Sunday September 14th

Wake Now, My Senses: Embodied in UU Values and Action

Two services this Sunday, 9:30am and 11:30 am; in person and online at www.uuaa.org/service

JUUAA has articulated a vision to ground and guide our community for years to come.  As an anchor, as something that holds us firm, how is that firm grounding brought alive day-to-day in community and in our lives?  Join us this Sunday as we explore our UU commitment to values and action.

A reminder that there is a social hour following each service.

A PDF version of the order of service is available by Saturday of each week at https://uuaa.org/oos [You can use the electronic version to help UUAA with our Zero Waste goal.]

Sunday, September 21, 2:00pm – 3:00pm, on-site

Come celebrate SUN Day, a multi-faith day of climate hope and inspiration: Let there be solar power and light!

As part of the national SUN Day climate initiative, Washtenaw County faith communities will gather here at UUAA to share inspiring words and music. We will spotlight the excellent environmental work done and planned by area faith communities. We will also meet Shoshannah Lenski, the new executive director of the Ann Arbor Sustainable Energy Utility (SEU). 

By showing up for the collective SUN Day, we will be joining with others across the country and internationally who are standing up for the climate.

This event is free! Click here for more information and to register. 

Friday, September 26, 5:00pm through Sunday, September 28, 9:00am, Fenton, MI 

Last year’s retreat was unforgettable—moments of laughter, reflection, connection, and sisterhood. This year, we’re gathering again, and we’d love for you to be part of it.

Our annual women’s retreat is a chance to step away from the busyness of life, recharge your spirit, and surround yourself with women of all ages who uplift, inspire, and understand you. Together we’ll build lasting friendships, share meaningful conversations, and create memories that feel like home.

A retreat designed for YOU! whether you’re seeking peace and quiet, new friendships, or deeper connection.

Sunday, September 21, 3:00pm, Zoom

Saturday, September 27, 10:00am – 3:00pm, Fahs Chapel

Join author Melanie Morrison in a day-long workshop to learn how to become a trusted ally in combating racism and oppression—and how to work effectively with BIPOC organizations and leaders in that process. This event will draw participants from across the greater community to UUAA. 

Seats are limited: Please RSVP by contacting ARAO@uuaa.org or Larry Works to reserve a spot. 

Join the Q&A

Tuesday, September 16, 7:00pm – 8:30pm, Zoom

Join us for the upcoming AIM meeting as we shape our congregation’s accessibility and inclusion priorities for the coming church year. Your input and participation are essential as we work together to build a more welcoming and responsive community.

For more info, email aim@uuaa.org 

Friday, October 3, 5:00pm – Sunday, October 5, 11:00am, off-site

Please join us for this year’s retreat October 3 to 5 at the YMCA Storer Camps in Jackson, Michigan. This year’s theme is “How We as Men Grow from Loss.” We will share past and ongoing experiences of loss with an opportunity to reflect on and affirm a sense of purpose in our lives.

The retreat will begin with a potluck dinner Friday at 6:00pm. Meals will be provided throughout the day Saturday and breakfast on Sunday. Activities are planned through Sunday morning. Contact mensretreat@uuaa.org for more details.

Saturday, September 13, noon – 2:00pm, Social Hall

The Yummy Plant-Based Potlucks are for you if you want to eat healthier and don’t know how. But the more you eat plant-based, the greater the health benefits. Come for your health, climate health, and animals’ lives. Everyone is welcome. Bring a plant-based dish (no animal products) to pass, place settings, and recipe. Some people will bring plant-based dishes that have no salt, sugar, or oil; others eat no gluten. No need to RSVP, just show up with food to share, and join in the feast. The UUAA Food Justice Team sponsors the plant-based potlucks. Questions? Contact foodjustice@uuaa.org.

June thru August 11:30 am, Social Hall

June through August is the season for produce sharing!  

Growers: Have an abundance of vegetables/herbs  from your garden (or CSA) you can’t eat? Bring the extra on Sunday to share. Leave your bounty on the Food Justice table in the Social Hall. Please label what you bring.

Eaters: Take home to enjoy!

