UUCGT FLASH NEWSLETTER

Darkness is part of our faith cycle. Seeds and bulbs are buried in the dark, fertile earth. Jonah wallowed around in the belly of the whale. The days have shortened, giving us the gift of more darkness in the winter months. What is your spiritual "Night Life?"

Children & Youth Programs

We are in the process of restructuring our Children & Youth Programs for Sunday mornings! Our intention and goals are to build an excellent future with new and exciting programs f or C hildren & Youth.

Interested in serving on the Religious Education Committee, or have input to share? Please contact Jolynn Paige. We will be hosting brainstorming sessions in January (every Sunday during the coffee hour!).

Your suggestions are welcomed and encouraged!

Currently on Sundays at UUCGT, child care is provided in our nursery for infants through age 4. All other children and youth are invited to remain in the service with their families.

Thank you all for a lovely UUCGT All Music Service!

UUCGT Giving Trees

UUCGT Giving Tree donations may be sent to a sister UU congregation in Chico, CA in support of people who suffered great loss during the Camp Fire in California. Please make your checks payable to UUCGT and write " Camp Fire " on the Memo line.

Or, you may choose to give a donation for refugee relief in Mexico.

Volunteers from the UU Fellowship of San Miguel de Allende are working with refugees who seek help. Christie McGue (UUCGT member) is volunteering at San Miguel de Allende during the winter months. Again, checks are payable to UUCGT with "Refugee Relief" written on the memo line.

Please place your check in the basket on the Giving Tree Information Table or i n the offering basket through the month of December!

More detailed information is available in the Fellowship Hall.

UUCGT Christmas Eve Programs

5 th Annual Interfaith Christmas Eve Service

~ 6:30 PM ~

Warm wishes from UUCGT this holiday season!

Please join us for the 5th Annual I nterfaith

Christmas Eve Service at the State Theatre

Music and songs by UUCGT Vocal Ensemble, storyteller Elon Cameron, and inspirational holiday messages will help bring light, love and our extended Traverse City community together during this special season.

(Call the State Theatre box office to reserve free tickets - 231.947.3446 )

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Candlelight Service @ UUCGT

~ 9:30 PM ~

Lame Duck Legislature

The Lame Duck Legislative Session in Michigan is rapidly passing laws to try to negate the voice of Michigan citizens who voted.

Our legislature should honor what the majority of voters passed. Negating the public's wishes is not democratic or abiding by majority rule. It is subverting democracy.

Please call Governor Snyder at 517-373-3400 and share your thoughts.

2019 Donated Dinners+ FUNdraiser!

John Hoffmann and Lauren Keinath are coordinating this effort, and are looking for UU congregants to host a dinner or other related activity in order to have a successful FUNdraising event.

In past years, we have had a variety of donated events ranging from

ethnic themed dinners...

fondue parties...

patio picnics...

sailing on the Bay...

X-C ski outings...

nature walks...

dinners with cocktail music...

You get the idea!!

These fun, social activities benefit the Congregation as well as designated community groups. Look for hosting sign-up sheets in the social hall after Sunday Services through December.

Questions?? - contact John Hoffmann

UUCGT Bulletin Board

Link to December Beacon here!

UUCGT Financial Statement as of November 30, 2018: click here

Cash donations to UUCGT - How to get credit: If you wish to receive credit for cash donations - toward a pledge or for income tax purposes -

put the cash in an envelope with your name and designation - Congregation or Community Needs - before putting it in the basket on Sunday.

Several cash donations are received each Sunday that are not clearly identified. All donations are much appreciated.

UU Membership Team Seeks Greeters...and Greeting is Fun!

and has just become easier (details shared when you sign up)

2 greeters are needed on 12/23 & 1 greeter on 12/30 - Many thanks!

Please note: UUCGT will not be hosting a Solstice celebration this year. The Earth Centered Spirituality group is deeply thankful to have had the opportunity to be a part of the Solstice service for many years. May you have a blessed Solstice in celebration of the light everywhere!