Holiday Music Service “Surrounded in Wondrous Sound” – December 11, 10 am — The holidays are a time for awe and wonder — and music has the power to spark them in us — setting our hearts and minds ablaze with joy! Traditional, contemporary, and unexpected holiday songs and awe-inspiring stories and reflections will lift your spirits this morning. Featuring brass music by Kristin and Henry Busse, harp music from Carolyn Wells, choral music from our Adult and Multigenerational Choirs, and piano music from Jess Hamel and Ruben Piirainen. Invite your friends for a marvelous experience of how Unitarian Universalists celebrate the season!
“What Makes You Wonder?” – December 18, 10 am — This is definitely an open-ended question. Put yourself in the presence of Wonder and your Happiness lights up!! Guest speakers share stories of wonderment and what inspires them. It’s New Member Sunday – a time to recognize those who have recently joined the congregation!
EarthSpirit Winter Solstice Ritual – December 21, 7 pm – We honor the moment when the night is longest here in the northern hemisphere with darkness, drumming, stories, and a powerful earth-based ritual to “call for the sun’s return.” Bring your drums and shakers. Children who are able to enjoy a dramatic, hour-long worship experience are welcome to attend with their parents or guardians. Through ritual, storytelling, singing, silence, and reflection, our Earth Spirit worship services help us tune in to the seasons of the earth.
Christmas Eve Service: “The More We Wonder, the More We Love” – December 24, 4 pm
On this special evening, we wonder at the miracle of an ancient story and its power to expand our capacity to love. With carols old and new, readings light-hearted and serious, we celebrate the wonder-filled heart of Christmas and the divine ability to love that resides within all. Childcare is available starting at 3:45 pm.
Christmas Day: “Christmas Morning” December 25, 10 am
Yawn, stretch, and then come gather in the warmth of community, maybe even in your jammies. There’ll be breakfast, glad tidings, and a special visit. Sign up to contribute to the festivities or to RSVP (not required). This community gathering takes place at UU Church West and not offered online.
New Year’s Eve: “Centering for the Year’s Turning” – December 31, 6-7 pm Family Walk; 7-9 pm Adult Walk
Come into a darkened and candle-lit space to walk the labyrinth carrying your question or intention for 2023. Use this space to center yourself and find inner guidance for moving forward. Rev. Julie will be present for support and direction. Drop by anytime. Cookies and cider will be offered.
New Year’s Day: “Centering to Life” January 1, 10 am
Mark this time, for it is a holy moment we will not find again. As we place a capstone on the 2022 holiday season, we turn to open ourselves to the new year. In this service of word and ritual, we take time to find our center, in order to prepare ourselves for whatever comes next.