For more info: FoodJustice@uuaa.org 

Sundays September 7 – October 19

Ann Arbor Girl Scout Troop 40809 is supporting the African Library Project by collecting 1,000 to 1,200 books for a preschool through eighth grade library in Uganda. They have collected about 700 books so far and are looking to collect 200 to 400 more. The initiative is sponsored by SGD and the UUAA Library teams.

The troop will have a table in the Social Hall after both services on Sunday, September 7. Please stop by and meet the girls, learn about the project, and add your books to the collection box. Donations are welcome through October 19!

Sunday, September 14, 1:00pm – 3:00pm, Fahs Chapel, in person and via Zoom

Please join us for a presentation of “The Inside Scoop: Commutations for Long-Serving Incarcerated Women,” on Sunday, September 14. Learn about commutations, the process, and our advocates’ stories. Recommended reading beforehand is “Governors, Use Your Clemency Powers,” New York Times Opinion, July 11, 2025.

This is a hybrid event. If you cannot attend in person, you can request the link by email at restorativejusticeinfo@uuaa.org.

Our next meeting will be the fourth Wednesday in September. Contact Restorativejusticeinfo@uuaa.org for information on how to attend and to ask any other questions.

Sunday, September 21, 10:30am, Social Hall

Join us Sunday, September 21, for the UUAA’s annual Social Justice Fair. Find your beacon and discover how to get involved with our social justice groups.

What we stand for: 

  • Anti-racism and anti-oppression
  • Climate action and climate justice 
  • Radical welcome

What you can do: 

  • Speak up: Silence supports the status quo. 
  • Learn: Educate yourself and others. 
  • Engage: Volunteer, vote, organize. 
  • Listen: Especially to those whose experiences differ from yours.

Our message:

Justice is not a destination; it is a journey we share.

First Wednesday, via Zoom, 6:00pm

Join us for a Vespers Service: A Time of Pastoral Caring and Sharing offered on the first Wednesday of the month, starting September 3.  The service will be led by Rev. Theresa on Zoom and will last for about 30 minutes. The format may shift from month to month, but most often will include centering music, a chalice lighting, pastoral sharing, and some time for silence and/or a meditation. 

Consider joining this time to pause, rest, re-set in the middle of your week. Take time to be present and feel held in community. 

Register here

First Wednesday, Hot Pot Chen, 5:30pm

We are reviving a long-standing tradition that expired when Covid hit. Once again, UUAA folk and friends will gather on the first Wednesday of each month at Hot Pot Chen at 2255 W. Stadium in Ann Arbor to enjoy excellent Chinese food and great conversations.

First and Third Thursday, via Zoom, 2:00pm – 4:00pm

Discussion topics: To be determined. 

Drop-in visitors are always welcome!

Lively groups of Humanists have been meeting for over 20 years at UUAA, gathering on the first and third Thursday afternoons to discuss topics relating to Humanist philosophy, theology, morals, ethics, reasoning, science, and more. All are welcome. All meetings are still virtual. To get on our email list, get the Zoom login information, or get answers to other questions, send a query to humanistgroupinfo@uuaa.org.

Sunday, September 28, 9:30am – 3:00pm, Island Park

Please join us to walk in solidarity with the Palestinian people in Gaza as they cope with genocide, starvation, and ethnic cleansing.

Every step of the 5K walk sends a message of hope to the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, who are experiencing trauma of familial loss, displacement, and the destruction of community and societal infrastructure. 

The funds raised will directly support the critical programs and services of the Gaza Community Mental Health Program.  

Register and donate here 

For  more information: events@palestineaidsociety.org 

Other recommended charity organizations providing direct humanitarian and medical aid to people in Gaza:

Doctors Without Borders: https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/ 

United Nations Relief & Works Agency:  https://www.unrwausa.org/ 

Palestine Children’s Relief Fund: https://www.pcrf.net/ 

Doctors Against Genocide: https://doctorsagainstgenocide.org/ 

HEAL Palestine: https://www.healpalestine.org/ 

First Saturday, 8:30am, Holiday’s Restaurant,  8:30am

Men of all ages are welcome to join us at 8:30am on the first Saturday of each month at Holiday’s Restaurant, 2080 W. Stadium, Ann Arbor. We will be partaking in wonderful breakfast choices, discussion, and friendship. No RSVPs are required; we’ll either have a seat waiting for you, or we’ll find one.

