This Week at First Universalist

Join us next Sunday

December 29, 2024

Tonight! | Candlelit Christmas Eve Service: Be Not Afraid

Don't forget, there will be a musical prelude at 6:30pm before the service! Service begins at 7pm.

On Christmas Eve, let us explore the many changes of heart that had to take place throughout the story of old. Places where, as the Grinch movie describes, people's hearts had to grow ten times that day. As we examine the transformative power of this holiday, let us embrace the many changes of heart in the Christmas story.

Speakers: Rev. Lane-Mairead Campbell & Rev. Michelle Yates

10:30am Sunday Service: Fire Communion - Do We Desire to be Transformed?

Search your heart for the places and spaces you would like to change. Search your heart and get honest about the parts of you that are hard to let go of. As we prepare for the New Year's arrival, this service will be an annual Fire Communion, a time to surrender to the changing year and release what no longer serves life and growth.

Speaker: Rev. Lane-Mairead Campbell

Each Sunday ushers will have several large-print copies of the order of service available. If you would like one, please ask an usher.

Worship Link

Connecting:

Via Zoom:

us02web.zoom.us/j/131764422

Via phone:

Dial 1-646-558-8656,

and enter the

Meeting ID: 131-764-422

First Universalist Winter Break

First Universalist is closed from Wednesday, Dec. 25 through Wednesday, January 1. All virtual/home offices will be closed, and our staff will be off during this time. We will have our usual Sunday Service on Sunday, Dec. 29, but will be closed on New Year's Day.

We wish you and your loved ones the happiest of holidays and a peaceful New Year.

Upcoming Events &

Additional Announcements

Christmas Eve Cookies!

If you are planning on attending the Christmas Eve Service, please consider bringing a dozen or so Christmas cookies to share after the service. Please also list any ingredients for folks who have allergies. Also, remember, our building is a peanut-free facility!

Connecting Circles are Coming!

Short-term, interchanging groups help build connection and belonging with others and the larger church community. Please complete the following survey of when you are available and how you prefer to meet. Groups of 6-8 people will meet for 6-8 sessions. Reach out to Rev. Michelle with questions at edu@uuroc.org.

Tuesday, December 31 | Drop-In Discussion: New Years Resolutions or “Best-By” List

There are ways to be and things to do while “making our way” into our 70’s, 80’s and 90’s and do so living well in the meantime. Joy Leccese will be our New Year's Eve presenter. Drop-in Discussions meet via Zoom on Tuesday nights from 6:30-7:30pm. Look on the First Universalist homepage for details and a link or click the Zoom meeting link in this blurb title! No Christmas Eve Drop-In Discussion tonight, December 24.

Sunday, January 5| In-Person Drop-In Discussion: Reasons for Hope?

Folklore reminds us that it is darkest before the dawn. Given the climate challenges, the refugee crisis, the border crisis, the DEI challenges, and threats to liberal democracy, do we have reason(s) for hope? Is there good news out there we hear little about? Is there hope for tomorrow? Bill Elwell will lead a discussion of these questions. We will meet at 9:15am in the Chalice Room. All are welcome. Drop-in discussions will continue the first Sunday of the month through June 2025.

Save the Garden Committee!

The First Universalist Church Community Garden will end if no one steps up to lead it. The Garden Committee, part of the House Committee, has been aging out and the remaining members are significantly limited. If you would like to discuss the future of our gardens contact Sarah Singal or Ed Deller and we will set up a group meeting. All options are open!

Monthly Theme Packet!

Joys & Sorrows

Please send your Joys and Sorrows to be read at our Sunday Worship service to JoysandSorrows@uuroc.org.

Note: When you email a joy or sorrow to us, you are giving us permission to read it aloud at our Sunday service and possibly publish it in this weekly email. Thank you!