First Unitarian Church of Cincinnati

05/22/2026

On this Memorial Day weekend our guest minister is the Rev. Leigh Waltz (MDiv from The Earlham School of Religion). He is the chaplain at SEM Haven in Milford, where he provides spiritual care and leads worship, Bible studies, and discussion groups for residents and families.

Leigh has worked as an artist, teacher, filmmaker, and writer. He served in the United States Navy and later deployed to Iraq. He has taught art, drawing, photography, and visual communication, and continues to maintain a deep interest in philosophy, religion, history, and the contemplative life. He is especially interested in the intersection of compassion, spiritual care, and the enduring human questions surrounding suffering, hope, mortality, and
meaning.

Leigh’s sermon will explore the unfinished struggle between fear and conscience, tribalism and compassion, through the intertwined histories of the Civil War, abolition, military service and modern moral injury. “The Struggle Surrounds Us Every Day” asks what it truly means to honor the fallen while remaining responsible to the living on this Memorial Day weekend.

On this Memorial Day weekend our guest minister is the Rev. Leigh Waltz (MDiv from The Earlham School ofReligion). He is the chaplain at SEM Haven in Milford...

05/18/2026

As Dr. Riegel's time with us begins to draw to a close, he traced the progress we have made over the course of our Developmental Ministry these past three years. We were reminded of where we were... took stock of where we are... and envisioned where we may be headed.

As Dr. Riegel's time with us begins to draw to a close, he will trace the progress we have made over the course of our Developmental Ministry these past thre...

05/14/2026

As Dr. Riegel's time with us begins to draw to a close, he will trace the progress we have made over the course of our Developmental Ministry these past three years. Come, be reminded of where we were... take stock of where we are... and envision where we may be headed.

NOTE - There is a Congregational Meeting following this Sunday's service - check your email for information about attending the meeting via Zoom if you're not able to attend in person.

As Dr. Riegel's time with us begins to draw to a close, he will trace the progress we have made over the course of our Developmental Ministry these past thre...

05/12/2026

Last Sunday's service was a joyful celebration of Belonging, Becoming, Believing and Beloving. Members from Members from the six area UU congregations gathered together. Tune in for the music, stay for the inspiring messages.

This Sunday, First Unitarian Church will host The UU Council of Greater Cincinnati (UUCGC) in a joint worship service with the theme of “Why My Congregation ...

05/08/2026

SERVICE AT 10:30 THIS SUNDAY

This Sunday, First Unitarian Church will host The UU Council of Greater Cincinnati (UUCGC) in a joint worship service with the theme of “Why My Congregation Is My Spiritual Home: Reflections on Belonging, Becoming, Believing, and Be-loving.” Members from the six area UU congregations and fellowships are invited, making it an opportunity to expand friendships with St. John’s, Harmony, Heritage, Northern Hills, and Hopedale. There will be coffee and socializing after the service, and religious education (RE) will be provided for children. Proceeds from a special plate collection will support the Metropolitan Area Religious Coalition of Cincinnati (MARCC).

This Sunday, First Unitarian Church will host The UU Council of Greater Cincinnati (UUCGC) in a joint worship service with the theme of “Why My Congregation ...

05/04/2026

May 3 was Music Sunday. "Sounds of Peace." The First U Singers and Ringers will perform “Peace Like A River,” Greg Gilpin’s “Instrument of Peace”, “Peace to the World”, “Peace Song”, “Let There Be Peace on Earth”, and “Dona Nobis Pacem.” This performance lifted us up and give us much-needed hope for peace.

2 likes. ""Sounds of Peace""

04/26/2026

First Unitarian of Cincinnati is thrilled to announce that we will welcome a new minister on August 1, 2026! Bridget Laflin has served as Director of Religious Education in five churches (presently in Cedar Rapids, Iowa). She currently leads a prison ministry, and has been a guest preacher at UU churches in Iowa, Washington State and Texas. Before receiving her Master's in Divinity at Seattle University, she was a manager in the aviation insurance industry and co-founded/directed an improv troupe. We are excited that Bridget has chosen to share her many gifts and talents with us.

04/20/2026

"Whatever you think your purpose is in being a religious and spiritual person, it is not intended to be just a way of comforting yourself...it's a gift which is given you for the sake of the works which have been prepared for you in advance." There is work for you to do!

"Living Faithfully in an Authoritarian Age"

04/17/2026

Rev. Dr. Nugent will speak on what it means to be People of Faith in these uncertain times.

Rev. Dr. Patrick J. Nugent is the President and CEO of the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance, which oversees the Dayton Philharmonic, the Dayton Ballet, and the Dayton Opera. Dr. Nugent graduated from Xavier University with a Bachelor's Degree in the Classics and Theology and he earned his PhD in the History of Christianity and Islam from the University of Chicago. He is a former Professor of History and Theology at Earlham College and the Earlham School of Religion. Dr. Nugent left academia to pursue his passion for music and the performing arts. Prior to leading the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance Dr. Nugent served as Executive Director of the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra in Maryland and as the Executive Director of the Chicago Lyric Opera. He is an active member and lay leader at a large UCC church in Kettering, Ohio.

Join us in person or on YouTube at 10 AM this Sunday!

"Living Faithfully in an Authoritarian Age"

03/31/2026

"When you're eating a tangerine, eating a tangerine is the most important thing in your life."

If you weren't able to join us on Sunday, you can watch the recording of the service, in which Dr. Riegel discussed ways to think about being truly present as a spiritual practice.

What really matters the most in life? Does finding "the meaning of life" matter the most? Does your 401k matter the most? Does your job matter the most? ...