Various Dates, Times, and Locations

Upcoming Events:

  • First Saturdays of the month at 8:30am: West Side Breakfast at Alpha Diner on Jackson Road in Ann Arbor
  • Second Sunday of the month at 8:30am: WomUUn’s Council Meeting, via Zoom. We are always looking for volunteers to join us, or just come to find out what we are working on.
  • Third Sunday of the month at 1:15pm: East Side Lunch at Tuptim on Washtenaw Avenue in Ypsilanti.
  • Fourth Friday of the month: WomUUn’s Social. Potluck dinner, crafts, and lively conversation at UUAA. Get more information and sign up here.

For more information, please contact WomUUnsCouncil@uuaa.org

First Saturday, 11:00am – 1:00pm, Young Room

Third Wednesday, 7:00pm – 9:00pm, via Zoom

Join us for a time of creativity and connection! Whether you enjoy knitting, crocheting, embroidering, painting, doodling, or any other form of art and craft, you’re welcome to participate. All skill levels are welcome—whether you are a beginner seeking support or an experienced artist.  

If you are interested in information about our Saturday workshops, making comfort shawls or baby blankets for Pastoral Care, getting the Wednesday Zoom link, or have any questions, please send us an email at crafters@uuaa.org. 

Friday, September 26 through Sunday, September 28, off-site 

Come to the WomUUn’s Retreat and rekindle your curiosity and rediscover what wonder feels like! The WomUUn’s Retreat will offer workshops and activities to spark your interest and, through shared experiences, help you deepen your connections with others.

One workshop presenter, Carol Gallentine, QiGong instructor at Essential Energies, will teach “The Calming, Grounding Effects of QiGong.” Essential Energies describes QiGong as a “Chinese practice that combines slow, controlled movements, meditation, and deep breathing.” The practice aims to promote health, increase vitality, and reduce stress.

Registration is available online (click here) or at the WomUUn’s Retreat table in the Social Hall. Find more retreat information at https://uuaa.org/womuuns-retreat/.

Third Wednesday, Fahs Chapel

11:30am – 1:00pm

The UUAA Lunch Group is a multigenerational gathering that meets on the third Wednesday of each month. Please bring your own lunch, and we will provide coffee, tea, and dessert. Our Lunch Group is multi-generational, and all are welcome!

Our guests for September are Kim Clugston and Nancy Schewe. They will talk about the work of the UU Garden Stewards and our memorial gardens. Later, Kim and Nancy will explain Planned Giving at UUAA and the re-energizing of the Sunderland Society.

Second Monday, 12:00pm – 1:30pm, via Zoom

A new group will begin on the second Monday of the month via Zoom. If you were previously in one of the grief support groups you will receive information about how to join this new group if you are interested. For anyone new to the grief support group, email Rev. Theresa at theresa@uuaa.org to express interest. This is a group for anyone who feels they would benefit from the support of those who are experiencing grief, whether from recent or past losses.  Everyone will have an opportunity to share with the group, and as time permits, discussion will continue. The focus of the group is on loss from the death of a loved one; it is open to new membership at any time. 

The time will be a space for being together in grief and offering support by our presence and deep listening, facilitated by rev. theresa. We will have a chalice lighting, some centering words or music, and then each person present will have an opportunity to share what is on their heart that particular day.  After each has a time of uninterrupted sharing, we may respond to each other’s stories. As Unitarian Universalists we will ground our sessions in love and respect. Remember you are not alone in your grief.

Third Sunday, 1:00pm – 3:00pm, Zoom and Brown Room

Do you like to write? If you would like to meet with a group of others who share a love of writing, come as a guest to one of the monthly gatherings of the Community of Writers. If you like hearing what others write and the positive comments that follow, and you think, “I would like to do that, too,” just let the group know. You may request the Zoom link by emailing Writers@uuaa.org. 

