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December 7, 2017
Issue #430
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The sermon will explore some deeper, mythic and universal meanings to the familiar Christmas legend.
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Upcoming Topics and Leaders
12/10/17:
The advantages of being an introvert
Janice Prochaska
12/17/17:
Winter Brainstorming Session
All Comers
The Sunday Circle is held from 9:00 am to 10:00 am each Sunday in the Fireside Room.
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Let me take the time
To watch the candle's light;
And know it is the same
Vast silence of the silver stars.
--John Q. Parkhurst
As the holidays approach, many of us speed up the pace of our lives, making lists of tasks, running from here to there as we plan for or rush to parties or entertain guests, decorate our homes, shop for and wrap gifts, send cards, bake, cook and clean, donate to and work for charities whose pace is also ramped up, and so on. The common denominator in all of this holiday activity is that we do it for others in our lives, even for those we may not know, because we care.
What may get lost in the rush is the need for self-care. With all of this activity, or even if your place is a slower one, it is not uncommon to be visited by the holiday blues. Paradoxically, the blues may also descend on you if you have less to do during the holiday season. If, for instance, your loved ones are gone or are far away, the holiday cheer we are all "supposed" to feel may not be there for you as compensation for frenzied activity. It is especially important during this season to take time for yourself, and to remember to do those things that are restful and renewing for you.
Part of your holiday self-renewal may be your connection to this congregation-your spiritual community. There are many ways to connect: join in decking the halls after the service on December 3, attend our holiday-themed Sunday services beginning on December 10th, celebrate Christmas Eve with us at our beautiful candlelight service, or at our special holiday services after Christmas and just after the New Year. And remember that you may always contact me, or our Pastoral Associates network, for help in time of need, any time of the year.
Another good way to form connections with other UUCM members is to join a small group. We expect to be re-starting the Small Group Ministry program in January or early February. These groups will meet regularly with a trained facilitator to discuss topics and share personal stories. It is a wonderful way to get to know one another more deeply. Watch this newsletter for announcements on how to join a new small group.
My your holiday season be blessed and peaceful.
Joy
Note from Joy: I was asked by some members to post information on performances of the chorus I sing in, the Contra Costa Chorale. We will be performing our fall concert at two UU congregations in the East Bay: The concert,
Eternal Light
, features music from the Renaissance to the 21th Century on the theme of "light," including works by Thomas Tallis, Felix Mendelssohn, Randall Thompson and and Morten Lauridsen. Saturday, December 9 at 8:00 PM at the UU Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., and Sunday, December 10 5:00 PM at the Mt. Diablo UU Church in Walnut Creek, 55 Eckley Lane. $20, $15 Students, seniors, disabled, children under 12 free admission.
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Last Sunday we
Decked the Halls with boughs of holly
, handmade wreaths, paper cut snowflakes, a paper chain of over 500 links, and a decorated tree. All of this and a wonderful homemade clam chowder cooked by a team of adults and youth based on Sher Sheldon's famous recipe.
Thank yous go out to so many elves
who helped pull this together. We are looking for a lead elf for next year's Deck the Halls. Are you interested?
YRUU Calendar:
Dec 10th: Cooking and Serving for Winter Women's Shelter (See the email titled "Youth together making a difference while having fun")
Dec 17th: Holiday service, 10:30 and evening Solstice Celebration, 6:30
We also recommend (optional):
Dec 23rd: Star Wars movie outing - Century Northgate, San Rafael. time TBD. Probably mid-afternoon.
Dec 24th UUCM Candlelight service 7pm
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(YRUU = Young Religious Unitarian Universalists. Grades 8-12)
Star Wars movie outing Dec. 23 - All congregational invitation. This is an invite to any UUCM member or friend to join Jef, George, and a handful of youth to see the new Star Wars movie. Showtime TBD. If you want to join us and a showtime notification, RSVP:
[email protected]
Food Drive completion:
Sunday, Dec 10th is the last day to bring non-perishable, non-glass, food for the Creative Compassionates class food drive. Bring in bags and boxes as the barrel is overflowing.
