Candles of Community
If you have a significant personal joy, sorrow or concern you would like to share, please phone (803) 799-0845 or email the Administrator (uucc@uucolumbia.org) by noon Friday. You may also share your joy or concern personally. We will have 7 candles (representing our seven principles) in a basket on the table in the foyer. When you arrive, take a candle and light it when invited to do so.  Because of time constraints, we ask you to be brief.

Forum
The UUCC Forum meets every Sunday from 9:30 to 10:45 in the Library.  We start with a brief  catch-up and social time (about 15 minutes), so if you are a little late (15 min),  it’s OK.  Our topics are mostly about current items and issues. We have an email list where some suggested links are sent prior to the meeting -If you are on the Forum email list, please check your email for documents to read ahead of time.  If you would like to be included on the Forum email list,or have questions, contact Jeanette Walton (please text and include your name (803)466-0594).

Sunday Flowers Program
Would you like to share your flowers for our Sunday service in recognition of a birthday, anniversary, or a special memory?  You will now provide your own floral arrangement. Just let us know the date you would like to place flowers in the sanctuary by sending an email to the Worship Committee  (worshipchair@uucolumbia.org). Please include your name, phone number, and the date you want. You will be contacted to confirm the date and details.

Kitchen Announcement
Want a way to get involved in Social Hour tasks that does not require an extended commitment?

Participate by giving an hour of your time to help with refreshments on a Sunday. You may be spontaneous or sign up for a future date. We need help Preparing (10:00-11:00 am), Monitoring (Last song-12:30 pm), or Cleaning (12:15-1:15 pm).

Signup sheets are posted on the kitchen door. Each Sunday is divided by time periods. The current month as well as the next two will be posted. There will always be 1 to 2 kitchen committee members covering the entire day. At most on any given Sunday two to three hourly helpers are needed – one of these could be YOU! Come join the fun.

Knit or Knot, Tuesdays, 3 pm
Do you knit or have other needle-craft you would like to share? If so, you are invited to join us for our weekly Knit or Knot meetings on Tuesdays at 3:00 p.m. in Room 10.

Story Circles
Fun & fellowship Wednesdays from 10:00-11:00 a.m. (note, this group is currently filled to capacity).  In addition, think about joining us on Tuesdays from 2:00-3:00 pm for our in-person meetings in the UUCC Library.  The meeting links can be found under the News/Meeting Info  link found on the Home Page.  Newcomers welcome.  Contact Phil Turner (connection@uucolumbia.org) for information about the meeting connection.

Gaia’s Rising CUUPS, Thursday Nights, 7:30pm
Join the Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans (CUUPS) Thursday nights at 7:30pm in the UUCC library. Contact Katy Long at katylong25@gmail.com

Exploring Spirituality Group
Come with questions rather than answers.  It will be both faith-friendly and no-faith friendly. All are invited to join us with open minds and hearts. We only ask that participants come with a spirit of curiosity, wisdom, and compassion….and sense of humor too. Every other Wednesday, 7-8:30pm in the UUCC Library.  For answers to your questions, or to check on the next meeting date, text Rebecca Drennan at 415-377-1791.

Vegan Potluck
Thursday, March 14, 6pm, Social Hall
The Animal Ministry will be hosting a monthly Vegan Potluck in collaboration with Columbia Veg, a local community group for vegans, vegetarians, and people exploring a plant-based lifestyle.
The next vegan potluck will take place on March 14th, beginning at 6pm in the Social Hall. Everyone is invited to bring a vegan dish to share. Future meetups will take place on the second Thursday of each month.
If you have any questions or would like ideas for items to bring, please contact Patty Drews, the Animal Ministry’s liaison for these events, at paddrews@gmail.com.

Science and Religion Discussion Group
The Science and Religion Discussion Group meets on the second Thursday of the month at 8 pm in Room 8 in the RE wing..  Join us and enjoy spirited discussions about subjects where science and religion overlap.  Books are selected by consensus.  Contact Dean Smith (deanjaysmith@yahoo.com) with questions.

UUCC Men’s Breakfast Group, Second Thursday of Each Month
The UUCC men’s breakfast group will meet at 9:00 a.m. on the second Thursday of each month.  We usually meet at some local restaurant.  If you are interested, please contact Phil Turner (connection@uucolumbia.org) to get on the mailing list or if you have any questions..

UUCC Women’s Lunch, 3rd Thursdays, 12pm, Social Hall
The UUCC Women’s Lunch is held at noon on the third Thursday of every month (the next one will be on March 21) in the Social Hall.  Please bring food or drink to share and let either

Joan Watterson (joan.l.watterson@icloud.com or 803-381-7208) or
Mary Maclachlan (drmarymaclachlan@gmail.com or 803-348-4370)

know that you are coming, so that we have an idea of how many people to set up for. Also let one of us know if you would like a ride or are able to help clean up.

UU Humanist Group
Join us on the last Thursday of each month in classroom 8.  Discussions cover a wide range of topics of interest to humanists.  Contact Dean Smith (deanjaysmith@yahoo.com) with questions.

UUCC Book Club
The UUCC Book Club is open to all members and friends.  We meet every other month to discuss nonfiction and fiction books that inspire, challenge, entertain and educate.  Our next selection will be on April 21, 2024: The Sum of Us (Adapted for young readers): How Racism Hurts Everyone. By Heather McGhee. Look here for additional information or contact Phil Turner with questions (connection@uucolumbia.org)

Tai Chi – Limited Building Access Requested for Weekly Rental
Please refrain from entering the Social Hall, Sanctuary, Foyer and Kitchen to honor the privacy of the Tai Chi classes that will take place every Tuesday morning from 10:20am to 11:40am and Wednesday evenings from 5:20pm to 6:40pm. Access is available via the coded double doors on the Heyward side.

Last call for Donations to the Winter Shelter
The April 1 end of the winter season for the overnight homeless shelter is approaching. If you have donations please get them in by March 15. New or lightly used clothing, especially men’s shirts and pants, under garments, hats, gloves, sweaters and winter coats, current magazines, unused personal-sized toiletries, backpacks and luggage are still needed. The city-funded shelter, managed by Transitions (https://transitionssc.org), is open for adults from November 1 to April 1 when the temperature falls below 40F. During the cold snap in January, the number of overnight clients reached a high of 172; in February the number has been a bit over 100 people per night. Place donations in the basket in the social hall. There are volunteering opportunities, including helping with our UUCC clothing table, during client check in (5:30-7:30 p.m.). Many thanks for donations, which go right into the hands of those in need. Contact Tom Clements, tomclements329@cs.com, cell 803-240-7268.

Harvest Hope Food Donations Needed 
Please bring your donations, such as canned soups, vegetables, fruits, juices, peanut butter, and pastas for Harvest Hope Food Bank and leave them in our shopping cart in the social hall. Another item always needed is disposable diapers – NO adult sizes. Harvest Hope does not accept glass containers or expired food.

Virtual Buddhist Meditation
The Buddhist Insight Meditation Community of Columbia, which had met in the UUCC Library, now meets on Zoom, Mondays 7:00-8:15pm. All are welcome. Please contact Jessica Kross, (jkross943@gmail.com) for access information.