Our prompt for September 21: Birth families, found-families, soul families, spiritual families—there are many different kinds of families. Families help form who we are; they can nurture and/or conflict us. Families mean different things to different people, and mean different things at different times in our lives. What does family mean to you? As always, we are free to write to the prompt or not.

Second Friday, every other month, 6:00pm – 10:00pm, off-site

The conversations can be exceptional at Round Robin dinners! We gather on the second Saturday every other month to meet friends, make new ones, share a potluck meal, and talk about our activities, current events—whatever is at the top of our minds.

Typically six to eight UUAAers gather at a host’s home. Everyone brings something to contribute to the meal—appetizer, wine, salad, entrée, vegetable, or dessert. Depending on how many sign up, there will be a number of dinners around town. You can choose to be a regular or an occasional diner, to attend or be a host.If you’d like to be on the list to be invited to Round Robins, send your request to RoundRobinInfo@UUAA.org.

Third Wednesday, 11:30am – 1:00pm, Fahs Chapel

The UUAA Lunch Group is a multigenerational gathering that meets on the third Wednesday of each month. Bring your own lunch, and dessert; coffee and tea will be provided. This is not a closed group. ALL are welcome.

This September, our guest is Kim Clugston. Kim will talk to us about her work with the Garden Stewards, maybe garden plans for the coming year, and the important role these stewards play in the life of our community. In addition, as a member of the UU Immigration Action Team, Kim will share some of the valuable work she and others have done over these past few months.

Scrip table -11:30 am in the social hall

Click here to see if there is Scrip to cover your travels. Restaurants? Hotels? Car rentals? Air travel? Cruises? Disney? 

Stop by the Scrip table on Sunday so we can help you order, or set up your own account.

First Sunday, via Zoom, 4:00pm

The Woodlands is a monthly online gathering designed for trans children, youth, and adults—as well as the parents and caregivers of trans people. Each session will begin with a shared message and grounding ritual, followed by breakout rooms tailored to different communities within our circle, and we come back together for a release. Sessions will be about an hour and a half.

Each breakout room—co-facilitated by two chaplains—will offer space for meaningful check-ins where we can honor our grief, celebrate our joy, and support one another. The spirit of each room will reflect the people within it. Click here to register.

“Caregiver Companions” is a program offered through Dementia Friendly Services (formerly Dementia Friendly Saline, the organization that offers the memory cafes at UUAA twice a month). The program provides one-on-one support for primary caregivers of a person with dementia with the goal to connect caregivers to a dedicated companion who will provide a listening ear, a shoulder to lean on, words of wisdom and encouragement, and lessons learned during their own personal caregiving experiences.

Current Caregivers

Are you the primary caretaker for a loved one with dementia? Could you benefit from a supportive, encouraging, non-judgmental companion? This is a free service to all primary caregivers.

Future Companions 

Do you have experience caring for a loved one? Would you like to use your experience to help someone else on the journey? Dementia caregiving experience is helpful but not required. Contact pastoralcare@uuaa.org, and you will be provided the contact information to participate as a caregiver companion or to request one.

Israel is only able to continue its genocidal campaign of destruction and starvation in Gaza because of the weapons provided by the United States. Polls show that the overwhelming majority of Americans want to stop the flow of deadly weapons to Israel. 

Congresswoman Delia Ramirez (D, IL) introduced a historic bill in Congress to do just that, and it currently has 31 co-sponsors. It is extremely important that members of Congress hear from their constituents right now that they oppose giving more weapons to Israel! 

Write your representative and ask them to cosponsor H.R. 3565, the Block the Bombs Act.  

Take action now: https://www.blockthebombs.org/. 

The Vision Support Committee (VSC) created a complete list, of the many groups, teams, and committees here at UUAA and is making it available in spreadsheet format. This living Google doc is continuously updated as leadership changes, new groups are formed, etc. Always go to the online version to get the most current information on group names, meeting times, how each serves our UUAA Vision and more. If you see that your group is not listed or you have updates or questions, contact vision@uuaa.org.

