Let Our Light Shine - When the clouds are rolling in and the world is feeling dark, Unitarian Universalism can be a light in the storm. Join us this week for our Annual Pledge Drive Kick Off with a joyful service full of love, light, and beautiful music.
Priscilla Shumway will be our Worship Associate,
Emily White will give the Time for All Ages,
with music provided by the House Band and the choir.
9:30 AM - Nursery Opens, Annex - Children ages 5 and under are welcome in the nursery 9:30am - 1:00pm (extended hours to accommodate the Chili Cook-Off!) - Children ages 7 and under are welcome after RE classes until 1:00pm.
9:45 AM - Meditation, Upper Gage Hall Participants gather for an hour to practice insight meditation and discuss various aspects of the meditative path and its interplay with our lives. 10:00 AM - RE Classes, Annex and Upper Gage Hall - Elementary aged students (K - 6th grade) will meet in Upper Gage Hall.
- Youth (7th - 12th grade) will meet in the Annex.
- Following RE classes, children will join the service in the Sanctuary.
10:00 AM - Forum, Gage Hall John Preston – Data Centers
John has been a member of our congregation since 2014. He is a professor emeritus from Eastern Michigan University's College of Technology and the author or co-author of more than sixty books. Since his retirement, he chooses one or two subjects each year to study and then either writes a new book or prepares lectures to share his discoveries. He has written three books since retirement: The Next Election: Bigger Ideas and Better Choices, China: A Framework for Understanding, and Silicon Intelligence: An Introduction to Artificial Intelligence.
12:00 PM - Chili Cook-Off, Gage Hall Join us after the service to taste test all of the chilis and votes for your favorite! Hot dogs will also be served. We are still looking for chili contestants and other food items so sign up HERE today! Further instructions will be sent to all chili participants on Friday afternoon. Families - childcare will be provided in the nursery until 1:00pm but children are welcome to join for chili and hot dogs!
12:30 PM - Dinner Anywhere in the World Raffle Drawing, Gage Hall
On the first Sunday of each month, we Share the Plate with a non-profit organization that reflects our UU Principles. Last church year we were able to give a total of over $8,000 to eleven organizations.
Use the Nomination form here to make your nomination. Send the form to mlpmaureen@gmail.com.
Nominations will be accepted until February 28.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEWS
Youth Con at the Mountain
March 6-8
This year a group of our youth are participating in the intermediate age youth conference at The Mountain retreat. We currently have 2 advisors and 3 youth signed up. Contact Danica Todd or DRE@charlestonuu.org if you are interested! You can learn more and register HERE.
UNHUSHED Middle School Program
April 19 - May 17 Sign Up Now!
We’re excited to offer Unhushed, a comprehensive, values-based sexuality education program for middle school youth (ages 12-15). Unhushed creates a safe, respectful space for young people to explore topics like identity, relationships, consent, and decision-making with accurate information and thoughtful discussion. The group will meet Sundays 10am-12pm, onsite for 5 weeks on April 19 - May 17. Register Here
Online Parent Orientation is Monday, March 23, 6:30-7:30pm.
Please see the flyer for more details about the program.
THIS WEEK AT CHURCH
Chili Cook-Off March 1; 12:00pm
Lower Gage Hall
Who will be crowned the Chili Champion of 2026? Join us after the service on March 1 to vote for your favorite chili and enjoy the provided lunch. Everyone is invited to sign up to enter the chili competition or bring another item to share at the SignUp genius HERE. If you are bringing a chili, please bring your own ladle / serving spoon and crockpot.
This event not only marks the start to our annual pledge drive, but will also feature our raffle drawing for the "Dinner Anywhere in the World" so stay until 12:30 to see if you won the grand prize!
LAST CHANCE to Buy Dinner Anywhere in the World Raffle Tickets on Sale Now until March 1 until 12:15pm
The winner will choose either:
One dinner for two anywhere in the world (including airfare for two and two nights lodging), or
Two dinners for two anywhere in the continental US, airfare for two, and four nights lodging.
Raffle tickets cost $20 are on sale now!No more than 1000 tickets will be sold. There is no limit on how many tickets an individual may buy and the buyer does NOT need to be a member or friend of the Church.
