inclusive space to explore your spiritual journey, engage in meaningful dialogues, and build relationships. One of the foundations of our community is the phrase ‘deeds, not creeds’. We are more interested in what you do than what you believe. No one will assume you believe in anything in particular. We may ask, though, just to get to know you better. If you are around long enough, you will hear plenty of talk about the Seven Principles, or is it eight, as well as our Shared Values.

The Unitarian Universalist organization has a rich and diverse history that dates back several centuries, with roots in the Protestant Reformation. Originally emerging in Europe during the 16th century, early Unitarians emphasized rational thought. The Columbus Fellowship was founded in 1975 by Pam and Barry White with a core group of about 20 members. The first service was held in our current location in March of 2015. The full written history of our Fellowship is available online and in the fellowship library.

We offer a variety of programs and activities to nourish your spirit and engage your mind. Our weekly schedule includes Sunday morning talks from various speakers, experts, and enthusiasts. On Wednesday evenings, the adult discussion group. Saturday mornings feature Buddhist meditation and study sessions, typically led by our ordained monastic in the Tibetan tradition. About once a month, the meditation and study are presented in the Zen tradition of Plum Village and Thích Nhất Hạnh. There is a virtual Zoom lunch bunch meeting on Fridays. These are just the weekly happenings. Additionally, our Earth-Centered spirituality group meets about twice each quarter to celebrate Lunar and Solar events, inspired by traditions from around the world. And all of this happens at our Heiferhorn Campus.

We are excited to get to know you and make connections.

Please reach out to the Fellowship office at uufcga@gmail.com

Amos Jones

President, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Columbus, GA

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Welcome from Connie Ussery, 2024 President (immediate past President)

We all need companions on our journeys.  No matter where you come from or where you hope to go, we offer a fellowship of thinkers, learners, seekers and adventurers.  There is so much to explore along the way.  We welcome those on a traditional spiritual path, and we celebrate the creative ways people find their own directions.  Our fellowship is unique among other churches and congregations.  We have no creed, but we value our Seven Principles. Every Sunday we promise ourselves and each other to seek peace, truth and meaning in a volatile world.  Learn about our beliefs and principles here.

You might think Unitarian Universalism is a new religion, but it is actually a blend of two long-established congregations.  Unitarians were thinkers like John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Joseph Priestly, Charles Darwin, Charles Dickens and Ralph Waldo Emerson.  Universalists were ethicists like Clara Barton, Olympia Brown and Horace Greeley.  Most suffragettes and many leaders of the Civil Rights Movement, especially Dr. Martin Luther King, espoused Universalist principles.  In fact, the two people murdered during the march in Selma, Alabama, were Unitarian Universalists. In my opinion, if you know the lessons of “A Christmas Carol,” you know the basics of our theology.  Rev. Kathleen Rolenz said, “Throughout history, we have moved to the rhythms of mystery and wonder, prophecy, wisdom, teachings from ancient and modern sources, and nature herself.”

Find out more about our history at www.uua.org/beliefs/who-we-are/history.

Our congregation is small, but we are proud of our liberal religious roots.  Members and friends total about 130.  We come from diverse religious and secular spiritual traditions. Christians, Jews, Buddhists, Humanists, Muslims, Pagans, Atheists, and Agnostics contribute to the feeling of acceptance in our Fellowship.   Many of us don’t assign ourselves categories that might define beliefs.  Instead, we recognize the need for a safe space to ask questions and express doubts.  We offer a chance to learn about other religions, other paths, and the ideals we hold in common. How else can we foster social connection to the ever-changing larger community?  Most important, we’re committed to affirming the worth and dignity of all people.

We meet every Sunday at 11:00 a.m.  Guest speakers include UU ministers, ministers of other faiths, experts on various topics, or leaders in community organizations.  Check our website at uucolumbusga.org  for upcoming programs and samples of past programs.  We offer Wednesday Night Discussion, Friday Lunch and Conversation, Abiding Meditation, Buddhist Studies, Earth-Centered Spirituality Group, Women’s Book Club, Women’s Lunch Discussion, “No Wrong Turns” Cyclists.  Our Social Action, Congregational Care and Fundraising Committees offer more chances to explore your interests and causes.

If you have questions, feel free to ask.  Inquire at uufcga@gmail.com.

Sincerely,

Connie Ussery,
Immediate Past President