The information can be accessed with the direct link, or by going to the UUAA website and clicking on “Groups and Teams at UUAA” (from the home page menu bar). Take a look, explore, learn, and get involved today!

Anchored in the Depths: UUAA’s Annual Ingathering, Water Communion Service

Two services resume this Sunday, 9:30am and 11:30 am; in person and online at www.uuaa.org/service

Join us this Sunday as UUAA holds its annual fall ingathering service, known as Water Communion. Attendees are invited to bring a small amount of water from their homes or recent travels for inclusion in our communion ritual. And, if you forget, no worries! There will be water on hand from our UUAA home. We begin the new church year with musical offerings by the Chalice Singers and the Chalice Bells.

A reminder that this Sunday is the start of the new church year and we resume 2 services at 9:30 and 11:30 am, with a social hour following each service.

A PDF version of the order of service is available by Saturday of each week at https://uuaa.org/oos [You can use the electronic version to help UUAA with our Zero Waste goal.]

Unrecognized Work: Labor Day Weekend Reflections

10:30 am; in person and online at www.uuaa.org/service

What does society consider “labor?”  What do we ourselves count as the work we are devoting our energy, time, and skill to?  Join us this Labor Day weekend Sunday as we reflect on the nature of labor.

A social hour follows the service in the social hall.

A PDF version of the order of service is available by Saturday of each week at https://uuaa.org/oos [You can use the electronic version to help UUAA with our Zero Waste goal.]

Drag outdated events & news items below this post

Wednesday, September 17, 6:00pm

Meditation and mindfulness can be foundational for personal wellbeing and compassionate actions. Anyone 18 years or older interested in starting or building a meditation/mindfulness practice may join either or both of two groups: a Vipassana (Insight) Meditation in the Buddhist Tradition group (ongoing), and a 6-session Compassion Meditation group.

Interested folks are asked to attend an in-person session at UUAA on September 17 at 6:00pm.  If unable to make this meeting, please contact organizers at  mmbt@uuaa.org. All levels of practitioners (including those first exploring a practice) are welcome.

Vipassana (Insight) Meditation will meet twice monthly, with traditional sitting and walking practice in the Theravada tradition; plus instruction, readings, and dharma discussions. Facilitators Terra Merrill and Brent Williams plan to begin leading these events every first and third Wednesday in person at the UUAA, beginning October 1. 

Compassion Meditation (Sessions 1 and 6 in person, 2 – 5 via Zoom) will instruct and guide participants in developing a Tibetan compassion-based meditation practice. Please attend all six sessions if possible. Sessions will take place on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at 6:00pm, beginning September 24, facilitated by Brenda Cole.

Potential participants are asked to please fill out a brief interest form by September 10 describing your interests and experience with meditation/mindfulness practice.

Those interested in participating or learning more and not comfortable or able to access the interest form may contact Terra Merrill, Brent Williams, or Brenda Cole at mmbt@uuaa.org.  

Friday September 5, 7:00 pm, UUAA parking lot

Kaleidoscope, UUAA’s LGBTQIA+ group, invites you to a bonfire in the UUAA lower parking lot! Bring your own chair and snacks. BYOB (soft drinks, beer, and wine welcome, but no liquor please). 

All are welcome! Bring friends!

For more information, please send us an email at kaleidoscopeinfo@uuaa.org.

colorful photo of a bonfire

Monday, August 16, 9:00am, off-site

Tuesday, August 19, 4:30pm, off-site

Wednesday, September 10, 4:00pm

Alpha House is a shelter for families experiencing temporary homelessness.

Sign up to learn from an experienced volunteer:

  • August 16, 9:00am – Sorting kids clothes in the basement (there is no elevator, but there is access from the back, without stairs if needed)
  • August 19, 4:30pm – Dinner volunteers with Sandy
  • September 10 – Craft with Jennifer

We are also signing up people to get more information on volunteer roles: Handy Helpers, Meal Captains, Meal Helpers, Activity Captains, and Collective Cooks! Lots of hands will be needed this October and November!

See more details and signup here 

Contact AlphaHouse@uuaa.org to find out more! 

