ADVENT
Advent comes from the Latin word meaning "Coming". Advent is the arrival of a notable person, thing or event. It is a beginning of an era. Synonyms include dawn and birth.
What has the most meaning for you in this season? What do you wait for during the year that arrives in December with the celebration of holidays?
Is it the lights? From candles to colorful displays, lights bring a cheer to the growing gloom of winter here in the north. Are the lights all outside us--outside our bodies and our consciousness? Can you feel the light within you?
Is it the music? From traditional carols sung for centuries to the latest trendy songs of love, Santa and reindeer, the air is alive with music in instruments, bells and voices. And in the quiet of the morning, when the frost is undisturbed, there is the music of silence.
Is it the gatherings that bring friends and family together? Do you reach out to others or do you feel left alone? Whether it is called a party or just sharing a meal, we each have the opportunity to set a place for love at our table.
Is it the presents, the selection and the wrapping? Or is this a burden and a new demonstration of your lack of skills with scissors and tape? Children may delight in a shiny object for the moment but the most lasting gifts require no shopping or wrapping. Giving the gift of our presence endures far beyond a day.
Join us for the special services and events at Unity of Lehigh Valley. May you discover the gifts of Advent within you throughout this season.
Rev Joy Wyler-Bradburn
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Calendar for this week
| Wednesday 12/6 |
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| Thursday 12/7 |
Noon: Pause for Peace |
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Office Closes early |
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6pm Final Pause for Peace Meditation |
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7pm Choir Practice |
| Friday 12/8 |
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| Sat 12/9 |
4pm High Tea & Book Social |
Sun 12/10
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10am: Advent: Peace with Rev Joy
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noon Remembrance Service |
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4:30pm: Iglesia Emmanuel Service* |
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7pm: CODA meeting* |
Monday 12/11
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office closed
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| Tuesday 12/12 |
7pm: Iglesia Emmanuel Service*
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7pm ULV Board of Trustees meeting |
| Listen to Last Sunday's sermon Advent Faith with Rev Joy |
Website LINK
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Dates to Remember:
Holiday Schedule:
Christmas Eve, Sunday Dec 24th 10am service
Burning Bowl, Sunday Dec 31st 10am service
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THE GIVING TREE
Benefits 7 Generation school families
Please Remember to r
eturn the UNWRAPPED gift with the tag to church
by DECEMBER 17. Any questions or concerns, contact Reverend Joy.
If you missed getting a gift tag, gift cards for Giant and Weiss are always welcome.
Thanking you in advance for generous Thankful Giving!
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SEEKING New Team Member
We have an opening for someone to make coffee and set out hospitality on the first Sunday of each month. Fellowship is the time new people make connections and friends renew their bonds. Coffee, tea and cookies are often vehicles for something much more important.
If you are called to serve our community, please contact Deb Christina Zaharchuk or Rev Joy
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High Tea and Book Social
THIS Saturday, Dec 9th, 4 to 5:30pm
Join us on Saturday, December 9th at ULV for an afternoon of tea, sweet and savory snacks in the tradition of high tea in merry ol' England. As we enjoy our time together, we'll discuss the books we've brought and exchange books.
The book theme this time is Spirituality not written by a Unity minister/author. Bring a new or gently used book to exchange and we will all have a new book to enjoy for the holidays.
Please sign up on the sheet by the church office or let Karen know you plan to attend, so we have plenty of food on hand. Suggested love offering of $15 benefits ULV's ongoing renovations.
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Our Final
Pause for Peace
Meditation
This Thursday, December 7th, 6pm in the sanctuary of ULV, join us for our final Thursday evening peace meditation. We began our Pause for Peace campaign during the election season of 2016.
We invite you to continue to take time to affirm peace in your daily activities. At noon each day (coincides with the prayer pause at Unity Village at 11am), affirm:
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May peace prevail in the hearts and minds of all beings."
We will bring our formal times together to a close at the end of 2017 AND we hope peace is a habit you have integrated into your daily spiritual practice.
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Remembering
at the Holidays
December 10th noon
As the holidays approach, do memories bring a tear?
Join us on Sunday, December 10th at noon in the sanctuary of ULV for a time of remembrance. Please bring a remembrance token of loved ones such as a photo or small memento to place on the altar. With music, readings and sharing of memories, we bring the love we carry in our hearts into this holiday time of love and light.
In addition to time for individuals to remember their loved ones, we will pause as a community to share memories of two congregants, Louis Savenelli and Alice Anne Miller.
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Winter Solstice Meditation Retreat
Saturday, Dec 16th 10am to 3pm
Our quarterly meditation retreat is a time to create a quiet and sacred space in our busy lives. The winter solstice is the time of the shortest amount of daylight and an opportunity to explore the mystery of the darkness as well as the light we carry within.
Advance registration is required and forms are available outside the church office. You may also register and make payment online at our website. $25 registration fee include all materials and a light lunch. Please wear comfortable clothing, bring cushions as needed for your comfort and bring beverages. Water (hot and cold) will be available.
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Welcome to our New Members
We welcome the New Members making their commitments on Sunday: Ed Buchman, David Davies, and Karen Esbensen and her son Tylee. Current members renewed their commitment to our community and to the new members in our celebration.
If you are interested in becoming an active, voting member of Unity of Lehigh Valley, the next series of classes will begin in January. Fill out an Application for Membership and give it to Reverend Joy to begin your process.
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Please return your renewal form!
For your convenience, additional forms will be available in the sanctuary on the back table each Sunday for the remainder of the year. You may complete your form and turn it in on Sunday!
Please return your renewal forms by the end of the year. Our bylaws require an annual renewal to maintain active membership and renewals must be returned in person or via the mail. Our Annual Meeting will be in February and you must have your renewal form returned to the office by the Friday prior to the meeting to be eligible to vote.
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HOLIDAY SCHEDULE for 2017
Christmas Eve,
Sunday, Dec 24th 10am
This will be a participation
service!
If you would be willing to read a brief passage on Christmas Eve and maybe light a candle, please contact Rev Joy!
Burning Bowl
Sunday, Dec 31st 10am
White Stone Service
Sunday, January 7th 10am
There will be no Christmas Eve evening service this year.
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What are you grateful for?
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Thank you to John Thomas for his beautiful new interpretation of an old song, Amazing Faith, to fit perfectly with our service last Sunday.
Thank you to Steve Gunn and all the members of our wonderful AV team for persevering through our video issues on
Sunday. It takes a village!
Thank you to Anthony for taking on the duties of changing the entry banner and our outside marquee.
Thank you to Reverend Joy for the live poinsettia on our holiday platform.
If you are grateful for something at ULV, send a message to the office: unitylv@rcn.com
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CHECK OUT RETREATS AT KIRKRIDGE
Just north of us, Kirkridge offers great opportunities for renewal and spiritual exploration. Check out upcoming programs at their website by CLICKING HERE
Saturday, December 9, 2pm join Jo "Bomba" Sieger
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