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Our Weekly Message
News, Invitations, and Ministerial Reflections
Dec. 21, 2023
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Holiday greetings -
I hope you are finding moments of peace and joy so far this holiday season. I am still aglow from our service last Sunday when we decorated the Christmas trees in the sanctuary. It was a lovely community event.
We will gather twice this coming Sunday on Christmas Eve. Our morning service, led by our ministerial intern Rosemary Dodd, will be relaxing, fun and festive. She has some wonderful stories and music planned for us. Please bring any extra cookies to share in our coffee time after the service. If your holidays feel hectic, come take some time to relax in good company.
In the evening we gather for our traditional service at 7 PM with all the pieces you love - singing carols, beautiful music, ancient scripture, Silent Night by candlelight, and my reflection on the poem Christmas 1974 by May Sarton.
Our office will be closed next week, but you can still reach us by email. If you haven't had a chance to send in a contribution for our staff year-end gift, please see the instructions below. We are very lucky to have such a wonderful staff - let's send them some appreciation.
If I don't see you over the holidays, I wish you all the best that the season has to offer. If you plan on coming to services this weekend, I will look forward to sharing a holiday greeting, the service, and being in your company.
Happy Holidays.
Sending love to all,
Rev. Lucy
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Sunday Mornings with UUSS
Face masks are available but not required.
Join us for Worship Services in person or on Zoom Zoom links here
(Closed Captioning available on Zoom)
Service time 10:30 a.m.
Did you miss a service? You can find links to past services here
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Sunday Morning Programs
Join us before the service at 9:30 AM at UUSS
1st Sunday - Labyrinth meditation in the meadow (Jan. 7)
2nd Sunday - Justice & Equity Conversation (Jan. 14)
3rd Sunday - Qui Gong/Tai Chi
4th Sunday - Exploring Unitarian Universalism
(cancelled Dec. 24, next class Jan. 28)
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Join us for a Newcomer Orientation and Tour the second Sunday of every month,
right after church, in the Welcome Hall. Next one is January 14.
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Sunday, December 24, 10:30:
“Stories and Carols”
Ministerial Intern Rosemary Dodd, Rev. Lucy Bunch, Worship Associate Dawn Huebner, with Music Director Anthony Tavianini, Pianist Irina Tchantceva, and Guest Musician Ashley Mulcaire
Join us for a morning of singing, storytelling, and community as we anticipate the arrival of Christmas! All ages are welcome, as we will learn about the UU role in some of our favorite Christmas traditions together.
There will be no Religious Education but Nursery Care is available. All ages are welcome at this service.
Bring any extra cookies or holiday snacks to share over coffee, tea and hot chocolate after church.
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A Child is Born
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Sunday, December 24, 7:00 p.m.
Rev. Lucy Bunch, Ministerial Intern Rosemary Dodd, Worship Associate Karen Sparrow, UUSS Choir with Music Director Anthony Tavianini, Pianist Irina Tchantceva, and guest instrumentalists.
Each night a child is born is a holy night. Join us for an ancient story, traditional carols, our musicians, a special message for all of us, and singing “Silent Night” by candlelight! Our Christmas Eve offering will be given in its entirety to The Creation District which provides art, community and hope to at-risk youth.
There is no Zoom for this service. We will see you on January 31.
There will be no RE or childcare available for this service. All ages are welcome.
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Sunday, December 31, 10:30: Ring Out Wild Bells
Rev. Lucy Bunch, Ministerial Intern Rosemary Dodd,
Worship Associates Andy Cramer and Celia Buckley, Music Director Anthony Tavianini, Pianist Irina Tchantceva
Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky,
The flying cloud, the frosty light:
The year is dying in the night;
Ring out, wild bells, and let it die.
On the brink of a new year, we will burn away that which needs to go, and receive a blessing for what is to come.
There will be no Religious Education today but nursery care is available. All ages are welcome at this service.
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Memorial for Margaret Middleton
All are welcome to attend the upcoming memorial service for long time UUSS member Peg Middleton. It will be held at 2pm on Thursday, December 28th at the Nepenthe Club House: 1131 Commons Dr., Sacramento, CA 95825.
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Holiday Generosity at UUSS
Our staff have been working hard to serve everyone in UUSS with dedication and grace. The Board of Trustees and ministers invite you to join us in contributing toward a cash gift for our non-clergy staff. The total amount contributed will be allocated based on the number of hours per week of a given staff position. To make a gift, you may write a check to Lucy Bunch and send to church, or hand it to her on a Sunday. Or you may send a donation to Rev Lucy's PayPal account. You do not need your own PayPal account to do that. To avoid PayPal's fees, choose the option that it is paid to a friend, not a purchase for a service. (Please don’t write your check to UUSS, since those donations are handled by our staff—let’s try to keep this a surprise!) If you have questions, please contact Rev. Lucy.
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What's Happening?
For a listing of all events this week and coming up
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Join us for Winter Sing! TONIGHT Dec., 21 at 6:30pm - Fahs Room
Newcomer Christiana Quick-Cleveland is inviting all of us to celebrate the winter solstice by creating beautiful harmony together. She is a retired music educator/choir director and will lead us in singing seasonal songs - weaving our many voices together. No singing experience required! Feel free to bring a dessert to share. Free will cash donations gratefully accepted. Contact rosemary@uuss.org to RSVP or with questions.
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New Year's Day Labyrinth Meditation
and Potluck Brunch, Jan. 1, 2024, 9:00 a.m.
Join Rev. Lucy Bunch for a Labyrinth walk to start the New Year. Lucy will provide a reading and question to prompt your reflections. Then we'll share brunch together. Bring a breakfast dish to share if you can; coffee & tea provided.
Bring a friend and join us for this yearly tradition!
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Staff and Minister Availability | |
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Schedule an appointment with Rev. Lucy at calendly.com/revlucyb or ministerial intern Rosemary Dodd: rosemary@uuss.org
Rev. Roger is on sabbatical Sept. 4 through Jan. 31.
Our office staff members (office@uuss.org or 916-483-9283) are available to respond to your calls and emails weekdays 8:30-4:30, except public holidays. Our Pianist and Music Director are available by email and invite you to choir practice Wednesday nights at 7:00.
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OFFICE CLOSED for Christmas/New Years
December 25 – January 1
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We come together to deepen our lives and be a force for healing in the world. | | | | |