PS: Save the date—Thursday, October 16, 6:00pm to 9:00pm! Join IHN at Alpha House on Jackson Road, Ann Arbor for their annual Gimme Shelter fundraiser and celebration of volunteers. Come see the boots-on-the-ground work that we have all been doing together!

You can register now for Rev. Manish’s 2025-2026 Adult Ed Classes that begin in September: “UU Warriors” and “The Imaginarium,” Please click here to learn more. 

Sunday, August 24, 1:00pm – 2:30pm, Fahs Chapel

Rich Fein from Citizens Climate Lobby will give a non-technical presentation on saving money and saving the planet, introducing practical tips on how to:

  • reduce home energy consumption
  • use cleaner energy
  • save money with federal, state, local, and utility incentives

Rich is the chair of the Building Efficiency and Electrification Action Team; chair of the Citizens Climate Lobby (CCL)—Ann Arbor Chapter; and CCL statewide representative to the Michigan Building Decarbonization Coalition. He has given presentations at several other congregations and will try to have the most up-to-date information, given the constant change in federal incentives.

What’s in YOUR backpack?

10:30 am; in person and online at www.uuaa.org/service

The new school year brings new adventures, challenges and joys.  Knowing that a new school year often means change, and not just for the youngest ones, we’ll reflect on how we all manage change.  We’ll take a look into our metaphorical backpacks to see just what it is we are carrying around.  Do we carry too much?

Youth are encouraged to bring the bookbags to the service to receive a blessing and a small gift as we send them off into a new school year. All are invited to join the Y’all Come Singers in the sanctuary one hour before the service to learn the music for today’s worship.

A social hour follows the service in the social hall.

A PDF version of the order of service is available by Saturday of each week at https://uuaa.org/oos [You can use the electronic version to help UUAA with our Zero Waste goal.]

Starts Thursday August 21

The first rehearsals of the year for both the Chalice Bells and the Chalice Singers will take place Thursday, August 21, and we want you! No prior hand bell or choral experience is necessary. Join an inviting community while growing your musical knowledge and skills through a fun and focused rehearsal process.

For more information, including how to get involved, please contact Director of Music Ministries Dusty Francis at dusty@uuaa.org.

Sunday, August 17, 3:00pm, Zoom

Since 1967, Israel has imprisoned over one million Palestinian men, women, and children. Many have been imprisoned for years, subjected to mental and physical abuse and torture. Thousands are in “administrative detention,” which is imprisonment without charges or a trial. The panel will discuss Israeli arrest practices, prison conditions, prisoner abuse, and the impact on families and communities. Watch the videos for free at your convenience before the discussion. 

Our panel members:

  • Arab Barghouthi: Palestinian political activist; COO, Axsos Academy
  • Hind Shraydeh: writer and journalist, Jerusalem
  • Sahar Francis: director, Addameer Prisoner Support and Human Rights Association
  • Steve Tamari (moderator): professor emeritus of Middle East and Islamic history, SIUE

Register to join the discussion and receive access to the films.

Honoring Our Connection to Animals

10:30 am; in person and online at www.uuaa.org/service

Join us for a two-part Animal Blessing Sunday at UUAA, intentionally designed to be as friendly as possible for including our congregation’s animal family members at UUAA this Sunday.

Part One: At 10:30am, UUAA will have its regular Sunday service in the Sanctuary, reflecting on our human relationship with animals. Congregants are invited to bring a photograph or memento of any beloved animals/pets that they wish to hold in memory during our creation of a memory altar honoring deceased animals.  While we are not blessing animals in the Sanctuary this year, congregants may bring their animal family members to this service.

Part Two: At 12:15pm, animals/pets and their human family members are warmly invited to join us in the church yard (immediately behind the social hall), for an outdoor in-person blessing of pets and animals.  All kinds of pets/animals (including stuffed animals and photos of pets) are warmly welcome to the 12:15pm blessing.  Animals/pets and their human family members may travel to the church yard for the blessing ceremony via the paths behind the SGD wing or directly through the building.  (If it rains, this blessing ceremony will occur in the Social Hall.)

A social hour follows the service in the social hall.

