Sunday, December 10 at 10 a.m.

Rev. Karen G. Johnston, Senior Minister, with Judy Brook & Molly Moerdyk

"Bowing to Mystery: This I Believe"

Integrating the much-beloved tradition of hearing from FUUSB congregants on the topic of “This I Believe,” this service will explore our Soul Matters theme of Mystery, as well as introduce our new spiritual practice, Earth Teacher Project, that begins in January. This Sunday falls during the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. Guest musician Tim Danyliw will be playing the hand drum. Rev. Karen shares the pulpit with Judy Brook and Molly Moerdyk.

Join us for worship in person in the Sanctuary, or online. The livestream link and order of service will be shared at bit.ly/FUUSBWorship, or visit our YouTube channel.

Following the service, all are welcome to Coffee Hour in the Community Room.

While at the Meeting House, masks are strongly encouraged. In the spirit of caring for each other, please stay home if you have any cold or flu symptoms. Thank you.

Children & Youth This Sunday!

Erika Reif, Director of Lifespan Faith Development

Sunday, December 10

Families will begin in the Sanctuary together. After the Reflection for All Ages children, preschool through 8th grade, and their guides will be sung out for their group explorations! If your children are not yet registered, please escort them and fill out a new family form with their group guides. The Nursery will be open throughout the service for infants and toddlers. 

Rev. Karen began and ended the service with some of her own writing. Here is "Do Not Be Alone" and here is "Inexplicable." The text of her sermon can be found here.

Rev. Karen closed the Congregational Conversation with the poem "For What Binds Us" by Jane Hirshfield, which you can find here.

Rev. Karen Is on Facebook

Rev. Karen G. Johnston, Senior Minister

Rev. Karen is on Facebook. If you are too, and you want to friend her, you are welcome to do so. However, she prefers that if you would like to be FB friends, that you initiate it.

Rev. Karen posts many of the texts of her sermons on her blog. We try to post the link in the weekly eNews. You are also welcome to subscribe to the blog so that when she posts something new, you can have it delivered to your inbox. You subscribe by going to https://blog.awakeandwitness.net/wp - In the upper right corner, there is a box where you add your email address.

FUUSB Holiday Bazaar - This Saturday!

Kim Watkin

The Holiday Bazaar is finally here!  

Come on Saturday, December 9 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to the Community Room and explore attic treasures, jewelry, books, crafts, wreaths, toys, and pies available for sale in support of the FUUSB and our programs. We have a special new Holiday Workshop to make crafts - open to kids of all ages! Our Luncheon, serving soup, sandwiches, and desserts, will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Parlors. ($10 or a la carte options)

To prepare, we will be accepting donations during the following dates and times:

• Wednesday, Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Thursday, Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Friday, Dec. 8 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Last-minute requests:

If you are coming to the Bazaar, could you bring some paper bags with you? If you can help volunteer on Saturday, email Kim Watkin here and she will find a shift for you. 

Video - Rev. Karen's Invitation to the 88th Holiday Bazaar:

Eclipse Homestay Fundraiser

Susan Ogden, Eclipse Team

Will you join the Eclipse Homestay Fundraiser and host an eclipse enthusiast? 

Email: [email protected]



Or go directly to: https://tinyurl.com/EclipseUUHomes

And let us know about the space you are offering. The Eclipse Team will do the rest!

Emerging/Young Adults

Rowan Van Ness, Director of Youth & Emerging Adult Ministries

The next gathering for our Emerging Adults (ages 18-25ish) will be on Sunday, December 10 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Susan B. Anthony Room upstairs. We'll be gathering for community building and discussion with a light lunch. Please RSVP with any dietary needs so Rowan can best accommodate you.

The Young Adult group (ages 18-35ish) is invited to join the Yuuth Group in the Annual Mt. Philo Up & Down on Sunday, January 21 from 1-3 p.m.! Organize carpools and find out other happenings by joining the Young Adult group on Signal. Email Rowan for the link.

High School YUUth Group (Ages 14-18ish)

Rowan Van Ness, Director of Youth & Emerging Adult Ministries

Youth are invited to our upcoming gatherings! Our upcoming Tuesday evening meetings will be on 12/12 when we'll be getting ready for the all-ages solstice service, and 12/19, when we celebrate the winter holidays together. On Tuesdays, we meet from 6-8 p.m. Youth are also invited to help out in the Craft Room at the Holiday Bazaar on Saturday, 12/9. Youth will be helping with the all-ages solstice service on Sunday 12/17. Please be in touch with Rowan with any questions!

Socially Responsible Santa

Christina Fulton, Director of Operations & Finance

Coordinated for many years by FUUSB member Maggi Hayes, this annual program began in 1986 as a project of the Social Responsibility Committee. Working with many community organizations over the years, we have increased the number of families served. While many recipients have purchased traditional gifts, others have used the money for past-due bills, assistive devices, and security deposits on apartments, allowing them to move out of a shelter. We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of the congregation.

Volunteer elves get referrals from congregation members and friends, community organizations and schools. They deliver cash gifts to families or individuals in need. We believe that by giving a cash gift we are empowering people to decide for themselves what kinds of Christmas gifts they wish to give and receive. This is in keeping with the first principle of Unitarian Universalism: the inherent worth and dignity of every person.  

Donations to Socially Responsible Santa can be made by clicking on the button below.

Candlelighters/Ushers Needed for Christmas Eve Services

Christina Fulton, Director of Operations & Finance

We need Candlelighters/Ushers for the 4, 6, and 8 p.m. services on Christmas Eve.

Candlelighters/Ushers will hand out candles as people come into the Sanctuary, pass the baskets during the collection, and light the candles during Silent Night. Please find a full job description and sign up at: https://signup.com/go/iYyNXGn. Or contact Christina at [email protected] if you have any questions.

