Sunday, July 14, 11:00 am, Sanctuary

"Nature’s Inspiration: A New Transcendentalism"

Join us in person or watch on YouTube.

On Sunday, July 14, we explore the deep spiritual connection that Unitarian Universalists often feel with nature, tracing its origins to the Transcendentalist Movement of the early 19th century and Ralph Waldo Emerson’s writing, among others. How does Transcendentalism and its ideas about nature continue to influence modern Unitarian Universalist spirituality, and what revisions do we need to make Transcendentalism a spirituality for the twenty-first century?

Participating in today’s service:

Service Leader: Rev. Dr. Nicole C. Kirk, Guest Minister; Worship Associate:  Sundra Flansburg; Song Leader: Bill Gouldy;  Accompanists: Dianne Broyles and Barbara McCalla; Technical Support: Tammy Epperson and Ellisya Ravencroft

Rev. Dr. Nicole C. Kirk is the Frank and Alice Schulman Chair of Unitarian Universalist History at Meadville Lombard Theological School in Chicago, Illinois. A lifelong Unitarian Universalist from Tulsa, Nicole served as a Unitarian Universalist parish minister before her doctoral studies. Her work as a historian is animated by questions that emerge from archival research, her work in the classroom, and the complex questions about the relationship between business, infrastructure, mobility, and religion. Nicole is the author of Wanamaker’s Temple: The Business of Religion in an Iconic Department Store (New York University Press, 2018, 2023) and several chapters in edited volumes. Currently, she is working on a book about the American circus and the railroad, Circus Day: Religion and the Circus.

Sunday, July 14, 10:00 am

Sunday Morning Meditation (In-Person)

Please join us for meditation practice in the Buddhist tradition (lower level, next to Corley Commons).

All are welcome; no meditation experience necessary!

For more information contact Lori Jervis.

Sunday, July 14 (immediately after the service) Daniel Hall

Coffee, Lemonade and Conversation

Join us after the service in Daniel Hall for coffee, lemonade and conversation.

Transition Tracker

Dear Members and Friends,

The transitions abound. On July1st, I transitioned into my role as President of the Congregation, but as I was enjoying a long-scheduled vacation last week, this is my first opportunity to share news myself.

Thanks to Marcia Woodward and Marshal Gimpel for keeping the chalice flame lit while I was away!

In addition, Marshal and I (along with Deborah Shinn, Ann Meeks, and Sundra Flansburg) are working with the UUA transitions team in our search for a contract minister of some kind. When we have news to share, we will happily do so! For now, however, our DLRE Tim Atkins is leading the effort to provide a strong line-up of Sunday worship that include some lay-led services and some guests in our pulpit.

This is new territory for everyone involved and I personally welcome your contributions, participation, and good energy as we move into this next chapter at First Unitarian.

Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions you may have.

In faith,

Cathy Webster

President of the Congregation 2024-2025

What is going on at 1UC?

Have you been wondering what work is going on around the church? Well there are 2 major projects. Severe fascia damage was discovered at the SE corner of the sanctuary above the choir robe room. That project will replace/repair/scrape/caulk and paint all fascia and soffits around the church. It will also refurbish and restore the sanctuary entry and all exterior wood surfaces.

The 2^nd project will dismantle and rebuild the leaning NE wall of the Murdoch Wing. It involves removing bricks down below the roof line, fixing the problem, and then rebuilding the wall using as many salvaged bricks as possible. The walls on both ends of the Murdoch Wing will be re-pointed and bricks replaced as needed. All cap stones will be inspected, re-attached and sealed.

Both projects restore building integrity and address safety issues. Have questions – let me know.

Ron Wasson

Summer Worship Services

VOLUTEERS NEEDED

Howdy Folks! We are looking for volunteers to serve over the course of our summer worship series. We're looking for worship associates, musicians, song leaders, and four ushers each week over the summer.

Sign up on our sign up genius! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4EAFAA2DAAFCC61-49896388-1ucsummer#/

Have questions? Contact Tim (tatkins@1uc.org)

July 12 through 14

Storyteller Theatre OKC (Westmoore Performing Arts Center)

Go see 1UC Member, Lana Henson in The Importance of Being Earnest, a comedy for "serious" people. 

The Importance of Being Earnest endures in popularity nearly 130 years after its' premiere as Oscar Wilde's most popular comedy. It's the story of two bachelors, John "Jack" Worthing and Algernon "Algy" Moncrieff, who fantasize their ordinary lives with an alter ego named "Ernest". The two seek to win the affections of Gwendolyn and Cecily, who, conveniently, claim to only love men called Ernest. As Jack and Algy struggle to keep up with their own stories, they become tangled in a tale of deception, disguise and hilarious misadventure. 

Buy tickets here 

2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month - 6:00 pm

Wednesday Night Meditation

Interested in meditation but can't quite make it on Sunday mornings? Or maybe you just want more meditation? We are adding a Wednesday night session to our schedule (6:00 pm - 7:00 pm) in the meditation room in the lower level (Corley Commons).

For more information contact Larry Little.

Our Summer RE Program series kicks off this week!

K-5^th graders will begin at 11:00 am directly in their classroom upstairs – Kaleidoscope. Class runs from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm, so after worship ends please head upstairs to collect your kiddos! 

Throughout July our focus is going to be different artistic projects, and throughout August our focus will be on sustainable living and climate change. 

Our 6^th-12^th graders will begin down in the youth room at 11:00 am for socializing and games. We could always use one more volunteers for the middle and high school youth on Sundays. If you are interested please contact Lynn Ann Wagner at flowerdancer@hotmail.com.

July Events

1UC Summer Youth Activities (6th grade - 12th grade)

Thursday, July 18 - Middle School Movie Night, 7:00 pm, Peryam House; Contact Marilee Peryam for information

Monday, July 22 - Cat Cafe Party!, Don't Stress Meowt, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm ($14 or what you can); Contact Marilee Peryam for information

Friday, July 26 - Family Game Night/Potluck, Daniel Hall, 5:30 to 9:30 pm; Contact Marilee Peryam for information

News from Befrienders

Befrienders is ready to assist members of our church who are recovering from surgeries or illnesses by offering cards of well-wishes, meal trains, transportation to church or medical appointments and visitations.

Even though the work of our church relaxes during the summer while a minister is taking time for reflection and study, the work of Befrienders continues. We may not meet in person, but we continue to offer cards of well wishes, meals, transportation and visitations. Remember that Befrienders offers short term care to our congregants and friends of First Unitarian Church.

Our Befrienders team consists of:

Lana Henson and her team of well-wishers with cards

Kathy Nighswonger and her team of visitors

Patti Kate and her team of drivers ready to help with transportation

Ginny Boykin and her team ready to provide receptions for memorial services

At First UU, we are all Befrienders to and with each other because we care about you!

Friday, July 12 and Saturday, July 20

Help out OKC Beautiful!

We are so grateful for your church's support of the OKC Harvest expansion to Esperanza Elementary. 

We have two upcoming volunteer opportunities as part of the garden build, should you or any congregation members be interested in joining - July 12 and 20th. We'll share more details in the coming weeks about a ribbon cutting at Esperanza Elementary as well. :)

Click here for the volunteer sign up!

Thanks again for your support!

Natalie Evans, MPA (she/her)

Program & Marketing Director

OKCBeautiful.com