A Candlelight Festival of Lessons and Carols – 5pm & 9pm

Christmas for Skeptics

I’ll admit it: my skepticism really kicks in at Christmas. So much of the Christmas saga is simply beyond belief. What if I told you that Christmas is truly a holiday for skeptics, created by ancients who sought to question rather than answer the reason for the season? That’s exactly what I’ll explain in today’s worship service. Service led by Rev. Gregory Stewart. Way Cool Sunday School (downstairs) with Way Cool Worship to follow Rm. 3.

9:15am Carols, 11am Pageant! All Ages

Our annual do-it-yourself improv Christmas pageant! Come hear – and help tell! – the story of the birth of Jesus. A bit unorthodox, but make no mistake: you’ll find the heart of the season here. Come get your Christmas on! Service led by Dr. Mary Shelden. All Ages service (sanctuary).

Embracing Mystery

An exploration of religious mysticism throughout the ages and how Unitarian Universalism aligns with this theology of oneness. Way Cool Worship (downstairs). Service led by Rev. Eileen Wiviott

Come experience/participate with – the UCE Choir, Guest Soloists, and a Full Jazz Combo (including Gregory Shifrin and UCE member, Karl Montzka) as we lift our voices in singing a Jazzy Little Christmas at 11:00am in the sanctuary. We’ll share a Christmas Carol Sing-a-long at 9:15am in Rm 3.

A Family Portrait in Black and White;  This one’s personal: I’ll tell the story of how one band of social misfits became a “forever family.” About my children, I am always quick to point out that Stillman and I didn’t save them. Instead they saved us—from a life of meaninglessness and purposelessness. Another thing I always say: “Don’t try this at home.” Come and find out why. Way Cool Worship (downstairs). Service led by Rev. Gregory Stewart.

Breaking Bread Together

All Ages Worship – Bread Communion and Child Dedications. We break bread together to call forth the Beloved Community we long for and to joyfully commit ourselves, in covenant, to our youngest ones. Through this annual ritual, we express gratitude for the nourishment of body and soul we receive by bringing our whole selves to the table. Please bring a loaf of bread representing your family heritage and whatever additions you like – spreads, cheese, fruit, lox…. – to share in a bread feast. People of all ages will be together in the sanctuary this Sunday for both services. Service Led by Rev. Eileen Wiviott.

Democracy the Day After

The United States has voted: did democracy prevail?  What does democracy mean today for Unitarian Universalism, which promotes “the right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large”?  Let’s explore how to apply our fifth principle in everyday life.  Way Cool Worship (downstairs). Service Led by Rev. Gregory Stewart

Premeditated Mercy

Says liberation theologian Jon Sobrino, “The church of mercy must be prepared to lose its reputation in the world of anti-mercy.”  Throughout history, the Church’s mission has been one of mercy, and some say its only mission.  What does “mercy” mean in today’s culture of rabid accumulation and why is being merciful sure to get us in trouble?  Service led by Rev. Gregory Stewart. All ages opening worship – 11 am service only (sanctuary)

Honoring All Souls – The stories of our past and those who have gone before us hold information we can use to move ahead. It is important to thoughtfully explore who we are and where we’ve come from as we create a vision for tomorrow. Please bring your photos and treasured items representing loved ones to place on our altar at 9:15 and 11 am. Also at the 11 am service, we celebrate those who have helped build this beloved community, members of 40-50 years, as well as our Affiliated Community Minister Rev. Jerry Stone.