Maybe we need to simplify to one: one bag of tea, one conversation, and one relationship. Conversations spark meaningful relationships. Meaningful relationships move us to understanding, love, and compassion. Together, we can start changing the narrative of this world by having personal, deepening, honest, supportive, and faith-building relationships. As we endeavor to work for racial and social justice, and to ensure radical welcome for all, we know that we can only accomplish these goals if we know each other better. Hear Tonja this Sunday, when we will take our offering for the Reconciliation Ministry, encourage us to see the power of One Bag of Tea, based on the scriptures Romans 12:9-21 and 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22. 

This Saturday, September 29th at 6:00 pm, Sha’arei Shalom (the Hebrew Congregation of Columbus) has invited us for an educational dive into the exercise of combining architecture, art and religion in a film called “Sukkah City”, which will be presented at UUCCI, along with a sukkah pitch-in. Watch the trailer above to learn more about sukkahs and the film. Can't wait to celebrate with two of our Interfaith Partners!

In a join-effort with  Su Casa, Bartholomew County Indivisible, St. Bartholomew, First Presbyterian, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbus, Indiana, North Christian Church is co-sponsoring, and honored to host, this event on Saturday that will allow individuals to have a safe forum to ask questions about immigration. In addition, immigration lawyers will be present to have private 1 on 1 with families to discuss specific concerns. Childcare will be provided and light refreshments will be served.

We are ready for this Thursday evening when we will be joined by guests of The 2018 National Symposium conversation "Past is Present" with Gustavo Araoz (International Council of Monuments and Sites), Adrienne Heflich, (Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, Inc.), and Susan Saarinen (Saarinen Landscape Architecture), moderated by Theodore Prudon (president of Docomomo US).

Have you ever wondered how migrating birds decide which bird will take the lead in the "V" formation? Is it the strongest bird? Maybe the biggest one...or the most aggressive one....
Researchers in several countries have found, many times, the birds take turns! Careful analysis of how and where birds shifted position as they flew showed birds, working in pairs, repeatedly swapping around between follower and leader. By each bird taking the very energy-depleting lead, every bird was allowed to take advantage of the extra lift produced by the wings of the bird in front them. This enabled the flock to migrate further distances together. 
What a great image to take with us as we look at the shifting of our leadership this Sunday with an installation of our officers and church leaders for the current programming year.
What does Jesus say about leading? What does it mean to be great?
As usual, Jesus turns things upside down!
Hear Tonja this Sunday as we talk about leadership based on Mark 9:30-37 and James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a.