We are a caring Unitarian Universalist community in the centrally located Avondale neighborhood of Cincinnati. We meet in a warm and graceful building, built circa 1889, for worship services that nourish spiritual growth and learning throughout life. A self-governed congregation, we are an active force for personal and societal growth through a variety of activities that serve our members and our community.

Established in 1830, we have been an important part of the history of Cincinnati ever since. We strive to carry on the tradition of First Unitarian members throughout the years who have championed individual and civil rights, led educational and civic reform, and worked to promote justice in daily affairs. We seek to be Radically Inclusive, and are constantly looking for ways to extend our welcome to all people.
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Sunday Services begin at 10:00 a.m. These services are streamed ​live (and recorded) on YouTube. You can also view previous Sunday services there. ​

Upcoming Sermons:

December 7
"The King of Pointland's Precarious Predicament"—Dr. Alexander Riegel
The King of Pointland is a character in Edwin Abbott’s book, “Flatland.”  The King is the only inhabitant of Pointland, given that Pointland is the size of a single point in space (hence only having room for one inhabitant).  Given this, the king is highly self-referential and rather narcissistic.  Dr. Riegel will draw from this figure as a metaphor for mental hubris run amok, then discuss the antidote to said hubris.

December 14
Music Sunday: "The Sounds of the Season"—First Unitarian Singers and Ringers
The First Unitarian Singers and Ringers will present “The Sounds of the Season”.  Selections will include “The Christmas Song”, arranged by Mark Hayes “Jingle Bells Scherzo” and “Deck the Halls in 7/8” cleverly reconfigured by James McKelvy, “White Christmas”, “Carol of the Bells”, and a harmonically surprising setting of “What Child Is This?” by Kevin McChesney for handbells. Mark Weston’s “Christmas…In About Three Minutes” is a whimsical medley of 23 seasonal pieces all sung in about 3 minutes. Please join us for the performance during worship service.  There is something for everyone in this delightful collection of holiday compositions.

December 19 at 6:00 p.m.
"Solstice Celebration"--Rev. Mary Tarbell-Green and Dr. Alexander Riegel
Winter Solstice is our yearly gathering offering a calm time in a beautiful ritual space of candlelight, evergreens, a heartfelt environment. A time to embrace the darkness and reflect on hope and new beginnings. Needing this now more than ever, coming together in community, with music and readings, will soothe your weary heart and you’ll leave restored and renewed.  You’re invited to bring greens, holly and red berries (Christmas berries), pinecones, apples/oranges-nuts (abundance). 

December 21
"The Stories Behind Our Christmas Hymns"--Dr. Alexander Riegel
Even non-believers love to belt out our beloved Christmas hymns! But have you (believer or non-believer) ever wondered about the stories behind those Christmas hymns?  This Sunday we will sing some of our favorite Christmas hymns and Dr. Riegel will tell us the stories behind a few of them. 

December 24, Christmas Eve, at 5:00 p.m.
"Reclaiming the Mystery"--Dr. Alexander Riegel
In our scientific and technological age, we have lost our sense of the mystification that was the source of our wonder. Let’s spend an hour together reclaiming the mystery again. Suspend that UU skepticism for just a bit and allow yourself to wonder for a while.  [This year a guest harpist will be joining us!]

December 28
"A Year End Reflective Worship Service"--Rev. Mary Tarbell-Green and Tim Kraus
Come prepared to share your reflections on the past year and your hopes for the year ahead.

Events and Activities

Check out the current adult education schedule HERE.​​
  • Friday, Dec. 5 (6:30 p.m. until 8 p.m.)—Opening Hearts presents Barbara Neumann's "The Japanese American Experience" Please join us as Barbara Neumann's shares the experiences of her Japanese elders and the many ways they were resourceful and resilient during their time in the Japanese internment camps. Register by December 3  a) for the pizza and/or salad dinner, b) live presentation at church and c) for the link to a livestream program on YouTube. Children are welcome at the pizza dinner and at the presentation, but no childcare service is available. Register on Breeze at this link. There is no charge for the program or the dinner, although meal donations will be welcomed.
  • Saturday, Dec. 13 (12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.)--Annual Holiday Hoopla at First Church All-ages joy, crafts, games, snacks, carol singing, and more to kick off the winter holidays. Sign up here to volunteer for a shift or to bring supplies.
  • Wednesday, Dec. 17 (10:00 a.m.)--Coffee Klatch for 55+ Coffee and conversation in the Ellen Hall Room, no registration required. To volunteer to host this, or a future, monthly Coffee Klatch, click here.
  • Friday, Dec. 19 (6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.)--Winter Solstice Celebration Join our intergenerational Build- Your-Own-Taco dinner at 6:00 p.m. in the Ellen Hall Room, before the 7:00 p.m. Winter Solstice service in the Sanctuary.
  • Sunday, Jan. 4 (11:15 a.m.)—First Sunday Potluck Ring in the New Year at our monthly potluck lunch after service in the Ellen Hall Room. All are welcome, dishes can be dropped off in the kitchen if you’re able to bring one. If not, bring just yourself!
  • Sunday, Jan. 4 (9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.)—Recycle Event Accepting Clean Styrofoam: Food Styrofoam, Packing Styrofoam, Packing Peanuts-no cornstarch, Styrofoam Wrap; and Bubble Wrap in the church parking lot.
You can sign up for many events through links in our calendar. For others, please email the team sponsoring the event.
Learn more about the Unitarian Universalist Association,
the organization of independent UU congregations.
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First Unitarian Church of Cincinnati  | 536 Linton Street (at Reading Road) | South Avondale | Cincinnati, OH 45219 | 513-281-1564 | ​[email protected]