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Sunday Service
December 22th, 2024
10:30 am (EDT)
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What Gifts Have We?
Rev. Lee Anne Washington
This time of year, we begin to think about what gifts we will give to those we love. Sometimes, we drive ourselves to mental and emotional exhaustion trying to find “just the right thing.” This Sunday, we will explore gift-giving from a spiritual perspective.
We have a lot to celebrate. We will hear the story of The Mitten Tree, decorate our own mitten tree, and celebrate those who have shared their gifts with us. Please bring unwrapped new mittens and socks to place on the boughs. Wrapped packages of men's and women’s underwear to go under the tree. These much-needed items will be delivered to a shelter after the holidays.
Come join us and help us make merry!
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The Share the Plate recipient for December will be North Hills Community Outreach (NHCO). NHCO addresses the needs of people in crisis, hardship and poverty in northern Allegheny County. They provide a variety of services including food pantries, utilities and other emergency assistance, employment programs, senior services, Ask the Attorney, and tax preparation for qualifying individuals. UUCNH regularly participates in NHCO special collections such as the recent Thanksgiving on Every Table collection and current Holiday Toy Shop collection.
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Winter Solstice service Saturday December 21st | |
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Join us at 7 pm on Saturday evening.
During the Winter Solstice, the Earth’s axis is tilted the farthest away from the sun causing the path of the sun in the sky to travel the farthest south. 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. Join us as we acknowledge the gifts of darkness and celebrate the hope that the return of greater daylight brings.
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Christmas Eve Candlelight Service and Potluck | |
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Come join us at 5:30 pm for a traditional Lessons & Carols candlelight service celebrating Jesus as the Prince of Peace.
Immediately following the service we will enjoy a potluck dinner.
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We are still looking for folks to help set up the Sanctuary for Christmas eve on 12/22 after the service. We are also looking for volunteers to help with clean up on Tuesday evening.
If you are available to help with either or both please sign up here or contact robyntravers@uucnh.org.
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Christmas Eve Potluck Protocol | |
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Sharing a Christmas Eve Potluck Dinner is a long-standing and much-loved tradition at UUCNH! Everyone is welcome, whether or not you are able to contribute to the potluck.
To ensure that everyone enjoys breaking bread with their families and UUCNH friends (and that no one spends most of their time working in the kitchen), we are asking you to follow this protocol:
- If you are a cook, we are looking forward to enjoying your traditional, family favorite, Christmas dinner dish. The two ovens and two new warming trays are available. Also, wrapping hot items in a towel and transporting them in an appropriately sized cardboard box will help keep them warm during the service.
- For non-cooks, please feel free to bring any store-bought item that will enhance our gastronomical experience, such as dips with veggies, cheese with crackers or bread, roasted chicken, mac & cheese, bread, and butter, or dessert. Use your imagination!
- Bring whatever serving ware your contribution may require.
- Bring your own place settings from home: dishware, drinkware, and flatware. After dinner, please collect your soiled place settings, place them in an appropriate container, and take them home to wash. It’s not nice to be stuck in the Church’s kitchen on Christmas Eve!
We look forward to sharing Christmas Eve together as a beloved community.
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IN THIS WEEK'S ENEWS-- TO SEE IT ALL, CLICK ON "VIEW ENTIRE MESSAGE" AT THE BOTTOM | |
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- Poinsettia Dedications
- Children's Religious Education Class Schedule
- Save the Date- Mid Year Congregational Meeting
- Changes at UUCNH
- Volunteer Office Help needed
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Gift for Mary
- UUJUSTICEPA Pledge Drive
- UUCNH Weekly Connection
- Joys and Sorrows
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Poinsettia Dedications for 2024 | |
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You may have noticed that the sanctuary is filled with bouquets of poinsettia's. These are in honor of or in memory of congregants'' loved ones. We are so grateful for the beauty they bring to this holiday season and our sanctuary. To see a list click on button below.
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Children's Religious Education Class Schedule | |
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Religious educations classes for grades k-6 grades will occur on the following dates.
December - 29th (Theme is Presence) Noticing the deeper gifts of the season
January 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th (Theme is Story) Appreciating our common and unique stories
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Save the date! Mid-year congregational meeting | |
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Please mark your calendars for the UUCNH Mid-Year Meeting after services on Sunday, January 19th. This is a chance to get caught up on the many exciting activities underway at UUCNH and to participate in shaping the future direction of our church. The Board of Trustees is currently putting together the agenda for this meeting. If you or your committee, team, task force, or group have anything you’d like us to consider including, please alert any Board member or send an e-mail to Board@UUCNH.org.
Thanks!
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This has been a week of change at UUCNH, at least for the staff. Since these changes affect everyone, let's talk through them.
Rev. Lee Anne's office has moved upstairs to what was the growth room. This room will not be unavailable for use and will be locked. Classes will be held in the Worth and Dignity room at the end of the hall. We even moved the dry erase board!
Violet's office has moved upstairs to the justice room. This room remains the kids RE room, as well. When Violet isn't in the office, it will be locked. (Think of a school classroom with the teacher's office in the room.)
Robyn's office will stay where it is; but will now be locked when she isn't there.
A new copy and mail room is being created in Violet's old office. It will contain the copier, the committee and team mailboxes, the key box, and a new locked mailbox, which can be used to secure money and sensitive communications. The new copy and mail room is a work in progress. We are planning to add a work table, more storage, and some decorations in the near future.
Bellwood's office will be moving into Rev. Lee Anne's old office in January. All of Bellwood's classes are now in the children's wing downstairs.
Without change there would be no butterflies... let's embrace these changes with the appreciation you have for beautiful butterflies.
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Volunteer Office Help Needed - as back up - Still needed!!! | |
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Hi All,
It is Robyn again... your faithful Office Administrator. While I love working for you all, I do occasionally like to take a vacation. I am looking for 2 volunteers who could come in and train on the primary functions of the office so that there is minimal interruption when I am out. Thanks in advance.
Please reach out to office@uucnh.org if you are interested. How can you resist that smile?
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Please add to the gift for Mary | |
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In gratitude for Mary Doubleday's years of service as our music director, you are invited to express your appreciation in the book located in the breezeway. Please take a moment to add to this gift which will be given to her on Christmas Eve.
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UUJusticePA is now beginning their annual individual end of year pledge drive.
Would you like to sustain the progressive agenda in the Commonwealth of PA?
Please consider a monthly donation, as low as $10 a month, to our statewide organization.
Questions, contact carolballance@uucnh.org.
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Zoom with UUCNH Friends
This drop-in connection will be held every Tuesday at 3:30 - 4:30 pm and will be led by Michael Horwitz. Contact Michael Horwitz michaelhorwitz@uucnh.org for zoom details
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A Joy: from Jack Baxter : According to his daughter, Melanie, Craig Thomson went into the hospital December 9th and had a gallstone removed on December 11th.
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Note: When you want to share a joy or sorrow submit it electronically by clicking here by NOON on Saturday. Alternatively, you may can fill out a card as you enter the sanctuary on Sunday.
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Minister's Schedule
Rev, Lee Anne's Work Week: Tuesday – Sunday
Tuesday-Friday: 10 - 6 and Evenings
Saturday: (variable)/Sunday: 8:30 - 2:30
Office Administrator's Schedule
Robyn's Work Week: Monday-Friday
Monday: (variable/work from home)
Tuesday - Friday (9-5)
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