Saturday, December 23 — In-Person ONLY (7 p.m.)

"Eve of the Eve - A Christmas Candlelight Service"

Many years ago, the Unitarian Universalists of the Chester River decided to celebrate Christmas Eve a day early. We invite all to join us for our Christmas "Eve of the Eve" service (Saturday, Dec. 23!). At this service led by Rev. Sue Browning and other members of the congregation, we'll share stories, songs, a brief message, and end with singing "Silent Night." This is a service for all ages!

Following the service there will be time for fellowship with a cookie reception. Cookie donations are welcome and appreciated!

• Rev. Sue Browning, Minister
• Congregation Members
• Michael Casey, Music

So You Don't Miss Anything!

• This Week's Worship Service Information
• Upcoming Worship Services Information
• Newsletter Index
• Helpful Links, Office Hours, Upcoming Events Calendar
• Colleen Sundstrom's Memorial Service — Dec 15, 1-3 p.m.
• No Monthly Potluck — Friday, Dec 15
• What's Around the Corner?
• Holiday Sharing
• RE at UUCR — Help Spread the Word!
• Thanks from the Fundraising Task Force
• Pastoral Care and Connection Committee
• Birthdays
• UUCR Contact Information
• End of Reflections Notice at the VERY END

The UUCR building is reserved

the afternoon of

Friday, December 15^th for

Colleen Sundstrom's

memorial service at 1-3 p.m.

Last Sunday, I announced the current initiative of the Leadership Development Committee (LDC), which is to identify a team to fill a Ministerial Search Committee. They are well on their way, and I thank them for the work they have done. If someone is interested in supporting this important task, please see me or the LDC (Lynn Geisert, Nancy Holland, and David Biehler).

Reverend Sue signed a one-year contract in July of this year. It was about 18 months ago that Sue first mentioned to UUCR’s leadership that she was looking to slow down her work schedule. It was no surprise when she signed the one-year term contract last July.

The next six months will be very active as we search for a new minister. One of the benefits of a ministerial search is the opportunity for a membership like UUCR to review past accomplishments, think about where we are today, and consider the possibilities of the future.

Of course, Rev. Sue isn’t leaving yet, and we are fortunate to have more time with her as our minister. I think now is a good time to consider how much we have benefited from Rev. Sue’s leadership and how that can inform us of what we are looking for in a new

minister.

When she departs, she will be leaving us with a legacy of robust half-time ministry, connections with other UU churches, a caring leadership perspective, and the art of curiosity. I know I will not forget her approach to “…the questions."

If any of you reading this have any questions for me, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Best of the holiday season, MQ

Thanks to the ever-present generosity of this congregation, the gift requests for our DSS family have been filled. We have decided not to have a plate collection this year. However, if you would still like to contribute to our family’s holiday, we invite you to purchase a gift card from one of the following local retailers: Acme, Redners, Dollar General, or Dollar Tree. Gift cards should be put in an envelope labeled “Family #14” and deposited in the offering plate on December 17, or put under the tree.

Please remember that all gifts, including gift cards, need to be delivered to the church by December 17.

Gifts should be wrapped and the recipient’s label attached with “Family #14” and the age of the recipient. Gifts can be put under the tree in the sanctuary or in the lounge.

Any questions, please contact Lynn Dolinger, Linda Dutton, or Amy Warner.

With sincere gratitude from the Social Justice Committee

Curious about our programs for children? Have friends or family who might like to learn more?

Please CLICK HERE for the letter we sent out this week...please share the word! If you'd like this in another format, or a paper copy, please contact the office or the RE team at uucrreligiousexploration@gmail.com. 

Our Soup Sampler Supper and Sale this past Friday was a decided success, and the Fundraising Task Force would like to acknowledge these folks for the myriad chores (making soup, baking bread and desserts, moving chairs and tables [twice], setting up power strips, decorating our entrance and sanctuary, making centerpieces, making signs, washing and ironing tablecloths, and playing the piano!) they undertook to help us pull off a grand party:

We are also mighty grateful to all the members and friends who supported this fundraiser by attending. Without you we wouldn’t get very far!

Best wishes from your fundraising team.

Linda Dutton, Jane Hardy, Joy Kim, and Mary Pritchard