A PDF version of the order of service is available by Saturday of each week at https://uuaa.org/oos [You can use the electronic version to help UUAA with our Zero Waste goal.]

Wednesday, August 6, 3:00pm – 4:30pm, via Zoom

If you have a friend, spouse, parent, partner, or other loved one with memory loss and you would like support, you are invited to attend our next Zoom meeting. Newcomers are warmly welcomed to this long-running group. 

For information and the Zoom link, contact a facilitator—Joan Burleigh, Julie Dybdahl, or Priscilla Spencer—by emailing caregiversinfo@uuaa.org. The Memory Loss Caregiver Support Group is co-sponsored by the UUAA Pastoral Care Team and the Michigan Alzheimer’s Association.

Continuing through August 15

This year, Community Action Network (CAN) is hoping to collect about 260 backpacks filled with supplies to give to students who are under-resourced. There are two ways you can donate—online and in person.

  • You can purchase online here, or
  • You can shop in person and drop the items off at UUAA. Look for the drop-off box in the hallway or at a table in the Social Hall on Sunday.

CAN is collecting items until August 15.

High priority items are two-pocket folders, spiral notebooks, and composition notebooks.

Other items needed:

  • backpacks (for a variety of ages and gender preferences)
  • loose-leaf paper
  • rulers, scissors, and erasers
  • pencils, pens
  • pencil sharpeners
  • pencil pouches
  • markers, colored pencils (we have plenty of crayons!)
  • binders (½-inch or 1-inch)
  • binder dividers

Questions? Contact the UUAA office at office@uuaa.org.

Editor’s note: If you would like to donate to UUAA as well as CAN, please purchase scrip (gift cards) for making your purchases from Amazon, Meijer, Target, Visa, or other retailers from the UUAA Scrip Program during Social Hour on Sunday. Questions? Contact scrip@uuaa.org.

Meets every other Wednesday, 7:00pm, via Zoom

The mission of the Reproductive Rights Access Group is to empower individuals to make informed and autonomous decisions about their reproductive health (encompassing access to abortion, parental healthcare, birth control, and related services) free from coercion or discrimination. We work to ensure individuals’ choices and well-being are prioritized and upheld. 

We focus on outreach, education, and actionable support by connecting people with essential resources and collaborating with individuals and organizations.  

Starting July 2, we will meet every other Wednesday evening at 7:00pm via Zoom. All are welcome. 

Please email arainfo@uuaa.org for more information. 

Third Friday, Social Hall and back lawn

5:30pm – 8:30pm

This month, we celebrate reading, books, community and the beginning of the congregational year and the school year! Join us for a dinner of grilled cheese sandwiches and soup, vegetable sticks and chips, and the world’s best brownies! After dinner, make and decorate a small notebook to take home, join us for a rousing game of madlibs, and hang out and catch up with friends after the summer.

A local Girl Scout troop is collecting gently used children’s books (pre-K to 8th grade) to set up a library for a community in Uganda.  Each book you bring to Friday Fun Night enters your name into a raffle for your choice of two boxes of Girl Scout cookies, to be delivered once the sale starts in 2026. 

Click here to RSVP. 

Sign up to volunteer. 

Questions? Email FridayFunNight@uuaa.org 

Friday, August 8, 5:30pm – 8:30pm, in person at the UUAA

You bring dinner for your family, we will supply the dessert, drinks, and chips! We encourage all of our guests to provide their own flatware and dishware (if you use UUAA plates, etc., please be sure to rinse and put in one of the dishwashers in the main kitchen). If you don’t feel like cooking, you can always order food for delivery right to the church! Pizza, falafel, sushi, and many other options are close by. We also encourage you to bring camping chairs and/or lawn blankets. 

We will play some Minute to Win It games as well as provide coloring materials! There is no link to volunteer (although our team always appreciates help) but we are asking folks to Please RSVP Here if you plan to attend, so we can make enough desserts and purchase enough drinks for all.

