Thursday, August 20, 2026 |
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| "Created for Community" with Rev. Holly Brown: As people we are created for community. Many Unitarian Universalists come seeking a place where we can find a community for connection and spiritual exploration. This week I will draw upon some of the writings of Howard Thurman about the "Hunger for Community."
Join us in Clemson at 10:30am.
This service will be livestreamed on our YouTube channel. |
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| FROM OUR MINISTER Hello Beloveds,
Every year the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) selects a book as the Common Read with the hope that congregations across the denomination will engage with the selected book. To aid in such engagement they create a study guide that pairs with the book. This year the book is Love is at the Center: Unitarian Universalist Theologies. It is a compilation of short essays by different authors and the study guide includes questions that focus on these essays.
Join us on the third Sunday of the month following service, starting on September 20th. Since the focus will be on one or two essays at a time (depending on length/shared topic), we ask that you sign up for the months that you would like to attend so we can make sure you have access to the essay for that month.
We will start with three unique sessions on September 20th, October 18th, and November 15th led by me or Karen Hiebel. Depending on interest and participation we may continue in 2027. To sign up for any or all of these dates email me at minister@uufc.org.
May you be well, Rev. Holly |
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| JOYS, CONCERNS, & MILESTONES: Do you have something you are celebrating? Or maybe something you are struggling with? Let us know! Significant personal accomplishments and hardships may be shared below, with permission. Please submit Celebrations and Concerns on one of the cards (green) at Sunday service or use this simple form. On Sunday's paper submissions, you must check the "I give permission to share. . ." box for your submission to be considered for publication. Personal items will not be shared without express permission to do so from the parties involved.
- Kathy shares, "I am proud the Clemson University is opening its first Hillel Jewish Center"
- Cindy shares her joy of "a bridal shower that Eve and cousin Leslie held for Lee & Matt on Saturday in Brevard. Wonderful people supporting the soon-to-be wed"
- And we have a special announcement from Cory Dodgens: "I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity to grow and share in UUFC's community for the past 13 or so years. There has been nothing but kindness and enthusiastic acceptance from the congregation. I have made countless valuable friendships over the years, and I will always be so thankful. My departure from UUFC is completely due to outside circumstances. My health and the well-being of my family have just necessitated the need for a day off each week to help balance the load. I will dearly miss seeing all of you each week, and you have my infinite thanks for all that UUFC has poured into my life over these years."
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Care Request Form: Request extra care (eg: meals, rides, cards, texts, calls, visits, etc.) for yourself or another congregant during a difficult time.
Care Response Form: Let us know if you are willing and able to provide various kinds of care to congregants in need. |
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| UUFC ANNOUNCEMENTS Want to advertise your upcoming UUFC event or share some UUFC news? Let us know! Please keep in mind this newsletter is specifically for UUFC news, UU news, and member updates. Email newsletter submissions to newsletter@uufc.org no later than Tuesday for inclusion in that week's Weekly Connection. |
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REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR RELIGIOUS EXPLORATION: If you've never registered your child for our Religious Exploration program at UUFC, please click the green button to do so: |
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If you have previously registered a child at UUFC, you will receive an email with a link to a pre-filled registration form that you can check for corrections or updates. Paper registration forms will also be available on Sunday mornings. Questions? Contact Karen Hiebel dlff@uufc.org |
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FINANCE COUNCIL NEWS: The Income and Expenditure data as of July 31, 2026 is posted in the entrance way on the bulletin board by the door. At the end of July we were 58.2% through the fiscal year. Our income was 59.45% of the annual budget projection. Expenses year-to-date were 64.66% of the annual budget projection. The Finance Council will present the proposed 2027 budget to the Board at the August Board meeting. |
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COMMUNITY SING THURSDAY, AUGUST 20TH @ 4:30: Music is good for you and it's fun! Come join our song circle in the sanctuary! Bring your favorite tune to share, or just sit and let the good vibes wash over you. Contact Elaine Fredendall or Sara Summers-Hoskin for more info. |
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CAMPOUT OCTOBER 1ST - 4TH: Save the Date! The group campsite at Oconee State Park has been reserved for UUFC campers, hikers and pot-luckers This is a fund-raiser activity for UUFC; all are welcome! Stay tuned for more information.
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| RECURRING UUFC EVENTS Weekly on Mondays
- UUFC Choir at 7:00pm: UUFC Choir Rehearsals will resume Monday, Sept. 7 at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary. For more information contact Elaine Fredendall (864-650-6824) or Sara Summers-Hoskin.
Weekly on Tuesdays
- Tuesday Evening Buddhist Meditation Group Join us Tuesdays at 7:00 starting with a 40-minute sitting meditation, followed by a short break, and then discussion. Appropriate for beginners or experienced meditators, come join us. For more info, contact Darrell Yardley.