Family Friendly Holiday Services:
Dec 17th - This will be inclusive of younger children 10:30-11:00 until they are sung out to go make gingerbread houses and "ugly sweater" cookies.
Dec 24th - 7pm Candlelight service followed by a feast of sweets and drinks.
RE Registration:
If you have not yet registered your child(ren) for the 2017-2018 RE Program, please use
this form.
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Upcoming dates link to the UUCM calendar for saving on iCal, Outlook etc.
(No upcoming events at this time.)
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Thank you Volunteer Elves
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Fellowship Hall has been transformed for the holiday season, thanks to Jef, Marge, Mikey, Henry, Monique, and a roomful of creative elves. Our many crafters and bakers offered handmade goods and goodies for sale at the holiday fair organized by Margaret, with help from Susan I., Susan M., and Thomas. It took teamwork to make Sher's excellent clam chowder -- shopping, chopping, prepping, blending, stirring, ladling, setting up, and cleaning up. Sher, Katherine, Gretchen, Dick, Karen, Peter, Norm, Mary, Isaac, Wil, Jasper, Julia, Henry, Ben, Judy, Marge, and Valerie all pitched in and made it happen. Special kudos to the youth for marathon stirring, and to Carolyn for baking brownies.
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New UUMarin Book Group Meeting 12/17
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The new UU Marin book group gathered and agreed to meet
Sunday 12/17 at 3 pm at Sher Sheldon's home.
The book suggested by Kim is "They May Not Mean To, But They Do" by Cathleen Schine.
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Bring Goodies for Christmas Eve Tea
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We will be having our annual dessert tea after the Christmas Eve service (which starts at 7 pm). Please bring sweets, fruits, nuts, cheese, or crackers. If you are coming to the morning service you may leave them in the kitchen, labeled for dessert tea. In the evening bring food to the Fireside Room. Questions or if you want to help with setup or cleanup contact Margaret
[email protected] or Kim
[email protected].
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Crafters for a Cause Meet 12/13
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Second Wednesday evenings, 6:30 - 9:00 pm, offsite
Knitters and crocheters of all skill levels are invited to join in ongoing efforts to create handmade items for children and adults facing challenging life circumstances. Recipients have included Syrian refugees, Afghan babies, and emergency shelter women. Some are now moved to make warm items for Sonoma/Napa fire victims. See our colorful poster in the foyer.
Patterns, guidance, encouragement, camaraderie and some materials provided. Beginners welcome.
The next monthly meeting will be Wednesday, December 13. For location or more information, email [email protected].
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Path to Unitarian Universalism
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Sunday, December 17, 12:15, Minister's Office
Path to Unitarian Universalism
Newcomers, those interested in membership, and anyone interested in learning more about Unitarian and Universalist history are welcome to attend this session with Rev. Joy and members of the Membership Committee. A light lunch will be provided.
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From the Partner Church Committee
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There will be a Transylvanian Christmas tea on December 9 at 2:30 pm at Starr King school in Berkeley to honor this year's Balazs scholar from Transylvania, Lidia-Emese Bodor. The tea will include photos from Transylvania. Contact Marilyn Nelson (415 456 7534) if you're interested in attending the tea. Several of us hope to go and learn more. Lidia will be visiting us at UUCM in March.
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National Homeless Person's Day
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The Marin Interfailth Street Chaplaincy, St. Vincent de Paul Society, and the Ritter Center are sponsoring a ceremony to recognize National Homeless Person's Day.
There will be a candlelight vigil on Thursday, December 21 at 4:00 pm, at the First Presbyterian Church at 1510 Fifth St in San Rafael. Please bring a candle,
and take a few moments out of your day to remember those who have died homeless in Marin.
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Help Defeat the Hunger Horcrux!
