This Week at First Universalist

Join us next Sunday

December 17, 2023

10:30am Sunday Service: In the Holy Dark

The days have grown darker, the light has grown less—what lessons does the dark have for us? Let us explore the divinity in the dark, the holy depth in what we cannot see nor fathom, and the theological call to be curious about what truth can be found in the absence of light. A service in story and song that will be connected to the Earth and our seasons.

Speaker: Rev. Lane-Mairead Campbell

Masking in the First Universalist church building is now optional, please respect any distancing requests by fellow attendees. A mask-required section of the sanctuary is designated for those preferring to stay masked.

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

Worship Service Video: 12/10/23

Taking the World by Calm: An Advent Meditation

with Rev. Dr. Richard S. Gilbert

Upcoming Events &

Additional Announcements

Tuesday, December 12 | Drop-In Discussion:

What is Hamas?

Hamas is a political movement whose goal is to unify the Holy Land under Arab rule according to Islamic law. How did it arise? How did it come to rule Gaza? What are its goals? Phil Ebersole will present some information and lead a discussion. 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!

Thursday, December 14 | Eastman at Washington Square: Holiday Jazz

Eastman at Washington Square Concerts take place on Thursdays at 12:15 to 12:45pm in our sanctuary. December 14 is "Holiday Jazz": Bob Sneider and Eastman students Kayla Sconiers and Ben Sneider will present a program of seasonal jazz classics. Admission is free! This will be the last concert until spring 2024.

Staff Bonus Time!

The staff at First Universalist is as hardworking and dedicated as they come! Once a year, church members and friends can show our appreciation in a special way: with a Holiday Bonus. Another bonus collection will take place during the service on Sunday, December 17. You are welcome to donate in the offering basket, online, or by sending a check to church.

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 bring something that lists any ingredients, for folks who have allergies. Also remember, our building is a peanut-free facility!

Adopt-a-Family for Christmas

Many thanks to the people who so generously offered to provide gifts for a family of eight that Family Promise (FPGROC) had sheltered. If you were unable to bring the gift to church on December 10, please make arrangements with Chris DeGolyer (fpgroc@uuroc.org) to deliver the gift before Friday, December 15.

The 2024 Service Auction Approaches!

The clock is ticking, and the 2024 Service Auction is coming! The big fundraising event is Sunday, February 4, 2024 after the church service, but NOW is the time to plan! Think about what you might like to donate to the auction—perhaps a dinner, service, or unique item. (Please remember that the auction is not the place for garage sale or Goodwill items). Donation forms (both hard copy and online) will be available by early January, and there are lots of volunteer opportunities. Contact finance@uuroc.org for more information.

First Universalist Winter Break

First Universalist is closed from Monday, December 25 through Saturday, December 30. 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, December 31, 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.

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!