Weekly on Thursdays
Monthly
- Sunday Sangha 2nd Sundays at Noon: This Buddhist study group meets monthly on Sundays. We will begin at 12 noon in the sanctuary. Join us! Contact Renee Mendola for more information.
- Socratic Café 2nd Mondays, at 10:30 - 11:45am: Join us in the Founders' House conference room on September 14th for a guided discussion, led by Adam Gies, on the topic: “What are the costs and benefits of technological innovation? Historically, do benefits outweigh the costs?” Please contact Alan Goldsmith for more information.
- Sounds Like Fun! 1st Tuesdays at 10:30am - 12:00pm: When the going gets tough, go for the jocular! September 1st is our next morning of improv comedy, new and old party games, and creative arts exploration in the Social Room. Please RSVPlay to Alan Goldsmith if you plan to attend.
- Plate Pals - UU Women's Lunch Group 2nd Tuesdays of each month. Join us for camaraderie, fun, support, and fellowship. To join us, email UUPlatePals@gmail.com.
- Novel Circle Book Club 1st Wednesdays at 7:30pm. All are welcome at this UUFC Book Club which meets in person (social hall) and online (Zoom) every 1st Wednesday at 7:30 PM. Please contact Gail Brownlee or Cindy Lee for more information.
- September 2nd: This Other Eden by Paul Harding
- October 7th: The Miniaturist’s Assistant by Katherine Scott Crawford
- November 4th: The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong
- December 2nd: The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
- January 6th: Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell
- Habitat for Humanity UUFC works with the Pickens County Habitat for Humanity. Our workday this month will be Saturday, August 29 at 9 am. Anyone who would like to join in on this fun is welcome--reach out to Michael Elder.
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BANNED BOOKS FROM SCUUJA: There are 22 titles gifted to UUFC from the South Carolina UU Justice Alliance (SCUUJA) from the list of books banned by the state of SC in 2025. They are available to borrow from our Adult Faith Library. Contact Karen (dlff@uufc.org) for more info! |
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| COLUMBO'S RECEIPTS BRING MONEY TO UUFC Having a pizza night? When you check out at Columbo's Pizza, ask to have your receipt stamped and then drop that receipt at the UUFC office. Columbo's gives us a percentage of the receipt totals.
LITTLE RED WAGON Every Sunday during service, the children collect donations for Clemson Community Care and place them into our little red wagon. They need donations of food to help meet the needs of the community. Current needs are as follows: green beans, corn, canned meats, pork and beans, soap, toiletries, and diapers (size 4, 5 & 6).
LISTENING DEVICES AVAILABLE We have small radio receivers that pick up the sound from our AV system and transmit it to your ears, via headphones or telecoil. These are on display in the back left corner of the sanctuary, beside the AV systems. If you have hearing aids with telecoil, all you have to do is turn it on and use one of our T-coil necklaces. Otherwise, you can use one of our new headphones. Stop by before the next service and try it out!
UUFC DIRECTORY Our congregational directory is not available online. If you'd like the most recent version (updated monthly) emailed to you, please contact Becky, our office administrator.
UUFC PHOTOS Photos of UUFC folks doing UUFC things are always welcome! Please send photos to newsletter@uufc.org for our archives. All submitted photos may be chosen for publication and/or display unless specifically requested NOT to publish. |
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SHARED VALUES At the Unitarian Universalist Association's General Assembly in the summer of 2024, UUs voted to amend our by-laws to describe our Shared Values instead of Principles. Don't worry--the Principles did not vanish entirely; much of the sentiment can be found in the Values and now they're easier to share in graphic form. This helps frame our UU message in 21st century language. Our shared values are: Interdependence, Equity, Transformation, Pluralism, Generosity, and Justice. These are centered around Love at the core. |
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CALL YOUR REPRESENTATIVES: The number of calls on each topic are recorded and if enough people express their dismay, they might just respond favorably. Emails carry less weight, since they can be copied, pasted and mass-mailed; constituents who take the time to pick up the phone sends a message. So pick up the phone and make the calls! Let your representatives know that you're watching, that you're engaged, and what you want them to do. If you don't know who to call, you can call the Capitol Switchboard: 202-224-3121 and they'll help you connect, or you can visit usa.gov/elected-officials. For additional information, ideas and call scripts, you can visit 5calls.org. Call your reps daily, if you can. This is faith in action. |
| FLOWERS FOR SUNDAY: Each week, volunteers provide flowers for Sunday service. If you'd like to volunteer to bring flowers, please sign up on the sheet on the Opportunity Table in the Social Room. 8/23: Ally Driver 8/30: Martha Alexander |
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