|
The 6300 Club is a long-standing church social tradition. Originally designed for couples, it has evolved to include both singles and couples who gather in small groups at the church or in members' homes to share a meal and build connections. You can sign up and ask questions in the gallery after the August Sunday services. When signing up, those interested in hosting can specify their seating capacity. Hosts are responsible for coordinating the date and collaborating with their assigned group on the menu, with everyone bringing food to contribute to the meal. Dinners will take place three times throughout the 2026–2027 church year: September–November, January–March, and April–June. Meals typically start around 6 PM, subject to the needs of the participants. The size of the groups will depend on total enrollment. This is a wonderful opportunity to build connections and get to know one another better. 
1 Comment
 At the Center for People, meeting immediate needs while creating pathways to long-term stability is the key to building a stronger community. Through their food & diaper pantry, education programs, and workforce development services, they help individuals and families move from crisis toward economic independence. On August 23, we will welcome Delani Lyle, Development Manager, as a representative of the Center for People as we recognize them as the first recipient of our 2026-27 Share the Plate program.
The first half of 2026 has been their busiest in the organization's history. In just 26 weeks of service, they have provided support to 66,779 people, which is already more than double the 30,119 people served during all of 2025. Their pantry continues to experience unprecedented demand, with a 61% increase in enrollment since January 6 and an average of 2,568 people served each week. Beyond addressing food insecurity, they are investing in opportunities that create lasting change. This year, 1,498 individuals have enrolled in their education and workforce development programs, where participants gain the skills, training, and support needed to achieve their goals. Together, clients have earned 456 certificates, connected with 105 employment opportunities, and received 2,489 individualized support services, including case management, résumé development, job application assistance, career coaching, and other resources designed to remove barriers to success. These numbers represent more than statistics. They reflect thousands of neighbors finding hope, building confidence, and taking meaningful steps toward self-sufficiency. As the need in our community continues to grow, the Center for People remains committed to ensuring that every person who walks through our doors has access to the resources, encouragement, and opportunities they need to thrive. www.centerforpeople.org Dear Ones, As I write this, I’m 6 days away from my first official day as your minister. I’ve landed in Lincoln and I’m frantically unpacking, and I appreciate the great boundaries y’all are helping me hold by patiently waiting for my start date to reach out. I’m very excited to start on Saturday, and I look forward to getting to know you! In that vein, your wise Administrative Director suggested that I answer some questions they shared with me for my first newsletter. Here goes… Q: Where were you born? A: Oceanside, NY Q: Where have you lived? A: Bellmore, Middle Island, and Syracuse, NY; Frankfort, KY; Michigan City, Lacrosse, and Walkerton IN; Madison, WI Q: What is your dog’s name? A: Marvel – she is marvelous! Q: What was your first job? A. Electronics assembly Q: Do you have any food allergies or restrictions? A: Nope! But I have a deep aversion to olives. Q: What is your favorite book or author? A: Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler Q: What is/are your favorite movie(s)? A: Everything in the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe)! Q: What is your favorite television show? A: I don’t watch much TV, but I do stream movies and series. My current favorites are “The Bear” and “Broadchurch.” Q: Do you have any hobbies? A: I like to garden and cook. And I love to travel, especially road trips, to visit my people and to discover new places. Q: How many states have you been in? A: 37 Q: What is your favorite season? A: Spring Q: If you could have dinner with any one person dead or alive, who would it be? A: Freddie Mercury Q: What is your preferred method of communication –email, phone, text, in person? A: Email for straightforward things and scheduling, in person for actual conversations Q: What does an ideal “day off” look like for you? A: Sleeping in, then slow coffee and breakfast, followed by hiking or walking in nature Q: Do you have a favorite tree or flower? A: I love how the live oaks in the South provide habitat for other plants, and I especially love the resurrection ferns that grow on them. And I love the white pines and balsam firs of my time in the Northwoods. I’m looking forward to discovering the local flora here! See you soon! In faith and love, Rev. Karen  July 19 – July 26, 2026 Annual School Supplies Drive It’s time to think about school and school supplies. (Yes, school will be