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Join the 2nd-6th graders in their fight against hunger in our community. Leave non-perishable items in the SF-Marin Food Bank barrel located in the UUCM foyer. Most needed foods are peanut butter, cereal, tuna, soup, canned meat, chili, granola bars, and baked beans. No glass, please! Monetary donations can be made at
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Basket Share Participants Needed
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Are you involved as a volunteer or recipient of the services of a local 501(c)(3) agency or program?
You can help that organization raise money by initiating a 50/50 UUCM Offering Basket Share.
Complete the
application form on the UUCM website Social Justice page. Or find one at the Social Justice Table on a Sunday morning. Send it to
[email protected] or leave it in the SJ box in the Community Room.
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Web Site Help Still Needed
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Web Site Help Still Needed
The Communications Team is updating the UUCM website. We are migrating the site to a WordPress template provided by the UUA and in use by over 100 UU Congregations in the US. And we are looking for help!
We need a few people to help migrate material to the new site, edit text, and add some functions to the new site. If you have experience with WordPress, website maintenance, or editing, and would like to help with this project, please email
[email protected]
, or call Valerie Taylor.
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Sending Announcements for the Order of Service
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If you have an announcement for the back of the Sunday Order of Service please send it to
[email protected]
instead
of sending it to the office. Please send by 5 PM on Wednesday, any later submissions will be considered for timeliness and room. The Worship Committees members are now putting together the Order of Service and Janette will print it.
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Save the date for 2018 Retreat
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Retreat 2018
Please save the date. Your annual All Congregational Retreat at Walker Creek Ranch will be held the first weekend in May 2018 -
May 4, 5 and 6. Details and registration starting in February.
Thomas Ervin
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Social Justice Education/Action
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We have a newsletter list to inform you about
UU Social Justice actions and local issues. Sign up by
replying to this email and typing
"Yes to Social Advocates".
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Contribute to the 3rd Tuesday night dinner at the First Presbyterian Church.
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Do you know of an inspirational activist who would be a good speaker for one of the Social Justice Committee's education-action luncheons? If so, please contact Linda at [email protected].
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Continue your commitment to environmental and economic justice by shopping at
http://shop.uusc.org
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Visitor's Box
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We cherish diversity and welcome among us
people of all races, cultures, ages, abilities, sexual
identities/orientations, and faith perspectives.
GUESTS
are always welcome. Sunday worship is a time for inspiration, renewal, and connection.
CHILDREN AND YOUTH join adults during the first part of the service, and then attend Religious Exploration classes. Nursery and toddler care is provided during the 10:30 service. There is a speaker system to bring sound from Fellowship Hall to the nursing room and the pre-K area.
REFRESHMENT HOUR
in the Courtyard or
Fireside Room follows the services.
There are four "Sunday First Time Visitor" parking spots at the top of the parking lot.
Come, join us!
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Staff Links
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Office Hours:
Tuesday, Thursday 11AM - 6PM
Other times also available. Call/email for an appointment.
phone 415-479-4131 ext 102
Office Hours:
Sunday 12:30 - 1:30 PM
Tuesday 10:30 - 1:30 PM
Thursday 12:30 - 3:30 PM
phone 415-479-4131 ext 104
Nursery Teacher: Glynda Christian
Don Beck: 415-892-0642
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I appreciate any feedback about this weekly newsletter.
eWeekly Deadline for Thursday issue:
Tuesday by 7 am - activities and announcements, Staff columns, committee reports
Weekly articles can contain:
- Notices of UUCM sponsored events, meetings, or other activities which involve the entire congregation.
- Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) or Pacific Central District (PCD) announcements of interest to the entire congregation.
(Staff article length 250 words)
Production, UUCM Connect and Special Announcements Editor: Lisa Cohen
Backup Production Editor: Valerie Taylor
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Marin
415-479-4131
240 Channing Way
San Rafael, CA 94903
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