Questions? Email FridayFunNight@UUAA

Friday August 22, 7:00 – 9:00 pm, UUAA Fahs chapel

Need a break from doomscrolling? Love board games? Just wanna hang with some fun queers? Bring your favorite game or enjoy one of ours at the First UU of Ann Arbor. No current or future affiliation with UUAA necessary or expected to attend Kaleidoscope events. All are welcome, including kids

For more information, please email: kaleidoscopeinfo@uuaa.org

Kaleidoscope is UUAA’s LGBTQIA+ group. All are welcome!

board games (Monopoly, Chess, Cluedo, Scrabble) with playing cards and chips
board games (Monopoly, Chess, Cluedo, Scrabble) with playing cards and chips

Sunday, August 24th, 1:00 – 2:30 pm in the UUAA Fahs Chapel.

Rich Fein from Citizens Climate Lobby will tell us how to SAVE MONEY and SAVE THE PLANET – A non-technical presentation introducing practical tips on how to: -reduce home energy consumption -use cleaner energy -SAVE $$$ with federal, state, local & utility incentives.

Rich Fein Citizens Climate Lobby

The FLYER is available at this link. Pass it along to friends and neighbors. All are invited.
Rich will try to have the most up-to-date information, given the constant change in federal incentives. He has given presentations at several other congregations and we have heard great feedback from them on how informative and practical it was.
Rich is the Chair of the Building Efficiency & Electrification Action Team, Citizens Climate Lobby – Ann Arbor Chapter; and CCL Statewide Representative – Michigan Building Decarbonization Coalition)

One year ago– June 16, 2024, we switched on our expanded solar array, increasing from 112 panels to 380 panels. From June 13, 2024 (three days before the switch) to June 12, 2025, UUAA consumed 153,132 kWh of electricity and generated 152,243 kWh, or 99.4% of our total usage. Had we purchased from DTE all the electricity we generated, the cost would have been $20,700. This is major progress, and we should all be proud. For more information: ed@uuaa.org

Summit October 30th-31st

Coming up October 30 – 31, click here to register for the Michigan Restorative Justice Summit: Reclaiming a Culture of Healing. Contact us for scholarship information.

Questions? Email restorativejusticeinfo@uuaa.org.

At the June 28th Special Congregational meeting, the resolution passed with 94% in favor

“Response to Action of Immediate Witness: Solidarity with Palestinians” Resolution

The Board of Trustees scheduled a Special Congregational Meeting 6/28/25 to allow the congregation to vote on whether to adopt a congregational resolution titled “Response to Action of Immediate Witness: Solidarity with Palestinians” sponsored by UUAA’s UUs for Justice in the Middle East, Immigration Action Coalition, Racial Justice Arc and Restorative Justice groups.

A 25% quorum was present and 94% of attendees voted to adopt the resolution. See the special congregational meeting web page.

This is our covenant with each other . . .

10:30 am; in person and online at www.uuaa.org/service

Unitarian Universalism is a covenantal faith; we value the promises we make about how we want to be in relationship with each other. What if we take some time to more deeply explore this idea of covenant?  In this multigenerational service we will, through story, music, activity and reflection, look at what it takes to create a covenant with each other. How do we learn from perspectives that differ from our own while trying to find the common ground of a shared covenant?

All are invited to join the Y’all Come Singers in the sanctuary one hour before the service to learn the music for today’s worship.

A social hour follows the service in the social hall.

A PDF version of the order of service is available by Saturday of each week at https://uuaa.org/oos [You can use the electronic version to help UUAA with our Zero Waste goal.]

The Sin of Empathy

10:30 am; in person and online at www.uuaa.org/service

This Sunday we welcome seminarian Eli Kranz back to UUAA for an exploration of Sin and Empathy.

You may have heard Bishop Budde delivered the homily at A Service of Prayer for the Nation on January 21, 2025, at the Washington National Cathedral. She called for mercy, peace and love, after which certain individuals accused her of the “sin of empathy.” We will explore the roots of this idea, and what exactly does sin AND empathy mean to Unitarian Universalists.

A social hour follows the service in the social hall.

A PDF version of the order of service is available by Saturday of each week at https://uuaa.org/oos [You can use the electronic version to help UUAA with our Zero Waste goal.]