December 18, 2020
After the service, move over to Zoom for
our virtual Coffee Hour.
Bill Motter facilitates 25-30 people tuning in to see how everyone is doing, giving everyone a chance to check in. 
Heads Up for Christmas Eve:
Christmas Eve Service: What Gift Would You Bring
begins on YouTube at 5:00pm and some special Christmas Wishes.
Immediately after the service, let us gather via Zoom (link coming next week) for “Yuletide Wassail” hosted by Jeri Huempfner-Gatz, with a chance for all to share their one sentence
“Christmas Wish for the World.”

"Wassail" comes from Old English, wes pu hal, meaning be you hale (healthy). Join us after the Christmas Eve service as we Zoom a toast to one another in our traditional Wassail celebration.  Sip your personal version of hot mulled wine or spiced apple cider.  We could all use a heartfelt toast after this unprecedented year! Share, as you will, your wish for the world in the coming year. Let's share good tidings! Hosted by Jeri and Sabine.
How can I share?You can type it into the “Comment/Chat” bar during Sunday's Service or click below.
Meetings are held on the 2nd Thursday of each month,
5:30 -7:30 pm. 
Click here for a message from our Board

"Zoomthing" New on Sundays – starting via Zoom this Sunday, December 20, 9:15am
A discussion of Principle #4 of the seven UU congregational principles, covenanting “to affirm and promote a free and responsible search for truth and meaning.”  
"Zoomthing" Sunday, December 27, 9:15am
A discussion of Principle #5 of the seven UU congregational principles, The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large.
"Zoomthing" Sunday, January 3, 9:15am
A discussion of Principle #6 of the seven UU congregational principles, The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all.
"Zoomthing" Sunday, January 10, 9:15am
A discussion of Principle #7 of the seven UU congregational principles, Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.
December 21: Contemplative Meditation UUSP Meditations YouTube Channel “Solstice Joy” by Dori Jeanine Somers 
Noon Zoom Check-In, December 22 (January 5 & January 19)  Don’t lose touch – our sharing & conversation are interesting, healing, funny and sweet!  
Noon Zoom Check-In:
December 22
Don’t lose touch
our sharing & conversation
are interesting, healing, funny and sweet!
Contemplative Meditation Readings
(Moving to Tuesdays)
Learn how to meditate here.
Adult Religious Studies
Zoom Discussion 
On Holiday Break, returning January 13 (10am &7pm)
Facebook Join My List Logo
January 7: 12:00pm 
Zoom Citizen's Cafe' - a chance to share about the socio-political issues of the week and times as we approach the Inauguration
Pastor Jack's Weekly Message
Dear UUSP community,

I wish you the most joyous Yuletide season. Over these next weeks, as daylight comes earlier and nighttime comes later, may we find much to celebrate – perhaps kindness of friends, resilience of spirit, doors opening to an enlightened future.

No doubt we are far from the end of needing kindness, resilience, openness, illumination. But for now, we can appreciate that the dying of light leads to renewal of nurturing opportunities for all to grow in humaneness and peace and joy. 

At this season of International Migrants Day and Winter Solstice, my wish for you and our world is that trustworthiness will grow, tribalism will diminish, and contribution of each one’s best will be encouraged universally. 

Religious Education
Wednesday Zoom Adult Religious Studies
Religious Studies Discussions

On Holiday Break and will be back January 13 (10am & 7pm)
More information coming - watch the InfoNet
 
Contact Pastor Jack if you have questions.
Sunday Children's Religious Education:
December 20 at 11am on YouTube.

December's Theme for
RE is Stillness.

Our faith asks us to be aware of the miracle of the web of life. It’s part of our sixth UU Source, “Spiritual teachings of Earth-centered traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature.”

In the stillness of the winter solstice, we celebrate the returning of nature’s light that brings hope.

What? - You aren't receiving it the
RE Weekly Newsletter?
Click below for the newsletter & lesson.
UUSP Community
Don’t forget our covenant groups continue to meet monthly, these days mainly on Zoom. We currently have eleven covenant groups in the congregation with over 100 people participating. A Covenant Group is a group of 10 or so people who gather regularly (at least monthly) to share and converse about how life is going for the individuals in the group and often for our wider circles of life. Contact Pastor Jack for help to join a group.
Join Us for Christmas Day Fun
on Zoom or in Person!
Everyone is invited to participate in some light-hearted activities on Christmas Day! We’ll celebrate not just Christmas but any December holiday – Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Winter Solstice, etc. Come to any or all events. Here’s the December 25 schedule?
Building a Community in a
Pandemic E-vents
Social Justice
Guest at Your Table

This year’s campaign will begin during service on January 3, 2021. This year’s theme is The Meaning of Home.
 
For many of us, our relationship with home has intensified this year. The pandemic has given many of us new appreciation for, and concerns about, the places we call home and the centrality of these places in our lives. We invite you to witness stories of our four guests as they tell you about home.

One January 3rd we will introduce our first guest, Chief Shirell Parfait-Dardar. She and her community in southern Louisiana have been left to deal with climate change on their own. Chief Shirell is pictured in bottom left corner of the collage as well as in the center — with mask on. 
Holiday Toy and Food Drive

Thank you all for your donations. 

 

Here’s an Informative article on our high energy community organizer, artist, activist, coordinator for Southside Bridge Food, Carla Bristol. Informative article on our high energy community organizer, artist, activist, coordinator for Southside Bridge Food drives:

Below is an additional request from Carla for a ten year old boy. His Dad died 7 months ago and his Mom a few weeks ago.

Clothing sizes: pants (8-10 ), shirts (10) and shoes (4) Education items: he has difficulty with reading and math — related toys and books

Toy: Playstation V Bucks.
 
To make donations contact: Virginia Fox,
510-301-1663 

UU Ways To Give
Especially with the Holidays upon us, link up your Amazon account through the Smile.Amazon.com to donate back to UUSP.
UUA Corner

Check out the UUA Southern Region's December Newsletter and some upcoming webinars



Save the Date: February 27, 2021


For more information contact [email protected].
Thank you for your interest in
Unitarian Universalist Church of St. Petersburg!

Stay Safe and Stay Well!
Kelli DeGraw, part of your Communications Team.
Feedback and suggestions are welcome ([email protected]).
Our UUSP staff members will continue their duties in a safe, cautious manner to the fullest degree possible. 

Thank you, Cathy, Jeanay, Jon and Ciera! And many volunteers!

During this challenging time, may we remember that we need to pay close attention to how everybody is doing and how we can help.  
Our mission is to be an inclusive, evolving religious community
that inspires spiritual and intellectual growth to make our world a better place.