This Sunday, December 18
Practicing Stillness and the Beauty of Solstice
Service Leader:  Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray
Sunday, December 18 at 9:30 AM & 11:15 AM
Solstice literally means "standing still sun." In this darkest time of year, we will honor the complex emotions that can come with the holidays and invite a meditative service of sharing and silence.
Share the Plate with 
Center for Neighborhood Leadership
Sunday, December 18 at 9:30 AM & 11:15 AM
Center for Neighborhood Leadership is an incubator for social change that provides curriculum and support necessary to transform marginalized people into emerging leaders. The education and experience they receive is intended to shift the landscape of social justice, community development, and community-driven public policy. CNL prepares everyday people to build effective community coalitions that define their own priorities and implement the solutions necessary to improve their lives.
December Justice Ministry Final Week
Sunday, December 18 at 9:30 AM & 11:15 AM
This Sunday is your final opportunity to share the holiday spirit with families at Maryland School by bringing a board game or a ball to help these families have a way to learn and play together, often an activity that is missing from their lives. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.
Next Sunday, December 25
Christmas Morning Hymn Sing and Community Breakfast
Service Leaders:  Emrys Staton & Benjie Messer
Sunday, December 25 at 10:30 AM
Join us for a Christmas morning hymn singing service at 10:30 followed by a potluck brunch at 11:30. If you are able to bring something to contribute to the brunch, please use the Doodle poll below to indicate what kind of dish it will be (and to see what others are already bringing) 
DOODLE POLL FOR BRUNCH
Upcoming Classes and Events
Memorial Service for Larry Agle
Saturday, December 17 at 3:00 PM in the Sanctuary
Join family and friends of Larry Agle to celebrate his life. The service is Saturday, December 17 at 3:00 PM in the sanctuary with a reception in the Johnson room following the service.
Christmas Eve Services 5:30 PM & 7:30 PM
Saturday, December 24
Christmas EveDecember 24 - Multigenerational Service at 5:30 PM and Lessons and Carols service at 7:30 PM with cookies and fellowship hour from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM in the Johnson Room. 
Child Dedications at Christmas Eve Services
Saturday, December 24 at 5:30 PM & 7:30 PM
In UU congregations, child dedications are an opportunity for parents to bring their young children to be blessed and welcomed into community. If you are interested in having your child or children dedicated at one of the Christmas eve services (5:30 PM or 7:30 PM), or have questions, please email Rev. Susan below or call the office at 602-840-8400 ext 203. We ask that all dedication requests be submitted by December 18. 
CONTACT REV. SUSAN
Auction Community Events & Services 
So far we have raised over $7,000 from our Live Service Auction that was held on Saturday, December 4. If you missed out on the fun, don't despair! There are still several wonderful community events and services available for you to enjoy. Go to www.phoenixuu.org/auction to learn more and register.
Board of Trustees Meeting
Tuesday, December 20 at 6:00 PM in the Johnson Room
Break bread and socialize with the Board of Trustees starting at 6:00 PM, and the meeting begins at 6:30 PM. Guests are invited to address the board during guest comments at the beginning and observe the remainder of the meeting. At this meeting we will be discussing the upcoming capital campaign and the next congregational meeting. Call Glen Lockwood at 602-852-0174 or email him below with comments or questions.
CONTACT GLEN
Sangha Buddhist Group
Tuesday, December 27 at 7:00 PM in the Sanctuary
We will start the meeting with 30 minutes of meditation followed by a dharma reading and discussion. You need not be a Buddhist to attend, just interested in your spiritual growth. If you have questions, contact Donna Featherston at 602-997-7996 or Katherine Kruse at 602-369-9477
New Year's Day Service
Service Leader:  Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray
Sunday, January 1 at 10:30 AM Only
Through story, song and ritual, we will welcome the New Year, marking the hopes and intentions that we bring for this new year.
Read the Monthly Small Group Packet
The theme for December is Prayer & Practice. Click on the link below to be taken to the small group ministry packet for the month of December.
SMALL GROUP PACKET
Circle of Trees
Dates & Time: Wednesdays starting January 11 - March 1, 2017 6 PM - 7:30 PM
Location: Memorial Garden
Cost: $10 per adult (kids are free!)
Facilitator: Heidi Parmenter
Circle of Trees is a multi-generational program of eight workshops that nurture deep connection with trees, nature, and all of earth's living creatures. The program uses trees as an entry point to understand and connect with life on earth. Across many cultures, trees are recognized as a symbol for life on earth. We slow down, go deeper, and truly experience a connection to trees and all of earth. We begin with some lighthearted learning about trees-how they are structured, what they contribute to life on our planet-then move into appreciation for these providers of life. A ritual helps us see into the essence of trees and nature, to sense what it feels like to be a tree or another being, and ultimately to experience empathy for trees and other beings; approaches that tend toward the spiritual, rather than the intellectual, foster deeper connection. The program incorporates movement, story learning, meditation, and taking action. All the workshops will be held outdoors in the Memorial Garden, weather permitting. To read more about the program visit 
Register Online by Monday, January 9 
Photo directory pictures are here!
If you had your picture taken for our photo directory, your free 8x10 photo is in office 2. They are in big envelopes with your name on them and they are in alphabetical order. Please come in and pick up your photo from the island in office 2 today!
General Assembly Delegates
You can represent UUCP as a Delegate at General Assembly 2017 from June 21-25 in New Orleans, Louisiana! It is an opportunity to grow as a leader, connect with other Unitarian Universalists, and deepen your spirit. Delegate application deadline: Feb 23rd.

Click Here for Delegate Application
Memorial Garden & Trail Cleanup
Saturday, February 4, 7:00 AM - 10:00 AM
UUCP's Memorial Garden is a sacred space where UU's ashes have been interred for generations and home to John Waddell's "That Which Might Have Been" statues honoring the four young girls who were killed in a church in Birmingham, Alabama in 1961 by members of the KKK. A hardworking crew of dedicated volunteers is needed to join Heidi with chainsaws, lopers, and strong backs to help us hack away the dead trees and brush and haul it to the roll off dumpster that will be provided. Families with children & youth are encouraged to participate. For more information contact Heidi below.
CONTACT HEIDI
UU Door Blessing Chalices
UU Door Blessing Chalices are back for sale for December only!  100% of your purchase goes to UUCP!  Find them on the east wall of the Johnson Room - sales are via the honor system.  Just fill out an envelope clipped on the wall, enclose cash or check made out to "UUCP" with "Door Blessing" indicated on the check, and deposit in Office 1 door slot. Thank you for contributing to UUCP!