Ticket sales run through March 1 when we will draw the winner at our annual Chili Kick-Off. You can purchase tickets via credit card online. Please note tickets will only be sold online after Monday February 23. All sales between now through Sunday at 12:25 must be purchased online through Auctria.
Proceeds from the raffle not used to pay for the Grand Prize will support our congregation as we strive to be a welcoming, inclusive community that promotes justice and brings more love and light into the world.
TONIGHT: ACLU Immigrants Are Welcome Here Interfaith Vigil February 26; 6:00pm
Sanctuary
Community members and faith leaders will gather tonight at 6 p.m. at our church for an interfaith vigil titled “Immigrants Are Welcome Here.” Hosted by the ACLU South Carolina, the event is interfaith, multi-lingual, and open to the public. Leaders from multiple faith traditions are expected to participate. All are welcome to attend.
The vigil seeks to affirm the dignity, humanity, and belonging of immigrant neighbors in the Charleston area. The gathering will include brief reflections, prayer, and a candle lighting ceremony. The event is a peaceful and family-friendly space rooted in solidarity, compassion, and shared moral values. Community leaders invite the community to stand up in support of immigrant neighbors.
Lowcountry Food Bank Volunteering February 28; 9:00am -12:00pm
2864 Azalea Drive, North Charleston
Please join us for our monthly volunteering at the LCFB. We meet at 9:00 a.m. and usually finish by 11:30. Closed-toe shoes required. Children 12 and older with an adult and 16 and older are welcome to participate; LCFB staff will sign for school volunteer hours. SIGN UP HERE
Minister's Book Club February 28; 10:00am
Lower Gage Hall
Join Rev. Rebecca on the last Saturday of the month for her book club. This month will feature How Jesus became God by Bart Ehrman
Men's Group March 3; 6:30pm
Lower Gage Hall
For thoughtful men to come together on a regular basis and share their life concerns, interests, and hopes for the future. Specifically, to provide emotional support, foster bonding, social interaction. Contact Mark Farnham.
This month SCUU Justice Association is reading All the Boys Aren't Blue. Join a discussion via Zoom to connect and discuss with UUs across the state. Register online HERE.
Our Millennial and Gen-Z group meets on the first Thursday of every month to connect and build community. This month we will gather at Sweatman's Garden in West Ashley.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE
NEEDS YOU!
The Nominating Committee invites you to nominate yourself or another church member to serve by being on the Vestry Board starting in the new church year. Guided by a close connection to our members, you will be part of a team that works with the Minister in determining the direction of our beloved church at a challenging time in our history. Explore the roles of the Vestry Board and Endowment Investment Board (no EIB vacancy this year) by visiting https://www.charlestonuu.org/governance and picking up Fact Sheets and a Nomination Form in Gage Hall.
Let any member of the Nominating Committee know who you're nominating before the March 22, 2026 deadline or email Lisa Hajjar at hajjarlm@gmail.com. Members of the Nominating Committee are Lisa Hajjar (Chair), Ginny Morgan, Amy Hudock, Susan Garrison, and George Tempel.
Sign up to fill our Blessing Box
NEW Blessing Box Storage Cabinet Location! Due to some exciting A/V upgrades in Gage Hall we have had to move the overflow / storage cabinet for the blessing box. It is now located in the storage area to the side of Gage Hall where the folding chairs are stored.
Please consider signing up to bring donations on an upcomingSunday: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044EAAA82EAAF49-57940404-fall#/ Blessing box donations can be placed directly in the box, if there is room, or in the storage cabinet in the back storage area of Gage Hall (where the folding chairs are stored.) Throughout the week, staff will refill the box outside as space allows.
Join the Music Program! Now is the perfect time to get involved with our music program at UCC! The two primary ways to be involved are our Chancel Choir, which meets Wednesdays at 6:45pm, and our House Band which typically meets once a month. Professional training/experience not needed! For any questions, please reach out to our music director at ryan@charlestonuu.org
BOOK OF LIFE
To share a significant life event (births, deaths, celebrations, transitions and other joys and sorrows) send to Marcia Castano at BookOfLife@CharlestonUU.org by Saturday evenings at 6:00 p.m. or write them in person on Sunday morning.
The physical book is kept at the front of the church near the pulpit.
Interested in joining our wonderful church community?
Click here to learn more about membership.
