Services for December

Repair. Sometimes it can feel that I’m carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders. That feeling is a real feeling but the premise is false. I’m not alone; there are many good people of various faith traditions who see the world’s need for repair, for healing, for justice—for simple humanity—and are doing their bit. Last week at the Harford County Interfaith Clergy gathering, we shared how local congregations are working to care for and repair our little corner of the world. It was enlightening—in both the informational sense and in the sense of a burden lifted. Here’s a link to a song by Aly Halpert that encourages good people to let go a little. Not forever or completely—just enough to lighten the burden. Be well.

~ Rev. Jaye

Advent: A Time of Waiting

Beth Wood-Roig
December 1

This is the season of endings and beginnings, when the small signs of dawn pierce through the night and something new is born. But first comes the waiting. First come the lessons of endings and beginnings. In this time of waiting may we rekindle the fires of hope, love, joy, and peace within ourselves and our communities.

A Unitarian Christmas

Rev. Jaye Brooks
December 8

Anyone who follows the UU Advent Calendar, may have already discovered, with surprise and delight, the unique contributions of Unitarians and Universalists to the celebration of Christmas. As UUs, we make an effort to respect and honor all the world's religious traditions as well as traditions we may celebrate as individuals. During the 19th century, our Unitarian and Universalist forebears brought a non-conventional perspective to the celebration of Christmas. This morning's beautiful music, meaningful readings, and a delightful patina of history reveal the unique contributions of UUs to the world's Christmas traditions.

Second Sunday Collection
A potluck luncheon follows the service.

When those Blue Snowflakes Start Falling

Kimberly Roberts
December 15

The winter holidays can be relentless. Everywhere the “Most Wonderful Time of the Year” is promoted: parties, shopping, merriment and cheer. All around us are bright lights and merry messages. Yet in the hearts of many, our friends, relatives, and perhaps ourselves, all is not joyful. Join us to find or extend comfort and care of this community today and always.

Journey to Bethlehem: A Pageant for All Ages

Rev. Jaye and Jenn Blosser
December 22

In this service for all ages, Fellowship children and youth (and adults who are young at heart) tell the Christmas story of the journey of to Bethlehem and the birth of Jesus in a no-rehearsal pageant, one that links the babe's Jewish heritage with the birth of Christianity. Visiting children and grandchildren are welcome to participate—and for adults, this is a “don't miss” celebration of childhood and the glorious mysteries of life.

Carol Sing at 12:00 Noon—Informal fun for all ages!

A Solstice Celebration

Beth Wood-Roig
December 22, 5:00 pm

The Winter Solstice is the point at which the path of the sun in the sky is farthest south. At the Winter Solstice, the sun travels the shortest path through the sky resulting in the day of the year with the least sunlight and therefore, the longest night. This is liminal time, a pause, a time to reflect and gather in gratitude and trust for the light that will return. This year, especially, we need to gather to support each other in love and hope for more light to come again. During our gathering, we will chant together, and walk the labyrinth, with the music of singing bowls to accompany us as we pause in the darkness to reflect together on all that has passed and all that is to come.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

Rev. Jaye Brooks
December 24, 6:30 pm

This quiet Christmas Eve service, with carols and candle lighting, recalls us to the heart of the season.

The Miracle of Light: The Message of Hannukah

Worship Team
December 29

Hanukkah candles are lit in wonder, joy, and gratitude, each candle a miracle. When the Holy Temple was rededicated at the time of the Maccabean liberation battle, only one day’s worth of oil remained, yet it burned for eight days so candles are lit in remembrance. The message of Hanukkah offers us a chance rededicate ourselves to the miracle of light in a season of darkness, to the miracle of courage in a time of fear; to the miracle of peace in a time of violence and to the miracle of love.