Meal Train for Ruggiero Family

Erica Giannone

As you may know, Katherine Ruggiero, FUUSB congregant, was pregnant and due in February, and her children, Willa and Louisa, were thrilled to be big sisters to a little brother. Tragically, Katherine's son, Elliot Isaac, died on November 30 and was born early in the morning on December 1, after having been diagnosed with a syndrome that has a high mortality rate and low quality of life. Katherine is taking some comfort in knowing that she did everything she could for him, that he will not suffer from his syndrome, and that the only thing he knew in his short life was her love for him. She and Willa and Louisa are now faced with grieving the loss of Elliot, and I hope you'll join me in wrapping their family up in love and warmth by providing them with a comforting meal this winter.  

Meal Train link: https://mealtrain.com/9eo3ol

If you'd like to help, but prefer not to cook, the family would appreciate restaurant gift cards, too. They should be sent to Katherine here. Thank you! 

Earth Teacher Project

Rev. Karen G. Johnston, Senior Minister

Looking for a spiritual practice that connects you with the Natural World and with others in the congregation? Beginning in January, we are rolling out the Earth Teacher Project. Each month will have its own "Earth Teacher" with a packet of content to help focus you on deepening your relationship with that aspect of the Natural World. Think of it as a modern-day version of our Unitarian Universalist ancestors, the Transcendentalists, who declared that divinity could be found in Nature. The packets will be emailed out alongside the monthly Soul Matters "The Path." Use the Earth Teacher packet on your own, with a circle of friends, or join our monthly online reflection session (sign up in Realm). The first one starts January 1 at 11 a.m. (a great way to start the new year!)

Start the New Year with Presence

Jeff Byam

The Eckhart Tolle Chalice Circle is accepting new members. Our virtual meetings are from 3 to 5 p.m. every other Sunday. Please email Jeff Byam here if you have any questions or would like to join. 

FUUSB Christmas Eve Services & Holiday Schedule

Christmas Eve Services

Sunday, December 24 at 4, 6, & 8 p.m.

Rev. Karen G. Johnston, Senior Minister

4 p.m. – No-Rehearsal Christmas Pageant

All are welcome to this family-centered service in the Sanctuary, featuring a No-Rehearsal Nativity Pageant and candlelighting.

6 p.m. & 8 p.m. – Service of Lessons & Carols  

"Pray for Peace, People Everywhere"

With the FUUSB Choir and candlelighting.

Join us in the Sanctuary at 6 or 8 p.m. The 6 p.m. service will also be livestreamed. The link will be shared on our website at bit.ly/FUUSBWorship, or visit our YouTube channel.

Sign up to be a Christmas Eve Candlelighter/Usher here!

We will not have a morning service on Sunday, Dec. 24.

Sunday, December 31 at 10 a.m. - Recorded service

(no in-person service)

Premiering on our YouTube channel at 10 a.m. 

"Seeds for the New Year"

What seeds are you planting for the new year? How are you weaving your magic into your relationships with others? How can we center beauty and goodness and love in all that's ahead? These questions are at the heart of this pre-recorded Sunday service offered by the UUA’s WorshipWeb and Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt, President of the Unitarian Universalist Association, with an introduction from our own Rev. Karen. 

Holiday Break - The FUUSB offices will be closed for a holiday break from December 25 through January 1.

eNews - There will be no eNews on December 27. Weekly issues resume on January 3.

Best wishes for this holiday season and the new year!

The Season of Giving

Christina Fulton, Director of Operations & Finance

As we're coming to the end of the calendar year, many of you are thinking about making charitable contributions. As you are making your decisions around charitable donations, please remember FUUSB. Here are several options to think about:

1. Pay your Pledge - If you made a financial pledge to FUUSB for this fiscal year, please check to make sure that your pledge payment is completed or at least up to date. It's very easy to think that your payments are being charged to your credit card or being taken out of your bank account, only to find out that they are not. So check on Realm, or contact Christina.
2. Qualified Charitable Distribution from an IRA - Making a direct transfer from an IRA allows a member age 70½ or over to avoid a tax hit on the annual required minimum distribution. In this case, the charitable contribution must go directly to the Society, not the taxpayer first. This option requires some advance planning, so individuals considering it should consult with their tax or financial advisor.
3. Donations of stock allow a member to support causes important to them without affecting personal cash flow. Generally speaking, the most tax-advantaged approach is to donate stock held for more than one year that has appreciated in value. This provides for a larger charitable contribution and avoids tax on the capital gain. For losing stock, sell it first and then donate the cash. Individuals considering it should consult with their tax or financial advisor.
4. Give to a FUUSB Fund Account - The Society has many opportunities to contribute in special ways: Sunday Morning Breakfast, Socially Responsible Santa, the Angel Fund, Fill the Gap, Share the Plate, the Discretionary Fund, and JUMP. Go to the Helping Our Community page on the website to find out more about these special funds.

Generosity is a spiritual practice for many during the December holidays. Every gift, no matter the amount, is greatly appreciated. You can give online, by texting "Steeple" to 73256, by mailing a check to the Society, or by dropping a check in the basket on Sunday morning. If you are giving online, click on the Fund drop-down menu for a listing of all our special funds. If you are giving by check, please write the name of the fund in the memo line of the check. Please contact Christina at [email protected] with any questions.

Survey About New UU Hymnal

Rev. Karen G. Johnston, Senior Minister

The UUA has an active survey collecting input from anyone about their new project to create our next hymnal, which will be digital. This survey, open until Jan. 1, is just about the technology, not the musical content. Please check it out and contribute your thoughts.

uua.org/worship/lab/virtual-hymnal

For the latest news from the New England Region UUA, check out the December newsletter at this link.