starting again before we know it.) We are again partnering with the Visionary Youth (and the Malone Center) to help support their 14th Annual Back to School Free Haircut and Backpack Event between Sunday, July 19, and Sunday, July 26. We invite you to participate as you are able to. Here is their list of items needed: Backpacks (new or like-new quality backpacks for ages 5-19 and all genders) Pencils (#2 lead pencils/pack of 10) Pens (Blue or black ink/pack of 10) Markers (10 pack of colored markers) Colored pencils (12 packs of colored pencils) Pencil boxes/pouches Pencil sharpener Erasers Crayons (24 pack assorted crayons) Highlighters (set of 3) Folders (Single file folders) Single subject wide-ruled notebooks 3 subject college-ruled notebooks Binders (1" 3-ring binders) Scissors (Blunt tip child scissors) Basic children’s calculators Mini staplers (Including staples) Index cards (Packs of 100) Glue sticks Rulers  Wednesdays * 6:00 PM * 6300 A St. People are welcome to bring snacks to share. July 8 Six Short Films
July 22 Bring Them Home tells the story of the Blackfoot people striving to re-establish wild buffalo on tribal land after 100 years of absence. The film recounts efforts to restore buffalo, land, traditional culture and bring healing to the Blackfeet community. July 29 Lakota Nation vs United States. The Lakota fight to protect their sacred land. A provocative testament to a land and a people who have survived removal, exploitation and genocide – and whose best days are yet to come.  At long last, we have designed, ordered, retrieved, and will soon hang, the new Pride Flag on the front of the building next to the Black Lives Matter banner. Thank you to Building Committee Chair Harry Heafer, Admin Director Jean Helms, and the LGBTQIA+ Welcoming Committee for their help making this come to fruition!  SPRING CONGREGATIONAL VOTING RESULTS There were 85 online voters and 4 paper ballots. Results are listed below. 1. Winter 2025 Congregational Meeting Minutes--approved 2. Board of Trustees Candidates Erica Birky Rios, Marcia Cederdahl and Kathy Disney--all approved 3. Program Council Candidate Bob Haack--approved 4. Members voted for Share the Plate organizations for 2026-2027 Church year:
 For the Worship Service on Sunday, June 21 we will livestream the closing service of General Assembly (GA). Attend in person or on YouTube at 10:00 AM. This Worship service invites us to pause in the gap, one breath deep, between what we have shared together and the faithful action ahead. MORE ABOUT GENERAL ASSEMBLY: The 65th Unitarian Universalist Association General Assembly will be a virtual everywhere GA with an optional in-person component at the site in Louisville, Kentucky, so everyone can participate in the way that works best for them. General Assembly is the largest gathering of Unitarian Universalists each summer.
www.uua.org/ga  Mark your calendars! Star City Pride will take place June 12 & 13, and we need your participation. Pride in the Park * Location: Woods Park (33rd & O St.) Date: Friday, June 12th, 2026 * Time: 4 PM - 8 PM Pride Parade * Location: 14th & K St. Date: Saturday, June 13th, 2026 * Time: 9 AM - Noon Pride in the Street at Das Haus * Location: 17th & O St. Date: Saturday, June 13th, 2026 * Time: 11:30 AM – 8 PM To volunteer, please send an email to [email protected] and include the dates and times you are available to help. MORE ABOUT PRIDE: Over the years, Pride events have undergone a significant transformation. What started as grassroots protests has blossomed into vibrant parades filled with colorful costumes, lively music, and enthusiastic dancing. This growth has attracted corporate sponsorships, extensive media attention, and the involvement of celebrities. While this increase in mainstream visibility has brought positive outcomes, including heightened awareness, normalization, and additional resources for the community, there is now a strong movement to reclaim the political essence of Pride. Activists are urging a renewed emphasis on pressing issues such as:
Indeed, while Pride is a celebration, it will always serve as a form of resistance. In Lincoln, NE, the Unitarian Church of Lincoln was the only faith community to openly participate in Pride events when it all began. However, that has evolved. We are now part of a growing coalition known as Faith Allyance, which includes more than ten faith organizations and churches in Lincoln. Upcoming Events for 2026 Star City Pride  THIS UPCOMING SUNDAY, JUNE 7, 2026 at 10:00 AM In person and on our YouTube channel. Our Interim Minister Rev. A.J. Galazen will preach his second to last service for us - "My Red Hot Holy Days". We will be serenaded by none other than THE STAR CITY CHORUS! Miracles and coincidences are both in the eye of the beholder. Neither one is predictable. Today we participate in a joyful proclamation and celebration for the LGBTQIA+ community and beyond, as we prepare for Lincoln Pride festivities. Worship Leader: Rev. A.J. Galazen Worship Associates: LGBTQIA+ Welcoming Committee Musicians: Star City Chorus  |
AuthorThe most recent news at the Unitarian Church of Lincoln Archives
August 2026
Categories |
RSS Feed
